And the Winner is . . .

Many thanks to all of you for your heartfelt words. Every morning was like opening a new, freshly wrapped Christmas present as I turned on my computer and checked for new quotes, and to my surprise, it was all of you - with your words of encouragement! I think I might just have the best friends, EVER (those of you that I don't know yet, I'm sure you'll fit in quite nicely). I might just have to print it all out and tape it on the wall by my computer so that I can be inspired every day.

But enough of my rambling. I wrote down each of your names and had my son draw one at random.

The winner is . . .

drum roll please . . .

Kerry D!

I almost laughed out loud when Keith chose your name! When I was talking with my Mom on Sunday she asked if I was going to pick my favorite quote to be the winner, and I said no, it would be random. And then we started talking about the quotes that we loved and my mom and I both LOVED the last quote you entered, it made us laugh:

cleaning your house while your kids are still growing up is like shoveling the walk while it is still snowing!

~unknown

Merry Christmas to all of my dear friends!

Next week, I will be announcing my dates for January minis. If you'd like to be one of the lucky ones who receives the dates via email first, send me a note and I'll get you on my list. Otherwise, check back here for the announcement.

Oh - and I'd also really like to start a regular question and answer post. Does anyone out there have any questions for me?

:)

--r

Sayin' Thanks With a Giveaway!

" . . . there ain't nothing so scary when you've got someone you love."

--K.L. Going in The Liberation of Gabriel King

It was about a year ago that I felt ready to open my business to the public. I started by buying a booth at a local school's holiday boutique. I sat there all day, with my trusty friend at my side, to no avail. Not one single person ever booked a session from that day. Then I decided to print up coupons for newborn sessions. I searched all over for birthing classes and gave out as many coupons as I could find people who would take them. Not one person ever booked a session from those coupons. I looked all over for little stores where I could place my business cards and mustered up all of my courage to talk about myself and what I was doing. And then I found a little store downtown. And I met the owner, and completely out of character, I asked her if she would be interested in putting up some of my photos on her beautiful green walls (little did I know, that she'd been contacting local photographers for that very same thing!). That little gallery then gave rise to the Mango Street Minis and the rest of my year is history.

And as I look back on this year, I am amazed at the progress I have made. I have learned so much and am so grateful for those who gave me a chance and for those who love their images and recommended me to their friends.

But most of all, I am grateful for the handful of people who have supported and encouraged me from the very beginning. Without them, I would never have been able to muster up the courage to begin on this journey. And for my kids, who one day in the middle of it all, said, "hey mom, we can get a big sign with your business name on it and wave it on a street corner!"

And with all of the love, I wanted to say "thanks." And what better way to say thanks than with a Giveaway? I want to give away a session of your choice (child, family or newborn) along with the Ashley Package which includes 4 - 11x14 prints from your session. All you have to do is post a comment with your favorite quote (you all know how much I love quotes! give me some good ones!) and you'll be entered to win! The session will take place here in the Bay Area, so I guess it's only open to those that can get over here to me, or if you know you'll see me sometime this year (family and friends, you know who you are!) then feel free to enter too! You have until 7pm PST Tuesday, December 22nd to post your comment and the winner will be announced Wednesday, December 23rd. Please note, that comments made on facebook will not be eligible - you have comment here, at the blog.

And to close, I wanted to post some of my favorite images from this fabulous year!

:)

--r

Bon Jovi. Good People. And the rest of the favorite uncle. [Rachelle Lee. one little fish in a big pond]

We had a very exciting weekend. We went to the law firm's annual Christmas party - which happens every year in Houston, TX. We flew in Friday night - and spent Saturday at the NASA museum, which both kids dubbed as their favorite part of the trip.

And I know it's a bit sappy - but when I really stop and think about those few men and women who step outside this earth to see something bigger than themselves, I am filled with awe and wonder. I don't think I could do it - I lack the courage. But watching and learning about them, fills me with perspective and a greater desire to take care of this beautiful earth to which I am bound heart and soul.

Sunday was the big party. Armed with our map - we set off for the rides! First the Banana boat, then the hang gliders. And I had to cry mercy, when I discovered that I'd lost stomach somewhere in the air above the drop zone. So we stopped to eat. And then we wandered and let the kids play on all the bounce houses and slides. And we chatted with the great people we met in Guatemala and of course, the great ones we know from here.

(unfortunately, I didn't take pictures this year. it was too wet and cold. but you can see pictures from last years party, here.)

And then the concert started - and we found ourselves a seat, in the back. And we sang and danced and watch the kids faces as they watched someone who had worked so hard for a dream and is now living life out loud. And for the first time, I heard Bon Jovi's lyrics in a way I'd never thought of before - and again, I was inspired. And I tried to share that with the kids, but sometimes I wonder if they will ever get what I am trying to teach them. Only time will tell - as we watch them live and grow in this world. Will they live to the fullest? Nothing holding them back? Will they reach for every dream - knowing that in reaching they will discover things they never thought possible? Will they love life with every fiber - cherishing each moment, each feeling and finding the fibers of life which will weave for them the happiness and joy which is so sought after in this world?

We flew home Monday morning. The kids watched cartoons on the airplane and I watched Julie and Julia. It's kind of slow and not the best acting. But I totally cried. And I had to keep looking towards the window so no one would see my leaky eyes. It's not that the movie was that good. But I watched as two women struggled to find themselves and find the courage to be something and do something that made a difference in who they were.

:)

--r

Pea Coat [Rachelle Lee. The Personal Files]

With all of this crazy cold weather I am reminded of a conversation I had last winter . . . that has kept me laughing all year long.

I was in the checkout at Sportsmart - wearing my pea coat. The guy ringing up my stuff couldn't have been too old - definitely younger than me, so that means he was REALLY young (a girl can dream, right?). And he compliments me on my coat. And then says, "yeah, I'd like to get a pea coat, because then when you wear it around people think you've got the money."

So today I've been wearing my pea coat, so that people will think I've got the money.

Maybe that's why I got charged double the price for my lunch today! (j/k)

To all of my California peeps - snuggle up and stay warm!

;)

--r

Be Happy. [Rachelle Lee.]

This is my daughter's favorite uncle. And while he's really a great guy, I'm still not quite sure how he rose to such great heights in her eyes. I still remember a few years back, when he was in town on business and I was sick with the flu - I mean, totally flat out on the couch - not moving - because any moving would send me racing to meet ralph at my not so favorite porcelain throne. And I was just contemplating how I was going to get dinner on the table for my kids when David walked in the door. And then ordered pizza and saved the day. But the part I remember most is the look in my daughter's eyes when she talked about how Uncle David bought them pizza. That night and forever in her eyes, Uncle David was a hero.

And then I sit here and wonder - sheesh - I've bought pizza for her like a GAZILLION times and I still haven't made it to hero status! What's up with that?

When my sister-in-law emailed, and asked if I would take their family photos while they were in town for Thanksgiving, I was like, "heck yeah!" ummm . . . without the Utah accent of course!

And look at them! Aren't they cute? We were battling runny little noses and sometimes blue lips with the cold, but the boys were champs and I love the photos.

:)

--r

Life. [Rachelle Lee.]

"To love what you do and feel that it matters - how could anything be more fun?"

--Kathryn Graham

enough said.

:)

--r

here are a few of the candids from the family shoot I posted last time.