The Elizabeth O'Conner Trilogy Begins...

Today the skies were gray and the rains fell around noon and never let up until well after the sun set. For me this was a welcome site, not for the moisture but for the water puddles. You see today I had only one shot to take advantage of the stagnant water the storms left behind and shoot the first series of images for Author Vivian Ditzler.

Vivian and I go back a few years while we were both stationed in Germany. We became fast buddies sharing everything from late nights out in K-Town at the famous Chucks, to a mutually strange fetish with singer Adam Lambert (whom we both met at a concert he gave in Stuttgart) When she came to me asking if I would take her PR images for the publisher of her new book I was thrilled! And now here she is, 2 books later with her new Trilogy to start release early 2013.

Today I worked on the bloody angel wing feathers that are to be floating in the water. Tomorrow I head out to Lexington with  a fiery red head model, a MUA and hair designer and an assistant to shoot the fallen angel, letters to an angel shoot. I designed the set and chose everything from the model to the make up colors to the hair style. It is going to be an amazing day!!!!

Until I can show some of the images, here is the new FB Timeline I created for fun for Vivian. The background images are all mine! :)

Enjoy...

Because its more than a simple picture I'm being asking to take... I am honored~

On Thursday of last week I traveled North by 7 hours to Kentucky to be with my friends Tracy & John. Last Sunday their son Jackson passed away, and I was asked by the family to speak a few words at his funeral and to take private family images for them to hold tight.

I've never before been so humbled...

Here is what I wrote for Jackson.
_______________________________________________________

My husband Eric was not able to attend with me this weekend, but he shares with me much of what I speak of and sends along all his love and prayers.

The other evening, a dear friend and fellow Army wife wrote the emotional news that her precious son had gone to fly with angels. I was crushed beyond words...

Tracy, John and little man Jackson were our neighbors to the left while we were all stationed in Texas. Our husbands played ball with the dogs out front while us girls would sit on the stoop talking about anything and everything. When the day came that she shared with me the news that she was expecting I was overjoyed. A first born, and it was a son.

As my photography business grew, Tracy became my first ever Maternity Portrait Shoot, and Jackson was my first ever Newborn Portrait Shoot and I have since shared a bond through images that I will never be able to describe. I am honored.

Unexpected complications during delivery left Jackson one of Gods little warriors. And what an amazing warrior he was. And though Eric and I had since PCS'ed to Germany, I always enjoyed keeping up with all of Jacksons triumphs and accomplishments over these last 3 years.

And through all the trials and all the hurdles, I never once saw this amazing mother break. She studied Jacksons treatment plans and disabilities endlessly. She consistently educated herself on how to provide the very best for her son. She spent countless hours working with him, caring for him and loving him. She is the epitome of what I call Super Mom.

Tracy and John share the bonds of both love and loss. And where other marriages fail, theirs have not only survived but has shone as a living testament to what real love is all about. This is what Jackson takes with him. This is all Jackson knew of his short time with us was love, and in return he gave love. When he would smile, or giggle, or reach out to his new baby sister or big brothers, or the new friend at Morgans Wonderland. He gave us all so much love....

No one ever knows why God make the choices he makes? Why he takes home the ones we love so very much?

But me... I have my own little belief about Jackson, and his purpose and plans. I believe that Jackson was born to Tracy and John because God knew that no other family would love him or care for him deeper or stronger. And I believe that God brought sister Sarah along at just the perfect time. I think that all those hours Jackson and Sarah spent cooing and cuddling on their blankets were actually spent preparing Sarah for her new role. I think that Jackson waited until he was home, home in Kentucky where his mommy and daddy would put down roots. Where other family could be nearby. I think that Jackson felt comfortable in how he lived his life. How he strengthened the bonds of love in so many. And I think he just wanted to make sure that everything here on earth was placed "Just so", So when he took his last breaths he did it right here where he knew he would be safe... Forever.

Jackson, you are never far away.
I love you......

_______________________________________________

Now an angel in heaven. RIP baby Jackson...

When Eric and I arrived in Texas, it just felt like home. But there was just something about Texas for the both of us?

Its extremely difficult to feel like anywhere is truly "home", with moving from one city, one state, or one country to another, and it can get pretty depressing if you don't make the effort to get out and meet the people in your new neighborhood. So it wasn't long before we started taking walks and meeting those to our left...

Our home was nestled on the back end of a cul de sac, with nothing but green pastures on one side of us and 2 amazing neighbors to our other. Directly next to us were Dean and JoAnn. This couple were newly married and our age. We spent countless evenings on their front driveway sipping on Arbor Mist and consuming mounds of Joann's amazing guacamole dip. Directly next to Dean and JoAnn were Tracy and John. Another newly married Army couple that transplanted from Kentucky. The three of us girls became fast friends, sharing lunch dates, movie dates, holidays and so much more over the 3 years of living side by side.

Eric and I were the first to move away as we left for Europe. Tracy and John followed about 4 years later, followed by Dean being PCS'ed to California while JoAnn stayed behind for the year. Now, all 3 of us live outside of Texas, but we have all remained close friends.

When Tracy first came to me with the news that she was pregnant I was so happy for her! It was to be her first child and everything went beautifully. Her pregnancy went flawless with only minor bouts with morning sickness and almost no unhealthy weight gain. She looked amazing!!! And she became my first ever maternity portrait session. We used the new studio in the house and we captured some beautiful shots. Neither of us would have known that only days later Tracy and Johns life would be forever changed.

I walked into the dining room one night later in the week to see ambulance lights flashing out front of Tracy & Johns house. My heart sunk to my toes. Being a nurse my instincts were to run over to her and see if I could help, but I knew that whatever was going on she was in good hands and on her way to get further help. Days went by without even a single soul coming or going from their home and no word on how she and the baby were doing. By Friday we had received the news, and it wasn't pretty.

At some point on Friday evening Tracy's cord prolapsed and by the time the ambulance arrived they had no vital signs on the fetus. You should be able to feel the heartbeat and blood flow through the cord, and there was none. The ambulance drove straight to BAMC where they were immediately re-routed to the next hospital... which was over 17 minutes away. To this day I still will NEVER understand why BAMC sent that ambulance away knowing that it had a patient who had zero vitals?

By the time they arrived at Wilford Hall over 22 minutes had been spent pumping fluids and Oxygen into Tracy in hopes to save her child. Rushed into an emergency C-section, everything else was a blur. It was a whole 2 days later until Tracy would learn the fate of her son. Now, left dealing with a child with Cerebral Palsy, epilepsy, and a bucket full of other health issues. Until that fateful night her son was 100% healthy.

She asked me to capture some newborn images of little man Jackson, and it was a tough one. Not because of any health difficulties, but because all I could think about was how only weeks ago she was so happy, eagerly anticipating the arrival of her first born. Now... this. We both cried. We both hugged. We both were just so amazed at how quickly life can change.

Over these last 3 years I have watched Tracy become the SUPER MOM of children with disabilities. She read every article, book, health report she could on everything that pertained to little Jack. She worked with the Dr.'s on Jackson diet, helping him to get some relief from the daily seizures he suffers from. She developed a closet with moving lights and such to aid with Jackson's mobility. She hired a private nurse to assist and teach her all about Jackson's feeding tube and medications. She became Jackson's personal physician and she became very very good at it.

A year ago Tracy and John gave Jackson a baby sister named Sarah. When they brought Sarah home she said that the changes in Jackson were amazing! He would reach out to her, smile at her, make noises at her. They played together, laughed together and grew together. Sarah just celebrated her first birthday only weeks ago. How times flies! The family also moved back to their home town in Kentucky. Everything was wonderful and they were preparing for more summer activities with family and friends.... God had other plans.

July 1st, 2012. God decided that Jackson was needed more as an angel and brought him home. He passed away with his family at his side. This seizure being just too much for little man Jack to take. I read the news the next morning. I cried the rest of the afternoon.

No one ever knows why God does the things he does? Why he takes home the people that we love so very much? But me, I have my own opinion about this event. I think that God brought Sarah along just at the perfect time. I think that Jackson spent this last year talking to Sarah, preparing her for her role as the big sister. I think that Jackson waited until he was home. Home in Kentucky where his mommy and daddy would put down roots. Where other family could be nearby and be of support. I think that Jackson was tired, and he just wanted to make sure that everything here on earth was placed "just so" so when he took his last breath he did it right where he knew he would be safe forever.

Tomorrow morning I am making the 7 hour drive north to Kentucky. I am driving there to be with a dear friend who needs me right now. A dear friend who I can't wait to see. A dear friend who is stronger than I could ever be, but today, needs a shoulder and a hug.

RIP little man Jack. You are an amazing testament to love unconditional. You will be surely missed!!!

Boudoir and your soldier downrange...

Because deployments stink, and we think you need a day full of SEXY!!!

Bahamas Vacation 2011...

Days turn into weeks, then months... and before you know it the summer is gone. Along with the blue skies, and warm weather. Pretty sundresses, cute kitten heels, and hats.
With all the packing, moving, unpacking, painting, shopping, and family responsibilities going on, its been easy to forget just how precious those summer adventures can be. So the hubby and I decided that it was time to get a little attitude adjustment. And what better place to do that than on a cruise ship bound for the Bahamas?!?!?

6 Days/ 5 nights of heaven on board the Carnival Fun Ship, eating everything in site, drinking like a fish, and dancing into the wee hours of the morning until our socks burned (right along with our bodies).

It felt great to have my camera(s) back in my hands again capturing Gods beauty. The Bahama Islands are stunning. And what girl in her right mind would pass up the chance to play dress up and party every night for a week??? Surely, not me!!!

Here are a few images from our amazing trip. We met two fun loving couples that just so happen to live minutes from us. And I spent the better half of two evenings with a group of fabulous woman who rescued me from the clutches of that dang casino. They called me SJP all week, included me in on all their activities, and promised to keep in touch including a standing invite to their next "Girls Only" weekend. God help me!!!

Here are some images from our family trip. Enjoy...

Adam Lambert Concert. Stuttgart, Germany~

Well, it's 11am here in Germany, and after a very eventful evening I am crawling my way out of bed and back to the land of reality.
Last night I traveled 3 hours to arrive with my best girl Vivian in Stuttgart. We donned our new dresses and glitz for what we anticipated as an exciting event. Adam did not disappoint, the venue and the rude people on the other hand, left a lot to be desired....
Maybe it's just that I'm too old for a general admission type concert? Maybe that my former-former is a very well know artist himself and I'm not used to being on anything but the backside of the curtains? Either way, fighting the entire evening with a very ripe and rude German woman was not my idea of a good time.
I had purchased my M&G tickets with the idea that there was a separate area for the VIP ticket holders to stand, only to find that the line separating them from us was nothing more than a plastic emergency tape unrolled between cones???
It took only 10 minutes after the GA crowd was let through the doors and that tape was broken through in zero time flat. That left those of us with front row tickets, scrambling and fighting our way to keep those front row spots. After being elbowed in the ribs for a good 40 minutes, and also dealing with her ever increasing body odor, I just gave up and gave her what she wanted. It was such a shame!

But Adam.... Ah Adam. He made it all worthwhile. With his amazing voice, fun costumes, energetic dancers and those damn tight leather pants! Yummy!!!!
The meet and greet was enjoyable as well. I would have liked a few more moments with him just to ask one or two questions at least... Making it a little more personal for both parties involved. But it was nice none the less to have met him and to have our picture taken. I'm looking forward to seeing it!!!

All in all it was a lot of fun. Great girls night out of town! I even met two fabulous ladies from Germany who were dressed like little rock stars themselves.... Oh to be that thin again! Girls.... You were smokin hot! I loved it!

For those who have the chance to take advantage of the meet and greet, it's worth it. Just be aware that 1) he does sign autographs (we were told he wouldn't) so be prepared with one of his disks, etc.... 2) that your VIP ticket doesn't guarantee that your going to be front and center.... Be ready to shove your way in there to keep your spot.

Hope those who are looking forward to your concert dates with Adam have as much fun as we did. He is amazing onstage, and a pleasure to meet backstage!

These images were taken with my iPhone, all by being pushed and shoved. Sorry for the quality, but the experience was much fun!

A trip back home....

No matter what the situation, good or bad, going home can be amazing.
Our trip back to the states was a last minute one, one that we didn't quite know what to expect. My husbands father has fallen ill and it has been touch and go for some time now. While in the field, Eric received a phone call that changed everything... so off the California we went. Not knowing what awaited us.
When we arrived, it was wonderful! Every brother and sister, 9 in all, where there from across the globe. They were there to celebrate the life of a man they all loved and adored. It was good times indeed. The food, conversation, sleep overs, late night talks. It was just how a family should be, and I had a great time!
Now, Erics father seems to be doing better. One never knows what God has in store for us and our lives. The direction it can turn can change in the blink of an eye, and I have come to realize this fact the older and wiser I become. Life is precious, and should not be taken for granted... ever.

During our trip we took some time to go visit my parents in Lancaster as well. It was so great to see them after 2 long years! They looked great, and we enjoyed our short visit. The irony of it all... its October, so everyone everywhere is celebrating Octoberfest. Yes... that was surely what I came all the way to the states to do. LOL! But now I can say that I celebrated it on both sides of the world in one month.

So here are some images of our trip... a little all over the place, but I think you'll agree... we had a wonderful time with family. Precious-precious time indeed.







Me and my parents... our first picture together in over 13 years!





Erics family... every brother and sister along with his parents. What a great family portrait!









A quick trip to nearby Solvang, California is just what we needed. For my photography, this is where I held my first camera. An Argus flip-top.







Octoberfest in Lancaster, California. Definitely not Germany!



Lancaster Blvd. has changed over the years...





My friend of 17 years Cheryl.