Locks Of Love... A special hair day!

There are those who talk about doing things, and there are those who DO those things they speak of.  I am blessed that I seem to easily find those who are the doers of the world...

This morning I drove to Cayce to a wonderful salon called Salon 1411 for a very special photo opportunity.  One that you only hear of once in a blue moon... 

My client, whom I now call my friend, was doing such an amazing thing that I just had to go be a part of it and to forever capture the magical feeling that only comes from those who give so willingly and lovingly. 

Her hair, her gorgeous, long, beautifully healthy hair was being cut over 14" all in the name of giving back to those less fortunate. 

http://www.locksoflove.org 
 Locks of Love is a public non-profit organization that provides hairpieces to financially disadvantaged children in the United States and Canada under age 21 suffering from long-term medical hair loss from any diagnosis. Please click the link above for further information on this amazing group of people.
 
It was touching beyond words. We all cried a few tears. Not over the loss of hair length, but over the spirit of giving to others. All of us there have felt the pain of illness such as cancer in the lives of our families and friends.

My grandfather, rest his soul, passed from lung cancer years ago. And to watch the pain he went through, and to watch his strength through it all is something that I will never ever forget. He was my everything, and I was robbed the opportunity to spend the remaining days of his life with him because of the selfish and ridiculousness of another family member. And to this day I still have the hardest of times forgiving her for her heavy ego and childish ways.


My grandfather and grandmother are now with God in heaven, and I miss them each and every day. Its days like today that I take a deep breath and smile as I am blessed to know those like Mrs. Shealy who don't just say they are going to make a difference, but they go out and actually do it!!!

Jessica... I am so very proud of you. What you have done today will be the biggest blessing for another life one day very soon. Your love will bring them hope once again at a time when so much seems hopeless.


You are an angel, and I am BEYOND humbled to call you my friend. You came into my life with such a force that I will forever hold a special place solely for you in my spirit.
God Bless You!!! 





Her beautiful long hair... 


First ponytail ready for the cut...
 

And it began...
 

First one complete...
 

 With a deep breath, and a few tears shed by all, we thought of those who will be blessed by this wonderful gift...


And then she started on the other side...

This is what true beauty looks like... Jessica and Jenna her stylist.

And the styling begins...

As she admires her new look...
 

And a little spray... 


Her beautiful new cut... 


And here is the hair that is off to "LOCKS OF LOVE..." An amazing spirit is locked inside these strands. Someone very special will one day call this there own.

Boudoir and a Georgia peach...

When a new client phones me about a boudoir session one of the first things I try to do is talk about other things... not that I am trying to talk them out of a shoot (obviously) but I've noticed that if you divert the conversation towards humor first - business second then all of those insecurities and all that apprehension goes right out the window.


Onward to Miss*****.
Today she drove in from Georgia for what she described as "The craziest thing I've done in a very long time." I laughed, not at the statement, but at her brutal honesty. And when I met her face to face I knew we would be instant friends. I love an honest woman. I love when someone is not concerned with what others think of them, and therefore there really is no filter. I'm very much like that myself, and people either love ya or hate ya... but they will always know that you are no hold barred, pull no punches type of woman.


She walked in $20 in hand and headed straight for the "Pity Poo Jar" and dropped it in. She said she wanted to get that part out of the way first. Then proceeded with a laundry list of things that I need to be aware of when I shoot. Things about herself that she didn't care for too much. Things about herself that she would rather not highlight. I gave her 10 minutes to get it all out, then I banned her from speaking of it again. Then off we went....


First 20 frames or so she was stiff as a board and kept asking "Does this look ok? Am I doing this right?" So I did my usual and showed her a couple of frames of herself so she could see what I was seeing. And then it happened. That magic light bulb moment when you watch the woman before you evolve from an unsure client to a newly confident woman. She started laughing more, smiling more. She started to offer poses instead of asking to be shown poses. She dropped her nerves on the floor and let her sexy vixen out!!! And was she ever amazing!!!

We wrapped it up and she gave me a huge hug. And when I went to let go she hugged me again, this time with eyes full of tears. She said that she felt beautiful, and sexy, and ready to go home with a new attitude about herself and her sexiness. And THAT folks is EXACTLY why I love doing boudoir!!!


I think she is pretty darn sexy! And I think her hubby is in for a great night!!!! :)

I'm coming home!!!

After many days of frustration and anticipation... I have the final word.

I'M COMING HOME TO THE STATES!!!!!!

Yes folks, out tour in Europe has come to an end and we are coming home, a year early! I am thrilled!!! My hubby talked to all the right people, made all the right moves, took all the right people to lunch??? I'm actually not sure what he did, or how he pulled it off, but he did it. And I am a very happy camper right now!

I know I'm going to catch a lot of grief from those who just don't understand how or why I would want to leave the chance to live in Europe? Well, simply put, I'm an American Baby! I can't help it folks. As screwed up a things may be for us home in the states... there is still nothing like living in the United States. I miss so much about it. And besides, if there is anything that I managed to not check off my bucket list while here, nothing is ever stopping me from returning for a short, enjoyable vacation. :) I just don't have to live here full time.

I think Angelina and Brad have it right. You spend a few months in Europe every year and then come back to the U.S.. You get the good months no matter where you are. But then again, I think they have a few more million than I do! Oh how I envy you A & B!

So... where exactly has Uncle Sam decided on placing us this time??? Well, I'm also happy to say that it is in beautiful South Carolina!!! Where the hills are green, the temps. reasonable, the bugs... well, not so much! But the chance to begin my business again... to pick up where we left off. No, I take that back... to extend the success we had in Texas. Now that is a wonderful feeling!!!

Here we come South Carolina. Are you ready for us??? This city girl who has now toured the world. With her Christian Louboutins and her new Benz... oh my is this going to be one more crazy ride!

Hold on folks... its going to to get silly here in about 6 months!!! (And I can't wait!)

See you soon, back in the good old USA! Thank God!