Rescue My Heart: A call out to all who own rescue pets (5 minute read)

Calling all Rescues:  Cats, Dogs, Horses, Bunnies, Birds, and Reptiles

There are so many kinds of rescue stories:  Foster Failures, Shelter Adoptions, Found in the Street, Rehoming, Appeared out of Thin Air, etc.  There are as many variations on these stories as there are animals! 

Every time I hear a story, which is always touching, about how a human’s life has been touched by a rescue pet, my mind goes directly to the following question:

Indeed.

Those who share their stories about how they fell in love with their rescues, often end up saying a similar statement:  “I don’t know if I really rescued my dog; I think she rescued me!”

I want to celebrate that and create awareness that rescues are wonderful creatures, and make wonderful family members.   

That’s why I’m working with Rude Ranch Animal Rescue and The Spay Spa and Neuter Nook.  These two organizations believe deeply in the joy of rescue and have made it their life mission to help these creatures.  Kathy and Bob Rude own and run both of these organizations, and you can find out more about them at www.ruderanch.org and www.spayspa.org.

Together, we have the goal of raising $10,000 to provide well-deserving families assistance in spaying and neutering their pets.  Our fundraiser has two parts to it, and both are celebratory in nature and fun!

Part one:  The LUXURY Photography Experience.

Interested families who love their rescues can purchase a $400 gift certificate for ONLY $50.  A whopping $40 of that goes to Rude Ranch/Spay Spa in their name.  Each family receives a full experience, which means that we get to find out exactly what you love about your rescue, how having them in your life has brought joy, and of course, we get to know all of your family members, too.

Then the day of your session arrives, which is fun for everyone!  Since we’ve planned your session, we photograph exactly what you want for your artwork.  Your session is guaranteed, so you know that I’ll help you prepare for every detail, and I’ll work hard with you to ensure that we get it all.

Soon after, we roll out the red carpet and show you your photographs with a cinematic presentation, and you get to design your artwork AND order at that time.  We can do it about 1.5 hours after your session, or if it’s better, we get together within a few days to have a party and ooh and ahh and shed some tears of joy.  I guarantee you’ll love your photographs, so do be prepared!  We accept all standard forms of payment; diamond earrings, pints of blood, and arms & legs are also acceptable. (not really! Lol) (Note:  a prosthetic leg costs about $22,000.... so you know you won't be spending that much on artwork!)

Within just a couple of weeks, the VERY best part happens:  The Unveiling of Your Artwork!  I deliver your artwork to you and together, we relive the beautiful experience that started at the very first phone call!  I can help you install them, but with our two largest collections, I have a professional come to install your artwork, while we watch and enjoy.

Doesn’t a LUXURY Photography Experience sound like something you would cherish?  All of that, plus $200 goes towards your purchase of your artwork.  AND, if you schedule your session Monday-Thursday, you’ll get your entire $400 deducted from your artwork purchase. 

5-10% of sales also goes to Rude Ranch and Spay Spa, depending on which collection you fall in love with.

Part Two:  The Celebration

Once we have finished with all of the families, we’ll be compiling all of the stories and a matching photograph into a GORGEOUS coffee table book!  Each family gets their own page, with a story of how their rescue enriches their lives.  Our goal is 100 families and their rescues; it’ll be a big book!  Proceeds from the sale of these books will go towards Rude Ranch and Spay Spa.

But wait, there’s MORE!

As you know, we are celebrating rescues and their families… so what better way to release this book than to have a celebratory dinner, complete with a silent auction and a 50/50 raffle?  All proceeds go to Rude Ranch and Spay Spa.

That’s right!  What better way to celebrate than to gather together to show off our rescues, be it canine, feline, fowl, rodent, horse, or reptile?  After all of the fun work we’ll be doing together, we’ll be able to enjoy our book and eat delicious food, and celebrate the important work that Rude Ranch and Spay Spa do for Ann Arundel County and neighboring areas.

Don’t delay! if you have a rescue that you adore and you simply must celebrate your relationship with him or her, call Megan today to get more information at 240-7766-8966!  You won’t regret it!

Gift Certificates are on sale NOW.  These make great gifts for Valentine's Day and birthdays!  Celebrate your rescue pet by calling today to purchase your very own gift certificate now.  Early Birds receive an extra $100, making the value of their gift certificate $500 for ONLY $50!  240-766-8966 is the number to call!

The Way I See Things (3 minute read)

There was a song back in the 50s, called The Twist.

Chubby Checker taught the world a new kind of dance, and it was a sensation overnight. 

It’s still a fun dance.  When one hears the song, one can’t help but get up and start dancing.  It will never get old.

In a similar way, I help my clients “twist”… or, as I affectionately like to call it, “The Way I See Things”.

My client says, “When I get home from work, I’ve already stopped at the store, so I’ve got grocery bags, and my purse, and the minute I step in the door, the kids are all over me.  It’s exhausting.”

I TWIST it, and reply, “Isn’t it wonderful that your kids miss you so much, that they are so excited to see you, that when you come home they can’t help but come running to you, wanting to hug you?”

My client says, “I stay at home with my children, so to bring in extra money, my husband drives Uber on the weekends.  I never see him anymore.”

I give it a little TWIST, and say, “Isn’t it amazing that your husband cherishes you and the kids so much, that he doesn’t want them to be in daycare, and he sacrifices his time with you by taking on extra responsibilities?  I’m positive he misses you guys on the weekends, but it sounds like he knows that this is what he needs to do, so you can stay at home.”

My client says, “I’m a work at home mom, so when the baby goes down for a nap, I hurry to get my work done.  It feels like just as I’m getting into it, he’s waking up.  I wish he’d sleep a little bit longer.”

I hear the wistfulness in her voice, and I know she is looking for validation.  I TWIST her perception by saying, “Isn’t it wonderful that you can work from home?  Isn’t it wonderful to be the one your baby sees when he first wakes up from his nap?  What do his eyes look like when he sees you?”

“Oh, he’s so happy to see me!  His eyes are big and his smiles are wide!  He bounces with excitement when I pick him up.”

“Isn’t that beautiful? How does that make you feel when he reacts that way?”

“I feel loved and wanted.  I never thought about it that way.”

“So, when you think about it like that, what does that mean to you?”

“I feel like I can successfully be a work-at-home-mom with a baby.  It’s all worth it.”

“What would you do with a photograph of your son, looking so excited and happy in your arms?  What would that mean to you?”

“Oh, I’d put it by my desk so I could see it all the time while I’m working.  It would mean so much to see that every day!  It would keep me going!”

Do you want a TWIST, a new way to perceive your life?  Just like Chubby Checker performed The Twist and all of America started dancing in a new way, I would love to help you see things differently.   I’d love to speak with you and find out what’s most important to you, so that I can photograph that for you, and you can love it every single day.

Recently, Danielle LaPorte quoted, “Life is art”.  I say, “Be in love with the artwork of your life!”

Easter Photos start as early as March 1, 2015!

Spring is just around the corner.  I know that you are as excited as I am!  As much as I love snow, I'm just about ready for spring.

Last week, I came across these in my side yard!  I was so excited!

These are hyacinths and daffodils!  I can't wait to see them again this spring!  I did check today, while I was shoveling, and yup, they are still doing well.

See what else is making it's appearance this coming week!

These little guys are so cute and fuzzy! 

They aren't real!

They are perfectly perfect for your child to play with.  Your child's eyes will shine with pleasure as he or she plays with these chicks and bunnies while being photographed.  

Call for your reservation, today!  240-436-2169.

Bowie Memorial Day Parade on 5/24/14

Everyone LOVES a parade!  I still get excited when I see parades.  So much excitement, so many happy people, so much fun!

In case you missed it, here is a synopsis of the morning:  It was awesome!  There were several dance troupes, a drum and bugle corps, a Scottish bagpipe group, the Shriners, a martial arts studio, and much much more!

In case you participated, and you didn't get to see the other groups, well, here you go!  You guys all looked so GOOD!  It was pretty warm yesterday, but you didn't falter.

To the gentlemen at the grandstand, you did a great job announcing all of the participants.  I'm so grateful for your service and it was great to see you three.

To those who have lost loved ones because they died while in service to their country:  thank you for loving that person so much that they wanted to serve our great country.  That means so much.

To those who have died for our country:   I'm so appreciative of your love for our country.  Freedom isn't free, and you knew that when you signed that line when you entered into the United States military.  You were taking a risk that you could beat the bad guys and protect Americans, east to west, from the North Slope of Alaska to the Key West in Florida.  Thank you for taking that risk, for without you and your love for our country, who knows what we would have now?  I shudder to think.

It goes without saying that I would rather that none of you had gone too early.  I also know that we each have a calling in life, and sometimes that calling is to make the ultimate sacrifice.  One person, by sacrificing himself, can save 20, and it is not for any glory, but for the selfless thought the others must be safe to keep on fighting the good fight.  That is honor, and love for fellow man.  I thank you for your bravery and love.

Here are some of my very favorite photos from Saturday's parade.

I wasn't sure which dance group these people are from, I didn't photograph their banner, but I love all of the colors and the costumes. 

This next kid was just enjoying the scene as he rode through the parade.  

Prince George's County Fire Dept 2nd Battalion

Several Girl Scout troops from the Prince George's county area.

Boy Scouts from the Prince George's County area.

This little boy just cracked me up!  

The look on his face was, "Is this almost over?"

It was probably the longest ride he'd ever made up to this day.

It was so neat to see all of these Boy Scouts marching along with this huge flag.

This was probably one of my favorite participants of the parade.

This gentleman was standing behind me.  I asked him if I could photograph him,

and he said "Sure!".  If you know him, please let him know that he

made it onto my blog.

The Boys and Girls Club, what a great group of kids and parents!

Bowie Boys and Girls Club Baton Twirling Blazers

I LOVE this little girl's enthusiasm!

The Shriners!

                                                        Shriner's Mendolay Order

While they were paused for the group before them to perform, I asked this gentleman to throw candy at me.  It's a great shot!

They had their little cars!!!

This requires LOTS of talent; I think unicycles and stilts are things I will probably never try out.  That's ok, I enjoy watching them!  These kids did GREAT.

Center Ring Circus School

Here's one of my most favorite local organizations, Bowie C.L.A.W.

Bowie CLAW

Please remember to spay or neuter your pets.

If you are looking to adopt, please consider rescuing a dog or cat.

Well hi, there, cutie!

These beautiful young ladies were very regal.

Did you know that Prince George's County has a mounted police force?

 

One of the most important participants of the parade!  Everyone cheered for him!

A local favorite!

Louie from Bowie Baysox

This is Dream Nation Advanced Performing Marching Unit.

They did a spectacular job!

Uncle Sam says:  "I want YOU!"

Connie and Teri 4 Animals

I love their message:

Working To Educate Our Young To Be Kind To Animals.

These kids were helping out by throwing candy to the audience.

Another one of my favorite performances:

These are students from the New World Bilingual Institute.  They have been featured at 

President Obama's Inaugural Parade and many other prestigious events.

www.nwbi.usa

I think this is my favorite image from the whole parade.

The dragon bows to the judges in the Grandstand.

My favorite car in the parade!  I love the license plate!

These kids were pretty good, too!

Silver Stars Gymnastics

Another favorite performing group.

Drum & Bugle Corps Thunder Brigade

Smokey the Bear!

Line dancing!

Texas Roadhouse in Bowie!

Bowie International Festival

It looks like their next festival will be Octoberfest!

I love her costume!

Another favorite performance!

Tribal Dancers

These girls and their leaders strive to make a difference!

Go MAD "Girls Making a Difference"

These guys and gals have TALENT!

Panquility Steel Band

The local Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity

Hyattsville Kappas

Prince George's County Radio Control Club

Martial Artists

Beautiful pageant girls!

2nd Star Production's Hello Dolly!

Another favorite car!  It looks like a honey bee!

This Roadrunner/Wile E Coyote thing cracked me up!

Bowie proudly recycles!

The truck drivers enjoyed blowing their horns at each other!

So proud of those who protect us.

Moments after the parade

Our Grandstand Judges

Bowie Memorial Post #8065

Uncle Sam here, quipped, "I'm half the man I used to be", referring to himself on stilts.

The students from New World Bilingual Institute, posing for a casual photo.

The dragon has caught its pearl.

I'm not sure which group these guys were in, but they were very enthusiastic!

What a great parade!  As you know, I'm new to the area and learning all kinds of great things about this beautiful city that I now live in.  The people of Bowie and the surrounding areas are so friendly and I'm glad we chose to live here.  

If you participated in this parade, but you don't see yourself, don't worry, I just might have an image of you.  Please call me at 240-245-0416 for information.