GivingIsAwesome.com

You know someone. You know someone who's experienced a tragedy, is struggling to stay afloat, is raising kids while holding down more than one job, or is volunteering selflessly despite extenuating personal circumstances. You know someone who can't afford custom photography, but who would cherish it this holiday season. You know someone who deserves a year-round reminder of their family's spirit, love, and beauty.

You know someone. I guarantee it.

I want to know who they are, and I want to give them the chance to experience complimentary custom photography -- $250 worth, to be exact. Whether it's canvas or albums, prints for Grandma, or a slideshow to watch over and over, it's in your power to give them the artwork they deserve this holiday season.

Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a $100 off their own portrait sitting. What better reason to show some love could there possibly be, people?

The rules:

* You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a two-million-dollar-vacation-home in Paris does not qualify as sincere financial need.)

* The nominee must reside in Northern/Central Virginia. Tell me who you know, what they're experiencing, and why they deserve my artwork. Please include a way to contact both your nominee and yourself as well.

* You must e-mail me the full story : mjmphotography@hotmail.com

The winner will be announced on January 15, 2009 -- get nominating! I can't wait to read all of your entries!

Open your heart to someone this holiday season -- and thanks for giving me the opportunity to open mine.

With love,

Molly

The Perfect Christmas Gift...

What's better than a new baby for Christmas? Nothing, really if you ask me!

Meet Corwen. He is the son of new friends of ours and he's absolutely adorable. This is from his first portrait sitting at 5 days old. I hope there will be more so I can capture this little guy growing up. I loved this session and that I was invited into a quiet, special time in their lives.... There was also a hawk that landed just outside of the window during the session (of course I documented that, too). Do you know that hawks symbolize a message and guardianship...to provide for one's family...and protection of the young? Neat.

ps: not sure if you'll be able to hear the music and i'm not sure why it's so small...I'll have to work on that...but if you want to see them all larger, go to www.mjmphotography.biz under galleries go to featured families and there'll all there. :)

Recent Happenings

Barb flew in and spent Thanksgiving and my birthday with Val, Rudy, Mike and I. It was so nice having family around. Rudy kept the fireplace going so it was nice and cozy, too. :)







Last week we went to get our Christmas Tree with Riley. Mike said that the one year we finally have the right vehicle (Toyota Corollas and a Jeep before)...his truck...we buy a small tree. Oh well! Maybe next year. :) Ps...the one directly below was not our tree but a nice Charlie Brown tree. We'll let him grow up a bit.

Middleburg Humane

I don't think I posted any from my first shoot with Middleburg Humane Foundation (www.middleburghumane.com) but if I did, I apologize for the repeat. I called them as soon as I got into town to see if they needed my help and turns out they did! I went for the first time in November and then again this past Tuesday (Mike came as my helper) :). I won't post all of them from my first session but you can view them all on my website www.mjmphotography.biz go to galleries and click on the non-profit section. It's so much fun and I wish I could bring them all home.

So, enjoy....

Above: I can't remember his name. He had just arrived at MHF
Below: Prince - he should have no problem finding a home.

Above: Gloria (mother to Puppy #1 and Puppy #2)
Below: Puppy #1

Above: Puppy #2
Below: Neveah ~ LOVE her eyes...very sweet.

Above: Mike and Neveah (Heaven spelled backwards). This was after she barked at him as he walked up....she apologized profusely! :) Very cute.
Below: Cindy. Cindy has been adopted but they love her and wanted a picture anyway. She's the sweetest pit bull I've ever met and is so cute with her stocky, wiggly manner.

----------------------------------------Below: From the first shoot in November-------------------

Above: Squishy. Squishy is the brother to Spartacus but he has a very rare disease and recently (thankfully) made it to his first birthday!
Below: Spartacus. Spartacus has found a home since our little photo session!

Above: Flip. Below: Burnie

Gratitude

Thanksgiving is tomorrow. Mike will be working at the Inn Thanksgiving Day.

Side note: I ask that you keep in mind this holiday season those that do work on your holidays. Those that keep the world moving away from their own families while you spend time with your loved ones from near or far.

I have been fortunate enough to be invited to spend Thanksgiving with Rob and Taiya here at the farm with their friends. It will be a vegetarian holiday...which is new for me...but I'm looking forward to it. Barb arrives in DC today so on Monday...also my 25th (?!) Birthday...we will have a traditional family Thanksgiving together: Barb, Val & Rudy, and us. (there will be a turkey involved; to whom we are grateful)

It has been said that you cannot receive until you give.
If you are NOT grateful for what you DO have, how can there be change?

So what are we grateful for (listed in no particular order)?

We have a roof over our head that shelters us and keeps us cool or warm when we desire.
We have food on our table whenever we please.
We have means of income.
We have means of transportation.
We have the ability to walk, talk, & think, to hear, feel, & smell all that's around us.
We have the love of the animals and nature that surround us.
We have friends and family that love and support us.
We are safe.
We are healthy.

We are grateful for so much more and I know the list can go on and on.

So with all the talk of the economy...is it really that bad in comparison to those less fortunate around the world or even in our own back yard?

If we are grateful for what we do have.... then what else is possible? How could it possibly get better than this? Let's try it and see. :)

What are you grateful for this holiday season?

With Love, Mike & Molly

Some pics from our day-trip to DC. Went to the Smithsonian Museum of American History on Tuesday. Can you believe they already had this up in the Presidential Hall Time-line? We had a great day...it was nice having a day off together. :)

Please Help Stop Puppy Mills

Give Your Pets the Gift of Health this Holiday Season

Alecia and our Izzy

Click here to go to 5 Weeks to Wellness for Pets

I am so excited that Alecia is offering this class. Please take a look at the website and please consider (and take) the class. It's a great, great value and can...and probably will...change your and your pet's lives. Alecia has been a instrumental ally in all of our pets, the animals we have been responsible for, and even our own lives. What she has to offer is priceless and I was shocked when I saw the low price she was offering this class for - I honestly was.

Check out the website. If you need anymore personal testimonials from us please let us know...we have tons we could give you! Feel free to pass along to anyone you might think would be interested. She is also available for phone or in-person consultations.

Also - loved this video, too. :) http://link.brightcove.com/services/link/bcpid960594369/bctid1716406566

xo, Molly