Complimentary Maternity Session!!

May 18th will be a day dedicated to maternity sessions only!! I'll be offering complimentary maternity sessions to those who registered at the Central Baptist Maternity Fair. Sessions will take place in the studio using both black and white and color to create your baby's first heirloom!

Limited availability so call 859.967.6685 or email jill@dreamcapture.com today to reserve your time!

I Feel Sad ~ James Kavanaugh

Here is one of the writings of James Kavanaugh.

This was published back in 1982

so some of the references

may seem dated, however,

the issues remain the same in a

roundabout way if you

substitute one country for another, etc.

Please keep in mind

that these words do not come from myself.

So, while I appreciate this message as a whole,

there may be parts that I don't necessarily agree with.

Sad that needs to preface this but I think it does.

I Feel Sad

I feel sad about my country lately

When damn near everyone I know

thinks it's okay to take money away

from the disabled and the old

as long as we increase military spending

and are certain beyond all paranoia

that we can take Russia out

faster and more completely

than Russia can take us out.

My buddy Danny tells me

that we're getting rid of the freeloaders

and I know damn well

he doesn't mean the rich people

who invest in feed lots

they don't see or want,

or get oil and mineral

and agricultural allowances

they don't need or deserve.

I confess I've occasionally wondered

about some of the people I see

with food stamps

and I suppose I've griped

my share about welfare.

But, I do notice

that the most expensive restaurants

are still crowded,

the Mercedes are as common

as VW's once were,

Fifth Avenue and Rodeo Drive

seem as active as ever,

while the aged and the poor

seem shabbier and more defeated

than I've ever seen them in my lifetime,

too intimidated and nervous

even to whisper of revolution.

I feel sad about my country lately

because it lost it's morals

somewhere between

Korea and Watergate,

and lost it's heart

somewhere between this recession

and the last.

Now the strangers

buy our banks and

the immigrants our fast foods

and we take any dollar

or ruble we can get

to satisfy an appetite

as insatiable as the fear

that creates it

content to build cheap barracks

and call them homes,

content to widen the massive gulf

between rich and poor,

content above all

to defend a country

with the expensive

nuclear trinkets of a paranoia

bred of greed and fear

and most unmanly men.

I never knew a brave nation

could be so reprehensible,

that a dollar could mean so much

or a life so little,

and I'm very sad.

-James Kavanaugh

from the book Maybe if I Loved You More

**BUYER BEWARE**

BUYER BEWARE WHEN BUYING PERSONALIZED PRODUCTS FOR YOURSELF OR YOUR CHILDREN OR, IN MY CASE, A BUSINESS! I had submitted my logo and font information (which I have purchased the rights to) in order to get a quote and sample proof for an item on Ebay. This was an item that I would give to my clients at the maternity fair or in addition to the burp cloths that I currently give to my maternity/newborn clients. http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&rd=1&item=330226790047&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT&ih=014 Apparently another admirer, this girl has decided to use the information that I sent to her in order to promote her own online business. I just don't get it, my friends...is there no moral compass anymore? Why would someone solicit business and then use what you send them for their own business purposes? Is it just me? Am I just being a little too OCD over this? I just would never do this and maybe that's why it seems unacceptable to me. I'll change my logo and font as some may have noticed already and re-register all over again. It's just so un-fun! And, of course, I haven't heard back from the girl either.

The Linda ~ $139

This is a delicate looking piece but it's made of quality, solid sterling silver. More of an oval shape and just a bit smaller than The Mallory, this is a wonderful addition to any jewelry box.

The Neilsen Heirloom Bracelet ~ $369

This is an absolute favorite! You cannot go wrong giving this as a gift for any occasion and, especially, for Mother's Day! Made of solid sterling silver this heirloom bracelet includes 8 charm links to display your beautiful family. Some bracelets like this are bulky or gawdy but this is elegant and feminine, making it wearable for even a petite lady. There is no question that this will become an heirloom and cherished for lifetimes we don't even know about yet.

The Mallory Necklace ~ $159

Okay, this is simply beautiful! I love this piece! It's modern and traditional all rolled in to one.

Cell Phone/Camera Charm ~ $25

Tell me these aren't adorable!!

A little charm that you can attach to your cell phone or camera. Made of solid sterling silver. Your choice of frame style.

Mother's Day!!

Mother's Day is just around the corner and if you haven't gotten her a special gift now is the time!! Ladies, if you haven't hinted as to what you want then this is for you!! Custom portrait jewelry can be ordered through Monday and it will be delivered in time for Mother's Day. This is the absolute deadline so please don't wait to do your taxes and then call. Priorities Please!!! If you know the image that you want placed into your jewelry then you can just send me an email or call me with a credit card. I'll post the jewelry on the blog throughout the day so you can see the various items. So, check back and find the one just right for you!! P.S. If you see your child as the image for the sample, I'll give you 10% off!

Lexington Cemetery

Oh, I so needed an outdoor session today and this was the best place to be this week. The Lexington Cemetery is so beautiful this time of year and I love being out there. Unfortunately, there are usually so many other people there or the sun is so bright and since it closes early it's kind of limiting. So, today with the impending rain and freshly blooming flowers it was wonderful!!

If you haven't been to the cemetery for a portrait session during this season, I highly recommend it. The trees are already losing the blooming flowers and it will turn into bright green leaves so this color only lasts for about a week. Other colors will come and some will remain so it's not like you miss out altogether.

If you're interested in scheduling a session, contact me at jill@dreamcapture.com and let me know your daytime availability. The cemetery closes at 5pm but it's worth the effort!

ONE FROM TODAY...

Here's one from a session this afternoon and I just thought these were sweet. This little guy is cracking up at his Mommy dancing. He thought that was great! This one was the final shot of the session and it is almost always the case that the final shot is one of my faves. True again.

I HAVE ADMIRERS!

Apparently, I have some admirers in the area! Flattered is how I should feel but why do I feel differently? I spend 16-20 hours per day researching, creating, thinking, etc...if only I knew that we were sharing. I believe that anyone and anything can evoke some kind of inspiration. A color, a smell, a special t-shirt, another artist, whatever....but take that inspiration and create something of your own. Define yourself with what you can do and create something that speaks to that. That is one reason why I don't work in a chain photo store, it's the same lighting, props, and set up. The offers are the same and the promos are the same. Ugh! I can't stand it! So, I try to always think up new and different things. Maybe people like them, maybe they love them. You never know, but that's the risk that I love.

I take time to get authorization for my music and pay the fees that need to be paid to "rent" them. I develop ideas that I think are my own after spending countless hours changing and tweaking little things here and there. My logo, taglines, etc. All of those. I've changed them in the past due to this issue and I just don't get it, I guess. When people visit my site and then another with the same music and general content it isn't a good thing. Or, vice versa which is what probably bothers me the most. To know how much I put into everything and to imagine that a potential client thinks that I am not creative enough to do what I've been doing for so long, is a gut wrenching feeling. Until I know that this has stopped, I will limit the information that I put on my web and this blog. Feel free to contact me directly for information on some of the new and unique products that are now available. Or, better yet, stop by the studio and take a look!!

In the mean time, I will try to be flattered...

New Product!!

Here's a peek at one of the new products launched at the Open House. These are adorable and each is custom designed just for you! Stop by the studio or contact me directly for information at jill@dreamcapture.com or 859.967.6685.

JAMES KAVANAUGH

Okay, so I'm moved beyond words at the moment. I received contact from someone that a website for James Kavanaugh was in the process of being developed to allow others to experience his work. If you don't know, James Kavanaugh is very much a part of my daily inspiration and grounding. I read a little something out of one of his books pretty much every day~it just sings to me. Whatever your inspiration is, embrace it. If you haven't found your surefire source of inspiration, check out one of the books in my studio or visit James Kavanaugh for other books.

Open House...

The Open House is this Saturday, March 15th from 10a-6p. Rsvp's are not required, however, those that did Rsvp by yesterday will have a little something special waiting for them when they come. You must attend to receive your gift so feel free to stop by at any time from 10am until 6pm! Please understand that I will be focusing on the open house and the guests, so I won't have anyone's order out. If you have been notified that your order is ready please arrange to come at a later time that evening or the following day. Or, you can even come by sometime this week. See you Saturday!!

Update!

Okay, I've been slacking on keeping the blog updated. But, I've had good reasons! I'm in the process of preparing for the Open House and making sure that everyone on the current mailing list receives an invitation. Invitations were mailed out yesterday so if you haven't received an invitation and would like to be added to the mailing list please email me directly at jill@dreamcapture.com .

Silver pendant necklace

I'm going to hold off on posting images from sessions for the immediate time being. This will ensure that I stay on top of current sessions, preview appts, orders, the Open House, updating the studio, and assembling the bags that I'll be providing for the Lil Lambs closet sale this year. I sure hope these snow days go away! One thing I am working on is finding a good, consistent vendor for jewelry. Here's just a clip of what will be added to the product availability that you can check out at the Open House! You may even be the lucky winner of the jewelry that will be given away at the Open House! These items will NOT be available until after March 15th!

Round pendant necklace

Open House!!

Finally! March 15th is the scheduled date for the Open House! If you didn't already know, the new location is at 501 Darby Creek Road Suite 38 Lexington, KY 40509. Just mapquest or google it for directions or send me an email. Please come by any time between 10am and 6pm and check out the new studio (even if you've already been here) and celebrate with us! There will be so many new things to see! New products, new "baby" plans, changes to the studio, and don't forget we'll have some tasty treats and great give-aways! I'll be giving away a new "baby" plan as well as an Intimate Expressions package, and many other items! Plus, if you RSVP we'll reserve a special gift just for you! And, if you've previously had a portrait session with me, your gift will be customized with an image from your session! More details will follow and if you're not already on the mailing list, or you want to make sure that you are, we'll be mailing invitations soon so let me know by emailing me at jill@dreamcapture.com . See you soon!!

How cute is she?

This is from a recent session with a 9 month old little girl, that is simply scrumptious!

...and the winner is....

The organization with the most votes, by far, is Family Care Center! So, we will be doing our annual calendar with the proceeds going to this most needed resource for parents in need of education and other resources that may be otherwise out of reach. If you would like more information on the Family Care Center click here. More information will be posted in the coming weeks once the details are finalized. Thank you to everyone who participated!

PLEASE...

...support your local firefighters.

Refer to this post when you book your session and this volunteer will receive print credit of her own!

Double dollar gift certificates!!

GIFT CERTIFICATE SPECIAL!!!

Gift certificates* purchased on January 29th will have double the dollar value! This is one day only, no extensions, no exceptions. So, you can come by or call with a credit card and get the gift that everyone loves...and uses!

Spend $200...get $400! Spend $500...get $1000!

This is a wonderful gift for Valentine's Day, birthday, baby shower, wedding gift, you name it!

*A minimum of $100 (you'll receive $200 in credit) must be purchased. Valid toward future sessions/services/products only.

Call 859.967.6685 or email jill@dreamcapture.com to get your gift certificate!!