A New Year.....

Well, can you tell that blogging has been my downfall of 2009! I guess it wouldn't be obvious or anything that I'm doing a New Year's blog half way through February! jeez! Ok-so Facebook has definitely taken my time from blogging-it's just so much easier isn't it? Well 2010, I am making a resolution to blog once a month-I think I can handle that! ;)

So 2010 has turned out to be a turning over of leaves so to speak for me. The last year has brought much pain with some really tough decisions in my personal life. After a 10 year relationship-almost 8 years of marriage, and two beautiful children, I made the decision to part ways with my husband Ryan. I am thankful to him for many things, for creating with me our two precious blessings Maryn and Kaden, for helping provide a wonderful home-in which I could stay home with them and be there for them 100%, -which allowed me the time and freedom to explore my passion for photography and grow my love into a business. He worked really hard at a stressful job to provide for our family and I am eternally grateful to him for those gifts. I feel that some people come together for a reason, some for a season, and some for a lifetime. We cannot control which of these are the terms of the contract for each relationship-that is a GOD thing. It is painful to realize that a relationship we thought would be for a lifetime and committed ourselves to, turns out to be for a reason or season. I have completed my spiritual contract with my husband, but we will always be bound together for a lifetime to share in the very important contract of co-parenting. It was my intention to spend the rest of my life with my children's father, but our spiritual contract has ended and I am leaving with my gifts that God has betrothed upon me, and I ask for his grace to fill my heart with all the wisdom I need to be a strong mother-it will be even more difficult to do by myself. It has been a long and painful process for me to come out of the fog, but I do believe the Holy Spirit has led me to this place of peace-where I can be me, be free and stand in her light with open arms to what my future has in store.

The following passage has spoken volumes to me and I would like to share it with you:

"People come into your life for a reason, a season or a

lifetime. When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for

that person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON, it is usually to meet a need

you have expressed. They have come to assist you through a difficulty,

to provide you with guidance and support, to aid you physically,

emotionally or spiritually. (or for you to offer the same FOR or to

THEM). They may seem like a godsend and they are.. They are there for

the reason you need them to be. Then,without any wrong doing on your

part or at an inconvenient time, this person will say or do something

to bring the relationship to an end. Sometimes they die. Sometimes they

walk away. Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand. What we

must realize is that our need has been met, our desire fulfilled, their

work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered and now it is

time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because your turn has

come to share, grow or learn. They bring you an experience of peace or

make you laugh. They may teach you something you have never done. They

usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy. Believe it, it is real.

But only for a season.

LIFETIME relationships teach you lifetime lessons, things you must

build upon in order to have a solid emotional foundation. Your job is

to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have learned to

use in all other relationships and areas of your life. It is said that

love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant. Thank you for being a part

of my life, whether you weather it is for a reason, season, or a lifetime.

To thine own self be true

I want to thank my mom and dad for standing by me and helping me see my truth a little clearer, but never judging or leaving me alone with it. I want to thank my sweet GA girlies for their support and physical presence in my life-hugging me, calling me, texting me and letting me know they were there for me. My CA friends that even from afar have let me know they were there for me-and kept calling, and calling and calling-even when I never returned their calls-not mentioning any names (jamie, aimee, sarah!). My friends Virginia and Kara- who also knew my truth and helped me see it, stood by me and listened to the "ugly cry" many many times! I love you all. I owe a thank you to my angel lady Alison for bringing me more in touch with inner voice-and helping me believe that my angels love me and are with me every step of the way. I have welcomed many new friends into my life as well in the last month, which has been such a blessing during this difficult time. May my heart be open to new relationships and may I have the strength and wisdom to share my experiences with them and enrich their lives as well. Here's to a New Year and I pray that it hold many good things amongst the challenges that I am sure to face. I welcome the "turning over of leaves" and I know that God will be with me as He has been, through the pain.

I also want to extend my gratitude to all of my clients for sharing my artist vision, entrusting me to capture your families' memories and enabling me to make a living at what I believe I am called to do-I live my passion!

**And in closing-I want to let all my clients-old and new know that my winter sale is being extended-Book a session by February 15th for February, March or April and receive 2 FREE 8x10s-call or email me today-spring will be here soon, and so will my busy season with Family Sessions and High School Seniors...so act now! And pass it on to a friend-just mention winter sale coupon.

**I also want to let everyone know that I am accepting applications for my High School Senior Reps for the Class of 2011! You get lots of perks and it's easy! If you are, or know any High Schoolers that are currently a Junior, pass along this info-go to my website www.imagerybyrashell.com The application link is there with all the info-they need to be turned in or postmarked by February 28th.Check out some of my fabulous Seniors from the Class of 2010!

A Special Thank you to my friend and fellow photographer Sara Ippolito for taking the wonderful pictures that have my children and I in them together! I treasure them!

My CHS Senior Rep for the Class of 2010

Introducing my Centennial High School Rep for the Class of 2010 Miss Sarah Morris.

She is such a beauty-and I told her she absolutely could have a career in modeling-gorgeous inside and out! Here are some special things her mom Dr. Mitzi Morris shared with me.....

Sarah is a great student, she studies very hard  during the school year, and loves hanging out with her big group of friends any time she can.  She runs cross country and plays varsity tennis for Centennial high school, both keep her busy.  The Centennial girls varsity tennis team went to the state championship and won second in the state this year!  The best finish Centennial has ever had.  She is beautiful but more importantly, she has very good character which I am the most proud of.  Of course, we think she is the best.

Thank you Sarah and thank you Morris family for letting me a part of this exciting time!

My WFHS Senior Rep

Hi everyone! Ok-so those in Georgia-is it hot enough for ya or what?? I will be so glad to be welcomed to my home state of CA with that cool Bay breeze in 5 days-holy cow-I'm melting here!! And speaking of melting-we just about melted during this shoot!

Introducing my Senior Rep for the West Forsyth High School Class of 2010 Miss Rachel Kirby.

Rachel was oh so tolerant of the extraordinary heat during our shoot-we were wiping our sweat off of our foreheads the whole time, and the shots with her winter wool letterwoman jacket-had to be oh so quick-but we got a couple! :)

Rachel is delightful young lady-full of spirit, ultra-talented and strickingly beautiful-get aload of these eyes and dimples! She rocks!

Here are some things her mom Deana had to say about her.....

"Rachel is a sweet and giving person.  A parent could not ask for a better daughter. Rachel is the kind of person that will do anything for her friends.  She is a natural leader and takes that responsibility very seriously.
Rachel attends First Redeemer Church. She is very involved in their sports program there.  She coaches cheerleading, teaches 4 year old sunday school, works in Vacation Bible School, helps with concession stand duties and referees in the basketball program.
She attends West Forsyth High School.  She is a member of the National Technical Honor Society, Fellowship of Christian Athletes and pitches for the varsity softball team.  She has lettered the last 2 years in softball. Last year in softball Rachel received the Coaches Award. Rachel plays competitive softball about 10 months out of the year.
Rachel loves hanging out with her friends, going to the lake and she LOVES the beach.
Rachel is undecided on where she will attend college, she is looking at attending her first 2 years in state and then transferring to the University of Alabama ( the REAL college according to Rachel). Rachel plans on majoring in Sports Medicine."

Another wonderful young spirit on the brink of adulthood-I'm so fortunate to have Rachel represent my business this year. Thank you so much Rachel-and thank you Kirby family for sharing this special time with me.

Those interested in booking Senior Sessions-contact me now! Booking in August now...

rashell@imagerybyrashell.com 404.307.9148-mention Rachel's name!

My Senior Reps for RHS Class of 2010!

I remember my Senior year of high school-seems unreal that I'll be attending my 15 year reunion this summer-where did the time go? Thinking of high school brings back many good memories-and that is why I have so enjoyed establishing myself in the senior market with my business. The youth, especially when they are good kids, helps you have hope for our future. They are so vibrant, energetic and optimistic.  You can look at them and reflect on how you felt when you were their age-excited and a little apprehensive of the unknown after high school. If I only knew then what I know now......but it's a process isn't it? The process is just as important to the learning as the final result. Like any process, there are ups and downs, but my downs have definitely built character and made me appreciate the ups that much more!

Introductions are in order!

Introducing Miss Elizabeth Kinkaid, Roswell High School Class of 2010. Is she not beautiful! And beautiful inside too-sweet sweet soul!  I hoped to have seniors that were hip and went with the "flow" of my style-and boy was Elizabeth up for that! I think her interest in photography helped with her ease in front of the camera. She understood my "seeking the light" and it seemed as though we were following it to sunset during our evening shoot-which gifted us with the beautiful warmth in her images. Elizabeth's parents Darrell and Susie Kinkaid were eager to share with me some special things about their daughter which included her active involvement in her school; she holds a position as Co-President of the Latin Club, Member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes Core and Membership of the Sign Language Club.  She's an active member at Northbrook UMC and traveled to Ghana last summer on a mission trip. In addition to photography, she enjoys reading, hanging out with her friends, listening to music and rainy days.  Currently she is looking into Georgia College & State University in Milledgeville and UGA, but still has some visiting to do at other schools.

Thank you Elizabeth- and thank you Kinkaid family!

Introducing Mr. Chris Batson, Roswell High School Class of 2010 and UGA hopeful!

This gentleman is a true pleasure-what a great kid! Chris was quite popular around the Brookfield Country Club where we did his shoot and while we were shooting he got heckled a few times by some friends-I told him-just tell them you're doing a shoot for "Golf Digest"! He went along with it-and so did THEY! Too funny! 

Parents Lee and Michelle Batson were willing to share with me a few of his accomplishments-and I can see after meeting him that they have lots of reasons to be proud of this young man. He's always been a good student, making the honor-roll every semester. He's gotten a VIP award every year at high school. Chris was on the Cross-Country team freshman and sophomore year and has been a member of the Golf team his sophomore and junior year. This year he lettered and got player of the year. Chris also enjoys coaching his brother Ben in baseball. He attends Northbrook UMC with his family and has many friends and is well liked by his peers, says his mom, "He is sensitive, funny, very sweet, thoughtful,........ I love being his mom"

Could you die! I totally choked up when I read her email about him and I'm so blessed to have such a great kid to represent my business. 

Thank you Chris-and thank you Batson Family!

For those Seniors for the Class of 2010 that are interested in booking a session-please contact me immediately at rashell@imagerybyrashell.com or 404-307-9148

ATTENTION CA CLIENTS!

My CA trip is booked for July 1-23rd. I have limited sessions available so please contact me asap if you are interested in booking a session for this trip! Email me!

rashell@imagerybyrashell.com

My Special Business Partner-for my GA clients!

Aren't you always looking for a perfect birthday gift-something special that they don't have-and will go crazy for? Then there is the wrapping part-I know from being a busy mom myself, I usually just throw it in a gift bag-easy right??! Sometimes I just don't want to go all the way to the mall too. I have a solution for my GA clients-my Business Partner and good friend Amy Joubert opened a phenomenal toy store in the Hickory Flat area of Canton next to the new Kroger off of Arnold Mill Rd.  Not only does she offer a great array of awesome unique toys-her prices are great, she gift wraps for free, she's in a great convenient location to those in the Roswell, Alpharetta and Milton area AND she has a safe play area for your little ones to hang out while you shop!  Check her out!

New Products and Exciting Tidbits!

Imagery by Rashell is now offering 2 WONDERFUL lines of photo jewelry in different price ranges and styles to fit your taste and budget. 

One is my Magnet House necklace-which some of you are sporting already-they are a hot seller! This is what I call the "cool mom" necklace!  These square or rectangular frame pendants which hang from dog-tag style necklaces come with 3 water-resistant picture magnets from your session-or 1 picture and 2 other of the many designs I carry. The great thing about this necklace is you can change out the photo magnet when you have a more current photo, where one, two or three pendants. Black rope chain is also available. Keep those luv bugs close to your heart every day!

The second line is from Kimbra Studios at www.kimbrastudios.com. While ordering your piece from Imagery by Rashell, you are able to use images from your session!

Imagery by Rashell is now offering FRAMING! Yes! and you are going to go gaga over the lines I have chosen to carry! I am carrying more traditional, as well as some shabby chic lines to fit all tastes and styles. I've chosen a wide range of styles so matching your kids' rooms or nursery is easy AND adding some wonderful and PERSONAL decor to your home's living space is as simple as 1,2, 3! There is nothing like a beautiful image in a beautiful frame to add a personal touch to a room in your home.

Please check out www.wildsorbet.com to view the styles and I'd also be happy to show you my corner samples in person!

Imagery by Rashell is now offering many new ways of payment. For your convenience I am now taking all major credit credit cards and will soon be offering ordering over the internet via Photocart-more on this to come!