Child Help--GIVING BACK

GIVING BACK -- that is part of using the gifts that we were given. It is kind of like sticking that really nice piece of jewelry in the bottom of the closet if we don't use those gifts....

Part of the work we do here at the studio comes from sessions that are donated at various charity auctions on our community. This weekend we have partnered with MANNY'S CATERING and made a contribution to CHILDHELP. Manny has contributed a full course gourmet dinner for ten with selected wine pairings to be prepared in the comfort of the winning bidder's home.

One of our clients Hugh Nystrom, is now the director of program operations for Childhelp Tennessee. CHILDHELP Tennessee is a regional branch of the national nonprofit organization dedicated to the prevention and treatment of child abuse and neglect. Childhelp really is dear to my heart being an adopted child. I am soooo lucky to have the family that I have. And I could have never asked for anything more!! I was adopted as an infant-- 9 months old. But for those first 9 months I was in foster care.- foster care is one of the services that CHILDHELP provides.

This weekend-- well friday CHILDHELP is hosting ‘Les Trois Chefs’. Bistro by the Tracks, Flemings Steak House, Cherokee Country Club and VG’s Bakery are coming together for the September 21 event to create an exquisite four-course meal expected to attract 200 supporters at this year’s new location, Cherokee Country Club.

If you don't have tickets to this "EVENT OF THE SEASON" Childhelp still needs you.
Check out their web site http://www.childhelp.org/regional/tennessee/events and see what they do.
Have a great Day Lynn

where does the time go....

This was from June at Boca Grande beach, Florida. My forte is black and white images. What I deem chocolate -- an almost sepia. But I really had fun photographing in color. The first night at sunset were were covering gear up when it starting to rain-- so the second night we were ready to go.. but mom to we really have to get dressed up again!!!

Anyway school is in session and when I edit the images from the beach it seems an eternity ago!! I was really lucky to have our babysitter/ nanny go with us to the beach. Lee Bryant-- Lee was valedictorian of her class at Powell high school and has headed off to Rhodes College in Memphis. We miss you Lee!!

What a blog.... what's it for??

check out this fun site FREE hugs
http://www.free-hugs.com/welcome.shtml

what a way to spread peace!!

another cool one http://www.planetsark.com/index.htm
for my artist friends -- and to all those of us who need inspiration!!

Yeah!! A vision almost completed..

Next week will be the first portrait session in our new studio. This has been at least an 18 month vision. We have expanded our office by knocking thru a wall and almost doubled our space. From stuggling thru reworking the lease and keeping working while renovating.. well the project has taken a while. We are super excited to have a totally renovated studio to create really wonderful work in.. more to come soon. about our new portrait collections and special offerings.

Good News

We were able to send Knoxville Habitat a check for $500.00. Thanks to all who bought images from the May 2006 Women Build. For those who missed the TV coverage, Barry created a beautiful family portrait for Jenny the homeowner.

Knoxville Habitat Women Build

Knoxville Habitat Women Build-- this saturday kicks off this great event in Knoxville. Barry, Mel and I will all be capturing images to document the building of this house. We really believe this a wonderful community organization. We would love to see you there. The really great thing about it -- well it is being totally constructed by women. ok--- Barry gets a little miffed by leaving the guys out of the picture-- but what a great way to celebrate mother's day. Loads of local celebs will be working on different days and helping out. We will be posting images online-- go to www.seatonart.com and click on Women Build and then pick which day you want to view. All proceeds from the sale of these images will go right to our Knoxville Habitat.

Is there a doctor in the House??

Turning 40 -- well 42 this year and I am starting to count my friends and family with breast cancer. First and foremost my best friend and mother-in-law. It makes it so much different when it it home. They both are having positive attitudes about the situation which I am sure is helping them tremendously!! What is the prevelant thought? Is it that we are getting it treated earlier and they know what it is -- or are we eating and absorping so much ?(&*(&*^!! -- any opinions appreciated. As well as prayer for both of them.

One in the morning

One child is really good at getting up for school the other we have to drag out. Grace is so good that she woke up at 1a.m. dressed and ready for school --I popped her bubble and told her to go back to sleep- whew!!

Revelations --why women are busy--

The things that we do daily are gone and used. We cook meals, do laundry, clean house and take care of everybody. This doesn't mean we aren't appreciated. We don't feel fruitful. I am so blessed with 2 beautiful children and a wonderful husband-- and I see the love in them. But creating art and preserving memories feels me with a sense of accomplishment. I feel so busy doing the day -- and yes it is by choice. By taking the time tonight to reflect in the company of friends helped me to remember why we want a full life. Thank you God for putting perspective in my eyes.

Whirlwind Tours-- Presbyterian Diaster Relief Fund

Returning from Nashville last night we stopped at our church and had dinner and watched a movie that was made by a group that we send over Christmas to help put roofs on homes in and around New Orleans.

After attending a business seminar it was -- well the other side of the spectrum-- but both were about using your god given talents. This past fall several of us helped organize a chili cook-off and auction with which we raised close to $10,000 to contribute to "The Whirlwind Tour." These funds plus much more given by Presbyterian Churches nationwide-- along with hundreds of hours of unselfishly given hard work have helped put roofs on houses that would have been otherwise been bulldozed-- and gave a new hope for those homeowners.

Thanks to all that took part-- There are more trips being organized -- the work continues. email me if you are interested in helping.

back from Gary Fong

Went to see Gary Fong in Nashville-- who is gary fong?? A wedding photographer and teacher from CA who we have followed for about 10 years using his ideas to create our wedding photography business. Great ideas and motivation!!

Took our kids and visited the Adventure discovery Center