Going to Utah and bringing my camera equipment! Need photos?

I am going to Utah September 3 through 13! I’ve had several requests from friends, so I’m bringing my cameras and photography equipment in case you’d like to schedule a photo session. For anyone hoping to break into my home while I’m gone, sorry to disappoint you. Ryan is staying home. J

Since I have family in Utah I travel up there as often as I can. I am looking to establish some Utah clientele. I’d love to take photos of your family, kids, friends, neighbors, or just you by yourself! Actually, for every successful referral that you give me, I will give you 25% off your session fee! So if you refer me to 4 friends then your session will be free!

I’m offering a special for this trip. For just $75 you’ll get a 1-2 hour photography session for up to 6 people. You will receive a disc of all the edited digital images (usually 10-25) along with full printing rights. If you would like to have any professional prints made you can buy them from me for 25% off the regular price.

September is the perfect time to take your Christmas card photo! If you would like to have one of your photos turned into a Christmas card I can do that for just $10 more, plus the cost of the cards/envelopes. There are a wide variety of designs and card styles available.

I am booking photo sessions September 4 through 11. I have several photo appointments already so don’t wait too long to schedule yours.

Feel free to visit my website: www.heatherdickens.com. Email or call me to schedule your appointment. (714) 783-5152

YEAH!!! I'm MOVING!!!!

That's right I have packed up all my blog posts and pictures and moved to a different site!!

I bet I got a few of you confused!! :) I haven't physically moved houses YET!! (still holding out hope for a real move!) But this move was just as frustrating and time consuming as a regular move!! (that might be a slight exaggeration)

Don't get me wrong. . .I love blogger and how user friendly it is. But I needed something that didn't restrict me as much!

So if there are still a few of you out there that are actually reading this (sorry I have been too consumed with the changes going around here) then please change your google readers, link list, bookmarks, etc. to this new BLOG

Also, if you haven't figured it out yet. . .I have a website for my photography site! That's right I have been a busy girl lately! It is still in the building stages but please check it out and tell me what you think!!
Heather D Photography

I will try and make the rounds to each of your blogs and get caught up on your very busy lives!! Internet is still out at my house (grrrrrrr) so it may take me awhile!!

Love you all and talk to you soon!

Amber and Randy

This sweet and adorable couple let me spend the afternoon with them.

It really was a great day!! Between running around in back alleys, hijacking a golf cart, finding a new pair of shoes, and being blinded by the sun and reflectors they were still smiling!! Such great sports!!

A big thank you to Amber and Randy!! So gorgeous!! Don't you think?? The whole time I was editing these pictures I kept thinking I was looking at a supermodel!! Seriously, she is so pretty inside and out!!! It is a toss up between Carrie Underwood, a young Heather Locklier, Britney Spears (at her best), and most all the girls that are on the magazine covers.

Amber, you are such a good sport!!! I had to do a hair shot!!! Don't get me started on those eyelashes!! Such a great sport to lay down on the rocks in a white shirt!!

Again, SO GORGEOUS!!!

Thank you Amber!!!

Last but not least. . . .let me introduce you to Randy!!!!

This stud is a major sports guy!! He has lettered in Basketball, Football, and Baseball.
Check out all the patches on his letterman's jacket!!! Not to mention that serious bling on his fingers!!!
Are you intimidated yet?? I was!! ;)
Another model!!! He was a cross between Mathew Modine (at his best), Ryan Gosling, and a sports hero!!
But also, he was as beautiful on the outside as he was on the inside. Such a funny guy!! Such a great sport. I think this picture really shows his funny side!!! So cool!!
You both are so sweet to let me practice on you!! Not to mention I think you should both be models!!! When you become famous I will be able to sell these pictures to TMZ!! :)

P.S. I have a CD of images for you. See you soon!!

I go and pick up my Business License sometime this week!!! It is getting closer and closer to being a reality!!! I will have business cards soon as well as an official website. GULP!!!!

I am going back and forth on whether or not I should really start doing this. AHHHHH

Wish me luck!!!

P.S. if you are hurt that I didn't share your pictures of recent photo sessions let me know. I have been worried about who may or may not want their photos up in the WWW.

Frozen Fury 12

For anyone looking to take a trip to Las Vegas and see a really exciting professional hockey game... plan to go to Frozen Fury on September 26 at 6pm!

This is an annual preseason hockey game between the LA Kings and Colorado Avalanche. It's a fans game. It's not a bunch of business people who pass tickets out to clients (like in the regular season). The people in the stands are there because they want to be. It makes it loud and exciting. Heather always tells people that it was Frozen Fury that made her a fan!

We have gone for 6 or 7 years in a row I believe. This year we have 8 friends and family joining us so far. Presale tickets begin selling at 10am on Tuesday. If you would like to go, let us know before then. If we reach 15 tickets then we qualify for a group rate.

Lacy

Before
After

After some stylin'

That's right!!! She has gone hardcore rocker this time around!!

What do you think? Which do you like more? The Mohawlk or the original? (to view the original go HERE and HERE)

*no animals were harmed in the making of this post.

Stand By Me. . .

I love this YouTube video!!

When I was younger I would play this tape over and over again. . .my poor older brothers were so sick and tired of that tape, they eventually hid it from me. I can't say that I blame them.

Now Poor Ryan has to listen to my favorite songs over and over again.

Anyway, I love this song and the message behind it!! I hope that it will lift your spirits out there as well. ENJOY!!

This is going to be a little bit of a recap. So be ready for a mother load of a post!! Internet is back baby!! (well, at least till the next rain shower, or if we move)

To answer a few of your questions. . .I am going to school to study Photography. It has been such a great distraction. Even if this one class feels like it is taking up my whole life. I LOVE having the outlet. Here are a few assignments that I have been working on.

This one was suppose to be a Fantasy. . .something that you wouldn't see. . .normally!! A BIG HUG and THANK YOU to Krystal for being a good sport and being my model. Especially since this is a little morbid. Kind of gives you an idea of where my mental state has been lately. (yes, every person in that photo is Krystal. . .love you girl!!)

This assignment was to be a poster.

I have put a logo on both the above pictures. I can't decide which one I like more. Or if I should just start over with a whole new concept. Let me know which Heather D Photography you prefer.

I hope Michelle doesn't mind me posting this invite I made for her. But, this has been keeping me busy as well. I had the best time taking pictures of this sweet girl!! I miss her and her siblings like crazy!! Thanks Macy for letting me spend time with just you!! I love you sweet girl!!

I also shot my first wedding (I was only a second shooter). I am really enjoying this outlet!!

As a side note. . .I am trying to build my portfolio!!! So please, if you want to get some pictures done contact me!!!

I will eventually get around to all the blogs and get caught up soon!! I miss you all!!

Sigh. . .

We complain about the cross we bear. But we don't realize it is preparing us for the dip in the road that God can see and we cannot.

Whatever your cross, whatever your pain,

There will always be sunshine, after the rain....

Perhaps you may stumble, perhaps even fall;

But God's always ready, to answer your call....

He knows every heartache, sees every tear,

A word from His lips, can calm every fear...

Your sorrows may linger, throughout the night,

But suddenly vanish, by dawn's early light...

The Savior is waiting, somewhere above,

To give you His grace, and send you His love.

My Sweet Sister in-law sent me this email. I hope she doesn't mind that I share it on the blog! :)

It has been a rough time to say the least.

It was "our" due date a few weeks ago, I am having a horrible time unfortunately.

I had all these great plans that I was going to have done before this dreaded sad horrible depressing date came up.

However, I am no where near any of my goals. And my heart and arms continue to still ache really bad.

So needless to say I am struggling. . .STILL!!

On the brighter side. . .it can't get any worse!!! RIGHT???!!

So, I have been MIA. I am sure you all have felt the neglect!! ;)

Between all this drama, Internet not working, and getting school work done this area hasn't been a priority.

Don't fret though!! I will be updating this very soon. . . well, at least when Internet and time allows it. :)

As well as stalking. . .oh I mean, visiting and commenting on the blogs!!

I have missed you all very much!!

I will be back to normal functioning soon!! :)

Got to head off and get my mid term finished!! :( TTFN

A Terrific Waste Of Time!!

We all have endless amounts of time to waste. . . right?!

Well, here are some more ways to waste that time.

THEY ARE FREE!!!! ahhhhh!! Music to my ears!! I am a sucker for free things!!

Build-a-lot

Jewel Quest II

The Scruffs

Big Kahuna Reef

I hate to admit this, but Ryan and I were up all night playing "The Scruffs." It was so addicting!!

Let me know if you love the games!! Also, let me know if you like getting these bargain notifications!!

Consider this my Valentine's present to you all!! :)

Happy 9 Years Of Wedded Bliss To My Hubby!!

Hated my dress. . .loved my Date!! :)

NINE YEARS!!!! I seriously feel old. It doesn't seem like we should be married for nine years!!! It feels like maybe three or four years ago was our wedding!!??

I am not feeling very creative right now. . .so this is going to be simple and sweet. To see fun and creative posts go here and here.

I can honestly say that this hasn't been the easiest life for Ryan and I. I wish that I could give him the life that he deserves. I know that he has made my life so much better. I truly love him with all my heart!! I am excited to be with him for Eternity!! He is my best friend and Secret Keeper. Not a day goes by that I don't want to be right by his side. He makes me laugh. He comforts me when I am sad or had a bad dream. He is absolutely the BEST!! I love my Ryan!!

Happy Anniversary to my Sweet, Loving, Adorable, Funny, Husband!!! I love you Ryan!! Sorry I am sick on our Anniversary!!

Heather Dumpty

Warning: This is another pity post.

Heather Dumpty sat on a wall.
Heather Dumpty had a great fall.
All the King’s horses and all the King’s men,
Couldn’t put Heather Dumpty back together again.

I am broken. I have no confidence. My self esteem is shattered. I am a failure.

Ryan and I have spent the last 14 months going through infertility treatments (not to mention the previous 6+ years of this battle). The only thing I have to show for it is a bruised stomach and bum, a sharps container filled with needles, a depleted bank account, a bloated and sore body, a medicine cabinet that would impress a pharmacist, hormone acne, cottage fever, a dirty house, and the hardest of all … my aching empty arms. I am in major physical and emotional pain. I am a disappointment to myself and my family (even though Ryan disagrees).

We have decided to take our hat out of the ring. We are done. I think coming to terms with the fact that I will never have children will be harder than going through another miscarriage. But we have tried just about everything that we are open to trying. There comes a point where we need to say enough is enough . . . we can’t force something to happen.

I have had an inner battle with God over this subject. I questioned Him. I felt that it was harder to believe in Him knowing He is the one choosing this life for me. I am forever haunted by the “what ifs” and “why not’s.” Why would a loving God do this to us? Then I realized that I have a lot to be thankful for. I have a beautiful earth that I have been blessed enough to visit and see. I have a great family and wonderful friends. Best of all . . . I have an amazing compassionate husband that loves me. It may be rough right now . . . but I think I have it pretty good in this life. God does love me. My pains are His pains.

My very wise father told me that I might have a lesson that God is trying to teach me. I didn’t want to listen at the time. I figured I had learned it already. I was very wrong. I need to learn this lesson. It may be a lesson that will, in the end, help me come to terms with being childless, or maybe it will lead to us being parents. Either way I am looking forward to getting through this.

Also, Ryan and I have been through a lot. Please understand that we may not be open to discuss other alternatives or change our minds about trying to have a “family.” I am fine discussing the situation. I just hope that people will be respectful of our decision and have tact when talking with or about us.

One more thing. I have faith that I will be able to be with my children again. In the next life I will have the chance to raise them. They were very real and very much alive prior to the miscarriages. I have felt them live and I have seen their heartbeat. If your belief is different than mine then please keep it to yourself.

I am going to get better. This pain and sorrow will not be what defines me!! I only share this with you so that you might find the same strength that I am trying to find. I believe that everyone has obstacles to overcome. No one has it harder or easier than another. I still feel like I have a long way to go until I am able to function again. So if I am distant, sad, or not social, please understand that I am really struggling right now.

On that same note, I am going to get my life back this year. Ryan and I will go on our fun vacations again. I will lose all this weight I gained from having to take it easy. I am going to run a ½ marathon. Hopefully I will survive a half marathon . . . :)! I will finally be able to live without having to worry each month that I will kill another one of my babies.

Hopefully this will be my last pity party post, but I can’t promise anything.

There. I have said my piece. How was your holiday?

Need self storage or a moving truck?

After my last post I realized that I should offer a couple discounts that I have access to.

First, for anyone in any state, we rent Penske trucks and can likely reserve you a truck at a lower price than you'll find anywhere else (Uhaul, Budget or even other Penske dealers). I'm pretty confident of that. You don't have to pick up the truck from our facilities; however, if it's an option then we can usually get you an even better deal that way. This offer includes people in Utah or wherever else people read Heather's blog. A little side note on Penske trucks vs. Uhaul. Penske trucks are usually newer and better maintained. Additionally, they are cheaper after you factor in all the costs. Even if you choose not to take advantage of my offer, at least use Penske (online with the AAA discount will save you the most).

Next, for those who are within driving distance of Long Beach or Hawthorne, California (near LAX) and could benefit from a self storage unit, let me know. Again, we can make you a better deal than you'll get anywhere else. There is no need to pay more than you have to and we have some of the nicest places in town.

Finally, if you need a referral for a mover in Southern California, I have a good one. He's not the cheapest but he's reasonable and very good.

Don't be afraid to use me for any of these offers. I'm happy to help if you need it. It really is not a hassle. Just email or call (or post a comment on the blog).

That's all. Sorry to those who get tired of reading my posts which are usually about "deals." I don't like to overpay for things and don't hate to see others do it either.

Know a good plumber, roofer, window washer, etc?

As some may know, my family owns and operates two self storage facilities. We are always in search of good commercial contractors for various trades. Right now we are very happy with the electrician and concrete person that we use, so that is the only trades we don't need a referral on. All of the rest I would consider switching if they did quality work and charged a reasonable price.

Does anyone have friends or family (or anyone else that you can refer) that is licensed to do commercial work? I'd love to be able to serve our needs and help out a reader of Heather's blog.

Some of the trades we are looking for include, but are not limited to, plumbing, landscaping, heating & air conditioning, roofing, pest control, finish carpentry, painting, flooring & tile work, locksmith, door repair, welding, banners & signs, and general handymen. Basically, we have need for almost every trade and one time or another. The plumber and electrician will get a lot of business from us this year (unfortunately). Keep in mind that they need to work in the LA & Orange County, California markets.

Thanks for your help. Also, let me know if you every need a referral for any of these trades. You may get a better deal with our referral.