Wow, it's been a long time since I updated my blog, and for that, I apologize. First, I got really sick with two nasty ear infections and a sinus infection that just wouldn't go away. I had shots and antibiotics and decongestants and the whole bit. After several weeks, I finally started feeling better again. Then I had Lasik surgery on my eyes and took a few days off from the computer.

So if you were waiting on me for anything, I'm still playing catch-up. Hopefully it won't be long before everything is back on track!

I hope you are all enjoying this weekend. It was a rare snowfall here in Kingston Springs. Apparently areas south of us, like Columbia, Murfreesboro, and Pulaski all got about 6 inches of the fluffy white stuff, but we only got a little over an inch here. I love snow, so I am dissappointed we didn't get more! Kelly is baking Rosemary bread, I am updating blogs and Facebook, and the cats are snoozing. It's a lovely weekend! Thought I would share a few snapshots I took this morning before the snow melted.

Oh, and a shout out to my wonderful mom, who is 71 years old today--Happy Birthday, Mom!

Ayla

Nate and Joanna welcomed baby Ayla into the world ten days ago. Here's a sneak peak from today's session. Isn't she adorable?!

I live in the South. I have lived in the South my entire life. It's pretty warm in the South most of the year. Our summers are blazing hot, with humidity levels that turn the air to steam and your hair to a giant frizz-ball. You clothes stick to your skin within seconds of walking outside. It's hard to breath sometimes because there is so much moisture in the air. In the winters, we rarely see snow. It gets damp and rainy, overcast and chilly, but rarely COLD.

Well, this week is definitely one of those rare occasions. It actually got down to ZERO degrees last night. It's only about 20 degrees right now. And it will get down to 10 degrees tonight. We haven't been above freezing in 2 days, and won't until sometime on Sunday. They closed schools all over Middle Tennessee because of the frigid temperatures.

So how do you spend a day when it's too cold to step outside? With Peppermint Hot Chocolate, warm slippers, and a good book! Preferably with my cat curled up beside me--but he's a little moody today. Global Warming? Yeah, right.

Parrish + Aleah

We braved the cold this morning for a downtown shoot. It was 36 degrees and heavily overcast--which made for great lighting! Our first stop was Starbuck's for peppermint hot chocolate and some pastry. Then Rebekah and I took the girls down near the main branch of the library and shot for about an hour before the girls were too cold to continue. Here are few of the shots from my camera...

After shooting, we headed over to Red Robbin for some delicious bacon cheeseburgers and chicken bruschetta, which warmed us up nicely!

I hope everyone had a merry Christmas, and safe travels! My husband, daughter and I spent the holiday with my parents in Germantown, TN. My younger brother lives just a few minutes from our parents, so he was with us as well. My older brother and his family are in Florida, and they like to stay at their own home for Christmas while the kids are young, but we did get to speak with everyone on the phone. It was a pleasant, low-key day, with a fantastic meal--grilled beef tenderloin, some fantastic mashed potatoes, carrots, and asparagus. My dad is the only one in the whole family who likes turkey, so we rarely do the traditional menu for holidays. That beef tenderloin was way better than any turkey!

Thought I would share a few snapshots of our day, and let you know the Lifestyle Images will remain on holiday until January 12th. I want to enjoy what little time I get to see my daughter while she is home from college in Honolulu. I hope you all spend plenty of time with your loved ones this holiday season as well.

Have a safe and happy new year!

Giving Is Awesome!

Thank you all so much for your time and thoughtfulness in nominating families for my custom photography giveaway this Christmas season. I received several powerful and beautiful stories of truly inspiring and deserving people that have been or are going through a season of life I can only imagine, and so choosing a single family for this gift was incredibly difficult. I have selected the family, but will need their permission before I can post their names and story on my blog. I am waiting to hear back from them, but with it being Christmas Eve, that may not happen for a couple of days!Please know that I wish I could provide photography for every person/family that desired it, and I - and other photographers - hope to be able to do this giveaway many more times in the future to bless all those that have suffered or sacrificed so much. Unfortunately with all the entries it was not possible to get to everyone, and while I may not have selected your nominee this time, I'm hopeful that I might be able to do so in the future. I will announce any future giveaways like this one on the blog, so please check back from time to time.

Again, thank you for your generosity and compassion in making the effort to send in your touching story. May your Christmas and the new year be full of peace, joy and prosperity.

God bless,
Barbie

Giving Is Awesome!

A photographer friend of mine came up with this idea and encouraged other photographers to give back this Christmas also. Thank you Kristen for such a cool idea and for allowing all of us to do the same in our own way...

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 – it's in your power to give them the artwork they deserve this holiday season. The winner will receive a custom portrait session, a coffee table session album, and a 20x24 wall portrait.

Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a $200 print credit. 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-home does not qualify as sincere financial need.)

The nominee must reside in the Nashville or Memphis area. 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.

Comment on this blog entry to let me know you've entered, and e-mail me the full story: barbie@barbieschwartz.com. Please put Gift Nominee in the Subject line.

The winner will be announced on Christmas Eve...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.

If the family you would like to nominate is not in the Nashville or Memphis area, please visit the Giving Is Awesome website to find a participating photographer in their area.