Setting off Alarms

It happened again. I walked out of the second store only to leave in my wake the annoying beeping sound that tells all around that a shoplifter has exited the store. Only, I hadn't bought anything much less stole something! I looked down at myself to make sure there wasn't some scarf stuck to my sweater or a bracelet that had dropped into my purse. Nope, nothing.  Looking up, I saw a lady give me a nasty look that said "How dare you walk free among the good and upright.  People like you belong in jail!" It was then that I remembered what I had discovered earlier in a dressing room. You may have noticed that many stores nowadays have their alarms sensors built into the clothing in little tags that you cut off when you get home. Well, it seems that I had forgotten to cut off one of those tags on a sweater that I had bought awhile back and was now wearing. Oops! So I ran to the store I had purchased it from, told them my sad tale, and cut it off once and for all! I left the store laughing at myself. And then went on to enjoy the rest of my day and avoid the lady that wanted to see me in cuffs. Oh Lydia, what a life you live!

If you aren't embarrassed to be seen with me after that shopping episode, I will be in San Diego this coming Monday-Wednesday, November 16-18, offering Just Because portrait sessions!  These can be for seniors, families, engagements, just-got-braces-off, facebook...pretty much any reason at all!  Drop me a line to reserve your spot!

Just Because | Emi

You don't really need a good reason to have a portrait session, but graduating without one would be a crime.   Emi is a 2010 senior in Loyalton and long time friend from Christian Youth In Action camp.  If you can't tell from the pictures, she is one of the sweetest, most outgoing people I know!

This was her grandfather's blanket before he passed away.  I love how Emi brought things to her session that were special and just so...her!

Fall...the most wonderful time of the year!

She's a Braves fan through the thick and thin.

Ah, these are my favorite!  Old books...Emi has awesome taste!

Ready for college, no?

The red name tag is a tribute to all the years spent at Christian Youth In Action camp--she's logged a lot of hours at that camp!

Contact Lydia | View Portfolio

Live out Love

I love reading Bianca's blog, in the name of love, because she encourages me to live out my faith authentically and with passion.  She's able to write in such a way that touches your heart while keeping it real.  So it was no surprise that I thought of her when I heard about the Dentistry From the Heart program.

Tomorrow, all across Nevada County, residents with limited income and in need of dental work can receive free dental care.  Each patient can choose one of three procedures: a filling, an extraction, or a cleaning.  If you're in the area, please come on by!  It's not about getting new patients or free advertising.  It's all about taking care of our own and living out love.

When: Saturday, October 31, 2009 from 8am to 3pm

Where: 563 Brunswick Road, Grass Valley

If you have any questions, call 530.274.4442

A Look Into the Past: My Grandpa

I can't remember exactly how our conversation turned toward the topic, but as we drove along in the car, my two friends began to proudly share how their grandfathers had fought in World War II. They had every reason to be proud. It is to brave men like those that we owe our freedom.

As they spoke, my thoughts turned toward my own grandpa. It was in June 1942, on his 12th birthday, that he and his family were herded into a train and taken to an internment camp near the Oregon border. I can't even imagine the pain of having to leave everything you know behind and being treated like the enemy. I'm proud of him. For enduring, for not becoming bitter, for going on to live the American life.

Last month we sat around looking at old pictures. I laughed until I cried as I listened to my grandpa read thank you letters he had his children write to their soon-to-be step-mom. I saw pictures of the great-grandparents I had never met, of my dad's mother who died when he was quite young, and of cousins, aunts, and uncles. I had heard stories about different people and places, but it wasn't until I could see their faces for myself that they truly became alive to me. This is why I do what I do. It's not just for us today; it's for our children and children's children. So that they too can look back, be proud of their heritage, and pass on the stories of bravery and courage to the next generation.

Though somewhat blurry and dark, these pictures, taken at the internment camp, show another side of my grandpa that I had never seen.

My grandparents looking stylish back in the 1950s.