Helping a Local Hero

It's not very often that I ask for help or post "help wanted" messages. I know I posted one a couple days ago about my friend Trey Allen and his Benefit Rodeo in Kansas at the end of May. Well, I was just notified about another friend in need and I can't help but share this with others.

Penney is a friend of our family and her son, Josh, has Cerebral Palsy. They have been entered into a Local Hero contest where the winner receives a custom Wheelchair Accessible Vehicle. The contest is based on the number of votes, so please take a minute to VOTE for her. The link is here: http://www.mobilityawarenessmonth.com/local-heroes and then search her name Penney Cartwright to support this great duo! Share it with everyone on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and more.

Guess Who's Back?!?

Yes boys & girls, I am finally back! Well, mostly anyway.  :)   There has been a ton of stuff going on these last several months, and I am finally getting everything squared away. I still don't have my home office unpacked or set up yet, but I am functioning. LOL. Here are some updates on what's new...

* I am on hiatus from OpLove sessions, and only accepting inquiries from previous/current clients. 
* I am in the middle of switching to a new proofing software. The current software will be eliminated on March 30, 2013. More details on the new system once I get it figured out.
* I am considering getting rid of my current business website and using this blog, with modifications, as my primary site. I'll keep you updated.
* New Business Addition coming soon - Pet Photography!
* Anyone in or know some around the Junction City, Kansas area? One of my friends, Trey Allen, was recently diagnosed with Mutiple Myeloma (cancer of the blood cells). They are having a Benefit Ranch Rodeo, Calf Fry, and Silent Auction on May 26th. If you can attend, donate, or even help spread the word...any & all help is greatly appreciated! I am trying to arrange my schedule to attend also. More info here: https://www.facebook.com/events/151051648392171/

TreyAllen

* And on a personal note, I am now a Grandma and a once-again Aunt. My granddaughter, Allyson Lynn, was born Dec 3, 2012. My nephew, Eli James, was born on my sister's birthday, March 7, 2013. Here are a few pics of my new sweeties!

Allyson Lynn Colter

Allyson Lynn Colter

Me, Allyson, & my son (her daddy) Peyton.

Oh, and here's a YouTube video of me & Allyson singing her favorite song, "You Are My Sunshine"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0CxTVBVsi04

My sister, Tina, & niece, Makayla

Makayla getting some mommy & baby brother love!

Announcing my nephew, Eli James!

Eli, deep in thought while snoozing

Big sister kisses for Eli from Makayla

I am sure there are a boatload of other notifications and updates that I need to post, but that's all I have for now. Thanks for staying true & hanging in there with me. TTYS!
- Ang

New Updates, Additions, Specials, & Promos...
First off, today May 1st, is the beginning of the official Military Appreciation Month. This coming Friday, May 4th, is also Military Spouse Appreciation Day. Be sure to thank these heroes (and their spouses who stand by them) for their service and sacrifices! It can be something simple like paying for their coffee at the local coffee shop or something more like paying for their family's dinner at the local restaurant. A tank of gas, a soda, or just a heartfelt handshake to say "Thank You". Our men and women in uniform, as well as their spouses, deserve the recognition!!!

And with that said, ANY member of the military - active, reserves, or retired from - is getting my own version of appreciation. Any portrait session booked for a military member in the month of May will be done 100% free of charge (LOL, that was a lot of "m"s). You don't have to be deploying or coming home from a deployment, as per the OpLove guidelines. This is my own biz offering you a gift to show my appreciation. In addition, you will receive a free sheet of wallet prints (8-poses) and 25% off anything you want to order. No purchase obligations or restrictions.  :)

Next up, my Senior Rep Recruiting. I am starting to recruit my Senior Reps for 2013. If you are an upcoming senior or know anyone who is, please pass along this info! Approved Senior Reps get a free session, free prints, discounts, and credits for each referral. I'm looking for outgoing and active students. For more info and the application, please visit my Senior Rep page linked from the top or click here: http://awilkesphoto.blogspot.com/p/seniors.html

One last thing...I have TONS of sessions to get caught up on posting. Please know that I am working as fast as I can on getting them onto my blog and other social media sites. As of right now, I am running about 2 weeks behind on just processing session pics. I promise to get you updated ASAP, but if I happen to miss you, please let me know!  :)

Thanks, hugs, and much love to my loyal clients and fans!!

Smiles in Edmond

Just before New Years, I had a mid-deployment session with Amy, Jeremy, and their 2 kiddos Kayley and Kobe. They were such a fabulous family to work with. Not only did they drive down from Enid to an Edmond Park for the session, but they also agreed to be a part of a local news story about my work with OpLove. Anyone that has had a news cameraman and reporter follow them during a photo session knows that it can be...difficult at times to focus on the task at hand rather than the people following you around. I always feel like I am looking over my shoulder to see what they are doing (no butt shots, please).   :)

Everyone was great! We took pics, did interviews, took pics, did interviews, and then took more pics. I brought a package of crackers, so I got to spend some alone time with Kayley and Kobe feeding the ducks while their parents were changing clothes. They are such sweet kids! When Amy & Jeremy were being interviewed, Kayley came over to give me a big hug and then looked up at me and smiled. I just about cried as my heart swelled with such happiness. I also got teary-eyed when Amy briefly cried during the interview. And watching the segment, that was the final straw for me. Tears were streaming down my face as I heard Jeremy & Amy talk about their appreciation of my dedication to my work with OpLove and my military families.

In case you missed the news segment, here is the link: Freedom 43 News. It originally aired on Freedom 43 on Dec 29, 2011. KFOR Channel 4 also re-aired the segment the following morning. I've posted a few of my fav pics from our session below:

To Jeremy, Amy, Kobe, & Kayley - you are all such an awesome family! I am happy that I was able to meet and photograph you all. Thank you so much for your service and dedication, not to mention your patience!!!

The "Welcome Home Tyler Ryan" event

On January 5, 2012, I was honored to be a guest at the "Welcome Home Tyler Ryan" event. It was hosted by Jay's Valet, Tyler's employer, in one of the suites at Remington Park in OKC. It was a surprise for Tyler, who suffered a tragic accident last November. He stopped to help a stranded couple change a tire, and his good works changed his life forever. As Tyler pulled a spare tire out of the trunk, an inattentive driver slammed into him. It crushed his lower body and pinned him between the two cars. Tyler underwent numerous surgeries which will forever transform his life. His lower body was so badly damaged, that it resulted in an above the knee amputation of his left leg; surgery to repair his right leg took rods in all major bones, and he also went through back surgery.

I met Tyler briefly a few years ago when taking promo photos for Jay's Valet. I remember him as being kind and a hard worker. Since the accident, Tyler has started a "movement" called Keep Moving Forward (www.keep-moving-forward.com). It is to inspire people that no matter what befalls you...to keep moving forward. They have bracelets and t-shirts that can be purchased with that logo to support his cause. Tim Tebow, the quarterback for the Denver Bronchos (my absolute fav NFL team), has been seen and photographed wearing the bracelets.

So back to the surprise event...it was fabulous! Tyler was shocked, and he sported nothing but smiles the entire evening. Of course, I brought my camera to snap pics of everything for Jay and Tyler. The country singer, Vince Gill, called during the event and spoke at length with Tyler. There was a wonderful dinner buffet of food, a cash bar, raffles, and more. It was nothing short of awesome to see such love and support! Here are a few pics from the event:

Tyler coming in to the surprise dinner.

Guests at the event.

Tyler's tattoo and several bracelets with his logo "Keep Moving Forward".

Tyler being presented a check for $22,500 that was raised for the Keep Moving Forward cause.

Tyler on speakerphone with country artist, Vince Gill. The owner of Jay's Valet, Jay Mills, is holding the phone.

  

Tyler expressing his thanks and appreciation to everyone.

For more information, please visit the following links:

Keep Moving Forward - www.keep-moving-forward.com

Jay's Valet - www.jaysvalet.com

Remington Park - www.remingtonpark.com

Christmas, News, & Updates

There are many things that I haven't blogged about yet, but it's the holidays so I've been a bit preoccupied. Here is the run-down version of what's been going on...

UPDATE: I am in the process of completely rebuilding my main website. I will no longer be using a "photographers template", but instead it will be built from scratch. I was originally going to launch it on Jan 1st, but alas I need it to be done sooner than that.  :(   With some new publicity (TV & newspaper) coming over the Christmas holidays in the OKC area, I want a fresh new look when potential clients stop by to visit.
UPDATE: In addition to a new main website, prices for certain sessions and products will be changing. Some higher, some lower, and some entirely new items. Print & product prices are only changing because of my lab updating their prices.
UPDATE: My Desired Assets boudoir website will likely launch over the next week, within days after Christmas. I am still building the gallery, but I hope for it to be 90% done when it goes public. The website link will be here: www.DesiredAssets.com
NEWS: Today, I interviewed with Bryan Dean of The Oklahoman newspaper. She is working on a story about my participation with OpLove. After the interview, she mentioned that she was hoping to have it run this weekend...on Sunday, Christmas Day, on the COVER of the Metro Family section. She's not sure if that will happen with it being such an important weekend, but she is hopeful. I am too, but I am truly grateful for any publicity about this wonderful org!
NEWS: I set up the interview & filming schedule for Freedom 43 (tv news in OKC). They will be filming interviews & part of my client session on Tuesday, Dec 27th at a local park. It is still unsure when it will actually air on tv, but myself and my clients are very excited.
CHRISTMAS: Just in case you hadn't noticed...Christmas is this weekend! I was so busy getting last minute client orders to the various labs that I totally spaced out on ordering my own business Christmas Cards. Once I sent in my own order, the lab politely responded that they won't be ready until AFTER Christmas. Grrrrrr on me! So for all intended good thoughts and holiday wishes, here is the design of the card that all my clients would have received.   :)

Check back soon for more updates and posts! Meanwhile, I personally want to wish all my clients, fans, and colleagues a VERY MERRY CHRISTMAS and a HAPPY NEW YEAR! Stay safe in your travels, and I look forward to seeing you next year!!!

Marines in Need...Can You Help?

I've posted several times about the Oklahoma 1st Battalion 25th Marines Weapons Company. One of the wives is an Oklahoma OpLove photographer. She has such strength to not only deal with her husband's deployment and being a single parent in his absence, but she is also photographing other military families going through the same things meanwhile!

So today, on behalf of a generous donation from Buy For Less grocery stores, I went shopping for care package items to send these guys. The items filled 4 paper sacks (so I was pleased) yet when laid it all out, it seemed so little for 17 men. Here's a pic of what I picked up today...

I am proud for my contribution, but I am asking for anyone willing and able to please donate any items or money for care packages to send these brave men. Here is a list of requested items:

boot liners/insoles
boot socks
batteries - AAA/AA/C
postage stamps in books or rolls
Zip-Lock freezer bags -assorted sizes
pre-paid phone cards
energy/protein/nutrional/power bars
cliff bars
sunflower seeds
trail mix (packaged & sealed)
coffee
tuna pouches
muscle milk
beef jerky
cans of soup
packed and sealed fruit
Dole fruit crisp
poptarts
cereal/milk & cereal/granola bars
peanuts/cashews/assorted nuts
small seasoning packs of salt & pepper
throat lozenges
drink mixes
  mio drink drops, instant coffee,
  presweetened gatorade/lemonade/koolade
Pringles (in the cardboard containers)
Dried fruit
Hormel complete meals
avon skin so soft
baby wipes-sealed packs not tubs
blistex/chapstick/carmex
Q-tips
toothpaste
eye drops
shampoo
dry shampoo
liquid body wash
hand sanitizer
deodorant
lotion
shaving cream
razors
small individual packs of kleenex tissues
aloe vera
lotrimin AF/anti-fungal creams for athletes foot
shower-to-shower powder
moleskin/Dr. Scholls pads for sore/blistered feet
band-aids / Neosporin
items to write letters home: envelopes, paper, pens, stamps; pocket-sized notebooks to write little notes while they're out on patrol

Also as of Tues, Sept 20th here is their hygiene allowance: "Today is the day that most Marines will start to take baby-wipe baths in lieu of community showers."

There is one main person cooking instant meals, over a man-made fire, for all 17-men. They have nothing to add as ingredients other than water. So, any instant mixes and meals that require nothing more than heat &/or water is also greatly appreciated (ie. pancake mixes).


If anyone has anything to donate, no matter how big or small, please let me know. I will come pick it up, if needed, to include in one of the monthly care packages. Thanks a million!  :)
- Ang

Help our Marine Corps

One of my beloved clients, who is also an OpLove photographer that gives back to other military families, has a hubby that recently deployed. She is hosting a "Dam Run" to raise money to buy and send care packages, specifically food, for the 18 Marines from Oklahoma's 1st Battalion, 25th Marines Anti-Tank Training Company Broken Arrow Reserve Unit.

Details...
Name: Operation: Dam Run
Date: Saturday October 20, 2011
Time: 7:00-11:00pm  (last registration at 9:59pm on Oct 20th)
Location: Canton Lake Dam @ Sandy Cove Beach in Canton, OK
Registration/Donations: http://www.active.com/running/canton-ok/operation-dam-run-2011

Even if you cannot attend, any donation amount is greatly appreciated. 100% of all donations and proceeds go directly to this Marine Unit! My hubby and I will be attending to support them (as walkers, not runners due to medical reasons), and to snap tons of pics of the entire event. If you can attend the event, or possibly even donate a dollar or two, it is sooooo greatly appreciated! Every little thing makes a difference! This is a very special event to help a few of our proudest men in uniform. Semper Fi!!!!
- Ang

 

A Family Reunited

Last week, I had the pleasure of going to Ft Sill, OK for one of our military homecoming ceremonies. The family is a previous client of mine from when I did Justin's pre-deployment session last June. It was such an honor to see him coming home. Amber and J.J. met me on base at 2:30am (yep, the ceremony was actually at 3am). J.J., who is about 5 years old, was sooo emotional! Before the soldiers arrived, he cried in disbelief that his daddy was actually coming home and clung to his "daddy doll". Finally, all the soldiers marched into the stadium. After a few quick words from the COs, they were dismissed. Everyone started running in every direction - searching and embracing their loved ones. We searched and searched the gym but couldn't find Justin. I called his cell phone repeatedly to find out where he was, but he never answered. Finally, Amber got a hold of him. Suddenly, like in a movie, the crowds parted and there he was! J.J. took off like a rocket and jumped into daddy's arms. Everyone started crying, including myself. It was an amazing homecoming that was full of tears and smiles and hugs...despite being in the wee hours of the morning. I even got a big hug from Justin in appreciation for coming to support his family. Just awesome!!! Here are a few pics from Justin's homecoming and his family finally reuniting.

 

 

Military Spouse Appreciation

Today is the day that we show our appreciation to the backbone and constant support that are behind the scenes of our military families...the spouses. That's right, it is Military Spouse Appreciation Day. These are the men and women that keep everything in order on the homefront, smile despite their worries, and give our military persons something to come home to. Their strength and tolerance, even despite the hardest of times, is to be admired by all. It's not easy being the spouse of service person with all the rules, the moving and change of duty stations, and especially the "not knowing" during deployments. Today is your day...enjoy it! Know that we are all thinking of you with the deepest gratitude, admiration, and love!

Here is a quick collage I put together of a few of the military spouses I have had the honor of photographing. You are all wonderful! And as always, my family will keep each of you in our thoughts and prayers.
- Ang