Winter Market

I just finished the "Fancy! and Friends Winter Market" at the Edmond Museum. It was the first year for the show, but I thought that it seemed to go smoothly! I met several great vendors, potential clients, and got to reunite with some old neighbors that I grew up with. :) I also got to brag about OpLove and all our recent publicity! I made several new contacts in that regards. And a big CONGRATULATIONS to Joy Murphy for winning my free family photo session during the event drawing! I look forward to hearing from you about our 2012 session!!!

Note to Miss Shandee: I received TONS of compliments on your photo! Numerous people said that it was such a great photo. Then they said, "She is just beautiful." Of course, I was very proud at that point because 1) it is a great photo, even if I do say so myself,  and 2) you are beautiful (which I already knew, but am so happy that I got to show others too). Then a few people commented on what I took as the Pièce de résistance...they asked, "Is that your daughter?" Really, OMG & LOL! I was very proud that it was my photo and very proud that I displayed your beauty in its truest form, but then to be complimented enough that they also thought I was your mom...WOW, that must mean that they think I'm pretty "easy on the eyes" too! I was on cloud nine for a few mins.  :)  Your parents must be sooo proud to have raised such a beautiful daughter - on the outside, but more importantly on the inside!

Luckily, my dad came to see me today, the 2nd day of the show, and helped me put my banner up. (It was too tall for the table and there was nothing to rope it to around the sides.) So, lots of scotch tape to the rescue!!!! My booth looked 100 times better with it up, but alas it fell about 10 minutes after daddy left. I tried everything to put it back in place but no luck!   :(

I do want to thank Kristin and Angel for inviting me to the market. It's been a few years since I agreed to do a show, but I was happy to be a part of this one! And to anyone that is in the market for an Event & Party Planner...check out their website here: Fancy Like That!. I also met a local lady that does some fabulous crochet (I got an awesome headband/ear cover thing), so I can hook you up if you are in the market!!!

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