A lot of changes have been happening behind the scenes and I'm so happy to share those changes with you.

After years of sitting in my computer, I FINALLY added many new photoshoots to my Clientele section.
Be sure to check out the photoshoots section for Family and Events. And you'll see a lot of new stuff there. ;)

I still have a lot of photoshoots to add. Like stuff for couples, graduations, senior portraits, family shoots and so on. So over the next few weeks/months, my goal is to add all of that content. It is long over due, but I'm excited to finally have a start on it.

Something I have wanted to do for many years (since I was a teenager) was to produce my own music.
I didn't know what style I would have, as I was obsessed with several genres, but I knew I wanted to produce my own music.
I had been writing since I was a child. I stopped for a few years and picked it back up when I was a teenager.
It was my way of expressing myself when I was in a dark place. I was struggling with low self-esteem, bitterness, depression and even suicidal thoughts. Writing poetry and songs was my escape. A way to let it all out.

As I got older, I started to look into what it would take to make my own music. I either had to buy expensive programs and teach myself how to make music or buy a Mac laptop just to use Garage Band, which I thought was ridiculous.
So I came to the conclusion that it wasn't something I wasn't going to be able to do at that time. I set that dream aside but continued to write when I was inspired.

Fast forward to over 15 years later, I got inspired to make a song for Caleb. (My "at the time" boyfriend)
I had written a song for him but I wanted original music to go with it. I looked into hiring someone on fiverr to make the backtrack for me. But when I started to estimate the cost, it was climbing into the hundreds. I thought surely there's a cheaper alternative.

I turned to YouTube in hopes of finding an instrumental track that I could bend my lyrics too. And to my surprise, I unlocked a new level of YouTube that I did not know existed!

Music producers were putting their tracks out there, for FREE! Free to use music!

If you wanted to stream the music, you could purchase a license. But for personal use (like uploading to youtube or soundcloud) the tracks were free to use.

I was so excited! I spent hours and hours listening to tracks by different producers, hoping to find the right fit for the song I wrote for Caleb. I found one that I loved, but found so many more I could see myself using for other songs I had written.

Suddenly, it wasn't just about one song for Caleb, but I started to think on a bigger scale.

What if I could FINALLY produce my music!? My songs!

After years of them sitting in my computer, and being read on my website, what if I could record my vocals to music and people actually listen to my words rather than just read them?

It was so refreshing to feel an old dream wake from a long slumber. I'm not a great singer and by no means want fame, but to pursue music as a hobby and another form of creating art, sure! Why not!?

I need a new microphone that has better quality, but I have managed to record one song. I posted it to Youtube. Which you can listen to here. If you dare.

It felt uncomfortable to me to sing it because I was trying to copy a male singer. This is an original song wrote by me, but the music is from a famous band "Keane. It's their song "Somewhere Only we know" but I wrote a song to their music called "Something Only We Know". A song about a relationship I had back in 2017. I loved how my lyrics fit with their music. And 5 years later, I finally recorded to it. It was fun but I definitely want to start working on projects where I am starting from scratch. Not copying someone else's singing style. But for now, it will serve as an ice breaker.

As I mentioned in a previous post, I had a new boyfriend. But as I mentioned in this post, I referred to Caleb as my "at the time" boyfriend. Meaning it is past tense.

I won't go into detail because it's in the past. But yes, I broke up with him.

I hated to do it, but it was the best thing for me to do. I feel so much better and happier AND healthier. And I'm also more inspired. I'm doing more of what I love and that's a wonderful feeling.

In the words of Shania Twain "It was good while it lasted, but now I'm past it."
I'm moving forward.

I have lots of plans to travel this year and make music. I hope to get back into photography, but if not I definitely plan to film. I have so many videos I want to make. But that will come later.
I have a lot of plans and goals. I feel like I can never get it all done. But I'm going to try my best too.
Or at least prioritize which is most important to get done first.

Thank you so much for reading and visiting my website!
Have a wonderful day.
-Lady

First off, I want to say that FOUR NEW photoshoots have been added to the Prom page.
Click here to check out these four NEW photoshoots.
(Link will open in a new window.)

As I said in my previous post, I wanted to get back to updating the website. I have SO much content that needs  to be added.
So every day, I am taking one page and adding content to it. I recently went through my entire website and wrote down every thing that needed to be added. The Prom page was the first to be updated. Other pages are soon to follow. So hopefully soon, there will be tons of new content for you to see.

I also shared previously about how my part time job was becoming a burden to me. That's usually a sign it's time to leave.
After much prayer and consideration, I did put in my 2 weeks notice. And as of June, I was full time with my business.
However, I still needed a part time job to help pay my bills.

Around the time I had resigned, I was at a Graduation party for one of my clients/friends.
I was speaking with the Father (of the Client) when he told me about DoorDash. Sure, I heard about it. But is it really that great?
I decided to pursue it, at least to get me by. And four months later, I'm still doing it and I LOVE IT!
It's perfect for me because of the flexibility. I can go out of town at any time I need too. I can schedule photoshoots or be booked for weddings at any time and my job will not get in the way. I can also take time off for my family and other Clients when they need me.
Which brings me to my next point....

I mentioned in my last post to stay tuned for some news. I'm sorry for the wait, but here's the expansion.. Or, "New Service"...

I've honestly been house sitting (or really, "pet sitting") for 5 years now. Word of mouth traveled about me to different people needing someone to look after their pets. Before I knew it, I had built a list of clientele. I'm very blessed and happy these people have used me and some on a regular basis. I thought it would be interesting to open it up to other people. Perhaps people who book me for photshoots or weddings would also want me to look after their dog or cat?
I have been abundantly booked this year already leading into 2023. But there are openings for 2023. I will post this service and details about it, along with pricing on the "Services" page. But until then, I'll just leave this here for any inquiring minds.

Yes, youtube videos are still in the works. As are TikToks.
My Prices page is next on the list to be updated. Sorry for the wait, but it is soon to come.
And as far as everything else, things have slowed down because...1. I've been focusing on a wedding video for a client.
But also 2. I have a man in my life now!

Caleb has been such a dream. We recently did a photoshoot on the beach. (These are pics we took with his phone.) And yes, a lot of my time has been going to him. This is new territory for me. Figuring out how to manage my time between work and having a man in my life. It's been wonderful and I'm excited to see where this goes. But I do have so much work I need to play catch up on. Hoping to get it all done before Christmas. But we'll see.

If you're one of the many who checks this page regularly, thank you! You're amazing. If you're reading this right now, thank you. I'd love to hug you. I hope you have a wonderful day. Thank you (again) for checking in to see what's new.

As I upload new content and update pages, I will make posts here and say what's been updated.

I hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a very Merry Christmas.
With love,
-Lady

Before I jump into what I've been up to, I just want to say thank you!
It's been TWO YEARS since I've updated this part of my website. And frankly, I'm embarrassed. And I apologize. BUT! I want to say thank you for the sudden growth in views that I've had.
A lot of those views have been coming here!
I'm so grateful that you are wondering what's "new" or "what's next?"
That's why you came to this page, right?
So thank you to the influx of viewers that I've recently received. And for those who have been looking at this page, I'm about to drop some updates for you!

Since I last updated this area, (which was forever ago) I had just quit my job to take some time off and look for a new job. During my "vacation" people began to hire me for different odd end jobs. My "vacation" time began to grow.
What was only supposed to be 2 weeks without a job, became 2 months without a job.
I was getting work and getting paid to do the work. I was making enough to meet my needs, but I had no clue from week to week where my next paycheck was going to come from. It was scary. I definitely had to trust God to take care of me and provide for me during that time, but He did. I learned to trust Him to take care of my finances.
Eventually, someone asked me to house sit for a lady who is a retired school teacher. She was in the process of losing her husband of 40+ years of marriage.  They were both school teachers and they have both touched the lives of many.  (Their names will not be mentioned for privacy purposes.) Of course, I didn't know this at the time. I was simply helping take care of their house and dog. 
After he passed, She asked me to come back and help clean and do things for her.
7 months later, I'm still very active in her life and am helping her do many things.
This has been my part time job since August of 2019, and I absolutely LOVE IT!
We are in the process right now of preparing for a big event in memory of her husband.
I've learned so much about these amazing people, and continue to learn more about them. It has been a privilege to have this part time job. It's been so rewarding in more ways than I can express. I'm truly blessed.

This year so far, I've:

• filmed (and photographed) a wedding
• started booking facials for Mary Kay again (I am SO excited to get back at it)
• planned to do a 28 days of yes! challenge (where I do 28 things I've never done before, in honor of my 28th birthday)
• Completed a 2020 challenge (20 days of 2 sets of 20 reps. So it's 20/20)
• Completed a "Body Love" Challenge (look up Cassey Ho "Body Love" challenge, it's great.)
• I'm planning on creating a photo/video series, called "Series: Inspiration"
  
• I've received some graphic orders, so I'll have some new stuff to show soon.

I'll share more about the "Series: Inspiration" later.
So far this year, I've kept myself busy.

I've been doing a lot of research and learning about how to run your business effectively. How to market, how to advertise, how to make money, etc. It's been very educational and interesting to learn.  I feel like I've learned a lot, but now I'm trying to apply it all.
One of the things I've been learning about is to simplify your website and how it looks. Make it easy for Clients to understand what it is you do and how you can help them. Why they should choose you, and how you're going to benefit their lives.
So to help convey all of this, I've decided to:

• Simplify my website
• De-clutter content
• Showcase my work immediately upon visiting the site
• Simplify page content. (Like the About Me section. Wayyyy too many words)
  
• & more
  

All of this will take time. It's a process, but I'm hoping to make my sight look cleaner, more professional and make it easier to navigate. I want my Clients to see what they need to see more quickly. Not jumping through hoops or looking around aimlessly.

It's a lot of content because I make a lot of stuff, but I can help my Clients find what they need to know and find it quickly.

You heard me. I'm planning on giving away more "free photoshoots". I LOVE giveaways. I've been so busy lately that it hasn't been a priority, but I really would love to start having more photoshoot giveaways. It's really great for people who are on a budget and feel like they can't afford a photoshoot. It's also good for me because people are more motivated to volunteer themselves as my models, and I will get to add more to my portfolio.
If you would like to enter any of these "giveaways" follow me on my facebook page. Facebook.com/Ladymusicc

Since my last post, (LAST YEAR) a LOT has happened...

• In December I was able to travel to Tennessee to film and take pictures at a wedding.

 It was such a privilege to be there to witness everything. And to see my friends again. They let me stay with them in this huge, beautiful cabin on top of a mountain. It was lovely. And such a fun time. And I enjoyed the road trip. It was my first time driving so far by myself. It was an an awesome experience.
However, Since the beginning of 2019,....

• I took pictures for my Nephew's 1st birthday party.
• Edited the pictures I took from the wedding back in December
• Created the Wedding film "Promise"

  Along with other videos that would go onto the DVD.

• The Short Film
• The Gag Reel

     And Extras..

• The Bride + Groom Enter the Room
• Camren Plays a song
• Karaoke Fun
• Ninja Warrior
• Dance Fever
• Corinne Says A Prayer
• "Four"gotten videos
• I made them a photo album with my favorite pictures from the wedding.
• I also created the artwork for their DVDs.

 Whew! There was a lot that went into this project. But I loved it and have enjoyed it.
 Besides that, I also...

• Made a promotional video for soon to be Missionaries, Heath & Camilla Jackson
• Made graphics for the annual POWER Conference
• Did usual maintenance for a Client's website
• And made a Graduation Video for a Church
• And also continuing to do Mary Kay Appointments.

Besides all of this, I FINALLY had the money to buy myself a new camera. His name is Troye.
I was able to do a photoshoot recently of my friend Cassie to get some practice with it. And the shots turned out beautiful! It was so much fun exploring this abandoned church. Her shirt matched the pews! It was completely unexpected and unplanned. But it all worked out beautifully. I recently also took pictures at a formal event my church was having. I got some beautiful shots, I must say. So that was the 2nd time I got to use Troye.

The biggest thing I've done this year is...
I quit my job as an extended care preschool teacher.
I love working with children. But the schedule I had was not allowing me to do the things I love.
And there wasn't a better schedule to take. So I knew I needed something different. Something that would allow me more time to work on things for clients, but also give me more opportunities to meet with clients. Instead of telling Clients that we can meet in the morning or at night, this will allow me to give them a LOT more options. And I'm very excited about this.

It was very hard to walk away from these precious souls that I have taken care of and loved. But I have felt peace through it all. And I'm thankful God has helped me through this transition.
I felt like I've waited so long for this moment, and it's finally here. I took my time as I clocked out for the very... last... time. I stood and looked at the room I've worked in for the past 2 years. The lights out and nothing but the sunlight shining in the room through the window. I reminisced at all the sweet, funny memories I had witnessed. All the children that my heart had fallen for. And thought about all the rough things I had faced, and all the stress I had endured. And how it made me stronger and bolder and tougher. It made me see that I can handle more than I know. But only because I leaned on God to get me through, day after day after day.

I left that room grateful for everything I had learned and everything I had experienced.
And almost in disbelief that it was all over. That I finally reached the end of this chapter and am now starting a new chapter.
I told my co-worker/friend that it didn't seem to sink in that I wouldn't be seeing these sweet,  little faces anymore. It didn't feel real. And while I will miss them, I am very excited to do something new. And create a life that I really want for myself.

I have a lot planned for my website and businesses that I want to do. And I will start executing these ideas over the next month or so. I'm so excited to put more time into my website. It needs some TLC. I'm so excited for the things that are to come. I'm hoping they are good things.

Thank you to all for visiting.
-LM

This month, the only work I did as far as photography or videography goes, was I did Prom pictures. And they turned out fabulous! (I think.) It was a race against the rain. But it finally stopped raining and we were able to relax a bit and take our time with the poses. I'll be posting those soon.

Wedding Film - "Always & Forever"
I FINALLY finished a wedding movie for my dear friend Sydni McAllister. Through a series of events, it delayed the project. It only took me 2-3 weeks to make her wedding film. But it took a whole year to get to work on it. Her wedding was March 11th, 2017. It was finished a few weeks before their anniversary. I worked on it some here and there throughout the year. But the most work was in these past few months.

This has been such a huge project for me. It's been a 14 month long journey.
And honestly, I've loved it.
I have appreciated the opportunity to make a wedding movie. And to make it for my good friend Sydni, at that. But also to make the other things that come with that.

• A Full length film (which would be burned to a DVD)
• An Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Music from the movie)
• Artwork for the DVD menu
• As well as artwork for the DVD itself

  Not to mention all the extra content on the DVD.

• A Gag Reel
• An "Extras" Menu that has:
• A Highlight Reel
• A Behind the Scenes video (with a deleted scene)
• A Music Video (Cha, Cha Slide)
• And a Scene Selection Menu
• And also a "Short Film" version of the movie.

At this point, everything is done. All the DVD's for her family have been burned, packed and are soon to be shipped. A total of 13 DVDs was made. (14, if you count the one I made for myself)

At this point, I'm in the process of mailing them out.
I mailed Sydni her DVD, as well as some CD's with pictures I took from her rehearsal day and wedding day. I also sent her the soundtrack, all in one package. I then mailed her a surprise poster that has her and Michael's vows on it. I can't wait for her to get it and see her reaction.

I also mailed out a DVD to Josh Vest. My friend who filmed along side me. The whole thing was his idea. I just made it happen. But it was a privilege to get to work with him. I'm grateful he trusted me with his footage. I hope he likes overall what I did with his work and how I blended my footage with his.

So much has happened since I last posted a blog entry.

I have created a wedding movie for a client of mine. Still waiting for her to finalize everything. But I'll be shipping that to her soon.
I was booked for a weekend to do mini-session photoshoots for a few different people. It was going to be out of town. I was super excited for the road trip and the opportunity to work with people outside my local area. But the entire event was cancelled and reschedule for a weekend in March. It was a huge disappointment. Especially because of all my hard work and preparation I put into it. But things happen. And you just have to roll with it.

I've been focusing on buying things for photoshoots. Props and things for effects, like reflectors. And still keeping all my pages updated. Including the site. Just added a new header. (finally) it had said "Happy New Year" for far too long. I like the new header.

I have a photoshoot coming up in March of twin babies. It's their 1st Birthday. I'm super excited. It's going to be incredibly cute. I'll give some hints: Pearls, cupcakes, pastel colors.
I can't wait to execute this and post pictures.

Still working my part time job as a K3 Extended Care teacher. Staying busy with that. So a lot is happening,. It's mostly little things. Preparation for things to come. Trying to buy things I need for upcoming events. Things like that.

I just purchased a car decal for my car window that says my name and information on it. It's really pretty! Or at least, I think so. I'm super excited about adding that to the back of my car. I'm hoping it will give me some more attention. And help spread the word about my business. Since I'm in traffic every day. Free advertising!! Yeah!!
I've also been getting a lot of instagram followers which is awesome. I even got some more on facebook. So I have been getting more attention. Which is good for business. Hopefully some of those followers will be people who would like to hire me. We'll see. Either way, it's just nice for people to see my work and support it. I'm grateful for that. Always.

As things progress, I'll try to post more. Especially as events are booked.
Thank you for visiting and reading my posts.
Have a good weekend.