Well, it’s here.  CHRISTMAS!  This time of year always seems to sneak up on me.

In effort to spend some awesome quality time with my little one this year, I will be closed until January 5th. I’m hoping to spend time doing some wonderful creative projects to celebrate the season.  Do a little baking.  All those things to really bring Christmas “home” in the next few days.

I’ve received some amazing submissions for the “Giving Is Awesome” program and now It is Christmas Eve and time to announce the winner of the Giving is Awesome Contest! Thank you for all of your Nonimations. Here is the winning letter  -

The Kinnee Family,

I am nominating my friends The Kinnee’s (Johnny, Shelly, Brendan, Trevor, Ethan, Alexandra).  They truly have had a hard year.  At the beginning of the housing boom, they had bought a new home that was being built to fit there large family, while trying to sell the home they were living in.  They moved into their new home and there old home foreclosed.  Johnny lost his job twice this year, he works in construction and because of the economy he was laid off 2 times.  Shelly is a stay at home mom to her 4 children, and she babysits 2 other kids.  This Christmas season is hard for them because Johnny has been picking up odd jobs here and there, and hasn’t worked more then 3 days a week in a month.  They never do anything for themselves, they always think about their children.  Their twins (Ethan and Alexandra) just had their 4^th birthday, and they couldn’t afford to give them a party to celebrate.  Johnny’s bday is in 2 weeks, and they won’t be celebrating.  Then, there is Christmas…..  They already have explained that this year is really tight to the kids.  They have NEVER had Custom photography and I think because they are concentrating so much on “Family” and “Love” this year that they really deserve it.  I am not very good at explaining things and I hope whoever reads this gets what I’m talking about.  The Kinnee’s are unselfish and deserve to have wonderful pictures done for them.

If they win, I know I receive $300 as well, but I would also like for you to give that to someone else who needs it.

Sincerely,

Lacey Livaudais

Photographers from all over the world have been challenged by a fellow photographer, Kristen Kalp of Essential Imagery, to offer an amazing gift this Christmas season and I could not pass up this opportunity. Times are tough right now and this is one way that I can make a difference this season.

For many people, this is an exciting time of year-the hustle and bustle, the shopping and gift giving, holiday parties and spending time with loved ones. For some, it’s a struggle and a painful reminder of hard times.

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 – $1000 worth, to be exact. Whether it’s canvas or albums, prints for Grandma, or a slideshow to watch over and over, it’s in your power to give them the artwork they deserve this holiday season.

Oh, and the best part? The person who nominates the winner receives a $300 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.

* The nominee must reside in Arizona. 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.

* You must e-mail me the full story : artisticalinspiration@gmail.com

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.

With love,

Amber

There are many more photographers participating in this awesome give away.  Want to nominate someone in another state.  Check out www.givingisawesome.com to find a photographer in that area!!