Merry, Merry!

I am so thrilled to have been able to participate in Giving is Awesome. I tried to keep up with the number of participating photographers but the number grew too quickly, which speaks volumes. The final total: 486 photographers are giving $519,994 worth of custom portraiture to deserving families. Now, how's that for making the world a more beautiful place?

I was humbled to read such inspiring stories: families demonstrating courage in the face of adversity, people who are living for this moment when future moments aren't guaranteed, and couples who sacrifice day after day for the sake of their families. Your stories are testimonials to the strength of the human spirit and the love that connects us all. Thank you to my readers for taking the time from your busy days to nominate these individuals and share their struggles. Please don't let the giving stop here. Always look for a way to share whatever it is that you have in excess: your time, your talent, your dollars.

As promised, I selected one of the nominees and made a very special phone call on Christmas Eve. I would love to share this family's story, but will do so only when I have permission. It was the best conversation I could imagine having on the cusp of Christmas. As a result, this year just felt different. To S&E: I can't wait to meet your family in person and translate your life into art.

And, on a lighter note, since the Christmas cards have been signed, sealed and delivered, I can now share two of my favorite Vintage Holiday images with spoiling any surprises. May beauty shine in your home and in your heart this holiday season!

Begin in This Moment

To those who have nominated some incredibly special people for my Giving is Awesome giveaway, thank you, thank you, thank you. Your stories are full of courage, hope and new beginnings. For those who would still like to nominate someone, begin. It very well could be the most treasured gift you give this season.

With love,
Kaycee

The Spirit of the Season

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 – $2,000 worth, to be exact. Whether they choose a gallery-wrapped canvas, 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 a little bonus? The person who nominates the winner receives a $500 print credit. What better reason do you need to show some love?

The rules:
1. You cannot nominate yourself, and the person nominated must sincerely be incapable of purchasing my services. (Being unable to make mortgage payments for a two-million-dollar vacation home in Paris does not qualify as sincere financial need.)
2. The nominee must reside in northeastern Oklahoma or be able to travel here for their session. If your nominee lives outside the area, send me an e-mail, anyway. There are loads of incredible photographers partnering on this project and there's sure to be one near you.
3. Comment on this blog entry to let me know you've entered and e-mail me the full story: kaycee@kayceedeen.com. Tell me who you know, what they're experiencing, and why they deserve their life translated into art. Please include contact information for your nominee and yourself. 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,
Kaycee

EDITED TO ADD: The amazing Kristen Kalp of Essential Imagery, the brainchild behind Giving is Awesome, has taken this philanthropy effort to new heights. I am so incredibly proud of her. Currently, there are 430 volunteer photographers from 4 continents donating their time and art - worth $464,235, to be exact - to the people who need it the most. But photographers are signing up by the hour and the circle of giving is getting bigger and bigger. We are hoping to collectively donate $1,000,000 (yes - that's one million dollars!) worth of custom portraiture worldwide. If you live outside the Tulsa metro area and you want to nominate a deserving person, couple or family, visit Kristen's Giving is Awesome website for the latest linkable list of participating photographers. And, although you'll find the updated Official Map of Awesome on her website, I'm posting the last color version here, because it gives me goosebumps.

Worth the Wait

Once upon a time, in a land not too far from here, there lived a beautiful woman who seemed to have it all: a buzzing social calendar, a jet-setting career . . . even a sexy black convertible. But, she seemed to have given up on love. She had the world to offer, but there just didn't seem to be someone that could offer the world back. There were too many what-ifs. What if she settles? What if she doesn't? Maybe love wasn't for her, after all. Maybe her destiny was to continue to pour out her heart to those who needed it more . . . children in need, family and friends . . . her love belonged to them. Then, one uneventful weekend at home changed her life. She met him. There were no complicated dinner plans. There was no fretful blind date. It wasn't a chance meeting on a business trip in another city. It was just a casual evening between a group of friends that turned into a long evening of talking, laughing, and letting go. Letting go of the worries and the what-ifs. Almost three years later, he still opens her door, holds her hand, calls her "baby." She gives him strong love and passion, and he gives her the security that the blessings of life are found in the todays of every single sunrise and not in the what-ifs of tomorrow. She makes him want to be a better man. He teaches her about commitment, respect and dreams.

What an honor to photograph you two. I am thrilled to partake in your journey and to see the amazing people that you have become because of each other. The best is yet to be.