Last week I posted information about the past weekend’s Georgia Professional Photographer’s Association meeting in Statesboro.  The meeting was held at Robbins Nest and the French Quarter restaurant.  Today’s Statesboro Herald featured the meeting with a wonderful article on the front page of the business section.  Yes the photographer caught me SHOPPING at the trade show.  Jan Moore the business reporter did a wonderful job with the article.  If you missed the story click here to read page one.

your Valentine deserves an incredibly special night!   Cupid’s recommendation (and MINE) is Executive Chef Jason Scarborough’s 2008 specially designed menu at the Blue Moon in Statesboro.  Here is the number to call for reservations:  912-489-1094.  Often I have become your personal concierge – another secret of our difference.  I had several of your spouses call me frantically last year when they learned that the Blue Moon had no more reservations available for Valentines hoping that I could get you in.  Of course, I worked a little magic as usual and got you in.  (I agree you doctors are way to busy taking care of us to plan ahead and I promised not to pick on you too much in the blog)  This year I am making it easy for you to plan early!! I don’t think you will make it to the end to look for the number before you would want to call…so here goes:

Amuse-Bouche

“Boisterous” Seared Sashimi Tuna, Wasabi Aioli, Avocado, Ponzu Vinaigrette

Appetizer Course

Oyster Rockefeller, Parmesan, Crisp Bacon, Tabasco Hollandaise

-OR-

Grilled Shitake Mushroom and Napa Cabbage Spring Rolls, “Crispy Fried”, Gingered Hot Mustard                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                

Salad Course

Classic Caesar, Herbed Boursin, Garlic Toast points, Shaved Parmesan

Intermezzo

Rose Water and Lime Sorbet

Entree Course

Brown Butter Braised “Market Fresh Fish”, Cajun Crawfish Risotto, Andouille Sausage, Lemon-Fennel-Tomato Broth

-OR-

Pan Roast Maple Leaf Farms Duck Breast, Exotic Mushroom and Purple Potato Hash, Ginger Carrot Puree, “Stout” Cherry Reduction

-OR-

Seared Certified Angus Filet, Creamy Yukon Puree, Lemon Grilled Asparagus, Onion Tangles, “Southern” Thyme Demi

Dessert

Sweet Tasting Plate — A Selection of Five Sweet Treats

Seating is at 5, 7, or 9pm and will require a $25.00 per person VIP deposit, which will be applied to the cost of your meal.

$65 per person (beverages, tax and gratuity are not included)

Sous Chef:  Daniel Clark                                          Pastry Chef:  Barry Smallwood

               ——Limited Introductory Offer——-

It will be our “secret” what you wear, but your Valentine will be blown away!  For only $99 you will receive a red moire folio with two poses printed as 5×5 portraits with a little tuck, a little nip and magazine retouching.  You’ll LOVE the results!  There is no better year than THIS year to do something you have always wanted to do!  (we reserve the right to limit to “tasteful” outfits)

My grandmother Edith’s church “Old Fellowship” in Stilson held its’ Homecoming a last week.  Old Fellowship was founded in 1844.    

We have a tradition every Homecoming of going out to the cemetery and visiting the family plot.  Buried there is my Grandfather (my Dad’s dad), my Granny (my great grandmother), my Great Grandfather and my Great Uncle Gilbert.  (different from my Regency photo Uncle Gil)  While we are there, we each drop a rock from the plot into the metal pipe you see above.  Seems weird???  Read on…

My great uncle, John Gilbert Woodward, was killed  in May of 1944 during WWII on a training flight in the Gulf of Mexico.  My grandmother told me that he was two weeks away from getting his “wings”.  He was only 22.  The accident involved Gilbert and his flight instructor.  His flight instructor survived.  Surprisingly, Gilbert’s funeral was open casket.  The only visible injury was a bruise on his temple.  My grandmother was his only sibling.  She was pregnant with my Aunt Carol at the time.  (Dad and Aunt Carol are my grandmother’s only children.  Aunt Carol is the oldest.)  My grandfather was from Pennsylvania and New York.  He had met my grandmother while he was in the military stationed in Savannah.  After Gilbert’s death, Granddaddy decided to stay in the south and not take my grandmother back north where his family was.  He said that he couldn’t leave his parent-in-laws all alone. 

Gilbert attended the University of Georgia.  He was one quarter shy of graduating.  He decided to join up when his friends did.  My grandmother said he made that decision while he was home on Christmas break.  She was pretty sure that it was the Christmas of 1942.

After Gilbert’s death, my Great Grandfather put in a well at the grave site so my Granny could water the flowers that she put there.  There used to be an old-timey hand pump on the well.  (2nd photo)  That is the well we drop the rocks into each year.  I wish I had a photo of Granny pumping water for her flowers.  What a loving act honoring the child she had lost.

Gilbert’s story continues…in the eighties (we can’t remember the exact year)  a scuba diver was diving the crash site and found Gilbert’s class ring.  (shown above)  The diver was able to track down my Granny through the University of Georgia using his fraternity letters, graduation year and his initials that were etched inside the ring.  My Granny was given back a treasure from her only son.  A treasure that was in the ocean for around 40 years!!! We were all amazed! 

Granny  later gave the ring to my Dad.  It fit him perfectly.  He wore it daily until one day when we were doing some yard work he took it off and put it into his pocket for ”safe keeping”.  (I was in high school)  Later, when he went to put it back on, it was GONE!  After a full-out search I remembered that one of my uncles had a metal detector.  We borrowed it and actually FOUND the ring!!!  Our theory is that it was pulled out of his pocket with his keys and he ran over it with his truck.  When we found it, it was totally buried in the dirt.  Dad was so relieved that he didn’t have to tell Granny that he had re-lost the ring!

This is one of my favorite family stories!  Every year, on Memorial Day weekend in May, you can see a cross with Gilbert’s name on the court house square here in Statesboro.  I truly believe that WWII vets are heroes and a part of “The Greatest Generation”.  We can not thank them enough for helping us maintain our freedom.  If there is one in your family please tell them thank you from me!

What would you say if I offered you a session shot by me – Lori Grice – for only $29?  Even better – what if I told you that I will sell you ANYTHING you want to purchase from the session at Gil’s prices??  How in the world can you beat that?  You can not take a picture yourself and beat that price and quality!!  SPREAD THE WORD!  This is a ONCE in a LIFE TIME opportunity.

Remember my Uncle Gil?  He owns Regency Photo where I started “working” when I was only eight years old.  (My real job there began when I was 15.)  I give him most of the credit (or blame-depending on the day) for introducing me to the world of photography.

Each month of our 20 year anniversary in business we have been doing some sort of fun special.  I call them, “It’s our birthday but we are giving the gifts to you!”  October’s event is a BIG THANK YOU to my Uncle Gil.  We will be offering two days of Halloween Quick-Take sessions that he will print for you into a cool little purse size book. 

The package includes a 10 minute session and the book of images for only $29 (plus tax) shot on location at Regency Photo in Statesboro.  You will be able to order additional images from Regency for all of your friends and relatives.  These sessions are first come/first serve and only most likely will sell out quickly!  100% of the proceeds will go to Gil and Regency Photo as a small token of the appreciation I have for all everything he and Kathy have done for me my WHOLE life.  My life would not have been the same without them!  It is also a great opportunity for me to introduce you to my “secret weapon” uncle Gil.  He is the most knowledgeable person I have ever met when it comes to all things photographic – from your camera to the processing – he has it covered.

Halloween costumes or casual clothes are preferred.  (These will be “fun shots” not portraits.)  

Session Dates:  Wednesday, October 24 – 4 to 7PM Shot on location at Regency Photo in Statesboro

                          Wednesday, October 31 – 2 – 6 PM shot on location at Regency Photo in Statesboro

$29 paid by check or cash directly to Regency Photo.  I will photograph the session on location at Regency Photo and you will receive a photo book of images.  You may purchase additional images directly from Regency Photo. Get there early to beat the crowd – at this price – it is going to be crazy!!!

Tomorrow I am going to write more about last night’s award banquet.  There are so many people to thank!  I am still in a state of shock.  It touched me to the depth of my being!!!  So while I struggle to get my thank list in order I thought I would share some of my new custom jewelry items we have available.  There are only about six weeks left to order them for Holiday delivery.  (purses need to be ordered early also!)

The unique thing about certain pieces of this line is that we can send them back in and have the image changed for a small fee plus shipping.  That way you can update the image as we create new images for you of your children and family.

We have a few sample pieces in stock that you can come by and see.  I have already chosen about six more things that I want for myself!  I am also going to order a pair of cuff links for DeWayne.  (ssshhh!  don’t blow his surprise)  H e collects cuff links.  Although they won’t be as rare and collectible as some in his collection, I think they will be much more dear to his heart!  If he is on the good list, and not the naughty list, he might even get a key chain too!

I know you will be thrilled with these new cool gift ideas!  Don’t procrastinate!  Call us today and order something that will make Grandma’s Holiday even merrier!!! p.s.  I will be happy to call your hubby and d rop a hint or two for you!  Just call or email me with his contact info. 

(The photos only show a small sampling of what is available!)

***We can create these from our portraits or your snapshots!

One of my favorite days of the month is when my “Working Mother” magazine comes in the mail.  (Yes, I still do love getting mail just like when I was a kid.)  Working Mother magazine is a “must read” for any mom that works, has worked or plans to re-enter the work force at some point.  As a working Mom, there are just days (sometimes EVERY day) that you feel like you are drowning under the sea of responsibility.  Homework, laundry, work deadlines, traveling twice to the convention in Augusta this week, going to Atlanta last week, ect. ect.  We all have our never ending to-do lists!!!

This month’s magazine has a great article, “3 Guilt-Free Hours” written by Leadership Coach Jamie Woolf.  Jamie tries to educate her clients on how important it is to recharge.  Here is a quote:  “As a leadership coach, one of the first lessons I teach everyone–from executives to religious leaders–is this:  To perform your best and inspire the best in others, you need to step back from the pressure and nurture yourself.”  She goes on to say, “Whether they’re running a company or a carpool, joy is too often displaced by feelings of resentment and pointless drudgery when they don’t take a breather.”  Here is a shocking statistic… a BizRate survey taken recently said, “Out of 1062 moms polled, almost half (47%) said they were the ‘least happy person in the household’.”  That statistic really breaks my heart!  Unfortunately, I see it all too often in Mom’s I meet.  Everyone is looking for a little piece of HOPE.  Just a small sign that life will get a little easier.  We are all soooo blessed but we all work very hard trying to be the best Mothers we can be and that can take quite a toll on us. 

Click on this link and read the article and take the quiz. (working mother magazine)  It will help you find those precious three hours you need just for yourself.  You deserve it!!!

  Several weeks ago Dr. Kevin Ault invited me to tour Emory’s Winship Cancer Center in Atlanta.  Dr. Ault ran the clinical trials for the HPV vaccine Gardasil in 33 countries.  The journey to meet Dr. Ault and my advocacy

for this incredible vaccine began this past New Year’s Eve.  Most of you know that I am a cervical cancer survivor.  You also know that I have devoted much time, energy and resources to the education of women on important health issues and the search for a cure for cervical cancer – so no other women will have to go through what I have. 

I learned in late 2005 about the breakthrough vaccine Gardsil.  This vaccine could cure cervical cancer as we know it.  I had been interviewed by various media outlets regarding my thoughts on this vaccine.  Of course, any cure for cancer is something I am for.  Who wouldn’t be – right?

Well apparently there are LOTS of people who were not as excited about the vaccine as me.  I was working hard to survive my annual Christmas rush at my studio and really had not had time to breathe – let alone stay up with the news.  At a New Years party a good friend and local Nurse Practitioner Susan Riley asked me what I thought about all of the controversy regarding the vaccine.  I had no clue about the moral firestorm this vaccine had created.  I spent most of New Year’s day googling stories about the vaccine.

Working through my publicist – I made my self available to give another side to the critics of this vaccine.  In a few short months – my story and my name had become pretty widely known throughout media land.  In fact, I have appeared in almost every major newspaper in the country and several leading papers in at least five other countries.  TV and radio has been very kind to my story also.  Fox News, Forbes, Savannah Now, Statesboro Herald, Boston Globe, Dallas Daily News, Lexington Herald…..to name a few.  My next goal is to testify at state levels and in Congress to try and make the “for” side have a stronger voice. 

Early in the year, I was invited to speak at the Nancy N. and J. C. Lewis Cancer and Research Pavilion in Savannah.  This beautiful facility is part of the St. Joseph’s/Candler Health System.  At this event I released the second set of my “Healing Art” collection of images.  This collection chronicles my journey of survivorship and encourages other’s struggling with cancer.  Proceeds from the collection are donated to cancer research and education.  The Lewis Cancer and Research staff along with the phenomenal public relations department at St. Joseph’s/Candler rolled out the red carpet for me.  The speech was well attended – but the press coverage was tremendous.

Through this press coverage Dr. Ault and Emory contacted me.  They wanted to learn more about me and my story.  At their invitation, DeWayne and I traveled to Atlanta to tour the Winship Cancer center and get to know Dr. Ault.  How impressive is it to have the person who ran the clinical trials for this amazing vaccine at Emory in Atlanta?  That is a story Dr. Ault can tell much better than I – but it is impressive to say the least.  I know now why the Winship center is Georgia’s premier cancer research facility and quickly becoming a leader in cancer research globally.

There is much work to be done to educate women about this vaccine.  I plan to continue working closely with Emory, The Lewis Cancer and Research Pavilion and any other organization that are passionate about saving women’s lives!

I want to thank Dr. Ault and all of the wonderful folks at Merck that have worked so hard and invested so heavily in developing Gardasil and bringing it to market.

Hopefully through our efforts – more people will learn how amazing this vaccine is.

Ok those of you who do not live in Statesboro may not appreciate our addiction to Chick-fil-A – so let me try to explain.  Chick-fil-A in our community is more than another restaurant.  It is a way of life.  In fact, every Tuesday night that we are in town – you will find Edie Grace, DeWayne and I at family night at Chick-fil-A.  of course we love chicken and there is nothing better than a Chick-fil-A sandwich, other than a Chick-fil-A biscuit.  Well that was until they introduced the hand spun milk shakes this past year…but I digress.  Truett and Jeannette Cathy founded Chick-fil-A in Atlanta 40 years ago.  When they were looking for the best college in the country to send their son Dan – naturally they picked Statesboro’s Georgia Southern University.  Dan is now the COO of Chick-fil-A corporation overseeing  1,300 restaurants in 38 states with $2.3 billion in annual sales.  Dan has never forgotten our community.  They have become tremendous philanthropist to Statesboro and Georgia Southern University.  So they are like family to us.  In fact, I have had the opportunity to meet Truett and Jeannette and Dan on several occasions.  Every time I am with them, I am stunned by their genuine humbleness and continual interest in their customers – always striving to WOW them in every way – every day.  Their phenomenal success story is based on several incredible strategies the most important being a corporate philosophy based on biblical principles.  Their “never open on Sunday” policy was a bold move in their industry that honors God.  These strategies flow directly to their operators.  In fact Dan says often that it is easier to get a job with the CIA than to be come a Chick-fil-a  operator.  If you have met David and Beth Boykin, our local operators, you know immediately why the Cathy’s are so successful! 

Last year the Boykin’s commissioned me to create a watercolor of their family that has been displayed in the restaurant.  They wanted a portrait that captured their family and expressed their gratitude to our community for embracing them.  I was honored to create this portrait for their family.  I was even more honored that this portrait was displayed in our Chick-fil-A restaurant.  If there is an event in our community, David, Beth or a member of their team will be there or be involved in some way.  Their energy, enthusiasm and genuineness is contagious.

Truett Cathy is featured on the cover of this month’s Georgia Trend magazine.  They are celebrating 40 years of success.  The article and coverage is well deserved.  One interesting thing covered in the article is how phenomenally loyal their customers are.  In fact, they have a group that travels and camps out overnight at the opening of new restaurants.  So I guess we are not the only ones addicted to Chick-fil-A.

On June 23rd, our local Chick-fil-A closed for a few weeks for a remodel.  This has created a real buzz around town.  We are all craving our Chick-fil-A and curious what is going on with the remodel.  Beth and David have agreed to allow Mandy Edwards their marketing director to send us pictures of the remodel to share with you here.  So stay posted for updates and new pictures as they send them to me.  (I hear the Cow is getting a make-over too!)