March 1, 2011

Dear Friends,

What is the Scoop?
It is March 1! Spring is just around the corner! Well, maybe, but it is nice to think that way anyway. Over the past month, we have not really been busy with sessions, however, it has been a nice break to catch up on the many orders we received through January and early February and to also make some much needed website tweaks. Jennifer also went on vacation to Riviera Maya (Mexico) in February and recently returned on the 26th and had a wonderful time enjoying the company of good friends, beautiful landscapes and the warm sun!

On February 7th, we had our monthly PPWM meeting and Amber Stanley was there to present an all day seminar to us about her studio, Amber Lights Photography. If you would like to read more about the wonderful experience we had, please feel free to visit our blog. Nicole's image of peacock feathers was also selected by Amber as the image of the month for the "Line, Shape and Texture" category. Here is the link to PPWM's blog to see it! We all had a fabulous time and are looking forward to sharing about this months meeting, which will take place on March 28th.

During this month, we were also privileged to be a special part of Give Kids a Smile with Norman Family Dentistry. GKAS is a National campaign sponsored by the American Dental Association. On this day, participating Dental offices give away a day of dentistry to children 3-18 who do not have dental insurance. This is an annual event for NFD and they look forward to it every year. It is a pure joy and delight to be able to participate in such a wonderful experience that benefits so many children, young adults and families, alike. If you would like to see some of the images from this event, please visit our blog.

On a totally different note, just another reminder, if you know of friends or family that fit into the categories of either A. Getting married in 2011, or B. 2012 Graduating High School Senior, please make your way to the blog (here) to see these 2 great offers. Also, if you have not been able to take a "peek" at our new Wedding website, please click here to be taken to West Michigan Wedding Photography, by Jenuine Creations, LLC.

Another little announcement that we wanted to make is that we are accepting applications for our 2012 Senior Representative Search! If you or someone you know is graduating in 2012, we encourage you to apply. We are still looking for a few more applicants in the Saranac, Byron Center and Ada School districts. You can also apply on our facebook page as well! We will be accepting applications until March 20th and will be notifying all candidates of our final decisions by the first week of April.

Last, but not least, we wanted to let all of you know that we will be having a vendor booth at the Forest Hills Community Expo with the Ada Business Association. The event details are:

DATE: March 19, 2011

EXPO HOURS: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

LOCATION: Ada Christian School, 6206 Ada Drive S.E.

ADMISSION: Free! Open to the general public.

This is a wonderful community event that happens every year and we are so excited to be a part of it! We will be on hand to show off some of the merchandise we offer, samples of our work, our booth and of course hand out fabulous coupons! So if you and your family do not have any plans for the morning and afternoon of March 19th, then we suggest you make your way out to Ada Christian School. You will not be disappointed! Between the kids activities, giveaways, prizes, networking, local performances, food and free samples, there is no reason not to come to this awesome, FREE event!

Whew! Well that was a lot of information to "shove" your way. Hope that it was not too overwhelming. Please take some time to read the story behind the Image of the Month below. Take care,

Jen & Nicole -

Image of the Month: "The Irony of Paradise"

The following was an email sent to the family and friends of Jennifer while she was in Mexico for vacation this past week. This email perfectly describes the meaning behind the photographs above:

"Dear family,
I just figured out that I could type a draft like this while in my room and send it once I have connection in one of the lobby's of this gigantic place. I don't really know how many acres or square miles the resort covers, but it is huge.

We are having a glorious time. It has been in the high 70's or 80's so everyday, the sun is HOT, for that reason I prefer the beach because there is always a breeze and you don't realize how hot it is.

It has been fun to be back into the swing of Spanish. Had a nice compliment from one of the locals as we were conversing in Spanish... He asked when I had lived in Mexico, because my accent was that of someone who has lived here. That was nice. I still find I understand more than I can speak when under pressure.

We have eaten from beautiful and obscenely bountiful buffets. Gone swimming in sparklingly clear and azure blue seas. Walked white sandy beaches. Today Shannda, Kelly and I are off on an excursion to see the Mayan ruins at Tolum, then joining some others at Xhel Ha, pronounced Shell Ha, for snorkeling, mountain biking, cliff jumping, and snorkeling. I wish you were all here to join me. :(

Paradise has it's dark side though. The people here are so kind and sincere in their solicitous care as they serve, but after talking with some of them I found out that they earn the equivalent of $3.50 to $5.00 a day and depend on, but NEVER demand, tips in order to survive. They are so kind and go about their jobs as if they are oblivious to the inequity of their service in contrast to the opulence of their surroundings. Their actions made me think long and hard about how I serve and why. We could all learn from their earnest service. Also, food and alcohol flow freely in this all inclusive atmosphere so the opportunity for over indulgence is always there. I haven't seen too much abuse, but wow all you can eat or drink is definitely the reason some like this destination and the all inclusiveness. Personally it wasn't the all you can eat or drink that I enjoyed, but rather the indulgence of having everything taken care of. I didn't have to fix anything, or anyone or do anything I didn't want to do. While it was fun and a decadent pleasure for the week I was there, I know that REALITY is NOT in the Riviera Maya.

The time here has afforded me opportunity for long conversations with several individuals I would normally not have the chance to talk to. I enjoyed the one on one, heart to heart conversations as much or even more than the endless buffets.

I have taken many pictures, seen cool critters. Shelli, Julie wants me to bring you an Iguana. I say no, but I have gotten several pictures of the 1-3 foot creatures. I have yet to get a photograph of the raccoon, lemur like critter as he likes to come out at night.

Thank you for the privilege of coming down here with my office. I realize the sacrifices on your parts to have me be away. Miss you all and look forward to seeing you in a few days.

Jennifer, aka: Mom"

It is sad to witness the depravity and selfish nature of our human race and the irony that Jennifer observed at the Resort she stayed at while on vacation. It is interesting how things and places that seem like "Paradise" to some is almost a modern day version of slavery - physically, mentally, emotionally and fiscally. We are so privileged as Americans to live in the Country that we live in. To eat and and to drink in the freedoms that we enjoy.

We think of all the unrest in other parts of the world that have been going on since the beginning of January. We feel for all of the less fortunate involved and wish that we could do more. We hope that through our simple newsletter, that we can raise some awareness for those oppressed and suffering. It is easy to pass by and not take a second glance to the injustices that happen around us everyday, on our own soil and abroad. On that note, we encourage all of you to do your part to raise awareness about all of the little "Irony's in Paradise" that you come into contact with on a daily basis.

Special of the Month:
10% off of large finished prints (12x18 and larger) ordered during the month of March. For print sizing options and pricing please email us for more information at: info@jenuine-creations.com

Ongoing Specials:

We are still offering our 2011 Wedding special and also an Early Bird special for 2012 High School Seniors. For questions regarding these specials, please email us at: info@jenuine-creations.com

Quote of the Month:
"Half the work that is done in this world is to make things appear what they are not."

~Elias Root Beadle