After a long day at the church with my husband, I arrived home at approximately10:40PM that Friday night. Upon entering my home in complete darkness I noticed some things laying on the floor. Having no idea of what happened, I continued my way into the house and turned on the lights. At this point I noticed our 51” flatscreen was missing. Chills rushed through my body as I realized we had been robbed. Oh my goodness, what if the robber was still in the house? Without thinking twice, I immediately ran for the door. Oh great, I left my phone at the house that morning so I couldn’t even call the police. I rushed to a neighbors house (all lights on) and noone opens the door. I run to another neighbors house (4 cars in the driveway and lights on) noone answers the door. Three houses later I found some men to come to the house with me.
The dogs are barking and the police are on their way, my husband can’t believe me when I call to tell him “hurry home, we’ve been robbed”. As I go through the house, I notice the garage door wide open, and the back door ajar. Oh no, did I forget to lock the back door??? Did they come through the garage??? How in the world did this happen, why me? We look into the guest bedroom downstairs and see that one of the windows locks had been broken and was wide open. (So that’s how they got in).
As I walked through the house, I let out a big gasp when I realized they had stolen over $4,000.00 worth of my photography equipment. A sudden feeling of sickness came over me. I worked so hard to build my business, and this thief has come in and taken it all away from me in a matter of moments! You have to understand that photography isn’t just my business, it’s what I love, it’s my outlet, it’s my way of staying sane!
Time was passing and the police still haven’t come, thirty minutes have gone by and my husband is finally here, before the police. We walk around together, to see all of the damages. Finally 45 minutes have gone by and the officer comes in, saying yep, this is how they got in, pointing to the window. DUH!!! I already figured that out. Evidently I watch too much CSI Miami, because I clearly didn’t touch the window so that he could get the fingerprints. So you can imagine, the look of disgust on my face when the officer walks up to the window and proceeds to put it down and lock it with his bare hands. OH NO!!! He just contaminated the crime scene!!!
After calming down and trying to figure things out John realizes our grass has been cut. WHAT ON EARTH, what do you mean the grass has been cut? Well, let me explain what we just realized. On Thursday a strange young man rang my doorbell asking if he could cut my grass. He was met at the door by my 130lb great dane puppy (10 mnths). I didn’t open the door but I looked past him seeing a riding lawn mower as I told him we didn’t need his services through the window. As he walked away I watched him and thought to myself, he’s trying to break somebody off! Shame on him, I was so glad I was home and the great dane scared him off.
Who knew that the next day he would see the Khol’s flyer hanging on my doorknob (letting him know I wasn’t home), who knew he would ring the doorbell to see if I was home/to see if the great dane was loose, who knew he would cut my grass in an effort to deter the neighbors from assuming anything was wrong? HE DID!!! Needless, to say, I got home to a perfectly cut lawn (by someone I did not hire), and a robbed house. Who knew that at the end of that day, my business was going to be shut down?!?!?!
Through it all, I guess I should be happy that I wasn’t home, however, I do believe that if I was home, the great dane would not have been in his cage and the thief would not have dare tried to come in! But thank God, John (my husband), Bentley (my yorkie), Zoie (my yorkie), and Diesel (my great dane) and I are ok. Now, on to find a way to rebuild my business. Please keep me in prayer and thanks for reading my thoughts on The Courteous Thief.
Oh yeah, he had the nerve to go into the refrigerator and drink some of my drink (I know cause he tossed the box on the floor in the kitchen), he tossed a container on the sofa after stealing all of the pennies in it, and the next morning we woke up and realized he stole my husbands computer also. But I thank God because there were some other valuables out in the open and somehow he didn’t see them. Oh, and the 51' flat screen, never made it out of the garage. ;oP
A lot of you have asked the question: Where was the great dane? Well, since he is a puppy we leave him in a cage because he likes to tear up papers and eat ink pens etc. However, he just became a full grown dog on Friday night. No more cages for him, he’s official our guard dog. Step foot in this house without an invitation and you will be properly greeted!!!
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Watoto Children's Choir from Africa @ Berean S.D.A Church
Words can't describe the feeling that comes over you when you sit down and listen to these beautiful children. The Atlanta Berean S.D.A Church (www.atlantabereansda.org) was blessed by the Watoto Children's Choir on Wednesday night. This concert was full of joy, laughter, and tears. These precious babies shared their testimonies, danced, acted and put on a full concert.
Each of the children in the Watoto Children's Choir either lost one or both parents to war or aids. Most of the children were left alone having no parents, no food, no shelter, and most of all no hope. UNTIL, Watoto...
Watoto is a holistic care programme that was initiated as a response to the overwhelming number of orphaned children and vulnerable women in Uganda, whose lives have been ravaged by war and disease. The children are now living in camps with their new brothers and sisters, aunts and uncles, moms and dads, who have all dedicated their lives to helping children in these situations.
Here are a few pictures from their performance, view more on my facebook page. (Find it on our website - www.kyomikreations.com). Also, find out how you can sponsor a child, go do missionary work in Africa, or bring them to your church by visiting their website. www.watoto.com
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Summer Special
Monday, May 17, 2010
So this isn't just a game on my WII??? LOL
A game I've only played on my WII came to life for me today. I must admit it was quite relaxing out there on the course. My shoot was at the Indian Hills Country Club. Girls Inc. of Greater Atlanta was hosting their "2010 Women's Golf Classic". It's not often that you find golf tournaments solely created for women. However, this Women’s Golf Classic was a tournament created just for women to benefit Girls Incorporated of Greater Atlanta.
I can't say that I'm ready to go out and golf now, and the truth is I enjoyed driving the golf cart the most!! LOL But I did learn some golf terms while listening to some of the conversations. When I got home I looked up a word I heard most of the day. Mulligan: A mulligan is an illegal second attempt at a shot which went wrong. (No wonder they kept looking up at me when they said it... Oh well, it was all in good fun and the money raise is going to a good cause!!! ;o)
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Sabbath Keepers Baseball Legue
The phone rang and Erica was on the other end. She had news about a baseball league that started and let me know that there might be an opportunity to do pictures for all of the teams. Of course she sparked my interest. Everything I was doing no longer mattered. You all know I'm trying to spread my business name here in Atlanta in order to build my clientele. I immediately put some packages together and sent her the flyer.
I expected a few families to show up since the shoot time was scheduled for 9AM today. Little did I know!!! Cars started pulling up 2 and 3 at a time, children started jumped out of cars and next thing I know we had a long line of parents and their children ready to get their pictures in their brand new uniforms. In fact, there were so many children that we weren't able to finish - I was in a little bit of trouble with the coaches when our schedule ran 30 minutes into the first game. (Sorry about that coach) ;o)
Some children cried when it was their turn, and some acted as though they were born in front of the camera. Overall, this was such a great experience. I had two wonderful parents assisting me and they made things run very smoothly! Thank you so much Erica R. and Kimberly B. - I'll see you next Sunday when we do the team pictures.
www.kyomikreations.com
I expected a few families to show up since the shoot time was scheduled for 9AM today. Little did I know!!! Cars started pulling up 2 and 3 at a time, children started jumped out of cars and next thing I know we had a long line of parents and their children ready to get their pictures in their brand new uniforms. In fact, there were so many children that we weren't able to finish - I was in a little bit of trouble with the coaches when our schedule ran 30 minutes into the first game. (Sorry about that coach) ;o)
Some children cried when it was their turn, and some acted as though they were born in front of the camera. Overall, this was such a great experience. I had two wonderful parents assisting me and they made things run very smoothly! Thank you so much Erica R. and Kimberly B. - I'll see you next Sunday when we do the team pictures.
www.kyomikreations.com
Saturday, May 15, 2010
Pictures that took my breathe away...
We recently moved to Atlanta where my husband is the associate pastor at the Berean S.D.A. church on Hamilton E. Holmes Dr. We have an amazing church with some 4,000 members and over the past 4 years, Dr. Carlton P. Byrd (Senior Pastor) and his team have baptized over 1,400 people.
The church has a photography team that captures precious moments each week. This weekend there were many graduations so some of our photographers were out. This was the first time I have taken my camera out in church (in hopes to help out). I typically do outdoor photo shoots or I capture pictures at events in smaller venues.
I did not want to get up in front of all of those members and walk around with my camera. My hands were sweaty, my heart was racing, and I kept praying that I wouldn't trip in front of everyone watching! LOL However, when I got my camera out, I felt right at home, it's as though everyone disappeared (except for the people I was photographing) of course! Anyhow, here are some of my shots from Saturday.
www.kyomikreations.com
The church has a photography team that captures precious moments each week. This weekend there were many graduations so some of our photographers were out. This was the first time I have taken my camera out in church (in hopes to help out). I typically do outdoor photo shoots or I capture pictures at events in smaller venues.
I did not want to get up in front of all of those members and walk around with my camera. My hands were sweaty, my heart was racing, and I kept praying that I wouldn't trip in front of everyone watching! LOL However, when I got my camera out, I felt right at home, it's as though everyone disappeared (except for the people I was photographing) of course! Anyhow, here are some of my shots from Saturday.
www.kyomikreations.com
Monday, May 10, 2010
Adventures in Odyssey with Indra (Urban Run Club)
I had one of the most exciting shoots ever. My client and I outran a train (while on tracks taking pics the entire time), almost got arrested for being on private property, and just knew I was going to get jumped on (after instructing her to jump over me to get a certain shot), but it was all worth it!
Today's Adventure in Odyssey was with Indra (Owner & Founder of Urban Run Club). Indra challenges & encourages people to get up & come out to play. This Urban Run Club runs as a group every Tuesday night. She offers motivation and support to help you become more active. Working with people who are not top athletes is a specialty of Indra's. If you have never run, if you used to run, if you may never want to run, then she encourages you to just come out and walk! For more information - www.urbanrunclub.com
Sunday, May 9, 2010
Follow the music...
My mother came in town to visit last night but she didn't get in until about 4AM. I decided I had time to wake up and do an early photo shoot while she was still resting. The day was perfect (not too hot and not too cold) for pictures! I had a photo shoot with a nice young man named Damien Payne. Damien is an up and coming singer. He has a wonderful voice "he actually sang a few lines while I took some of his pictures". Even though Damien was a little late for his shoot (LOL), we were able to get some great shots! Good luck with your music Damien!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Girls Night Out
Girls Inc. recently hosted a fundraising event - "Girls Night Out Caddie Auction & Reception". This year's cocktail event included an auction featuring male caddies, travel packages, rounds of golf at private clubs, spa packages, sessions with personal trainers, and an opportunity to have a speaking role on Tyler Perry's next big film.
There were many fine packages to auction on, jewelry to be sold, and drinks and good food to be eaten. However, there is one package that stole the show. When one of Tyler Perry's producers walked onto the stage the audience knew that something great was about to be offered. Suddenly, paddles started raising and you heard a buzz all around the room. GIrlfriends were high-fiving, and the bidding war had truly begun. Before you knew it, the price was up to $5,100.00 and the package no longer was just a speaking role, but the winner would also get 2 tickets to the premier of the movie, dinner (made personally by the producer), and a few other things were thrown in. Just when you thought things couldn't get any better the producer decides that if the final two women in the bidding war agreed, he would give the package to both of them. Everyone, jumped to there feet applauding, Vikki Millender-Morrow (President and CEO of Girls Inc. the Atlanta Chapter) had a look of shock and excitement all at once on her face. This one item auctioned off for $10,200.00, what a great way to end the night. Everyone had a great time all while they were able to support a great cause! Congratulations to Girls Inc. for a job well done! Your event was a huge success.
If you would like to learn more about Girls Inc. or you would like to make a donation, please view their website for more details. http://www.girlsincatlanta.org
A very special thank you to Vikki for allowing me to be the photographer for the night.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Rain, Rain, Go away...
Ms. Prisca called me frantic in desperate need of pictures on Saturday. We didn't speak until almost midnight when we decided to schedule her shoot for Monday morning. The urgency came about when she realize some major labels were interested in hearing some of her work. The only problem was - they needed pics too accompany the voice. Prisca heard about Kyomi Kreations and knew that we would be able to give her exactly what she needed and in a timely manner. 8:30AM Monday morning the phone rings, with a sad Prisca on the other end, "It's pouring down rain". Knowing how important this shoot was for this aspiring singer - I decided to go on with the shoot. We went out and fought the rain and had a blast getting these superb pictures!
(I learned a great lesson, don't be afraid of a little rain - put on some rain boots, grab an umbrella and let's make the magic happen. After all, you won't melt!) Good luck with your music career! I want to be your personal photographer when you become a STAR!!! ;o)
(I learned a great lesson, don't be afraid of a little rain - put on some rain boots, grab an umbrella and let's make the magic happen. After all, you won't melt!) Good luck with your music career! I want to be your personal photographer when you become a STAR!!! ;o)
Terri Clay (Motivational Speaker)
After a long day of photo-shoots and running around, I was able to end my day photographing this wonderful woman. Terri is an inspirational speaker that loves to inspire individuals to greatness. It was my pleasure spending the evening with her in Buckhead, as we found beautiful backdrops to photograph her and all of her beauty.
Keeping it Funky...
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