Greetings Everyone
AFTER OUR APRIL HEAT WAVE it feels like we're back to winter with the temperatures back in the low 40s again. Most trees and bushes have not burst into bloom, along with the tulips and daffodils. Before long we will be spending a lot more time outdoors and I'm longing for that. This season is my favorite for the renewal it brings and I await the warmer weather with eager anticipation.

I trust you survived the winter and that you and your families are well. After 9/11 we are all still in a state of recovery and adjusting to many changes as a result. My heartfelt sympathy goes out to all the families who's lives have been directly affected by this unbelievable tragedy. For a lot of us the event has brought the importance of family and friends even closer to our hearts and our sense of priorities may have shifted. When Maya Angelou was asked by Oprah Winfrey, in a recent interview concerning Sept. 11, she said, "There has always been evil and there will always be evil but there has always been good and there is good now...what really matters now is love, now I don't mean mush, I don't mean sentimentality, I mean that condition in the hemisphere that 's so profound that it allows us to rise. Strength, love, courage, love, kindness, love. That is what really matters."

Families and Relationships
will be the focus for this year and I have planned something special in the regard. I have completed studies at the New England Institute of Professional Photography with two exceptional photographers from Kentucky, Tim and Beverly Walden. I am now ready to start work on Relationship Portraits. This is something I've been formulating for a while and is somewhat different from the black & white work I've been doing. To get started on this I am offering a special session to my preferred clients. For $95 you will receive a 45min. session in black & white along with a 5x7 print (regular value is $277). Whatever combination of family members you choose the emphasis will be on an artistic and natural look. The background is dark and portraits are mostly close-ups. This offer is extended through May and June only.

Recreation

This year we took a trip to the Dominican Republic at an all inclusive resort. Like our boat cruise last year this was a first. It was extremely convenient with all the restaurants and activities in one location.

The country itself seemed impoverished but we loved the colorful houses and art of the very gentle and friendly people. For the R and R we both needed Mark and I had a very relaxing and enjoyable time. As a bonus we made some new friends from Long Island.

Congratulations...
are in order to Erica, my wonderful assistant who made the honor role this year and was accepted at Northeastern University in Boston. Alas, I will be sorry to see her go. She has been a loyal and trusty assistant to me for the past couple of years and continues to become more valuable as time goes on. I am also extremely delighted that her dreams are being fulfilled and my sincere wishes for continued success go with her. Way to go Erica!

Pets

What would we do without them? Lucy is now four, and Jack the cat is about ten years old. We just bought him his first senior cat food today but he is still a ferocious hunter and if there are any mice around our house they best beware. Lucy continues to boss him around whenever she can but there is a lot of affection between the two of them.

The Business
It was the best year ever. Once again we topped all previous years and are most grateful to you our clients for your continued support. Some of my clients return year after year often bringing in new clients with them. A hearty thank you to all of you who refer your friends and family to us. Don't forget to ask for your free portrait with your next session as a token of our appreciation.

West School Fundraiser
A thank you to all those who participated in the family photo day last September. Among the volunteers were Maureen O'Leary, Joanne O'Malley, Betsy Greene and a host of others who gave of their time and energy to make this successful event. Over 65 families had their portraits taken and everyone's work was delivered in time for the holidays. My thanks and best wishes go out to you all for a wonderful spring and summer season.

There will be some special incentives in late summer for family portraits. In the meantime you may want to consider the black and white relationship portrait as an alternative or in addition. Please do not hesitate to call if you have any questions. I look forward to seeing you and your families again this year.