Photo Contests!

Do You Know a Mom Running on Empty? It’s New York’s Turn!

Me Ra Koh

So excited about how our first ASK and LEARN went on the SOARORITY forum last night!  If you missed it, you can still read the wealth of questions that ladies asked Sara France.  Her answers were so wonderful and inspiring!  Go check it out by CLICKING HERE!!  The next ASK and LEARN will be the third Thursday of this month, stay tuned for more details!

It’s Genie again (in case you didn’t know :)) – and I’m here to announce our next Running on Empty contest. This time it’s for New York!

Do you know a mom who needs this kind of group and weekend getaway? Do you know a mom Running on Empty?  If so, nominate her today. Let’s turn her day around and let her know we are rooting for her!

If you know a MOM who is;

A. Running on Empty

B. Lives near New York area or has mileage to spend

C. Can arrange for a sitter and get the weekend free, starting Friday, April 15th 7-9pm, for Meet & Greet/Book Signing night all the way through Sunday night, April 17th.

D. Most importantly, has a PASSION for photography

Nominate her TODAY! Nominations must be in by Monday night, 3/6 at 6pm PST.

We will announce the winner in time for her to jump in and make all the arrangements. So make sure your nominations are all in by Monday at 6pm PST. If you are not familiar with this contest, read Me Ra’s description below and see what it’s all about! Moms are one of the most beautiful parts of creation. This contest is all about acknowledging their beauty, even when they are Running on Empty.

Running on Empty

Here’s how it works!

In honor of how wonderful moms are and all that they do and give, Brian and I keep one spot reserved in every workshop for a special mom like YOU! That’s right, you (or she) will get a free pass to the upcoming CONFIDENCE Workshop in the Seattle area! (Please note, we don’t provide room/board and travel.)

To nominate a mom, you must post a comment telling us about the mom who you think deserves a big break in life! If you are a mom, you’re probably laughing because we ALL deserve a serious break. But the moms we’re looking for are the ones who have had a ridiculous amount of stress in their life whether from trauma or things just not going her way this year. She is a mom in your life that needs a serious blessing to come her way. She needs a serious surprise that gives her empty tank some fuel. If she is a woman that has miscarried, she is still a mom in my mind b/c I know her heart became a mother’s heart the moment she found out she was pregnant. Don’t hesitate to nominate her too.

I’m proud to say that some of our previous winners stepped out on a limb and nominated themselves. Take courage in them and feel free to nominate yourself if you know you need a serious break. Who knows, you may have your house remodeled by Oprah!

We’ll collect all the nominees, have a committee of wonderful moms vote, and then announce the winner in the next two weeks! Being as wonderful as they are, it’s not an easy job. As one said recently, “After reading each story I’d say, ‘I’m voting for HER’.”  Each one of you is so deserving.

Nominate her today and turn her day around!  Oh, wait!  Don’t forget to let her know you’ve nominated her too! If I was a mom nominated I’d love to know my friends were thinking of me whether I won or not! Deadline for ALL nominations is Monday, March 6th at 6pm PST. Nominations MUST be posted as a comment on this blog post. Either your email or the nominees email MUST be included on the blog post to qualify. Nominations emailed or posted on other blog posts may be overlooked. Please post all nominees here. Thanks! (A tip: write in Word or other program first – just in case.:))

For more details about the New York CONFIDENCE WORKSHOP, CLICK HERE!

What do past attendees say about the CONFIDENCE Workshops?  Wow, the best place to send you is Me Ra’s birthday post where over 100 women shared what a difference this workshop has made in their life.  CLICK HERE to read their comments!

________________________________________________________________________________

*All our 2011 Winter CONFIDENCE Workshops SOLD OUT, so we opened up THREE SPRING Workshops; New York, Seattle and Chicago!  They are already more than half full, so click the city below for more details on how to grab your spot!!  If confidence is your goal and photography your passion, it’s an amazing pool to jump in.  You never know what may open up!

New York, CLICK HERE!

Seattle, CLICK HERE!

Chicago, CLICK HERE!

Post those nominations by this Monday at 6pm!

~ Genie

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  1. Claudia Constantino says:

    Happy Friday! I wanted to thank Me Ra, Brian and Sara France for hosting the ASK & LEARN last night! I learned SO MUCH! When Sara talked about how to approach building a portfolio when you are just starting out, I was blown away! She definitely inspired me to DREAM BIG!

  2. Megan Weeks says:

    I would like to nominate my mother-in-law , Susan Weeks. She is a phenomenal mother and grandmother with a deep love for photography. I know this would mean the world to her and be an experience she’d never forget. She is so devoted to her family and loves to photograph us all and we are so proud of her for her motivation to learn more about photography..her kids,grandkids, and taking pictures are truly her passion!!! Please consider her for this awesome opportunity! Thank you!

  3. Debbie says:

    I would love to nominate myself (wow, I have never done anything like this before). I am a wife, mother, and grandmother, who was always the point and shoot photographer in the family. I loved pictures, but photography, was never anything I thought I was good at. I just took pictures. Five years ago, my life took a dramatic change. I fell on some black ice, and what followed was 4 hand surgeries and job loss, and I now live with chronic right hand and nerve pain. The disability has changed my life. But as bad as the days and pain can be, there has also been a blessing. My love of photography grew. I wasn’t just taking pictures anymore, I was making and capturing memories and moments especially in the lives of my grandkids and family. I had no idea what I was doing, but I somehow, caught the expressions, and moments, and would get pictures, that people would really love. I just turned 54 years old. I will never be able to hold down a full time job, but it doesn’t mean that I can’t leave my mark on this world. I wish that this love for photography, I would have found in my 20’s. But I believe that everything happens for a reason, and that when a door closes, another opens. I am not too old, to really learn photography, learn my camera, and start taking, just not okay pictures, but great pictures. This workshop would be the blessing, I could use, to help me down this new road, that God is taking me on. It’s impact would help out my family financially, boost a dented self-esteem, and let me leave my small mark in this world, not just in the lives of my family, but in the lives of friends and even friends I have yet to meet. The workshop would also connect me with MeRa, Brian, and women with the same love and passion, and give me the chance to grow new friendships. What greater blessing would anyone want. I would love for you to consider me for this Confidence workshop, it seems it would be just what the doctor ordered…Blessings…Debbie

  4. Stephanie Rawson says:

    I truly believe that my Mother, Susan Weeks, would be WONDERFUL for this amazing opportunity. She has always worked hard and given everything that she has to our family. She has raised my brother (a 28 year old doctor), my sister (a 21 year old grad student) and myself (a 31 year old stay at home mom). The love and support that she has given us has been immeasurable. She has always put our needs first. She has been an aide in a special education preschool dealing mostly with kids that have autism for over 15 years. She, literally, gives everything that she has to help everyone around her. She got a camera when my daughter was born almost four years ago and she has not put it down. She takes pictures of my children, my nephew, my friends children, the children that she works with, her home, landscapes, snowflakes…. I could go on and on! I am so proud of her. She is FINALLY taking a little well deserved time for herself. She has found passion in photography. Every time we visit she is excited to tell me about something new that she has learned. She is now a photography sponge! She is constantly reading, experimenting, and practicing. My Mother is an amazing woman. I think that if anyone deserves something for themselves, it is her. Please consider her for this once in a lifetime opportunity. I promise she will astound you!

  5. BreAnna S. says:

    I would like to nominate Amy Oyler. She is a loving wife and mother to three children (two boys and a girl). She is one of the most inspiring women I know and I would love to share her story with you. She runs her own photography business from home, Legacy Photo & Design and her work is simply amazing. This is actually how I came about to know her…we are clients of hers.

    This last month marked the 7th anniversary of her miscarriage. In fact, Amy herself almost died during the baby’s delivery. One month after losing their baby, she wrote a letter and she recently shared it on her facebook page. It touched me for many reasons. Most importantly, though, for someone to share their loss and to put their feelings out in the open for everyone to see really takes courage.

    Losing a child is one of the hardest things a mother can go through. It was losing their baby girl, though, that led them down a different path: adoption. They decided to adopt a baby girl who was in need of a family and they couldn’t be more thrilled to have her. Amy is also a volunteer for the Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep organization.In addition to everything she’s done, throughout the year she offers mini-sessions with the session fees going to various charities. She puts so much energy into her work and family that I know she deserves to enjoy something for herself.

    I would like to include a few excerpts from her very personal letter that she shared:

    “It comforts me to know that she died in a safe warm place and I believe she knew of my love for her. I talked to her, and I sang to her, I read the bible to her. I was a good momma for the short time I got to help her grow into what God wanted her to be…

    … I know that heaven is a place of great joy. There can be nothing better than being in the presence of our creator; a light so bright that there is neither sun nor moon. But I can’t fathom that, I can’t wrap my worldly mind around it. Being held in the arms of someone who loves you, that I get…

    …I wrote this at the one-month anniversary of losing our child. It’s not the beginning of the story and it’s not the end. It’s not the daddy’s story, the brother’s story or even the nana’s story, just the momma. That’s me.”

  6. Natasha says:

    I would like to nominate Imene.
    She is wonderful woman whom I met through blogging.A mum of three children.Origianlly from Algeria,she moved here with her husband knowing no one,like me,her visits from family are very few.I understand where she is coming from with her family being so far away yet she has striven to make a wonderful life for herself and family.She has just started out on her own photography venture,teaching herself everything.When Debbie and I were headed to DC she so desperately wanted to come but it just wasn’t on the cards for her.I know that she would benefit immensely from this workshop.I tried to share some of what I learnt but you need to be there and I know that Imene would do anything to get there,even if it means dropping her kis on my doorstep (i just hope she gives me a heads up first!!LOL)
    Also she continues to encourage and inspire mum’s daily through her blog imenesaid.com.
    I may not have a touching story of hers to share,that is not my place,I am sure that if you give her the chance and meet her she will share many an inspiring story and touch others like she has touch me.

    MeRa.
    Brian.
    Genie.
    Please consider Imene,she is a wonderful human being.

    Natasha xxxx

    BTW can we come a be family models again?
    I promise,1,not to be late
    and 2,not to cry!!!! (this one I may break!!LOL)

  7. Debbie Allan says:

    I second that Natasha. I have watched Imene’s photography journey in the last six months or so. I know she would benefit greatly from the experience of the Confidence Workshop. Her work is already amazing, but hanging with you guys and the other Confidence attendees would be fabulous for her. I was disappointed that she was not able to make the journey to DC with us.

    I would love to think that she could have the opportunity to learn from you guys, and what better place to do it than in NJ.

    My fingers and toes are crossed for her.

    Debbie

  8. Natasha says:

    ACKKK,I forgot my email addres on here to qualify!! usual ditzy self at work again,not suprised are you!!

    so sorry for the repost.email me at ponteufphotography@hotmail.com

    REPOSTED ::

    I would like to nominate Imene.
    She is wonderful woman whom I met through blogging.A mum of three children.Origianlly from Algeria,she moved here with her husband knowing no one,like me,her visits from family are very few.I understand where she is coming from with her family being so far away yet she has striven to make a wonderful life for herself and family.She has just started out on her own photography venture,teaching herself everything.When Debbie and I were headed to DC she so desperately wanted to come but it just wasn’t on the cards for her.I know that she would benefit immensely from this workshop.I tried to share some of what I learnt but you need to be there and I know that Imene would do anything to get there,even if it means dropping her kis on my doorstep (i just hope she gives me a heads up first!!LOL)
    Also she continues to encourage and inspire mum’s daily through her blog imenesaid.com.
    I may not have a touching story of hers to share,that is not my place,I am sure that if you give her the chance and meet her she will share many an inspiring story and touch others like she has touch me.

    MeRa.
    Brian.
    Genie.
    Please consider Imene,she is a wonderful human being.

    Natasha xxxx

    BTW can we come a be family models again?
    I promise,1,not to be late
    and 2,not to cry!!!! (this one I may break!!LOL)

  9. Faiza says:

    I would like to nominate Imene. I don’t know if I can since I am outside the States but I knew Imene since she was a little baby and now she is a wonderful woman and she deserves to be acknowledged for her courage, devotion and commitment for anything she undertakes in her private, family and public life.

  10. Jaclyn Snyder says:

    I nominate Tammy Snyder, my mom- a blossoming photographer and an incredible women.
    After experiencing sudden empty nest syndrome with to me going to college and the sudden loss of her other daughter, Samantha, she showed incredible strength and resilience. Putting many of her passions and pursuits on hold to raise us, she found herself with a lot of free time and the ability to explore her interest and talents. She rescued a dog, Stella, but it turns out Stella rescued her too. Recently, she started a therapy dog group and now serves on the board. It has grown from a small vision she had to a wonderful group of teams working throughout the community. Tammy goes to an adult community working with elderly people during their physical therapy sessions and visits Alzheimer’s and dementia patients with Stella. She is also a member of the R.E.A.D program and goes into the local elementary school with Stella where children with underdeveloped reading skills read to Stella and her to strengthen their reading and comprehension.
    In the past few months she has been busy helping me (and worrying the way moms do!) with my upcoming move to Scotland to attend veterinary school. Because I’m still in graduate school, she has helped me get organized and get everything-paperwork, interviews, visas and travel plans -in order.
    Between all of these activities, she still finds time to pursue and develop her passion of photography. She has diligently worked at it and is always open to ways of improving, having started with no previous experience. I have watched her from the beginning and am so happy she has found her confidence and talent in photography. It makes me excited at how excited she is and how she’s grown. She’s been an inspiration to me and many others and I’m so proud she’s my mom
    This workshops would be a great source of learning and inspiration for her. My mom is always giving to others and deserves a weekend to grow in her photography and be surrounded by other inspiring women!

    jaclyn.snyder5@gmail.com

  11. I wish to nominate my sister, Debbie Meier. She has photos throughout her house and just loves photography. A few years back she had a fall and broke her wrist and the doctor messed up her arm so now after multiple surgeries no one can touch it or any clothing without severe pain. She is unable to work but because of her not giving up attitude she tries to continue taking her pictures which is the “second” love of her life. Her children and grandchildren and the rest of the family are plastered on her walls. She has always wanted to be able to attend a workshop to learn the things that she just doesn’t know and this would be such a wonderful gift for her and a wish come true. I don’t have the means to send her some where but i truly would appreciate it if you would consider her a very serious person that would only be an asset at your workshop. Those of us her would be the beneficiaries of what she learns. Your consideration is much appreciated! She loves photos. i wish you could see some! Thank you!

  12. BreAnna says:

    In my nomination for Amy Oyler, I entered my email in the space that said it was required but wouldn’t be posted…Since many people have also included in their post, I started to second guess myself. So here it is: breannarenee2@hotmail.com

    Forgive me if this was unnecessary. Thanks!

  13. Jimi LaSante says:

    I nominate my wife, Jennifer LaSante. She was feeling lost with her life until see found photography. Right now, photography is one of the driving forces in her life aside from our two darling children. Our newborn son recently had to go through heart surgery due to a congenital heart defect that he was born with. That put quite a toll on her heart as well as mine. He is well now and loved very much. She has taken awesome pictures of him and our daughter.

    My wife, though a strong woman, always lacked self confidence no matter how much I tell her how wonderful I know she is. When she stumbled upon Me Ra Koh’s website and blog and read about her CONFIDENCE workshop, she did not stop talking about her or it. She swore she would go to the workshop when we could afford it and when it was in New York (or at least near the Bronx where we live).

    I wish I could just go to the bank and foot the bill but the cost is hard for a family of four who live on one paycheck by paycheck. My wife’s personal passion is photography and I would love to turn her gray skies (because of personal issues) into clouds with a silver lining by telling her she is going to the workshop.

    I know my wife deserves to go and she and her photography skills would benefit immensely from this workshop.

    Good luck to everyone and have fun

    Jimi= woodworker2090@yahoo.com
    Jennifer= stargazerchick11@aol.com

  14. Tammy says:

    I would like to nominate my mom, Debbie Meier. Five years ago she fell and broke her wrist. She has had 4 surgeries and lost her job in the process. She is unable to work full time due to the chronic nerve pain. This has not only caused physical pain, but financial stress, and at the age of 54 a journey is self discovery. The good that has come out of it is her love for photography. She takes pictures all the time and “captures the moment”. She has always talked about learning more about photography, but has not been able to due to the financial burden that they carry. This work shop would not only give her knowledge but also a confidence that she is missing. Please consider her for this once in a lifetime opportunity. She deserves it.

  15. Megan Weeks says:

    I forgot to add my email in my nomination for Susan Weeks..it is Dzny5@yahoo.com PLEASE consider her for this awesome opportunity!!! Our family is really pulling for her to win this!

  16. Daniel Riley says:

    i hope this gets in. The deadline says Monday March 6th, but the 6th is Sunday, so i am not sure if it ends Sunday or Monday. Figure i will give it a try. i would like to nominate my wife Danielle Riley. She is a wonderful mother all day long and pursues photography in any free time she gets. It is usually well after i turn in for the night, and the boys are asleep that she is trying to better herself since that is the only time she gets to herself. She does her photography on the weekends and is always second guessing whether she is ready for certain things. i would love her to have this opportunity to help her get to the confidence i know she is deserving of, and that i know lies within her. She can get to NYC, and i will take time off of my job and have a dad weekend with my two sons(i am always looking for a reason to spend more time with them) Please consider her, she is an amazing photographer who needs that liitle push to ler her know she is great. Thanks for your time.

  17. Brandon Weeks says:

    I nominate my mother, Susan Weeks. She has devoted her life to raising a family. She has three children and now three grandchildren. Her new passion is taking photographs of her family. She spends days taking the “perfect” picture of all of her kids and grand kids. My sisters and I are incredibly lucky to have such a loving, caring, and selfless mom that has pushed us, nurtured us, cared for us, loved us, and provided us with all that we needed to become who we are today. Now our children are blessed enough to have a wonderful grandmother to spoil them and document their lives and accomplishments through photography. All of our home’s walls are covered with her incredible work. I know that she would gain and utilize new techniques and tricks that would further fuel her passion for photography. (bdw20782@yahoo.com)

  18. Stephanie Rawson says:

    I posted earlier but didn’t add my email address. Patrickrawson@att.net. Thanks

    I truly believe that my Mother, Susan Weeks, would be WONDERFUL for this amazing opportunity. She has always worked hard and given everything that she has to our family. She has raised my brother (a 28 year old doctor), my sister (a 21 year old grad student) and myself (a 31 year old stay at home mom). The love and support that she has given us has been immeasurable. She has always put our needs first. She has been an aide in a special education preschool dealing mostly with kids that have autism for over 15 years. She, literally, gives everything that she has to help everyone around her. She got a camera when my daughter was born almost four years ago and she has not put it down. She takes pictures of my children, my nephew, my friends children, the children that she works with, her home, landscapes, snowflakes…. I could go on and on! I am so proud of her. She is FINALLY taking a little well deserved time for herself. She has found passion in photography. Every time we visit she is excited to tell me about something new that she has learned. She is now a photography sponge! She is constantly reading, experimenting, and practicing. My Mother is an amazing woman. I think that if anyone deserves something for themselves, it is her. Please consider her for this once in a lifetime opportunity. I promise she will astound you!

  19. Caitlin Weeks says:

    I would like to nominate my mom, Susan Weeks. Words cannot even describe how deserving of this opportunity my mother is. She gives so much of her love and time to others; she rarely has enough time or energy to do anything for herself. She is a passionate woman whose main concern is family. She calls my sister, my brother, and I frequently to make sure we are doing well and to hear about our day. She also takes any available opportunity to spend time with her grandchildren, one of which she drives two hours to see on her days off. Not only is my mother concerned about her children and grandchildren, she also cares for her own mother. She frequently visits her home after work to assure her well-being, and to organize her medications so she can take them independently.

    At work, my mom cares for pre-school aged children with the diagnosis of autism. She works in a classroom specifically designed to help children with autism become as independent as possible and succeed throughout the school day. She connects with every child, and makes it a point to find each child’s strengths both in and out of the classroom. She truly cares about creating an educational and nurturing environment in which the children can thrive.

    My mother spends so much time caring for others, that she puts herself last. Recently, she has found a passion for photography, and finds exponential joy in capturing the special moments within families. She has done so much for our family, and this opportunity would be a wonderful way for us to thank her for everything she has done throughout our lives.

    Thank you for your consideration. This opportunity would be so great for my mother, and I know if you choose her you won’t be disappointed!

    -Caitlin

  20. Caitlin Weeks says:

    I just posted, but forgot to put my e-mail in the blog post as well. Here it is again. Sorry for the confusion!

    cweeks@chatham.edu

    I would like to nominate my mom, Susan Weeks. Words cannot even describe how deserving of this opportunity my mother is. She gives so much of her love and time to others; she rarely has enough time or energy to do anything for herself. She is a passionate woman whose main concern is family. She calls my sister, my brother, and I frequently to make sure we are doing well and to hear about our day. She also takes any available opportunity to spend time with her grandchildren, one of which she drives two hours to see on her days off. Not only is my mother concerned about her children and grandchildren, she also cares for her own mother. She frequently visits her home after work to assure her well-being, and to organize her medications so she can take them independently.
    At work, my mom cares for pre-school aged children with the diagnosis of autism. She works in a classroom specifically designed to help children with autism become as independent as possible and succeed throughout the school day. She connects with every child, and makes it a point to find each child’s strengths both in and out of the classroom. She truly cares about creating an educational and nurturing environment in which the children can thrive.
    My mother spends so much time caring for others, that she puts herself last. Recently, she has found a passion for photography, and finds exponential joy in capturing the special moments within families. She has done so much for our family, and this opportunity would be a wonderful way for us to thank her for everything she has done throughout our lives.
    Thank you for your consideration. This opportunity would be so great for my mother, and I know if you choose her you won’t be disappointed!

    -Caitlin

  21. Salim says:

    I hope I get this right as it’s my first blog comment. I would like to nominate my wife Imene Kouidri. Ever since she has heard about your workshops she’s been dreaming to go to one. Unfortunately she couldn’t make it to D.C.
    Photography is her therapy as she often says. Moving to the US and quitting her job have been hard on her. She lost her sense of self and purpose and having three little ones didn’t help much. Photography has helped her regain confidence and an appreciation of everyday moments.
    I would love for her to be chosen.
    Thank you for considering her.

  22. Me Ra says:

    Thank you for all the nominations so far.

    We just wanted to apologize for the typo. The deadline is Monday, 3/7, at 6pm PST.

    Much warmth

  23. I know this sounds really forward but I would like to nominate myself. Eeeek! I’m cringing even as I write this!!

    I would be so grateful for this opportunity from the bottom of my heart.

    For the past 2 years I’ve been living like a giant stress ball. We moved back home to NY from Florida and my husband was laid off. For 2 years he has been looking for a full-time job and has been doing freelance work in the meantime. On days that he does get work, he’s stressed for the deadlines On the many days he doesn’t have work, he’s depressed and I have to be the cheerleader. We are both home together every day which may work for some couples but it hasn’t for us. We are in each other’s spaces all the time without any breaks. I have continually tried to be his cheerleader, helping where and when I could in his job hunt, many times putting my desires on the back burner.

    We also have 2 little girls which means never ending meals, laundry, homework, doctor’s visits, school activities (I’m a class mom for both of them) and just making sure they are happy. They are always my first priority.

    It doesn’t really leave much time for me.

    My love of photography is the one thread I hold on to but I feel like my family doesn’t understand me. It’s more like “there’s mom with her camera again”. Sometimes I feel like they only see me as the person to make their lives better but that I’m not supposed to have a life of my own as well I feel like I am continually trying to explain to them that I am more than just the laundry lady or the cook but I have needs as well. They all look at me like I’m crazy and I’m starting to wonder if I really am! Am I fighting a losing battle? When will it be my turn? Do I have to wait until my kids are all grown up or my husband gets a full time job? I am physically and mentally exhausted from thinking about the uncertainty of our financial situation.

    I want to be proactive and I want more than anything to expand my knowledge of photography and start my own photography business.

    I even discussed this workshop with my husband and again he looked at me like I was crazy – his first reaction being “how are you going to pay for it”? Being negative instead of brainstorming with me to try and figure it out.

    It’s my turn to need the cheerleader!

    If I was chosen for this spot, I think it would not only be so beneficial for me, but my family would also have to see that I am on a mission!! If I don’t get chosen, at least I was able to vent a little! 🙂

    Thank you so much for listening to my story and for considering me for the spot.

    My e-mail address is stacey@totalcitygirl.com

  24. Sophie says:

    I totally agree with Natasha and would like to nominate Imene.
    I think she is definitely running on Empty and totally deserves a break – I know she really wants to go to one of these WE and am sure she would benefit a lot from it and bring also a lot of stories to share.
    I have met Imene when I moved to the US with my family about a year ago. This was a challenging time for me, leaving my parents and moving here with 2 little ones. But Imene, who had been through something similar years before me, has always been there for us, helping us out, sharing her experience – making our life easier and brighter. She has been a very good friend to me.
    She does so many things ( knitting, sewing, blogging, cooking…) and has found herself a wonderful passion with photography – I admire her as she has taken the leap and started her own photography venture – We are very proud of her and are happy to help her in any way we can.
    She is a wonderful human being with 3 wonderful kids. This WE would be a great opportunity for her.
    Thank you for considering her.

    my email adress is sophie.monville@hotmail.fr

  25. Laura Hanis says:

    I would like to nominate myself for this workshop. This is not the first time I have nominated myself for one of Me Ra and Brian’s Confidence workshops. How do I even articulate why I feel like I, me of all people, deserve this opportunity. Confidence is something I have always struggled with. Not just in photography, but in life. The word itself makes me want to cringe. As a child, I was sexually abused by a family member for many years. The ramifications of how that has touched my life is something I can’t put into words. I believe it’s why I struggle so much with confidence. In so many areas of my life, I have been unbelievably blessed. I am originally from Olympia, WA and found God in my sorrow as a high school senior. It’s amazing what God can do in a person’s life. I found peace in my incest and began ministering to high school students in a youth program. Through that program, I met my husband and moved to Ohio to start a new life with him. I never realized how much I would miss my family. I think because of the abuse, I didn’t think I would. It never occurred to me how much of rock my mom has been in my life until I left her and moved 2500 miles away. When my husband and I had our son, I didn’t want my mom to miss anything. So, I took out my little point and shoot to capture every single moment of my son’s life. Little did I know that photography would turn into my passion. In December, I applied for the SOAR scholarship and feel so energized and excited about being a part of the community. In my previous confidence nomination for the last Seattle workshop, I spoke about how badly I desire to be able to stay at home full time with my son; that raising him means more to me than I ever dreamed possible. It would be such an amazing gift to be able to have my passion for photography be my career. I feel so lacking though; that my work is not good enough to share with others. How can I confidently pose people, when I feel such a lack of confidence myself? I guess that being a part of this community is showing me that these workshops are so much more than just having confidence in photography and that excites me. It gives me hope. It would be an amazing gift since it’s also on my birthday weekend J I know every woman nominated for this is so deserving and have faith that whomever is chosen is the absolute right person to go. Thank you for reading and good luck in choosing!

  26. Brent McNulty says:

    I would like to nominate my girlfriend’s mother, Susan Weeks. As someone newly entering their family, it has always been obvious to me that Susan puts all of her loved ones’ needs and desires ahead of her own. I had been told that she was an “artsy” person, but never fully grasped how talented and passionate she truly was in regards to art, until she purchased a camera and started to capture special moments. As birthdays, weddings, and family functions come and go, she never ceases to amaze me with how accurately her photos actually capture the emotions of the moments. In addition to countless hours editing pictures and researching new techniques, Susan has a talent for recognizing the beauty that everyday objects can add to photography, and is constantly bringing new (…and old) items home for her next idea.

    Thank you for your consideration of Susan Weeks. My email is BSM8812@sru.edu, feel free to contact me with any additional questions.

  27. Every time I see you post one of these workshops I get so excited because I would love nothing more than to be able to attend, but they are always so far away! But oh New York is so close! So here I am nominating myself, Jennifer Parke. I am a wife, a mother to an amazing 13 month old little boy, and a social worker. I don’t have an extreme trauma to share I just have the daily struggles of being a working mother and budding photographer. I work in child welfare and it is emotionally and physically exhausting. It’s not the kind of job that gets completed in 40 hours a week and it is definitely not the kind of job that you leave at the office at the end of the day. It is a job that makes me so grateful for the things that I have in life. It is the kind of job that makes me squeeze my baby tight just one more time each night. It is the kind of job that makes me so grateful that I get to put my baby to sleep each night (even on the nights that I have to put him to bed four or five times) and it is the kind of job that gives me that extra push as a mother and makes me want to be a full time photographer more than anything in the world. After my son was born I was rushed back to work WAY sooner than I was ready for. My husband lost his job when my son was 3 weeks old and I became the provider. My husband has the honor of caring for our son everyday and has happy as I am that they have that time together my heart breaks every time I leave for work. We have struggled financially over the last year and I constantly feel torn between work and home. For the moment my photography business is constantly on my mind and I work at it whenever I have a free moment. There are many nights that I stay up until 1am or mornings that I get up at 4:30am just to get to put the time into my photography. I have learned so much about life and photography by becoming a mother. My very patient son is always patient and let’s me practice taking photo after photo of him!

    I would love this opportunity so that I can be one step closer to being “ready” to leave the crazy world of child welfare behind me and build my photography business because I have such a different feeling when am leaving my son to go to a photo shoot than when I leave for work. I have such passion and excitement when I have my camera in my hand. I am like a sponge trying to soak up every bit of photography and business information I can. I would be incredibly honored to spend a weekend learning from amazing photographers. Thank you for considering me! My email is jenniferparkephotography@gmail.com

  28. Jane says:

    Hi MeRa!

    I am back again to nominate my dear friend Alaine Sheeley, again. She lives in NJ and is an super-mom to 5 children. Yes. 5. You read that right. 🙂

    Alaine is one of those Moms that never sleeps, at least I don’t know how she does it otherwise! She throws amazing birthday parties for each child, makes the cakes, creates the crafts, organizes the games…all with a camera in her hand. She runs everyone to their sports events, scouting events and musical events and still finds time to take pictures of it all.

    Alaine does not only define her self as a Mom with a camera, she also defines herself as an Aunt with a camera. She has 6 nieces and nephews and constantly is taking pictures of them as well. She’s the family historian, showing how their fun filled crazy lives roll through images.

    Personally, I want Alaine to come to your workshop because, having experienced it myself, I know what spending time gaining confidence will do for my dear friend. She’s so inspiring to me and I want her to be as inspired as I was after I attended a confidence workshop. She’s so talented in so many ways, but especially as a Mom. I want to give her a weekend that’s about HER, her passion for photography and quite frankly honoring her Mommyhood.

    Also? She’s my #1 fan and I like my fans to be treated well. 🙂

    You can email me at jane@janeammonphotography.com

  29. Liz says:

    I would like to nominate Debbie Meier. She is a hardworking, compassionate lady who has been struggling with some very unfortunate circumstances in her life. One is as a result of a fall and breaking her wrist, many surgeries later and therapy with no release of the pain, which also has resulted in the inability to work. In spite of pain she endures 24 hours a day she presses on with a positive attitude and thankfulness for what she has with the blessings of her family and friends. Her passion for photography is seen through the lens of her camera and developed on the walls of her home and many others. She has a knack for capturing the moments of everyday life. This would be an awesome opportunity for her to experience and give her the confidence to proceed further with her passion and develop more of the God given talent she has within her. Thank you for considering Debbie for this great opportunity.

  30. Amy Rhodes says:

    I can’t believe I am going to do this, but I am nominating myself.

    First and foremost, I am a mom to two children and a wife to a wonderful man. However as I write this, as much as I love those three amazing people, I realize that I have lost myself in my pursuit to be an all around supermom / wife. I am trying to find her – and I believe she is somewhere behind a lens.

    I love photography. I lvoe the feeling I get when I see what I have created. There are days when I am so proud of the images I have captured. But like every other woman out there, there are days of doubt. I want to start my own business. I purchased a website 3 monthss ago on one of those days when my confidence was high. However, I have not yet to released it. Everytime I sit down to work on it the voices in my head start telling me I ‘m not good enough and I don’t have enough to offer. Yet I know I do – does that make sense? I need to get over that hump and take the plunge. I don’t need other people to tell me I have talent, I need to learn how accept my talent and share it with other. I need to find my confidence. Have you seen it?

    I would love the opportunity to come and learn more.

  31. Imene says:

    Well I will be tooting my own horn ;o) Pick me, pick me ;o)
    Why? Because I am terrific, that you would have a grateful follower for life…more seriously I want a chance to meet with like minded people and share a moment of passion. Photography didn’t come early to me, I always had a camera and I loved taking snapshots but I never moved out of the green box. I thought I couldn’t, it was too hard, I was talented enough …all the “not enoughness” a woman can think of herself and beat herself down to the ground. After all I had left my career and education behind to become a stay at home mom…
    Then I started blogging, meeting those amazing women. They were moms, photographer, creative people, explorer of the world. I started taking more pictures and reading books and boy I can read.
    Then one day I met Natasha. I don’t know if I ever told her that but she made me believe I could become a photographer. So I picked a book then another, enrolled in a workshop and another, read until my eyes went red. Somehow my pictures started looking better and people started to notice. I am still at the beginning of my journey and I still have a long way to go and I would love a chance to take a couple of steps by your side.
    I am 35, a mother of three and I managed to find a passion in life this time in my life. Am I running on empty? probably but I am savoring every bit of my journey.
    Thank you for a chance and thanks to all my friends for putting a good word for me.
    Thanks Natasha, Debbie, Faiza and a special thanks to my husband for mustering the courage to write a comment ;o)

  32. Weekending says:

    […] the high point of my weekend even though it was very good. The high point was reading this comment my friend Natasha posted on MeraKoh’s […]

  33. Andrea says:

    Me Ra, I see that I’ve missed the deadline by a day, but will be looking eagerly for the next opportunity! But, I did have a question. I wasn’t sure if this nomination was for the New York workshop, the Seattle worshop or both since both cities are mentioned. I live in WA, so if you haven’t opened up nominations for the Seattle Running on Empty gift (and what an incredible gift it is), I’d love to know so I can keep my eyes glued to your blog.

    I met you two Sundays ago, Me Ra, and it blessed me completely. I’m remembering your words and choosing daily to lay back and rest in the boat and let the River of Life carry me. Thank you for sharing your story and your hope. You are a beautiful lady.

  34. […] Our New York Confidence! Workshop is coming up April 16-17 in Jersey City, NJ. And we have our Running on Empty […]