If you followed us over the past year, and subscribed to our new blog feed, you have been added to Santa's Good List! (Wouldn't that be nice?) But really, you may have noticed some things posted recently that you've seen in the past. I have been backdating some of our 2009 work for those who haven't seen it yet. That's why, even though we just launched this blog on New Year's 2010, there are archives for months in 2009. I think that my backdating is done for now, but I may add more as I have time.
Otherwise, we're getting settled into this new space and will post more new things soon. One thing I'd like to do is a "get to know Dan and Vicki" feature. If you have any burning questions about us—individually or combined—leave them in the comments. I think it'll be fun. Ready...GO!
If you are like me, you want to be cautious when donating to a cause, especially one that is so well known. Because of this, I want to tell as many people as I can about the Jean R. Cadet Restavek Foundation. I can only vouch from a third person perspective, but I'd like to share a good friend's testimonial about this organization. She will include donation information at the end of her message.
Dear Friends,
I don’t typically send e-mails with such a broad harvest of my address book, but this is something I feel very passionately about.
You are more than likely aware of the current shocking events occurring in Haiti. However, you may, or may not be aware of my tie to the Jean R. Cadet Restavek Foundation. I have been involved with the Restavek Foundation for a few years volunteering help with efforts here in Cincinnati, as well as making a trip to Haiti in August, 2008, along with my sister-in-law Sue and my niece Katie. Katie returned in February, 2009. The foundation has been working with children in and just outside of Port au Prince, Haiti for the last few years. The foundation was founded by Jean Robert Cadet, a former slave in Haiti, to help children in restavek (slave) conditions to attend school, and overall improve their quality of life. In fact, the organization’s founders and leaders, Raymond and Joan Conn, have been in Haiti since just before the earthquake struck. Jean Robert rushed there to assist with rescue and relief. While fortunately all are safe, they have been communicating via email, describing how gruesome and desperate a scene it really is. The recent turn of events have created both fear and heartache for many, including those trying to make a difference in this impoverished country. However, while much is grim, those same people are only further inspired to do more. Here is the most recent piece of communication we received from Joan Conn which depicts some of the efforts that have already begun as well as some of the fears:
“We are glad to report that we have found 6 of our staff members. As of yet, we have not located any of the children. We had a container that we have been trying to get into Haiti for months with much stress and complications, it actually arrived to the compound where our office is located the morning the quake hit. We have over 70,000 meals in the container, which was possible through the Go Cincinnati project last May which they will distribute. We know that the Nazarene compound where our office is located is standing and in good condition. This is where we are going to set up camp. Fuel is becoming a HUGE problem. The generators will not function which means loss of communication completely.”
I travelled with Joan and Jean Robert a year ago to interview children and enroll them in the foundation’s child sponsorship program. This trip was one of the most heart-breaking yet rewarding things I have ever participated in. One of my closest friends is adopting a little girl from the sponsorship program, and I was lucky enough to share a hotel room the week of my trip with my friend Kelley and her daughter Valerie. The hotel where we stayed (and Joan and Ray kept an apartment) is decimated, and approximately 200 people were killed in its collapse. Due to the extended adoption process, Valerie is still in Haiti, but I am very pleased to share that Joan and Ray located Valerie on Friday and she is safely with them. But many more of the children in their program remain to be found, and once found provisions for their care will need to be made. While there are many adults and children in need of help, I am particularly concerned for these kids who are at the bottom of almost any priority list that may exist besides this foundation’s. The conditions they lived in prior to this tragedy were beyond words, I cannot even bear to fathom their situation now.
I have spoken with some of you who have asked, “If there is anything I can do, please let me know.” Some of you have spoken about your own plans to give and do what you can. There are many organizations through which you can give to this tragedy. If giving money is something you are planning on doing, I would like to encourage you to give to an organization with which you can trust and believe that your full contribution is going to those in need. I can personally vouch for the Jean R. Cadet Restavek Foundation and can assure anyone that their donation will completely and directly go to those in need. The foundation is a grassroots and hands-on type of organization that is run by a group of people who have proven success in operating at maximum efficiency, with minimal waste. Please check out the foundation’s website at www.restavekfreedom.org. In case you are interested, here are some of the ways in which you can give:
By check via mail
Jean R. Cadet Restavek Foundation
11160 Kenwood Rd.
Cincinnati, OH 45242
By credit card via phone (this eliminates some processing charges)
(513) 530-9844 or (513) 475-3710
By Credit Card via the internet
www.restavekfreedom.org
Go to the donor page. You specify under “other” that you would like your donation to go to relief efforts.
Please feel free to pass this on to your family and friends who are interested in donating to relief in Haiti. Again, I can assure you that your gift will be used to the max if you were to choose to give through this organization. I am happy to share more details or answer questions you may have. Thanks for caring in whatever way you may choose to respond.
Warm regards,
Carole Landgrebe
By Dan | Posted on 01/17/10 | Posted in Random, Charity | 0 Comments | Post Comment
It's no secret that I love snow. It always brings back memories of snow days and my mom's snow ice cream. So, when I heard that we were getting the first White Death of 2010 last week, I was ready and waiting. I happened to work from home the second day of the storm and was able to get some shots through the windows. I may love the snow, but I had no desire to bundle up and brave the cold that day.
By Vicki | Posted on 01/10/10 | Posted in Personal | 1 Comments | Post Comment
Kal : I love snow more than I love summer! 01/16/10 7:20pm
Aaron and Susan had to wait three days after their due date, and endure many (MANY!) hours of labor, before meeting their little one. She was perfectly happy staying put, and with the freezing weather of the Midwest I don't blame her one bit. But she finally arrived, and we got to meet her this past Sunday. I'm happy to introduce you to Miss Claire...
Besides vetoing a couple of poses, she was really content throughout the afternoon.
Look at the tiny, pink boots!
And the details in her nursery...
She somehow knew exactly when the cameras were pointed at her face, because this was her reaction. :)
Aaron and Susan: thank you for letting us meet Claire and hang out with your little family. We can't wait to show you the rest of the images.
By Vicki | Posted on 01/05/10 | Posted in Shoot, Newborn | 1 Comments | Post Comment
Judy : Great pics! What a good-looking kid! 01/11/10 3:22pm
Hello 2010, and hello to the readers of our first blog post! I'm excited to have this little space added to our website so we can share business updates with you. I hope to share some personal updates, too, for those who want to know what's happening in the Rye house.
First things first, I have to thank my web developer for making this blog—and the entire website—possible. I think you know who I'm referring to. Let's face it, folks. I can design my heart out for this site, but without Dan the designs never come to life. I know that I'm his toughest client, and I'm indebted to him forever. He is my favorite developer, business partner, and husband, so he gets the first and most important round of thanks. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
The second round of thanks goes to everyone who has supported us. You know who you are. Our family, friends, fans, followers, clients who have become friends, and those who are out there encouraging us and spreading the word. We are motivated by you, and our dreams are not possible without you. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
With that, 2009 was a great year for us. Here are some key things that happened:
• We revamped our branding
• We worked on establishing a look and style that's recognizable
• We launched a new website
• We worked to infuse our branding into new packaging, marketing materials, etc.
• We learned a lot about ourselves and business
• We had repeat business as well as new business
• We opened our Etsy shop
• We had some fun giveaways for our Facebook fans
• We had a great time establishing new relationships and nurturing old ones
That's seriously awesome! I put together a quick slide show to recap 2009. Even if you have followed us this year, there are some new images included just for you. :) If you haven't seen your session images yet (ahem, Joe and Maura) you may want to divert your eyes when your images appear, or watch later.
2009 Review from Rye Designs on Vimeo. Music from Craig Lyons. Find him on iTunes and Facebook.
While 2009 was a great year, I'm ready to see what 2010 brings! Let us know how you like the new blog and if you encounter any issues. Also, feel free to subscribe to our blog, sign up for our newsletter, or suggest upcoming content while you're here. I hope you have a wonderful new year!
By Vicki | Posted on 01/01/10 | Posted in Business | 1 Comments | Post Comment
Megan Morgan : This is fantastic! 01/06/10 9:29am
By Vicki | Posted on 01/21/10 | Posted in Random | 0 Comments | Post Comment