I can't help but think about the contrast between my counting the days until Christmas and that of my daughter Alissa. She loves everything about Christmas (so do I) and is anxious for Christmas morning. For her, I am sure the days are crawling by. For me, with each day that passes and Christmas literally just around the corner I wish I could add on a few more...just a few more days. Christmas cards and portraits need to be out. If you see the lights on in the studio at 1:00 a.m., that is the norm this time of year. We are so busy pressing to take care of our wonderful customers (yes, even our last minute customers are wonderful!) We just created portraits yesterday for Grace, Adam and Mary. Their parents Claudia and Jeff from East Aurora have been bringing their children to Short Street Photographers in Williamsville since Grace was a baby. I can't tell you how touched I am seeing my customers children grow up over the years. I have so many memories from sessions over the years. Adam, well, what can I say..I have paid my dues and he is now just the most cooperative of subjects! For his reward in doing a great job with his sisters, I let him come up with a pose of his own. It is so "Adam" and it cracks me up. Grace is turning into a most lovely young woman and Mary is simply delightful. I do have a great "job" and I am so thankful to be doing what I am doing even if it means 12 to 16 hour days. So, Jeff and Claudia will have their Christmas cards out on time (of course I'll make it happen) and their wall portrait will be up in time for Christmas dinner. Less than a week to go....Joan
