Senior Season has come to and end!

Just some of my girls!

Talk Soon

Melissa

It is coming down to the wire!!!

C'mon seniors!! The deadline is coming! I still have a few slots left!

I am also still running the 20 for 20 special! 20 minute session, 20 bucks and only an extra 10 bucks for your yearbook photo! (this session includes no prints)

Call today!!

Senior Rep Britt

She is a real beauty! Those amazing eyes....love them!!

Senior season is upon us!!!

Talk Soon,

Melissa

Old School

I recently had these photos given to me by my Aunt after my grandfather passed away.

I had to share!

We don't have many photos of my brother and me with my father, so I was psyched:

Top Left: My father, Larry with his cousin and her husband. Notice the T-shirt my father is wearing.
My Aunt Nancy had to have given that to him. That would be my face...nice.

Top Right: My brother Josh and me at the Palmer's (Loved Terry and Norm). My brother has ALWAYS been cute, by the looks of this photo, I grew into it :)

Bottom Left: I had a pet raccoon when I was a kid. His name was Rocky. He died when one of the nasty old barn cats got him sick. Jerks. He was pretty awesome, kind of like my haircut.

Bottom Right: That would be me..pulling a trailer in the Old Home Days Parade in Bar Mills with my new bad ass three wheeler. I think I went 1.5 miles per hour so I'm thinking the helmet was simply to cover the bad haircut.

Top Left: My father, when he was super skinny and young at Skips in Buxton

Top Right: My brother and my grandmother's dog, Thumper. Thumper was a dirty little dog with a terrible underbite.

Bottom Left: Family friend with Josh

Bottom Right: Josh and me at the most wonderful place on earth...My Grandparent's Farm. Again, I'm awesome!

Top Left: Larry with his buddies

Top Right: Oh, there I am, pulling that float! HAHAHA!

Bottom Left: My father and Josh at my grandparents

Bottom Right: The one trip I remember taking with my dad...EVER. The Blue Angels Show. I think this is the only photo of the three of us together. I love this photo, just for that reason alone.


Fun Times!

Talk Soon,
Melissa

Updates!!

Holla! I'm back after a "bit" of a hiatus.
Maybe a LONG hiatus :)

Anyway, let's not concentrate on the negatives...I'm here now, with an UPDATE!!

I FINALLY have a date for Boston! YAY!

I'm excited, hopeful, nervous, but most of all....happy.

The seizure activity is still up. Nothing has slowed them down much.

As far as the seizures go, I'm kind of getting used to them. I mean as well as anyone can get used to seizures.

They happen, I rest, we move on.

The hardest part right now is depression. on August 12th, it marked one year of seizures.

One year when the life I knew....stopped.

I have continued to stay positive and hopeful through all 300 seizures, but it has gotten me a little down lately.

I miss driving. I miss having control of my life. I miss the outside world. I miss not worrying about falling on the ground and having a fit wherever I go. I miss work.

I have a beautiful home and am so grateful, but to be honest, I'm sick of sitting in it day after day...alone.

So, yeah, it has gotten me down. I'm really trying to dig myself out of it, just somedays are harder than others.

BUT I have a date for Boston, next month! Let's keep our fingers crossed that I find a doctor that knows what's going on and can help!

If you guys could say a quick prayer for that, I would be so grateful!

Talk Soon
Melissa

My babies are sick.....

I used two different editing processes.

Brutus on top, Lulu on bottom.

Which do you prefer?

Going to snuggle with my fur babies!

Hope everyone has a fabulous day!

Talk Soon

Melissa

What every professional photographer would like to say...

Good Morning!!

Still working behind the scenes on a totally new look for this, here, blog of mine.
While all that has been taking place, I got to thinking about some recent discoveries involving professional photographers.

There are so many misconceptions!
This brought me to writing my very own list to clear things up a bit.

Believe me, most photographers have wanted to say at least one of these things in their time photographing, I'm sure not all, but I promise, at least one.

Melissa Pierce Photography's Little (UN)known Rules

1. I didn't become a professional photographer when I bought my fancy camera.
        I started this road years ago with my Nikon D50 in hand. I started with the kit lens, shooting automatic. I moved the dial to Manual at least 2 years later...yes, 2 years. I read the manual a MILLION times and learned my camera in and out. I called my photographer cousin hundreds of times, asking for pointers. Fast forward 6 years.....I opened my photography business..with my beloved Nikon D50 still in hand. (Nikon D50 is NOT considered a professional camera) I had learned by then, the camera is a tool, what I could do with my tool made me good at what I do. I now own a Canon 5DMarkll and there are days I miss my D50. Trust me folks..it's not the camera!

2. PHOTOSHOP is a tool to ENHANCE my talent.
       While Photoshop is hands down, one of the most amazing tools I have, it doesn't take place of my talent and it is not a miracle worker. I want everyone to look their absolute best, but I cannot alter YOU. Actually, I could, but I don't want to and neither should you.

3. I need to get paid. This is my career. I have mouths to feed, bills to pay, a life to live...just like YOU. For a long time I have given deals to family and friends...I actually felt GUILTY for charging what I know I'm worth!! Um, that doesn't buy groceries. I LOVE to give back and if there is a charity that I want to donate my time and talent to, I will, the payback doubles for me more than any amount of money. I see it as getting paid emotionally, it feels good to give back. However, I can't do every event that might be asked of me. Please understand, I would LOVE to, just sometimes, I can't.
   As far as friends and family discounts,,,,,ugh, this still kills me, but I can't offer them anymore. If I take your photo and offer you prints, great! But please don't assume because we are cousins twice removed by marriage that I'm going to work for free or a significant price cut. I'll tell you what...When Hannaford offers free groceries or your doctor waives his fees, so won't I! Deal?

4. I have a specific style. This is so important. There are talented photographers all over. We are all different in our own way. That is what makes it so freaking awesome!! Find a photographer that specializes in the style YOU love. If you love standard traditional studio photos, you will be greatly disappointed if you hire me. I am not even close to traditional. Here's the thing, its ok. I want every single client to get exactly what they want. This quite possibly means you won't hire me..that's OK! I have gotten to know some amazing photographers in the area, I would gladly point you in the right direction to fulfill your needs!!

5. Editing is NOT quick. It can be, but for me, I have to take breaks away from the computer. My eyes start seeing double and I have to walk away. With that said, if I tell you it will be a week to see your proofs, its not because I'm working for a week nonstop on your photos. I tend to edit better in the evening after everyone has gone to bed. I don't know why, its quiet, its peaceful. If you want the best from me, trust me, if I say a week or even two, you WANT me to take that time.

6. If I show you your proofs and out of a million clicks of my camera and there is only 20. Please don't ask to see the others. I do what I do because I know what I'm doing. These 20 are the cream of the crop, the best of the best..I PROMISE! I do not edit every single photo I take. I do not display unedited photos (rules can change for wedding candids). Please, Please learn to trust me on this.

7. I truly love what I do. I love seeing people's reactions to their images. I love laughing and goofing around during the session. I chose to do this for a living after A LOT of thought and couldn't be happier. I genuinely care about you and your images and will always strive to be the best I can and continue to get better.

With all that said, if any photographer friends would like to add to this least, please do!!

Talk Soon Peeps!

Melissa

The Photos Are Avavilable!!!

To view and purchase prints, my gallery is at:

Melissa Pierce Photography

There are a few more photos that will be added to the gallery, but I'm working on a loading glitch as we speak.

Thank you in advance for all your support for the St Clairs (and patience with me)

Talk Soon,

Melissa

Well, hello..

This has been a rough week.

A dear friend passed away last week and his services were this week.

He was a wonderful man that left behind a sweet wife and two adorable boys.
I can't explain how my heart aches for them.
It challenged my faith.
I just pray that Jen and her boys find some peace.

Since I have been open with you all about my health issues, I suppose its ok to tell you that my seizures come with stress. I'm a worrier. I internalize a lot and I tend to stuff and go.

I'm a master at putting on a smile, making a joke and remaining disgustingly optimistic during times I want to just break down and cry.

I tried to stuff everything I was feeling this week. I really tried.
and with that came a seizure. A rather bad one.

It completely wiped me out.

I'm not making excuses here.

The StClair photos should be completed and a link should already be posted.

They are close, but not just yet. I promise though, soon. Like, tomorrow soon.

I'm a bit of a perfectionist and I want all my images of the event to be as great as the turnout was. I want every image to be something my dear friend Kate will be proud of.

I also want them to be so great that you will want to purchase beautiful prints so the proceeds can help my friends even more.

Thank you for your patience. Thank you for your love for the StClairs.

Talk Soon

Melissa

St Clair Event

Thank you for visiting my site! If you are here looking for the photos from the Kyle St Clair event last night, A link will be posted as soon as possible. You will be able to view and purchase any photos that you may want from the event. All proceeds will go directly to the St Clair's. Please check back soon, I should have the link up by the end of the day today, tomorrow at the latest!

The event was wonderful! Thank you to all who came and made this event such a huge success!!

Talk Soon

Melissa

Changes

I looked at my blog yesterday and realized it didn't reflect me at all.
The header...black and white! huh??

I am a color girl all the way!!.

I think sometimes we get wrapped up in how things are "supposed" to be rather than being ourselves.

SO, while I'm on my, hopefully, last day of recovery, I'm changing everything about my blog.

I'm redesigning everything! Logo, branding...everything, so that it reflects me and my work.

Please be patient through this change...I've been known to have a hard time making decisions.
I often have to call three people and ask their opinion if I can't decide myself! :)

I hope everyone is cherishing this day and the ones you love.

Talk soon
Melissa

Photography and Video EEG

Morning Peeps!
Sorry to get you all excited if you thought I was making THE big announcement today. That will come another day, soon.
Today, I just need a little vent session on my impending week, if you don't mind. If you do mind, well, there is always facebook.

First things first:

"Hello, my name is Melissa, I'm a photographer. This means I'm 100% comfortable behind my camera and absolutely despise being on the other side of the glass."

With that said. Monday marks the start of my week stay at the Neuro Center where I will be on camera, 24 hours a day, for 5 days. What makes this even more dreadful? I will be back to my electrode alien self and will not be able to shower.
I'm advising all my friends and family that if y'all are up for a visit, Monday or Tuesday might be best. I'm sure by Wednesday I'm going to be a greasy hot mess. I'm sure it won't be pretty.

If you follow me. Which, HELLO, if you don't, you are truly missing out! You would know I'm a wreck about this next week. I can feel the anxiety growing more and more as the days of this week get crossed off the calendar. In my present situation, anxiety and stress is a wonderful thing. Stress seems to be a major factor in bringing these seizures on, but really, I'd like to just enjoy this week and save the stress for Monday.

I've already started cutting down on my seizure medication. UGH. We don't even know if this one is helping at all, I mean. I'm still having them, but it's my little safety net I don't appreciate being taken away.
By Sunday, all medication will be stopped completely and Monday, the waiting begins.

I'm waiting for the moment when the clouds part, angels sing and I confidently say, "ok, let's do this! I'm ready!"
It may or may not happen, but Monday is going to come whether my angels break out in song or not.

I will be reporting from my room all week. If I'm recovering from a seizure waiting for the second one, my girl Heidi will be here to entertain you. Just promise you won't like her so much that you ditch me to follow her, ok? She is really funny and witty, she may have that effect on you.
She will be posting photos to update you all on how terribly greasy I have become by the day. I know you just can't wait! I'm actually agreeing to photos, because if it were her, I would absolutely want to torture her with images of grossness to hold on to forever. What are friends for? right?

Now, after torture week, it's all business!
I have had a few inquiries for photos. I'm going to run an awesome Mother's day special and will be booking as soon as my vacation in hell is over!

I just want to take photos again. I want my life back. I want to meet new clients.

I'm almost there, I can feel it!!

Well, I'm off to dust! (total lie, I don't dust)

Talk Soon!
Melissa

New Things Are Happening!!

And it is SUPER exciting!!!!

 A collision of business and creative.

A perfect collision. 

Talk Soon Peeps!

Happy Easter!

Love, Melissa

I'm Alive!!!

Brittney and me 

Hey guys!
I know, it's been quite some time.

SO much has happened since we last sat down and had a chat.

I went to Jamaica!!!
It was beyond amazing, however, talking about it right now while the weather report calls for snow, makes me depressed. So, we will talk about it some other time. :)

I've re-done my downstairs bathroom all purdy! Now, that I will be showing you soon. The transformation is amazing! I have before and after pics for you!!

The better I started to feel, the more crazy I was going at home all day. Repainting and ripping stuff out just seemed like a good idea. If I had a bad day, I stopped. Trust me, no one finished it up while I was laying low. It was all mine!

I have finally decided to go back to work.
I'm excited, nervous, elated.....I'm feeling it all.

Not only am I opening my photography studio back up, but I am also starting down a new path, a new venture with a very close friend of mine.

I'm absolutely stoked about it and cannot wait to share it with all of you!

I will, however, be unavailable for the most part starting April 23rd, for at least 5 days, probably more like 7 or 8.

I FINALLY got the date for my stay at the Neurology Center where I will be Video/EEG monitored 24 hours a day.

UGH. Though I have been waiting for this for months, we will walk out with answers..finally, it pains me to think about 5 days in one room, waiting to have not one, but 2 seizures.

I'm scared.

All this time, all these months, I was hoping to NOT have a seizure. I've worked tirelessly to avoid them.
Now, I go, unmedicated and not only HOPE for them, but WAIT for them.

I feel the aftermath of these seizures. I just had one last night and just about bit my bottom lip off.
I limp around with the heating pad and the advil. I might not be aware when they are happening, but I sure as heck know by the way I feel after that it has to be terrible.
I can tell how bad a seizure is by the recovery time, how my muscles feel and if my legs are working right away.

SO, I'll say it again...I'm scared.

I'll be in touch peeps.

Talk Soon
Melissa

I'm not brave

update: 8 days no seizure activity.
I wish I could give up on counting..ugh.

Thank you, thank you for the love, support and good vibes from all my friends and readers! It has been overwhelming! I have gotten a few times, "You are so brave."

Me? brave? NO.
I'm a chicken. At my age I don't need to fake being tough.
I'm cool with being a big 'ol el wimpo.
I lay on the floor, have a fit, take a nap for a day or so. repeat.
I have to live it no matter what. Seizures rob you of all self control.
I have no say. I can't make it stop. It's going to happen whether I like it or not.
Not brave, just going with the motions of my life.

There are a few brave people I know though.
The real Bravehearts of my life.
Michael and my boys have a say.
They can make a decision.
And as hard as it is to watch their mother or the love of his life shake uncontrollably..
As much as they just want to look away....
they stay.

They stay to make sure I don't hit my head.
They stay and hold their face close to mine so I feel less scared when I wake up.
They wipe my tears.
They rub my head where they know it hurts every single time.
They help me get into bed.
All three of my boys, just like Michael know, after a seizure I don't verbalize well but if I could, I would always ask for 3 advil and 2 tylenol.
Its there for me, with water.
Michael has done things he never thought he would do and probably never wants to do again.
He has held my hand night after night while I slept so he would wake up if I had a seizure in my sleep.
My 12 year old son has chaperoned me for walks to the mailbox to make sure I was safe.
Heck, Kye and Caleb still have to chaperone when I use the stove!

I am blessed.

These four guys have had endure a lot through all of this.
They are brave.
They are loving and kind.
They are my personal heros.

I am a woman with a seizure disorder, however, I am completely safe 99% of the time because of the amazing man and young men that stand beside me every single day.

That's totally AWESOME.

Talk Soon.
Melissa

I'm leaving no time to be sick today

I just can't listen to my body today. And I really can't recap my "BIG" appointment with my EX skinny guy neurologist today, I promise, next time. I have photos that ABSOLUTELY have to go out today..just have to and I have a family I need to find some sunshine for. Hence the red lipstick in the photo below. I love red lipstick. I look terrible in it. I used to care that I looked terrible in it. Now I don't. Now when I put it on, I feel like I'm wielding a super hero cape. I need super hero powers today. You know, completing the photo thing, bringing happiness to a family, those are big things. I just wanted to pop in and show you my brandy new hairstyle. I cut like a million inches off, I think. I love it. I get tired so easy, it pretty much rocked when it only took 3 minutes to blow dry my hair!
ok peeps, I'm off to deliver photos and sunshine. Must get off my rear before my body figures out that we are sitting down!
Talk Soon
Melissa

THE BEFORE:

THE AFTER:

New Additions to the Family

Welcome Brutus and Lulu. Aren't they just the sweetest things?
More about them soon.

Talk Soon

Melissa

An Update and a Photo Tour

I went to my neurologist again today...AKA "really smart skinny guy who has a hard time looking me in the eye", who by the way, just got a dapper haircut. I must share my hypothesis on Mr. Smarty Pants, I mean, if you have time....

I am 5' 4" 120 lbs.(and a big fat liar too, but for the story, lets just say that weight is correct)
Anyway, Michael is pushing 6' 3" 275. (Like big...lift weights big. Looks like he eats children for breakfast)
We go into these appointments together because I am pretty close to useless at remembering anything about anything. As I mentioned, this Dr. refuses to look me in the eye and if I start to get emotional...FORGET IT, he is outta there! BUT! He will look Michael in the eye. He directs most of the conversation to Michael and acts as if I'm just a house plant that Michael likes to bring along to appointments.
With this information, I've decided he either grew up with a very domineering mother "No more coat hangers mother!!" OR maybe he just doesn't like me. I will keep you all posted when my investigation progresses.

Anyhow...back to the regularly scheduled program:

DR: "No seizure activity? That's good."

in my head: no shit

All I could think about was ....what about forgetting everything every five seconds? Like, I'm getting worried the next thing is forgetting to wipe here Doc, I'm getting worried. Is it normal that I get winded loading groceries on that thingy at the the grocery store, you know that thing that goes around and pulls the groceries down....and this..am I going to be like this forever????? So, I have't chased my head in 10 days GREAT, am I going to be stupid for the rest of my life???? And am I ever going to sleep a normal night's sleep and feel rested and not feel like I need to sleep all day. Am I going to stop acting like a sketch ball every time I go out in public?

Michael asked the memory question.

DR: "Her brain is exhausted. It needs rest."

in my head: no shit

that's it.
Seriously. Thats it.
Michael says I have a need to be stroked by sunshiny doctors who will tell me it will all be ok.
He is right I do. If you are operating on my brain, then ok. I don't care if you don't have a sensitive bone in your body, but if I'm meeting with you every other week trying to fix something that I feel has somewhat changed everything in my life then I need a little something.


So, my goal is to fight insomnia so I can "rest" my brain. Jordan and I walked around the house and took some photos to pass the time...trying to keep myself from thinking about how badly I just wanted to lay down. Here are our results:

Jordan insisted on a photo of her crayon box which is actually on of my favorite vintage recipe boxes. She has pretty much taken it over though. I don't think I can even really call it mine anymore.

Wouldn't you love to see the beautiful lake behind my house? Me too. I wish the lazy woman who lived here would take down the damn wreath! For the love of God! It's near middle of January! Those windows could use some cleaning as well! Geesh!

I love this clock. I've owned it for years. At least 11. It has been 8:15 for as long as I have owned it. Now I actually have a valid excuse for not remembering to buy batteries! ha!

Oh my. This old girl reminds me of one of the great days my mom and I spent looking for yard sales. We always have a blast! This was at the very first place we stopped and I didn't buy it. I went on and on about this darn thing how it was only 5 bucks and worth so much more and I just needed it ( I love all things vintage) I drove Mom crazy all day talking about this thing. Mom brought me back to get it at the end of the day. I was so proud of my "find". So proud, in fact, today was only the second time I have taken it out of the box. WHAT WAS I THINKING????? We had a heck of a day together, that was worth more than any amount of money or any "found treasure".

Before all of this, there wasn't a day that went by that I didn't create 'something'. Not just the art of my photography, but creating beautiful things is part of who I am, its what I do. I haven't been creative since August 12th. I'm actually scared that the seizures messed up the part of my brain that thinks and sees like I always have. Michael has always said: "I see things black and white...you live in color." I loved that about myself. Am I organized? Hell no. Do I plan? What is a plan? 

Those are things Michael is good at. I see beauty in most everything. I try to see the good in everyone. I love the world in color and I want to continue to add color to it. I want to be me.

This hangs in my dining room. 

My father always said:

Expect the worst, Hope for the best.

Heck with that expect the worst part....

with Hope and Gratitude and Love and Prayer and a whole lot of Laughter...its amazing how far you will go. 

Talk Soon

Melissa

What I've been up to...

Hey peeps. It has been a while. Totally my fault. It's me, not you.

sorry...I had to use the cheesiest break up line in the history of mankind.
Anyhow, let's get to business, shall we?
If you hadn't noticed, I started this blog, my facebook fan page etc. started going full force, then, I kind of disappeared. I chose to keep what was going on to myself because I didn't even know how I was dealing with it and being weak isn't my favorite thing to be. BUT because I wasn't around, there were unanswered calls, emails. people were wondering what was going on. So, either I play the shmuck or come clean. Since I have a new outlook on things..I've decided to come clean.

In the middle of August of this year I had my first grand mal seizure at 34 years old. The next day I felt like I had been run over by a truck and hit in the head with a sledge hammer, but I chalked it up to a high dosage of predisone I had been taking for some pretty severe poison sumac I had gotten on a family shoot.
Long story short, neurologist does all his tests...No, I have epilepsy and apparently always have. Any kind of stimulants are racing my heart blah blah blah....if you don't stop you don't see 50...whoa!!

I'm sorry really smart guy who can't seem to look me in the eye. That would only make my middle son thirty, that doesn't work for me.

I go home and change my life. I live the healthiest life possible. half a cup of coffee a day..that's it.
Running miles everyday, eating well. I'm a superstar!

In my eyes, it was a one seizure fluke.

Then.....they come and come and come, while on medication.
we up the meds, they come. we change the meds, they come, we up, they come.

RIght now I am on day 8 with no seizures. I want to do I dance but I don't have the energy.

In the last month and a half I had 54 seizures.
We don't understand why my seizures are so resistant to the medications, but they certainly are....well until now, fingers crossed.

Enough about the lame stuff....that's depressing....check this out:

I look totally awesome don't I? Which scares you more? the wires or my eyebrows?

This was my second one...I wish we had gotten pics of the first one. Oh yeah, I was all depressed and acting like a big ol baby then. haha.

This, my friends, is how one survives when they aren't supposed to do anything alone! A Nook has been added into the collection and I wear sunglasses while on my laptop at times (paranoid about the light) I can only keep concentration for a maximum of 15 minutes so my reading goes very slow. Ive read both of these anyhow, but they are worth reading over and over.

This is my girl Jordan. She has been coming with me forever. She calls me crazy Auntie. I love her so much. We always did projects and made cool things and played outside. One of my rules was that we didn't watch TV at Auntie's. Now that I'm sick, that's all we do. This particular night, I put one of my sparkly shirts over her jammies, put some costume jewelry and a bit of blush on and we decided my bedroom was the perfect place for a ball. It was the best ball ever. She didn't care if my hair looked like a "haystack" as she calls it, she told me I was beautiful and I told her the same. Everyone needs a niece like her. She lifts my spirit every week when she runs to the house yelling.."Crazy Auntie...I'm Here!!!!"

Talk Soon,

Melissa