I don't think I'd ever witnessed such a powerful mix of adoration, heartache and pride in a single portrait session until this one. In time, the holes in Auntie Joanna's heart will heal, but it has definitely been hard to let her two favorite Lesh Girls leave for China. Hopefully these photos will help: And she does still have her two favorite guys to keep her busy:
You have a special place in my heart,
so it is only natural for me to feel the way I do...
God Himself knows how much I want to see you.
Philippians 1:7-8 CEV

Once upon a time, in the late summer of 1978, six young women traveled from all parts of Texas to the sleepy little college town of Georgetown. There they discovered the joys of Commons food, sleeping and studying within 120 square feet of shared space, waking up just in time to throw on sweats and run across campus for an 8:00 class, and taking ballroom dance classes in the SUB. Before a month had passed, the girls had declared themselves fast friends and began making routine runs to Sonic, RamGro and Wag-a-Bag. They were the Sonic Rainbow Sorority, or SRS for short.

The stars recently aligned to reunite all of the SRS for the first time in 30 years. Seven of their 16 offspring came along to witness the sisterhood and silliness that picked up right where we left off so many years ago:
Even though we've moved far away from our LK dorm rooms (from the left: I live in Angleton TX, Kelly lives in Galveston, Jeanie lives in Sarasota FL, Cindy lives in Cuero TX, Robin lives in Saudi Arabia, and Jannae lives in Denton TX), it turns out that our hearts remain close. Our journeys have seemed different on the surface, but underneath it all we've shared very similar experiences and concerns and priorities and struggles and delights. We all were encouraged by our time together and plan to meet again before another 30 years pass!

And let us consider and give attentive, continuous care
to watching over one another,
studying how we may stir up, stimulate and incite
to love and helpful deeds and noble activities,
not forsaking or neglecting to assemble together,
as is the habit of some people,
but admonishing, urging and encouraging one another.
Hebrews 10:24-25 Amplified

On my 84th birthday, I hope this many people show up to help me celebrate! Mrs. Mary was blessed to be surrounded by nearly all of her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren on her big day. One of her grandsons arranged a surprise portrait session, and we got lots of great group shots. First one of the whole gang:
Then some of each family branch. Here's Mrs. Mary with one of her sons and his family:

Of course we had to gather all of the great-grandkids into one shot:

And finally the grandkids, with the mastermind of Operation Portrait standing on the far right:I hope these portraits will be a treasure to the Woodard Family for years to come. Happy Birthday, Mrs. Mary!

A body is made up of many parts, and each of them has its own use. That's how it is with us. There are many of us, but we each are part of the body of Christ, as well as part of one another.

Romans 12:4-5 CEV

After three days of intense voting, including one vote from Australia (!), we have a winner in the first-ever Laurie Heath Studio Blog FREEDOM! Photo Contest ... insert drum roll ...

photo by Melissa & Mark Davenport

I run in the path of Your commands,

for You have set my heart free. Psalm 119:32

This photo received 42% of the 107 total votes cast, with Entries #5 and #6 making especially heroic showings as well. I'm so grateful for all of the photos entered in the contest -- they helped us more deeply value the freedom we enjoy. And thanks to everyone who stopped by to vote! It made my day to hear from so many old and new friends.

Congratulations to Mia, Melissa and Mark! I can't wait to create new portraits with some of my favorite subjects!

And now here are a few more pics that came in after the entry deadline. Our first little guy is apparently enjoying his freedom NOT to roam freely:

This fellow is sailing freely down a snowy hill:
The next two photos feature young people who are rejoicing in the freedom to achieve things others thought might never happen:

And our final trio of guys are just all kinds of free, aren't they?
Have a blast this Independence Day -- and remember the Source of our freedom!

Ready? Set? You are now free to vote for the photo that you believe best expresses...

FREEDOM!

Thank you, eager contestants, for your vision, artistry and generosity. Your photos give us a glimpse into the breadth and depth of the freedom we enjoy. It will be difficult to pick a winner, but we'll do our best!

Remember voters: the photo receiving the most votes will earn a free portrait session for its creator. One vote per voter, please! Click on the link below the photo you'd like to vote for, and in your message tell me its entry number. Voting must be completed by 8:00 pm on Thursday night. I'll post election returns each morning and declare a winner at 10:00 am on Friday.

Let's get this party started!
Entry #1:

Go to laurieheath@sbcglobal.net to vote for Entry #1.

Entry #2:

Go to laurieheath@sbcglobal.net to vote for Entry #2.

Entry #3:

Go the laurieheath@sbcglobal.net to vote for Entry #3.

Entry #4:

Go to laurieheath@sbcglobal.net to vote for Entry #4.

Entry #5:

Go to laurieheath@sbcglobal.net to vote for Entry #5.

Entry #6:

Go to laurieheath@sbcglobal.net to vote for Entry #6.

Entry #7:

Go to laurieheath@sbcglobal.net to vote for Entry #7.

Entry #8:

Go to laurieheath@sbcglobal.net to vote for Entry #8.

Happy voting to all!

Day 1 Results: Entry #6 - 32% / Entries #3 and #5 - 26%

Day 2 Results: Entry #3 - 34% / Entry #5 - 30% / Entry #6 - 23%