From the Haugen Heart

Sometimes I feel so ordinary. I really love peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, making turkey pot pie for my family, building a fire in the wood stove on a cold winter day, and even doing laundry. Sometimes, I think I could be quite content filling my days with the simple pleasures of these everyday things. But...would I be truly happy? I do have an inner drive that pushes me to do more. To be more. It is a push for Excellence with a capital Ex . I have always pushed myself to give the best that I have to each client, to enter print competition, to stretch beyond what I know and am comfortable with. And now, to teach and help others to stretch and learn, to see the world more clearly as they follow their photography passion through MyPhotoMentor. Now I will be teaching live classes in addition to online. They will be great because they MUST be. 2010, here I come! Miriam

This story was in my email in box this morning. You might think it touching or you might find it sappy but there is a basic, important truth in it that bears repeating. Here goes: A 92-year-old, petite, well-poised and proud man, who is fully dressed each morning by eight o'clock, with his hair fashionably combed and shaved perfectly, even though he is legally blind, moved to a nursing home today. His wife of 70 years recently passed away, making the move necessary. After many hours of waiting patiently in the lobby of the nursing home, he smiled sweetly when told his room was ready. As he maneuvered his walker to the elevator, I provided a visual description of his tiny room, including the eyelet sheets that had been hung on his window. I love it,' he stated with the enthusiasm of an eight-year-old having just been presented with a new puppy. “Mr. Jones, you haven't seen the room; just wait.” “That doesn't have anything to do with it,” he replied. “Happine

The entry fee for the contest is $35 and goes in it's entirety to benefit children in the Mid-Willamette Valley. We support Operation Backpack sponsored by the Willamette Valley Auxilliary of the Assistance League which purchases school supplies for needy school children. You will receive a complimentary 5x7 portrait with your entry. The sessions are 30 minutes with master photographer, Miriam Haugen, one of the Northwest's top children's photographers! View a slideshow of entries from previous years. How does the contest work? 1. Schedule your portrait session before March 31 by calling the studio or emailing us today - (503)838-5416 or miriam@haugensgalleri.com. 2. Select a background and clothing to match. We don't have a set theme this year, but feel free to be as creative as you want with props and clothing. Click here to see background choices. 3. Arrive at the studio a few minutes early for your session with clothing (and props?) in hand. Don't st