Back to school

So I'm taking a FANTASTIC photog class at SMU. My teacher Teresa Rafidi rocks! I have taken a few photog classes in Dallas, back in my point and shoot days of course. Most have been mediocre at best.

What I learned most from my other classes is with a little time and patience you can teach yourself anything by reading and researching books, mags, articles, etc. In fact, I started out with (I can't believe I'm admitting to this - SO nerdy), but the Digital Photography for Dummies book. To be honest, it was actually one of the easiest and most explanatory photog books I've found.

However, I decided with the new Big Fancy that maybe it would be a good idea to have someone actually show me how to put my knowledge to use. I'm sure my new fab photog teacher Teresa can help me connect the dots and finally use my countless hours of research and reading about cameras, photography, ISO, Appeture, Shutter Speed, Focus, etc.

I've already learned so many great things from my first class. Keep your fingers crossed! Hopefully, I'll have some great photos to share soon!

To the highest bidder...

Even though this happened quite sometime ago, I think you'll enjoy the story.

Our special friends Katy and Kyle Miller invited us to a Special Olympic charity ball in October 2008.

The night started off great – cocktails at the Schlitt house, fun pics on the staircase (who doesn’t love to revisit their proms days!), and a carpool over to the Hilton Anatole.

Upon arrival we circled the silent auction items bidding on things here and there. Ryan close behind warning me not to spend too much on gourmet food baskets and spa packages. I obligingly backed away from the goods and headed to the bar…..

After mingling, silent bidding and a few glasses of wine, we headed to our table for dinner and a live auction. To humor the table I told Ryan I as going to raise my hand and bid on something just for fun – I mean who hasn’t had that impulse? EXCEPT most people usually restrain themselves….I on the other hand....proceeded to raise my hand and bid on something. I put ALL blame on my evil twin sister, Cabernet Sauvignon, shame on her! Well, little did my spontaneous hand and I know...we were not only the highest bidder, but also the ONLY bidder. Going once, going twice, three times….anyone, anyone…Bueller??? SOLD….to the highest bidder (aka the red head with her hand raised getting a SCORNFUL look from her husband =).

Here we are making light of the night. I really do have the best husband ever!

Needless to say we ended up with a trip to Disney which we donated back to the organization. I promised the hubby that I would sacrifice anything to make up for my silly deed. Our deal resulted in no “fancy cam” for Liza. Hence, my photography hobby was put to a MAJOR halt.

God has his mysterious way of working though. Almost an entire year later, upon returning from my brother’s funeral with heavy hearts and unimaginable sadness, we received an e-mail from our friend Kyle.

He passed along the thank you note below from Janet Smith on behalf of the prize winner, Robert Greene. Our hearts were filled with joy knowing that my careless bidding brought a lifetime of joy to a very special boy.

From: Janet Smith
Sent: Wednesday, September 16, 2009 5:14 PM
To: Kyle Miller
Cc: Meredith Bebee; David Miller (dmiller@encapinvestments.com)
Subject: Special Olympics

Dear Miller Family Foundation,

I wanted to share these pictures and short note with you. This is from the athlete who was awarded the trip to Disneyland.

"We made our trip to Disneyland and had a great time. This was Robert's first time to fly. He did great going over because he could see the ground all the way. Coming back was another story as we had turbulence and clouds that I thought was beautiful. He was very much on edge because he couldn't see the ground. He had fun taking pictures with the characters and their was plenty of slow rides to take. He got a kick out of the Celebration Parade, it included the characters that were at Disneyland, even a few that I was not familiar with. When we went shopping he had to make choices, but came home with some stuffed animals that he had been looking for and a few we have not seen. We could not have ask for better weather. First time using the Super Shuttle, everything went smooth. Hotel accommodations were great every body was very friendly. I am attaching some pictures. We are still after a picture with Chip and Dale. The firework show was spectacular."

Please forward this on to the gentleman who gave Robert the package.

Thank you Miller family for making a difference in the life of Robert Greene.

Janet

Janet Smith
Special Olympics Texas
Senior Development Director
Major Gifts/Planned Giving