I know all too well, as a recovering addict's mom, how miserable and unrewarding a life can become once it is infected with alcoholism or drug abuse.  I've seen first-hand what depression, low self-esteem and helplessness looks like as the disease takes over their lives.  There's no joy.  There's no family.  Their health deteriorates.  Socially, they become glued to a bottle or wrapped up in a circle of crime.  It takes nothing short of a miracle and lots of time and hard work for them to find the light and recover from addiction.

I have two success stories to share with you.  

One is very personal and involves my 30 year old son.  Adam is currently working through an 18 month recovery program in Pittsburgh, PA.  His successes come every day - slowly he is clearing his mind and realizing his potential.  He has tons of support and is loved unmeasurably.  Please keep him in your prayers.

And then there is Missy!  My dear sweet Missy who has battled alcoholism for over 30 years.  

In her own words: "I am an alcoholic named Missy.  My self-esteem has been provided to me via alcohol for over 30 years."

14 months of sobrietyMissy has been in recovery for almost 14 months!

Missy came to me with broken self-confidence.  Sure, she heard from friends and family "your beautiful inside and out" but she just didn't feel it or see it!  Missy wanted to "see from the outside looking in", regain her self-esteem and share her confidence with her husband (newlyweds).  

Our boudoir session began with lingerie sprawled out all over the bed and I watched as Missy's eyes lit up when she imagined herself in a beautiful white lace gown or the sexy red corset.  Then I watched her hesitate, step back and consider what she was about to do.  After losing a lot of weight, battling some medical issues and drinking away her blues, Missy had scars to show the wear and tear on her body.   She was nervous and it was now time for me to explain how, in just a few short minutes, every doubt Missy carried about her body would be washed away.  I promised her.  Now it was on me to transform a broken young woman...

The room was transformed in to a safe place for Missy to let go and be sexy.  She was actually a natural - I laughed and asked if she had done this before.  Missy, right in front of my eyes, wearing a lace gown and sexy lipstick, began to curve her hips and pout those lips in a way that just looked so natural and fun.  As the shutter clicked away, I watched Missy loosen up - she wanted more - she was asking if she could pose a certain way.  She became focused on her body.  She moved and posed just how she imagined her body should be if she was flirting with her husband.  She laughed.

But then...I stopped and said we would take a quick break so I could show her a few of the images from the back of my camera.  I love to let the girls see exactly what the lingerie, makeup and poses look like to just reassure them how great they are doing.  

Missy Missy

And then it happened!  The moment I pray for every time I work with a boudoir client. But this time was different.  The tears came quickly and her body just slumped onto the bed.  And she said: "That can't be me.  That's not me. Really? Is that me?"  And we cried together.  And as quickly as the tears came, they left.  Because her shoulders rose.  Her smile returned.  Missy was seeing herself again as a beautiful and sexy young woman.  

Missy 88

And the rest is history....Missy and I created a gorgeous gallery of boudoir images that she can share with her husband.  And she is willing and open to sharing the images and her story with all of you.  Missy wants each of you to know how empowering and perfect her boudoir session was for her.  

Missy Missy

We all have our own challenges.  And we women are just so damn hard on ourselves.  We are so critical of even the smallest imperfection.  Stop it.  Even without a liberating boudoir session, each of you should feel confident and empowered.  But it never hurts to see the 'back of the camera' and say WOW! 

Please consider leaving a comment below this blog post!  Peace and Joy to you all!

This adorable senior girl wanted her session to be done in a very familiar and comfortable setting for her and her family.  So I met up with this lovely family in Cook Forest on a beautiful afternoon.  We carried a chair through the woods laughing, talking, and creating a whole day of fun memories for us all.  I have been friends with Gabby's mom for a VERY long time so this session meant a lot to me.  I hope you enjoy not only the gorgeous model but the beautiful forest that is so close to home for any of us!

Please be sure to leave a comment on this blog post so I know you stopped by to visit!

Senior Gabby ShearerFun in the forest Senior Gabby ShearerFun in the forest Senior Gabby ShearerFun in the forest Senior Gabby ShearerFun in the forest Senior Gabby ShearerFun in the forest Senior Gabby ShearerFun in the forest Senior Gabby ShearerFun in the forest Senior Gabby ShearerFun in the forest Senior Gabby ShearerFun in the forest Senior Gabby ShearerFun in the forest Senior Gabby ShearerFun in the forest Senior Gabby ShearerFun in the forest Senior Gabby ShearerFun in the forest Senior Gabby ShearerFun in the forest Senior Gabby ShearerFun in the forest Senior Gabby ShearerFun in the forest Senior Gabby ShearerFun in the forest Senior Gabby ShearerFun in the forest Senior Gabby ShearerFun in the forest Senior Gabby ShearerFun in the forest Senior Gabby ShearerFun in the forest Senior Gabby ShearerFun in the forest

This senior guy felt right at home during his senior session in Ford City, PA.  And his mom and I did too since we both graduated (just a few years ago ya know) from Ford City High School.  Garrett will be graduating from Armstrong High School but I am sure he still has a lot of great memories from FCHS.  But onward and upward for this very personable and likable young man.  I wish him nothing but complete success in the future!  

Senior Garrett Jackson2017 senior Senior Garrett Jackson2017 senior Senior Garrett Jackson2017 senior Senior Garrett Jackson2017 senior Senior Garrett Jackson2017 senior Senior Garrett Jackson2017 senior Senior Garrett Jackson2017 senior Senior Garrett Jackson2017 senior Senior Garrett Jackson2017 senior Senior Garrett Jackson2017 senior Senior Garrett Jackson2017 senior Senior Garrett Jackson2017 senior Senior Garrett Jackson2017 senior Senior Garrett Jackson2017 senior Senior Garrett Jackson2017 senior Senior Garrett Jackson2017 senior Senior Garrett Jackson2017 senior Senior Garrett Jackson2017 senior Senior Garrett Jackson2017 senior Senior Garrett Jackson2017 senior Senior Garrett Jackson2017 senior Senior Garrett Jackson2017 senior Senior Garrett Jackson2017 senior Senior Garrett Jackson2017 senior

This 2017 graduating gal from Armstrong High School wanted a city backdrop for her senior portraits.  So off we went to the 'Burg with a mission to capture the many bridges, waters, and scenic areas of the North Shore.  

Caitlynn rocked this session without a shadow of a doubt.  I hope you enjoy both her beauty as well as her awesome posing and modeling skills as much as I do.  I wish her the best life can offer her as she travels her own personal journey through life!  Live well and be happy!

Caitlyn Becker Senior PortraitsCaitlyn rocks it in the city! Caitlyn Becker Senior PortraitsCaitlyn rocks it in the city! Caitlyn Becker Senior PortraitsCaitlyn rocks it in the city! Caitlyn Becker Senior PortraitsCaitlyn rocks it in the city! Caitlyn Becker Senior PortraitsCaitlyn rocks it in the city! Caitlyn Becker Senior PortraitsCaitlyn rocks it in the city! Caitlyn Becker Senior PortraitsCaitlyn rocks it in the city! Caitlyn Becker Senior PortraitsCaitlyn rocks it in the city! Caitlyn Becker Senior PortraitsCaitlyn rocks it in the city! Caitlyn Becker Senior PortraitsCaitlyn rocks it in the city! Caitlyn Becker Senior PortraitsCaitlyn rocks it in the city! Caitlyn Becker Senior PortraitsCaitlyn rocks it in the city! Caitlyn Becker Senior PortraitsCaitlyn rocks it in the city! Caitlyn Becker Senior PortraitsCaitlyn rocks it in the city! Caitlyn Becker Senior PortraitsCaitlyn rocks it in the city! Caitlyn Becker Senior PortraitsCaitlyn rocks it in the city! Caitlyn Becker Senior PortraitsCaitlyn rocks it in the city! Caitlyn Becker Senior PortraitsCaitlyn rocks it in the city! Caitlyn Becker Senior PortraitsCaitlyn rocks it in the city! Caitlyn Becker Senior PortraitsCaitlyn rocks it in the city! Caitlyn Becker Senior PortraitsCaitlyn rocks it in the city! Caitlyn Becker Senior PortraitsCaitlyn rocks it in the city! Caitlyn Becker Senior PortraitsCaitlyn rocks it in the city! Caitlyn Becker Senior PortraitsCaitlyn rocks it in the city! Caitlyn Becker Senior PortraitsCaitlyn rocks it in the city! Caitlyn Becker Senior PortraitsCaitlyn rocks it in the city! Caitlyn Becker Senior PortraitsCaitlyn rocks it in the city! Caitlyn Becker Senior PortraitsCaitlyn rocks it in the city! Caitlyn Becker Senior PortraitsCaitlyn rocks it in the city! Caitlyn Becker Senior PortraitsCaitlyn rocks it in the city! Caitlyn Becker Senior PortraitsCaitlyn rocks it in the city! Caitlyn Becker Senior PortraitsCaitlyn rocks it in the city!                                      BEAUTIFUL...