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Shooting Through the Ups and Downs

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  • ›July 25, 2011
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    It’s a fact: I haven’t been blogging much since I moved to New York City this past January. I can blame it on a all kinds of things but the real truth is is that I just haven’t really felt much like writing. My blog is a personal insight into my career which has always been very closely intertwined with my life. Of course. My career IS my life. Or a huge part of it, any way. And a lot has been going on since moving to NYC in my personal life, some things that have been very difficult to share. The biggest thing probably has been the loss of my 13 year old pit bull, Lulu. Lulu was my rock, she was my road dog, she was my friend and my companion. Last August she was diagnosed with cancer and given a death sentence of about 3 months. This was in the middle of us packing up our house in LA and planning our move to NYC. I nearly lost it. I didn’t know if Lulu was even going to make the move with us or not. But I dismissed the chemo and started her on acupuncture and chinese herbs, spoiling her rotten, giving her all the love I could give. She made it on our road trip and landed in NYC with us on January 3rd. She witnessed snow for the first time in her life and even got to visit a few dog bars in Brooklyn. She also was able to go to a few photo shoots in New York, as she was always present on as many shoots she was allowed to be on in her 13 years. My teams would often joke that Lulu was a bigger Diva than any of us!

    Lulu passed away May 19th. One of the saddest days of my life. I spent as much time with her as I could and silently, quietly said good bye to her as she started declining the last two months of her life. It was painful as hell.



    But life goes on. And you keep shooting through it all, through the painful moments and even the happy moments. The jobs don’t stop because you lose someone close to you. Your bills don’t stop just because you’re experiencing a difficult time in your life. But my voice stopped and my desire to teach or share or even be close to anyone, that stopped too. And I’m still shut down. It’s only been 10 days since she’s left my life. It’s going to be hard, letting her go. But I’ll get through it. And what I usually do to “get through it” is I throw myself into my work for comfort. For distraction. For salvation.  I SHOOT through it. And sometimes I produce some amazing shit. Sometimes. Here’s a little story on how chaos can become alchemy in art, turning metal into gold. Sometimes.


    I went through a difficult period at the end of 2003. I lost someone who I loved very much. He took his life and we were all devastated by his sudden and abrupt departure from our lives. I slept on the floor for two weeks, with Lulu by my side, because I was so numb, so torn apart. So utterly depleted. When I went to Holland to see his family (he lived in Holland), I had a chance to get to know his 17 year old nephew, Jordi. Jordi was very comforting to me when I was there. He talked to me about my ex, he got his mother and I to go out one night to a nightclub where we ended up dancing and laughing and having a good time. Through the pain, Jordi was there, smiling and happy and taking our minds off this horrible event that left most of us a bit crippled for some time. Jordi also happened to be very good looking. And from what I could tell, had a tremendous potential to pursue modeling. I told him so, and we decided to do his very first test. Right there, while grieving my ex, Jordi and I got together at a friend’s studio in Holland and shot a test. The last thing I wanted to do was pick a camera and shoot. But it was a life changing event. Because from that first shoot, I could Jordi was photogenic and definitely had the potential to go for it. So I convinced him to keep pursuing modeling and to keep me updated through the process. And you know something? He did just that. He has gone on to embrace a successful modeling career, being signed to every top modeling agency in Milan, Paris, Amsterdam, Munich, Hamburg, Athens, Tokyo and now finally, New York. He has traveled the world modeling. And it was I who convinced him he had potential from that very first test where I was literally reeling from pain.



    In February, Jordi and I saw each other again after 7 years, after that first test in Holland, during the time I was there to grieve with his family, collect some of my ex’s things and ashes. There we were, facing each other after 7 long years. And he’s a star! Gorgeous, fit, tall, and just the loveliest of personalities! Warm and gentle and kind. Just an all around great guy!!



    Of course, we wanted to shoot again. I thought of taking him out to my friends place in Long Island on a cold March day. We brought Lulu with us and it would be her last photo shoot. We shot all over Montauk and Amagansett, in the gorgeous, natural early spring light, on a bright but cold day. The pictures weren’t for any assignment. I won’t submit them. There wasn’t a client. We just wanted to shoot with each other again. And following are the results. There’s no magical lighting set up, just the sun. I didn’t use any filters or tricks. Just my camera, the sun and an awesome model. I used my Nikon and switched between the 85mm and the 24mm lenses. There’s really not much more to write about the technical side. I thought this post could be about continuing to shoot through pain, through life events that are out of our control. Or maybe about continuing to explore models, or people or ideas, even after sitting with the ideas for years. I don’t know what this post is really about but I was ready to share a little of what’s been going on with me so the twitter and FB comments about “why aren’t you posting anymore” could stop a little and you can all recognize that even I go through shit sometimes and I have hard times. I have days where I feel like throwing it all away and opening up a Rum Bar in The Keys, Florida. Some times I want a break, hey….teach ME something! Sometimes I want to be left alone and just sit quietly with myself.



    I went to Miami after Lulu died and I’m still here, writing this post. I leave back to NYC tomorrow morning with a bunch of work coming up. I have a bunch of editorial coming out in June, so I can blog about that soon. I just found out my Nike campaign is going comes out this week, so I’ll blog about that too.  I’m shooting a 12 page editorial in the next two weeks, so…..yeah……Going to blog about it!  Hey, you can look forward to lots of new posts coming your way. In the meantime, here’s your post now. This one’s for you. And for Lulu, most of all. R.I.P.





    ©2011 Melissa Rodwell Photography


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    89 COMMENTS

      Jeremiah Daniel

      June 2, 2011

      Thanks for sharing, I’ve always enjoyed your posts but I think this is the first comment I’ve left. I’m sorry for your loss

      Reply

      David Greensmith

      June 2, 2011

      Completely understand what you’ve been going through! Went through the same thing in the last couple of months! Sorry for your loss…

      Some great images too!

      Reply

      TonyJ

      June 2, 2011

      So sorry for you–you are a wonderful inspiration and I appreciate your candor. Bless you :)

      Reply

      Jowana

      June 2, 2011

      very personal and heartbreaking post. you’re a strong person, Melissa. as said above, thank you for sharing. RIP Lulu.

      Reply

      Juan Muino

      June 2, 2011

      Your blog is one of the only blogs I actually respect and read. So I wanted to let you know just how sorry I am to hear about Lulu…loosing one of my two dogs is one of my biggest fears and I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t cope too well if something happened to them.

      Off course there is nothing I can say or do that could possibly make you feel better at this time.

      I don’t spend as much time as I’d like with my dogs but later on, I’m going to take George and Elsa (my Hungarian Wirehaired Vizslas) to the orchard at the bottom of our garden, here in the Cambridgeshire countryside (UK), and watch the sun go down while George and Elsa traumatise some squirrels…for Lulu.

      Reply

      Sherwin Samaniego

      June 2, 2011

      Your are so genuine, courageous and very open, very inspiring. thank you for sharing.

      Reply

      Maria T

      June 2, 2011

      We Love Lu Lu!!! – Rest in Peace- xoxoo M~

      Reply

      Usagizero

      June 2, 2011

      So sorry for your loss, recent and less so.

      Reply

      sunday

      June 2, 2011

      Melissa, I am so truly sorry about your loss. Here I am thinking that you are probably too busy to blog because so much exciting stuff is happening since you moved to NYC and instead you are going through this devastating loss. Sometimes it’s good to throw in the towel for a while and just reconsider. Reconsider how you are going to live, how you are going to work and how you will live your new life, because life will not be the same after you lose a loved one. But after that you must go back to your art because having a talent for something means that whatever is the emotion, you can express it through your art. Be it a dancer, a singer, a painter or a photographer. I wish you all the best and hope that with time you will feel better x

      Reply

      Monica True

      June 2, 2011

      one of the most utterly human posts! Rest in peace Lu!

      Reply

      Sue

      June 2, 2011

      True inspiration! Thanks for sharing.

      Reply

      Skip Gue

      June 2, 2011

      Heart wrenching! I’m so sorry.
      I once experienced a similar situation in my life, and finding distraction seemed to be the only choice for my sanity.
      I didn’t open the rum bar, but I’m still in here the Keys. Keeping you in thoughts and prayers.

      Reply

      Jon Tiffin

      June 2, 2011

      M,

      You tell it like no other. Deepest condolences for your loss, past and current.
      Always great to hear from you.
      Best as always,
      -j

      Reply

      admin

      June 2, 2011

      You guys are so sweet and so awesome to say such nice words! Haha, Skip! The Keys are great, aren’t they? and Sunday, your words are soo true! You can express emotion through your art. Thanks to everybody who has left a comment. It really means a lot to me <3

      Reply

      IbanMontero

      June 2, 2011

      I understand what you feel. I´m so sorry

      Reply

      corey thomas

      June 2, 2011

      Wow, thanks for this. Great post!!

      Reply

      Tyler

      June 2, 2011

      One of the best dogs that has ever existed in the history of the world, and I feel honored to have known her and been her friend. We’ll miss you Lu (and can picture you in heaven with a blunt and a brew)…

      Reply

      Justin Bonaparte

      June 2, 2011

      Hope things get better for you soon!

      Reply

      marcia

      June 2, 2011

      i am truly sorry to hear of the loss of your best friend. our dogs make our lives whole and teach us how to enjoy every moment. they rip our hearts apart when they leave us, making us feel completely lost. what an absolutely beautiful post and tribute to your lovely Lulu. you were lucky to have each other. sending you strength.

      Reply

      Roger Mann

      June 2, 2011

      Sad news Melissa, animals can be almost like children and the ‘it’s only a cat’ or ‘it’s only a dog’ comments make my blood boil. Love the clean and crisp black and whites – well worth the effort and they have a raw drama about them. But you changed lenses on a windy beach? What’s your secret?

      I’m throwing in the towel now; disillusioned by this industry but keep sending the blogs – they’re always keepers.

      Reply

      Anne-Michele Mallory

      June 2, 2011

      I’m so sorry for your loss Melissa. Lovely post. Keep shooting. Let your art help you heal. xoxo

      Reply

      Mark

      June 2, 2011

      I’m sorry to hear about your loss. I’m a dog lover too so i have some idea of what you are going through.

      The photos are amazing as always. I recently saw David Hobby’s video and he said something about a compass point in where he wants to go with his photography, for me what do you is my compass point.

      Reading about the behind the scenes and just watching the videos you posted has been a great inspiration to so many on the web.

      Please keep writing and be well, you have fans and friends here who love you and wish you well.

      Reply

      marie-louise

      June 2, 2011

      This is simply beautiful and truly inspiring. I have the updates sent to my phone (via email) and I sat and reread the entry a few times. Your writing is ago passionate!! So sorry for your loss, lulu would be extremely proud I’m sure. All the best, M. x

      Reply

      Jan

      June 2, 2011

      Terrific post. This is what blogging is about, not 99% of the stuff that’s out there and that has absolutely no depth or character. This is what stops you in your tracks and makes you think, evaluate. And a beautiful tribute to Lulu.

      Reply

      Monica

      June 2, 2011

      My God Melissa. I am so truly very sorry to hear about Lulu’s passing. I know how much you adored her. When you were living in Miami I got the chance to spend some time with Lulu and discover what a sweet gentle dog she was. And how much she loved your backyard. I think I told you she was the first pitbull I had ever dared to pet …let alone hand feed. You gave her a lot of love and made her very happy through out her life and she did the same for you. You were lucky to have had her for as long as you did.
      My thoughts are with you.

      xoxo,
      M.

      Reply

      Natalie

      June 2, 2011

      I can feel your pain. I have always loved your posts, but this one has moved me to comment. A beautiful tribute to Lulu. Only time will heal. Don’t feel alone. xx

      Reply

      Dawn

      June 2, 2011

      Melissa, my heart breaks for you as I read this post… I’m so glad I made the time today. I’ve been bad lately about making the time to do anything but work lately, but you know what I’m going to do right now? I’m getting off this compute r & I’m going to go cuddle w/my beloved dog, Ripken. Spend some quality time with him. Thanks for reminding me what to treasure & cherish.

      Reply

      Daniel Ellard

      June 2, 2011

      Thank you for sharing with us, even through your pain. This post really gave me insight into you. Love your blog, looking forward to more posts! I hope you find the encouragement you need. May your lenses be ever sharp :P

      Reply

      mark dutcher

      June 2, 2011

      so sorry for your loss Melissa. i miss you. you have such a beautiful voice and eye, thank you for sharing that with me. rest in peace lulu. hug to you.

      Reply

      David

      June 2, 2011

      Great post….Nice to read a human story, accompanied by some great images.

      Reply

      Danny

      June 3, 2011

      Thank you for sharing Melissa x

      Reply

      Christina LeMarr

      June 3, 2011

      I’m so very sorry for your loss of Lulu. It’s very important to take time for yourself, to recharge, take stock and heal. You’re a wonderful photographer and wonderful soul. Take care of you <3

      Reply

      Jay McLaughlin

      June 3, 2011

      Hi Melissa

      I know this won’t help, but I lost my 20 year old cat 2 days ago. She was my best friend since I was 11 years old, so I know how you feel. They become a part of our lives.

      You gotta take your own time and do/shoot/write about the things you’re feeling right now because it’s what you want to do, not because you feel you should.

      The world isn’t going anywhere for a while, so it’ll still be around when you’re ready to come back.

      Reply

      Stacy Gardner

      June 3, 2011

      With silent presence, I am sending you heaps of support.

      Reply

      Angie

      June 3, 2011

      Thank you for sharing your stories. Im so sorry for your loss of Lulu and the loss of a love. Your an amazing artist and a strong and empowering woman. Someone I look up to very much not only for your advice but how you inspire. Take time for yourself, you deserve it. <3

      Reply

      Daniel

      June 3, 2011

      Hello Melissa,

      I’m sorry to read this about your dog Lulu. I really can understand how you must feel, because as a dog owner I know a dog is so much more than just an pet, it’s more like an own child and the best friend in one.

      My dog got a big cancer a few months ago, but luckily the doctor was able to remove it by a surgery. But even to see my dog in anesthesia before the surgery was the saddest thing in my life because I realized that I never can get over without him.

      My thoughts are with you.

      Regards from Germany,
      Daniel

      Reply

      Sean McCormack

      June 3, 2011

      Hi Melissa,
      My heart goes out to you. There hasn’t been a dog in my life since moving to Galway, but I had one most of my life before that. And if I ever get a house rather than an apartment, I will get a dog again. Beautiful companions that give their all, no matter what kind of day you had.
      All the best,
      Sean

      Reply

      Joan

      June 4, 2011

      I´m so sorry for your loss, Melissa. Rest in Peace, Lulu.

      Reply

      Francisque.Sanchez

      June 4, 2011

      Stay open to the beauties of this world, keep an eye on little things that can make you feel better. As you said there’s Up and Down but all in all we’re feeling so great when good things happens to us, so let’s enjoy that. No matter what’s going on in your life, you’re not alone, we’re all here waiting to read a bit more of your life, doesn’t matter if it’s sad, we just love to share and I’m grateful you did it here. Thank you Melissa and do not forget all the good times you had with LuLu may she rest in peace.
      Wish you all the best from France!

      Francisque

      Reply

      instantcook.blogspot.com

      June 4, 2011

      long time reader, first time comment, wow this post is pretty deep… keep strong :)

      Reply

      Alex

      June 4, 2011

      I am so sorry for your loss, and really enjoyed reading this post, thank you for sharing with us. Stay strong, and remember the good times.

      Reply

      เสื้อผ้าแฟชั่น

      June 4, 2011

      I feel sorry about Lulu, but let’s smile :)

      Reply

      Stefan

      June 4, 2011

      Long time reader/admirer/fan, first time poster;
      Like every comment, thanks for sharing, can feel the love, take it one step at a time, grow from it,
      Shoot from it, all loss is painful, keep the faith and keep the art.
      Bless.
      Love from Oz.

      Reply

      blahblahbecky.co.uk

      June 5, 2011

      I’m so sorry to hear about Lulu. Losing a beloved pet is so painful.

      Reply

      Eduardo Frances

      June 5, 2011

      I´m really sorry for your loss, I know how you feel because 7 months ago my dog Whiskey passed away too, he was not merely a pet, he was a really loving companion who was there for me all the time, If I got sick he would bring me his food and toys to my bed and he wouldn´t allow anyone to wake me up if I was ill, If I was processing photos he would be on my lap or on my desk, if I was shooting he was next to me watching, he was a really loving dog, he gave me tons of happiness and when he died I was devastated because it was so sudden and so painful but a friend of mine told me to things:

      She said that someone who hasn´t had the joy of living with a pet doesn´t knows what pure love is and that I should remember how happy Whiskey made me through all those 11 years he was with me.

      I started to remember all the great things we shared, how much love and happiness he gave me, and I started to remember him with happiness and thankful for what he teached me too.

      So remember Lulu with happiness and treasure what you shared in your heart, I´m sure Lulu wouldn´t want you to feel sad, so do it for you and for her too.

      My best wishes for you Melissa!!!

      Reply

      Lori

      June 6, 2011

      Hey Melissa! It’s facial Lori from LA/Palm Desert! So sorry for your loss! I am a huge animal person and felt a bit of your pain while reading the blog. Crazy how they really do become part of our families!
      Take care & come visit for some pampering next time you’re out this way.
      Lori

      Reply

      Harry Hilders

      June 6, 2011

      Great and comprehensive post. Thanks.

      Reply

      Sylvia

      June 6, 2011

      So sorry for the loss of your lovely Lulu. I lost my pit bull, when she was 13 too, a few years ago and every time I open the door to my parents’ house I still brace myself for her hyper greeting. Thank you for sharing this, and the reminder that the best thing to do with pain is to turn it into beauty.

      Reply

      Conor Clinch

      June 6, 2011

      We understand Melissa <3 R.I.P Lulu, good luck with your upcoming editorials!

      Reply

      ANFSTUDIO_LAX

      June 6, 2011

      First, R.I.P Lulu. I have never owned a pet long enough for one to pass away so I can’t speak on what that must feel like. Just try your best to remember the good times and to smile and I think she will be very proud of u.

      Second, these shots are phenomenal. The wardrobe is killer. Like seriously. Whoever styled this with you, you need to keep them on your team permanently. I’m in awe of that military jacket and pants (the shot where he has a cigarette in his mouth). Stellar work as usual ma’am. Kudos…….

      Frank

      Reply

      Aaron

      June 6, 2011

      Melissa, it’s interesting how honestly between humans who have never met can touch each other. Thanks for you honesty here and for your sharing in general with this community. You don’t have to do any of this yet you choose o let us into your world a bit.

      Many thanks, and warm regards.
      Aaron

      Reply

      Angela

      June 7, 2011

      The loss of a pet is so profound especially when they are our furkids. We give them our heart as much as we would another human being so I can understand the grief and loss you feel. Its funny how it can feel like the world has stopped for you but people around keep moving on, its incomprehensible that life goes on at times like these but it does…and we do what we can to keep going.

      xxx

      Reply

      oscar

      June 7, 2011

      Thanks for sharing a part of you with us…i also love pets.doggies are very especial, this model has great features i can see him doing Polo purple label and a lot of commercial work as well as Acting as leading man

      Reply

      Susan

      June 8, 2011

      Melissa, I found your blog while searching around to learn more about fashion photography.

      I once had this amazing border collie. He too died at the age of 13 from cancer. It was very sad.

      Keep well and dwell on the past 13 good years with Lulu.

      Reply

      Miguel Tortolero

      June 8, 2011

      I wrote this from very far away, I’m from venezuela, I’m 20 years old and since last year I follow your blog. It has been so helpful because I’m beginning as a professional photographer and here in my country education is so poor, that’s why I have learned by myself since three years ago, I’ve visited thousands of web pages about photography searching for a good content, how to get involved in the real life of fashion photography. I love animals, I grew up living with a lot of them and I learned that they can say and prove so much more than human beings just with one look. But you are not alone, you have a lot of people including your pupils supporting you. (where I include myself). Thanks for sharing with us. XOXO

      (sorry for some typos) :)

      Reply

      Kyle Bromley

      June 9, 2011

      Hey Melissa,

      Sorry to hear about Lulu! :-( she had a good life though, and unlike most pitbulls grew up in a loving home where she wasn’t feared. Pitbulls are great dogs, my grandmother has one named Annie and I’d trust my life to that dog. I remember seeing that video you posted when you fed Lulu fries out of your mouth lol. If you start to feel sad just remember you gave 13 years of love her, and made her part of the family when other say dogs like her are monsters.

      Much love from Jacksonville, FL

      Kyle

      Reply

      denis

      June 10, 2011

      That’s a pretty good post! I love above picture so much.

      Reply

      Harrisburg Photographer

      June 10, 2011

      Sorry for your losses, but I thank you for sharing.

      Reply

      Karl Bratby

      June 10, 2011

      Sorry for your loss, the sad times in life make us stronger and define who we are.

      Reply

      Steven Stiefel

      June 11, 2011

      Sorry to hear about your loss. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply

      Artiom Maksimov

      June 11, 2011

      RIP Lulu

      Reply

      Santi B.

      June 12, 2011

      Very sad and sorry for your loss!!!

      Reply

      Jes Beach

      June 15, 2011

      Melissa, you’re blogs always inspire me, but today it helped me more than usual as I am going through my own loss. Sorry to hear about your pup, I know how that feels, I shed a tear for dear Lulu. Thank you for helping me to shoot through my pain.

      Reply

      alex

      June 17, 2011

      I had a canon f1 and a nikon f3 HP. Loved them and vowed never to go digital. Some goon walked into my roomat the dorm i was in and took the f1. Devastated. But…..4 months later, after selling the f3, I was digital!
      Maybe photographers can relate.

      Melissa, I had a dog and I totally relate. When I am down I know he is down looking over me…..:)

      Reply

      Ronald Lopez

      June 18, 2011

      I truly admire your work as a photographer and your approach to what you do! Sorry for your lost, but thanks for sharing such and intimate story.

      Reply

      Carmen

      June 19, 2011

      Melissa, I’m sorry to hear about Lulu… I know how much she meant to you and what you’ve gone through together. She was wonderful, I’m thankful to have known her and will remember her staring at me during many lunches. It’s nice to hear you’re doing well in NY, can’t wait to read all your upcoming posts!

      Reply

      Martin Bielecki

      June 20, 2011

      So sorry to hear about Lulu Melissa! I haven’t been bloging in while myself dealing with life, so I totally get you needing a break. Hope you’re doing better and getting some great work done in NYC! :)

      Reply

      Cam S

      June 21, 2011

      your truthfulness is just great, thank you! thanks for sharing how it’s important sometimes to just slow down and take your time being still once in a while. Look forward to hearing from you again soon!

      Reply

      Mike Wilson

      June 21, 2011

      *Big hugs!*

      We love you. Thanks for sharing so much of yourself and about your wonderful Lulu. She sounded like a wonderful lifelong friend.

      Reply

      Majid

      June 24, 2011

      Great snaps and a lovely explanation :)

      MutedArt

      Reply

      D Bowen

      June 24, 2011

      Melissa I am so sorry to hear about LUlu. Since I had the pleasure of sharing some time with her it seems like just yesterday we all sat together. I am an animal lover since the beginning of my time. I know what it is to love and have and to love and loose. My heart truly goes out to you and David. It is a child in our eyes and everyone knows how hard it is to loose a child. May you get through this as well as you have come through so many hard times in your life.
      I miss talking to you and am happy you are having great success in NY. Maybe one day I can make it up there to come visit. Since I am half way and all. LOL. I also hope you continue with you semi-seminars. In your spare time……Ha
      D from OK

      Reply

      Mark Stoten

      June 26, 2011

      Sorry for your loss. Losing someone you love has always been painful. Photographs in black white are great.

      Reply

      modellingjobs

      June 26, 2011

      So sorry that you lost Lulu. I can understand your feelings pet animals actually become like real member of the family. We get so attached with them.

      Reply

      Sam Balsino

      June 28, 2011

      I just lost one of my best friends and this post was helpful. I am sorry about your loss. These pictures of Jordi are amazing.

      Reply

      Simon Stewart

      June 29, 2011

      My first post on your blog. I have watched you develop as an artist over the years and thank you for continuing to share through your grief.

      Reply

      ken

      June 30, 2011

      Condolences for Lulu…it’s amazing how much our pets touch our lives when they pass.
      Jordi looks like he’s taken to modeling well too…it’s great that you helped give his career a new direction in a time of grief…

      Reply

      tk

      July 5, 2011

      I’ve been in a slump myself, wondering why I hold a camera.. still, there’s a need to push on.. and sometimes there are reasons and circumstances, ones that are not immediately visible to us or to others from the images themselves, that help us to push on.. this post is a sign of that. Thank you for counting your blessings and sharing them with us.

      Reply

      julie verebely

      July 7, 2011

      Dear Mellisa, youa re a wonderful and beautiful person. I amk so luck that I found your blog and I love to read all of them. no works to express what I want to say, only simple word:” THANK YOU”!

      you know, you never lost your lovely lulu, she is always there with you and within you when you thinking of her. she maybe in different forms, the sand, the leaves or the cloud above you and watching you and smiling at you. you can feel that she is witnin you.
      it is my dream someday if I can see you shoot.
      Sincerely
      Sorry for my writen, i am Chiense and I can write perfecrt Chinese:)

      Julie verebely

      Reply

      Yvette McField

      July 12, 2011

      Sorry for your loss! I’m sure that Lulu is still with you in spirit!

      Thanks for sharing, be blessed!

      Reply

      sonia roselli

      August 3, 2011

      This made me cry. I lost my yellow lab, Finster 2 years ago and I am STILL not over it. I’m a makeup artist and I TOO would take Finster to all the jobs he was allowed to go.

      They are such good souls, pets. It’s no wonder at 43 I don’t have kids. Pets rule in so many ways. Cheers to LuLu. I hope her and Finster and partying it up
      xo

      Reply

      Pinoy Photoblog

      August 10, 2011

      I’m sorry about your loss. Life must go on!

      Reply

      David Murphy

      August 19, 2011

      great post love the shots

      Reply

      Tasha

      September 13, 2011

      I am so very sorry for your loss I remember loosing Dutches my one year old cocker spanial, she was hit by a car I was devastated. You gave Lulu such a good home and she was able to do so many great things with you.

      I just wanted to thank you for your post, sometimes we not only have to shoot through it but your writing through it helped me tremendously. I am in a funk myself reading your post really helped me and gave me inspiration. I’m still in the trying to get myself out there phase, and get jobs its definitely no cake walk.

      Thank you for taking the time out to share something so personal to reach out and encourage others.

      Reply

      Nick Hurst

      September 22, 2011

      Sorry to hear about your Dog. I had the same thing last year, they really do become a real part of the family don’t they!

      Great pics though – glad to read you’re getting back on your feet.

      Reply

      Dilara

      October 4, 2011

      This post is beautiful – this is the first I’ve read of your blog and I’m putting it up on my bookmark bar right now… Your images are beautiful and I’m so sorry for both your losses, and every other. I know what you mean – my dog was with me for 14 years and I don’t think I’ve ever been so sad in my whole life when she left me. I hope you’re getting on well now and there is a poem that helped me when P. died….it’s kinda cheesy but it still helped in a weird way, it’s called ‘Rainbow Bridge’. Anyway, good luck with everything Dxo

      Reply

      Abslee

      October 15, 2011

      these are best in black and white color mode . these pictures shows the art of photography and clearity that remained within these pic. its always better to post your arts in these way!

      Reply

      Chrisia Aura

      November 4, 2011

      Melissa, I found your blog while searching around to learn more about fashion style. I real lot of blog on a daily basis also as well. I am really hearted to hear about your Lulu. Moreover great story i am very impressed with your article.Nice work!I would like to share your post with my all friend.

      Reply

      ghouri

      November 11, 2011

      nice blog
      i want see more

      Reply

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