Elizabeth Jekot Breast Imaging Center

Office: 214.442.7050

3301 E. Renner Rd

Suite 100

Richardson, TX 75082

At the risk of oversharing... I wanted to tell my story at the Elizabeth Jekot Breast Imaging Center.  I was more than happy with my experience and wanted to give her a shout out.

It's one of those doctor appointments that we all have to schedule and frankly, it's just not fun. And this appointment was for diagnostic which can be a scary experience. This was my first visit to her center and from the moment I walked into the building till the moment I left (almost 2 hours later) I was so impressed.  The facilities, staff, and most importantly Dr. Jekot herself are first class.. The facilities are huge and the staff was professional and courteous.

Dr. Jekot was taking care of a patient before me and couldn't see me right away after the x-rays were taken. The technician, Stacy, came into the waiting room to give me an update explaining that the doctor was running behind but would be with me shortly. About 10 minutes later, Stacy ran into the waiting room to tell me everything looked good. They didn't want me to worry one moment longer than necessary. Wow. I've never had that experience before. And, yes, it was a relief to hear.

When I did see Dr. Jekot the first thing she did was to apologize for being late. In her words, "Some patients need a little extra love and attention and I'm so sorry that I am running behind. Now that I am here you have my full attention for as long as you need it."  I've never had a doctor say that to me before. The best part was you could tell it was sincere.

She explained that to be safe she wanted to also perform a sonogram and then found something during that process. She ordered me back into the xray room for a few more views.  I was thinking thank you, please be safe....  I don't mind the extra time and additional x-rays. Turned out not to be anything, and now I'm now I'm assured that I am good to go without any worries.

After the second set of x-rays Stacy showed me to a consult room. To my surprise Dr. Jekot was in there waiting for me just to see if I had any more questions and to follow up with her findings. Again, WOW. Never had that happen before either. I know that I always think of things to ask at the end of the appointment but at that point the dr. is long gone.

I encourage all my local female friends, clients, and random people who read this to visit her Center when the time comes. As you can tell I highly recommend it.

Here is her info and website:  http://www.jekotbreastimagingcenter.com/index.htm

Songs for Japan

"The Songs for Japan"  album is available on the itunes store to purchase for only $9.99 

100% of the proceeds will be donated to the Japanese Red Cross.

It contains 38 songs from top artists. This is a no brainer!

http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/songs-for-japan/id428401715

God Bless Japan

I'm turning Square!

Technology never ceases to amaze me.  I just signed up for "Square".  It's a little square, duh, card reader that plugs into your phone or ipad's headset and you can swipe your customer's credit cards. No monthly fee's, somewhat low rate lol, and accepts all cc's. Dang that is so cool. I used it for the first time tonight and it was a piece of cake.  All you do is download the free app, request the free card reader, and verify your bank account. Tadaaa... you ready to go.

I sound like a commercial for them. I'm stating for the record I get no referral fees or discounts for my mention of their product. lol I only wanted to share because it's so cool. Now when I travel home to California I can take that with me and use it on the road.

So... For those merchants out there, will you be Square?

Deep Ellum's Art Festival

I love, love, art! I'm so excited for the Deep Ellum Arts Festival this upcoming weekend. They have over 120 artists that will be displaying their wares and over 90 original bands over 5 different stages. 


Festive cuisine, including Mexican, Caribbean, Mediterranean, Asian, American, specialty desserts and other festival favorites will be available, plus beer, wine, and sodas


A Pet Parade, Street Performers by the Circus Freaks and live demo's of artist showing off their talents.


I'm giving you fair warning now so you may plan your weekend accordingly. Hope to see you there.

Oh yeah, I'll be there. Maybe more than one day too. lol


http://www.meifestivals.com/deepspr.html

Dancers at Red Door Dance Academy

Meet Jalyn. She is one of the dancers that visited my studio so I could photograph samples for the big "picture day" at the dance studio. She did a wonderful job posing for me and we all had fun photographing.

Thank you Jalyn. I love these images.

Meet Marisa at Red Door Dance Academy

I'm so excited to be working with Marisa Mailhes, owner of Red Door Dance Academy. I asked a couple of her students to come to the studio so I could photograph them for samples.  Well, I noticed that Marisa didn't have a portrait of herself on her website and thought, why not photograph her too as long as I had her in the studio. I think it is extremely important to give your audience a chance to meet you, even if it's just via your image on your website.


She is adorable and I can't wait to get into her brand new studio in Wylie and photograph all of her students next month. Marisa was a child star appearing on the Barney and Friends Television Show. How cute is that? 

She also trained at Cherrilane School of Dance in Dallas, Texas for 13 years in ballet, tap, jazz, lyrical & hip hop. She went on to study dance at Texas A&M University where she graduated and later danced with the Armstrong Bergeron Dance Company.

Please visit her website:

http://www.dancereddoor.com/

Key Ring App

I'm one of "those" that has about 100 apps on my phone and ipad, ok I admit it, I only use about a dozen of them. But, that doesn't mean that they aren't good, and I have to have it just in case I might need them.  Some good friends just told me about "Key Ring" and it's so cool I have to pass this one on to you.

Here is the link:

http://keyringapp.com/download

In a nutshell, using your camera phone you scan the bar codes of your "frequent flyer" cards and it stores all your info in the app. You never have to carry all those cards again. You know what I mean, my Kroger's card, Sephora, etc., anything that requires a membership to get a discount or add points.

The app also has memberships that you may sign up for right on the spot. Like Mooyah Burgers. But, sign up for it at the restaurant and get two for one burgers, or in my case veggie burgers. It will also automatically add specials offered strictly through Key Ring. You just need to check it.

Happy saving room in your wallet!

Honey Bee Collection!

I was very honored to be asked by Graphic Authority to lend my hand in their latest collection called, "Honey Bee" designed for children's photography.  I was told that I could change whatever I wanted to the designs.  At first, I thought,  "Oh how I can't wait to get my hands on it", but then I saw the designs and thought they are great just the way they are.  I changed about 1 % of the layout and colors. Their talented designer, Jameson, out did himself.  Besides, I want to change it up after the "release" to blend with the images that I'm using to create my albums and cards.

It took me two full days going thru all of my images and designing the layout of the images into the templates. I wanted it to be perfect!


Here is an example from the album templates - Volume 1

Here is an example  from the marketing collection - Volume 2.  It's a 5x5 trifold card for your studio:

Here is an example from the beautiful design elements - Volume 3:

My Sweetgirl, Cate

Just because it's designed for children and babies doesn't mean you can't use the collection for portraiture or weddings. That's the beauty of it,  you are only limited by your imagination!  So go design, create and have fun. I'd love to see what you come up with, so please share.

For more info on the new collection and the company here is their link:

http://www.graphicauthority.com/products/honeybee-vol1.php

I love my clients!

I love my clients! I just got a call from one of my "regular" clients from Cali. The first thing she said was, "I talk to you all the time over the holidays when we are working on our portraits and I thought I would call and say hi because we haven't talked in a while."  Can I just say, "I LOVE THAT!"  I love developing a close bond with my clients and consider them friends.

Though several minutes later Holiday Portrait ideas were discussed. This is still April, right? lol (Just teasing you Kim!) She has a wonderful idea of her daughter in a victorian gown on a swing from a big ole tree. Anyone know of such a swing in the Bay Area? I'd love for you to share.

2010 back of their Christmas Card

Thanks for calling, Kim. Always a pleasure to catch up. Big hugs to the family.

More Mommy Time

Me and my Mom

Cate & Yia Yia

I must say I really enjoyed having my mom visit and was sad to take her to the airport yesterday. Loved the Greek food we cooked and just being able to hang out. Now it's back to reality. Back to Work. Back to doing my Taxes. Yuck!

These images were taken during our shopping trip to McKinney Square. Do you all call it McKinney Square or just downtown McKinney? lol  Back home we have almost the same type set up in downtown Sonoma that we call Sonoma Square. You know, because it's in a square. ;)

Except there is a wonderful park with a pond and ducks. Wine tasting, shops with fresh locally made cheese and sourdough french bread, and beautiful views of the mountains. And of course great shopping too. Can you read the sarcasm in my words when I say it's the same? Yes, I miss Cali and all the wonderful things it has to over. So thanks mom from bringing a little home to Texas with you.

Though I can't deny Texas is unbeaten when it comes to the friendly, warm southern hospitality. Thanks for the love.

Mommy Time!

I have enjoyed having my mom in town. I've been playing a little hooky from work but really, my mom only visits every couple of years so I'm enjoying every minute with her. I've also put my income taxes on hold too. Boy oh boy, will I be busy when she leaves in a couple days.

This has been more of a relaxing trip than normal, which has been nice. We are now enjoying all of our left over Greek Food from our marathon cooking day on Friday. We started at 10 am and finished at 7 pm with no break. We made four dishes and one dessert. It just wouldn't be complete without Baklava!  Though, the Baklava didn't last very long. That was gone in two days. lol

Today we went to the Dallas Arboretum. My mom is a Master Garden and loved every minute of it. It was really kinda cute to see her answering people's questions. If she lived here she would certainly be a volunteer.

Tomorrow the Dallas Market Center and hopefully a movie tomorrow night. Then who knows for Tuesday. I'm just enjoying spending time with her. So are the kids and hubby.

My mommy is here!

Ok, I admit it. No matter how old I am I still need my mommy. It has been so difficult with her still living in California and us moving to Texas. I miss her. Plain and simple. It is such a treat when she comes and visits. She made me french toast for breakfast yesterday. Come on, you gotta love that.

One of my the favorite things that we do when she visits is cook a ton of Greek food. Today is no exception. On the menu: Baklava, Spanakopeta (spinach pie), Dolmathes (stuffed grape leaves),Tirotrigona (cheese triangles) and Stifado (beef stew). The only thing missing is Pastitsio ( baked macaroni with a white/egg sauce) and my favorite cookies Paximathia (biscotti). Maybe later in the week we can make those.

It's quite ambitious, I hope we can get all the cooking done!  We also have trips planned to the Fort Worth stockyard, the Dallas arboretum, the Market Center and a few movies too.

Oh yea, good times. :)

Red Door Dance Academy

I'm so very pleased to have been asked by Marisa Mailhes, owner/dancer of Red Door Dance Academy in Wylie, Tx to photograph all of her dancers. Seriously, who can resist a cute little girl in a tutu or a sweet little boy in tap shoes? I photographed a dance school when I lived in California for many years and I must admit I do miss it. I can't wait to get in there and get started. 


I'm going to have so much more fun this time around, because now with the options of digital I can offer, note cards, bookmarks, stickers, jewelry, etc.


The big day is April 30th, but I'm taking a few sneak peak images middle of March and I can't wait to share the images. You know they will be appearing here. So, if you love tutu clad little princesses as much as I do, stay tuned. 


Students range from 3 years old to teenagers. Marisa is a doll and the kids love her. How cute is she that she began her performance career early when she landed a job as an actress on the Barney and Friends television show. She danced and sang on the show for three years. 


Please check out her school.

http://www.dancereddoor.com/