Wedding Traditions - In with the New...Out with the Old

It has been a while since I wrote in my Blog.  Basically, I wasn't inspired to say anything and the fact that no one reads it, might have something to do with it too.  

But here is the deal.  Producing Memories is launching some new exciting products over the next couple of weeks.  One is in the wedding sector.  After much doodling, thinking, rethinking...doodling again, decided to launch a platform for couples to engage their guests on a whole new level.  We offer couples to tell their story by posting a video tribute, add photographs of their wedding party, family, or dog.  The ability to ask their guests to take a poll on the important stuff...like - Who is going to trip down the aisle first? (yes...just wait).  Then the guests can strike up conversation with other guests.  Maybe it is a destination wedding in Istanbul, Turkey and one guests - named Bob - might be the guru of Turkey geography.  Great...let's go.  Tells us everything.  Where to eat, drink, etc.  Jane - not a guru of Turkey geography strikes up a conversation with Bob - wedding comes - Jane finds Bob in the crowd and it is like they've known each other for years.  They get married...ok...not really, but it sounds like a great movie.  Right?

The best part is it is affordable and can replace those expensive invitations that everyone throws away (sorry stationary companies), but the couple sends Save the Date cards with their new URL on it along with the username and password.  Better yet, the save the date cards artistcally displays a characture of the couple.  Cute, right?  Check out www.poseprints.com.

So maybe saving a few trees along the way on the wedding planning rollercoaster might not be in your plans, but either way...it will really cool and unique.  

FYI - it is better than a blog...better than a website - just wait.

www.producing-memories.com

Producing Memories for one person at a time....

Family-What Really Counts in the End

I need to be inspired when I write...who doesn't?  Writing a blog can be intimidating.  I am putting my bad grammar skills and writing skills for that matter out there to be scrutinized (oh, and it has been, trust me).  I don't care anymore...so I am just going to start writing again and to heck with the bad english.

So here it goes:  I have been inspired.  Inspired by my customers.  That is why I love my job.  I meet people every week that come to me for help.  I create memories that they can cherish forever.  We laugh.  We cry.  We become friends.  In just a little over a week.  Crazy.

Family comes first.  I think we realize that even more today with the negative economy looming over our heads and a war that seems like eternity.  Lets get back to basics.  I am reminded of this when I meet with my clients and we comb through photographs of a loved ones...be person or pet.  For a small moment they smile at the past and forget the present for about 1 hour, for they may have just lost a parent, grandparent or their best friend.  For a brief moment we forget about work, negative co-workers, and other superficial things that allow us to forget what really matters.  

I am also reminded of this as my 2 1/2 year old is tugging at my shirt and letting me know his dismay as I am on the computer delaying our walk with the dog.  

In conclusion, get back to the basics.  Family and friends.  Shed the negative and make positive memories so we don't go through life regretting.  

That's my rant for the month:)  Peace.  www.producing-memories.com

p.s.  This was my last inspiration...(play the video above)

Why Does Your Mother Deserve A Video Tribute?

In honor of Mothers Day, we at Producing Memories are having a contest!  Write why your mother deserves to have a video tribute made of her life.  If you win, we will do a custom video tribute in honor of her for FREE (basic package).  

Email us at producingmemories@gmail.com 

This will be a great gift for her birthday or just because.  Because she is so extra special, the video will live on for future generations to celebrate her existence. 

Contest ends 5/31/08

Good Luck!

Sincerely,

The Producing Memories Team

Pet Funerals and Technology Help Memories Live

Pet memorials?  Yes.  Some may think that is crazy, but others say it helps them grieve over the loss of their beloved pet.  Personally, I become teary eyed when I think of my dogs last day.  How will I remember?  There are so many more options today than there were a few years ago.  From Pet Cemeteries, specialized caskets, personalized urns to solar powered video panels that displays a memorial video tribute.  

To all of the "non-pet loving" people out there - Don't underestimate the power of our best friends.

Pet Funerals Help Keep Memories Alive  

In the Dog House

Do you remember your first dog or animal for that matter?  I do.  I have one picture of her tossed in my drawer of my night stand.  I remember when she passed away.  I was in college and my mom called my dorm room to give me the news.  I will never forget Molly.  She lived for 18 years.  I love animals.  My dog now, Rocky is a rescue and has more of an understanding of my ups and downs than anyone.  I am at peace when I am with animals.  

I volunteer at Pasado's Safe Haven (www.pasadosafehaven.org) every Saturday morning...well, I try.  I drive from my home town of Kirkland, Washington out to the foothills of the Cascades.  It is about a 45 minute drive.  It is WAY out in the middle of nowhere.  However, I look forward to the drive every week.  As I leave my family behind, and feel a little twing of guilt, I take the time to sip my coffee, listen and sing all the wrong lyrics to my favorite 80's music and think.  

When I arrive at the black iron gates to the "farm", I punch in my code and the gates open up and welcome me.  As I pull in, that familiar scent of manure, the rattling echoes of the geese, ducks, chickens, donkeys, pigs...the list goes on penetrate me. 

I work with the dogs. they have front row to all the cars coming in and perk up to see someone coming to visit...and possibly take them for a walk.  My first task was to take the dogs, that are in temporary isolation, out for a walk.  One dog in particular took me by surprise.  His name is Jasper.  He is a new resident. I am not good at figuring out the breed and quite honestly, it don't care.  I approached Jasper's cage and he took one look at me and growled.  First dog that growled at me since I started volunteering there.  I walked around to the gate and there was a note.  "Jasper does not like being in is cage and may growl at first, but he will warm up.  Please let him walk out first, then leash him up."  With caution, I unlatch the gate, let him walk out on his own, bent down to clip on the leash and he poked his cold wet nose up towards my face as if to say, "I like you and sorry for growling".  Our eyes met and off we went on a mission.  We ran and walked and sniffed for over 20 minutes.  

I started thinking...of course he doesn't like his cage.  His owner surrendered him after 9 years!  I am sorry, but does anybody see what is wrong with this picture?  Taking on a dog is no small task, but it is a commitment.  They are not disposable or do you have the right to give them up if they don't fit in your life plans.  Our animals are suppose to be our family.  Point?  Think very hard before you get an animal because it isn't fair to surrender them and make them live the rest of their short lives out in an unfamiliar place.  Had to get that off my mind.  Here is a little video to all the lonely, surrendered, abandoned dogs out there!

Birthday Tribute

Life is too short and the friends that we make along the way shape us.  We rely on them to be there when we need them...if they are good friends.  You don't come by good friends easily.  Especially, when you get older.  You move away from family and sometimes the only family you have around are your friends.  I only hope that everyone in life can have a few friends close to them.  They are so precious.  Celebrate the good times and remember.  Here is one of my closest friends and has become a special person in my life.  I surprised her with a video for her birthday (she would kill me if I gave up the actual number!)...she looks 29...don't you think?  Enjoy and anyone that grew up in the 80's will appreciate the intro!  Love you Shish.