Happy New YearAre you happy 2020 is over? You're not alone. With Coronavirus, the election, job loss, evictions and more disturbing news, I'm definitely ready to start a new year. Many, including myself, were extremely excited about the start of a 2020 - new year and upcoming possibilities of what the year would bring. Let along the numerical number 2020, I heard many say it was the year of vision. A year that many would see great opportunities. As a photographer that's new to the Los Angeles area, I was definitely looking forward to the possibilities of photographing families in my new state and local area. Since moving from the Washington D.C. area, this was going to be my first full year in LA and I was making plans to serve many families by photographing their memories. 
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My Story...Pregnancy and Infant LossOctober is National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness month. August and December are two of the toughest months of the year for me. These months are the toughest because these are the months two of my sons became angels. Yes, unfortunately, I am counted in the statistics of infant loss. Please bear with me as I write this. Fifteen years ago, I was ecstatic to hear I was pregnant with my second child, only to hear a few months later my little angel was exhibiting signs of hardship and was probably going to die shortly after birth. As a person of faith, I prayed and hoped what I was hearing was untrue. I continued to carry my angel, but a few hours after birth he died. It was one of the toughest moments of my life. Of course, I went thru sadness and loss; honestly, it was rough.  Pregnant with my second son. Hi, It's Me Again...Tamieka SmithHi, it's me again. Our families life today looks totally different from what it looked like back on January 1, 2020. Like most these last few weeks and months have been tough. It's been one of the most trying and toughest year I've ever experienced; the year started with the death of Kobe Bryant, the quarantine (COVID), the death of George Floyd, and so on. With so much free time on my hand and the inability to photograph families and business portraits for entrepreneurs, I have used this time to do some self reflection, spend time with family, try new food recipes, and build new relationships.  Tamieka Smith Family Memories are PreciousFrom the very beginning, I've always been one of those moms whose had a camera in hand. From the time my children came out of the womb, I was taking every picture I could possible take. Whether it was eating at a restaurant, hiding under the kitchen table, or running around the house, I have photographed it. I'm sure there are many Mom like this; maybe even you. I literally have tons of pictures. For me, it comes in handy when they have little projects from school and they need a picture. I can go inside my picture box and let them pick out their favorite snapshot.
Family Vacation Idea
Like many of you, I've had to cancel my plans for this year's summer family vacation due to COVID-19. Now, I’m looking for ideas for our next family vacation and different locations to enjoy with my family that are close to home or even considering a staycation. I wanted to plan something other than the traditional family vacation to the Jersey shore or traveling to Vegas for a desert retreat.
However, let me tell you about this wonderful summer family vacation I had planned for this month. As a matter of fact, I was scheduled to leave June 17. When I saw the information regarding this vacation, it was going to be the vacation to rival all vacations and I am heartbroken we won’t be able to travel this year. It was unlike your traditional beach vacation. Don't get me wrong, I love beach vacations (especially Destin and St. Thomas). This trip was going to be a 9-day multiple European country vacation. 
Happy Friday!!! Another week is complete and it's time for the weekend. Who's going to see Avengers: Endgames this weekend? I'm sure many of the movie theaters in Northern Virginia and around the United States will be extremely busy and movie times sold out. I'm excited to say, I purchased my family's tickets this morning.
There are so many different summer movies i'm looking forward to watching and this is the first of many. As you know I live in a house of boys and this comic series is definitely one of our family favorites. Old-Timey Ice Cream Parlor - Goolrick's
For this week’s Friday Fives, I want to tell you about this ice cream treasure in Northern Virginia. A few weeks ago, I was in Fredericksburg, Virginia for an event. While I was there, I walked past Goolrick’s – an old-timey ice cream parlor. Yes, I said ice cream. However, I didn’t have time at that moment to visit, so I decided I needed to come back. I had all four of my wisdom teeth removed a few weeks ago, so eating ice cream would definitely be diet approved.
This historic ice cream parlor is also a pharmacy and is tied in with the culture of this community. The parlor has been serving handmade ice cream for nearly 150 years. Goolrick’s is known to be the oldest continuously operated soda fountain in the entire United States. Who knew we had an ice cream shop near us with so much history?
Friday Friday #19 | Upcoming 2019 Summer Movies
Who's gets excited about the upcoming summer movie lineup? There are so many great movies to be released this summer and I’m thrilled about so many of them. For today’s Friday Fives, I’m sharing a list of the top five movies I will viewing at my local Northern Virginia movie theater with my family. In addition how I will see them for $5 each (that's a $20 family date night).
Friday Fives #18 | Friday Introduction
It's amazing to see how fast this year seems to be going...it's Thanksgiving next week. What are your plans? Will you cook an extravagant meal with a Turkey and all the fixins for your family? If you're a military family, will you be traveling back home to spend time with your extended family?
I'm thrilled we'll get an opportunity to experience the new F.A.O. Schwarz during this holiday season in New York City (see video below); as well as all the other things/places New York City has to offer for the holidays. For today's Friday Fives, I wanted to share five reasons why I'm thankful. Just a quick glimpse of the news and it's a quick reminder to be grateful and thankful. Here are my top five reasons I'm thankful. 
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Author
Hello, I'm Tamieka, the owner of and photographer behind Tamieka Smith Photography a family photographer in Torrance, CA and Northern Virginia/National Archives Promotion Ceremony photographer in Torrance, CA. I am happy you came to visit the blog! I hope you find inspiration and helpful tips. In addition, to a peek into my life as a family photographer.
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