My meeting . . . interesting to say the least! (Part 1)

I just want to say "thank you" for all who responded with such support in regards to my meeting of last night. I have to say, you were all right, it went fabulous. And thankfully, nothing was said at all about "ex-boss", but that doesn't mean I'm not still a bit anxious about one day "running into him". Oh well, I'll figure that out when it happens.

To make a really really long story short, let me just say, things are going to be quite interesting with this client! I have to keep in mind, though, that I haven't actually been hired to do her birth yet, but, I'm really crossing my fingers that I will get to.

There's so many politics with her, and to some that may be nerve-racking, but to me it's exciting. I really want to be involved with this! Not just because it would get my name out, but also because it could go big. Really big. And it's something that I feel really strongly about, as she feels really strongly about, because it's happened to both of us during our deliveries.

I really probably shouldn't go into too many details, but, last night when we met with her, she had her publicist with her. I knew that she meant business when she wanted to get with Leann and I and go over "things". . . with her publicist!

The discussion went well, and during it I kept thinking, "I am woman, hear me roar!" -- ha! Great thing is, the four of us really clicked . . . we share SO MANY of the same birthing experiences. Which gets me into the topic a tiny bit more.

You see, she had a horrible birth experience last time. And to be honest, it sounds EXACTLY like my birth with Maia. This birth took place in California, where as a woman/patient/citizen her opinions were really taken into consideration and they (the doctors, the hospital) listened.

There are things that could happen with her birth in November that may not go the way she has planned (which, I for one, know that births don't hardly ever go "as planned"!) because her doctor made her aware of "what will happen" if it goes "that way". Of course she's hoping for the positive, but she's also preparing for the negative. She is trying her best to turn what could be a somewhat negative situation into a positive one. But the problem is, her hopsital won't allow it, nor will they listen. So she is fired up! (Which, haha, got me fired up, too!)

Because of this, she has really put a lot of pressure on Leann to help her get what she wants. It could be really negative for Leann and her doula business. But, this may be their saving grace: her publicist getting the word out. They both think other women could benefit from this --- and they can if they know about it.

Her publicist is going to take this story public through news programs and her connection with Conde Naste. And guess what, I may get to be a part of it. Actually, most likely I will. (Crossing my fingers!) She wants me to be there to document, by photograph, what happens, whether it goes good or bad.

Anyhow, wow, I am just really excited about this! I am also excited about it because I can relate. I had two horrible birth experiences and so I share in her pain. When you understand what the client is going through because you literally experienced the same thing, it's amazing the connection you then have with that person on a personal level making the photographer-client relationship really "click"!

So over some duck appetizer tacos, sea scallops with marmalade (featured in Bon Appetit), goat cheese fondue and Pinot Grigo, I really feel like a lot was accomplished. And we plan to meet again in a few weeks!

I can't wait to tell you more!!!! This could really really really get interesting!

Oh, and listen to this. The mother . . . she is going to be induced by accupuncture! Isn't that . . . interesting!?

I can't wait to tell you more about this!