Allison Bess: Scottsdale Wedding Photographer & Phoenix Senior Portrait Photographer

One of my favorite things to do in my free time has always been reading. It’s been almost a lifetime obsession you could say ;) From the minute I learned how, I’ve been completely hooked and it’s my favorite way to relax and escape. I could possibly be described as a workaholic and someone who isn’t good at relaxing, but once I get a good book in hand…it’s like a drug! I just can’t stop reading! I never thought I’d say this either, but since I bought my iPad in early 2010, I have read way too many books on it. I’m in love. I really like the paper feel of a book and I fear that one day they will be obsolete and my children won’t know what a real book is like…but the iPad is so convenient to read on! I carry about 80 books around with me on it and it takes up so little space. I feel like a traitor!

I know that I read more than 30 books last year, but here are some of the ones that stood out in my memory for some reason or another. Have you read any of these? I’d love to hear your thoughts on any of them! I probably shouldn’t admit that a few of these books have been read way more than 1 or 2 times…more like six. ;)

As one of the 500 social network websites I’m on, Goodreads is one of my favorites for keeping track of books, reviews, etc.! I’d love to connect with you on there if you share the love of reading!

I was planning on blogging a wedding today, then I realized it was my 200th blog post and thought I should do something a little different for it! Between celebrating all of the holidays and the events that come with them and my busiest Fall/Winter ever for my business the last few months, I haven’t had much time to blog anything personal about my life! This past Fall was AWESOME and I got to work with and meet so many wonderful new people, as well as some old favorites. Sometimes when I get really busy I push everything else in my life off to the side & a normal problem for photographers is forgetting to take pictures of their own family and lives, but I’m happy to say I got a few family photos this year. I’ll just post three of my favorites, these people mean the world to me! I really would be lost without the ones I love. :) Yay for 200 posts! Seems like it’s been more to me over the past few years!

I consider myself very lucky that I get to drink as much water as I want every day. Water is such an essential human need and it breaks my heart that one billion people on our planet don’t get to share in the same daily ritual of drinking clean water that I get to. In the desert, it’s something that almost gets taken advantage of because since we make a point to drink tons of it all of the time, we just count it as part of our day and it easily gets forgotten.

4,100 children die every day from water related diseases.

I have been blessed with clean water to drink, wash with, and even to clean things and water plants with. I have also been blessed with a wonderful business. I feel it’s about time that I start sharing even more of my blessings with others.

I first heard about charity: water about two years ago and I haven’t been able to get them out of my mind since then. Everyone on the planet deserves to have water and it’s so hard for me to fathom that one in SEVEN people doesn’t have it. So…I’m going to try and do something about it.

First of all, I am going to donate 10% of my personal income from session fees for the rest of 2011 straight to charity: water. The best thing about this is that 100% of that money will go straight to helping people get water, as do all public donations with their charity. No matter how much money this amounts to, I know it will make a difference because it only takes $20 to help another person get access to clean, safe water.

Secondly, I’ve started a My charity: water campaign to try and raise even more money. With the holiday season coming up, I can’t think of a better time to share the giving spirit with more than just your loved ones. What better gift than giving someone a better chance at survival? If you feel inclined to share your blessings as well, here is a link to my campaign, or you can start your own! I’d love to raise $200 by the end of the year because that’s 10 more people with water!

Has it been put on your heart to try and help change the world in a small or large way? I’d love to hear your stories and would love your help with saving lives!