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   Meredith Mancini says:

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   I cried right along with you Lisa. I think most of us can relate to your younger self story. For what it’s worth, I think you are beautiful. I am 61 and only now am accepting my old face. What gives with us ladies?? Enjoy every well deserved minute and give Carla a hug from me because I just love her work . Ciao cara Lisa 🙂

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     Lisa Chiodo says:

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     It’s been such an emotional time the last few years Meredith, and winning the portrait was totally overwhelming. Now having returned from Paris and seen the photos I have resolved to be in as many photos as I can, to laugh out loud, to be silly, to hug my kids, to just be happy within myself and let my spirit shine.

     A huge gift from Carla, she showed me that dreams can come true.
     We women are so hard on ourselves, I love turning 50, and spending that time with Carina, she was so surprised to see me in high heels and yes even red lipstick.
     xxx

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   Trisha Thomas says:

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   Lisa — I loved watching the video of you and hearing your voice in person. You are beautiful inside and out and you deserve this more than anyone. I am so happy for you. Big Hugs, Trisha

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     Lisa Chiodo says:

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     Oh through the snuffling and tears, I was totally over wrought and it all hit at once. I can’t wait to spend the day with Carla and having Carina in the shots is just a huge bonus. My Mum will be so proud and we’ll have a record of a very special time in our lives and the first time my daughter visits Paris. xxx

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   Catherine says:

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   Lisa this is so exciting!! I’m so HAPPY for you. I also dodged photographs for years and years thinking I was an ugly ducking then in my thirties I lived with a photographer who made me feel beautiful and something changed. I know this will happen to you too. It’s never too late to blossom!! Xxcat

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     Lisa Chiodo says:

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     arghhhh I know I am mega excited and so is Carina. I think a photographer would be the perfect soul to show you your own beauty. I plan to shine so brightly my Mum will see the glow in the sky xxxx

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   Caterina B says:

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   Lisa, what a beautiful revealing video! You are so honest and open and willing to expose your most secret feelings to us. It is wonderful that you will get a professional sitting for a portrait.
   Nothing could be more appropriate for a landmark birthday like your fiftieth. And to do it in Paris! Wow!

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     Lisa Chiodo says:

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     Caterina I almost didn’t share it but then I thought I bet other women feel this way, if nobody talks about it then it just continues to the next generation. I’ve always been honest, maybe very tactful but honest if possible. I remember my girlfriend and I would go out to the pub on the weekend and we’d get chatting with guys and when they’d ask me something I’d just tell them the truth, it shocked them at first but then they’d keep asking questions. So funny now I think about it. Bring on Paris xxx
     sending love xxx

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   Wynne says:

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   Oh, Lisa, how I (and my mother) can relate! We both avoid photos because we’ve never felt we photographed well (we really don’t – or rarely). I’m so excited for you, this opportunity. You will have a blast and I can’t wait to see (and hear) all about it!

   Ciao bella! xoxo

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     Lisa Chiodo says:

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     Ahh I remember how you felt about photo’s and I was thinking what a shame because you looked so gorgeous in the few photos I took, guess you could say the same to me lol
     The only concern I have about the photo shoot is that I have no clothes other than jeans etc and no moola to buy anything….I’ll have to see how we can get around this, I’d love something really special x

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   Karene says:

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   Hi Lisa, although I already commented on your facebook page, I wanted to add a comment here. I just so relate to you. My mom hated having her picture taken, and I do as well, and now my daughter. I also was bullied as a young girl, and had horrible acne, from 10 yrs. old through mid-30s, and only with the help of really strong drugs did it go away for good. Now my issue is my weight.

   So I am the one behind the camera instead. I feel more comfortable that way. But what am I teaching my daughter? That her beauty comes from the outside, and not from her beautiful soul? Your words on the video and this post have touched me deeply. I am going to make some changes–even dare to step in front of the camera from time to time. And to stop complaining about my looks!

   Yes, it is our time, and our daughters’ time, to shine. I have been a faithful, but silent, participant in your posts for quite a while, but now I am speaking up because I want you to know how much your pursuit of your passion has meant to me, and now, being vulnerable with all of us, I feel like we are long-lost sisters. Even though I live across the ocean in California, and our paths may never cross (unless I can save up enough pennies to fly your way, or vice versa), please know that you have a new long-distance friend.

   PS: Congratulations, again, on the photo shoot. Can’t wait to hear all about it and to see the results.

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     Lisa Chiodo says:

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     Karene it’s so true that we pass this legacy onto our children, they look to us for guidance and I see this already with Carina and she is only eleven. I only hope that she doesn’t go through this acne phase it made my life hell and yes I went on two courses of those drugs and had to sign paperwork saying I wouldn’t fall pregnant. My Mum spent a fortune on naturopaths, skin care, creams, and so did I and it didn’t make much difference.

     That my sharing could make a difference to you is what gives me the greatest joy, I truly believe that all these things we tell ourselves are universal. The more we step out and look for ways to make a difference the brighter we Shine, and it is voices like yours that ring true and speak to the heart. I’m so glad to hear you, your voice is like a beacon and my dear long lost sister I am sending you a big hug and I hope our paths do cross, we could always skype, these conversations are what makes all the difference, as women being able to share and know we aren’t alone xxx

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     Karene says:

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     I would love to overcome the time difference, and my tech challenges, to skype with you, Lisa! Although my old computer doesn’t have a camera, my daughter’s does, and I have sort of learned to skype on it. When she isn’t in college classes, I know she would help me out. Isn’t technology amazing?! Especially for those of us “of a certain age” 😉 Let’s keep in touch, friend!

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     Lisa Chiodo says:

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     Hey just let me know and we’ll give it a try, my Mum has an Ipad but no clue how to use it, she’s determined to learn xx
     keep in touch, did I send you my skype name??
     xxx

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     Karene says:

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     Not yet. Send it to me in a facebook message. And I will check on my daughter’s schedule. 🙂

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     Lisa Chiodo says:

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     I’ll do it now xx

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1. Portrait Winner – Lisa Chiodo From Renovating Italy | Carla Coulson says:

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   […] felt a great responsibility photographing Lisa after see her video and reading this post when she won. I wanted to enhance her natural beauty without changing her […]

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