I don't know how exactly to write what I'm about to write... And before weird rumors start...

So here goes...

My studio building suffered a catastrophic event while I was in Florida early Saturday morning around 12:45am. I received a call from the fire chief stating they needed to get in because there was water pouring from the building. The cause....a sprinkler water main line broke and Water traveled through 3 stories and ended up into my space, as well as the other businesses. Under water. Raining from the ceiling and pouring in from the walls.

As my roommates in Florida can attest, I went into literal physical shock while on the phone and seeing live video of my space ... I Couldn't breathe and couldn't stop convulsing for hours. My business, my livelihood, my baby.... Was in jeopardy and I wasn't there and couldn't be there. I am forever grateful that Fritz Rudy was awake and able to head over immediately to let the firemen in and help locate the issue. They shut off the sprinkler lines as well as the water from the street.

I immediately changed my flights and got back as soon as I could that night around 11pm. Nothing can really prepare you for what you are about to see when you get there. Insurance claims started. Aquire restoration services started. Triage started. What can be saved... What is unsalvagable.....20 years of business and all my collections of one of a kind items, etc. Anybody who has been there knows what I have in there...

So... It's been 2 solid days and nights of sorting and documenting and photographing and contractors and personnel and inspectors, etc.... Non stop...I mentally, physically and spiritually exhausted.

Myself and the tenants do have insurance to cover our belongings... But not the structure as that is on the owner.

I'm angry. I'm devestated. I'm sad. I feel hopeless.

But.... Nobody was hurt. Stuff can be mostly replaced. I am hoping and praying the building isn't condemned at this point, and repairs and restoration can be done.

All of my effects are being removed from the building and cleaned and stored. I'm not too sure where or what will happen and where I will be...

... But...

I am NOT giving up and throwing in the towel. Busy season is a couple months away and either way.... I will be working and photographing... Just not too sure where my studio will be.

But my business is not my studio.... It is me. I have been reminded of that many times this week.

I will come back... Whatever happens. I will be OK.

I will ask for some grace and prayers and support during these times... I am still in limited operation. I have all your portraits... Etc. Things have been moved home where I will be setting up my office again until things are dried and operational and reset up.

So life has been hell the last 2 days... It doesn't seem real. I am so grateful for the helping hands and hearts that have been in the know about this. But I felt like I needed to let everyone know what is now happening in my life currently... For this is, well, a damn big deal for me. It affects my family's livelihood and future.

-Tara