Let's Get Lost Somewhere...

Finally really "feeling" my favorite season kick in here in Missouri... and today as I came out from a nearly 11 1/2 hour "hibernation" it hit me... I wanted to go explore. 

I posted this on facebook as I woke from my slumber...

Literally, within a few minutes, my friend Christy texted me. 

"What are you doing today?" (and NO she hadn't seen what I'd posted on facebook just minutes before!) 

Soon, it came to us deciding to get out my map and figure out what was between us that we could find and "get lost" in the woods together! 

Canaan Conservation Area was the ticket! http://mdc4.mdc.mo.gov/applications/moatlas/AreaSummaryPage.aspx?txtAreaID=8106

She came up from Eldon, MO and I came from Union, MO and we literally pulled on to the road to the area from opposite directions at the same time. Priceless.

We took her buddy Taz out with us on at least two miles of walking up and down hills. 

We drove around the area a bit, and decided since it was dinner time, perhaps some snacks and a little quick livation at a winery nearby would be the perfect reward for our day. 

Wenwood Farm Winery was the perfect choice. They even dealt with us running in right at closing time with Taz. http://www.wenwoodfarmwinery.com 

It was a lovely day and only inspired me to get home and work on a project for an upcoming show in Owensville based on Gasconade County, Mo. I came up with this, and just need to figure out what format to print: canvas, paper, or... there's actually lots of options.

What a great day here in Missouri. Monday is going to be a kick in my rear, but this weekend was priceless! 

MK Designs - Sept 2014

PS Thank you for visiting and for your support, but please don't steal my work. If you want to order something, let me know! :-)

Summer 2014 Blogger Challenge #21, #22... Stories & Laughter... and technology rant!

First up, the technology rant. 

Pardon the break in blogging, I was out of the state and no computer handy... which is FINE by me! 

As much as I love the chances to blog, edit photos, share, create video clips, etc... there are days I am ready to throw my phone out the window and sell all computer equipment. 

Me. Feeling a little OVERWHELMED! I like this image!

Lately, I have even been considering disabling my personal facebook and only doing my biz pages... but odds are I won't. 

I am thinking of keeping the personal facebook page, but not using it for several days... maybe even weeks...  

Sometimes a break from it is good. Why? Two big reasons. 

#1. So addictive. TIME SUCKER! 

#2. Facebook people (including myself!) are kinda crazy. 

I prefer some nachos and a limerita over the popcorn to be honest!

OK, maybe that's harsh, but I swear - the rollercoaster facebook drama gets a bit odd... and it shows how people have such wacked priorities. 

I follow the NEWS / subscribe to lots of outlets on twitter. Bombs, illnesses, death, poverty, etc. - yes, all SAD, but it puts life in perspective. Makes not getting a date or the right job seem trivial. 

Now back to the BLOGGER CHALLENGE! 

...and now back to our scheduled programming...

#21. My favorite story. I am going to shorten it and put it in my own words. 

Back in the day people were often stoned to death for doing bad things. This lady did a big NO NO in that she partcipated in ADULTERY (ya know, messing around when married) and she got caught. So, people are going to stone her to death... they look to their religious leader for his approval to kill her. Know what the guy says? He says, "OK, the first person in this group who has never done wrong, who has never sinned, you throw the first stone..." Guess what? No one does. They all walk away. She's shocked. He tells her he isn't going to punish her, but forgive her... and encourages her to live a better life and try not to sin anymore. 

I love that story. :-)

#22. Laughter. SO MANY THINGS MAKE ME LAUGH. I love a good joke, a good pun, a good comedian. The list is too long to compose here, but here's a few images that can sum it up a bit. 

Until next time, thank you for reading and checking out my blog! 
~ MK Designs - August 2014 

PS and, none of these are my images... but my words... ;-)
I'll get back to MY images in the next blogger challenge entry! 

Summer 2014 Blogger Challenge #12, #13, #14: Grateful, Nature, Dream Job.

My fortune cookie said "You will have a long and wealthy life." I have kept that fortune in sight since moving to my house last summer. I love it. It's a beautiful reminder my life is full of "wealth" and I have so much to be grateful for.

#12. Grateful. Family (the ones that actually check on me, etc). Friends (real ones). My daughter. Home. Health (not that I am perfect, but I could be so way worse off). TIME: time to create, to laugh, to lounge, to travel, to learn, to be one-on-one with people or places I adore. Awesome Career. Pets (furbabies). 

Not sure if this pillow would be comfy (burlap!?), but I think it makes a beautiful statement.

#13. Nature. Well! I could go on and on and on. Nature is my nature (get the pun?)! I love it. I know in my heart I need to get in better shape mentally, physically, and financially so I can be in it MORE. 

Photos of "nature" are all over my iPhone camera roll. I can't help myself. Photograph what you love! Well - I love my cats, nature, and my daughter! Funny how your camera roll can totally reveal your heart! 

By the way, I read recently how in Boston doctors are ordering parents to get their kids outside more. Really? I can't imagine. I get my daughter outside so much. It totally puts us both back in a calmer state of mind and helps us connect with God's Creation.

I like this and slightly wish I had this saying on a tshirt or something! What a wonderful mantra to promote! 

#14. Dream Job. I honestly have it. 

I'd like to do more portrait work, but that seems to have moments I am super busy and moments I can hear crickets. 

Portrait work from this past year. Winter 2013 to Spring 2014. I love these images. As you can see, I am a huge fan of WARM LIGHT in portrait work. Yes, I do portraits! Some years I am busy, other years not as much. I have noticed a trend of less and less Seniors getting their Senior Photos done, something I will blog about soon! 

However, let's be honest: I get to teach pretty cool kids awesome subject matter during the school year,  and I take photographs year round... it's pretty awesome. 

THE ONLY THINGS THAT WOULD MAKE THIS A TRUE DREAM JOB: better funding for the equipment the kids need. More supportive parents. Different hours. 

I didn't stutter, different hours. I am beyond NOT a morning person. I tend to perk up anywhere from 9 to 11 in the morning REGARDLESS of what time my rear hits the bed. So, if I had a teaching day that started around 9 or 10 in the morning and ended at 4 or 5 in the afternoon (I stay that late often anyway because that's when I am THINKING and ALERT)... that would be ideal. 

~~~ thank you for taking the time to follow me on this little "blog challenge" this summer. I am almost halfway there. My goal of finishing this by mid to late August may actually HAPPEN!

Please consider liking my photo page on facebook! Also, check out my website for more information about my photography: http://mkdesignsphoto.weebly.com 

July 2014. 

Summer 2014 Blogger Challenge #1.

Last summer (2013) I did not one, but TWO 30 day photo challenges with my friend Slava --> http://slavabowmanphotography.wordpress.com 

This summer I am feeling a bit out of the creative loop. My summer got a delayed start thanks to an extra long school year due to excessive snow days here in Missouri. Lately, as I follow the blogs of bloggers I really enjoy, I feel totally uncreative. 

So, when Juli of Olive and Ash Studio --> http://oliveandashstudio.blogspot.com started talking about Blog Challenges on her blog - I knew I found a way to get out of my summer slump!

Thanks to this young blogger from Australia --> http://emilyjane.typepad.com I found the perfect way to get the creative flow back and help out my neglected blog...

Yes, this is a "photography" blog - but it's also about my creative journey, so why not!?! 

I have to be honest, I am positive that there is a huge chance this July Journaling Challenge will spill into August due to the travel and play I do a lot during the summer season, but that will just have to work for anyone who follows me. 

As I look at the list, I know the best place to start is #1, but I think I already covered that in previous blog entries. So, to mix it up a bit for #1 "All about you" I am going to do a goofy survey. 

Here is goes...

This is me: (Thank you Slava for our current headshot session for a magazine article I am in for my sorority Zeta Tau Alpha) 

1. I worry about: the future of our planet, the odd shifts in values of people in my country, my finances, my daughter, extreme changes at my work place.

2. I dream about: Yosemite. Alaska. Scenic Drives. Travels. A vagabond life (with an income and retirement - Is that possible).

3. I am proud of: My students' accomplishments. My daughter. My mom. 

4. I am interested in: photography, journalism, education, learning, travel...

5. I am afraid of: tight enclosed spaces that make me feel trapped.

6. I don't believe in: a judicial system that allows men and women who rape, murder, and/or abuse children to be housed and fed, you know allowed to breathe air, etc. I miss the old days of "Western Justice" in a lot of cases. 

7. I am good at: Well, people say I am good at teaching. ;-) I think I am still a work in progress. 

8. I am bad at: saving money the way my mom does.

9. I have to: take my daughter to her dad this afternoon. I hate saying "see you later" to her so often.

10. I feel like: early retirement! 

11. I regularly: look at facebook, twitter, snapchat, etc. It's addictive. Some people are tv addicts or do crossword puzzles, etc. I skim blogs, follow crafters, read current news headlines, etc. 

12. I never: have smoked pot. Honest to God.

13. I can't stand: people who self-loathe, child molesters, people who cannot buck up and admit they hurt you and apologize, and cooked cabbage.

14. I have difficulty: keeping weight off. I am chunky.

15. I have a habit of: see #11!

16. I no longer: actively seek anyone to date. I tried dating sites, and people setting me up, etc. I just have given up. Not to sound mean, but once I quit trying, I felt better. I don't need a "relationship" to define me... I have other relationships: with my child, my mom, my Lord, my friends (the real ones), my co-workers, other creative types, etc. Also, I no longer force myself on others. If someone (male or female) wants my friendship, they will seek it. No need to force "best friend" status, etc. People come and people go. People change. (and some people aren't fond of this saying... but...) "It is what it is!" 

17. Lately: KEVIN HART makes me laugh.

18. Lately: NOT MUCH makes me sad. 

19. Lately: NOT MUCH makes me angry.

So that is it... I have crossed off #1 on the July Journaling (I prefer to call it BLOG) Challenge. Hopefully, this little self-assignment will kick me in the rear and get my creative flow back! 

All words & thoughts by MK Designs. July 2014. Please do not copy or print without permission. If you want to join in on the blog challenge, link up with me! Let's do this! :-) 

Learning How to See

As many of my "fans" may know, I am a teacher. 

The majority of my day I teach Photography... and the big challenge is teaching students how to see, and really look at the world creatively.

This semester for my Photo II final exam, I decided to bring in an exercise in "creativity." I put items on a table, and gave my students about 30-45 min to create an image using at least one of the items in their photograph. The results were stunning. 

Remember, great photos are all around you! Sometimes it can be as simple as scraps of paper, small glass jars, feathers, aluminum foil, and more.

None of these images are mine, they are my students' - please do not copy or use without permission.

MK Designs - Summer 2014 

On Claustrophobia, Fear of Commitment, and My Photography...

Did I lose you on the title? I hope not. I've had this huge "moment" where so many things clicked in my brain.

Because I hate HATE feeling like this:

Claustrophobia... that's my fear of having no escape and being closed in small spaces or small rooms. My freak outs due to it have taken place in a small camper bathroom, a haunted house at Lake of the Ozarks, a tour where you climb up to the top of the dome of the old courthouse in St. Louis via a series of ladders and what not sandwiched between the inner and outer dome... and several other locations.

I have realized it's that phobia that leads me to photograph like this:

 drawn to the beauty of the sky... wide, open, and free...

So how does this not only impact my art but my fear of commitment? I am pretty sure my fear of being trapped is one of the reasons why in the past two weeks when I have had two different people ask me where I see "things going" with them... I nearly had a panic attack. 

I am pretty ok with my own place, my own space, my own bank account, not being told what to do or where to be... granted, I'd love someone to spend some time with (on my terms! lol) but the thought of a serious relationship? It's up there with the thought of being sandwiched between the inner and outer dome of the Old Courthouse in St. Louis again. 

Am I the only one like this? I think not. :-)

Photography (except the girl/Welcome Mat image) & Words by MK Designs. Do not reproduce or copy without permission. Oct 2013. Like my facebook page and see my website for more!

Life Doesn't Stop For ANYBODY

Having one of my more "personal" blog moments. I read recently those words above "Life Doesn't Stop for ANYBODY" and thought - "oh my, ain't that the truth!" I feel like I have lived a year this summer with all the hustle and bustle and work.

June 2013. A day working (and playing) at Zia Gallery in New Haven,
where I have work available for purchase. 

Packed up and moved my household contents in May, went on a vaction to FL and - while there - my old house sold, came back from FL and instantly closed on my new home and started unpacking, renovating, working, writing checks, whew! (if that sentence confused you, try living it!)

Mae West said: "You only live once, but if you do it right,
once is enough." - Mexico Beach Florida May 2013

Overall, it's been a whirlwind, but I am so pleased with how it's all coming along. And along the way I have had some moments of fun.

Christy and I hanging out for 6 1/2 uninterrupted hours
 in July 2013! This is huge with all the miles between
us and the fact her three sons keep her BUSY BUSY! 

It's those "needed breaks" that have helped me focus on getting this house done one bit at a time. I am so greatful for them.

Originally a pretty sickly looking evergreen was here in the
front yard. Had a redbud put in and Karlene & I did the
rock hunting, laying them out, mulching, etc. Took two hours,
but it got done quickly with TEAM WORK! July 2013. 

While it's true "Life Doesn't Stop for ANYBODY" - we can make sure to slow down a bit and enjoy some moments in order to recharge our batteries.

Another Stellar Sip of Wine & Sunset at Robller Winery! Summer 2013. 

How do I recharge?
- Meals or Winery Trips with Friends &/or Family
- Reading a book (slowly savoring my current one and it's "heavy" on the heart so I have to take breaks from it)
- Good Tea or Coffee or Ice Cream!
- Creek Days With My Daughter
- Texting or Chatting on Facebook with People
- PHOTOGRAPHY
- Stopping and Really Enjoying all I Have Accomplished by Putting my Touch on this New Place aka: Making This House a Home (cliche but true)
- Little Drives Here and There
- Doing MINIMAL Work for My Upcoming School Year (it ain't August yet!) I am just doing FUN Things and Posts with my Journalism Students
- Participating In 30 Day Photo Challenges and Other Photo Projects That Push Me to Think / Create / SEE / Observe
- Reading Blogs and Articles I enjoy
- Watching Movies (new ones and old ones)

CREEK! Blue Springs Creek with my daughter.
June 2013. 

So, while Life Doesn't Stop for ANYBODY" - we can slow a moment down and enjoy it to recharge ourselves. This is a clip from a SCI FI movie, but give it a chance. One of my favorite scenes.

The PERFECT moment: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xdgjUPMiiEc

Thanks for reading and as always if you leave a comment you can be entered to win a prize from me.

All words and images by the M of MK Designs :)

July 2013.