The life I am living, the blogs I am loving, & the thoughts I am having...

The life I am living...
I think today's sermon by one of our church leaders (since my Pastor is indeed a deer hunter!) was spot on... it's about passion. It's about having a life that you stood up for something. It's about people not talking about how you died, but how you lived. It's about those quiet moments you stand up and live life... not just muddle through and let it pass by. One of the best sermons I have heard. Ken Click rocked it!

Ken chose this for his sermon today!

Blogs I am loving...
Since this is a little blog I keep...that technically makes me a blogger!  So what blogs do I enjoy (besides my own)? Glad you asked! 
1. The Blonde Coyote. http://theblondecoyote.com
2. Olive & Ash. http://oliveandashstudio.blogspot.com
3. Camping Missouri. http://campingmissouri.org
4. Re-Discover Washington http://rediscoverwashington.org
5. Happy Lark. (formerly This is Elizabeth) http://www.happylarkdesigns.com
As you can see, art & nature & creativity & Missouri are my reoccurring themes... not just in my photography and in my life, but in blogs I enjoy! 

Thoughts I am having...1. After the past week especially,  this is on my mind... "I believe that the present suffering is nothing compared to the coming glory that is going to be revealed to us." (Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭18‬ CEB)

The sunset this past Friday on the way towards Mary's Home, Missouri for my friend's sister's visitation. A very sad weekend indeed. Celebrations of life... funerals... wakes... whatever you call them, they are hard. 

2. Chicken & dumplings! Snow & chilly temps in the teens just makes me crave them. How do you make yours? I am used to my mom's & grandma's big fluffy dumplings...but in south central Missouri it's a different story! This past Saturday I again found myself with their version...which is more like a thick noodle for a dumpling. How can this be?!

THIS is how Chicken and Dumplings should look folks! lol 

3. Our Capitol...Washington DC. I think I am now up to 5 times I have been there, but still need to go again! Action items on my to-do list:- cherry blossoms- go inside the Capitol- the spy museum- the National Geographic Society.

A couple taking a selfie at one of my favorite places... The WWII Memorial.

The Newseum is a MUST SEE! I love going here...

4. I've been unloading, deactivating, & deleting a lot of games & social media apps these past 3 weeks. Huge weight lifted! 

Color in DC last weekend... looking forward to more time clicking than skimming and playing on the old iPhone! 

As always thanks for stopping by. I gotta get motivated to order & frame a few items for an upcoming art show I am hopeful to gain acceptance into. I'll keep you guys posted about that here and/or on my Facebook page. 

An image I need to print and frame for consideration into an Art Show soon!

Have a blessed week. - The M of MK Designs... Michelle Nov 2014

Tents, Teaching, Learning, and Failing... :-)

#truth 

I have failed so many times in my life. It has only led me to eventually get sorta good at things.

Take for instance, the tent. 

Lord knows that setting up and taking down a tent is a lot like trying to fold back a road map after use! Not easy, but I have gotten pretty good at it. 

Even when I don't camp nearly enough like I should, it comes back to me... not from all the times it went up with ease, but from all the times I struggled to figure it out. 

My old car... and campfire to light my way as I set up a tent in Shawnee National Forest two summers ago!

Failure, even in proper tent set up and take down, taught me what NOT to do. 

Knowing what NOT to do is often the key to any sort of success, be it in camping or in life. 

Rental Car, my own tent I checked in my luggage, etc. at Yosemite two years ago... and the whole time a mom/daughter from another country was watching me. The daughter came to tell me her mother thought I was a very "strong woman" for putting up a campsite by myself so well and so quick... She was standing by her daughter the whole time nodding her head and smiling. That made me glow! Selfie after the nice talk with them!

I think one of the worst teachers I have ever known is an earlier version of me.  

I know one of the worst navigators in the world would be that gal I see in the mirror every day, but a much younger and hotter version. ;)

Truth is, we have to fail. It's ok.

Do you know how many horrible photos I have taken!? Way more than my "keepers" -- and that is perfectly acceptable. 

Do you have ANY idea how many photos I took to get this "right" with the sparkle in the water, the wind blowing her hair, etc? I think at least 30. Sometimes I feel like if I get one or two shots I kinda like out of every 1,500 photos I take... that's a good week. Not kidding. I fail at photography... A LOT. 

So, this is where my little thought process will go another direction here... why are parents so afraid of letting their kids fail? Why are teachers and other adults trying to make it an "everyone wins" society? 

I always think of the baby chick. If it doesn't struggle to get out of the egg, it doesn't get strong enough to survive.

It is so easy for us to want kids to not struggle with that tent, with each step on a challenging hike, or...with reading, writing, math, art, relationships, (insert anything here). 

However, we have to remember that's how we learn. 

Sometimes we have to fall flat on our face or even our ass and pick ourselves back up, dust off, and calmly follow the directions (even if we only have the version in a language we can't read). 

Bloody toes, out of shape, cramping legs... but... I picked myself up and kept going each step of the over 5 miles I did going DOWN a very steep route of switch backs in Yosemite two years ago. (Down isn't as easy as you think, wowsers!) 

And, THAT is something we should all embrace more of... failure. 

Learn from it. 

Grow strong in it. 

Help it guide you to success in ANYthing you pursue! 

Much love & appreciation for you taking the time to read this. Hope it was a blessing to you! :-)

~ Michelle of MK Designs, Nov 2014

Our Missouri R O A D T R I P October 2014!

A little fun at Johnson's Shut-Ins. Oct 2014. 

Oct 17th. 
- Work the last home football game right after a full day of teaching.
- Come home. 
- Crash. (Ears buzzing from the night at the stadium.)

Wait, it will get better.

Oct 18th. 
- Crawl out of my hibernation and hit the road with my daughter for an adventure! 
- Lunch at Subway in St. Clair.
- A few geocaches along the way.
- Johnson's Shut Ins State Park http://mostateparks.com/park/johnsons-shut-ins-state-park
- No "hikes" since daughter has a runny nose, but lots of beauty all around us. 
- Dinner of cheeseburgers, sides, soda, and ice cream in Lesterville, Mo for crazy cheap! (Reminding me how far my retirement check could go in such an area one day.)
- Check in at Wilderness Lodge Resort. http://www.wildernesslodgeresortltd.com
- Fun at our cabin, in the game room (my daughter is a POOL SHARK!), and s'mores by the fire. 
- CRASH HARD! 

The trees were just blazing with color at Johnson Shut-Ins!  

Flowers still in bloom. 

A sign long forgotten...

Lost track of how many images I took to get this one I am pretty happy with. This is the closest I have gotten down to the water... there weren't a MILLION people there jumping off rocks and being crazy, so it was easier to get around.

Oct 19th. 
- OVERSLEEP. Almost miss breakfast at the Lodge, but they are so awesome they weren't bothered. Said they were glad we could rest and even let us check out an hour later since it is off-season. I can't stress how awesome Wilderness Lodge Resort is. This was our second time there. 
- Try to go see the new Taum Sauk power plant, upper lake... only to see what was once a gravel road is now paved and guarded. No tours. Nothing. Just a nice lady explaining one day they hope to reopen again for the public. 
- Hmmm?
- My daughter requests a "new way home" since she'd done Hwys 47/21 so many times. 
- Head up through the Mark Twain National Forest http://www.fs.usda.gov/mtnf
- Blink and miss Black, Missouri.
- Happy to find Bixby, Missouri (and a wonderful lunch at their store, along with a geocache!) http://www.yelp.com/biz/bixby-country-store-boss after a nice little backroad adventure off the black top though the Mark Twain NF. 
- Stumble upon a brown sign for Dillard Mill and fall instantly in love! http://mostateparks.com/park/dillard-mill-state-historic-site
- Make our way through Steelville, Cuba, up I-44 back home for a late dinner and a solid night of sleep before heading back to the real world on Monday Morning. 

Donna Cregger says this is my "money shot" - I say this was a fun moment off the pavement in the Mark Twain National Forest south of Bixby, Mo. Lovely spring-fed creeks, colorful trees, etc. just made the day wonderful!

So, I have this thing about old things. I pulled over and took so many photos of this... and not one person drove past. Solitude. Love solitude!

Dillard Mill. Must go back. Need to go and take the full tour and do some trails when my daughter is feeling up to it and we have a full day! Another Missouri gem I am finally happy to say I have visited. Only took me about 40 years. 

FALL! Dillard Mill. 

This very well could be my fave photo from the whole weekend. She's a my true Missouri gem! We loved our time at Dillard Mill and hope to return. Karlene was so happy she requested a different route home, and so am I.

OK, so little to no hiking involved.  
No real camping... we were more of a "Glamping" pair on this road trip weekend. 

BUT... I just can't say it enough... GO OUTSIDE! 
- Missouri (our home) is such a lovely state. Fill up with gas and see where you end up. 
- Brown signs are often good things to turn off at. 
- Get the itch and go off the pavement. 
- See our State Parks. 
- Check out our National Forest(s). 
- Snuggle up in a homemade quilt in a cabin. 
- Make some S'mores. 
- Count the stars. 
- Try a local mom & pop store for lunch, don't eat Subway or chain restaurant food for EVERY MEAL. 
- Get your kids out in fresh air. 
- To be perfectly honest, I've yet to see any negative side effects to exploring our state. 
- I think it helps us appreciate our Missouri home more, and each other. I love time like this with my daughter. I pray she never "outgrows" it. 

Until next time, 
Michelle of MK Designs

What does the "K" stand for? And can she use a camera? ;-)

It is technically MK Designs. I am Michelle Anne Turner...no "K" in that... but if you know me, you know there's a K that has changed my life for the better. Her name is Karlene and she's my daughter. This year she's in 4th grade and loving her teacher and school. 

Karlene made me hold this leaf for her... just right in the light. 

Karlene actually is good with a camera. She started clicking photos when she was about 5. It does bum me out that she's slowed down BIG TIME because she really does have a good eye for it. 

These are a few she took this summer at the Washington (Mo) Riverfront Trail.

See Mr. Frog? She did a little "Frog Stalking" 

She knows how to get close to her subject... and how to look for light. 

I watched Karlene wait for Mr. Frog to hop into the light! 

She's so good at following the Rule of Thirds, and honestly - she doesn't even know what that means. She doesn't even have a camera that shows the Rule of Thirds grid when she shoots. 

She somehow knows that dead-centering things isn't the best thing to do for composition. She also isn't afraid to get close to a bug! Good little photographer! :-)

I love how she looks all over for interesting perspectives and angles. 

Trees covered in vines...

Karlene may not take as many photographs as she did a few years ago, but when she does, I am always impressed with what she sees and how she captures it with a little camera. I highly encourage any of you to let your kids experiment with photography... no matter how young they are. It will really help you see the world as they see it. 

More of the trees covered in lush green vines along the Riverfront Trail in Washington, Mo.

Photos by the K of MK Designs. Do not copy or print without permission. 

If you'd like to order any prints, all $ will go directly to Karlene's Pokemon Fund. 

MK Designs 2014. 

A Tactical Error: LaBarque Creek Missouri

I had seen a few images by Chet Gaugh (an awesome local photographer) of LaBarque Creek, then I noticed that "Camping Missouri" had updated their cover photo on facebook to one of LaBarque Creek... so I told myself I had to find it. 

Sunday, on the way home from errands in the big city, I found LaBarque Creek Conservation Area. It's just south of Eureka and Pacific... and the minute I arrived I knew this place was special! 

I crossed a foot bridge and felt instantly at home. 

Creating this special spot took a lot of teamwork!

I had my trusty camera and camera bag with all my goodies for a photo shoot in the woods ready... I crossed the foot bridge and started on the trail... and I knew it was a 3 mile trek, but I felt pretty optimistic about it. Maybe too optimistic. 

See the heart on the tree? Too cool!

At first I took my time, clicking pics and trying not to slip on the muddy inclines. All seemed to be on track for an awesome walk.

Then, it hit me... this trail is a bit slippery, the mist is picking up, and I have about an hour of light left. 

So peaceful. The woods were this amazing mix of green, yellow, red... I love Fall in Missouri!

I started to pick up my pace, and even pondered turning around even though the trail is a loop. When I saw the sign that said "1 mile" I (stupidly) said to myself, "Keep going! Just one more mile!" 

Someone found all these, but I took the time to stack them! 

These rocks needed my organizational skills to create a Cairn in the woods! 

Just a bit later, I had about 10 more minutes of good light left, and the rain picked up... that's when my heart sank. 

I saw a sign that said "2 miles." I clearly hadn't read the other sign correctly. I still had a mile left. A long. Wet. Slippery. Rainy. Getting-more-and-more dark. Mile. 

Taking this photo helped calm my nerves a bit once I realized I had about 10 minutes of light left and a little over a mile to my "Betty" aka Ford Escape...which is fitting because I was ready to Escape the trail at this point! 

Just a little damp! 

I had several thoughts race through my head that could possibly fall into paranoid range. However, the main thought was two-fold. 

#1. Don't lose the trail. 
#2. Don't fall. 

My camera bag is fairly water tight, so my camera didn't get hurt. I also have several items I carry on me when hiking, especially just by myself. I had my emergency whistle, compass, mini-flashlight, cell phone, hoodie, water bottle, pepper spray, napkins/tp, and more... 

That mini-flash light came in handy for the first time EVER.

Rain. Rain. Rain. 

Brilliant Colors to Warm my Soul! (it was a bit damp and chilly!) 

I couldn't create an image like this! The water droplets were just perfect upon this leaf! 

What I could see of the last mile as the light kept dimming - was stunning. I must go back to this area when there's more time and daylight. I could see areas you can off-trail towards the creek, rock overhangs (one I figured that if I had to I could camp out under if I lost my way and/or the rain got worse!), and amazing Karst topography. 

I have to be honest, at one point on the trail I could see the creek through the foggy misty rain... I could even make out the creek, along with a fence and horse barn, but then the trail turned up and away... I was near tears... but I told myself to trust the trail blazers, but if my compass didn't show me turning back towards LaBarque Creek with the signs of civilization in at least 10 minutes, I was going to go off trail. 

There's a fungus among us! 

My worst-case scenerios didn't play out and the trail did indeed turn back towards where I knew I needed to be. A few carefully placed steps (with my flashlight) down the rocks and the mud, led me back to the footbridge. I have to say I was elated to finally be finished. My sweaty, rainy, muddy selfie was my "reward" - my "I did it!" photo. 

Now that's a face of relief! And, what an adorable face! Who wouldn't want to see that daily? Ha! :-)

A little over 24 hours later, and I must say that I do like the challenge in the woods that my little "tactical error" created. Why? You have to think. You have to trust. You have to believe in yourself - knowing you will not lose the trail and you will not lose your footing. 

However, next time - I think I'll make sure I give myself way more time to explore in full daylight when I return to LaBarque Creek Conservation Area. 

Here's the link to learn more about this lovely place! http://mdc4.mdc.mo.gov/Applications/MOATLAS/AreaSummaryPage.aspx?txtAreaID=200608


Photos and Words by MK Designs!
Until next time... ~ michelle 

Ramblings of an UnBooked Photographer in October

I think we all go through moments of self-doubt... and people who claim that never happens to them very may well be suffering from some sort of mental disorder! All jokes aside (or was I joking?), I am having serious self-doubt when it comes to photography. 

I haven't had one portrait session since last May. 

Not.

One.

Where did the portrait clients go?

I miss doing portrait work! 

It's not just me, I have had several fellow photographers discuss this with me. Where are the Senior Sessions? Where are the family gigs? Couples?

While some of us are feeling the slump, others seem to be flourishing by...
1. reaching out to clientel outside of Franklin County
2. or just DOMINATING the biz in our area (we do have some that are THAT good!)
3. mixing it up and shooting "bordouir" photos
4. Real Estate / Business photography work
5. teaching workshops (which I am seriously considering)
6. Craft & Art Shows! 

Even myself, I can honestly say - I am having more "luck" helping out local businesses with my photography, or being asked for postcards for area towns and neighboring counties. 

Future PostCard for Gasconade County - Owensville, MO area. 

However, I actually do enjoy portrait work, and while sweeping landscapes, lovely light, natural scenes, and architecture are all enjoyable - I can't help but question "What am I not doing right?"

Some people say I charge too much, while several others say I charge too little. 

Other people say that EVERYONE is a photographer these days, which I can admit - I am noticing to be true. Seems like someone takes a class and gets a fancy DSLR and BAM! they have a facebook page and are taking money from people left and right... 

...but where does that leave me? The teacher chick who has been into photography since she was in the single digits and even studied it in college? 

Me. The teacher chick who LOVES her camera!

Lately I've been feeling bummed about the lack of portrait work, so tonight when I was having one of my mini-mental-meltdowns over my art, I headed out to Robertsville State Park. 

The .8 mile loop I love is awash in yellow and green now. The light was so beautiful, as always. 

Yellows and Greens tonight on my little .8 mile loop at Robertsville State Park.

I did my usual dance with the four deer that like to notice me, run near me, hide, stare, and then repeat it again... we've done this dance a lot since this past August. I don't even attempt to photograph them, I just enjoy the game. 

I said hello to my two favorite trees. They are mammoth old wise souls. I noticed the two long vines that form a cross are still precariously hanging in limbo... waiting for a wind strong enough to knock them down one of these days... (or years). 

It was peaceful. 

Berries One.... not bad... 

Berries Two. Kneeled down to get the light/bokeh effect in the background. May not be as "focused" all around with the motion blur from the wind, but I love this one much better than the first one. Time on the trail to LOOK and play... that's priceless for me. Time to experiment is a good thing, especially away from the "noise" of life.  

I left the trail only to see a fantastic full moon on the rise. My camera's battery finally gave out... leaving me just to watch and enjoy. 

Hello Moon! WOW! 

Just as my camera died... 

I drove through the campground... which is always a dangerous thing for me to do during the school year when I am working. There were four different little worlds... all camping and enjoying the lovely fall night. Seeing such sights gives me dangrous thoughts. Sell it all off. Downsize. Be a vagabond with wifi, a laptop, and a camera. 

Oh, to be "free" in the fall to see more of this during the day! 

Don't worry, mom. Reality always kicks in and I remind myself I have at least 11 or 12 more years until retirement, and health insurance matters... and my daughter needs stability in these formative years. ;-)

So, I may not be booked full like usual in October with portrait work. Maybe it's time I "be still" and listen to God. Maybe this is Him reminding me I gotta stay focused on that day job for at least 11 or 12 more years... and that there's other opportunities to click the shutter. Perhaps He is telling me that sometimes just to "be" and enjoy the games with the white-tail deer is more satisfying than making a sale or making sure someone's hair looks good and their eyes aren't squinty. 

Luckily, I don't "need" MK Designs to "make" money. Through a lot of hard work and dedication, I have established a fairly good career that allows my hobby/craft to be as it is - not as I think it should be. 

And, as we all know, things can change in an instant. Maybe I'll check my email tomorrow and have five people asking for available dates? Or maybe I won't... 

For now, I am ordering 50 postcards for a business in Gasconade County who likes my work. ;-)

Until later, 
Michelle

PS Yes, I have a first name. ;-) 
MK Designs Photography October 2014.