Be Still... and Know... During this Christmas Season

Another crazy-busy week. 

If you follow my photography page on Facebook, you know that I'm in the middle of a 30 Day Photo Challenge. It's one of those things that I give myself as an assignment to push myself to be a little more creative. However,  today I stopped. I had to take the day off. This is what I posted instead of a picture. 

Sometimes we get so busy that we forget to take a break. We forget to be still. On Friday I got a great gift from a coworker that I respect (her blog: http://oliveandashstudio.blogspot.com). It was handmade by one of my former students (her blog:http://www.happylarkdesigns.com). I took about 15 minutes off from grading final exams and enjoyed doing a little light painting photo project with it. And it has one of my favorite Bible verses on it: be still.

One of the devotional entries I read this week reminded me to be still, also. I decided to share it here, too.

There's nothing wrong with being busy this time of year. Holiday concerts. Beautiful Christmas decorations. Being able to get gifts from people that you haven't seen in a long time. Or the chance to realize that somebody that sees you every day thanks of you enough to give you a present, also. Those are all great things. So is cooking and shopping and gift wrapping and... (Insert more here!)

But as beautiful as those holiday things can be, they can also be overwhelming. Especially in my case, when I just endured final exams week and the end of almost all of my classes I teach. I have had so much to do at work, and with the holiday go-go-go time, that today I just needed to be still. 

...from what I can tell, all of the messages He has sent recently have told me that I should! So, today I didn't leave the house, I didn't fight off shoppers for some last-minute gift, and I didn't participate in the photo challenge. That's okay. I was able to drink some coffee and burn a few DVDs for work and really get caught up on laundry. I've also watched movies with my daughter. Oh, and most of the day I stayed in my pajamas. There is no shame in that. 

So the next time you feel that you need to be still, do it...without apology :) 

Look at paint samples, take some cheesy online personality quiz, and maybe have a chocolate while sipping something decadent. It's more than ok. Don't let society or the world tell you it's not. 

future basement paint color to hide that green the former owner did

cheesy online personality quiz! lol 

Until next time, 
Michelle with MK Designs. 
PS I am leaving you with one of my favorite images I have created lately. All in camera. Just gotta know how to use it! (NO PHOTOSHOP!)

The Purrfect Sunday: Glassberg Family Conservation Area

Today I woke up and I checked the weather app on my phone and realized (as Patches was snoozing on my chest) this could be a Purrfect Sunday! (especially since no alarm clock screamed at me to wake up too early, ha!)

Inspiration! 

Based on things that I have seen via Camping Missouri via the facebook page and blog (http://campingmissouri.org) I just knew needed to do Young Conservation Area. My heart was set on it. 

I also knew that to avoid the situation at LaBarque Creek Conservation Area, I needed to leave early enough to not end up on a night hike. (Remember this blog entry? http://mkdesignsphoto.blogspot.com/2014/10/a-tactical-error-labarque-creek-missouri.html)

I also decided to go out on a limb and invite someone along, a nice man that I finally met for dinner on Saturday night who actually lives on the way to Young CA. 

He asked when I'd have a window open to go out again, and I thought to myself, "If he can tromp around the woods with me, why not? Today is the day!" 

Breakfast, mapping, plotting, and breaking it to Patches she had to move...

Picked up my hiking partner on the way, and we got to Young CA... only to see the trail isn't clearly marked and this "bridge" on the map was something we couldn't find.  I want to try to go to again another time, but this trip it just wasn't working out. 

We did notice the brown sign just a hop down the road for Glassberg Conservation Area, so we tried this spot. 

The trail was very well marked and I could tell a lot of work has been done in the area. 

We met a couple near the start that said the trail now looped and the scenic overlook was worth it. So, we did it. Huffing and puffing and stopping at times, we made the full loop. 

For sure this was one of those "worth it" experiences. Just beautiful views, a lake that holds potential for a fishing trip, and more. 

The trip was great. 
- Took advantage of spring-like weather after weeks of grey & cold skies.
- Got to know someone a lot better than just sitting at a noisy restaurant. 
- Discovered a beautiful place close to home I hope to revisit again and again.
- Once again was amazed by how beautiful our state is. 
- Happy to meet so many people out in the woods today. Loved petting a pooch who was celebrating his second birthday.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: Get Outside. Fresh air clears the lungs and the mind. It's good for the soul. So happy today was a Purrfect Sunday. 

Now, a few more things to do and then I think I have to pet Patches a lot before bedtime. She seems to have missed me. 

For more information about this special spot, go here: http://mdc4.mdc.mo.gov/applications/moatlas/AreaSummaryPage.aspx?txtAreaID=201201

Thanks for reading.
Until next time, 
Michelle of MK Designs
December 2014

Seeing the Light at Robertsville State Park

A camera is a just a little device that records light. Simple. True. Light. It's all about the light.

Add how much I love my camera, finding the light, and Robertsville State Park. Take the sum of all three parts and then multiply it by the joy found in a near 70 degree day the Saturday after Thanksgiving. 

The solution to the equation is this: a 3 mile walk with my daughter (who wanted to stay on the pavement) with my camera in tow... eyes peeled for the light... at Robertsville State Park.

”Embrace light. Admire it. Love it. But above all, know light. Know it for all you are worth, and you will know the key to photography.”

– George Eastman

“In the right light, at the right time, everything is extraordinary.”

- Aaron Rose

 “What makes photography a strange invention is that its primary raw materials are light and time.” – John Berger

“Wherever there is light, one can photograph.” – Alfred Stieglitz

 “A picture must possess a real power to generate light and for a long time now I’ve been conscious of expressing myself through light or rather in light.” – Henri Matisse

“The artist vocation is to send light into the human heart.” – Robert Schumann

Thank you for taking a 3 mile walk around Robertsville State Park with me today. If you want to see the park in person, it's just off Hwy O in Robertsville, Mo. Check it out online: http://mostateparks.com/park/robertsville-state-park

MK Designs Photography / Fine Art and Portrait. 2014. 

If you want to learn more about my images, or order any... feel free to contact me via my website and/or my facebook page. 

Building a Following, SALES?!, Real Men, and Holiday Scenes!

BUILDING A LITTLE FOLLOWING... #humbled
What was once post views of maybe 20 to 50 (on a good day), my blog is picking up some readership in 2014 with several entries hitting over 100 reads/views. 

My top 5 posts so far in 2014 are these entries:

Kill the Apps & Do NOT Force It!
http://mkdesignsphoto.blogspot.com/2014/11/kill-apps-do-not-force-it.html

A Tactical Error: LaBarque Creek Missouri

http://mkdesignsphoto.blogspot.com/2014/10/a-tactical-error-labarque-creek-missouri.html

What is in my heart... "Yellow" (RIP Mr. Williams, and all the others who have been lost lately...)

http://mkdesignsphoto.blogspot.com/2014/08/what-is-in-my-heart-yellow-rip-mr.html

Learning How to See

http://mkdesignsphoto.blogspot.com/2014/06/learning-how-to-see.html

I like being 40

http://mkdesignsphoto.blogspot.com/2014/02/i-like-being-40.html

SALES?! 
In an effort to perhaps make a little more "green" on the artwork... I am attempting a cafepress site/store: http://www.cafepress.com/mkdesignsphotography and also trying to take part in Small Biz Saturday at my friend's shop in town. 

REAL MEN
Lately, I have been thinking about men. What makes a man "real" in my eyes? Sometimes it seems my blog posts where I open my heart are the ones you guys seem to like most... so maybe this will appeal to you, offend you, or neither... but here goes...

My stepdad. He's a real man. 
He provides, cares for, and loves us. 
He's a wonderful grandpa to my daughter. 
He turns the lights on when he knows it's dark and I am on my way. 
He doesn't want me (or anyone) to trip in the dark. 
If something needs fixed, he finds a way to help. 
If you need a hug, he's quick to do so. 
That's a real man.

My friend Kris' husband Matt. 
The longer they are married, and especially now they are parents, I see what a great man he is. 
He will take off work in the middle of the day to help Kris out if someone calls in sick to work at her home daycare. 
He gladly holds Ryan and tells Kris and I to "go have fun" when I am there to visit. 
The love he has for his wife and their son is so evident. 
He's indeed a real man in my eyes.

Those are just two examples. Yet, I know many more. 

~ Curt who loves his wife and being called "Grampi" by his grandbaby Emily just melts my heart. I've never seen a guy so in love with his family, or have I? ;-)

~ My friend at work... her husband openly encouraged her to take back the name of her children when their father (her ex-husband) passed away too soon. Incredibly kind and unselfish. I know many a man who would expect his wife to have "his" name, often pouting as they say so. (Yes, I have personally witnessed a few men pitch a fit when they have a woman express they want their own name.) 

~ Another friend at work... he will bend over backwards to make sure his wife and 3 daughters are happy... sometimes to the point I worry he's not taking care of himself enough, but yet he does it. 

~ I know a man (from my 'day job') who fell in love with his wife when he couldn't even drive a car yet. Decades, many years of marriage, and 2 kids later, he's still just as crazy about that woman. 

I could go on and on. 

What makes a man real? He provides, loves, cares... Similar to what I believe makes a woman real. 

Love. It looks good on so many people. 

Selfishness, lies, cheating and "mooching" never look good on any man (or woman), yet I know too many who fit that mold, too. (WAY too many!) And, they make no effort to break free of that mold and be clothed in love. 

The thing is, I know MANY real men are out there... maybe one day one will be more than my friend or relative and actually want to date me, eh? lol (Not holding my breath.)

HOLIDAY SCENES...
Miss K (my daughter) and I got our downstairs ready for the Holidays. Enjoy some scenes from our home... May your December be brilliant and beautiful! 

And... remember the reason for the season, my friends! 

I think Zoey enjoyed "homework" while we decorated!
My daughter's backpack and book report aka
"quilt" must have really set the stage for a nap!

~ Love, Michelle of MK Designs Photography 
Christmas Season 2014 

Kill the Apps & Do NOT Force It!

KILL THE APPS!

A little over a week ago, I had nearly three full pages of apps (some housed within folders) on my iPhone. I am now down to a page and 1/2 of apps... and many of those folders are cut nearly in half of their contents. 

As I have pulled more and more apps off my iPhone, I have found it has made me more focused on:
1. using it to create task lists for work (and get those tasks done!)
2. as well as focus more on what really matters within the confines of that little device: communication with ones I care for
3. research for work and a state office I hold for scholastic journalism
4. inspiration for my own photography and actually getting more done with my own photography instead of just "thinking about it" 

It's also helped me take a step back and realize this is more important than ever... 

DO NOT FORCE IT! aka IF YOU BUILD IT, THEY WILL COME. 

Over the years I have heard over and over how much "work" a relationship is. And, that's for any relationship: family, lover, spouse, friend, etc. 

However, I just don't buy it anymore. Yes, relationships require work in that you may have to drop everything (not because you're forced to but because you want to) in order to try to comfort a friend. However, it shouldn't be this sense of "obligation" or a "chore." 

1992 Senior Prom. My friend Emily Rose. Met the first day of Freshman Year of HS. Have we always been in constant touch? No. We have had our years and months on hiatus, but that's ok. I would like to hope she knows by now I am here. Always. And, I know by now she has my back as well. We don't have to always be in each other's business to know we are friends. This beautiful person, my friend Emily, has one of the biggest hearts and I just love her laugh. Nothing "forced" - we just let it happen. And, sometimes it doesn't happen... and that's ok. :-)

One thing I have figured out in the past few months is this: if anyone (family, loves, friends, etc.) thinks being around me is a "chore" - then don't bother. Yeah, I guess I am finally "saying it" - you don't have to like me. I am not everyone's cup of tea (or shot of whiskey) and that is ok. 

Me. Today. 2014. Rained on & a little tired, but content! 

For too long I made the mistake of staying in relationships (of all kinds) that weren't working...trying to force things into place. (maybe you have been guilty of that, too?) I have finally learned, that just like eating too much fast food, that kind of life is not healthy for any party involved. 

It's perfectly ok to take a break, and pick back up (or not!) in a few months or years if a relationship is a "chore" or "forced" to the point of discomfort. Forcing the issue or trying to chase down a "relationship" only makes matters tense to the point of ugliness. I have seen enough of that in my lifetime. I'm ready for some beauty. 

This weekend was beauty. 

If you do what you love, the right people come into your life.

If you love yourself, others often love you more. 

This was my first full "free" weekend since Labor Day... and every day there was a special person involved that contacted me for my time.

"I do not want to take long walks in the rain." Well, looks like I did! (photo thanks to Slava!)

Leslie invited me to dinner Friday with her daughter and her daughter's boyfriend. All her plan. Miller's Grill. Yum! :-)

Kris - for months has plotted out this weekend getaway. She came up to visit Saturday to Sunday morning. She said she didn't care what we did, just that she wanted to be with me. ((honored)) We did so much around downtown Washington and beyond...AND we were able to fit in a quick visit with my parents too! #Blessed 

Sunday afternoon, my friend Slava (http://www.slavabowman.com) and I finally redeemed the tickets she bought us this summer for the new Photography Museum in St. Louis... and found a stellar place to eat! She invited me to do this in the summer! 

International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum http://www.iphf.org

The Fountain on Locust! WOW! http://www.fountainonlocust.com/

Every person I saw and spent time with this weekend initiated that contact. Wanted my time. Sought my friendship and company. THAT feels so good. 

If you find yourself in a situation where you are the one ALWAYS making the contact, ALWAYS forcing the time together to happen... STOP. Re-eval the situation. Is spending that much energy on people who aren't interested really worth it? In some cases, yes - in most... I dare say... no. Free up your time for the people who actually do want you in their lives and share commonalities with you. Open yourself up to new experiences and people. It's ok. 

Reluctant selfies (KRIS!), Bob Dotson loves me & my kids/students on twitter, raindrops on a Sunday morning, my mantra for my spare time, a new project I will encounter soon thanks to the Painted Home http://thepaintedhomes.com, and cozy quilts (thank you, mom). 

Remember... we are only here for so long. Nothing is promised here as far as how long we get to be on Planet Earth. Enjoy it. Don't waste precious energy on negativity 24/7 and embrace the beauty around you. 

Again, "I do not want long walks in the rain." Well, ended up I did want them because we had a blast. 

Much love and well wishes...
Until next time, 
M of MK Designs
November 2014