A 2016 Grade Card: How did I do?

In 2016 I set out on a mission to follow this statement: "I want to be a woman who overcomes obstacles by tackling them in faith instead of tiptoeing around them in fear."

I declared that at least once a month, if not more, I would face the following obstacles with faith and not fear. 

Cooking

Watching

Reading

Finishing

Uplifting

Expanding

So, how did I do? Here's my official grade card.

Cooking. B

I could have done better, but this was a HUGE improvement! Cheers to that! (PS This image is from a great little summer trip with my friend Jen!) 

Watching. B+

My Netflix finally paid for itself in 2016. I found new shows, movies, etc. to check out. I even decided to figure out what I could watch on Hulu and guess what? I found things on Hulu to enjoy! 

Oh, and I actually recommend the Tina Fey movie "Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot." It is NOT a comedy in my opinion (like advertised originally), but that's ok. I just watched it over Christmas Break and loved it. 

Reading. A+

I read more books in 2016 than I have read in the past 6 (or more) years combined. It was a pleasure to rediscover my love for reading. Forcing myself to slow down and enjoy a book has helped me on many levels. I am currently reading a novel by the title of "The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend." My aunt Sarah suggested and loaned it to me. I am normally a non-fiction reader, but this one is interesting. 

Finishing. B-

My health had me "drained" for over half of 2016, so this didn't live up to my "hopes." However, I did finish a mosaic that was juried into an art show (gave myself a little extra credit on that to push my score to a B-). Also, in November and December I got my "omph!" back and finally tackled my laundry room and lower level bathroom that I had been meaning to update all year. Painting, redoing cabinets, new lights, etc. It's been an adventure! Goodbye yellowish brown and hello "moose antler." (Who comes up with some of these paint names?)

Uplifting. C+

Again, because over half of 2016 I was feeling pretty low due to some health issues, I didn't get to reach out to as many people as I had planned. I had the bar set high and I feel I could have done way better. However, when I did reach out to uplift others, I gave it my all. And, I learned that sometimes it's ok to admit you are the one in need of the "uplifting" because you aren't 100%. Below is a photo of one of those moments when I apparently needed some uplift in my life, so my student took charge of the situation. 

Expanding. A-

I have learned about all kinds of new things! I have been able to accomplish more because of the fact I have focused on expanding my knowledge and skill set about a variety of topics. It's ok to be a student at any age! 

Speaking of learning, look at that photo of the fireworks. I finally figured it out and I didn't have to contact my buddy Tyann for help over the summer! 

2017 is approaching...so what's my next move? 

I have an idea of what all I hope to accomplish in 2017. Some are based upon what I missed out on in 2016 because of being laid up on a couch so much. I'll share that "plan" in time, but for now I do want to thank those of you who enjoy my photography, my ramblings, etc. It means a lot to me. Sometimes I am not sure why I keep up this little blog, but then someone comments on the blog (or to my face) about something I have shared... then I realize that this does matter to some folks out there! 

I am going to leave you with a moment in which I smiled a LOT in 2016. Look at all those sand dollars I found while my daughter danced in the waves!

Have a great New Year!

~ M of MK Designs 

mkdesignsphoto.com

October Update: "There is something in October sets the gypsy blood astir." ~William Bliss

My "mantra" for 2016 is this: 

"I want to become a woman who overcomes obstacles by tackling them in faith instead of tiptoeing around them in fear."

Since May, I have had many moments of "fear." 

I have fears about my health, my career, finances, and more. However, at the end of the day, I am trying my hardest to meet them with faith and the belief that they will only strengthen me; not leave me defeated or broken. 

When I originally decided to focus on facing obstacles in faith, I didn't even think of adding health, finances, or my aging cats to that list. 

Yet, I am still sticking with the original list and plugging right along... 

Cooking. I have been cooking a lot more in 2016 and using my grill more often. I can grill a skirt steak that is out of this world and Karlene says I am mastering "oven-fried taters." Yes, we say "taters" in this house! I have also gotten better at preparing scallops and other foods that I typically only trust a "professional" to cook!

Watching. My latest veg out on the couch guilty pleasure is "Lakefront Bargain Hunt." I am impressed by not only the beauty of the homes, but by the fact they are more expensive than the one I live in. These are on the "bargain" list?!

A movie that I watched a few weeks ago that moved me deeply is "Unconditional." You can find it on Netflix. It is based on a true story and has a powerful message. Check it out! 

Reading. I cannot get over how many books I have read so far this year! If you visit this LINK, you'll learn more about some of them, as well as my mission to read more in 2016. 

Below are photos of all the books I have checked out since I have last updated this blog. 

NOTE: Two of them, Libby & Dying Out Loud, were highly recommended by my Grandma. 9 out of 10 times when she recommends a book, I end up loving it!

Finishing. Karlene and I figured that it was time to get back to work on our stepping stone project and we tackled that with beautiful results. We were able to add three more stepping stones to our outdoor collection. 

I also finally finished the mosaic I started YEARS ago. It's all Soulard Mardi Gras beads. It's only fitting that the final product was juried into a show at Soulard Art Gallery this past month! Below, you can see details of it in the lower right hand area of the photo collage. It's 16X20 and available for sale. Contact me if you are interested. 

Uplifting. I have received a lot of positive feedback about the Journalism Summit that I was able to help bring to Franklin County. Learn more HERE. I felt incredibly blessed to be a blessing to others that day. 

On another note, I love the bracelet I wore that day. My friend Jen is a KEEP designer and I love their jewelry with an uplifting message! 

Karlene and I also just finished our two Operation Christmas Child boxes. Additionally, we are both excited that our Compassion International Child, Beatrice, has been sending us letters! It's amazing to learn more about her life and how God is working in her life. 

Expanding. I have to admit that in this area, I am drowning in learning about women's health issues and how to deal with insurance companies. I am going to leave it at that. It wasn't on my list of new things to learn about, but "it is what it is" indeed! 

Last but not least, I want to brag about my child. 

She recently won First Place (again) in the annual Fire Safety Week poster contest in Washington, Missouri. 

Her poster goes on to the state contest this spring. 

If you can...  I want to toss this out there as a challenge for you today and every day.

Until next time,  

M of MK Designs 

October 2016

July Update: "The summer night is like a perfection of thought." ~Wallace Stevens

As I stated back in January, my "mantra" for 2016 is this: 

"I want to become a woman who overcomes obstacles by tackling them in faith instead of tiptoeing around them in fear."

My goal is to face the following obstacles with faith and not fear as often as possible:

Cooking

Watching

Reading

Finishing

Uplifting

Expanding

Cooking. I am, in many ways, getting better at creating meals for myself and my family instead of depending upon restaurants, but as I travel in the summer that drive-thru is so tempting! Hopefully, I can get back on track. 

Watching. Mom and I are still enjoying "Grace and Frankie" on Netflix. It's so good! We have two more episodes to watch of the current season and then it's the waiting game. I have also been sharing more of my favorite "kid/teen" movies with Karlene this summer now that she is older. She enjoyed "The Sandlot" quite a bit! 

Reading. I have faithfully committed myself to reading more this year and it is paying off. I finished the following books over the past few weeks! (Granted, one is mainly photographs, but it was still nice!)

Finishing. Karlene and I finally finished cleaning, sorting, purging, re-arranging, and more in her room. I even painted her table for her reading/iPad nook and the pretty "K" letter I have had sitting in my garage for over a year now. It's interesting to see her room evolve into more of a place for a "pre-teen" than a small child. Now, the bad news... she needs a new ceiling fan! The other one is kaput! 

Uplifting. I admit that in 2015 several of my goals were directed towards myself. In 2016, I've planned to faithfully take the time to uplift others on a regular basis. Here are two examples that are coming up fast. I have somehow worked myself into helping with Youth Group at my church, and assisting in the planning and hosting of a Journalism Summit here in Franklin County. 

PS Need a flyer designed? I think I am getting better at it! 

I have also been working hard at thanking those who go out of their way for me. I did so recently in a blog post for BJJTV and was so excited about the results. Give love, get love. It's so true. 

Here's the link to my blog post/open letter: 

http://bluejayjournaltv.weebly.com/ms-turner/an-open-letter-to-master-photographer-peter-lik

Expanding. I have been a teacher for a long time, but I know there's areas I have to improve upon. Networking is one such area. As seen above, I reached out to network with a local college professor after reading about the importance of networking in education. 

I also decided to reach out to a local group "Buddies Not Bullies" to help them develop a Video PSA Contest for this fall. Not only will it help spread the word about their organization, but it will help spread the word about bullying. This is another topic I have expanded my knowledge about. 

Networking is a little new to me. Working over a meal with someone over a project that will benefit kids is pretty exciting. It's very unlike my rushed lunch period at school. I am happy I am more open to networking with other people than ever. 

Now, let's look at some recent happenings in my life... I have work in the current Soulard Art Gallery show "Wide Open." I hope you get a chance to go see it: 

I was able to enjoy one day in a pool with my friends Charles, Krista, and their baby Grace. Oh, and this rather loud frog:

I have connected with the River Hills Traveler (see link: RIVER HILLS TRAVELER) and had an article published. I am so excited. It's on actual PAPER: 

I love how this photo collage blanket came out. My cousin and I had it made for my Grandma's birthday. She's not a fan of hanging things on her walls, so we thought it was the perfect gift. Then, she surprised us and had it hung on her wall. Ha! Gotta love it:

On a very recent trip to Florida, my daughter and I had a great time with a cat that decided he liked us. We named the kitty "Howie" and it really added a fun layer to the adventure:

I loved seeing how a client used her engagement photos. What beautiful centerpieces for her bridal shower! I am excited for Kate and Wally's big day. Even though I am not a wedding photographer, I do love engagement sessions:

Until next time, I am going to leave you with some images from Florida taken over the first week of July 2016:

~ Michelle of MK Designs

mkdesignsphoto.com 

Summer, Drive-In Movies, the Smokies, those 2016 goals, and more!

Oh, those Summer Days and Nights... 

Adventure Awaits. I loved our all-too-quick jaunt out east to the Smoky Mountains just a few days ago. From breath taking vistas to roaring waterfalls and mountain streams, the Smokies are quickly becoming one of my favorite places to be.

My daughter loves it, too.

On the way home, we broke up the drive by staying in northern Kentucky. We were WILDLY surprised when we saw that there was a legit drive-in movie theatre just under a mile from our KOA! This was Karlene's first drive-in movie experience and I loved sharing the moment with her. She even asked, "Mom, can we make this a tradition?" 

So, when in Calvert City, Kentucky - make sure you check out the Calvert Drive-In Theatre. I bet Karlene and I will be there again sometime soon!

Back to a few of those 2016 Resolutions...

Cooking. I watched one of those quickie social media cooking videos on facebook and thought, "Self, you can do that!" I grabbed some things from my fridge and modified what they had on the video...and here it is...BBQ Chicken Pizza Dippers that Karlene and I gladly soaked in ranch dressing. Healthy? No! Yummy? It was a home run!

Watching. Still loving the new episodes of "Grace and Frankie" on Netflix with my mom, but was even more stoked when I saw that "Rock the Kasbah" is now on Netflix. I love Bill Murray, Bruce Willis, and just that whole kinda "quirky" movie vibe. I'll watch this one again, I bet. 

Reading. I finished "Grandma Gatewood's Walk" by Ben Montgomery. I cannot recommend it enough. It was an enjoyable read and I have the utmost admiration for this woman. I loved it so much, I loaned it to my mom. Great reads are meant to be shared, just like great movies. 

Now, I am nearly done with a book that caught my eye at our local library, "What I Learned When I Almost Died" by Chris Licht. 

While it isn't as enthralling for me as "Grandma Gatewood's Walk," I am still enjoying it. It's good light reading for the summer, but my eyes are already looking ahead to my next book. 

Uplifting. On my last post, I mentioned that I feel I haven't been doing enough for my church. Many people want things to just "happen" without having to do the work. I've made some progress in this area. My friend Stephanie has let me step in and help with Youth. I have been sending daily scripture and uplift for the kids while she has been on a trip with her daughter. I have also been working on a little "event" with Stephanie we have scheduled for July. I have even found a former student who is going to assist us by giving her testimony.

Expanding. I am learning more and more about things like: 360 Video, hormones and how they impact health, team-building activities, reaching out to build relationships with people who are in positions to help scholastic journalism, and more. I feel like I am enjoying learning more than ever. I wish I had this kind of enthusiasm for knowledge when I was in high school, maybe my GPA would have been a little more impressive? 

Frustrations. I am going to express that I am a little bummed. I rarely offer discounts or sales on my Portrait Photography these days because I know my prices are VERY reasonable. However, in hopes of generating a little June business so it's not all in the fall, I am offering a great deal. Where's the clients? Come on, folks! 

Until next time, 

M of MK Designs

mkdesignsphoto.com