For the Record: BASHING the Previous Year is NOT Going to Make the New Year Better!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Ringing in the New Year in 2012 with my friend's son. 

I tend to spend the first day of the New Year on a trail. I love a "First Day Hike." However, thanks to an incredibly upset stomach and waking up to DANGEROUSLY low temperatures today, I have been homebound.

2014 First Day Hike. My Mom, me, and many others enjoying St. Francois State Park.

What does one do besides attack some to-do lists and ponder Star Wars fan theories for the follow up to The Last Jedi? 

Well, I look at social media. 

So, let's take a left turn here. 

I love how humans are creatures of habit. 

This hit home with me in December 2017. Excellent quote/thought!

We are nesters, schedule-keepers, and routine-makers. Even people who claim to be more "loose" and "spontaneous" have their own habitual rituals. 

(I love how that rhymes: habitual ritual!)

Now, back to where I left off with social media and our routines in life...

When did it become a trend for so many people to bash the previous year on New Year's Eve and New Year's Day?

I've noticed it more and more. 

When we turned the page to 2017, I saw lots of posts saying how HORRIBLE 2016 was and that 2017 was going to be a NEW START. Same can be said this year. Over half of my newsfeed is about how 2017 apparently was a total wreck, but 2018 is going to be DIFFERENT.

Did all the complainers forget the AMAZING 2017 Solar Eclipse!?

Really?

I don't think looking back at the "mayhem" that was the previous year is a good way to set yourself up for success in the New Year. Why not focus on the positive things that happened? 

I watched a snow and rain storm come in and out of the Grand Canyon in 2017. My mom took this photo of me when I saw a rainbow forming.

If you can't think of any, why not look through your camera roll to find a few? It's really not that hard!

My daughter's first flight was in 2017. We spent Spring Break in Arizona.

Also, I hate to add this thought into the mix, but has it ever occurred to people that changing the last digit on the year isn't how one is going to find a NEW start? 

Karlene making a friend in 2017 when we camped at Hawn State Park in Missouri. Nothing beats splashing in Pickle Creek!

For one, I know that in 2018 for me to "flip my script" that I have to face some shit (pardon the word, but it's the best I got for it) that I am dreading. I hate conflict, but at the same time, knowing who and what is worth taking a stand for is something that is going to be critical for harmony in my world in 2018. 

Karlene clicked this of me playing "tough" at Wall Drug in Wall, South Dakota during the summer of 2017.

That process, for me, is going to be easier by not closing myself off to those who love me, but allowing them to be there for me as I walk this path. I have a habit of shutting down and turning inward when faced with problems. (Just ask my friend, Kris. She especially sees this in me!) Also, it means that I have to trust in my Faith more than ever. 

Afterall, it's His Grace and Love that makes for a better day, week, year, decade... LIFE --- NOT just the simple act of flipping a page on a calendar. 

We watched the sunset in Badlands National Park in 2017. God is an artist!

And, while we're at it, looking back on the negativity of the year before will certainly not help light the way towards a NEW and IMPROVED life. 

Checking out the Lake at Illinois Beach State Park. Summer 2017.

As I wrap up this blog post, I hope that some of this can help you out and that you'll consider the "camera roll" trick for finding the positives in the year before. I know I enjoyed the process:

Toured the SunDrop Museum in Wisconsin! YUM!

My daughter got to see DanTDM and high five him!

Karlene got into her school's Art Show.

I helped organize and run the second Journalism Summit for HS students at East Central College in September 2017. 

Sure, it was rainy - but took my friend Kris to see some amazing sights in Southern Missouri she had never seen before. That was a highlight to 2017!

Attended National Journalism Convention with two awesome students! November 2017.

This is one of the most amazing things I have ever seen! Watched this baby and mom (back behind the rock) interact in South Dakota during our adventures in the Black Hills.

Another beautiful road trip to Lesterville, Mo in October 2017!

The BEST blurry photo I have EVER taken for Lydia's Birthday!

"Sarah Day" Toured a few caves in Missouri with Aunt Sarah.

I wish you all the best and thank you for supporting MK Designs! 

Out and About and Livin' the Insta-Dream

As you can see, I jumped on the Instagram train with my photography. It's been interesting. I've gotten fun feedback (and some spammers) and inspiration. 

FUN FACT: KOA (the amazing Kamping experience) liked one of my photos on Instagram so much they used it (with my permission) on their feed! 

Instagram has "opened my eyes" to what is trending in photography...and in life! Apparently living with less, flannel and coffee-filled mornings, hiking, van life, and car camping are all in style. Who knew? 

I think some of what I see is a very glossy view of it, but I have found a few free-spirited true souls to follow and I enjoy how they are living life. It's certainly expanded my view. 

As far as the whole "getting off my a$$ in 2017" and getting outside more, it's a work in progress. Things like weather, work, and a nasty stomach bug that had me down for ages REALLY cut into the exploring on two feet goal. 

Today was a gem at least... weather, work, and health were on my side. It was a fun Saturday of hauling off aluminum, running other errands, doing school work, and picking up a TON of sticks and limbs! When it's so nice outside in February you can have a fire pit with marshmallows to celebrate a job well done, that's a special day indeed.

Once the chores were done, it was a great opportunity to use that "walking pass" I purchased for Shaw Nature Reserve. We got in a little over an hour and luckily made it back to the car right before they closed the gates for the evening. 

Here's where today's walk took us:

We tried to explore areas we hadn't walked on our two previous hikes. Since we were pressed for time, I feel like we didn't stop to look around enough. Despite being rushed, I did click a few pictures (of course). 

I hope you had a great day, too. And, as always, thank you for stopping by. Your support of what I do is greatly appreciated!

~ M of MK Designs Photography
2-18-2017

...Magnolia State of Mind (Part Three), also known as "Take The Long Way Home"

At this point in the "Magnolia State of Mind" blog trifecta, I must share my personal travel mantra: Take the Long Way Home. (Hum the Supertramp song if you want!)

I get so annoyed by how many people miss out on what our country has to offer because of the manic "drive like a bat out of hell" from Point A to Point B mindset. What's the point in that? Schedule it to where you can take your time and check out some of the places, attractions, and people along the way to and from a destination. 

Case in point:

So, we pack to leave Gulfport. We clean up the vacation rental home, follow the directions, and check out. Instead of hitting the interstate and nearly killing ourselves on a mission to arrive in Missouri by midnight...we drive a bit to see more of the coast heading east towards Buloxi, MS. 

After we had a few more moments near the coast, that's when we make our way north to our hotel for the night in Arkansas. (Yes, you can break up a drive, please do!) 

Because I wasn't in a crazy hurry, mom and I were able to see things...

Did you know this? Just outside of Buloxi is a Lickskillet Road. I still wonder, was the skillet hot when they licked it? Is that why it was so "name-a-road-worthy" of an experience?

Heading north, we took the time to stretch our legs at rest stops and check out the "brown signs." One brown sign along our route had caught my eye many times. "Little Red Schoolhouse" is what it said, so this time we found out what it was.

I not only enjoyed stretching my legs here, but learning that this place wasn't just a "Little Red Schoolhouse" - it is the birthplace of the Order of the Eastern Star. Learn more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rob_Morris_(Freemason) 

On the second day of our "Long Way Home" I said, "I don't think I have ever been to New Madrid, Missouri." So, we went. Just off I-55 is this awesomely cute historic and interesting town. 

Granted, it sits right on a fault that could cause massive death and destruction, but I still enjoyed New Madrid. (Sorry about that dose of reality with the mention of the fault line!) The riverwalk area was so beautiful. There is so much history here. I know in the future I want to go back to really explore this area more. 

While I wasn't thrilled to get back to the Missouri temps, I am happy that on the way home we took the time to do some scouting reports. 

#1. New Madrid is on my list to return to in the spring or summer. Many spots to tour and explore.

#2. I know the next time I pass by the brown sign in MS for the "Little Red Schoolhouse" and it is a Tues-Sat, I am pulling over for a tour. 

Maybe we all need a "Magnolia State of Mind." I've noticed in the south people kinda tend to take their time. Often there's a slower pace. We can apply that to our travels. 

Mainly, don't just FLY via your vehicle at a high rate of speed towards your destinations. If possible, take your time to explore and learn more about your country and about your world.

Until next time... Happy Trails and Happy Creating, 

Michelle from MK Designs
Jan 2015 (but the trip was in Dec 2014)

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. 

Summer 2014 Blogger Challenge #28, #29, #30: Someone/Something I love, I wish..., and How I felt Today

I could go on and on about places I have been to, or my beautiful child... but today I am going to make #28 about what was in my bathroom sink this morning: Patches. 

 I love this cat. I really do. After my cat Sasha died in my arms of a stroke/old age, I said I'd never have a cat again. Then my daughter talked me into Zoey and now... Patches. 

I have to be honest about this, Patches has clung to me so much, she's pretty much MY cat. Karlene seems ok with it since Zoey is still HER cat. 

#29. I wish... I had more time at this beautiful place I finally located today. Little Indian Creek Conservation Area south of St. Clair, Mo. 

I really hope I will feel better tomorrow so I can take my daughter there since I am picking her up around 12:30 and we have the whole afternoon together without a load of homework to do!

#30. How I felt today. 

Hmmm? Drowsy. Tired. Allergic. Dragging. Unmotivated. 

Yet, kinda "needed" - - -  had a long visit with someone who needs to know that she matters so much. She is loved. She has a beautiful life ahead of her. Won't always be easy, but she can do it. 

Which also led me to feeling thankful today. Thankful for my mom, who was always my mom. Not out being selfish and putting her own desires and wants first. She was and is a good parent. Constantly saving for my college education, for my future... I am so thankful for her... This is her clicking pics in Michigan in June 2014. 

Thank you for stopping by... 
... one last post tomorrow to end the "Summer 2014 Challenge"

MK Designs - August 2014 

Summer 2014 Blogger Challenge #27: A View(s) From Today...

Must admit the "energy" of my 20's is long gone. 40 is a bit of a sucker punch! Now that my "day job" is rolling, I feel so tired... so some stuff (like this blog) have been a bit neglected. 

Today I got up and the first "view" of the day was figuring out what three images I wanted to submit to Soulard Art Market for consideration into their next juried show... "Nourish" which is art inspired by poetry.  

For more information about this great St. Louis gallery here's their site: http://soulardartmarket.org

These are my three, based on three very different poems. 

"Solitude" - "The Sun Never Says" - "Sonnet 40"

Then it was off to get Slava, my friend, from Re-Discover Washington http://rediscoverwashington.org and Slava Bowman Photography http://www.slavabowman.com for our "day" together! 

First off, it was lunch at Blue Duck. Slava admitted she hadn't ate there in about a week. I had to ask her if she was having symptoms of withdrawls (like an addict would) because she seems to be a Blue Duck addict. I have to admit, any time I have ate there - it has NOT been a let down! (The Blue Duck is located right off Front Street in Washington, Mo... great views and food!)

Then, it was off to St. Louis to see the International Photography Museum (Slava got us Groupon deals)... and then... we arrived to realize it is closed for Labor Day weekend. Since we already paid for parking, we decided to walk around the St. Louis University campus and check out a coffee shop that Slava loves. 

Afterwards, we found ourselves driving around Forest Park in St. Louis. Since we actually found a parking spot, we decided to watch the clouds on Art Hill.

Here's the deal, the day didn't go "as planned" but that's ok. 

I am very blessed to have met Slava, and formed a friendship with her. 

What are the odds an awesome lady from Bulgaria would end up in the town I teach in and we'd end up striking up a friendship over the fact I really was envious of her skills with a camera? Yes, I was once jealous, but now I find that her photography and positive outlook on life inspires me. 

I am also blessed to be one of those people that she will let her guard down with... because, believe it or not, as outgoing as she seems - she is (like me) not someone who lets just anyone "in" - at least that's my impression of her. :-)

I love our talks, because they never feel like idle chat or, as she says, talks about "shopping, kids, and houses..." We get to talk about our thoughts on many things, and without judgment. Which is awesome in this day and age... it seems more and more people are becoming less and less open in their thoughts. 

This is my beautiful friend, Slava, in her "crazy cat lady" dress. I love it! Newsprint with all "cat headlines" and photos! 

Oh, and, since the Photo Museum was closed for the holiday, we get to try this trip again later this fall; a blessing in disguise! 

Thanks for stopping by, and have a wonderful "end of summer" - which reminds me, I am so close to having my summer blog challenge DONE, I need to wrap it up before it's WINTER! 

MK Designs. August 2014.