Responsibility and Priority SHIFT!

As we age, responsibilities shift and priorities change.

My daughter's weekend art project for school! 

For example, it's October. Even up to a few years ago I was plotting out all my weekends around "Oktoberfest" - which I still love - it's just not a huge priority now.

October means playing in the leaves at my "day job."
We are learning how fast shutter speeds capture movement in images. 

Right now my October is full of things like helping my daughter with school work, and coming up with some fun fall activities for us. Apple picking, sunset watching, seeking the best Halloween costume, and her education are all important. 

Sunset watching with my girl!

October is also when I work at home football games to help offset the expenses of home ownership, my daughter's needs, etc.

HOCO Spirit Week - Jersey Day - at my "day job" :-)

Walking in New Haven the first weekend of October with my daughter. 

I also plan to fit in a very quick weekend visit with my buddy Travis in Dallas, TX...oh, and of course a few portrait sessions. I do love to photograph in October. The color here in Missouri is often stunning. 

Add all that up, and toss in my full time "day job" demands, Oktoberfest is taking a back burner. If it happens, great! If not, I won't be crushed. 

Hitting up Soulard Market with my kiddo! 

Speaking of priority and responsibility shifts, I've now obtained a third cat. I didn't want a third cat, trust me. However, a housesitting gig for a friend who moved to Texas turned into an adventure with Murphy kitty. 

Two is company, three is a crowd! I thought two was plenty...but...

Murphy is an interesting fellow who somehow landed on North Bend Road just outside Union. Apparently a lot of cats end up out that way. This guy, though, is super friendly and seems to like snuggles and a warm place inside. 

I tried (with no luck) to find this boy a home for nearly a month. I even talked to various vets, and the Humane Society. I finally let him adopt me.

I never had much company use my spare bedroom, so after a two-day vet visit...this became Murphy's room at our house. 

We are slowly opening doors and letting him explore. The other cats are the issue. Zoey is angry. Patches is all over him wanting his friendship, which makes Murphy angry. Emotions run high! I can also tell that Murphy is wondering why he can't go outside anymore. I am praying he gets over it and accepts a life as a spoiled inside feline. 

I didn't want three cats, but as I said before: responsibilities (and priorities) shift as we age. 

Side-note: I am almost 42. I like myself more than I have in my entire life. This version of Michelle is very content (minus the extra pounds I carry, but that's neither here nor there right now - because I am actually taking steps to make those extra pounds a little less). 

Have your priorities and responsibilities shifted as you've made your way through life? I am willing to bet so... and if not... well, that is something you may wanna look into! :-)

Thanks for reading, M of MK Designs 

You Can Choose...Your Mood...Your Outlook...Your Reactions... and More!

Just as ripples spread out when a single pebble is dropped into water, the actions of individuals can have far-reaching effects. – Dalai Lama 

I took this at Reelfoot Lake, TN in June of 2015. 

I was once very Han Solo in my attitude towards life. He didn't believe in Hokey Religions, or positivity. I was once so similar. I felt like so many things were happening TO me. I felt a need to try to CONTROL things so much that in the end all I did was lose control. In those moments, I would often make some of my WORST choices in life. 

Somehow over the past few years I have learned a few things.

1. Those "glass half full" / "make lemonade from lemons" people ARE indeed on to something.
2. By choosing to let go of the things I can't control and focus on the positive, my life becomes more blessed.
3. The more I count my blessings, the better I feel. 
4. One person can have actions that reach so far, and I want my actions to be far-reaching in a POSITIVE way - - not a NEGATIVE ONE.

Today I am groggy, tired, and a little drained from a week that was jam-packed with meetings, teaching, photography work, and more...

When I woke up, I decided it was going to be a good day. I made that choice as I laid around and snuggled with the girls (cats). I decided I would embrace a goofy photo my friend took of me last night and make it my facebook profile photo.

I decided to make myself a brunch... and in doing so I decided that this plate of food was going to be the focus of my thankful mindset to get me pumped about the upcoming week.

* The eggs are a gift from my downstairs renter. Nice young man who attends ECC and said he had way too many. Who can complain about farm fresh eggs?! That's a blessing. 

* The bacon and grape juice are courtesy of a dear friend who is moving. She had too much food to consume before the big move and didn't want to take it with her. Instead of being sad about her leaving, I can think about all the positive things she's done for me and continues to do for me. (Plus, I love bacon and grape juice!)

* The toast... that has a story, too! My mom knew how busy I was this week and asked if I needed anything. I did. She picked up some stuff for me. Looking at that made me think about how blessed I am she cares enough to do kind things for me to this day. Not all people have someone who is always watching their back for them...even if it's a simple thing like helping you out when time is lacking for a grocery run. 

* The Fiestaware always reminds me of my mom's best friend, Linda. I always loved eating at her home when I was younger. Yes, her meals were excellent, but I loved her plates. I was excited to see which color of plate I would get. I dreamt of having plates like this when I was an adult. Here I am. I have so much color and fun when I eat. I am indeed blessed. 

Instead of complaining about a lack of time - I am trying to focus on doing what I can with the time I have. 

Instead of complaining about the laundry - I am trying to focus on being happy I have clothes to wash, clean water and MORE to do so, and that half of those clothes belong to my daughter (who I adore). 

The more we try to look at things with a positive outlook and let go of the things we can't control; the more positive our impact upon others and our world can be. 

Don't you agree?

Until next time, 
~ M of MK Designs Photography