Trouble...falls like rain...

Less art, nature, and photography today... Instead more "life" today. 

I am one of those people who has to really work hard at being positive. It doesn't come to me naturally...neither did riding a bike, running, or swimming. Unlike those physical endeavors, I haven't given up (yet) on the mental exercise of positivity. 

Yet, in the present moment, I am seriously struggling. 2015 has, lack for a better word, been shitty.

Watching ones you love struggle wears on the mind, and the body.

In just the last month I've had a horrid virus (flu-like) and now my allergies are at an all-time high (thank you Missouri pollen). I am physically drained. 

I did however decide to attempt to walk more, and partake less calorie-laden boozy beverages recently. My two-week experiment made an 8 pound difference on the scale. Maybe I'll keep it up and try to be a bit of a better person longer than two weeks?

Lately, I find myself learning more and more about Autism, Aspergers, Behavioral & Emotional Disorders, as well as how insurance companies work (or do not) for said issues. 

I'm also learning more about the aging, and how perhaps "Right to Die" activists are on to something. Death with dignity for humans and not just our pets? Hmmmm? 

As for the single life, as much as I enjoy it - I have to admit it flat out sucks not having anyone to celebrate accomplishments with, or to go hand me a cough drop when the pollen becomes too much. All though I am not sure I've ever really had that with any significant other, being "supported" tends to land a lot on my own shoulders in and out of a relationship.

I am hopeful that soon, very soon, 2015 sucks a lot less. Maybe come May 1st? Or Maybe "Come Monday" as my friend Jimmy sings.

On a positive note: 
...the new camera body seems to be working like a dream!
...Eddie Vedder and Van Morrison have helped me sleep better these days. 
...I had a senior session last night and the light was wonderful.
...I am going on a "dream trip" this summer (for me) to Yellowstone and the Tetons! WooHoo! 

Until next time...

~ M

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.

Summer 2014 Blogger Challenge #15: Inspiration

All these photos (by me) above, were taken in moments I felt great inspiration! 

Today's post is supposed to be about "inspiration."

These bloggers and artists inspire me... daily... weekly! :-)

How do I even start to approach that?!

Quotes that inspire me... 

It's in rocks and trees, it's in scruffy guys who make great music - art - entertainment, it's in my child, it's in the land, it's in people, places... Inspiration is everywhere! It's in God's Creation.

Scruffy guys who make amazing movies, songs, photographs, and more.. 

How do I discuss inspiration? Well, I am going to do what Ansel says. (Yes, he's on this entry twice! * look above *)

The natural spaces that are in my own country inspire me...

These faces and places...

His great love inspires me... excited at each and every turn to see how His plan has helped me grow and become a better person, someone who tries to give to others, love others, and help kids find their passion in life - their calling.

I want to share some links with you to help you find a little inspiration today... Enjoy!

My weekly reading is here and has been for years. Some secrets are haunting, some are funny, some I can relate to, others I am thankful I cannot relate at all... http://postsecret.com

This place isn't just great wine, it's great views. I have taken MANY a beautiful photo here. One of the highest most unobstructed view to the west in Franklin County Missouri http://www.robllerwines.com

While I do not attend EVERY Sunday, I am happy to be a member of this church and if you are ever in the area, let me know - I think it's worth the time. Bridge Lutheran Church. http://www.bridgelutheran.org

The Digital Bible Society. His word is never far! http://www.digitalbiblesociety.org/dbs/

Refashionista: http://refashionista.net

The Blonde Coyote: http://theblondecoyote.com

My former student with Happy Lark Designs: http://www.happylarkdesigns.com

My friend at Olive and Ash Studio: http://oliveandashstudio.blogspot.com

My friend at Slava Bowman Photography: http://www.slavabowman.com 

My friend at Marcink Designs: http://www.marcinkdesigns.com

Thank you for following my "blog challenge" for caring about my work and random thoughts, and for simply showing you're invested in what I do. Photography is so important to me and without it, I am not sure how I'd be able to express my feelings of wonderment for God's Creation!

Have a great day! 

~ michelle of MK Designs http://mkdesignsphoto.weebly.com

Summer 2014 Blogger Challenge #12, #13, #14: Grateful, Nature, Dream Job.

My fortune cookie said "You will have a long and wealthy life." I have kept that fortune in sight since moving to my house last summer. I love it. It's a beautiful reminder my life is full of "wealth" and I have so much to be grateful for.

#12. Grateful. Family (the ones that actually check on me, etc). Friends (real ones). My daughter. Home. Health (not that I am perfect, but I could be so way worse off). TIME: time to create, to laugh, to lounge, to travel, to learn, to be one-on-one with people or places I adore. Awesome Career. Pets (furbabies). 

Not sure if this pillow would be comfy (burlap!?), but I think it makes a beautiful statement.

#13. Nature. Well! I could go on and on and on. Nature is my nature (get the pun?)! I love it. I know in my heart I need to get in better shape mentally, physically, and financially so I can be in it MORE. 

Photos of "nature" are all over my iPhone camera roll. I can't help myself. Photograph what you love! Well - I love my cats, nature, and my daughter! Funny how your camera roll can totally reveal your heart! 

By the way, I read recently how in Boston doctors are ordering parents to get their kids outside more. Really? I can't imagine. I get my daughter outside so much. It totally puts us both back in a calmer state of mind and helps us connect with God's Creation.

I like this and slightly wish I had this saying on a tshirt or something! What a wonderful mantra to promote! 

#14. Dream Job. I honestly have it. 

I'd like to do more portrait work, but that seems to have moments I am super busy and moments I can hear crickets. 

Portrait work from this past year. Winter 2013 to Spring 2014. I love these images. As you can see, I am a huge fan of WARM LIGHT in portrait work. Yes, I do portraits! Some years I am busy, other years not as much. I have noticed a trend of less and less Seniors getting their Senior Photos done, something I will blog about soon! 

However, let's be honest: I get to teach pretty cool kids awesome subject matter during the school year,  and I take photographs year round... it's pretty awesome. 

THE ONLY THINGS THAT WOULD MAKE THIS A TRUE DREAM JOB: better funding for the equipment the kids need. More supportive parents. Different hours. 

I didn't stutter, different hours. I am beyond NOT a morning person. I tend to perk up anywhere from 9 to 11 in the morning REGARDLESS of what time my rear hits the bed. So, if I had a teaching day that started around 9 or 10 in the morning and ended at 4 or 5 in the afternoon (I stay that late often anyway because that's when I am THINKING and ALERT)... that would be ideal. 

~~~ thank you for taking the time to follow me on this little "blog challenge" this summer. I am almost halfway there. My goal of finishing this by mid to late August may actually HAPPEN!

Please consider liking my photo page on facebook! Also, check out my website for more information about my photography: http://mkdesignsphoto.weebly.com 

July 2014. 

Summer 2014 Blogger Challenge #9, #10, #11: Winter, Travel, Clothing...

#9. Ask me about my faves when it comes to Spring, Fall, or Summer... I could go on and on... but Winter? That's a struggle, so I am going to "cheat" and let you go read this blog post if you want some answers about my thoughts on Winter... http://mkdesignsphoto.blogspot.com/2013/12/snow-day.html

#10. Dream Travel Destination(s). I will keep this simple and not as long as it could be...because if you know ANYTHING about me, this could be a list of nearly 100 places! 

I would like to drive & explore this parkway: Natchez Trace http://www.nps.gov/natr/index.htm

I would like to float & explore the river I grew up playing in and around: the Big Piney River. 

Alaska! Enough said! 

As always, go back west to see more... but add in places I haven't seen yet like Arches NP, as well as Glacier NP and Yellowstone NP. 

And, after last night's travel show I watched: SPAIN!

#11. My fave outfit? 

I am not someone totally into how clothes LOOK, I like how they feel. I like cozy hooded sweatshirts and soft worn tshirts that fit loose. I like jeans that I have worn so much it is as if they were hand sewn just to fit ME. That's my typical attire. Comfortable shoes, tops, pants, etc. 

However, I can say - I LOVED my senior prom dress and my wedding dress. Those two dresses were actually comfortable and I felt very beautiful in them both. 

Apparently I like camo hats, too. Camo Hat #1. 

Camo Hat #2.  

T-shirt I regret not buying. I see a trip to Crane's to pick this up sometime in 2014!

Summer 2014 Blogger Challenge #6, #7, & #8: Draw, Today, Bestie...

Draw Something #6. 

Well, this is kinda easy... very recently my local Library had a contest to design a bookmark. My daughter and I both entered, and we both won! She won her age group, and I won mine. Pretty fun stuff. Here's my bookmark you can pick up this summer at Scenic Regional Library in Union, MO. 

My Winning Design/Drawing!

#7. What did I do today? Unseasonably cool temps and low humidty meant I slept like a rock. It felt great to sleep in no ac, in other words: no recycled air! I didn't start waking up till nearly 10:30. My kiddo - well, that was about 11:30. No "breakfast" so we did "brunch" - she helped me make French Toast because she is on a kick to learn more about cooking. Then, lots of work to do for my day job and volunteer groups, errands to run, places to go, people to see, ice cream to eat, and what not. We got home to make dinner for our guests (my parents) and to let the cats out on the deck for some lovely play time since the weather is so beautiful right now. We had dinner, watched a movie with my parents, and after they left - we went on a walk. The weather today is just amazing! Oh, and now I am updating my blog! 

Ice Cream, beautiful skies, happy kitties, and deck time...

Sweet Magical French Toast! 

Artwork outside my friend's business. 

I framed these in hopes to hang them in a business that has expressed interest in showing my work. What do you think? They are small - only 8X8, but I kinda like small. 

The view from the track at the school near my house. Beautiful night to walk!

#8. My "bestie" - THAT is a tough one. 

I used to have a ready answer for that. Now, I do not. 

I know what I feel a best buddy should do... and what they should be. I know I have had several people who fit the job come and go in my life. 

Right now - if I had to say who my BEST friend was, I'd say my mom. Without a doubt. 

As for a non-relative Best Bud? Emily Rose is and always will be one of my best friends. The same goes for Kris, in fact I think Kris and I are closer now than we've ever been. 

Terri is a great new friend I have made and I enjoy time with her. Plan on having some fun with her this week in fact! 

I am blessed that at work Kathy Allen was my friend for YEARS and now Juli Schuster has sorta slid into that place for me since Kathy retired. Both of them are so unique and special in their own different ways. However, they are both small (way smaller than I am!), beautiful women, who are two of the most fierce and loyal mothers I have ever encountered! :-)

I am very blessed to have a lot of different friends over the years, some have stayed - some have gone... others have had gaps in communication with me, but we pick right up where we left off... 

It's just hard to answer, "Who is your BEST friend," when there are many out there... so I will stick with the constant in my life, my rock, my strength: my mom. :-)

ENJOYING THE BLOG CHALLENGE! THANKS FOR READING!

Words/Photos, etc. by ME! (aka MK Designs) July 2014. 

Summer 2014 Blogger Challenge #4 & #5: Special Memory & Fave Quote

#4. Special Memory

This one is difficult. Why? Well, it's not for a lack of special memories (that would be horrid!)... it's from an abundance of them. To simplify the process and to keep myself from writing a full novel, I'll just pick the first random 6 that comes to mind. 

1. Sitting with my Grandpa Johnson as a child at their house on a porch swing watching the clouds. I clearly saw cartoon characters, and when I showed him - his face lit up and he saw them, too. 

2. Mom and I taking a "selfie" this past June at a light house. I told her to push the button. I think there was a real communication issue of what "button" meant. We giggled a LOT like school girls. Made me happy to see her so happy and free. :-)

3. First time I saw Yosemite National Park in person in 2009. I wept. I realized finally for once and for all, after years of going back and forth - God is real. 

Photo by Me. 2009. 

4. What started as a "business connection" last summer, resulting in photography work and website work, and promotional work... and a friendship...I remember watching her at a Summerfest last summer thinking "That's that crazy massage therapist!" (note: not crazy like "insane" but happy crazy. good crazy. the best kind of crazy.) 

5. This beach with these girls for my teaching job... actually the WHOLE trip! My staff took First place at Nationals for our TV show, we saw amazing sights, visited the WHOLE time (hardly had a phone out) and bonded. One of them just gradated from NYU. One of them is still navigating school and life and figuring out what she wants to do. One of them is engaged and wrapping up school. One of them is becoming a teacher and just sent me a funny photo of herself on the 4th of July. Beautiful girls are now beautiful young women. 

I didn't tell them to do this. Tha'ts how good of an experience we all had on this trip for school. This was about 4 or 5 years ago now... maybe more! ha! Navigating along Oregon and Washington State with four crazy girls running around calling me "mom" - it was awesome. People don't understand why teaching is so amazing, this is just ONE of many reasons!

6. My daughter... as we are in the ocean this week going up and down with the waves... she gives me this big hug and says "Mom, I have had an amazing trip. Thank you." Then, she proceeds to give me the most slobbery kiss on the cheek ever. 


Now on to Blog Challenge: Favorite Quote (#5)

Is this possible? I mean, really? I love quotes. I have so many rolling around in my head. Picking one is like picking a favorite student or favorite ice cream flavor, etc. How? I love so many!

So, I am going to put out my favorite bible verse instead. It's my blog, afterall! I hope you get a blessing from it... 

MK Designs. July 2014. 

Summer 2014 Blogger Challenge #1.

Last summer (2013) I did not one, but TWO 30 day photo challenges with my friend Slava --> http://slavabowmanphotography.wordpress.com 

This summer I am feeling a bit out of the creative loop. My summer got a delayed start thanks to an extra long school year due to excessive snow days here in Missouri. Lately, as I follow the blogs of bloggers I really enjoy, I feel totally uncreative. 

So, when Juli of Olive and Ash Studio --> http://oliveandashstudio.blogspot.com started talking about Blog Challenges on her blog - I knew I found a way to get out of my summer slump!

Thanks to this young blogger from Australia --> http://emilyjane.typepad.com I found the perfect way to get the creative flow back and help out my neglected blog...

Yes, this is a "photography" blog - but it's also about my creative journey, so why not!?! 

I have to be honest, I am positive that there is a huge chance this July Journaling Challenge will spill into August due to the travel and play I do a lot during the summer season, but that will just have to work for anyone who follows me. 

As I look at the list, I know the best place to start is #1, but I think I already covered that in previous blog entries. So, to mix it up a bit for #1 "All about you" I am going to do a goofy survey. 

Here is goes...

This is me: (Thank you Slava for our current headshot session for a magazine article I am in for my sorority Zeta Tau Alpha) 

1. I worry about: the future of our planet, the odd shifts in values of people in my country, my finances, my daughter, extreme changes at my work place.

2. I dream about: Yosemite. Alaska. Scenic Drives. Travels. A vagabond life (with an income and retirement - Is that possible).

3. I am proud of: My students' accomplishments. My daughter. My mom. 

4. I am interested in: photography, journalism, education, learning, travel...

5. I am afraid of: tight enclosed spaces that make me feel trapped.

6. I don't believe in: a judicial system that allows men and women who rape, murder, and/or abuse children to be housed and fed, you know allowed to breathe air, etc. I miss the old days of "Western Justice" in a lot of cases. 

7. I am good at: Well, people say I am good at teaching. ;-) I think I am still a work in progress. 

8. I am bad at: saving money the way my mom does.

9. I have to: take my daughter to her dad this afternoon. I hate saying "see you later" to her so often.

10. I feel like: early retirement! 

11. I regularly: look at facebook, twitter, snapchat, etc. It's addictive. Some people are tv addicts or do crossword puzzles, etc. I skim blogs, follow crafters, read current news headlines, etc. 

12. I never: have smoked pot. Honest to God.

13. I can't stand: people who self-loathe, child molesters, people who cannot buck up and admit they hurt you and apologize, and cooked cabbage.

14. I have difficulty: keeping weight off. I am chunky.

15. I have a habit of: see #11!

16. I no longer: actively seek anyone to date. I tried dating sites, and people setting me up, etc. I just have given up. Not to sound mean, but once I quit trying, I felt better. I don't need a "relationship" to define me... I have other relationships: with my child, my mom, my Lord, my friends (the real ones), my co-workers, other creative types, etc. Also, I no longer force myself on others. If someone (male or female) wants my friendship, they will seek it. No need to force "best friend" status, etc. People come and people go. People change. (and some people aren't fond of this saying... but...) "It is what it is!" 

17. Lately: KEVIN HART makes me laugh.

18. Lately: NOT MUCH makes me sad. 

19. Lately: NOT MUCH makes me angry.

So that is it... I have crossed off #1 on the July Journaling (I prefer to call it BLOG) Challenge. Hopefully, this little self-assignment will kick me in the rear and get my creative flow back! 

All words & thoughts by MK Designs. July 2014. Please do not copy or print without permission. If you want to join in on the blog challenge, link up with me! Let's do this! :-)