Time to Step Back and Evaluate

As I look at the 2015 calendar, I see July slipping by and August creeping in. It’s time for me to take a look back on my “Agenda” I set for 2015.

#1. Something I want to go for to help my career... DONE!

I am still so humbled and honored to be the MIPA Missouri Journalism Teacher of the Year 2015. It feels odd. I don't know where to put the plaque for that honor or the Taft Award I also received. For now they are safely wrapped on a shelf. 

...the #2 thing I want to go for to help my career...NOT DONE!

I am honestly contemplating if I want to attempt this again, but I have had several people say I need to. Time will tell if I go for it. I’ll need to decide soon since a deadline is slowly approaching. And, as you know, that word slowly really means QUICKLY. 

#3. Camp more.  WORK IN PROGRESS!

My daughter and I have camped 9 nights so far in 2015. 3 in Illinois, 2 in Missouri, and 4 in Wisconsin. I am pretty proud of us for making this happen. 

This also led me to take a serious look at the amount of camping gear I have. Do I really need 7 tents? No. I ordered a new one to try out this fall for us since Karlene is growing, but I also have sold or given away quite a few. I would like to end up with 2 tents. One for just myself, and one for when it is K and I on the road.

I won't even go into how many airmatresses and airpumps I have realized I have. Is CampGear Hoarding a possible problem? Hmmm?

#4. Hike more. PITIFUL. Needs serious work. I am a bum these days.

If it means anything, I did go on little walks while in Yellowstone National Park at the start of the month. For the one that led to the stream above, I sang a "Please Don't Scare the Bear" song I made up loudly as I strolled. The bear signs all over kinda had me on edge. I am not bear food. I am sure that I certainly would leave a bad taste in their mouths!

#5. Help my daughter (the K of MK Designs) take more ownership of her school work and education, yet continue to help her grow her love of the Lord and others, hopefully continue to grow more empathy, and more compassion... WORK IN PROGRESS! 

Daily devotionals, planning for Operation Christmas Child, seeing God's Creation, and more things...are hopefully helping her become an independent person who has empathy and compassion. She certainly has a sense of humor, as seen in this image from Illinois in mid-July. 

#6. Get my financial house and my actual house in better working order. DECK and whatnot! (which also includes getting my lower level rented again) COMING ALONG NICELY WHEN I VIEW THE BIG PICTURE!

New renter on board for August, deck redone minus staining (it’s been too rainy), some money back in savings (not nearly enough, but some to help replenish the deck expense), and finally got two new ceiling fans installed on our main level. 

Next step this fall: light updates/replacements on the lower level. I love these lights. Lowes is a dangerous place for the pocketbook and bank accounts! 

#7. Continue to grow my relationship with Jesus Christ and try to practice more of His teachings in how I love others. CONSTANT WORK IN PROGRESS. 

However, the end of July started a big “test” for me. I decided WWJD isn’t just a motto for a t-shirt, but that if I see one of my fellow humans is suffering, alone, in need – I have to try to do something to help. As one of my favorite sayings goes: “I am one, but still I am one. I cannot do everything, but I can do something." 

I have to add, that the cell phone shot above is a moment I felt very close to God in early July. The first time I have ever seen the Grand Teton range in my life in person... and that is what He had to show me. God is good. 

#8. Continue to spend more time with my Grandma in 2015. BETTER THAN 2014, but I STILL HAVE ROOM TO GROW! 

#9. Try to continue to grow clients for my MK Designs Photography / Fine Art and Portrait work. FRUSTRATING PROCESS, BUT STILL WORKING AT IT.

I have had the honor of getting into some art shows this summer in Soulard and St. Charles. I also was able to sell some work to a client who has remodeled her home with a lovely addition. 

Also, I had a recent image used by the National Forest Foundation. How cool is it that my daughter's hand is famous!? We found that little guy in the Shawnee National forest while camping this June. See, it pays to camp! (Well, maybe not financially - but you know what I mean!) 

#10. Be the best mom, teacher, daughter, friend, etc. I can possibly be. I HAVE MY DAYS. 

I hate it when I am crabby, or "down" - so I do try to stay "up" as much as possible. Especially for this face:

#11. GET ME A BEDROOM SET! BAM! Had a kicking bedroom set in 2009, that along with the bed "left the premises" that year. While I did replace the bed in 2010, I never got a bedroom set. I have one in my garage now courtesy of my aunt Shirley. HEADBOARD DONE & INSTALLED – THE REST, I HAVE ON HOLD SINCE IT’S SO HOT OUT NOW IN THE GARAGE. 

On that note, it is super hot today and we haven't had a proper creek day all summer. I got sammiches to make, coolers to pack, etc. 

If you know me or my work at all, you know I live for a good creek day. Maybe we'll be able to fit in two creeks today? Hmmm? :-)

Until next time, 

M of MK Designs

July 2015. 

The Last Child in the Woods? I hope not.

My childhood was filled with hours (especially during the summer months) of time outdoors. "Unstructured play" is what it is called now. 

After we moved to South Central Missouri, I'd explore the abandoned railroad tracks (and RR tunnel) in Eugene, venture through the small creeks, and sometimes dare to leave "town" to walk up a gravel hill to see what was on the other side. 

I am fully aware that the "world" we live in has changed. Yet, I don't want my daughter to have a childhood that is only indoors and only on a schedule. 

Summer is our chance to get out and explore together. In June we hit the Shawnee National Forest and Giant City State Park, as well as other cool places in Southern Illinois. 

It was fitting that our devotional reading during the time of our 3 day/2 night camping and exploring adventure encouraged us to get outside. 

I firmly believe in what is stated here: “Time in nature is not leisure time; it's an essential investment in our children's health (and also, by the way, in our own).”  ― Richard Louv, Last Child in the Woods: Saving Our Children from Nature-Deficit Disorder

If you haven't read "Last Child in the Woods" - do so. It totally helps us "rethink" the current state of society and how we are raising children. I have noticed that just a few hours out in nature often calms me (as well as my kiddo) from the "stresses" of the hustle and bustle of "life" in 2015. 

Where else can you let hours float by as you seek the perfect four leaf clover? I am hopeful there is NOT an app for that, yet. 

Even though we are not a totally "electronic-free" family, when I see other families, I feel like we are well BELOW average when it come to screen time... which is sad because I fear we spend way too much time looking at glowing devices instead of the glowing moon. 

Which, by the way, sleeping under a glowing moon while in a tent, is pretty sweet. I hightly recommend it! That's what we got to do for 2 nights at Little Grassy Lake. http://www.littlegrassylakecampground.com

Get yourself and your child(ren) out in the woods, be it state parks or national lands. If you're close enough to Southern Illinois, try out various places in the Shawnee National Forest. It' a gem! 

The views in the Shawnee, as well as the tricky ways to get around at times, are inspiring. Be open to unplugging to enjoy it, too! Sure, click a few pics, but don't be like some of the kids I saw at the top of Garden of the Gods staring at their phones. (Not to take photos of the land before them, I'd like to add!)

Giant City State Park is amazing, too. The geologic formations are pretty stellar. It's just south of Carbondale, IL and very easy to get to. 

While you're at it, don't be afraid to take back roads. You may find some amazing fruit stand with ice cream that you had no idea existed! 

All in all, I think the biggest thing I want to stress (beyond loving our parks and lands, and beyond photography) is a BIG question: Why are we raising our children in such a radically different manner than we were raised? 

Also...

Since when did any outdoor time require a schedule or structure? 

Since when do parents say, "Stay inside and stare at this glowing screen until your neck hurts" --- Ok, maybe we don't say that with our words, but we do by our actions. 

When I read statistics that show that our nation's children are depressed, anxious, and totally out of tune with the world they are in...and much of that is due to a lack of unstructured time to explore the outdoors...it's heartbreaking to me. 

Unplug yourself and the kids. Kick them off the couch straight into the natural world. Make some great memories. Go with them and take time to smell the flowers, too. It's a win-win for all parties involved. 

For more information:

Health Benefits of Children in Nature - National Wildlife Federation: http://www.nwf.org/What-We-Do/Kids-and-Nature/Why-Get-Kids-Outside/Health-Benefits.aspx

Shawnee National Forest: http://www.fs.usda.gov/shawnee

Giant City State Park: http://www.dnr.illinois.gov/Parks/Pages/GiantCity.aspx

Flamm Orchards: http://flammorchards.com

For information on how to contact MK Designs to order any prints and/or book a photo session: http://mkdesignsphoto.weebly.com

Summer 2015 

I've Been... Everywhere!?

Where have I been? I have been everywhere except blogging it would seem. April, May, and now June of 2015 have been jam-packed. 

Highlights include:

~ Karlene's 10th Birthday!

~ Camping with Karlene at Hawn State Park and in southern Illinois (two different trips).

~ Taking Karlene to Felix Valle home in Ste Gen, MO.

~ Wrapping up the year at my "day job" & really enjoying some of the Photo II projects my students created with their digital images... they all came up with "tangible" items like quilts, candles, lamps, and more! I have been inspired to make a lamp for Karlene & I this summer (or fall). 

~ Finally going to Clearwater Lake (in Missouri) to fish with my parents and Karlene. 
~ Visiting my Grandma not once, but twice!
~ Events at our church, my school, Karlene's school, and a suprise B-day party for one of Karlene's classmates who is having serious health issues. He was diagnosed with cancer this spring (prayers for Alec are highly appreciated). 

~ Catching up with friends over lunches and dinners and walks.
~ Being accepted into the Soulard Art Market show "Seeing Red" that starts on June 12th. I have two photographs in the show. Trips with my mom seem to pay off photographically, eh? 

~ Speaking of my mom... Laughing with my mom over a new show we love on Netflix. "Grace and Frankie" is our "Netflix Date Night" thing these days! Have an open mind and be prepared to laugh. 
~ Having a year with my Broadcast students that I feel like our "body of work" is strong enough to enter some NSPA Story of the Year and Pacemaker contests. This is the first time in a few years I felt we had work we should enter...like it really has a chance at placing. Win or lose, I am very happy with the work my students did this year. If you want to see some of it, go to www.bluejayjournal.com 

~ Got the sides and floor of my deck replaced finally. Not looking forward to staining it later this summer or early fall, but for now it is so much safer and the wood is NEW. Next stop: two new ceiling fans downstairs on the main level! 
~ And, a real highlight is this: all those rocks Karlene and I hauled in to create flower beds look so good this spring/summer. The plants are coming in nicely and things are looking more "established" - now I just need to make a few more! The lawn & flower beds are a never-ending process.

~ I have also had some fun photo shoots and have TONS of images to sort through from all the above-mentioned trips... and I have sold a few canvas pieces to a client for her new addition at her home. When I know there's some people out there who like what I create, it keeps me clicking!

As I typed the above list, I was reminded of another list I posted right here months ago. It was my goals for 2015. 

Now that I am taking time to review that list, and compare it to what I just mentioned above, it would seem I am doing pretty well at accomplishing those initital goals. I think for fun and as a reminder to myself, I am going to re-post it here... 

7 more months of 2015 left... and I want to stay focused (maybe it'll help me get back to painting my dresser since the headboard is done and in use now).

Originally posted in January:

I made a serious "agenda" for 2015 and plan on sticking to it. 
Here it is:
#1. Something I want to go for to help my career... that if happens will help me with the #2 thing I want to go for to help my career...  
#3. Camp more. 
#4. Hike more. 
#5. Help my daughter (the K of MK Designs) take more ownership of her school work and education, yet continue to help her grow her love of the Lord and others, hopefully continue to grow more empathy, and more compassion... 
#6. Get my financial house and my actual house in better working order. DECK and whatnot! (which also includes getting my lower level rented again) 
#7. Continue to grow my relationship with Jesus Christ and try to practice more of His teachings in how I love others.  
#8. Continue to spend more time with my Grandma in 2015. 
#9. Try to continue to grow clients for my MK Designs Photography / Fine Art and Portrait work. 
#10. Be the best mom, teacher, daughter, friend, etc. I can possibly be.
#11. GET ME A BEDROOM SET! BAM! Had a kicking bedroom set in 2009, that along with the bed "left the premises" that year. While I did replace the bed in 2010, I never got a bedroom set. I have one in my garage now courtesy of my aunt Shirley.

P.S. I saw these rocks just last week at Giant City State Park (Illinois) and it hit me someone had a lot of patience to stack them so carefully. Just like my 2015 goals I set that I am patiently working through... it's all a balancing act, but the end result is pretty sweet! 

Until next time,
~ M of MK Designs
June 2015

Summer 2014 Blogger Challenge #2: Dreams + Goals

And now, it's time for "Dreams + Goals" in the Blog Challenge 

(Yes, Emily Jane, I just renamed it! lol)

In my humble opinion, dreams and goals go hand-in-hand. In fact, most of my dreams I have been able to make reality (except lunch with Jimmy Buffett and a fun little date with Dave Grohl).

I dreamt of teaching... and combining my love of photography with it. Now I teach photography pretty much all school day. I still have a great passion for teaching television journalism and still am able to do that. That dream came true and continues because of the goals I set for myself and my students. 

I hate hearing people say "if only" or "I wish" - especially for basic things. If you wish you could paint, then take that painting class. If you dream of seeing the ocean, set goals to make it happen. Yes, I think learning new skillsets and seeing new places is "basic" - anyone can make those things happen. I am living proof! 

No need to get in a rut of self-loathing that defeats any chances of making your dreams reality - or making choices that sabotage your dreams. 

Isn't Mark Twain brilliant? I think so, and he's from Missouri so BONUS! This saying by him is a bit of a "motto" for my life. 

Yes, I have dreams and goals that I keep working on that are a bit personal to share on the blog and involve hopes for my daughter... but some... I feel perfectly fine sharing with anyone and everyone! 

I have this dream (and I am setting goals) to travel and really see my own country. I am making steps yearly with this process of getting to really know the lower 48 ;-) WHY? I am always shocked by how many people claim to love 'Merica but haven't even left their own state. Our country is beautiful, vast, diverse, and has some of the most treasured landscapes in the world. I really believe that! 

Nevada Skies! So lovely! Yes, I took this photo! ;-) 

Every summer I find new spots to explore when I am on summer vacation, and some places become "repeat offenders" because I just can't get enough of them. 

I am open and willing to let people give me tips on their favorite spots, too. Thanks to two co-workers Kelly Richard and Ryan Snider, I "discovered" and fell in love with the Shawnee National Forest and vicinity of Southern Illinois. Yes, there's more to that state than Chicago! 

Shawnee National Forest - I have sold several prints of this image,
have had it used by the National Forest Foundation, and  have
been juried into several art shows... crazy thing? There was a lake to
my back that I was originally there to photograph, but it was the
light through the trees that ended up stealing the show! Let me
know if you would like a copy of this... Looks great as a metal
print, full size on paper, or in a square like above. 

The thing is, I feel like to really REALLY explore my country better.... I need about 30 days in my Ford Escape with a teardrop. I love to camp in a tent, too - but a teardrop (remember, these are my goals and dreams!) would help with the elements and any critters that roar or bite that may want to hang out with me.

I have priced teardrops and can feasably afford one now, but am waiting - Yes, I am putting the "dream" off because ideally I would have company on my 20 to 40 day rambles around America in the summer - and right now that isn't possible because of the way my daughter's father and I split custody during the summer months... 

...but I am already prepping her for the fact that in about 11 years or less when she's 18 - 20 and I am in my early 50's, she's got plans. 

So far, at age 9, she seems slightly excited about the big roadtrip(s) I want to take with her... and in time I know that may not work because hearts change, so I am more than prepared to do it on my own if need be. 

I can do "solo" if I have to. How am I sure of this? Well, if I can camp up to 14 days at time in a tent I take down and put up, I think I can do this for double the time (or more). 

My dreams and goals for a nomadic travel adventure are only fueled by this blogger, photographer, writer, adventurer... The Blonde Coyote: http://theblondecoyote.com Reading her blog only adds fuel to the dream that started long before a friend said I needed to check her blog out. 

What are your dreams and goals? What goals are you setting to make your dreams come true? Feel free to comment or share with me! And if you want to take part in the blog challenge, join me! Let's link up! 

MK Designs Photography / Fine Art and Portrait 2014. (Most images and all words by me!)