I Have This Hope...For Healing!

Life's been intense. 

From one extreme to another seems to be the theme, but I've kept up so far on my 2017 goal of getting off my keister to hike, walk, and now camp more. For that, I am quite content. Haven't lost a pound, but I've gained more confidence and some amazing experiences. 

So much beauty out there...off the couch and out the front door!

On a totally different note, I've been contemplating the struggles I've watched people I care for endure... 

I wish the answer was a simple as "get off your arse and go walk in nature." 

Granted, a good walk in the woods can lead to healing on many levels, but some wounds run so deep that it's hard to heal that quickly or simply. 

See the heart? I found this at Hickory Canyons Natural Area (MO).

In the end, all I can do is pray, listen, offer time, and hope like crazy the physical ailments, the emotional drains, and broken hearts can be healed. Simply put, it hurts me to see people hurt. 

Yet, I do not want my empathy to be taken as pity. I know the people I see subjected to the trials of life are strong and would hate to be the subject of "poor him/her" thoughts. (As would I, too!) 

While the "right" words escape me, my parting uplifting thoughts include;

* Keep Swimming (Dory).

* Be Still and Know...

* "No matter who you are, no matter what you did, no matter where you've come from, you can always change, become a better version of yourself."

* Kindness Matters.

* Fresh Air Clears the Mind.

* "One ought, every day at least, to hear a little song, read a good poem, see a fine picture, and, if it were possible, to speak a few reasonable words."

* When in doubt, listen to "Three Little Birds."

* Give it to God. 

* Just breathe... and know you have a friend out there who is thinking of you!

May your worries and troubles be healed, 

the M of MK Designs Photography

June 1, 2017

Lately... Ice, Kindness, Encouragement, Instagram, and more!

If you are new the party, welcome. :-)

Lately, it's been a bit difficult to get off my a$$ and walk/photograph more. Mother nature isn't very cooperative. On the days I am at the "day job" - she likes to toss me 60+ degree weather. The days I do not work are comprised of ice that could break my back. 

Yes, 1-13-17 is quite a time. Ice storm, Friday the 13th, and a full moon. I can't say I blame Soulard Art Gallery (and banks, schools, businesses, etc.) for closing. Tonight's opening of the "Driven to Abstraction II" show I am in has been postponed until next Friday. 

So today, I forced myself to get off my a$$ by working towards bettering my "photographic world." 

I got a wild hair in 2017 and decided it was time to try Instagram again for MK Designs. So, today I read tutorials to add an instagram widget to my website mkdesignsphoto and to this blog you are reading. Wasn't easy, but I figured it out. 

Then, I designed a simple ad for my MK Designs facebook page that will also go in a local high school newspaper. I was gifted free advertising by a fellow photographer who had already purchased for the whole year, but is deciding to scale back a bit. I am blessed that through our friendship she thought of me when she made this decision. 

I don't understand the need to be in "competition" with fellow artists and photographers to the point of petty backstabbing or undercutting each other. Friendly competition is a good thing, but taking it too far burns bridges. I am thankful that the bridge between she and I is a strong one. 

On that note, I am excited that not only I made the "Driven to Abstraction II" show in Soulard, but another local photographer did, too. She even gave me a shout out on social media for it! 

I am a firm believer in kindness and encouragement. When I saw some of the work she posted, I felt it was perfect for a show. I didn't hesitate to let her know. THIS is how we should all treat each other, don't you think?

I have to admit that there's other things I could do today (1-13-17) to get off my a$$, but after adding more content to my website, starting this blog post, and many other things... my couch and a book are screaming my name. 

More to come later...