What is Wealth?

First year of college. To this day, I am thankful my mom made this financially possible.

In 42 1/2 years I have ran the full range of financial situations. 
I have...

• gone from having close to three figures in a bank account to being wiped out with the snap of my fingers. 
• lived paycheck to paycheck.
• had savings for rainy days that never seemed to end. 
• managed to live credit card debt free until I went a little "spend happy" on home improvements and quickly learned how challenging that can be to actually pay off. 
• known to never EVER touch my retirement fund. Yes, I have a retirement fund.
• paid with cash to save money. 
• bartered services to save money.
• been jealous of those who have more.
• felt ashamed for taking for granted how well I live.
• been told, "we can't afford that" and hated it.
• have said, "we can't afford that" and understood why self-control matters.

However, I have never been poor.

Felt very "rich" on this trip to Illinois!

I've been accused of being poor by a man who claimed to love me. Perhaps for a time I even believed it. Yet, I recognize now how much of a lie that really is. 

I'd rather keep my childhood spent in a two bedroom mobile home in the woods without fancy dinners and the latest gadgets, than trade it for one in a stick-built house in a subdivision. 

Visiting Paddy Creek in 2012. One of the places my parents took me as a child. Free and fun!

Why? 

Love. 

Family. 

Connection to nature. 

Connection to self. 

Appreciation for the little things. 

My daughter and I love our free and fun creeks, too!

What makes a person "rich" in America? I think so many of us have the wrong answer. It's not the square footage of your house, it's the joy you find in living. It's not having the latest iPhone, it's having someone on the other end you actually want to speak to...or better yet, WANTS TO SPEAK TO YOU!

Hiking with my mom at a state park. 

If you have clean water, a warm bed, food on your plate, and people who love you... 

...you are rich beyond measure. 

You are far from poor. You are rich in my eyes. 

Until next time, 

M of MK Designs

mkdesignsphoto.com

February FLEW past me...A continuation of my New Year's Goals for 2016

BACK TO...Cooking. Watching. Reading. Finishing. Uplifting. Expanding. 

Cooking. Didn't get into new dishes in February, but did work on some that I am yet to perfect. Made my second "stew" and this time was bold enough to share it with my family. Also, tried shredded chicken tacos again. I am so glad I am figuring out how to use my crockpot for more than chili! 

Watching. I hit the Netflix jackpot this past month! These are all suggestions from co-workers and students. 

Meet the Patels is an A+ in my book. I enjoyed this film so much, I had my mom come over and watch it with me on my second viewing. It is both educational and entertaining. I recommend it to anyone. 

The Road Within has some charm, despite the horrid language that even kinda got under my skin and I cuss like a sailor! I would give it a B. I do want to point out that the "language" stems from a character's mental health issues. I do like that this film takes a hard look at many things like OCD, Anorexia, and more. 

And, Fuller House may not be "grade worthy," but when I watch the episodes this warm blanket of nostalgia wraps itself around me. I kinda like it. Maybe it's like that last minute extra credit assignment that you try to do? Ha! 

Reading. I just finished Larry Hagman's autobiography "Hello Darling." It was a very enjoyable read and I passed it on to my mom. Larry certainly LIVED his life to say the least! 

Currently, I am on Chapter 3 of a book titled "Generation iY." My friend and guidance counselor at my school, Katie Sandoval, both suggested and loaned me this must-read. It's helping me understand SO MUCH about this current generation we are dealing with in our society. 

Finishing. I am still attempting to make sense of the mosaic project that I have mentioned several times. I have the first layer totally in, but feel there are holes to fill in. With a little bit more time, I think it will be "photo worthy" for the blog! 

Uplifting. I am so happy that some of the people I am trying to uplift are seeing some results. For example, one girl I have tried to help along the way was just honored by the national Journalism Education Association as the Missouri State High School Journalism Student of the Year! Now, she and I get to work more on her portfolio to help her on the national level. Seeing her smile and joy is so worth it. 

On another note, I also sent a homemade gift to my friend in Texas to thank him for his friendship and for letting me stay with him this past fall. I think he was very excited. His text to me thanking me for it made me feel so good. Uplifting others is so rewarding. Making sure we express our gratitude is something everyone needs to work on (myself included). I like this part of my 2016 Goals. 

Here is an uplift for anyone reading this right now. I stumbled upon these points of scripture at church today, and it's something I really want to put into practice more in my life. 

Expanding. I will finally admit I am trying to expand my wardrobe. Don't panic. I am not totally going to break the bank or destroy my beloved t-shirts and hoodies!

I did a free trial for a clothing rental company and I like it. So, I went ahead and paid for another month. This could be something I keep doing if it keeps going well. I go online, build my closet, they send me items as I return them, and postage is included. I can have three items out at once. I hate shopping and this seems like a way to freshen up my clothing options, dress up more, and not spend an excessive amount of bank. I didn't think I'd enjoy this as much as I am. 

So, do you have any suggestions for me? What should I be...

...Cooking, Watching, Reading, or Expanding?

I am always open to suggestions!  

Until next time, 

~ M of MK Designs

March 2016

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 

Building a Following, SALES?!, Real Men, and Holiday Scenes!

BUILDING A LITTLE FOLLOWING... #humbled
What was once post views of maybe 20 to 50 (on a good day), my blog is picking up some readership in 2014 with several entries hitting over 100 reads/views. 

My top 5 posts so far in 2014 are these entries:

Kill the Apps & Do NOT Force It!
http://mkdesignsphoto.blogspot.com/2014/11/kill-apps-do-not-force-it.html

A Tactical Error: LaBarque Creek Missouri

http://mkdesignsphoto.blogspot.com/2014/10/a-tactical-error-labarque-creek-missouri.html

What is in my heart... "Yellow" (RIP Mr. Williams, and all the others who have been lost lately...)

http://mkdesignsphoto.blogspot.com/2014/08/what-is-in-my-heart-yellow-rip-mr.html

Learning How to See

http://mkdesignsphoto.blogspot.com/2014/06/learning-how-to-see.html

I like being 40

http://mkdesignsphoto.blogspot.com/2014/02/i-like-being-40.html

SALES?! 
In an effort to perhaps make a little more "green" on the artwork... I am attempting a cafepress site/store: http://www.cafepress.com/mkdesignsphotography and also trying to take part in Small Biz Saturday at my friend's shop in town. 

REAL MEN
Lately, I have been thinking about men. What makes a man "real" in my eyes? Sometimes it seems my blog posts where I open my heart are the ones you guys seem to like most... so maybe this will appeal to you, offend you, or neither... but here goes...

My stepdad. He's a real man. 
He provides, cares for, and loves us. 
He's a wonderful grandpa to my daughter. 
He turns the lights on when he knows it's dark and I am on my way. 
He doesn't want me (or anyone) to trip in the dark. 
If something needs fixed, he finds a way to help. 
If you need a hug, he's quick to do so. 
That's a real man.

My friend Kris' husband Matt. 
The longer they are married, and especially now they are parents, I see what a great man he is. 
He will take off work in the middle of the day to help Kris out if someone calls in sick to work at her home daycare. 
He gladly holds Ryan and tells Kris and I to "go have fun" when I am there to visit. 
The love he has for his wife and their son is so evident. 
He's indeed a real man in my eyes.

Those are just two examples. Yet, I know many more. 

~ Curt who loves his wife and being called "Grampi" by his grandbaby Emily just melts my heart. I've never seen a guy so in love with his family, or have I? ;-)

~ My friend at work... her husband openly encouraged her to take back the name of her children when their father (her ex-husband) passed away too soon. Incredibly kind and unselfish. I know many a man who would expect his wife to have "his" name, often pouting as they say so. (Yes, I have personally witnessed a few men pitch a fit when they have a woman express they want their own name.) 

~ Another friend at work... he will bend over backwards to make sure his wife and 3 daughters are happy... sometimes to the point I worry he's not taking care of himself enough, but yet he does it. 

~ I know a man (from my 'day job') who fell in love with his wife when he couldn't even drive a car yet. Decades, many years of marriage, and 2 kids later, he's still just as crazy about that woman. 

I could go on and on. 

What makes a man real? He provides, loves, cares... Similar to what I believe makes a woman real. 

Love. It looks good on so many people. 

Selfishness, lies, cheating and "mooching" never look good on any man (or woman), yet I know too many who fit that mold, too. (WAY too many!) And, they make no effort to break free of that mold and be clothed in love. 

The thing is, I know MANY real men are out there... maybe one day one will be more than my friend or relative and actually want to date me, eh? lol (Not holding my breath.)

HOLIDAY SCENES...
Miss K (my daughter) and I got our downstairs ready for the Holidays. Enjoy some scenes from our home... May your December be brilliant and beautiful! 

And... remember the reason for the season, my friends! 

I think Zoey enjoyed "homework" while we decorated!
My daughter's backpack and book report aka
"quilt" must have really set the stage for a nap!

~ Love, Michelle of MK Designs Photography 
Christmas Season 2014 

Kill the Apps & Do NOT Force It!

KILL THE APPS!

A little over a week ago, I had nearly three full pages of apps (some housed within folders) on my iPhone. I am now down to a page and 1/2 of apps... and many of those folders are cut nearly in half of their contents. 

As I have pulled more and more apps off my iPhone, I have found it has made me more focused on:
1. using it to create task lists for work (and get those tasks done!)
2. as well as focus more on what really matters within the confines of that little device: communication with ones I care for
3. research for work and a state office I hold for scholastic journalism
4. inspiration for my own photography and actually getting more done with my own photography instead of just "thinking about it" 

It's also helped me take a step back and realize this is more important than ever... 

DO NOT FORCE IT! aka IF YOU BUILD IT, THEY WILL COME. 

Over the years I have heard over and over how much "work" a relationship is. And, that's for any relationship: family, lover, spouse, friend, etc. 

However, I just don't buy it anymore. Yes, relationships require work in that you may have to drop everything (not because you're forced to but because you want to) in order to try to comfort a friend. However, it shouldn't be this sense of "obligation" or a "chore." 

1992 Senior Prom. My friend Emily Rose. Met the first day of Freshman Year of HS. Have we always been in constant touch? No. We have had our years and months on hiatus, but that's ok. I would like to hope she knows by now I am here. Always. And, I know by now she has my back as well. We don't have to always be in each other's business to know we are friends. This beautiful person, my friend Emily, has one of the biggest hearts and I just love her laugh. Nothing "forced" - we just let it happen. And, sometimes it doesn't happen... and that's ok. :-)

One thing I have figured out in the past few months is this: if anyone (family, loves, friends, etc.) thinks being around me is a "chore" - then don't bother. Yeah, I guess I am finally "saying it" - you don't have to like me. I am not everyone's cup of tea (or shot of whiskey) and that is ok. 

Me. Today. 2014. Rained on & a little tired, but content! 

For too long I made the mistake of staying in relationships (of all kinds) that weren't working...trying to force things into place. (maybe you have been guilty of that, too?) I have finally learned, that just like eating too much fast food, that kind of life is not healthy for any party involved. 

It's perfectly ok to take a break, and pick back up (or not!) in a few months or years if a relationship is a "chore" or "forced" to the point of discomfort. Forcing the issue or trying to chase down a "relationship" only makes matters tense to the point of ugliness. I have seen enough of that in my lifetime. I'm ready for some beauty. 

This weekend was beauty. 

If you do what you love, the right people come into your life.

If you love yourself, others often love you more. 

This was my first full "free" weekend since Labor Day... and every day there was a special person involved that contacted me for my time.

"I do not want to take long walks in the rain." Well, looks like I did! (photo thanks to Slava!)

Leslie invited me to dinner Friday with her daughter and her daughter's boyfriend. All her plan. Miller's Grill. Yum! :-)

Kris - for months has plotted out this weekend getaway. She came up to visit Saturday to Sunday morning. She said she didn't care what we did, just that she wanted to be with me. ((honored)) We did so much around downtown Washington and beyond...AND we were able to fit in a quick visit with my parents too! #Blessed 

Sunday afternoon, my friend Slava (http://www.slavabowman.com) and I finally redeemed the tickets she bought us this summer for the new Photography Museum in St. Louis... and found a stellar place to eat! She invited me to do this in the summer! 

International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum http://www.iphf.org

The Fountain on Locust! WOW! http://www.fountainonlocust.com/

Every person I saw and spent time with this weekend initiated that contact. Wanted my time. Sought my friendship and company. THAT feels so good. 

If you find yourself in a situation where you are the one ALWAYS making the contact, ALWAYS forcing the time together to happen... STOP. Re-eval the situation. Is spending that much energy on people who aren't interested really worth it? In some cases, yes - in most... I dare say... no. Free up your time for the people who actually do want you in their lives and share commonalities with you. Open yourself up to new experiences and people. It's ok. 

Reluctant selfies (KRIS!), Bob Dotson loves me & my kids/students on twitter, raindrops on a Sunday morning, my mantra for my spare time, a new project I will encounter soon thanks to the Painted Home http://thepaintedhomes.com, and cozy quilts (thank you, mom). 

Remember... we are only here for so long. Nothing is promised here as far as how long we get to be on Planet Earth. Enjoy it. Don't waste precious energy on negativity 24/7 and embrace the beauty around you. 

Again, "I do not want long walks in the rain." Well, ended up I did want them because we had a blast. 

Much love and well wishes...
Until next time, 
M of MK Designs
November 2014 

The life I am living, the blogs I am loving, & the thoughts I am having...

The life I am living...
I think today's sermon by one of our church leaders (since my Pastor is indeed a deer hunter!) was spot on... it's about passion. It's about having a life that you stood up for something. It's about people not talking about how you died, but how you lived. It's about those quiet moments you stand up and live life... not just muddle through and let it pass by. One of the best sermons I have heard. Ken Click rocked it!

Ken chose this for his sermon today!

Blogs I am loving...
Since this is a little blog I keep...that technically makes me a blogger!  So what blogs do I enjoy (besides my own)? Glad you asked! 
1. The Blonde Coyote. http://theblondecoyote.com
2. Olive & Ash. http://oliveandashstudio.blogspot.com
3. Camping Missouri. http://campingmissouri.org
4. Re-Discover Washington http://rediscoverwashington.org
5. Happy Lark. (formerly This is Elizabeth) http://www.happylarkdesigns.com
As you can see, art & nature & creativity & Missouri are my reoccurring themes... not just in my photography and in my life, but in blogs I enjoy! 

Thoughts I am having...1. After the past week especially,  this is on my mind... "I believe that the present suffering is nothing compared to the coming glory that is going to be revealed to us." (Romans‬ ‭8‬:‭18‬ CEB)

The sunset this past Friday on the way towards Mary's Home, Missouri for my friend's sister's visitation. A very sad weekend indeed. Celebrations of life... funerals... wakes... whatever you call them, they are hard. 

2. Chicken & dumplings! Snow & chilly temps in the teens just makes me crave them. How do you make yours? I am used to my mom's & grandma's big fluffy dumplings...but in south central Missouri it's a different story! This past Saturday I again found myself with their version...which is more like a thick noodle for a dumpling. How can this be?!

THIS is how Chicken and Dumplings should look folks! lol 

3. Our Capitol...Washington DC. I think I am now up to 5 times I have been there, but still need to go again! Action items on my to-do list:- cherry blossoms- go inside the Capitol- the spy museum- the National Geographic Society.

A couple taking a selfie at one of my favorite places... The WWII Memorial.

The Newseum is a MUST SEE! I love going here...

4. I've been unloading, deactivating, & deleting a lot of games & social media apps these past 3 weeks. Huge weight lifted! 

Color in DC last weekend... looking forward to more time clicking than skimming and playing on the old iPhone! 

As always thanks for stopping by. I gotta get motivated to order & frame a few items for an upcoming art show I am hopeful to gain acceptance into. I'll keep you guys posted about that here and/or on my Facebook page. 

An image I need to print and frame for consideration into an Art Show soon!

Have a blessed week. - The M of MK Designs... Michelle Nov 2014