2017: The Year I Get Off My A$$ & Do More!

2017 is here and unlike previous years, I feel like my goal for the year is fairly simple. Since 2016 was a bit of a wreck for me (I had some health problems), I didn't get off my ass nearly enough. 

Pardon the bluntness here, but it's true. 

I didn't get off my ass to walk, hike, camp, take photos, be social, and so much more. So, the not-so-politically correct goal for 2017 is to get off my ass. 

What better way to be held accountable for this goal than the blog you are now reading? Blogging about my yearly goals has worked up to this point, so why not now?! 

Here's what I have done so far to remedy the situation: 

On 12-13-16 I drove to Shaw Nature Reserve with my daughter. I purchased a family walking pass that is good for a year. 

Then, we ended 2016 by walking at Shaw for a couple of hours. 

On 1-1-17, we did it again, but hit different trails and took my mom along for the adventure. 

Granted, I can not go to Shaw every day, but I can go when weather and time allow. 

I am not limiting myself to Shaw, either. I know there are MANY other areas to explore on my feet and with my camera in 2017. However, now that I have spent money for the pass to Shaw, you can bet I am going to do all I can to make sure I come out ahead on that investment! 

There was a quote in the bathroom at Shaw Nature Reserve that really hit home with me. I feel it totally stresses the importance of the goal I have set for 2017. 

“Above all, do not lose your desire to walk. Everyday, I walk myself into a state of well-being & walk away from every illness. I have walked myself into my best thoughts, and I know of no thought so burdensome that one cannot walk away from it. But by sitting still, & the more one sits still, the closer one comes to feeling ill. Thus if one just keeps on walking, everything will be all right.”  -Kierkegaard

I hope you enjoy these images from 12-31-16 and 1-1-17 at Shaw Nature Reserve! 

Until next time,
~ M of MK Designs
mkdesignsphoto.com 

A 2016 Grade Card: How did I do?

In 2016 I set out on a mission to follow this statement: "I want to be a woman who overcomes obstacles by tackling them in faith instead of tiptoeing around them in fear."

I declared that at least once a month, if not more, I would face the following obstacles with faith and not fear. 

Cooking

Watching

Reading

Finishing

Uplifting

Expanding

So, how did I do? Here's my official grade card.

Cooking. B

I could have done better, but this was a HUGE improvement! Cheers to that! (PS This image is from a great little summer trip with my friend Jen!) 

Watching. B+

My Netflix finally paid for itself in 2016. I found new shows, movies, etc. to check out. I even decided to figure out what I could watch on Hulu and guess what? I found things on Hulu to enjoy! 

Oh, and I actually recommend the Tina Fey movie "Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot." It is NOT a comedy in my opinion (like advertised originally), but that's ok. I just watched it over Christmas Break and loved it. 

Reading. A+

I read more books in 2016 than I have read in the past 6 (or more) years combined. It was a pleasure to rediscover my love for reading. Forcing myself to slow down and enjoy a book has helped me on many levels. I am currently reading a novel by the title of "The Readers of Broken Wheel Recommend." My aunt Sarah suggested and loaned it to me. I am normally a non-fiction reader, but this one is interesting. 

Finishing. B-

My health had me "drained" for over half of 2016, so this didn't live up to my "hopes." However, I did finish a mosaic that was juried into an art show (gave myself a little extra credit on that to push my score to a B-). Also, in November and December I got my "omph!" back and finally tackled my laundry room and lower level bathroom that I had been meaning to update all year. Painting, redoing cabinets, new lights, etc. It's been an adventure! Goodbye yellowish brown and hello "moose antler." (Who comes up with some of these paint names?)

Uplifting. C+

Again, because over half of 2016 I was feeling pretty low due to some health issues, I didn't get to reach out to as many people as I had planned. I had the bar set high and I feel I could have done way better. However, when I did reach out to uplift others, I gave it my all. And, I learned that sometimes it's ok to admit you are the one in need of the "uplifting" because you aren't 100%. Below is a photo of one of those moments when I apparently needed some uplift in my life, so my student took charge of the situation. 

Expanding. A-

I have learned about all kinds of new things! I have been able to accomplish more because of the fact I have focused on expanding my knowledge and skill set about a variety of topics. It's ok to be a student at any age! 

Speaking of learning, look at that photo of the fireworks. I finally figured it out and I didn't have to contact my buddy Tyann for help over the summer! 

2017 is approaching...so what's my next move? 

I have an idea of what all I hope to accomplish in 2017. Some are based upon what I missed out on in 2016 because of being laid up on a couch so much. I'll share that "plan" in time, but for now I do want to thank those of you who enjoy my photography, my ramblings, etc. It means a lot to me. Sometimes I am not sure why I keep up this little blog, but then someone comments on the blog (or to my face) about something I have shared... then I realize that this does matter to some folks out there! 

I am going to leave you with a moment in which I smiled a LOT in 2016. Look at all those sand dollars I found while my daughter danced in the waves!

Have a great New Year!

~ M of MK Designs 

mkdesignsphoto.com

October Update: "There is something in October sets the gypsy blood astir." ~William Bliss

My "mantra" for 2016 is this: 

"I want to become a woman who overcomes obstacles by tackling them in faith instead of tiptoeing around them in fear."

Since May, I have had many moments of "fear." 

I have fears about my health, my career, finances, and more. However, at the end of the day, I am trying my hardest to meet them with faith and the belief that they will only strengthen me; not leave me defeated or broken. 

When I originally decided to focus on facing obstacles in faith, I didn't even think of adding health, finances, or my aging cats to that list. 

Yet, I am still sticking with the original list and plugging right along... 

Cooking. I have been cooking a lot more in 2016 and using my grill more often. I can grill a skirt steak that is out of this world and Karlene says I am mastering "oven-fried taters." Yes, we say "taters" in this house! I have also gotten better at preparing scallops and other foods that I typically only trust a "professional" to cook!

Watching. My latest veg out on the couch guilty pleasure is "Lakefront Bargain Hunt." I am impressed by not only the beauty of the homes, but by the fact they are more expensive than the one I live in. These are on the "bargain" list?!

A movie that I watched a few weeks ago that moved me deeply is "Unconditional." You can find it on Netflix. It is based on a true story and has a powerful message. Check it out! 

Reading. I cannot get over how many books I have read so far this year! If you visit this LINK, you'll learn more about some of them, as well as my mission to read more in 2016. 

Below are photos of all the books I have checked out since I have last updated this blog. 

NOTE: Two of them, Libby & Dying Out Loud, were highly recommended by my Grandma. 9 out of 10 times when she recommends a book, I end up loving it!

Finishing. Karlene and I figured that it was time to get back to work on our stepping stone project and we tackled that with beautiful results. We were able to add three more stepping stones to our outdoor collection. 

I also finally finished the mosaic I started YEARS ago. It's all Soulard Mardi Gras beads. It's only fitting that the final product was juried into a show at Soulard Art Gallery this past month! Below, you can see details of it in the lower right hand area of the photo collage. It's 16X20 and available for sale. Contact me if you are interested. 

Uplifting. I have received a lot of positive feedback about the Journalism Summit that I was able to help bring to Franklin County. Learn more HERE. I felt incredibly blessed to be a blessing to others that day. 

On another note, I love the bracelet I wore that day. My friend Jen is a KEEP designer and I love their jewelry with an uplifting message! 

Karlene and I also just finished our two Operation Christmas Child boxes. Additionally, we are both excited that our Compassion International Child, Beatrice, has been sending us letters! It's amazing to learn more about her life and how God is working in her life. 

Expanding. I have to admit that in this area, I am drowning in learning about women's health issues and how to deal with insurance companies. I am going to leave it at that. It wasn't on my list of new things to learn about, but "it is what it is" indeed! 

Last but not least, I want to brag about my child. 

She recently won First Place (again) in the annual Fire Safety Week poster contest in Washington, Missouri. 

Her poster goes on to the state contest this spring. 

If you can...  I want to toss this out there as a challenge for you today and every day.

Until next time,  

M of MK Designs 

October 2016

Fall Can Start... Anytime!

You may say Global Warming isn't real, but I don't think the first day of Fall temps should be in the 90's. 

I am ready for crisp air, colorful leaves, beautiful drives, and bonfires! 

The forecast calls for cooler temps soon, to which I say:

Last Sunday, it was in the 80's (muggy), but I had to get out. 

I loaded up Karlene, my camera, and hit the road for Robertsville State Park. I cannot stress how important it is to get out and explore the natural world. I am blessed to live in a state that values parks and public lands. 

Oh, and the light was beautiful. 


Enjoy these images:

Do you have a favorite? Feel free to comment on this blog post or on my facebook page. I love feedback!

Anxiously Awaiting Fall, 
~ MT of MK Designs
mkdesignsphoto.com 

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

Inspiration and a Clean Camera: an Afternoon Spent on MDC lands and Country Roads is NEVER a Waste of Time!

I have lacked inspiration to do much with photography lately. 

Yes, I have still been shooting and writing articles and entering shows, but I've had to drag myself through the process. 

This afternoon felt different. 

The air felt lighter, the sky was blue... around 2:30pm I was (dare I say) PERKY.

My daughter is the one who suggested the drive to MDC lands. I grabbed my recently-cleaned camera (thanks to Creve Coeur Camera) and decided it was time to give it a test run. 

The weather was perfect and my heart felt pretty light once we were on the road. 

We made our way 14 miles south of our home in Union, MO to Chouteau Claim Access. It is where the Bourbeuse River and the Meramec River meet. Karlene and I saw many people out enjoying the day, but it was the scenery that stole the show. 

After we finished exploring, we decided to drive 5 more miles to River 'Round Conservation Area. This is a unique area on the Meramec when viewed on a map. Its name makes perfect sense. 

We explored some areas near the river. I was still inspired to shoot. These are a few of my favorites from that spot:

As we were driving out of the area, we saw an old road that is now a foot trail that we want to go explore at a later date (preferably not during deer season). 

Overall, the afternoon was an enjoyable one. We had dinner in Union and even stopped by the Union Access on our way home. It was a quick stop and our third MDC land of the afternoon. I left my camera behind for that moment and instantly saw some sights that made me regret not having it. 

Creative slumps, feeling down in the dumps, and overall just unmotivated is NOT a fun way to be. I am thankful for this afternoon's burst of inspiration and energy. It has me thinking of one of my favorite verses:

Until next time,
M of MK Designs

PS My website has had an overhaul! You should go check it out: mkdesignsphoto.com