Franklin County Area Photographers ROCK!

I have to say I am in love with this little "network" that Tyann Marcink started. It's Franklin County Area Photographers.

My entry for FCAP April 2012 Photo Hunt
"Three" - I still love this image, even though
I should not have touched this "leaf" lol :)

We take photo walks, share tips and images online through Facebook and more, and also do monthly scavenger/photo hunts.

"Tracks" an image I got last summer for the Photo Hunt.
Printed this on metallic paper and had it juried into
TWO shows. I never would have looked for this
image if I had not had my "list" for the photo hunt!
Thank you FCAP! 

Those hunts have helped push me to see the world more and has done the same thing for my daughter. Karlene may only be 8, but she participates and really enjoys the hunts, especially when she actually "wins" from time-to-time.

"Nose" by Karlene at age 7 for the
September 2012 FCAP Photo Hunt.
This one just cracked me up! :)
It's ok to be funny with photos!

I love that FCAP helps people of all ages and skill levels learn to see the world and look for unique shots. Afterall, the vast "purpose" of photography (in my humble opinion) is learning to see. 

The very first FCAP Hunt I took part in...
"Shadows" - this one stumped me, but with
the right light streaming through the
right lace - you can get some interesting
effects. Not my "normal" shot at all. 

Do you want to learn more about FCAP? Look up Franklin County Area Photographers on Facebook or see their blog: http://franklincountyareaphotographers.blogspot.com/


For more information about my (and Karlene's) work - look up MK Designs Photography / Fine Art and Portrait on Facebook or simply go to my website: http://mkdesignsphoto.weebly.com/

All words and images by MK Designs, please do not copy or "borrow" without permission. 2013.

Letting Go... Moving Forward...

I saw beauty on a walk with my mom a few weeks ago.

Today - I am feeling a bit reflective & this is more of a "personal" blog entry than my usual.

Perhaps it's one of the following things (or all of them?)

- I am about to turn 40.

Me - Hair tame, Hair Wild, Love my Child, &
Walks in the Wood (camera in tow!)

- My daughter is becoming a young woman right before my eyes.

This fall before a wedding. I was blown away!

- I recently had my "love life" turned upside down by someone who by all accounts I shouldn't care so much for anymore, but retraining the heart after decades of thinking pretty fondly of someone - that doesn't work - does it? (I think most family and friends would prefer me to go "Miranda Lambert" on him. ha!)

Flowers - on at least 3 occassions I was
showered with roses. :)

- I am watching so many people I love age, but what Stevie Nicks sang rings true... "I am getting older too..."

My dear friend Christy just turned 40. I joke
she'll always be older than me... but WOW.
Weren't we just 17 / 18 and running around
Mary's Home, Missouri?!?! 

Maybe those are all factors... but - I am starting to let go of a lot of possessions and "things" that have lost their use in my life. They no longer bring joy or serve a purpose, and sometimes feel like dead weight.

#1. My Car. It had bittersweet memories and beginnings... and a tragic run with constant issues. It's like it had a target on it for anything and anyone to damage it. The car is gone. And, now it's time for "Betty" to be on the scene.

Me and Betty - my new to me 2011 Ford Escape.
Fitting because I love to Escape! 

#2. My House. My exhusband and I built together in our 20's. Now it's just Karlene and I... and it's just not the "space" that feels good for us.

Beautiful little house, I am a bit sad to say Farewell to.

I had been looking at homes for years... and found one just up the hill and to the left that I adored last summer... but I kept talking myself out of it until someone talked me into it. While he may be gone now, I see that "push" is what I needed.

Almost double the square foot, beautiful "bones", and
I can't go on enough about the backyard and space!

Right now I am packing like a wild woman, selling & donating & trashing things I no longer need or use - because after months it would appear I have a buyer for my home and the home up the hill and to the left will (Lord-Willing!) be mine in just a few weeks!?

52 boxes packed, countless items donated - trashed - or sold!
It's a start for sure. - "Cheers" to Betty! 

I don't want to literally "burn" my past, because
it has defined me and I think "me" is pretty ok
when she's not having her "Miranda Lambert"
moments... but it's time to move on. 

Wish me luck, keep me in your prayers, and know that if you ever feel the urge to pack, purge, lift, haul, or more... your chance could happen in the next few weeks!

Images (most of them) and all words -  by MK Designs Photography - Please do not reproduce without permission.

See my website at: http://mkdesignsphoto.weebly.com/

Go. Outside. (Inspired by my favorite quote)

I can admit that Duck Dynasty kinda makes sense. You got troubles, GO OUTSIDE. Recently I was reminded yet again how wonderful a walk in the Missouri woods is, and how exciting it can be to finalize and book that beachside condo in Florida. 

Mexico Beach, FL 2012

It also reminded me of my favorite quote that is on my personal facebook page, by a young woman wise beyond her years. I want to share it with you today.

Mount Evans, Colorado 2010 

“The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quite alone with the heavens, nature and God.

Council Bluffs Lake - Mark Twain National Forest, Missouri 2011

Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature.

The Alabama Hills, California 2010

As longs as this exists, and it certainly always will, I know that then there will always be comfort for every sorrow, whatever the circumstances may be.

Tybee Island, Georgia 2009

And I firmly believe that nature brings solace in all troubles.”
    - Anne Frank

One foot in California, one in Nevada. 2009.
I love being in two places at once. 

All images by MK Designs. See my website: MK Designs Photography - Fine Art and Portrait Feel free to share with others, but please do not take images without permission. Thank you. 

April 2013

After death, there is life... After winter, there is spring... (April 2013)

This artist has had an interesting (to say the least) March 2013.

Buds bursting forth after a long
cold winter at Roberstville State Park.

I am blessed that April 2013 (despite any rough spots I will face) is already shaping up to be a good next chapter in my life.

Rain drop hanging from a tree in Pacific, MO.
See the tiny tree reflection in the droplet? :)

Nothing like a little walk in the woods at Robertsville State Park to remind me that after the rain, there is growth -- after the snow melts, green is revealed -- after loss, there is gain. And through it all, I have a higher power watching out for me.

I noticed I was being watched &
started a staring contest with this
wise soul. Always comforting to know that
someone wise (I'd believe that's God)
is looking out for your best interests. 

Life, death, rebirth, gain, loss: it's all a cycle. It's that ride called life and it's a ride I have no desire to stop anytime soon.

Yes, there may be storms...

My rain-soaked umbrella...

However, once those storms pass and the clouds break beauty remains...

Clouds breaking to reveal a beautiful Spring Sky.

... and we have to remember storms bring forth life.

This beauty caught my eye on
Spicebrush Trail at Robertsville State Park.

Last, but certainly not least, it's so important to remember we can't stop reaching for the sky - for our dreams - no matter how rough some storms may be.

Spicebrush Trail. Robertsville State Park. April 2013.

"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Images can be purchased: canvas, framed or unframed prints, notecards... YOU NAME IT! Just contact me via the contact form on my website: MK Designs Photography or on my facebook page: MK Designs Photography / Fine Art and Portrait.

All words and images by the "M" of MK Designs. April 2013.

Walking Around... Hermann, Missouri

I am part of the Franklin County Area Photographers group. It's a great resource and fun way to get ideas, share tips, have a support system, and more. I am thankful Tyann Marcink set this up for all of us. One thing we also do are photo walks. We had one in early, early March in Hermann, Missouri.

One word: C O L D

Do you see Italy in the ice? I did! 

But it didn't stop me or any of the rest of us from clicking a few pics and enjoying a meal at Wings A Blazin' (I highly recommend this place).

Here's some of my personal favorites from the walk.

Define "dead" - this flower looks pretty "alive" to me!

This is my "window shopping" and if you look close enough and know
me well enough you'll see a lot of items that describe me well in this image. 

Harbor House - Complimentary Colors. Beautiful Decay. 

I do believe there's been MANY "Garage Sales" and "Wine Trails" papers
hung to this light pole - what do you think?

All images by MK Designs - see my website at http://mkdesignsphoto.weebly.com/ and like me on Facebook. 

For more information about Franklin County Area Photographers: look them up on Facebook or see their blog: http://franklincountyareaphotographers.blogspot.com

March 2013. MK Designs Photography Fine Art and Portrait

On... Love.

Pondering, of all things...

...Love.

In "Sense and Sensibility" a tender-hearted woman throws caution to the wind - for love. Her lack of sense tells her to follow her heart...

Many promises made alone, flowers, and sweet words exchanged... 

Sunsets and promises shared...

Suddenly he chooses another... a more "sensible" choice... honoring his public persona he's created... a choice that leaves her alone - staring out the window - waiting for him to come back over the hill to see her once again...

He doesn't return, she falls to utter dispair, only to have her sister and a man who has secretly loved her from a distance pick her up and assure her that indeed it was not her, it was him. It was nothing wrong with her character, her love, her true inner self - he felt cornered into a choice, and he foolishly didn't choose her. 

Despite her broken heart, she slowly heals and learns the man who loved her from a distance, who helped pull her back up - was the stronger man and was worth a second glance. 

It ends with the girl marrying that man... with the other man who didn't choose her watching from the hill upon his horse full of regret for allowing his one chance of true love get away. 

- Jane Austin had her stuff together, didn't she? :)

If you want to, please "like" our facebook at MK Designs / Fine Art and Portrait or go to our website at:

http://mkdesignsphoto.weebly.com

Until March 31, any one who comments which image is their favorite from this blog entry will get entered into a drawing for a prize from MK Designs!

All images and words courtesy of MK Designs and Jane Austin (paraphrased!) :)

March 2013. 

Winter Blues. Cabin Fever. Dreams of Other Places.

Here in Missouri I am finding myself in yet another "Winter Funk."

I feel like all I do is eat, sleep, and avoid the cold.

Let me explain this to you: if it's 19 degrees I expect some snow with that so we can DO SOMETHING on a sled, etc. BUT - NO SNOW again this winter.

Just dry. And the weather has been a yo-yo with temperature gains and drops.

It just has me dreaming of other places, times, and temperatures... of moments such as these:

The first blooms on the tree in my front yard in Union, MO.

The suprise of finding a place like this in America!
Burney Falls in Northern, CA.
Just took my breath away.

The view of a farm near Trealor, MO as the sun slipped away
on a lovely September night as I killed a little
time till I got to pick up my daughter from a birthday party.

The view of the never-ending hills and mountains
from Mount Shasta in Northern California.

Haystack. Oregon Coast. Something that never
gets old. I have seen this 3 times now and I
eagerly await my 4th!

Remember to "like" MK Designs Photography / Fine Art and Portrait on Facebook and to see our website at:  http://mkdesignsphoto.weebly.com/ 

All words and images by the M of MK Designs, do NOT copy or use without permission. All images are available for purchase, just contact us for details! http://mkdesignsphoto.weebly.com/

Published Winter 2013.