“The earth laughs in flowers.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson

Wild.

Tame.

Colorful. 

Exotic.

What is it with our love affair with flowers?

Perhaps it's that no two really seem to be alike 

(like snowflakes and humans), or it's the fact

they wear colors that excite the eyes and 

release fragrant smells that delight the nostrils.

Monet said, "I must have flowers...always, always..." 

He poured so much into not only 

his paintings, but his gardens that inspired those 

pieces of art still admired today.

We grow them.

Give them.

Paint them.

Photograph them.

It's an industry in itself.

It's estimated nearly $2 billion is spent yearly

 on flowers for Valentine's Day alone! 

The floral industry in the USA was

$32.085 BILLION in 2011. 

A fact that shocked me at first.

After some thought, I decided to think about all the

gardens, nurseries, landscape businesses, etc.

just in my area where I live. There are so many!

Of course we love flowers and beautiful 

things in our yards, on vases on our tables... 

it just makes sense the industry is that huge in the 

USA, even in a poor economy.

I've been blessed to live close to the Missouri Botanical Gardens, 

and see other spots that have such beauty like the

Biltmore Gardens in North Carolina. I find flowers, trees, shrubs, etc

to be calming, beautiful, and very photogenic...

I must add, not one flower I have photographed

has seen themself in a photo and asked me to 

delete it. The fact they can't argue with how 

I photograph them - that's a bonus!

All words and images by MK Designs. http://mkdesignsphoto.weebly.com/

June 2013. Please do not copy without permission! 

Contact me if you'd like any of these images on canvas, framed/unframed prints, aluminum, notecards, or more!

I love...

I love hearing my step-father laugh as he watches a Mel Brooks movie (who doesn't love Mel Brooks!??!)

I love being surrounded by water... not submerged... but surrounded...

I love to dip my toes in a spring-fed creek.

I love my family and friends.

I love the many hats I wear in my life.

I love having a nice little "jolt" that makes me remember: there's more to love than to not love in life... so enjoy it. 

So I've decided time for a little - Less bitchin' and more fishin' 

- as the song goes! :)

All words and photos by MK Designs, except Mel Brooks Spaceballs :)

See my website http://mkdesignsphoto.weebly.com/ for more details on what we can do for you!

June 2013

Lake of the Ozarks State Park 2013

In April I was able to help celebrate my friend's 40th birthday in Eldon, MO.

I can't be that close to a state park with weather like that and not go take a look.

In this case, it was a park I have been to many times over the years: Lake of the Ozarks State Park.

The difference was that this time I took my daughter. She loved the water! The waves splashing over the rocks near the Public Beach resulted in a lot of giggles!

The waves were KICKIN' :)

We decided a hike was in order and we hit Fawn's Ridge Trail (marked yellow) opting for the 1.25 mile loop.

Spring was starting to show herself in the woods near the Lake.

The hike was pretty easy, some gentle ups and downs... until the end. The steps leading back out had my happy girl a little annoyed with me, but it was worth it. Once we reached the top - 4 deer ran past us! Naturally, my camera was off and not at hand! If only I had known... isn't there a quote about hindsight? ha!

It's easy to turn off the treadmill and give up, but on a hike - not the case! 

I love our Missouri State Parks, maybe more than I love Photography! (shhh, don't tell!)

If you want more information on Lake of the Ozarks State Park, visit their site: http://www.mostateparks.com/park/lake-ozarks-state-park

If you want more information on MK Designs, see my website: http://mkdesignsphoto.weebly.com/

All images and words by MK Designs - Published June 2013. Please do not copy without permission!

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.