Mardi Gras/Fat Tuesday in Kentucky

Seeing as I have props for nearly every major holiday I knew if I didn't photograph my Mardi Gras props today, I would have to wait until next year. Or just look like a fool by doing it later. Not that I'm concerned with looking like a fool...I don't look like a fool, do I? No, of course not. Are you sure?

I shot some quick artsy fartsy pics and played with filters after. This is the result.

Oh by the by; I have changed my shipping on Etsy to free shipping in United States. That's right, you only pay for the print if you live in the US. :) Go have a look - after seeing these photos of course!

Since Fat Tuesday/Mardi Gras is about colors and bright designs, I chose the same feel for processing. There is just something about those colors!

 Buy this print!

Happy Fat Tuesday everyone!

My Sparkling Prize

Each day grows closer and closer to Christmas. I'm not going to spend this post ranting about how I'm not prepared...I think I covered it well in my previous post. Instead I'll spend this time on what I have accomplished; this shouldn't take long!

I was able to spend some quality time with my mom yesterday. We shopped until we dropped in Morristown and laughed the entire time. I forgot how much fun shopping can be when you have someone to take along for the ride.

I spotted an Eiffel Tower Christmas ornament at Pier 1 and like any thoughtful mother she bought it for me. From my first Christmas until now she has given me a new ornament every year. It's her little tradition - and I'm in love with this year's ornament! Our Christmas tree is too small for hanging ornaments, but the Tower still has a perminate spot..sparkling in front of the tree.

I couldn't wait to take photos of the silver glittered prize and now I am happy to share said photos with you. :)

May you find something sparkly to brighten your day!

My Enemy

Your mind is full of traps. Your heart will tell you to be strong and do what is right...while your mind talks you in to a panic. I have a new enemy; my mind. For 27 years I have fought the voices that make me doubt myself. I have fought the rage that comes from my mind rewinding hurtful events of my life. I have fought tears, so many tears. I have spent the past 2 weeks fighting this demon to no avail. At the beginning of my struggle I wrote this:

She is my own Diablo
Always hiding in shadows
Lurking like a thief
Watching and waiting for me to fail

I slip back to loon
My thoughts cloud with decay
My Diablo has found her chance
She swoops in, dragging me along

Deep down in the depths of my mind
Is always our return
To recall pain, humiliation and loss
The images...so vivid...

I weep tears of blood
I scream with a shriek
I claw at the memories
And I break...

Once my Diablo has control
I float thoughtlessly and still
She convinces me I am safe
She promises to protect me.

I believe her as we drift toward the bottom
I have never reached this point
Never touched the source
Oh how I long for answers

My heart won't allow me to stay
"This once" I beg
I don't want to leave
I wish to be alone, just my Diablo & me.

I took this photo some time last month. Between birthday parties, weddings and my own issues I haven't touched my own work. At the time the photo symbolized a new day...it was morning and the plant at my kitchen sink window was preparing for the day. Now I see this symbol as my own sanity. With every drop I feel it falling further away.

My mind is winning the battle; but my heart won't give up yet.

Mika.

Kentucky Flora In June

Kentucky Flora In June

"I wonder what it would be like to live in a world where it was always June."
-  L. M. Montgomery

Of course we will never know, but my imagination draws me to a place that is full of blue skies, birds chirping and our trademark Kentucky Bluegrass swaying in the breeze. However; this is the 9th day of July and the harsh summer sun has scolded me back to reality. I suppose these photographs will have to suffice until next June.

<3

Mika

May Flowers

Day 106 I had a visit with my parents today. Mom cried over her card and I took a lot of pictures of flowers (and muffins). It was a good day.

If you are reading this, you will see I've changed the blog a little. It was getting on my nerves. Anyone like, hate or feel indifferent about the change I made?

The prints I ordered last week came in today. It was like Christmas all over again. It really doesn't take much to excite me...which is a good thing I guess. :)

Until tomorrow.

Mika.

Day 100

Day 100. 265 more to go. OMG! haha. So I'm sure you are curious...what sort of photos did I take on my one hundredth day? Easter Sunday photos at my parents. Thomas and I spent the afternoon with my Mom and Dad. Dinner was wonderful and I captured some great shots.

They (the photos) pretty much speak for themselves.

They call him Stumpy (he has a stump tail)...he is a stray that has taken up at my parents. He is a cool ass cat and if I didn't already have too many animals I'd take him.

For my photo shoot the following day (yesterday) I bought a bubble blower...of course I had to test it out Sunday...you know, to make sure it worked. lol. My Golden Retriever Starr chased and ate all the bubbles she could. I managed to catch her in the act.