Some happiness to share

As captured by my Instagram yesterday: I call this my Perma-Grin look!  Why all the happy and smile you ask?  Well, I have accepted a new job this week and I couldn't be happier!

It has been time for something new in that aspect for awhile so when this opportunity came along I jumped at it and landed it!

Looking so forward to new challenges...it feels like a huge weight has been lifted and I truly believe that God has been preparing me for this for sometime now that I look back on the last few years.  I have asked Him "Why?" on so many things and now I know! I love when I finally get the answers.  It makes me know that I MUST trust Him - I mean I know I must trust Him, but sometimes it is easier said that done!  

So, let's just say this perma-grin is brought to you in full by my great God!

This is another Instagram from yesterday.  This little message was put on the public restroom mirror at work that I use many months ago.   I have looked at it daily just knowing it was put there for me! Well, yesterday when I saw it, I actually burst into tears!  Tears of happiness for knowing without a doubt it was for me!  The cool part about it is I am sure it has touched others who frequent that ladies' room in the same way. 

People are so cool when they do little things like this that make such a huge impact on others....I know whomever put this message up was totally led by God. 

I plan to put up a little message similar to this in a random public place and I challenge you to do the same! You never know who or how many people you may impact!

I begin my new job on July 18 and am just so excited!!! For those of you who have prayed for me on this, all I can say is THANKS from the bottom of my heart! Oh and for those who are local and would know, I am going to work at UACCB as Assistant to the Chancellor. 

Oh, and if you use Instagram, I'm kwhitten and we can certainly be friends. :)

On Basketball

With the start of the NCAA Tourney, I thought I'd go a little crazy and post about something new (posting about anything on my blog these days is a feat in itself, really!)

Basketball.  It's something I played once upon a time ...... a very long time ago!
Both my parents and several grandparents played.

Being from Arkansas I'm a Razorback through and through. Although admittedly I have not been following closely the last few years, I do love the Hogs! 

My Mom on the other hand...you might say is a tad fanatical about 'her Hogs'. In fact she has a room devoted to Razorbacks, a drawer full of Razorback t-shirts, Razorback jewelry, and this past Christmas...yes, you guessed it, a Razorback tree. 

(after thought:  I should have gathered pics pre-blogging, sorry)

Anyway, I'll not bore you with the whole Pelphrey firing etc, but let's just say, I am ready to for a coach that will at least get us to the dang tournament!!! GEEZ

So in all this random BBall rambling I leave you with some photos of me and my little 9 year old cousin playing some round ball. I'm showing off my skillzzzzz. ;)

My defensive skills are maddening!

 

I just know Joe is pretty scared right about now. 

You can see the intent powerful look in my face!  

{I'm a beast people!}

She shoots!

She Scores!!!!

I'll not take anything away from Joe, he's a pretty darn fine BBall player 

and my narration was completely fictional.

I'm pretty sure he schooled me and I'm almost twice his height. pitiful!

Any early predictions on the Big Dance, or would you rather give a flying rip than care about college basketball? 

Howdy Folks

Just wanted to check in on my blog and say "howdy folks" - I'm still here.
My personal blog has somehow taken a backseat lately to all the other goings on in my life...

• hospital, almost daily since Dec. 20th
• my newest project: 52 Week Project (This is a good thing, BTW) ;)
• back to work
• jury duty (dismissed us all - luckily!)
• some sleep and laundry in there somewhere.
• you know, the usual stuff! 

Anyway, I am still here, just not much pretty to post. :(

OH, wait, except for this new pasttime:
Pinterest!


Add me if you are on there, if not,  you should be!
If you need an invite let me know, I have some to hand out!
 

my cup has grown!

Consider this part two to yesterday's post about how blessed I am. 

Not only is my cup overflowing...my cup has grown!

This is about an event that I was honored to take part in a couple of weeks ago.
A couple of dear friends who attend different churches and I decided to get 
our churches to partner to host an event we called Care 2 Share.  

We had done a similar event a couple of years ago 

through our workplace, but felt led to do this 

as a ministry to get those in our community into 

our churches and show them a little bit of the love that only God can offer...

that unconditional, no questions asked kind of love.  

The idea, to give something to those who might not have the 
same resources we have or maybe they were just having 
a crappy year and needed a little help for the holidays.

Basically the way it worked was anyone who wanted to participate 
brought their cast off items - but good cast-off items - 
the kind that could be regifted or reused.

The idea was those who had a need could come and

trade non-perishable food items for things they need.

OR, they could just come get what they needed.

We even had a gift wrapping station set up so

their gifts could go home and be ready for Christmas!

{ETA: the above photo was taken toward the end of the event -at the very end there 

were only 5 boxes of things left,which were taken to a local mission.} 
Well, let me tell you, it was a huge success!

It's hard for me to express how I felt after 

taking part is this ministry and truly seeing what

a need there is right in my own community.

There are several touching stories from the time leading 
up to the day of the event, and stories that happened during the event, 
and I'm sure there are stories still happening.

There were even children involved in helping organize and prepare.

Is there anything better than teaching your children to give and help others?!

 

The point is we made a difference!

Now, I don't know if souls were saved or lives were changed 

(well besides mine and probably others who took part), 

but hopefully seeds were planted and maybe, 
just maybe when some of the many wonderful people and children 
who were able to share in a new toy, or a warmer coat, 
or even a some new Christmas decorations will have a 
positive feeling about our churches and the love that God has to share. 

I want to encourage anyone reading this to get involved in some way.
Regardless of your circumstances, you have something to offer.
Whether it's helping in a shelter,
donating items to a place that resells and uses money for a cause,
cooking a meal for someone you know is in need, 
sponsoring a child for Christmas...whatever you feel led to do...just do it!

I can promise you,

there is a blessing in there for you

and it feels really good when your cup grows 

and continues to overflow!

my cup overflows

Being a Christian and having Faith is a very important part of my life.

It's who I am.

It makes me, ME.

Sometimes, I'll admit, it's hard.

Sometimes, life sucks.

Sometimes, Faith can waver and I get discouraged.

I mean, let's face it, life is nowhere near perfect....
I don't think that was ever a Promise of God.

Lately, though, I feel overly blessed.

I feel like little things are going right and even though I struggle with many aspects of my life, I feel stronger, I feel happy about who I am and what I stand for, and I feel like I'm coming up the mountain to the peak- out of that proverbial shadow of the valley of death!  

(if you've read my blog, you might recall this depressing post) GAH.

I think during this time of year - you know...the holidays?  

Yes, I think during this time of year I tend to reflect on positives in my life.

No, I don't have the money to buy everyone I want to a gift.  

BUT, I do have tons of people who I feel are worthy of a gift.

No, I don't have a picture perfect home that is decorated all Martha Stewart-y
or adequate for fancy dinner parties like I'd like to host. 

BUT, I do have a roof over my head and a sweet
little fencepost tree that makes me smile.

No, I don't have an extravagant plans for a holiday trip to New York
or a full calendar of fabulous New Years Eve gatherings, 

BUT, I do have family and friends who invite me to their homes
to celebrate occasions in down home, laid back style.

Yes, my cup truly overflows.

Next up.... how my cup has grown!

Changes

this is the post where I get all philosophical - just fair warning...

Lately there have been so many changes in my life.
Some good, some bad.

The good is that I continue to grow in my Faith. I am relying and depending on God to get me through all this change, and honestly that feels pretty darn good. I feel at peace with all that is going on around me that is totally out of my control. I realize what I can control is how I react to situations and that I have to remain true to who I am.  I am doing just that and it really feels good to be me and look at myself in the mirror each morning knowing that I am certainly not perfect, but my imperfection is what makes me ME!

Some of the bad things that are changing in life....losing people I care about...friends, family and acquaintances. Some have been from dying and some have been through other means.  I have felt hurt and sad over some of the situations, but again, I know it is only making me stronger. Plus, it makes room in my life for more of the good, more of the positive, and more of the people who care about me for who I am...the me: unplugged! :) 

I think we get a little complacent in our life situations, whether it be home, family, work, or church and I suppose God has to shake things up to get our attention and get us back on the road forward instead of wandering off kicking rocks in the ditch. I admit I am a little scared, but a little excited at what God has in store for me. I know I have to be patient - these things happen at just the right time.

Change is always so hard, but as cliche as it sounds, change can be good! I am trying to learn to embrace it or at least take it for what it is and learn to adapt.

Week 24

Too hot to do an outside shot this week, so I took advantage of the (almost) entire Reader's Digest collection of books of my Granny's that my Mom has and the pretty light in my Mom's bedroom to set up this back-lit shot of my in my Mom's readers and one of the pretty bound books. 

I'll be honest, I am not a bookworm by any means, but I think I look the part. No?

;);););););)

Week 23 {true confessions}

I must admit a little something here on the blog today.

I LOVE SUN FLARE or LENS FLARE (whatever you want to call it).

I mean it is just so pretty...don't you agree?

I also love the beautiful golden glow of backlit portraits.

The way the light catches the edge of a silhouette - it's just breathtaking in my opinion.

AND here is where true confessions comes in.

Wait for it.

Okay, here is the scoop:

This Week 23 photo that I took today, had some nice backlit features (which is why this next part works so well).

I cheated just a wee little bit on the flare part.

I know, I know: Bad Kim!

I had downloaded this awesome free - YES, I said FREE action over at the CoffeeShop blog called Sun Kissed {I know, how appropriate, right?} awhile back which adds a nice flare onto your photos and I used it for the first time today on this photo.

Actually this was not the picture I intended to use for my selfie this week, but I decided to play around a little bit since I liked the angle and framing.  I rediscovered the sun kissed action that I had totally forgotten I'd downloaded.  That's really the only processing I did besides bumping the contrast a little and I totally loved the way it looked!

Some of the CoffeeShop actions have become my go to actions for post processing.
What I also love is the customization of each one and there are always wonderfully detailed tutorials which are nice to refer to.

I am not in anyway getting paid to endorse CoffeeShop, but I do encourage you to go over there and take a gander around.  They just give these actions away!  That amazes me!

There is a Paypal spot on the blog where you can donate if you like what they have.

How cool is that - it's like the honor system!

Where 'O where is Kim?

Here she is!
I know, I continually neglect my place in the blogosphere, but I am vowing to do better.

I must.

I truly don't know why I have quit blogging regularly...maybe all these freaky spammy comments that keep appearing.  annoying

I certainly cannot promise I will be blogging as regularly as P-Dub or Elsie, heck those 3 of you who checked in on me from time-to-time may have given up completely.  But, honestly, I didn't start blogging three (has it been three?) years ago for people to read my blog - I didn't even expect it!  I started it for me!  Therefore I need to continue to do it for me.  I have become so self-centered since turning 40! 

Nonetheless, I WILL persevere and make this place hap-nin' again (insert climatic, inspirational music here) and vow to bring my wit and humor  -AND-  maybe some gasp photos or craftiness BACK TO THIS VAST EMPTY PLACE IN THE NETS of INTER.

ok, I'm worn out after that build-up so I will leave you with my last few weeks of selfies.
Yes, that is one thing I have stuck with - go me!

Beginning with Week 20 which was the weekend of Alex's graduation, thus Alex is included in my selfie!

This was taken after her dinner before going to the Commencement ceremony.

Week 21:

Ironically, I commented to someone on Facebook that this was a "What you Talkin' Bout Willis!?" look, and a week later, Gary Coleman passed away. :(

I loved me some Different Strokes growing up! Heck Gary was only two years older than me! RIP Arnold!

Anyway, I took this shot on my Mom's back porch - I actually rigged my camera up from one of her plant hooks and let it twist and turn and just snapped some random shots with my remote. I thought this angle was pretty cool! wish my necklace hadn't been turned around with the clasp showing. :\ Nit-picky, ain't I?

Week 22:

I know, I know...completely unoriginal. I just thought I needed one of these camera shooting in the mirror shots. Plus I was just blank on anything original so I went for it!

I would be interested in any original self-portrait ideas.
Do you have any you'd like to share?
Know any fun websites, blogs or flickr groups?

I have some foodie things to share this weekend.
Enter: tropical salsa and some beet canning.
I know, the suspense will probably snuff out any life you may have left but please try to be patient.

Week 18

just for record's sake I am posting last week's self-portrait. 
Hate that I got out of order - oh well!

This is outside my Mom's house - I was sitting on one of her rock flower beds in front of the garden gate from her childhood home.  (I love that gate!)

It's cold and rainy here today - blackberry winter - always seems to happen in May.

for serious

I really do have good intentions of B.A.B.B. (being a better blogger).

Scout's Honor.

I will begin by saying thanks to all my blogging friends that have left me such sweet comments and messages. It really does mean alot...and to anyone else who stops by from time-to-time, I really do hope to get back to myself soon. And to those spammers that seem to have found my blog, um, can you please stop? K-thanks!

I must say Happy Mother's Day!!!!

I have truly had a great day - pretty low key, but full of messages, cards, calls, gifts, cards and time to worship and time with my own special Mom!

I am truly blessed to have such a great family and my Mom has been a real inspiration in my life - I hope I can be half as caring and giving as she is.

My selfie this week includes her:

I may not be a biological mother, but I am a Mom.
I have been blessed enough to be stepmom to three great people and they also helped mold who I am today.
I do hope I have had a positive influence on them as well.
I love them dearly and realize my life would not be complete without them in it.

Things are getting better - my MIL is improving slightly and we hope she continues.
Please continue to keep her (and us) in your thoughts & prayers.

Alex graduates Friday - I am shocked by that to be honest.
We've had some recent rough patches...just the normal stuff, but that situation is also getting better and I could not be prouder than I am of her and her accomplishments.
I look forward to seeing what lies in her future...she is destined for greatness!

HELLO IN HERE....

....hello in here....hello in here.....hello in here.....

Yes, I have abandoned you poor little blog and I am sorry.

I have been so non-creative lately and have not really felt like I had anything positive to blog about.

I have always tried to keep anything I post on here positive (except for my occasional soapboxes), but lately things are just not so I've been a little quiet.

I'm trying to have a better attitude and remember that life is not always sunshine and rainbows - it's more about peaks and valleys.  I'm praying I'm coming up the hill out of the valley where I can see the sunshine and rainbows again! :)

In the meantime, I'm using my less than spectacular mood to keep my 52 week project going....it will serve as a reminder of my mood when looking back at this project.

Week 16:

Thanks old blog for always being here, even when I'm not.

Week 14

This was Easter Sunday - 

taken in my Mom's back yard on her bench.  

A little post-processing experiment as well. ;)

A little windy, yes...but I went with it.

(another appearance by my junk jewelry too!)

Wow!

Two days in a row! 

Go ME! :)

Just sharing this week's self-p.

This would be Week 12.

I wanted to take a pretty, springy type photo with the jonquils, blue sky and green grass,

but Sunday's weather wouldn't permit! :(

Got the jonquil and what little natural light I could capture from the dreary, cold, rainy day that was Sunday.

week 10

I am quite happy to make it to 10 weeks on one of my "resolutions".

I'm sticking with two things so far:  my 52 week self-potrait project and reading my Bible through.
I am a wee bit behind on my art journal project, but I'm not giving up - I plan to catch up on the prompts I've missed.

How are your resolutions going?

selfies

I realize I never posted my self-portrait from week 7 so it's your lucky evening, I'm posting two weeks worth!  (I know it is hard to contain your excitement!)

Last week (week 7)

I used one of actions from Coffee Shop

This week (week 8)

I still consider this a self-portrait because

a.) I'm in the shot, and

b.) I used my remote.  

I don't know if there are any "rules" about that so I am making them up as I go! ;) 

Actually I love how this accidental shot turned out with Angus as the focus.  (is he not the cutest!?)

Both these shots were taken in my bedroom with natural light.

I'm also posting my friend Deltha's selfie for this week because I just love it!

(credit: Deltha's flickr) 

I may have to lift that idea at some point!

 

Happy Valentine's Day

From me to you!

My last outtake from last week! (Thank Goodness!)

breaking it down for ya fellas

Okay, sorry for that 90's throwback title.  I am singing Young MC's Bust a Move in my head now.
And now, so are you!


Part of the reason for choosing to do self portraits once a week this year was to somehow challenge myself creatively and in my photo skillz skills (sorry another old throwback) and I am telling you after week 6 I have done both!  In fact, I try to think about some ideas through the week and scour flickr and other fun blogs and visual sites for new ideas. 


After this past Sunday afternoon's little "session" with myself (which is still a little weird I must admit) I had several images that I narrowed down to - I've already posted one of my outtakes this week and now I share with you another:

Now, there are several things I want to point out about this photo.

#1 Good Grief at the crow's feet! I didn't realize how bad those were until I started this undertaking. I'm okay with it though. I think it adds character. (I know I know, I'll keep telling myself that!)


#2 It's flipping hard to get focused at a wide open aperture when you are taking selfies. I wanted to have a short depth of field and focus on my "heart-hands" for these pics, but as you can see, my camera obviously didn't agree and focused on my face instead. (refer to #1 about those crow's feet).  :\

#3 If I'm going to use a sheet as a neutral backdrop, I might consider taking an iron to it.


#4 I need to train my right side pinky to bend.
(Okay, so that's getting a little picky but my point is when one is looking at pictures of oneself, one becomes painfully critical.)


Which gets me to the "break down" part of this rambling post:
A surprising part of this challenge that I never ever thought would happen is becoming more comfortable in my own skin!

That part is actually pretty cool.

It's becoming a little more about my self-esteem and self-confidence.
That's not to say that 99% of the pictures I take each week still won't get an "eeeww" then the big delete key, but it's getting a little more tolerable.

Try it sometime.  
and don't just stand there, bust a move!  

39

Since today is the last day of my life in the decade of my thirties,

I thought it fitting to make a list.

You know us bloggers, always a list of some sort!

I call this list 39.

1. dog person
   
2. wears knee highs
3. manly hands
4. aura of Cherokee Indian
5. facebook addict
6. homebody
7. pretty junk mail collector
8. tries to be organized
   
9. reformed smoker
   
10. no prescriptions
11. hard worker
12. worry wart
13. prays-a-lot
14. people pleaser
15. frightened of mice
16. recent texter
17. camera lover
    
18. common sense
    
19. bad singer
20. tattoo
21. ugly toe
22. simple
23. college grad
    
24. map reader
25. not responsible for violent actions when poked in the midsection
26. ferrero rocher hoarder
27. puppy breath sniffer
28. war movie hater
29. stepmom
30. crafter
31. creature of habit, yet spontaneous
    
32. fruit eater
    
33. never liked to talk on the phone
34. ocean/sand/sun 
35. music lover
36. wants to learn to quilt
37. family-oriented
38. country girl
39. going to Heaven

I am going to Heaven...someday, but God willing not today!

When I turned 30 I was totally distraught and depressed.

I'm grabbing 40 by the horns.

So here I come 40, ready or not!

me in a diptych

Who doesn't love a good self-portrait & a diptych?
Even better when it's all in one!

I had gotten a haircut today so thought it would make a good one for my July Journey book.
I just added a photo and some bullet points of my super-exciting day. (insert sarcastic tone here)
The most excitement was sleeping until 8 and having a steak for dinner.

Happy Independence Day fellow Americans.
Say an extra prayer for our military friends and neighbors and their families.