First Things First

I have lots to report since I have not posted in over six months. I’m happy to say amazing things are still happening…

December:  Mapping the Muse got published. This book celebrates Indiana’s 200^th birthday and my poem “All Washed Up” was chosen to represent Lake County. (This is the first of many special events planned for our state).

January:  This was the first time I entered photos in the Porter County Gardening Show and they all placed! I got a 1^st for Foliage, 3^rd for Fungus in the Garden, and an Honorable Mention for Insect in the Garden. It really is a nice event and I wish I had more time to look around and shop. After the show the winning prints were on display for a month at a framing shop in Chesterton.

February:  I got to get to a Michigan beach in winter – first frosting photos!!! No, it was not ideal. The big lighthouse was not frosted over but the little one had some. The railings were ridiculous though – icy blue and white spikes everywhere.  Shelf-ice, icebergs, frosted steps:  Well worth freezing for!

March:  For the first time I had a photo accepted in the Cancer Resource Center’s photo contest. I had submitted four years in a row and finally was chosen to participate in their fundraising campaign. Butterfly notecards were handed out at the gala in April and are now on sale in local gift shops. Mine is the Monarch on Goldenrod. A few other Calumet Region Photo friends also got to participate.

Each month the Chicago Area Camera Club Association has a special category digital competition. I have received a few good scores and awards but finally got the best score. The category was “triptychs.” I had to look up the meaning but once I did I realized I had already made a few through my portrait work. I entered two different series of children and worked hard perfecting a frozen lighthouse scene. In the end my “Hugs and Kisses” caught their eye. It originally was a Christmas present to my sister-in-law and all my niece’s idea J.

Other nature photos did great in the Calumet Region Photo competitions this spring. I got three awards and of those, two got Print of the Month.  …And since we didn’t go anywhere for spring break I participated in some painting events.  I plan to do more this summer.

April:  I found out a different lighthouse picture I submitted in a cover contest will be used for the latest Encore edition. Encore is an anthology containing the prize-winning poems of the fifty contests held in the spring NFSPS contest (National Federation of State Poetry Societies). Valarie has been the editor of Encore for the past 12 years. We exchanged several emails and I hope to meet her someday. Each conference attendee gets a copy and they are also available to other members and the public. I cannot wait to get my copy. The conference is in Minnesota this year so I think they will appreciate the shelf ice surrounding the lighthouse and the long catwalk - especially since it is a wrap-around cover.

I submitted photos and poems about the environment (good: the dunes and other nature experiences, and bad: the way we are trashing the planet) to both The Edge of the Prairie and the next Hoosier publication. I had tried to step away from Prairie Writers last year because I was so busy, but they are such a great group I was drawn back in. Both publications should be out in the late fall.

Finally, May:  I saw a “Call for Art” about beer while out gambling with my mom and sister in Michigan City. I had no idea of what to submit until I took a walk on the beach. I was looking for beach glass but was saddened when I saw all the garbage. I ended up picking up rusted beer caps and tabs, along with shards of glass in various colors. A few more trips to other neglected beaches gave me plenty more material. The finds made nice photographic collages and hopefully will make a statement. I attended the artist reception a few weeks ago and did reconnect with an old friend – might have made a new friend too. Maybe not that ironically, the Memorial Day celebrations on Chicago beaches made the news a few days ago because of all the garbage people left. Of course I had to voice my opinion on one of the FB posts and share a photo of my own.

Summer is just around the corner but summer break has already started!!! I have a few small trips planned and also will be participating in a few obstacle races. Maybe I can slow down and not take on anything extra??? Now THAT would be a first for sure.

Falling Into Place

This fall was busy with football and photo shoots. Both my Little and Big Tigers went 6-0 for the season then won their Super Bowl games. It was amazing! I took lots of pictures and video with my new camera. While all this was going on somehow balanced work and photo shoots. I had six in October. The weather was warm and the colors were spectacular. I got to take engagement, family, party, and senior pics. They turned out beautifully!

I won ribbons at the Lake County Fair again this year but the big surprise was being awarded a Sweepstakes and Best of Show ribbon for a black and white portrait I took. I have been taking Nevaeh’s pictures for the last few years and I entered one of my favorites from last fall. I’m so happy it did so well. I never got either one of those awards before so to get both at once was quite an achievement.

I have been selling a few photo note cards and small prints recently as well. I will be taking some to the Write-On Hoosiers banquet later this week. I haven’t had any time to attend their meetings this year but hope to after the first of the year.

A few good things happened in regards to my writing. I got an honorable mention in the Indiana State Federation Poetry Club for my September at the Dunes poem. In addition, three of my fellow Magic Hour Writers read and presented mini workshops at Paul Henry’s Art Gallery with me. Purdue Calumet gave us a small stipend so that was a neat and rewarding experience. MHW also published a Christmas book with help from Flying Turtle Publishing. I contributed a poem, short story, pictures, and a recipe. This is the first time I had a children’s story illustrated by a professional. I was thrilled with how it turned out. I can’t describe how I felt when I saw my characters come to life. I hope to work with Courtney again. The books are available through FTP and Amazon in hardcover, softcover, and e-book format.

Finally, we got a puppy in July. Stella is very energetic and loving. So now we have 2 dogs, 2 cockatoos, a bearded dragon, leopard gecko, and a tarantula. Lots of photo ops for sure; hopefully a pic will place in one of the Chicago area club competitions this winter.

Swamped

I wanted to add a post some time ago but things were kind of disappointing for a while. No committee selected my photos for their note cards, I didn’t make it into the Earth Day Book, I didn’t place in some contests, I didn’t get a grant, and I didn't get a library job I had applied for.

I kept a positive attitude though, kept at it, and focused on the positives.

The good...

1:  I enjoyed being in the Chesterton Photo exhibit and got to spend more time with my sister because of it.

2:  I wrote up the Tom Spencer interview for the POPP poetry book and even got quoted in the newspaper in the article about him. The assembly was successful as was the poetry reading at the library a few days later. I took pics and they came out pretty well.

3:  Our writers group gained new members and enjoyed productive meetings.

4:  An unexpected check came in the mail for some "volunteer" work I had done months earlier.

5:  Several people contacted me about taking pictures - for prom, senior photos, pregnancy pics, newborn baby, etc.

Better than good…

6:  Some advice and information I shared helped a young girl place first in the Indiana State Federation of Poetry Clubs Manningham Junior Division Poetry Contest. Earlier this week I officially met Emily, her mother, and brother and had lunch with them. They were very appreciative but I explained a few things. I belong to several writing groups and a photography club. Everyone I have encountered has been helpful and inspiring so I feel obligated to pass on what I learn and also be encouraging. But it’s not just obligation that motivates me – I honestly want others to succeed and be happy. I was thrilled that I made a difference in a young writer’s life and that I can continue to help her reach her goals. I know this is only the beginning for her and I’m excited to see what lies ahead.

Then something even more incredible happened!

7:  Highlights for Children bought one of my poems. I have been submitting to them for over 5 years. In fact, 3 poems were rejected along with the one they finally accepted for publication. A contract followed and then a check. This was on my bucket list so I am definitely celebrating and bragging!

More news today…

8.  On June 6th four Charter Members for the Ladies Auxiliary VFW Post 717 were honored at a luncheon for their 61 years of service. The article I wrote and pictures I took were published in the local paper. I also sent the information to the Ladies Auxiliary VFW Magazine. It would be nice if I can share their story across the country.

Summer is in full swing and I am swamped, figuratively and literally. I couldn’t be busier and ten days of heavy rains has also been challenging. I'm a happy camper though.

Best Shot

You miss 100% of the shots you don't take.

Wayne Gretzky

I've probably said it 1,000 times but that is my favorite quote. These last two months have been crazy. 2015 has been full of opportunities and I'm trying my best to do it all, squeeze everything in.

Scholastic Art and Writing Awards asked me and other Magic Hour Writers Members to be a writing judge. I was very honored to judge poems written by children in middle school at a national level; what an opportunity! The judging took place in January and was conducted online. They receive thousands of entries every year and the Northeast Indiana Northwest Ohio region had one of the most national award winners in the country last year. How wonderful to read the work of these talented young writers and be a part of it all.

I also helped judge the entries for this year's POPP (Power of Poetry Project) contest for local 4th and 5th graders. Katherine recently notified the winners and Judy is working on the publication. The awards celebration is scheduled for April 9th. Just today I interviewed my friend about his passion for poetry and thoughts about being the inspiration for the Tom Spencer Award. Tom has been writing poems for over 50 years and has been an important figure in the state and national poetry societies as well as regionally. He challenges and inspires his colleagues at every gathering.

Last week I received yet another rejection letter. I suppose I was disappointed that they didn't like my adorable poem (about a destructive little puppy) but not too discouraged. I keep submitting, keep putting myself out there and opening myself up to criticism or denial. We all have to remember art is subjective, we all have our own opinions about what is good or noteworthy, what is outstanding and unforgettable and unfortunately, what is just plain bad.

Recently I sent in digital photos to two charities for greeting card contests and sent in several more for my camera club contests. I didn't receive great scores in the latest competitions but I guess it just makes me want to get better. I'm still waiting on news about the cards (and on the Indiana poem for the bicentennial). On a happy note, I did get accepted into another photo exhibit. The opening reception is this upcoming Sunday. Two of my nature prints will be on exhibit though the end of March at the Chesterton Art Center. It would be nice to be able to sell one or both.

Right now I'm editing a poem for the Earth Day Poetry Contest entitled "Enough Already" which is about how we have exploited our planet. I have until the end of the month. And I just finished a huge project in which I had to really take a look at the things I have accomplished and determine what my future plans and goals are. I suppose I had to sell myself; convince others that I'm serious and determined to succeed in whatever it is I'm trying to do. I'm not sure if I'll qualify for any award but if you look at everything as a learning experience you never really loose.

Speaking of learning, there is just so much I still need to figure out. I just attended another one day photo clinic and have a weekend writer's conference down state in a few weeks. I need to get a portfolio together (print a few photos, paint some more pictures) and also finish edits on a recent photo shoot. I need to learn more about e-books and self-publishing.

Often I think I'm doing too much and I try to put limits on the things I commit too but I can't stop thinking of stories or poems and I can't put down the camera. Nothing worthwhile is easy but it would be nice to be able to take it easy once in a while. That being said, I need to pick and choose carefully so that I can give everything I commit to my best. It's great to keep taking chances and trying different things but it doesn't make sense to overwhelm yourself or take on too much.

Summing Up Summer

School has been in session for over two months. I didn’t catch up on things like I wanted to when I was off this past summer. (I have finally come to the realization that I never will.) But I’m grateful that I had a lot of weekend trips, did some redecorating (we switched around the kids' furniture and I got a new bedroom set - my room now has fresh paint and new accessories as well!), and took some incredible photos.

Trips: First I took two of my boys to northern Michigan for the week. We stayed with family, fished, and enjoyed playing on the huge sand dunes. Riding at the Badlands in Attica was a new and exciting experience, as was the houseboat trip on Potoka Lake in southern Indiana. I was also fortunate to be able to go to Bears Training Camp one morning on my last day of summer vacation.

  

Exhibits: I had two photo jobs and had photographs displayed in two exhibits. One was the Naturally Yours Exhibit at the Indianapolis International Airport (my photo was even used to promote the event) and the other was Images of Whiting up near the lake. Studio 659 is small but in the historical district of Whiting. It was neat to be a part of the city’s anniversary events. I entered a photo of beach glass (that we found), one of the steel mill with ice bergs, and one of just some weeds that grew along the sand dunes.

Whihala Beach Glass

Sports: Football games and practices with three of my boys wore me out but I did enjoy all those Saturdays at the fields. I just framed some photos of them and also some of the Bears and hung them in the basement.

Poetry: Finally, I sent in a poem for a the Indiana Bicentennial Poetry book to be published in 2016. All counties in Indiana were invited to submit and one poem from each county will be included. My poem will be sent to Indianapolis for final judging so I have a 50% chance of getting in. My name was announced on the radio last week (local station) and my name was in The Shopper a few days ago. Pretty awesome!

My next plan is to submit a few poems while on fall break next weekend. I just attended a conference for children’s writers and illustrators and feel inspired again.

Spring Cleaning

The last two months have been all about the environment; save the Earth type stuff. It started with the warm up. It took forever but once the snow and ice had completely melted months of discarded trash was exposed. I saw piles everywhere. Soggy paper drinking cups,  aluminum cans, and glass bottles littered the sides of the roads. Farm fields were dotted with plastic grocery bags and cardboard. Plastic bags even hung from tree limbs along the ditch bank.

Who can enjoy a sunny Sunday walk or drive when the natural landscape is so exploited and obstructed? I couldn't, I couldn't even look out my window, so I recruited my family and the annual task began. We filled bags with trash and bins with recyclable items. We filled our yard cart with the bags and bins because they were too heavy to carry home. We collected as much as we figured our garbage service would take the following day and it seemed to be more than ever.

I originally planned to just clean the fields immediately to the east and west of our property but the more we picked up the more I saw in the distance. I vowed to clean the fields between our house and my in-law's one section at a time(about a mile of roadway). I didn't foresee the amount of time and dedication it would take to tackle this disturbing and enormous job.

I continued to patrol the roadside and gather trash for the next several Sundays as it is a busy thoroughfare and irresponsible uncaring motorists always have something to throw out. I fished out floating rubbish from the small pond where egrets and waterfowl nest. I crouched under low branches and dodged thorny bushes. I learned what to wear (long pants and surgical gloves) and what not to wear (flip flops and shorts) and developed a system to deal with it all and prevent further mishaps. (Once the bottom of a paper bag broke open in my garage so I got to clean up broken glass too).

My Sunday collections were never as massive as that first day but I did feel like I was getting somewhere.  In the weeks that followed I saw more spring wildflowers. I saw new young families of geese and ducks paddle in the pond. I saw less trash. So I tried to focus on the good to be able to deal with the human waste surrounding it.

Still it was upsetting and overwhelming. I took pictures to document what was collected. I manipulated photos and added text to make a statement. I wrote a poem to express my outrage. I posted pictures of the good and the bad.

Plastic bottles, fast food packaging, empty cigarette packs, and liquor bottles were the most prevalent find but some unique items were discovered as well. I found roller blades, an SAT study guide, women's foundation makeup, a broken cell phone, a temporary license plate, and a dollar.

After picking up and sorting recyclables today I decided I needed to be done for a while. The weeds are growing and corn has been planted. Any remaining and any new garbage will be less noticeable until next spring. Even though the clean up was a huge undertaking we only made a difference in our tiny corner of the world for a short amount of time. We only improved a couple acres of land for a few wild animals and those that live nearby or drive past. But it was worth it. Imagine if everyone did their share or even a little more. Imagine if all people cared for their community and made small changes to leave less of a negative impact on our planet. We only have one home after all.

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This mess sat near the corner of Rt. 41 and Lincoln Highway in Schererville. I asked the bank manager to clean it up. Someone did at one point but it's piling up again.

It is just sickening.

Snow Business

Chicagoland officially survived the winter. I didn’t think it would ever end, and if you look outside it doesn’t seem like it has yet; there is STILL snow on the ground. I don’t remember a colder or snowier winter. That’s all the past four months have been about it seems – the weather. We had seven snow days which extended the school calendar by a week, even with a few pardons. The temps were sub-zero, the roads were treacherous, and snow and ice kept piling up layer after layer. The deep freeze and several blizzard conditions encased buildings and trees in ice for weeks on end. …I never really wrote about any of it until now but I certainly talked about it and took pictures. It was deadly but beautiful. It even inspired me to book a condo in Florida so that is where we are heading in two days for spring break. We are not doing Disney; we are just going to enjoy the environment. My family and I are going to fish, snorkel, visit the Everglades, kayak, and just lay on the beach. I couldn’t be more thrilled to be trading one extreme for another.

As I mentioned, I haven’t been writing much. I have had a few ideas and still have plans to finish projects and submit but I’ve been preoccupied with the winter and our vacation. I did accomplish one goal early on this year. I got the nature books into the two stores as I had hoped. The Indiana Welcome Center and Center for Visual and Performing Arts gift shops both have copies on their shelves. It would be nice if some of them sell.

The Ladies Auxiliary St. John VFW Family Dance was in late January. This was our 10^th year. The weather affected the turn out but everyone who did attend had fun. I keep promoting events through the post Facebook page and did get the details and some photos in the paper again this year.

Finally, I have some photography news. One of my photos will be on display all summer at the Indianapolis International Airport. I was real excited about this one; they obviously have a lot of traffic. Travelers from all over the word will see the exhibit which is sponsored by the airport and The Nature Conservancy/Indiana.