I Walk the Line...

New poster in the shop.

READ THIS BLOG

http://thebloggess.com/

I don't know this woman, but I want to. I think I might have a girl crush on her. This afternoon I came across a post on Facebook where one of my awesome friends (and you are ALL awesome) posted a link to this woman's blog. Being the curious individual I am, I clicked, I read, I laughed out loud ("LOL-ed" for you younger folk if you forgot what that really means) and I kept reading.

I was ravenous to read more. It was like reading all the thoughts I think but either rarely have the courage to do so, or when I do, I'm surrounded by people who judge me rather harshly. So, as a kindness and an act of sharing, I'm suggesting all of my two regular readers to go to her site and read up. You will be begging for more.

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On another note, I have not forgotten about the Joplin Poster donation process. The sales have slowed, and I'm setting up my Paypal account to directly donate to authorized charities. Expect a follow up soon.

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....aaaaaand another note; I am a recently engaged woman. This is not a lame attempt to get congrats or be fawned over.... I hate that. In fact, I've already told a young woman helping try a dress on to stop calling me a princess or we would have issues. So, why am I telling you this? It's more of a warning. I'm in full planning mode, and because I have no clue what I am doing and I'm not your average bride to be, I might be posting wedding crap I've designed on here for feedback and suggestions. Forgive me. Please.

Life is good when you can...

7.7.10 7
Originally uploaded by Bigfoot Creative KC

Via Flickr:
Fresh fruit goes quickly. I love buying it in bulk because it is so much cheaper. This also means that it goes bad faster than we can eat it. So I've resolved to canning and preserving fruit. this was my first attempt at strawberry preserves and blueberry/strawberry jam. I was quite pleased. I tested the jam on a fresh peanutbutter and jam sandwhich. It was amazing!

Showing Sasquatch some love...

6.11.11 11
Originally uploaded by Bigfoot Creative KC

Via Flickr:
Salvatore... man, I love the legend of Sasquatch.

Hang in there baby....

I'm doing some rough Blog design updates.... It's going to get ugly around here.

Get the word out....

I have many outlets via social networking that have been incredibly influential over the years. Regarding my last post on support for the Joplin, MO tornado victims, I have tweeted, tumblr-ed, flickr-ed, facebooked, blogged and pretty much nagged all of my friends to help spread the word. Now I'm putting it to the test.

In my efforts to support the individuals who desperately need help, I've discovered a few things. In the event of natural disasters, there are a lot of creeps out there. Looters, con artists and scammers are abundant in the news lately. People claiming to raise money for relief and disappearing, others taking personal information of others and selling it, some claiming to have found missing individuals and posting flee information and even people offering to help with the clean up and stealing what little some of the tornado victims have left. Hearing this literally breaks my heart and makes me want to help more.

First and foremost, I want to calm any fears immediately that I might be taking in any of the profits off my support poster sales and keeping them. I've personally opened an account in my Pay-Pal so that the money doesn't transfer to any of my personal accounts. I've also decided to completely document the donation presentation process along with providing a list of those who helped contribute.

I've pre-purchased the supplies to produce a total of 100 posters to be sold at $20 a piece, which would result in two $1,000 donations, a grand total of $2,000. As of three days into my journey to reach this goal, I've sold 15 posters, two of which are being sent internationally!

This is the part that I'm putting to the test. It has become my mission to sell at least all 100 posters. I can't do it alone. I need your help with putting the word out and asking everyone (yes everyone) to step up and help. I'm not asking all of you to purchase, because I know some are giving in so many other ways.

I am asking as a friend, an acquaintance, a complete stranger. If you don't do anything else, then help spread the word about this cause. Take a few minutes to tweet, facebook, tumblr, email or reblog about this cause. If thats all you do, then you are still making a difference. You're putting the word out. You will be a part of something. This could be big in a good way, and I'm asking you to help make it so.

I know there is good in people. I see it from time to time. Prove to the individuals who are hanging on to hope by a thread that there is so much good that we can mend that thread.

CLICK HERE TO SUPPORT THE TORNADO VICTIMS

UPDATE 5.28.11: I've also edited my website to add to the coverage.

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Please Support the Victims of Joplin, MO

It seems like every time I get a chance to post on here lately it happens to be something totally random and not very... I'm grasping for straws to find the right word here. I feel like I haven't really promoted my hands on art as of late (?). That still doesn't seem right. I feel I'm neglecting this thing honestly. I feel like I was swooped up into the working world again only to get carried away with getting caught up and my time became less open.

Its times like that when something occurs. Something so surreal that it pulls you back down to reality with such veracity that you realize even though life is a highway, there are many rest stops and scenic routes you really shouldn't pass up. No, I am not talking about the rapture. My screeching to a halt moment happened to be Sunday, May 22, 2011. If you have been watching the news, then you'll probably know that I'm speaking of the Joplin, MO tornado.

I've lived in Missouri my whole life, so this really hit close to home. I have lots of friends in that area, and one of my oldest friends had a very close call. I found myself completely sucked into the news and media coverage about the whole situation. I soon found myself connecting with people I had never met and wishing them the best in finding loved ones and getting shelter. I couldn't believe how upset I had become over the entire situation. I wanted to do something. I almost drove down to volunteer, but I couldn't find the sound of mind individual in me to prepare for what I might actually see. Plus, I knew they already had their hands full of individuals who were already showing up left and right.

This still didn't deter the feeling that I wanted to do something. I decided to put my skills to use for good. Below you will find a link. It will direct you to my Etsy shop where I have four separate color posters for sale. They all have the same design; they all feature a poem written by Langston Hughes, titled Still Here. Hughes was born in Joplin, and this poem seemed nothing less than fitting for the situation.

This here is the important part. I'm taking all of the proceeds from each poster sale and donating them equally between the Red Cross and the Salvation Army efforts for Joplin. All that I ask of you is simple. I don't expect everyone to purchase a poster, however if you don't, what I would ask is that you share it. In that, I mean tell your friends, tell your co-workers or even post it on Facebook or Twitter. The more exposure the better. I don't plan on profiting off this in the least. It just my way of making an effort to something that has affected so many people around me and so many people I know.

So please, help me to make a difference, because if a lot of people pull together,

the impact could be amazing.

Etsy Shop... Please be sure to note there are four different color options.

4.21.11

4.21.11
Originally uploaded by Bigfoot Creative KC

Via Flickr:
I can't take credit for this shot. Its me posing for a work photo. I was taking everyone elses, so when I had the camera turned on me, of course I screwed up the focus and my head was all burry. But, this was such a great focal point anyways, I decided it shoud get a mention. Thanks to My awesome 'cube-mate' Angela for shooting for me!

4.8.11 1

4.8.11 1

Originally uploaded by Bigfoot Creative KC

Via Flickr:

My old job gave every new employee a sock monkey. It was their unofficial mascot. Since I left, Mine has been staring at me from our most inhabited room in the apartment. I haven't known what to do about it. I didn't want to get rid of him because I had some good memories, but then again, every time I looked at him, I was a bit saddened. He brought back some fond memories of the gang I got to hang out with every day which was always followed by the one memory of being laid off. Soon, I'd walk into the room, see him, and instantly become jaded, angry or sad.

I've been blessed to have such a great freelance job for over a month now, and in light of being surrounded by so many creative people, an idea came to me. As soon as it popped in my head, I called my Jim to tell him.

After getting home, I instantly ran to the hobby lobby and bought brown fur fabric. Last night, I began to transform my sock monkey into a sock Bigfoot.

Today when I came home and saw him mid transformation, I didn't feel angry or sad. I was happy! I was excited to know that I'd have a little Momo looking out for me. I'm looking forward to change.

Get your Bigfoot Poster

I've had an etsy account for a while now, but I finally decided to put it to some good use! If you're interested, I'm currently selling limited versions of my designs/illustrations as posters. I'm going to hopefully posting one a week (if life permits). Some more should be going up soon, just be patient and keep checking!

If you're interested in commissions please hit me up on the contact page.

Polaroid/PBJ Heaven

3.22.11 1

Originally uploaded by Bigfoot Creative KC

Prints as of late

I've been working on some type poster prints lately. I've picked three separate quotes on three separate topics. Here are the first two on art/artists. Hopefully I can finish the third tonight. I've been thinking of making up some posters to sell. Whatchoo think?

UPDATE: I'll apologize now for the crappy display image quality.

The Woman Behind the Camera - What I learned from my Photographic Odyssey

The woman behind the camera - Still behind the camera.

As some of you might recall (well some of you constant followers, whomever you are), I did a 365 photo project last year. One photo a day for an entire year. I knew it wasn't anything new. I knew going into it that there might be some hard days to get into snapping away. I'll be the first to admit that I missed a few days here and there. There were only a few that I can count on one hand, and only missed them because of a hectic life. I also still have about five rolls of 120 film from a few days of the project that I have yet to develop and post to my photo-stream online.

This year I decided to forego the project. I didn't want to feel like I was stressed about taking my daily photo. I'll definitely own up to the truth; some days I just didn't even want to pick up a camera. I was afraid that I would overdo it. I was afraid that I might not make it the full year again. I was afraid that I might get burnt out on taking photos. I was afraid I was forcing it.

Over the last few weeks I've learned something about myself and the 365 project. I learned something from it. I learned a lot about photography, how to use multiple cameras, lighting, lenses and film. I believe that I improved my amateur hobby. That wasn't the most important thing I took from this experience. I've compiled a list of the things that I feel truly grateful for getting out of it, and I'm writing them down so I don't forget.

I learned...,

... even if I don't force myself to pick up the camera every day, I now want to pick up a camera...

...I get angry with myself if I go anywhere without a camera by my side. The opportunity always seems to present a photo when I am ill equipped...

...I appreciate the little things in life more, and I'm more apt to take photos of the little things to remember that blissful, happy moment in time...

...I really got around this last year. I saw some old friends from childhood, got to go home(town) more than I thought, had a lot of adventures and see some amazing things...

...I am more in love than words can explain. Looking back at special moments I caught on film and managed to snap make me smile and I'm glad to know I will always have those moments to look back on...

...I have an unhealthy obsession with my cats and dog...

and, last but not least...

...I am by no means a professional photographer. I wouldn't even say that to save my life, but I did learn that I am an amateur. A lover of photography.

Dance in his pants

Okay, I normally don't post things like this, but I think it might make your day. Who knew some guy dancing in his basement with a tripod and a camera could be so cool?! Seriously, this guy is my personal hero today. Plus I often like to use the term, "I have dance in my pants" when I get the urge to jive.

Please enjoy, and be sure to check out some of his other videos on his YouTube channel. It's pretty sweet. Oh, and if you get the urge to stand up and dance like I did, please do. The world could use a little more spontaneous dancing* once in a while.

*NOTE: Not spontaneous as in street side story where twelve guys just start snapping in unison on the street and break out into dance. That's just creepy. I'm talking about free form dance for all.

3.12.11 6 - A little bit of Crazy Horse

3.12.11 6 - A little bit of Crazy Horse

Originally uploaded by Bigfoot Creative KC

Next to my plants, I have this rock. I know, not much to look at, but this rock is very important to me. It comes from the infamous Crazy Horse Monument carved into the side of a mountain still under construction in the Black Hills of South Dakota. I went there as a small child. I was in AWE at the size of the statue, and amazed at the detail and dedication it took. Nearby the viewing deck they had trams carting through with barrels of rocks that had been blasted off the mountain to form the giant statue. My brother and I each grabbed one. I remember making sure I picked the right one. Even as a small child I knew that the artist and crew were outside of the box thinkers, and I wanted to see if some of that would rub off on me. It's been a constant in every home I've lived in.

Sometimes it's a door stop, a paper holder or just a plain rock on the table. Usually it's just there. But when I look at it I remember the big idea, and the passion behind the project it was a part of and I can't bear to leave it behind.

Otter Love

So I've had a few people message me about some interesting animals to do. I'm liking it. However, I had to do an otter. I have a special love for them.

I'll follow up with some new animals and a finished otter image soon.

Sea Lions For Shore - Again

I've been really excited to be playing again with my doodles. I've been having such a blast with this lil' Sea Lion guy that I'm tempted to do some more. I've been thinking of doing a whole zoo animal series. If you have a request for any specific animal I'm open to making a list. I have been really yearning for some playful creatures to do some prints of.

Sea Lions Rule

This is what an hour worth of down-time doodling' results in.

More Photography News...

I'm what most people would call an amateur photographer. I'm proud of it too. You see, I recently discovered that the word amateur really doesn't mean one lacking professional status or skill. I learned that it comes from Old French and ultimately from Latin and amateur really means "a lover of". I find that quite fitting. I am a lover of photography. Whether it be one of my antique cameras, my trusty DSLR, or a homemade pinhole camera, I'm always taking pictures. I LOVE being able to capture life in a snap and be able to recall on that moment and how I felt when I look at those pictures later.

Being the amateur that I am, I'm sure you can guess how excited I get when I receive any type of feedback on my photos. It humbles me as well as excites me to say, I am incredibly honored to have been featured on the Daily Click on the Shutter Sister's website for the second time.

(On the thumbnail, second photo down.)

Thank you Shutter Sisters. You inspire me every day, and I thank you for letting me be a part of it.

Am I killing you guys with the photos already?

2.28.11 2

2.28.11 2

Originally uploaded by Bigfoot Creative KC

I'm going to give you a glimpse into my world. This is my workspace at home. It's where I keep all my supplies and mostly doodling doodads all over the desk. Behind the chair is a huge storage shelf FULL of supplies, drawing tools, paper, photo supplies, a few board games and tons more. I feel it looks like an unorganized mess, but believe it or not, this is after I cleaned it up and threw out half of the stuff I haven't touched in years.

Note the dog kong by the bottom of my desk. Sometimes I can't even put my feet all the way under because of Malcolm hiding underneath.