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.

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.

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.

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.

2.21.11 7

2.21.11 7

Originally uploaded by Bigfoot Creative KC

Who can work on art when you have a sweet face like this looking at you all day!? Malcolm is one of my furry children, and I must say, the best momma's boy ever.

Almost ONE YEAR AGO!

2.17.10
Originally uploaded by Bigfoot Creative KC

This was taken on February 17, 2010. I was going through my "I want to have DARK hair like the rest of my family" phase. I was thinking of revisiting this. Maybe do another version of it? Thoughts? Ideas?

Not trying to sound totally narcissistic, but It might be kind of nice to have a year by year recap of myself.

i{art}u! No really I do....

Please check out the link below! I know I've been aloof, but I am thinking this might make up for my MIA shenanigans by pointing you to this super cool photographer's dream giveaway below.

i art u: tuesday feature :: four corner store (GIVEAWAY)

i art u blog is pretty sweet. I've been checking it out for a few weeks now, and it's nice to see someone who is as hooked on taking pictures as I am right now. At least I know if I went to lomography rehab, I'd know someone there. That is if I ever went, but why on earth would I!?!?!?

As for me being a bit out of sorts, I'd like to leave you with some parting words of wisdom from a sweet friend of mine, "I miss you like a fat kid misses cake."

Not quite the correct phrase, but the message is clear. My response? I miss you (Jayna) too, like a sixth grade science class. Why? because there is sooooo much chemistry!