Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Photo Lighting WOW


Just went to Zach & Jody Gray's (Gray Photography) off camera lighting seminar and learned SO MUCH! I have so much confidence in using some of those high tech equipment pieces and even know the names of a few now! Yeah!!!
Here is one of my favorite photos I shot - yes me! I think it looks like it should be an ad in a magazine. The lighting was bright, but with proper metering and flash, we got the sky to look very dramatic. Cool, eh?
Going back today to learn the business end...that might be the hardest part for me! :)
xxoo kirsten

Sunday, September 26, 2010

It's Official


..I have decided to sell my watches. What started out as a creative challenge for me to find something unique to make for a friend's 40th birthday has turned into a fun little business! I have already sold 10 watches and have two local store that are interested in possibly carrying them...more to come on that later! I will keep posting as news develops or doesn't. I am really okay if it doesn't "take off" because it has been super fun thinking of new designs and challenging myself to make each one different. (no design the same)

On the same note...I have been reading a book called Failing Forward and loving the philosophy of just going for it and learning along the way. So who cares if I fail? It will certainly lead to a more enriching life than sitting alone in fear!

If you are interested in buying a watch - just email me, call me (if you know me) or visit my website (when it is up and running -LOL!)

xxoo kirsten

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Love these kids!


Just wanted to post a couple pictures to start my day off good. Yesterday was a bad mommy day and I posted on Facebook that "I quit". But a little sleep and perspective does a heart and mind good. I do love these kids and want to squeeze the love right out of them!
xxoo

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Don't Despise Small Beginnings...

Well, for some time now I have played with the idea of writing a blog. Not because I think I have anything profound to say or share, but just as an outlet for me to purge all the things that run around in my brain on a daily basis.

I literally summarize my day mentally every night when I lay in bed. It takes me a good 25 minutes to actually fall asleep. So, the thought came to me that I should write down my little thoughts, share my ideas and see what evolves. I have big dreams, ideas and thoughts, but my beginnings are quite meager.

For a long time I pondered what to call this blog since I didn't have a "focus" for it and after many brainstorming moments I decided on Keystrokes & Kaleidoscopes. Here's why: The "keystrokes" is pretty obvious - it is a blog and the written word typed; plus I have a background in writing and hope to one day author children's books. The "kaleidoscopes" represents all the creative things in my life I have passion for - which change daily or weekly depending on my mood. Yes, I can be moody! When I think of a kaleidoscope I think of how it constantly changes as you turn it and as you stand in different light. So some days might be "mommy posts", some days I might share something I created in a scrapbook, other days might be my thoughts on friendship or tips for gardening. I just don't know. I wanted to leave a loose focus so I could just express myself according to the light and color of the day!

My good friend Denise (and great source of inspiration) told me as we sat and drank coffee the other day, "Don't despise small beginnings." And she is right. Every dream takes root somewhere. I have dreams of being a successful photographer, writer, mother, gardener, cook, scrapbook designer, artist, wife, friend.....and I could go on. But those things don't happen overnight. They evolve with little bits of water and fertilizer along the way; some pruning here and there; some sun and some rain.

I am excited to see what this blog evolves into and I am trying not to limit expectations or force success. Here's to lots of beautiful colors!

xxoo kirsten