cindy asked "where do you live in Kansas?"
well cindy…that feels strange to just blurt it out to the world…so i will say
in the very middle of the state.
the good part.
and she asked "what tips do you have for starting a photography business?"
i decided to just give it a try…said yes when people asked me…even though it made me feel sick to my stomach the first 10 times at least.
but i put no pressure on myself.
meaning i said "if this doesn't work, if i am away from my family too much, if i am not good enough, if i am not happy then i will say at least i tried it." and that would be that.
i have not put any money into marketing the business yet.
it has all been word of mouth…
so my biggest tip is get out there and try.
misty asked me "how do you edit your photos?"
i use the software with iPhoto for all my personal pictures.
i use that and Picnik for my work photos. i want to learn photoshop but i am big fat chicken.
but it's on my 35 things list so sometime this year i will do it.
she also asked "how do you get so many people to follow your blog?"
misty…you meant that in a nice way right?
i am sure you did.
i think people come here because….it's colorful…bright…cheerful….focuses on the good…
lots of fun places to click that aren't ads..
or maybe it's to laugh at how cooky i am to have five kids and drag them all over the country for photos?
my first big break was today's creative blog. and the inspired room after that.
those were when my stats jumped big time for the first time.
but i am certain they don't come for long wordy post like this one that focus on ME ME ME.
and she asked "can you give tutorial on tye dye?"
maybe someday…but it was so stressful this summer that i couldn't focus.
i just use the box they sell at walmart in the craft dept. and followed the instructions…you can do that!
AND SHE ASKED…"how did i learn to sew?"
i took home ec in high school and made a lovely maroon and yellow Trojans sweatshirt that was never worn because i made it way too small for me on accident.
but then when i quit selling Creative Memories (fun fact right there)
i had a small amount of money to spend…
i bought a wicker loveseat (that my husband threw away when we moved to ks…w/out asking me!!!)
a chenille bedspread (that is now been made into pillows all over etsy)
and a $99 sewing machine from sears with my mother.
she taught me how to thread it, sew a straight stitch and even make a button hole…that was awesome.
thanks mom.
sara asked "what is your favorite room in your house?"
i guess it's the kitchen. i spend 98% of the day in there so…
the kitchen.
and she asked "what is your favorite restaurant?"
in wichita? Red Rock Canyon…i love it for dinners with craig on a date.
it's dark..i have a thing for lighting in restaurants…i don't like to see other people.
and it's good food..a real treat.
but i will never order the Moo, Cluck and Oink because it's just WRONG.
on a date you should never have to say those words.
period.
so i order the steak and glazed carrots and smashed potatoes and i am one happy woman.
and my MIL makes cinnamon rolls so i don't think i have had the breadbasket's.
but i do love their coconut cream merrengae pie.
mindy asked for some "tips on organizing"
ha ha ha.
good one mindy! you have my family crying with laughter.
i apologize profusely if i have given the illusion that i am organized…
i am not.
we have a few routines but i usually mess those up too.
the chore chart is probably as organized as i get.
and the two middle kids switch off unloading the dishwasher and the two oldest switch off loading it.
i also do things like forget to pick my kids up from events…
miss programs or promotions…
lock my babies in the car with the keys accidently which resulted in mall security rescuing us…
burn food almost every meal…
and my house is a mess!
abby and sara asked "how did you choose your children's names?"
lauren is named after my sister Lorel.
scott is named after craig's brother that was still born…sweet baby scott.
sean is a name we both liked.
talby is a name i heard (friend of craig's whom i have never met) when sean was a baby and i saved in my head for the next baby. i love it. it's so perfect for her. (it's pronounced like talbot's but it's tal-bee)
and miss annie…we decided when we looked at her. ann is a family name too.
cassie asked me "have you learned how to cook pork yet?"
it's only been two weeks!!! the answer is no.
but craig made some kind of pork in the crockpot on sunday and it was goooooood.
Heather asked me "why don't my pictures with my new SLR look any better than with my point & shoot?"
you have to mess with your settings…read photography blogs and do what they say…read books…
ashleyann…karen russell…they give great tips and i have learned a lot from them.
but just using your auto green square setting won't get you better pictures.
i change my settings almost every time i pick up my camera…because your light is different each time.
and she asked (and many people have asked me this) "how do you get your picture so big on your blog?"
i don't know anything about blogspot.
sorry.
AND she as
ked "will you sell your prints on etsy?"
maybe someday i will heather…when i have some time to focus on the shop…this winter? hopefully.
meaghen wanted to know "how are your indoor shots so bright."
i shoot in bright rooms. our kitchen has two walls that are all windows…so it's bright.
i don't shoot in the dark rooms.
and she asked "what does craig do for a living"
he's a latex salesman.
he's an architect.
he works for the yankees.
another heather wants to know "how can i see chippendales in kansas with you?"
oh heather…i tried to take you…but you insisted on going on a week long trip to hawaii with your husband instead. ha ha ha ha ha
Kelly asked "can i move in with you"
i might consider this kelly if you agree to take the morning carpool run.
i really dislike getting up at 6:30 and driving all around our town in the near dark listening to
fighting kids and radio disney.
and you'd have to take over the laundry too…my enemy.
erica asked "did you always want a big family?"
yes erica, i did.
always.
craig says five is enough.
and i respect him because he is my wonderful husband.
so i only bring up how i long for more babies once a week or so.
but i will agree with him very much that it is not easy having such differing ages in the house.
a high schooler and a baby would be hard for me.
i could do it…but it would be exhausting.
jennifer asked "can i set up a photo session with you?"
yes. but in the spring.
i took my last photo session of 2009 today!
i will use november to finish editing every shoot i have left
and then i will spend december with my family.
then i will sew and fill my etsy shop all winter.
then i will start back up with photo sessions in the spring.
i only take pictures outside (except newborns…they are done in my kitchen all year round) so
with this weather…i am done till spring.
jennifer…i will put your email address on my spring schedule list…thanks!
who else would like to be on that list? email me.
diana asked "are we related?"
you have duerksen spelled differently in your comment…so probably not.
but if that was a typo then probably yes.
you know these communities…we are all related pretty much…it's that mennonite blood.
not mine but craig's.
keri asked "what bible study are you doing right now?"
i was going to write a post on that this week! thanks for asking.
we are studying Calm My Anxious Heart by Linda Dillow.
i really really like it…and i don't get anxious.
and she asked "are you dressing up for halloween?"
no. craig even suggested we skip it this year all together…but the kids wont' agree to that!
we quit buying new costumes a few years ago.
they have to use what we have or come up with something on their own.
no one is ready in the least…it's one day away for school parade, etc.
AND she asked "what is your dream job?"
ok…this is corny…i know…
i have my dream job keri.
i am serious.
i love being a mom and a wife…and now a little bit of a photographer/artist thrown in.
i don't think anything else could satisfy me.
but if you want me to DREAM…let's see…
george clooney's assistant?
i wouldn't get anything done though because i would just be staring into his eyes all day long!
and the last question was from erin… "what did you decide to do with the 3rd floor?"
boring answer for the last question…nothing.
we have many projects in our heads but nothing that we are ready to start on soon.
but i liked the idea of filling it with beds like a dorm…think Facts of Life.
ok…my fingers hurt.
and my eyes are burning from staring at this computer screen.
that was the longest blog post i have ever seen.
go get some visine so you can carry on with your day…i am so sorry.
thanks for asking.
if you like this…let me know in the comments and maybe we'll do it more often.
Anne - The merchandise is great (Ardmore, OK store) But the ladies who work there are beyond rude! Sorry to be negative after all these positive posts, But if customer service is as important as cute inventory… Visitor beware!
Rachel at Pencil Shavings - OMG! i can’t believe you came to Cloverleaf! I live 2 miles from there, and I have a glitter ADDICTION, so I can’t let myself go in there too often. It’s like waving a martini in front of an alcoholic.
I’ve never made it to the Ardmore location, although I’ve passed it on the interstate at 70 mph many a time on the way to Dallas!
Valerie - Ten years ago I lived in the little yellow house across from Cloverleaf. If only Cloverleaf had already moved in to that OKC location — that would have been a girl’s dream for sure, to have it across the street! I love to visit my brother and sister-in-law in OKC because it always means I get the chance to run over to Cloverleaf for a quick peep. And I have been to the Ardmore store as well, but personally I think I like the OKC one better, although you must see the Ardmore one simply for the fabulous pink bicycles that line the drive.
DreamGirlLisa - Oh what a darling store! How fun! Thanks for your blog Megan, I really love reading it. I like to imagine I am a stay at home mom again and that my prince didn’t really turn out to be a frog…oh well, life happens, right?
Becky - It is so funny that you mention the Cloverleaf in Ardmore. I live in Ardmore. I have been following your blog for awhile now. The Cloverlead is one of my favorite stores. What a surprise when I’m reading your blog and you mention Ardmore.
Becky in Ardmore
emily - seriously . . . that has to be the most fantastic store ever!!!! i want one in new orleans!!!!
Trina McNeilly - Wow this is place looks super fun! I could get really lost in there and I am so with you on the poodle.. I WANT that…. how much was it?
jess - i think they should send you a pair of those beautiful boots for such a great post!!!(and an extra pair for a giveaway!!! a girl can dream…..
Peggy Rice - LOVE the photos. Now I want $438 for a pair of those boots to wear around Paris!
Christina - Whoa! I think I wouldn’t know what to do in there. No picture of your necklace?!
your cool friend Cheryl - How cool! Can I move in?
griswold fun - Thanks for sharing! I have never heard of this but Ardmore is the our Christmas traveling path. I think my husband might protest when he sees the pink exterior, though 🙂
Dawn - I love that Mamalicious T-shirt! And the salt shakers filled with glitter, how cool! I wish there was one of those stores close to me.
Sarah @ Dream In Domestic - Wow!!! What a great store! I need to find something like this in Minnesota! I really love the pink poodle statue. I bet you could spend all day there and never get bored. 🙂
Lorilee - Wow, that place looks awesome. I love the salt shakers of glitter and the cowboy hat edged with bottlecaps. I also gasped when I saw the locker basket with the Kaspar Wire Works, Shiner, TX label. I live about an hour from Shiner, Texas. I want to go there to tour the Brewery and taste the beer!
Blessings,
Lorilee
Tonya McDaniel - how stinkin’ fun is that store?! i’ve never heard of it, but i’m already in love! thanks for making me slobber on my laptop!
MeBBof3 - I can’t believe you didn’t get a picture of the floor! I love it… I asked how they did it and they painted it with Bass Boat paint and then covered it with Basketball Court sealer- I had to reach down and touch it. I am actuallt from Ardmore and lived in OKC for almost 20 years. The one in Ardmore is very different you got the best of both worlds! I love your Blog it is a fun way to wind down and treat myself…Thanks for the fun!
Mother Runner - Wow! That’s a whole lotta girl in one little shop!
Phew!
Stephanie Carroll - 1. I love this post even though I don’t really like pink
2. Come to Texas; maybe we can find you some cute cheaper boots!
Becky @ Farmgirl Paints - Wow what a store. Talk about eye candy. That was a perfect photo op for you. Loved the boots. I’d like some too please:)
jennifer - So cool! Loved that lamp!
But seriously, what I’d really like is a picture of Kim so I can take it to my hairdresser and copy her haircut. Mine is very similar, but hers is way better.
Kim, you out there? 🙂
Heather Giustino - Chandeleirs, glitter AND all that pink?!? I wish I was a few states closer!
donna - Oh my goodness….that looks like fun! I used to live in Oklahoma many years ago….I actually had child #1 there – I love that part of the country – so peaceful!!! We lived in Tulsa…..you make me miss it!
Laura Phelps - OK Meg, let’s talk here.
You put me up for a week. Make me breakfast and pots and pots of coffee in your fabulous kitchen.
Take me shopping.
And I will buy you those boots.
I just have to sell 438 cakes. And then…I will buy you those boots.
Deal?
carissa... brown eyed fox - i need to go to OK… more specific… Cloverleaf!
looks like sheer happiness… one of those places you can’t stop smiling. your description was perfect too… well… since i’ve never been… i don’t really know… :)… but… cowboy chic… goodness… for sure!
HOW fun!
you’d look SO cute in those boots too!
susie whyte - wow. it’s like a little glittery heaven. 🙂 ha ha. i feel the same way when i go visit country bumpkins(douglas and hillside-wichita). there’s not an abundance of pink and glitter everywhere, but it’s still beautiful(www.countrybumpkinsofwichita.com), especially at Christmas! cyndi always has the best stuff in her store. i have to make 2 trips through her store everytime cause i always miss something. 🙂 next time you make a sugar sister’s run, stop in and check it out.
and okc…i will be seeing you soon!:)
Wendy robinson - Looks like a fun place I will have to remember this store next time I go to visit the inlaws.
Karen - Cloverleaf has been one of my favorite stores FOREVER! My mom grew up in Ardmore and I MUST stop there everytime we head that way or even any where near that direction. I LOVE the OKC one too but you must check out the original Cloverleaf someday! SO FABULOUS!!!
sara's art house - What a fun store! Beautiful pics as always.
Fidgeting Gidget - Wow! I love these photos! That store looked like a blast! I’ve been yearning for a pair of cowboy boots for a while, but they’re SO EXPENSIVE!
And that wire glittery contraption reminded me of my junior high gym locker (or should I say, wire basket?) 🙂 Thanks for sharing! Love your blog!
pve - Elvis lives! Looks like a fun spot for a little sparkle!
pve
Beth Ann - That looks like an awesome store.
adrienneK - OMG i am in LOVE!!!!!!!
Staci - Yup! That store is about 20 minutes away from where I live…and it gets me in a little trouble EVERY time I go there 🙂 LOVE those boots too!!! If Craig gets all crazy and wants to know what you want for Christmas (other than water)….just slip him my email and I’ll go pick up a pair for you 🙂
Flower Patch Farmgirl - I now have the uncontrollable urge to dump out my salt and pepper shakers and fill them with GLITTER!
Kelly O. - fabulousness!
Abby - Looks like a fun store – the pics reminded me once again to find some locker baskets ASAP!! I like the verse on the side with the licorice background – would make a great print for your etsy shop someday… One last thing, what brand are your jeans in the picture?
ps – Faith’s pictures are amazing, she was so excited to pick them up last night!
purejoy - i want to move in there!! just think with about $900 you could have TWO pair of them boots, honey!!
they law!! if dolly parton ever caught wind of this place we could downright transform dollywood!! looks like all we need is a 5 gallon drum of glitter.
awesome.
Gratsia - hmm cant link to their site but it looks fun from your pics
Gratsia - Oh wow never heard of the place but it looks awesome im going to google it now.
🙂
Amy at The Red Chair Blog - What a fun, funky place! LOVE the pics of those boots in a row!
On an unrelated note, I remembered reading in an earlier post of yours that “meal planning” was on your to do list, so I thought you might like this meal planning magnet tutorial that I posted on my blog today:
http://theredchairblog.blogspot.com/2009/11/make-your-own-meal-planning-magnets.html
Amy
Adrian - Oh how cute I was I closer to actually see this place LOVE it!! We’re in Al-dang-bama!! Roll Tide!!
misty - omgosh meg!!! I am in OKC at LEAST TWICE A MONTH & didn’t even know this was there!! I remember seeing a post with a bracelet that says ‘whatever’ and you had the link on here, but when i clicked it the page had changed~ I was wondering where this was! This is one of my FAVORITE posts on your blog & I am emailing it out to everyone I know. I need to convince my mother in law to take me there next weekend while we’re in OKC. PS If I win the lottery, I will buy you a pair of boots since you helped me figure out where this store is! I made a mental note~ (meg: size 8 boots) =)
sarah - WOW so fun. I want some of those boots too.
If I had an extra $876 to spare, I’d buy us both a pair.
I’m going to have to go to the one in Ardmore, it’s just over an hour and a half away from me. I’m gonna have to grab a girlfriend or a few, and head there. ASAP.
Thanks for pointing me in their direction. 🙂
Kimberlee J. - Oh those boots—too bad we don’t wear the same size, we could have split the cost!
A pocket full of posies... - LORD-HAVE-MERCY!!!! I have just died and gone to Heaven!!! I see a road trip in the VERY near future!!!
Blessings!
Jill
Jo - I didn’t know you were the close to Oklahoma? 🙂 Glad you enjoyed the store!
missye - Oh man! What a fun place. And too far away from me!:(
Jennifer - What a fun place! I think there might be a ‘girls trip’ in my future!!
mom - Glad you finally got to go – Nancy and I knew you’d love it!
amy d - wow!! i didn’t know there were 2 of them either! didn’t you feel like you couldn’t leave, cause you know there’s no way you could of seen it all, it makes you want to stay for days to take it all in…now i will have to go find this one for sure.
The Persimmon Perch - What a fun store…I’ll have to check it out next time I’m in the city!
CherryTreeLane - I am OBSESSED with this place. Geez…..why aren’t there more cool things like this in California? (complain, complain….whine,whine…)