Blog Archives
Finding the Images to Inspire
I like changing the cover photo on my Facebook page, often. Lately, this has taken the direction of adding text to images taken that day. I will be out with my camera and start framing an image in my mind. In framing the image prior to capture I remember that my profile photo will take a portion of the left hand side of the cover photo. I adjust for this almost automatically, now.
Soft Focus, Gentle Gaze
Making Michigan Magic with Kim Nixon
April 1, 2012
In my own backyard
Apple Tree Budding
Today is cool and misty, fog blows in off the big lake. I am coping with back pain and must make do with a couple of shots of the backyard. I hope that spring will not pass me by.
Making Michigan Magic with Kim Nixon
April 1, 2012
In my own backyard
Grape Hyacinth
The trees are getting soft with young leaves. My life feels misty and out of focus. I try to look at what’s unfolding with a soft gaze, not judging, but letting it blends with my psyche. I try to exhale.
Staying Fully Charged
Being an artist with a full-time day-job is a challenge. Finding the time to make the “dream” a reality means carving out time and energy. Having a day-planner and a big pad of sketch paper helps me to maintain focus. On Monday’s I review the week, plan for recharging and nourishing of my mind and body, and add at least one must-do for the week. That must-do item is a task that will move my photography forward such as order photos, business cards, or look for exhibitions in which to submit my photography. We’ll talk more about must-do motions in a coming blog post, for now let’s discuss staying fully charged.
In my current job, I rarely work a 5-day workweek followed by a weekend; getting two-days off in a row can be a challenge. To stay full-charged means dipping into the well for a refreshing drink each day. It keeps me creative.
After a particular stressful 4-day work stretch I needed to let go of some negative energy, and creating is a great release. I came home to gear-up for a photo-walk and almost gave in to the pull of the couch, but I put on an extra layer of clothing, my boots, and headed out to a world of white.
Dead River, Forestville ~ Photographer Kim Nixon
I often find putting my feet upon the earth and following my intuition starts a healing conversation. Maybe this is some Yoda-like energy charge, like The Force in Star Wars. Regardless, some connection is achieved, and usually a few worthy photos are captured in the process.
How do you stay full-charged? Please share a comment.
Noquemanon Ski Race 2012
Today, I tried my hand at event photography, the sun was out, the temps were mild and this was the weekend for the Noquemanon XC-Ski race. It was good to get out and tromp thru the deep snow and find accessible spots to capture some action. The last 3-days have been filled with positive vibes and people, warm weather and best of all sunshine!
Great job Skiers!!
For more information on Marquette, Michigan’s XC-Ski race visit Noquemanon Ski Marathon
For more photography from this year’s Noque see my Flickr Slideshow.
Up Thru the Atmosphere
A rare opportunity to fly over Marquette, Michigan arose on Sunday July 17, 2011.
(I will write more about this soon).
Budding at the Fence
Some days you feel like you are up against the fence. There is too much to do. You cannot possibly accomplish the tasks. You are sleep deprived. You want to throw up your hands. But you pick the one thing that might shift your day. I chose to go up to the hospital to see a friend and help them eat lunch.
This life is what we choose. We can bud and soften and green. We can heal.
Gifted on a Day Off Work
Gifted
Day Off Work Hikes–Lil’ Presque, Marquette MI.
I came across this feather which appeared very blue-black in color. I was off trail. I had been called into the tall red pines and was walking bare ground as the trails had snow pack and ice. The air was warm, 45 degrees farenheit, and the aroma of pine filled the air. You could hear the sound of melting pack-ice on the shore of Lake Superior. After kneeling with camera, taking some macros, I picked up the feather and turned and in one step was another bluer, blacker, feather that appeared to glow.
Gifted Twice
Day Off Work Hikes–Lil’ Presque, Marquette MI.
The glowing feather. What bird was this? A crow, or perhaps a raven? What did these two feathers mean? What was the metaphor and story trying to come through? I was called out to the Big Lake, today.
What’s been calling you?
Signs, signs, everywhere a sign…
Some people are worried about the birds falling from the sky. It’s a sign! But others are more worried about making it through winter with a warm home and dinner in the oven. I am grateful to put gasoline in my car and drive to work at the group home and my opportunity to earn a paycheck. There was no yoga this week as the church is holding, “Room at the Inn” here in Marquette, Michigan, churches rotate taking in the homeless during winter months. You can volunteer or donate.
I’ve been ill. I don’t hide this but I do not wallow in it. I keep fighting. I try to get well. I even gave up a full-time position on afternoon shift so I can get better rest during the week. Winter is hard and I ache. I am not sure this is just, Celiac. It might be something, else.
I’m trying to live an authentic life that fuels me, heals me. I am getting more involved with my healing. Yes this means paying the bills, slowly. But the rest I am getting is good. I am getting back to creating and focussing on earning a living through what nourishes me. I want to be well enough by spring to help out at a local farm, too.
Please check out my Etsy Store, Create with Kim! I have posted new items and there is more to come.
And if you live in Marquette, consider supporting local art by visiting, Zero Degrees Artist Cooperative and please add us on Facebook.
So here we are, 1.3 degrees farenheit this fine Upper Peninsula morning. I am armed with PhotoShop and LightRoom, laptop, lap blanket, warm fuzzy slippers in pink. I am seeing changing times. I like what I see. Boldness. Daring. I am leaping out of boxes and into the world of creation. This week is better than last.
How are you getting through winter? How are you making it better?
Create With Kim 
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