I've been here and there...

MLeeK · Aug 2, 2012

Some things happened and I've been absent in the past few months because of it. I've had LITTLE time for photography, but I've squeezed a few in here and there!

I have been intrigued by steampunk. Execution, however isn't my strong point...

We've had a few deaths and funerals

It's hard when the elders go, however we also lost a HUGE part of our family too. It was truly more traumatic than losing my rather eccentric grandmother. This was my child...

I did a little charity work in the name of a very good friend who passed away from breast cancer (no, that's not me. I am behind the camera)

sm4him · Aug 2, 2012

Well, we are glad to have you back HERE, now. Sorry to hear that life has had so much loss in it for you recently; I can certainly empathize.
Hope you're in for an upswing now!

Are those your grandparents?

MLeeK · Aug 2, 2012

There's more!
I went to Tucumcari, NM where I was fascinated and could have spent days!

View attachment 15602

Found new importance in my family and spent time with the kids and grand kids

which lead to FINALLY having all of them in one spot at one time for a portrait. Remember to do this... as often as you can!

Derrel · Aug 2, 2012

Welcome back. Sorry to hear of your rough times. Steampunk, eh??? Yeah, it is intriguing!!

MLeeK · Aug 2, 2012

I'd love to do a whole series of Steampunk. The thing is accumulating the clothing and STUFF that is so fun to go with it!

I've missed you guys so much!

cgipson1 · Aug 2, 2012

So glad you are back! Sorry to hear about family and other losses! Losing a bird is terrible.. my condolences!! Cockatoos are wonderful friends!

tirediron · Aug 2, 2012

Glad to see you back again - you were missed! Hope things are smoothing out for you!

MLeeK · Aug 2, 2012

I think things are good... But then life is so unpredictable that I have given up trying to keep anything under control!! lol!

sm4him-one is my grandmother. She was incredibly eccentric to say the least. Kept us in stitches, hence the faux fur coat. The other is a great uncle. Both were well into their 90's and went FAST as hell, so it was truly an amazing life to the very end and an awesome blessing.

kundalini · Aug 2, 2012

Glad to have you back. Another sane voice is always welcomed.

Overread · Aug 2, 2012

MLeeK!!

Great to see you around again, indeed you've been missed!
I'm saddened to hear of your recent losses and you've my sincere sympathies and I hope life gives you some good ups after this recent bumpy summer.

manaheim · Aug 2, 2012

Welcome back!

durhamskywriter · Aug 2, 2012

MLeeK said:
View attachment 15598

i love this one so much! this makes me remember the difficulty my grandmother had in accepting her great-grandchild. my younger brother had died in an accident shortly before my niece was born and my grandmother was afraid to give her heart to our newest family member. when she finally broke down and fell in love with her great-grandchild it was a beautiful, beautiful thing!

pgriz · Aug 2, 2012

Welcome back. The walk through the valley of grief is lonely, even with others with you. Yet in the end, all we have is family, each other. And in the hearts and memories of the living, there remains a part of those who passed on. Our virtual community noticed your absence, and your voice. So yes, welcome back.

MLeeK · Aug 2, 2012

Thanks, Guys! I am really good with the deaths. Well, the bird still weighs me down a bit. The elders it is good for them and easier to deal with.
The baby, however? HOLY HELL! STILL and she died in April. It's something that even owning dogs and cats all my life I was never prepared for. They are totally different. As I sit here I have a parrot on my shoulder playing with my hair and another one eating from my plate on the desk. That one was with me like an infant from the time I got up till the time I went to bed. She was very snuggly and required a LOT of my time 24/7. I am never without a "child" on my shoulder-or two.
There have been many other things going on to keep me busy and just now am I really getting the time to process it all.
Overall, though? I am good! Many of the things that happened have made me look twice at things I needed to take a good hard look at. There is a reason for everything and I am slowly finding the reasoning in a lot of it! One door closes...

Vortex421 · Aug 6, 2012

MLeeK - If you want to do more steampunk-themed shots I strongly suggest looking around for a steampunk-related convention. There are always several happening during the spring/summer/fall. Dragon*Con is a good place as well, as is GenCon in Indianapolis.