Remember

> I've already written a couple of posts about our trip to New York City last year (here, here, and here), and still have lots more photos to share. I hadn't specifically intended on saving these pics for today, but since I finally carved out a little time to devote to a post, and considering that today is 9-11, well, what could be more appropriate.

> There was a lot on our to-do list while there, but we both agreed we HAD to visit the 9/11 Memorial. We had to pre-arrange for tickets since they only allow a certain number of people in the area at a time—which is actually great so it's not over-crowded for the space. It was easy to take the photos I wanted, and while there were lots of people, there was still such a feeling of peace, reverence, respect—which I was glad for. I hope it always maintains that kind of feeling. It means people still remember.

> For me personally, I still get emotional when I think about that day, and the days that followed. In my personal life, my own world was coming apart at the seams. I had found out just weeks earlier that what I thought was "solid ground" was not only not solid, but that it hadn't been for a long time. As I was exposed to my new reality more and more each day, it became harder and harder for me to do more than simply function. Then came the early morning phone calls from friends on the east coast who called to tell us what was happening in Manhattan. All of a sudden it felt there was no solid ground anywhere, and I wondered if things would ever be okay again—for me—for all those people who had lost loved ones—for anyone.

> All these years later, I still avoid watching any news that shows footage of what happened, or the emotions of that time seem very close again. Some things will always be "too real". You know? But thankfully, time helps. And healing occurs. And we are able to do things that make the ground a little more solid again.

> I was so glad to be able to visit the Memorial (the museum was still under construction at the time—it's the building that looks like it's on its side. Appropriate, right?) There was a lot of building going on in the area. Regrowth is a good thing. The memorial is  beautiful. It's peaceful. And it's on very solid ground.

Virginia City - Churches

> I recently shared a post about the "find I left behind" when I visited Virginia City during my trip to Lake Tahoe. Luckily, I didn't have any other regrets about my visit. I had plenty of time to take photographs of the historic churches, and the amazing cemetery there.

> As you arrive in Virginia City, you see the rolling hills spotted with quaint old buildings, and the one that stands out the most is a gorgeous church. Just across the street is a smaller, more rustic church that is just as gorgeous.

> I couldn't wait to get up close with my camera. You'll see why.

Rusty Metal Stuff

> Just returned Sunday evening from a week in Lake Tahoe. It was WONderful! We had a few days to explore on our own, then we were joined mid-week by (most of) the rest of my family for our annual reunion. 

> We spent some time in Virginia City, NV—a mining boomtown. It's a Victorian-era tourist town with historic churches, a beautiful cemetery, Old West saloons, museums, antique shops, etc.

> I love looking in antique stores, and I have specific things I always look for...old printing items, like metal or wood block type...are you surprised?), and rusty metal stuff.

> We scoped out the place one day before everyone arrived just to see if there was enough there to entertain our large group with all our different interests, ages, and attention spans (there was). While browsing, I found a treasure...see the "rusty metal thing" in the center of the picture? I assume it's some kind of door latch. Isn't it cool? Anyway, we had just arrived, and I wasn't sure what else I might find, so I took a photo of it, knowing we'd be back with the whole fam in a few days, and I could always get it then. But, I didn't. And now I'm kicking myself. 

> Even my husband just looked at the photo as I'm typing, and said "$20 bucks? If I knew it was only $20 bucks, I'd have pushed you into getting it, because you'd regret it if you didn't." He's right. I regret it. Especially now with a little PhotoShop magic to adjust the contrast, and I can see the scroll details that look like m's! It was supposed to be mine!

> Why can't I be more impulsive?!

When it's Time to Change

> I've been running my own business for...well...the fact that I can't pinpoint exactly how long without taking a minute to think about it indicates that it's been a long time! One thing I know: when you're a freelancer, you have to make time to update your web site/portfolio, and keep your brand looking fresh and current, while maintaining continuity and consistency. Seriously, if you don't do it for your own business, how can your clients know and trust you to do it for them?

> Confession: I'm guilty of not updating my web site as often as I'd like. Yeah, I know how important it is, but frankly, during the times that my client work slows down, I catch up on other things first, then more work comes in, and it's on the back burner again.

> Recently, I was doing some research for a project, and ended up bookmarking a couple sites to go back to, because it got me thinking about how I could remedy my own web presence. 

Here's what I'm considering:

• It's been almost 3 years since my last web design overhaul. It's time to completely update/redesign/refresh my web site
• Integrating my web site and blog would be a great way to make regular changes and updates to both, a LOT more easily
• I've got another blog, Q-cards, where I post a new quote design each week. I'm weighing whether to incorporate it into the new mGraphicDesign blog/web as a featured weekly blog post, or to keep it as an individual entity. Because I was invited to post the designs to a very popular Pinterest page, and my designs get a lot of repins I wonder if it might may be a new way to bring in new blog followers, and with an integrated blog and web site, perhaps new clients as well. What do you think? Can't hurt, right?

> So, now the fun part begins. What will it look like? What things will change? What things will stay, but with a facelift? That will all be be part of the surprise. However, I know you won't be surprised to hear this: expect green, and at least one oversized "m".

Inspired by...Fold

> Creativity takes a lot of forms—even those others would consider scraps. I LOVE the little creations shared on the blog called "fold." Miro Chun creates custom greeting cards fabricated with bits of wire, snips of thread, and colorful scraps of paper.

> I'd love to have any of the cards she creates—but these are not your "Hallmark variety" greeting cards (at best, those are put in a drawer never to be seen again). These little treasures deserve to be in a frame and hung on the wall, enjoyed every day.

Post Promo

> I wish I could say I've just enjoyed the longest holiday break ever known to man...however the time was spent doing something much less exciting...I had surgery at the beginning of December, and spent the holidays recovering. It's taken me much longer to be able to return to work than I had hoped, but I'm finally back.

> Just before my surgery, I mailed out my annual holiday promotion (and yes, the timing was intentional!) I've never been so on-the-ball for the holidays. I don't plan on an annual surgery, but I did like having everything done so far ahead of time!

> I sent these to my clients, vendors, and contacts, as well as family and friends who are interested in what I do. And I made sure to have extras so I can give them out to new business contacts throughout the coming year (minus the holiday greeting portion of it).

> I really had a hard time deciding if I wanted to use the pun or not...was it unprofessional...silly...witty...you never know how it's going to come off, but I got enough positive feedback about doing it that I went with it. Hopefully it's more clever than cheesy.

> If you didn't get any encourage-mints and would like them, just subscribe to my (usually) monthly email newsletter (a couple months behind for the above reason), or like me on Facebook, then email me your mailing address. If you already do both and didn't receive one, email me to let me know, and include your address.

Promo Prep

> Is it that time of year again already? The piles assembly line in my studio says yes! I've got a bag full of blank padded envelopes, a box with finished, labeled envelopes, a stack of trimmed cards, with a bigger stack of cards still needing to be trimmed, and two boxes emitting a sweet minty, fresh aroma (wintergreen, of course).

> As much work as there is in putting all the pieces together—from trying to figure out what the gift will be, then designing all the individual components, then labeling and assembling all of them, and don't even get me started on the post office...(although I have figured out a pretty good way to lessen that negative impact)—it's definitely a labor of love. 

> Here's a sneak peek of part of this year's promotion. And stay tuned...in a couple weeks, I'll share pics of the finished gift.