Rediscovering self-motivation

About a week ago, I was cleaning my room and found these fortunes in a bag of my old stuff. I'm not sure why I held onto them a few years ago, but I'm glad I did. I feel that they'll be really helpful in my life right now.

I used to be an incredibly self-motivated person. I used to have huge dreams for myself and I used to tell myself that no one and nothing would ever stop me from reaching those dreams. Sometime during the past few years, however, I lost myself (or a part of myself, anyway). I lost that self-motivation and all that inspiration that I used to have in life. But now I'm determined to find it again. 

Over the past probably 7 years I've never really focused solely on myself, but instead more so on the people in my life. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing, but I feel like I really lost a part of myself in doing so. But now, at almost 22, I feel like it's really time that I focus on me and my life. Attempting to get back on my feet, find my career and reach all the goals I've set for myself.

I heart macro: HP marathon

My post for today isn't all that creative, but after both having to work part of yesterday, Matt and I figured today should be a super lazy and relaxing day. So, we decided to have a Harry Potter marathon :)

I heart macro: Summer

Summer, a photo by FragilePhoto on Flickr.

I was going to just grab an old macro shot from my Flickr account today and post that, but then thought about why I participate in "I heart macro" in the first place (to keep myself motivated and get back into shooting regularly). So, I decided to take a quick shot that dealt with what I plan on doing with the rest of my day. Which is sitting out by the pool :) 

Hope everyone has had a great weekend!

I heart macro: Homemade Guacamole

Homemade Guacamole, a photo by FragilePhoto on Flickr. 


I looove making homemade guacamole, and I think the ingredients make for some pretty cool shots :) 

I heart macro: breakfast

Breakfast, a photo by FragilePhoto on Flickr.

I made a healthy breakfast of spinach, mushroom and eggs this morning. And of course some coffee. I decided to photograph it and use it as my shot today because I thought the spinach and mushrooms looks so pretty :)

I heart macro: Mother's Day

Mother's Day, a photo by FragilePhoto on Flickr.



I'm pretty sure today is the first Mother's Day that I'm not spending with my mom. I hate that I couldn't make it up to Dallas to be with her. But, since I couldn't, I figured I could at least make my post today about her. 
She made this ring for me quite a few years ago, hence why it's so beat up and stuff (it's used to be completely teal). When I moved, I brought it with me, although I haven't worn it in quite some time. It's one of the few things I have down here that she made/is from her. 

 Sorry for posting this photo, Mom. I'm sure you won't be happy about it, but you look great, so don't be too mad! :P 
I want to say I forced you to take this photo last Mother's Day, or shortly before. 

I really hate that I can't be spending today with my mom. I honestly don't know what I'd do without her. She's the best mom I could ever ask for/imagine. She has always thought about my brothers and myself, and I know she'd do anything for us. I hate not seeing her every day and being able to talk to her face-to-face. She has been there for me through so much, and she never really asked for anything in return. She's the most loving and selfless person I've ever met. I'm so lucky to call her my mom. I wouldn't be half the person I am today without her. 
I love you, Mom. I hope you're having a wonderful day. Hopefully I'll make it up there soon or you guys can come down here.Thank you for everything you've ever done for my and the guys. I know we don't say it enough, but I hope you know how grateful we are. You're the best.


Happy Mother's Day to all of the moms that happen to read this!

Lightning

Lightning, a photo by FragilePhoto on Flickr.

Took this last night during a rain delay at a high school baseball game. I wasn't 100% sure what to put the settings at because I had never shot lightning before, but I think it looks pretty cool regardless.

I heart macro: Orange pieces and banana freckles

Orange pieces, a photo by FragilePhoto on Flickr.

 

I heart macro: Award

Detail, a photo by FragilePhoto on Flickr.

Earlier today, I was given some of the best news I've ever received in my life.

This past weekend, March 29 - April 1, the annual Texas Intercollegiate Press Association (TIPA) convention took place. Among many other awards (for design, photos and [believe it or not] writing), I won Designer of the Year. When I was first given the news, I couldn't believe it. I couldn't breathe and I couldn't stop shaking from all of the excitement. Last Fall when it was decided that I'd enter for a chance to win, I never would have thought that I actually would. Which I guess is just proof that artists are in fact their own worst critic, but maybe shouldn't be so hard on themselves.

This is the comment that was given as to why I won:

*** Designer of the Year (2-Year)

Miranda Hunter                    North Lake College
Comments: There were no entries that could be overlooked or eliminated from contention very quickly. The entries were all outstanding and show a lot of creativity and command of the design process and what makes an outstanding design. An excellent portfolio that includes newspaper, literary magazine and a newcomer’s guide. Miranda shows a great deal of creativity and versatility in working effectively in different mediums. Her competence with layout and design and the use of the various elements is outstanding.

***
Aside from being incredibly proud of myself, I'm also so proud of my former staff for all of the awards they received. The paper itself won 41 awards, including 1st place in Overall Excellence. And all of this was during my year as Editor-in-Chief. Seriously, so proud!

I heart macro: Metal Press

Metal Press, a photo by FragilePhoto on Flickr.

New website

I've been working on a new design for my website the past few months.

This is my current website: http://fragilephoto.com/

And this is the website I'm working on: http://fragilephoto.com/FPredesign-3/

I just felt like it was time for a new look. Plus, I really need to showcase my design work. I should probably get a new url and stop using FragilePhoto since I'm leaning more toward design lately, but I'm not sure yet.
I'm a bit stuck on the new design. If you go to the site, some of the linked pages aren't done yet, but you'll be able to see more than just the home page that I have shown. I think I need something more, though. There's a lot of white space, which isn't bad, but I feel like there's something needed/missing. Like something that should show up on each page of the site or something.

If anyone wants to check the site out and offer opinions, I'd be incredibly happy :)

I heart macro: Moth

Moth, a photo by FragilePhoto on Flickr.

Just a little fyi about the images... The moth did die naturally. It was lying on my floor and when I noticed it, I thought it would make for a pretty neat shot.

I heart macro: Love

Love, a photo by FragilePhoto on Flickr.

I heart macro: Shroom

Shroom, a photo by FragilePhoto on Flickr.

Pink Crystal

Pink Crystal, a photo by FragilePhoto on Flickr.