Author: Mary Schulte

Owner of a photography business based in Kansas City that delivers storytelling images for small businesses, non-profits and Life Seniors. Adjunct professor at Johnson County Community College.
First Fridays

Visual treasures in First Fridays

First Fridays in the Crossroads are photographer’s heaven. The colors, the people, the textures, all mashed together with lovely evening light. Such a rich tapestry of people, smells, and sounds as crowds pass back and forth. Street performers busk for tips, street artists beckon to customers, food trucks line the streets as crowds pass back and forth. There’s a visual treasure around every corner.

 

Taxes

“Old Age” tax?

I just got my first paycheck for the semester and it was less than I anticipated so I looked at the paystub. Right there, the fourth box under taxes, says “FICA Old Age.” Way to slam a gal when she’s down! I don’t know how long I’ve been paying this tax (hey, I wasn’t so worried about my additional income a few months ago) but now it’s taking a bite that I’m finding hard to swallow.
Couldn’t they find a different name for it? Like the “Experienced” tax? Or the “Better than ever” tax? Or the “Gonna live forever” tax? I think I need to look into this.
taxes
Pets, Speakers and Events, Uncategorized

Dog faces make me happy

Sometimes when you’re feeling down, all it takes is a happy dog face to pick you up. Preferably one with a sloppy tongue, or a tennis ball clenched in his teeth, or a wild hairdo. I spent some time this afternoon with my friend Julie’s three dogs: Q, Jenson, and Loosey. Just needed to make some happy dog photos, and the kids were glad to oblige, even in the stifling heat. Don’t get me wrong, I had to sweat a bit, too, because the kids weren’t exactly minding their manners, and for some reason, dogs get nervous when you point a big lens at their faces. I can just hear Jenson saying, “Hey, can you roll your tongue like this?” I think I’ll make dog faces a weekly outing. Their smiles are worth it.
My friend Q
Jenson the wild hair dog
Jenson says, “Can you do this?”
Loosey answers, “No, can you do this?”
Loosey got her name because she was running loose.
Jenson and Loosey share the ball. Nah, they don’t.
Speakers and Events

Taking care of Caregivers

Listened to LeAnn Thieman speak about ways that caregivers can care for themselves and find ways to renew their energy while caring for others. While I’m not a caregiver in that I do it day in and day out, I think everyone is a caregiver of one sort or another. I care for my Mom, although not on a daily basis. I care for my kids. I care for my partner. But it’s important to take care of me also. I think we get so wrapped up in caring for others that we forget to take care of ourselves. I mostly focus on the physical, but Thieman mentioned four mental areas to achieve balance: Breathe, Laugh, Forgive and practice Positive Thinking. Sounds like a good idea.
Uncategorized

Photo Karma

I went to the Kauffman Center on Sunday to retrieve my lost driver’s license, which had fallen out of my pocket when I was volunteering at the TedXKC event (major awesomeness there, by the way). As I was leaving, I saw this guy photographing his truck in front of the building. I went on about my business and drove away. Two blocks away, I kicked myself for not stopping, so I went back. The guy was pulling away, so I flagged him down and asked if I could photograph his truck. We chatted for awhile, and I kicked myself again for not having a real camera with me, just my cell phone.

The part where karma comes in is pretty awesome. Turns out Kevin Lee is a visual kind of guy, a creative director at VML, so he understands why someone would chase him down and want to get a photo of his truck. Turns out, no one has ever asked to use his truck as a prop in a photo shoot. Guess who’s going to be the first?