focus

One of my favorite games include Guitar Hero, and I really wanted to capture a good picture of my guitar. I decided to focus on the keys because it is visually stimulating. The colors help and also the direction and line movement assist in capturing a good picture. When I play Guitar Hero, all of my attention is focused on the keys as I try to get the next note correct. Evyerhting else doesn't matter and I zone out from my surroundings. I feel this symbolizes focus because for the duration of the song, nothing else really matters.

have fun

I am not going to lie, I like to have a drink on occasion. If you really want to know me, it's best that you understand coconut rum is my favorite alcoholic beverage. (pineapple juice,..orange juice,..bahama mama's, mmmm). Don't get me wrong, I am not a party animal, but I think it's important for me to have fun with family and friends, and my coconut rum moves the process along. I have plenty of great memories as a result of this, and it's good for me to remember those days and those people. There isn't anything about this picture that is stimulating or suprizing, I just wanted to give you a clue about who I am. and so you know what to buy me the next time we meet at a bar.... :)

starting new

I was rushing to work when I realized I needed some gas. While I was waiting for the gas to finish, I noticed a new house being built. Because of this project, I had my camera with me and decided to take a quick photo. I know it's not the most engaging photo, partially because my camera doesn't have the best zoom and also because I was late for work. But I thought it was quite interesting on how many of us just need to leave and start over. Whatever we are involved with; homework, boyfriends/girlfriends, friends, reading a book, dieting, a hobby, and just life in general. After making a mistake and moving to Iowa for my freshman year, I was very excited to leave and start over. Yes, it hurt to leave the great people I met, but I have learned something from everyone of them and will only continue to grow. Now that I am in Kenosha, I couldn't be happier. Everything is working out for me and just falling into place. I am trying to better myself, meet new people, try new things. Who knows where I would be at if I hadn't started over.

harder than it looks

While I was running around the house, trying to capture objects that defined myself and my personality, I came across this piece. I thought it perfect, LOVE! So I snapped a few pictures and something just wasn't right,... until I flipped it around. I did this to represent that love isn't always straightforward and easy. I have been with my boyfriend, Jakin, for 7 years now, and I know it's not always easy. Things need to be deciferred (sp?), explained, thought out and developed. By simply flipping it around, the meaning became more indepth and not so obvious. I guess this is something that I need to work at, especially as I go through all my pictures I have taken for this project: everything is pretty much self explanitary. I am the type of person who asks really strange questions that can't be answered, so I should try taking better pictures that require the same amount of thought and questioning.

just a reminder

While driving along Sheridan Road, I listened to what Professor Rodman asked me to do and really checked out my surroundings. I wanted to find something that caught my attention. When I saw this smile sign, I nearly got into an accident as I spun around to go get a picture of it. I think this caught my attention because it's at a crummy house/building and simply gives the reminder that we need to smile. It's funny how something this simple and straightforward can create emotions. It reminds me of the little things in life; which includes smiling. Now my brainstorm instincts are kicking in, and thinking about smiling leads me into laughter, family, luck, destiny, love, happiness. The list could go on, but I can really appreciate this artist's attempt at creating a better world.

still some beauty left

I was walking outside the other day and noticed a patch of bright red berries. It seemed a bit unique since winter just left us, so I decided to take a picture of it. While attempting to get a decent shot, my options made me really think about why I decided to take a picture of this. I came to the conclusion: Amongst so much dirty things and bad choices, there are still good things left. Everything outside is dead, old and cold, but this picture symbolizes life, thriving and color. I like to overanalyze everything, and have realized that everyone needs at least two chances. There is a good side to every person and every action. In turmoil, something is holding us up. Regret often makes us fix the problems we created. Something is learned from everything that happens. It's unfortunate that the negatives occur, but somewhere along the line, something will benefit from it.

my hammy

This is my little hammy!! I am so proud of this guy, and this picture represents all people who love their animals. I applaud these people because we need more like them. He was my very first pet after leaving my parents home, and I can say that I have learned a lot from him. Responsibility being the main lesson. I know, I know, it's a hamster, but still! This little critter involves cleaning, nurturing, feeding, buying, and much more. As gross as cleaning his cage may be, I love doing it because I know it makes him happy and healthy. I really like that idea of supporting something/one.

j.k. does it again.

Personally, I love to read. I knew I was going to take a picture that represented this aspect of me, but I wanted to be a bit more creative instead of showing a big bookshelf plum full of various books. I focused on J.K.'s Harry Potter books because I feel it's an author that many people would recognize and have affection (positive or negative,..) for. This picture is interesting because it's focused on her name, and the rest of the books are out of focused and out of the picture. I thought this represent having an endless amount of books because it goes off the screen. And when I really think about it,..who only owns 1 or 2 books of harry potter? seriously?

it's time

This car puts a milestone in my life. After a few badluck cars, I scrounged up enough money by working through college and also 3 jobs last summer to put a down payment on my first 'real' car. I am proud of my determination because I know many poeple wouldn't dream of working 3 jobs, especially on their summer vacation, but I was responsible and independant enough to do it. I know many people my age still depend on mom and dad even though they are in college, and I am proud to say that I am not one of them. I haven't asked my parents for money since I graduated (and even before that I didn't bother..) and have almost one year paid off on my car. In 20 years it will be stupid of me to be bragging about this because by then, everyone will have a loan on a vehicle. But this is something that happened early in life when not many people even dreamed about purchasing an 8,500 car. That's not stopping me. It's time to be an adult.

my decor

I believe that my apartment decorations really define me as a person. I have a lot (too many probably..) of decorations in my house, and they are revolve around the same things: red/black/silver, crisp and clear lines, simple, bold and modern. In my Human Symbolic Activities class, we read an article (I forget the name..) that went along with my thesis. My decor reflects who I am; I enjoy having expensive things, i am simple and expected, I like to be bold and get my point across, I am a tomboy, I don't like clutter, bright colors and attention seekers annoy me. The picture above symbolically shows many layers and many different aspects of my life. You can look at it as if each square is something different about me. many squares get in the way of others, but it's still there.

movies,..and more movies

Ask anyone who knows me, and they will tell you that I love movies. Netflix has to be one of my favorite purchases ever because I can watch movies all the time. There is so much that can be learned simply by watching movies every once in a while. If it's a good one, you'll laugh and feel good about yourself, it'll provoke thoughts and emotions, and it also removes you from the world for 2 hours. Movies are success when they fail because you ponder about WHY they are bad, which advances your thought process. It also spurs the creative juices because sometimes you give your input on how YOU'D make the movie better. Netflix is also great because it is so simple. and simplicity is a great thing to have in a hectic life. thank you netflix.

the love of my life

This personal picture shows something that happens every day of my life. It works perfectly because it is one of my favorite things in my life and the more time I spend with my boyfriend, the better. like I mentioned previously, we have been togheter for over 7 years and i have loved every minute of it. He makes me happier each and every day, and it's incredible to have this support and love in my life. I honestly don't think I could ever life without it

yumm

Ice cream. Ice Cream.
Since it is my favorite food of all time, I figured it would be a good idea to include this in my project. It represents everything that makes us happy in life, and happiness is essential for everyone. Who doesn't want to be happy? i wanted to get a close up shot of this because happiness should consume (no pun intended) our lives, it should be our goal and desires. We can't get enough of it and the closer we are, the better we can see it. The more we can smell it, the more we try to reach it. The more we taste of it, the more we want it. Just another reason why I love ice cream so much.

thinking outside of the box

This posterboard-size painting was done by me last year in my drawing II class at the University of Northern Iowa. I can honestly say that it's one of the few things that I am proud of, which is quite upsetting. When I really think about why it's successful to me, I come up with several reasons. I like how it abstractly represents two things merging together, even though they are still far apart. Their is attempt and success at the same time. Both of these objects are opposites in color, shape and for, which is even more controversial because opposites don't reallllly attract,...do they? I like this piece because it shows two people working togther, for whatever reason. I also like my color choices as well,..but that's beside the point...

comfort.

If I could, I would wear sweat pants and a hat everyday. I really like to be comfortable, and what gets more comfortable than a sweatshirt! :) I like being me, and I often feel that by dressing up, I am trying to be someone else. i don't want to be someone else because there is only one me! I thought it would be fun to take a picture of all of my hats because it shows the different persons I may have tried to be once before. each hat symbolizes another mellisa or mellissa that once was. It's not too comforting to be someone else, which is just one more reason that I need to work on myself. I need to stay comfortable with life in general because it's the only one I got. i want to be remembered for being me, not milissa.

memories

One of my favorite hobbies include scrapbooking. I have so many supplies I am suprized and excited every tiem I go through it all. I feel scrapbooking defines me as a person because I love to keep my memories and have them at hand when needed. I want to remember where I came from, who I met, where I have been, what I looked like, what everyone else looked like, and what I did. My past defines who I am now. Just like Winston Churchill once said: The farther back in history you see, the further ahead you will be able to see.

In an attempt to show you who I am, I thought it would be best to give an example of my favorite movies. This works out perfectly because I love watching movies, and it's a perfect thing to analyze. Tristan and Isolde is an incredible romantic flick which great acting. I love having romance in my life. The Fracture's plot doesn't stop twistting even after the first few twists. I'll admit I like suprising in life. Hitch teaches me about respect and trust, and also going after what you want. the Longest Yard is hilarious and shows that other people shouldn't get in the way of my life. American History X represents change for the good, even though it may be too late. Match Point symbolizes the affects of not respecting yourself or your loved ones. Shooter is a good example that you can always dig your way out of any problem, as long as youre quick on your feet and one step ahead of everyone else. There is so much to learn from movies, and I cna't wait to add more to my favorites..

solitude

One of my favorite things about summer is the fact that I can go rollerblading. I can't get enough of singing along poorly to my headphones, really feeling the sounds that I hear. I love feeling the wind through my hair and freedom at my feet. I love being able to think to myself and being alone for the time being. Getting some space is crucial in my life, and by being alone, you can appreciate being with someone else. So much can be accomplished if I just sit down and think. I need to think about what I want in life because I don't like to aaaalways go into it head first. I need to think about college, what I am going to do after college, my family, what I want in life. It's nice to use my rollerblades and just get away for a moment. I decided to shoot the wheels because these are my friends that take me away soaring. One foot first, one wheel first and the rest will follow.

not sure how to delete...sorry