The Typical "End of the Year" Reflective Blog Post

<Insert disclaimer about how it's been a while since the last time I've posted or how school has been very difficult or how I would like to post more often in the new year... all of this is true, but when life has the reigns, I get pulled in so many other directions.  But any who, let the post commence>

2015 has been a very eyeopening year for me. A very challenging one I must say.  Not because of the people that I've encountered/interacted with, but because of the extended period of transition(ing) into full adulthood and the experiences that come along with it.  School has been tough and this year I had to make one of the most difficult decisions ever for myself, but at the end of the day I'm much happier because of it.  Instead of focusing on the negatives of this year, I'd rather highlight the positives and how much I've been blessed as inspiration to keep going harder and staying motivated in 2016.  There have been many positive things that have come out of this year.

Let's begin...

At the beginning of 2015,

Hope For Tomorrow

I had the opportunity to sort through a few of my most recent self-portraits.  This one in particular stood out the most.  My eyes are striking, filled with hopefulness, and you can clearly tell that I am smiling or otherwise happy.  As Tyra Banks would say, I am Smizing.  Mission accomplished.  I decided to play with a few filters and make it pink in honor of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, which is the entire month of October along with other commemorations such as Hispanic Heritage Month or Domestic Violence Awareness Month.

I personally lost my maternal grandmother to breast cancer in 2002.  She was surely a woman of God, grace, and great strength.  I learned quite a few things from her about being a young woman - how to cook, clean, style my hair and dress up, go grocery shopping, interact/play with my cousins and family members, appreciate and respect those around me, and build my faith by being surrounded by other faithful people (we were up in the House of the Lord every single Sunday Amen!).  I used to spend my summers with her when I was a child.  Although I didn't fully comprehend everything that was going on leading up to her passing, I knew one thing - she was a soldier and I would never know she was going through anything.  She always held it down.  I've reflected on her impact on my family before (Flashback, A Trip Down Memory Lane); her legacy still remains.

The world needs some ounce of happiness and inspiration.  I hope that I can add to that equation with photography like so.

Maleshia J.

My Life May Resume

This weekend I took one of the most hellish departmental qualifying exams for my doctoral program.  I must say that for the past month or so I have really be in full grind mode because the exam covers SO much material (content spanning 7 subjects within mechanical engineering).  But thanks to the grace and mercy of God it is finished, over, and done with.  Finally, life as we know it may resume.

My life prior to now consisted of sleeping, studying, eating, studying, eating, studying, sleeping, and repeat (with all of the things in between).  I had to make a few sacrifices for the sake of dedicating time and efforts to preparing including going out on the weekends, traveling home or even communicating consistently with my family and friends, practicing my photography or executing photo projects, and sorting through my long list of photo albums.  It was a long strenuous process to prepare for that exam, and my efforts will not go unrecognized.

While I wait to hear the results from my examination, I will continuously cross things off of my to-do list.  I have so many ideas and dreams that must be fulfilled.  I have so many things to say to others, so many things to do, and things I need to do to work on myself (mind, body, soul, and spirit).

Be on the look out for more posts about my photography, my fashion (outward beauty), and my creations in the kitchen.  I recently invested in a Crock-Pot so I may have a few cuisines featured with the tag #CrockpotCreations.

Let's get it!

Until next time,

Maleshia J.

Eyes! Which one is your favorite?

It's been a while since I've written a post (as per usual; oh the life of a busy grad student), but today I finally got around to and was inspired to share with you some of my recent personal projects revolving around photography, fashion, inner and outer beauty, and my spiritual faith in God.

Today, I would like to share a few collages I made of me developing my photography skills, experimenting with light make up, and manifesting the light in my life from within me. I had a fun time practicing, and as I grow as a photographer, I hope to showcase the beauty of the people around me.   Here it goes for Eyes!

Imprints by Maleshia J.© - 2 Weeks Strong

Can you believe it has been a little over two weeks since the official launching of Imprints by Maleshia J.© (Est. Feb. 1, 2014).  But then when I think about it, I never posted the official link to my Blogosphere. Well here it is!!!!

http://maleshiajones.wix.com/imprintsbymaleshiaj


Share! Share! Share! Because sharing is caring and it makes the world go round!

Preparation: It's Coming...

Happy New Year Everyone!

I've been away for a while, but it's for a worthy cause.  My second semester of grad school started off on a good foot last Tuesday.  Prior to that, I spent nearly an entire month relaxing with family and friends at home in Maryland.  What a great break it was!  It was exactly what I needed to rejuvenate myself after getting knocked down to the ground so hard in what I would call my first semester of graduate school.  I worked hard and didn't settle with defeat.  In the end, my vacay was well deserved.

Be Bold, Be Fly, Be You!

It's not about what you wear, rather it's about how you wear it.  As my sister always tells me confidence can go a long way.  Last week, I was felt like being expressive with my outfits and willing to take a fashion chance.  Things worked out in my favor.  I absolutely enjoyed working it (walking around on campus).  My attitude throughout the day was definitely a positive one.  I'm glad I put to use some items that probably would have just stayed in my closet for months.

Chicken & Broccoli Pasta Dish with Homemade Dressing

I made a delicious dish and used this as a chance to practice my food photography.

The Big Move: From MD to VA

As many of you may know, I am attending Virginia Tech to pursue a PhD in Mechanical Engineering.  Over the five (5) months, I had been finalizing things for the big move to Blacksburg, VA.  When the time finally arrived, I packed my bags into a rental car (since I didn't have a car of my own for now), rode with my older sister and brother-in-law, snapped some pictures along the way, and made my way down to VT Land.  Upon my arrival this past Sunday, August 11th, I met my new roommate, who is very friendly, personable, and down to earth.  She even showed me and told me about some great local spots, like the Y Thrift Shop (YMCA Center).  The Thrift Shop (pictures soon)!!! You already know.

Imprints by Maleshia J.© - Leave Your Mark™

Now Introducing: 

Imprints by Maleshia J.© - Leave Your Mark™

I have always enjoyed digital photography as a hobby and view photography as an art form that allows for true expression from the lens' perspective. A picture is definitely worth at least 1000 words, if not more, and there is something special about how a single photograph to withstand the test of time.

In my personal experiences, I've used my photography to capture the essence of my life, to tell a story, and to share the beauties of the world we live in with others. My love for capturing precious moments has led me towards become more involved with photography.  Reflecting on the wide range of photos that I have, it was important that I get more serious about making my personal brand a top priority.  Although I am learning and perfecting my craft, I want to make sure my photos (especially the good ones) get all of the credit that they deserve.

If there is anything that I want to before I leave this world, it is to inspire others, spread happiness, and leave my mark by making a difference. I want to leave a lasting impression, an imprint, for others to follow by example. One way of leaving my mark in the form of digital photography is by capturing once-in-a-lifetime moments that that tell a story.

This is the beginning of a long, but fulfilling, journey ahead. I am novice from a professional photographer stand point, but we all start somewhere, right? I look to other photographers for inspiration as a means to teach myself something new and perfect a craft. As with any hobbie, craft, trade, you get better with time and practice. We'll see where my hobby will take me.

We are all artists, blessed with God-given talent(s). We all have a voice and ideas to spread.   Don't let your gifts go to waste.  What mark will you leave?

Additional Notes:

I currently own two cameras: Kodak Easyshare C913 Digital Camera and Nikon D3100 DSLR Camera (new addition).  Most of my existing photos have been taken with my Kodak C913 camera.  I am experimenting with the Nikon D3100 for practice.