Can you tell me where this year has gone already?
2013 is the year that went by at double speed.
Just after the last 4am Project event, I realised I hadn't taken a break this year already. Maybe the odd weekend off, and I have mainly been sticking to having a day off a week, but all of a sudden I felt like I need to STOP.
And there began the rush and many hours of online searching for my the secluded countryside cottage I had in mind. I wanted to be as far away from civilisation (whilst still being civilised!) as I could comfortably get.
It did me the world of good to get away and re-charge my batteries. I slept loads, took walks up hills and down vales and got more fresh air than was probably good for me lol.
The search was worth it. I found the perfect place to unwind, slow down and come to a complete stop.
Check out my Storify for pics and vines and tweets and more!
Tuesday, 23 April 2013
Sunday, 10 March 2013
My child free choice
It's Mother's Day today and I will be spending it with the luckiest mum in the world haha.
My mum is awesome. We get on great and she is so generous and kind and funny too. Check out some her videos! She's got all the qualities of a brilliant mum! And thankfully I've got her good looks hehee.
I haven't got a maternal side like my mum though.
I'll never be a mother.
I have given thought about the pros and cons of having a child. I have weighed things up rationally. I don't have that biological clock dictating that I must reproduce. My priorities in life are different.
I've made a positive choice and I have many dreams, goals and ambitions, and none of them include a child.
Some people say 'Oh, you don't know what you will miss out on!'
I know exactly what I will miss out on:
Waking up at my leisure every day
Years and years of to-ing and fro-ing on school runs
Not being able to go out on my own without involving babysitters and notifying people
Tantrums, crying and moody teenagers
Peace and serenity
Doctor and hospital visits
The pain of giving birth
Noise
Being tied to a man forever whether I like him or not
Competitive parents
Strained relationships
Worry
Time
Money
Easy travel
but most importantly of all is that I will miss out on......
FREEDOM
Freedom to travel at a moments notice
Freedom to do what I want when I want
Freedom from consulting others
Freedom to pursue my dreams
Freedom to sit quietly and read
Freedom to spend my money how I like
Freedom to daydream without interruption
Freedom....
My mum is awesome. We get on great and she is so generous and kind and funny too. Check out some her videos! She's got all the qualities of a brilliant mum! And thankfully I've got her good looks hehee.
I haven't got a maternal side like my mum though.
I'll never be a mother.
I have given thought about the pros and cons of having a child. I have weighed things up rationally. I don't have that biological clock dictating that I must reproduce. My priorities in life are different.
I've made a positive choice and I have many dreams, goals and ambitions, and none of them include a child.
Some people say 'Oh, you don't know what you will miss out on!'
I know exactly what I will miss out on:
Waking up at my leisure every day
Years and years of to-ing and fro-ing on school runs
Not being able to go out on my own without involving babysitters and notifying people
Tantrums, crying and moody teenagers
Peace and serenity
Doctor and hospital visits
The pain of giving birth
Noise
Being tied to a man forever whether I like him or not
Competitive parents
Strained relationships
Worry
Time
Money
Easy travel
but most importantly of all is that I will miss out on......
FREEDOM
Freedom to travel at a moments notice
Freedom to do what I want when I want
Freedom from consulting others
Freedom to pursue my dreams
Freedom to sit quietly and read
Freedom to spend my money how I like
Freedom to daydream without interruption
Freedom....
Saturday, 23 February 2013
Bits you may have missed this year!
Hello! I've missed you. How have you been? I want to give you a big hug!
I had nearly completed this blog post a week ago and then, BAM!, blogger had other ideas and then deleted the whole flipping lot.
This year is going by scarily fast. I can't keep up with it! Still, it's better than being bored and boring and feeling like time is dragging.
This is a bit of a quick recap of some of highlights of 2013 so far! More to come, I hope. No, there's no 'hope' about it. There will be more highlights if I have anything to do with it.
Let's dive in!
Newsletter: I thought it high time I start a monthly newsletter; Notes on social media, photography and doing the work you love. It's something I think I should have done a long time ago really, but better late than never. There have only been two issues so far and it's been an interesting process, which I've written about here. Also, there comes with it a little pressure (self imposed I guess) of 'Will people like it? How will I feel if they unsubscribe? Will anyone subscribe to it?'. But sure, you have to try these things and ignore any self doubts or you wouldn't do anything. And I'm so appreciative when someone subscribes! If you would like to get it too, please feel free to subscribe here!
I went along to the BBC's Digital News Day in January. It was a day of events aimed at people in involved or interested in digital media in the city. I blogged some hyperlocal thoughts that came from the day and the seemingly increased demand for hyperlocal news sharing.
I had nearly completed this blog post a week ago and then, BAM!, blogger had other ideas and then deleted the whole flipping lot.
This year is going by scarily fast. I can't keep up with it! Still, it's better than being bored and boring and feeling like time is dragging.
This is a bit of a quick recap of some of highlights of 2013 so far! More to come, I hope. No, there's no 'hope' about it. There will be more highlights if I have anything to do with it.
Let's dive in!
Newsletter: I thought it high time I start a monthly newsletter; Notes on social media, photography and doing the work you love. It's something I think I should have done a long time ago really, but better late than never. There have only been two issues so far and it's been an interesting process, which I've written about here. Also, there comes with it a little pressure (self imposed I guess) of 'Will people like it? How will I feel if they unsubscribe? Will anyone subscribe to it?'. But sure, you have to try these things and ignore any self doubts or you wouldn't do anything. And I'm so appreciative when someone subscribes! If you would like to get it too, please feel free to subscribe here!
The first and second Birmingham Social Media Cafe events of the year have gone really well with a great turn outs and a interesting mix of social media peeps from the city! 29th March will be the next event so come along if you are in/near/can get to Bham and want to mix and mingle with peeps with a shared interest in social media for work and play!
 |
| Digital City Social Graph by Brian Simpson |
First London EyeEm Meetup
EyeEm is a Berlin based photo app and it's become a very strong rival for instagram, especially after the instagram terms and conditions debacle.
EyeEm ambassadors are getting on board in lots of cities around the world, and I was invited along to the first London EyeEm Meetup which was arranged by Dirk Singer.
Check out EyeEm's blog about the chilly but fun photo walk around Greenwich and check out awesome photos from the event.
'My' book launch!
For the first time I have contributed to a book! And not just any old book, it's the Community Lover's Guide To Birmingham! My chapter was a about the 4am Project and creating a global project from scratch and not waiting for the right time or any one's permission. The chapters should be available to read free online sometime, so I'll give it a shout out then! Lorna Prescott has made a great Storify about the launch event!
Being Social!
One of my goals this year is to be more social. The going-out-and-seeing-people-in-person kinda social. A friend said that he thought I go out and about all the time, but really, I don't! I can be quite a hermit, lost in my own happy world of work. I know that I do need to get out more and meet up with friends more often, so with that in mind, I'm arranging Being Social Days. I'll pick a day, get in touch with friends, and schedule a whole day of meeting and chatting and catching up. So far so good! I think this is a nice addition to my generally going out and about!
There's a few of my highlights of the year so far. I am seriously scared about how fast this year is going!
And I really don't want to neglect this blog. I guess Karen Strunks Media is getting it's share of blog posts, but I do want to spread them out evenly. If in doubt, just stop by karenstrunks.com which is where I keep track of everything under one roof!
How is your year going so far? Is it going to quickly? Is it exciting enough? Do you need more excitement in it? What are you looking forward to the most?! We've still got about 10 months to fill! :)
Say Hi on twitter @karenstrunks
 |
| Photo by the Wheyway |
EyeEm ambassadors are getting on board in lots of cities around the world, and I was invited along to the first London EyeEm Meetup which was arranged by Dirk Singer.
 |
| Photo by Kaaren. Pay attention everyone! :) |
'My' book launch!
For the first time I have contributed to a book! And not just any old book, it's the Community Lover's Guide To Birmingham! My chapter was a about the 4am Project and creating a global project from scratch and not waiting for the right time or any one's permission. The chapters should be available to read free online sometime, so I'll give it a shout out then! Lorna Prescott has made a great Storify about the launch event!
Being Social!
One of my goals this year is to be more social. The going-out-and-seeing-people-in-person kinda social. A friend said that he thought I go out and about all the time, but really, I don't! I can be quite a hermit, lost in my own happy world of work. I know that I do need to get out more and meet up with friends more often, so with that in mind, I'm arranging Being Social Days. I'll pick a day, get in touch with friends, and schedule a whole day of meeting and chatting and catching up. So far so good! I think this is a nice addition to my generally going out and about!
There's a few of my highlights of the year so far. I am seriously scared about how fast this year is going!
And I really don't want to neglect this blog. I guess Karen Strunks Media is getting it's share of blog posts, but I do want to spread them out evenly. If in doubt, just stop by karenstrunks.com which is where I keep track of everything under one roof!
How is your year going so far? Is it going to quickly? Is it exciting enough? Do you need more excitement in it? What are you looking forward to the most?! We've still got about 10 months to fill! :)
Say Hi on twitter @karenstrunks
Thursday, 31 January 2013
The best leek and potato soup recipe in the world!
Following on from my popular soup series (okay, just one other post), I bring you.....
THE BEST LEEK AND POTATO SOUP RECIPE IN THE WORLD EVER!
This recipe makes 3 large bowls and you will need:
2 leeks
3 medium potatoes
2 medium onions
1 veggie stock cube
2 cloves of garlic
1 healthy pinch of black pepper
1 good pinch of salt
This is a rough, ready and fast soup.
Peels what needs peeling and just chop it all up as rough as you like.
Put in a pan and put in enough water so that the vegetables are just covered.
Cook for 30 mins or so.
Whizz it up!
TA-DA!
THE BEST LEEK AND POTATO SOUP RECIPE IN THE WORLD EVER!
This recipe makes 3 large bowls and you will need:
2 leeks
3 medium potatoes
2 medium onions
1 veggie stock cube
2 cloves of garlic
1 healthy pinch of black pepper
1 good pinch of salt
This is a rough, ready and fast soup.
Peels what needs peeling and just chop it all up as rough as you like.
Put in a pan and put in enough water so that the vegetables are just covered.
Cook for 30 mins or so.
Whizz it up!
TA-DA!
Healthy, hearty, low cal, no fat and super duper tasty.
Don't forget to check out my Best Butternut Squash Soup Recipe in the world too!
Say Hi on twitter! @karenstrunks
Friday, 4 January 2013
Comment on BBC WM: Do we need to preserve our urban views.
I took a call from BBC WM yesterday asking me for a comment, as a photographer, on former heritage minister John Penrose's idea that the finest urban views in our cities and towns should be protected. Here's the article in The Telegraph.
It's still available on Listen Again for the next 5 days so tune in while you can! It starts 48:20 minutes in.
I think John Penrose's idea is certainly different but I'm not sure how it could be executed successfully in cities where the landscape is always changing.
I don't think views are always ruined by redevelopment. In fact, new buildings and architecture can enhance city's aspects.
Could preserving certain urban views have a detrimental effect on industry? If a business can't build, where will the jobs go and in turn the growth of towns and cities.
What would constitute a heritage view? How would it be decided?
John Madin's Central Library is due to be demolished. I was very fortunate that the Central Library gave permission for access to the building for the 4am Project.
The urban view from the roof top of the library is wonderful, but that particular view won't be there much longer. Though as one building goes, another will appear on the horizon and perhaps offer an even better view of an urban landscape (which of course is all down to personal taste and opinion anyway).
On my 'Being a tourist in my own city' day I took to the 25th Floor of the fairly new The Cube. I was amazed by the views! Those views may not exist if redevelopment had been halted.
Watch on youtube.
I'm all for an ever-changing urban landscape. Unless you touch my favourite building of course!
It's still available on Listen Again for the next 5 days so tune in while you can! It starts 48:20 minutes in.
I think John Penrose's idea is certainly different but I'm not sure how it could be executed successfully in cities where the landscape is always changing.
I don't think views are always ruined by redevelopment. In fact, new buildings and architecture can enhance city's aspects.
Could preserving certain urban views have a detrimental effect on industry? If a business can't build, where will the jobs go and in turn the growth of towns and cities.
What would constitute a heritage view? How would it be decided?
John Madin's Central Library is due to be demolished. I was very fortunate that the Central Library gave permission for access to the building for the 4am Project.
 |
| Photo by Mark Wilson |
The urban view from the roof top of the library is wonderful, but that particular view won't be there much longer. Though as one building goes, another will appear on the horizon and perhaps offer an even better view of an urban landscape (which of course is all down to personal taste and opinion anyway).
On my 'Being a tourist in my own city' day I took to the 25th Floor of the fairly new The Cube. I was amazed by the views! Those views may not exist if redevelopment had been halted.
Watch on youtube.
I'm all for an ever-changing urban landscape. Unless you touch my favourite building of course!
Thursday, 3 January 2013
Happy New Year! Hello 2013
I'm trying to find some wise words to kick off my new year post.
I'm feeling my usual gung-ho-ness about a brand new year, and already it feels like 2013 is off to a flying start! I'm feeling really happy, optimistic and taking time to celebrate achievements, big and small.
In a conversation with a good friend I was reminded how we rarely pauses to enjoy the now. I know I don't. I'm always looking ahead; to the next goal, to the next adventure, to the next journey, to the next whatever. I think to myself, "I want this, that and that to happen" and "In my ideal life this and that will happen, and I'll be doing this". I keep looking ahead, always with the future in mind, and it's just dawned on me that "this, that and that" have happened, they do happen and I'm looking ahead so much I don't actually realise what I want is happening at the time!
So, this year I am going to try and be more mindful; to enjoy the journey, not just the destination. Sometimes peeps say "Oh, you are so lucky!", but I disagree. I'm not lucky at all; I don't believe in luck. I work really hard for the successes I have. I strive for more. Of course I love doing what I do and I'm grateful I have the wherewithal to make plans, set things in motion and get to my goals. I've just realised I sound a bit serious, I'm not, I'm just grateful and very appreciative, and being mindful!
So, onto this brand new year!
I'm feeling my usual gung-ho-ness about a brand new year, and already it feels like 2013 is off to a flying start! I'm feeling really happy, optimistic and taking time to celebrate achievements, big and small.
In a conversation with a good friend I was reminded how we rarely pauses to enjoy the now. I know I don't. I'm always looking ahead; to the next goal, to the next adventure, to the next journey, to the next whatever. I think to myself, "I want this, that and that to happen" and "In my ideal life this and that will happen, and I'll be doing this". I keep looking ahead, always with the future in mind, and it's just dawned on me that "this, that and that" have happened, they do happen and I'm looking ahead so much I don't actually realise what I want is happening at the time!
So, this year I am going to try and be more mindful; to enjoy the journey, not just the destination. Sometimes peeps say "Oh, you are so lucky!", but I disagree. I'm not lucky at all; I don't believe in luck. I work really hard for the successes I have. I strive for more. Of course I love doing what I do and I'm grateful I have the wherewithal to make plans, set things in motion and get to my goals. I've just realised I sound a bit serious, I'm not, I'm just grateful and very appreciative, and being mindful!
So, onto this brand new year!
What are you going to do to keep being happy? What are you going to change to be even happier?! If we are not happy with something it's down to us to change our situation, or adjust our outlook and perception.
About 15 years ago I read a book about the power of positive thinking. Unfortunately I can't remember the exact title or who it was by (it wasn't this popular book by Normal Vincent Peale though) but it had a huge effect on me and my attitude. Looking back I used to be fairly negative in my thinking; my glass was half empty. The biggest lesson I took from that book was that I could learn to be more positive. It was a very easy thing to do, much easier to do that I first anticipated; whenever a negative thought popped into my mind I would change it to a positive one, even if I didn't really believe it at the time.
For example:
Negative - Oh, I'm never going to be able to run a mile so what's the point in even trying.
Positive - I can't wait to be able to run a mile! It will take some time and effort and I'm going to feel great when I am able to do it!
Over a period of time I re-trained my brain by catching the negative self-talk as it happened and replacing it with something a lot more positive. And it worked! My outlook changed, I felt happier, I felt like I could do more and achieve more and my confidence grew. I went on to take a year long life coaching course and gained a qualification there, and also qualified as an NLP (neuro linguistic programming) practitioner. I never looked back. I got out of a job that I had done for far too long which was getting me down, went travelling around the USA, moved house and started the process of doing work that I love.
It's important to surround yourself with positive people too! The company you keep has a huge influence on you. Spend time with people who make you feel great. Connect with people you admire. A goal for 2012 was to bannish negative people from my life, and doing that has made such a wonderful difference! I highly recommend it.
This time last year I wanted to get my online profile in order, and I've done that. If you want to keep up to date with everything I am up to with work and play, then karenstrunks.com is the best place to be! It's my portfolio site and I update with all my blog posts from other areas.
I also wanted to be braver and bolder, and push myself out of my comfort zone. I think I've done that to some degree but it's a work in progress and something I'm going to continue to do; saying yes, and seeking out adventures along the way.
London! Having spent more time in the city last year I've got it in my sights and I'm very excited about new work opportunities in the Big Smoke!
Right! Time to get on and get going with 2013! :)
Whatever you do with the brand new year, have a blast! Make it your sparkliest yet!
Sunday, 30 December 2012
2012: The Good, The Bad and The Unplanned
Hello!
I hope you had a magical Christmas time and Santa got you lots of great toys! He was very good to me with lovely perfumes and blingy things. My favourites! How does he know eh?!
I'm just emerging from a few days of completely re-charging my glitter, which means I really, actually, truly did nothing! It was bliddy marvelous. It's so rare I take a few days to do nothing and I really got into the swing of it. And I've just realised that in planning my 2013 diary I forgot to schedule time off - I'm going to correct that right this second....
Right, that's time off booked into next years diary. Now, to look back on 2012!
The Good
I've got all sorts of good from this year!
Here are just a few of my personal favourites:
Speaking at Birmingham Girl Geeks launch event about social media and the 4am Project. Thanks for inviting me ladies! If you are a Girl and a bit of a Geek and you are in, or can get to Birmingham, keep an eye out for their up-coming events.
Celebrating my best friend's 40th Birthday at a haunted cottage in the middle of nowhere in Wales. I still shudder at the ghostly goings on! It was a real country break with just the sound of birds and the neighbours mooing (they were cows, not humans!). I loved the open fire, but not the cobwebs. Part of me would just love to go back there again, and the other part says 'noooooo, it's just toooo scary!'.
Partying with Bugsy Malone at Fat Sam's Grand Slam. Fat Sam knows how to throw a party! I met Bugsy and he let me hold his splurge gun! What a gentleman. He's from NYC so I had a soft spot for him.
Having an Italian adventure in Milan! I had the chance to explore this beautiful city with it's stunning architecture, designer shops, art and of course the stylish people and not forgetting it has the most fabulous graveyard ever! Honestly.
The A.May.Zing month of May! 10 days of working and living in London. I had such an adventure and so many things fell into place. It was just the place I should have been that month. Now it's given me a taste for London and I've been back a few times since and plans to return very soon!
The Bad
This could also go in The Unplanned category, but it was it was more 'bad' than 'unplanned' (not that I planned it!) so it's going here.
Being ill and spending a week in hospital. That was pretty bad. The 'good' is that I am better now. Hurrah!
It took a month out of the year all in all and I resent it for that. And it knocked my confidence in how my body works and also what I could and couldn't eat until I ended up eating the blandest diet ever. Thankfully, I am better and I know I can eat whatever I like again. So, another, Hurrah!
The 'good' for you is that I'm pretty bored of talking about it now, so this'll be the last you hear about it. Unless 1. I get ill again or 2. I feel like I want some sympathy haha.
The Unplanned
I didn't plan 2012 quite well enough. Which in some parts worked out well (Amazing Month Of May and for the Being Ill parts), but that was only by accident. Let me explain.
Earlier in the year I applied for a Clore Fellowship. Naturally I was pretty excited about this, but I also had a feeling that my chances of securing a place would be fairly slim. However, if you don't try for things, you stand no chance at all. What with the time commitment involved in the Fellowship if I had of been successful, and even though I felt my chances were a little slim, I kept the second half of the year free of commitments. In April I got the news that I didn't get a place. I was looking at the rest of the year without as much of a plan as I would ordinarily have liked.
It all worked out in the end and I was able to get back on track with planning but I really think I should have had more of a back up plan. The power of a back up plan should not be underestimated!
FINAL SCORE
I will give 2012 a score of 7/10.
2013, I have very high expectations of you! We are aiming for 10/10!
I hope you had a magical Christmas time and Santa got you lots of great toys! He was very good to me with lovely perfumes and blingy things. My favourites! How does he know eh?!
I'm just emerging from a few days of completely re-charging my glitter, which means I really, actually, truly did nothing! It was bliddy marvelous. It's so rare I take a few days to do nothing and I really got into the swing of it. And I've just realised that in planning my 2013 diary I forgot to schedule time off - I'm going to correct that right this second....
Right, that's time off booked into next years diary. Now, to look back on 2012!
The Good
I've got all sorts of good from this year!
Here are just a few of my personal favourites:
Speaking at Birmingham Girl Geeks launch event about social media and the 4am Project. Thanks for inviting me ladies! If you are a Girl and a bit of a Geek and you are in, or can get to Birmingham, keep an eye out for their up-coming events.
Celebrating my best friend's 40th Birthday at a haunted cottage in the middle of nowhere in Wales. I still shudder at the ghostly goings on! It was a real country break with just the sound of birds and the neighbours mooing (they were cows, not humans!). I loved the open fire, but not the cobwebs. Part of me would just love to go back there again, and the other part says 'noooooo, it's just toooo scary!'.
Partying with Bugsy Malone at Fat Sam's Grand Slam. Fat Sam knows how to throw a party! I met Bugsy and he let me hold his splurge gun! What a gentleman. He's from NYC so I had a soft spot for him.
The A.May.Zing month of May! 10 days of working and living in London. I had such an adventure and so many things fell into place. It was just the place I should have been that month. Now it's given me a taste for London and I've been back a few times since and plans to return very soon!
Being recruited by Brave New Ventures I had no idea what I was getting into or letting myself in for when I was approached by BNV. What a mysterious organisation. I'm still not quite sure what happened!
Enjoying a Great British Seaside Holiday with my fab Mum We toured seaside towns down south and had one sunny day during the week. Hey, you can't go to the beach and not get rained on the the UK. Sandy sandwiches are a must. It's tradition! Thanks for a fab holiday Mum!
Taking the 4am Project event to Nottingham and having 40 amazing photographers turn up despite the torrential rain! I still have to blog about this event, but it was a great challenge to take the project to a new city and make it happen and also team up with the Lakeside Arts Centre and their Saturday Night Sunday Morning exhibition. I'm very grateful to all the photographers who came along and took part in the 4am Project photography challenge given the challenging weather!
Working with the talk about local team! Not just good, but great! However, now it's time to say a fond farewell to the team and take part in new adventures in 2013, which I'll announce shortly. If you ever get a chance to work with any of the tal team, do! If you have an interest in how to use social media from a grass root up perspective, keep an eye on the great work they do in empowering people and communities. It's been a pleasure working with everyone and I'll look forward to the TAL13 conference next year!
The Bad
This could also go in The Unplanned category, but it was it was more 'bad' than 'unplanned' (not that I planned it!) so it's going here.
Being ill and spending a week in hospital. That was pretty bad. The 'good' is that I am better now. Hurrah!
It took a month out of the year all in all and I resent it for that. And it knocked my confidence in how my body works and also what I could and couldn't eat until I ended up eating the blandest diet ever. Thankfully, I am better and I know I can eat whatever I like again. So, another, Hurrah!
The 'good' for you is that I'm pretty bored of talking about it now, so this'll be the last you hear about it. Unless 1. I get ill again or 2. I feel like I want some sympathy haha.
The Unplanned
I didn't plan 2012 quite well enough. Which in some parts worked out well (Amazing Month Of May and for the Being Ill parts), but that was only by accident. Let me explain.
Earlier in the year I applied for a Clore Fellowship. Naturally I was pretty excited about this, but I also had a feeling that my chances of securing a place would be fairly slim. However, if you don't try for things, you stand no chance at all. What with the time commitment involved in the Fellowship if I had of been successful, and even though I felt my chances were a little slim, I kept the second half of the year free of commitments. In April I got the news that I didn't get a place. I was looking at the rest of the year without as much of a plan as I would ordinarily have liked.
It all worked out in the end and I was able to get back on track with planning but I really think I should have had more of a back up plan. The power of a back up plan should not be underestimated!
FINAL SCORE
I will give 2012 a score of 7/10.
2013, I have very high expectations of you! We are aiming for 10/10!
Thank you to everyone who has brought their positivity to the year!
I wish you all the happiness in the world and every success for 2013!
Let's grab it and go out and make our own luck! :)
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