Q&A with Mark

I thought it would be fun to get to know some of the “staff” here at KJP. First up, is none other than the love of my life – Mark! I am so thrilled to have not only a supportive husband but one who is willing to be part of this Big Dream. He has dreamed with me about the business, encouraged, offered great suggestions and is helping out with bookkeeping and administrative tasks. Thanks Mark!

So here is a bit of a Q&A for you to get to know my better half – with some of my comments along the way. Feel free to ask him any of your own Q’s in the comments section!


How long have you been interested in photography? 
Ever since I received my first little point and shoot in elementary school

Where do you get inspiration for your photography? 
I love to look through books of black and white photography. For some reason, I am very drawn to the stark contrasts presented in black and white photography.

If you were a teacher of photography, what is the FIRST thing that you 
would want your student to know? 
Remove the lens cap.

What's your favorite meal? 
There are several "perfect" foods: a fruit, yogurt, trailmix & granola parfait; pizza; pita's, and; submarines. I love all of them. (In the last year Mark has become a health food addict – while me, the supportive wife, is a huge fan of McDonalds or other gross, greasy foods. Mmmmmmm….)

How did you and Krista meet? 
Krista and I met at a bus-stop in Toronto while we were both at Bible College. She was going to jail (Krista the "good-girl" is really just a charade) and I was going to work. (Ha! Ha! Yes, I was on my way to jail… but it’s not what you think! I was teaching math and English at the jail. I was a volunteer teacher in the jail for two years – lots of fun and some interesting stories)_

What words best describe you? 
Easy-going, quiet, devoted, hard-working. (I completely agree!)

What inspires you? 
Other people's stories. (Mark comes across as quiet - but he is an exceptional listener. Such a gift.)

Do you have any other artistic interests? 
I enjoy the culinary arts...mostly because I really like eating.

What is your favourite song today? 
Alicia Keys - No One (whenever I hear it on the radio, it goes through my head for the rest of the day)(that's just my favourite today, though...there are several on my radar right now: Timbaland - Apologize; State of Shock - Money Honey; Kanye West - Stronger).

Share a favorite photo that you have taken. 
While I was at college, I took a series of food art photos...they are probably my all time favourites, just because they were fun. (I forgot about these! I’ll have to dig these up – hilarious!)

Finish the sentences....

A girl can't live without.... 
Warm socks (slippers), comfy pants and a cozy blanket. (Can you tell we always have the thermostat debate in our house? I’m always cold! He also has 5 sisters and now two daughters so he's use to us girls)

Something I did in 2007.... 
I became certified in Infection Control. (Mark is a Public Health nurse in Communicable Diseases. If you need to know about washing your hands or the pandemic – he’s your man!)

Gifts I received for Christmas.... 
 a lovely new housecoat (to go with my slippers, which I've had for a year now...both of which give ample evidence that I am now officially an old fart).

I can't and I won't..... 
willfully eat anything containing plump, juicy raisins (dry, shrunken raisins are okay; plump, juicy raisins remind me of flies with their wings and legs cut off).
.
One of my New Year's resolutions... 
I refused to make any this year.