Sunday, November 13, 2005

MY365

So this is it. Its been one fucking long year since I started this project and now its over. I am flipping through all my pictures trying to figure out what to say but I can't think of anything. It was fun and I am kinda glad its over since it was alot of pressure trying to find something to shoot everyday but I will miss it thats for sure. I will continue to post on my blog 2:48AM but as of today Miskan is over. I will keep the site up, I won't shut it down, if anything I might redesign it into something alot cooler.

When I first started this project it wasn't meant to be shared, it was supposed to be a private thing I was going to do for myself, but in the end I decided to upload my pictures nightly and share them with everyone hoping that your motivation would keep me going and it did. I know Nat is going to be glad this is over since I no longer have to drag her out of the house randomly to go shoot something. She did play an important role in Miskan though and she deserves credit for being patient with me and helping me out whenever I needed help.

I am most probably going to end up publishing this project in form of a book. A friend of mine who recently published a book is going to hook me up with his publisher. If that doesn't work out I will just publish it myself on my own account. If anyone wants a copy of the book just leave a comment below and I will contact you and mail you a copy whenever it gets done.

Today is the last day and I decided to end it with a self portrait. The theme is "Abduction". I hope you enjoyed the project, thank you and good bye. Today is day 365 of the project.

65 Comments:

Blogger nibaq said...

I remember when this was just a pipe dream for you a year ago! This year has moved fast..

Is Nat ever going to start hers ,)

8:23 PM, November 13, 2005  
Blogger BiigBoi said...

Congratulations on the completion of the project Mark! I'm going to miss logging on and checking out Miskan first.

Oh and Happy Anniversary to you and Nat.

8:25 PM, November 13, 2005  
Blogger vanou said...

I'm gonna be miss it, but again, Congrats for finishing it. And Happy First Anniversary!

8:27 PM, November 13, 2005  
Blogger Martin said...

Congradulations on the completion of the project! I'm gonna miss it too.

8:52 PM, November 13, 2005  
Blogger The Dictator said...

hey mark congrats

pretty sad how u gave me no credit for the idea of ure portrait as the last pic. would u mind editing your post at least to reflect the fact that it was suggested by me?

thanks

9:28 PM, November 13, 2005  
Blogger Mark said...

thanks everyone for the comments.

the dictator you weren't the only one who suggested a self portrait, other people did so also.

9:36 PM, November 13, 2005  
Blogger I the Beholder said...

Congratulations for completing the project and Happy Anniversary too!
Great job, it must have taken a lot from you and Nat :)

9:41 PM, November 13, 2005  
Blogger The Dictator said...

mark

other people suggested it after i did :). i was actually the first

10:04 PM, November 13, 2005  
Blogger Mark said...

if you were or weren't it doesn't matter.

10:08 PM, November 13, 2005  
Blogger Rampurple said...

dictator... this post isn't about giving credit... a lot of you were curious to know what mark looks like and u got it... u have a face for the project!

ANYWAYS... congratulations mark and happy first anniversary to u and nat.

10:11 PM, November 13, 2005  
Blogger The Dictator said...

im sure it doenst matter marky poo.. but this does..

a quote directly from your main page

" A picture a day, everyday, for 1 year. Project started on my wedding

night, Nov 14th 2004."

guess ure wedding night wasnt important for you to remember that well?
you messed up on the date dumbass! the damn thing was suppposed to end

one year later.. thats on the 14th.. you ended it on the 13th..one day

short of a year.. check the date of your last post on your main page.. :)

you messed up not only by putting shitty pics that have nothing to do with

kuwait multiple times (all those pointless apple pics and screen shots of

bullshit games). but you completly and utterly miscalculated the days and

did it for 364 days :).. nullifying the projects thesis so to speak :).

Sorry to say it mark.. but your celebrations are unjust.. you FAILED :)

10:21 PM, November 13, 2005  
Blogger The Dictator said...

by the way..

even if you do put up that missing pic. you still FAILED to take a picture a day for 365 days in a row :)


sorry mark.. close but no cigar :)

10:24 PM, November 13, 2005  
Blogger Mark said...

The project started on November 14th 2004 and ended 365 days later on November 13th 2005. 1 year is made up of 365 days.

The Dictator if you don't like my pictures and think you can do a better job thats great. But please don't post any more comments here or they will get deleted. Thank you.

10:27 PM, November 13, 2005  
Anonymous Nat said...

Thanks everybody:)
I'm actually happy this project is over now so that things can get back to normal again..

10:52 PM, November 13, 2005  
Blogger Q said...

Gratz Mark and really good job!

I cant wait for this project to see life as a book! I am pre-ordering the first copy....with a discount of course for ur fellow bloggers ;P

10:55 PM, November 13, 2005  
Blogger Kthekuwaiti said...

Mark and Nat,
Happy Anniversary!

Congrats on finishing your project ... I am going to have to find something to replace the miskan RSS feed on google tho. :)

As for Dictator .. grow up, honestly.

11:08 PM, November 13, 2005  
Anonymous Rami said...

Congrats Mark on the project and hope to see another one soon but for now Nat can see how your normal life is ;o) Oh Happy Anniversary to you and Nat and 1.001k more to come.

11:10 PM, November 13, 2005  
Blogger BloBoz said...

Congratulations mark, you did great job, when I read about your project I thought its impossible thing to do, but here you are did it in a perfect way, ALL the best man and waiting the next project.

11:21 PM, November 13, 2005  
Blogger fadibou said...

Congrats mark for a great work and you have shown real commitment which is very impressive. Congrats for you and Nat for the 1 year of marriage. miskan will be missed and you surely will make us read less blogs from now on. I guess this is a challenge to anyone who might try to replace you. Your diversified subjects and sometimes great shots will be tough to match.

11:26 PM, November 13, 2005  
Blogger Jacqui said...

It's sad that this project has come to an end but nonetheless I enjoyed checking those pictures every night, checking out what you might post about :P Hehehe so Happy Anniversary to you and Nat, and Happy End of Project and Wish you all the best in your next project.

11:29 PM, November 13, 2005  
Blogger BitterSweet said...

Hi Marc,

First off all congratulations to you and Nat with your anniversary. And ofcourse with the completition with your project. It has been truely inspiring and informative as well. I enjoyed every single time I've logged on and I viewed the picture.
Its really sad it came to an end.
Goodluck

11:34 PM, November 13, 2005  
Anonymous Dentman said...

Mark,
It was a pleasure watching your project day by day for the past year. i dont know what to do with the extra minute i have everyday now. I followed you since Qhate and now miskan is over. i look forward to seeing whats next. Although i hoped my shop would be somewhere LOOOL (wishful thinking)
Yours,
Dentman

12:02 AM, November 14, 2005  
Blogger Shot said...

First Happy Anniversary to you and Nat

mark, you did a great job with this project

I'll be waiting for your next projects

12:23 AM, November 14, 2005  
Blogger McArabian said...

Hey Mark,

I regret not knowing about your project sooner, but I managed to catch the tail end of it and from what I saw, it must've been quite an undertaking.
It would be cool if you published it in a book with all the grisly details of how/why you took the cerain pics that you did - and Nat's reaction to the whole thing :)

Happy Anniversary to you and Nat and Congratulations :)

12:56 AM, November 14, 2005  
Blogger KuWaiTi MaL AwaL said...

Great job Mark this project took a lot of you; it took a lot of Dedication and some personal sacrifice on both of you and Nat. my only regret is I tuned in late I was lucky to read all of your past posts, but I didn’t have the pleasure of following your post daily as I did the past few month. It was something to look for everyday. I hope you consider a similar project to continue this legacy you left us. No matter what others say you had great contributions to many lives and enriched some others. You added to our culture and presented us with something unique. The 13th is my birthday and this was a great gift you gave me.

Best regards,

1:01 AM, November 14, 2005  
Blogger snookie said...

i really enjoyed miskan :)
i learned a lot about you through photographs and im sad its over..
i'll be waiting for that book to be published :D

1:13 AM, November 14, 2005  
Blogger chatterbox said...

Congratulations for completing this beautiful project.
we're gonna miss it :)
HAPPY ANNIVERSARY TO YOU AND NAT

1:25 AM, November 14, 2005  
Blogger BusyNow said...

Congrats Mark and .
and you did great job.

1:44 AM, November 14, 2005  
Blogger q8Sultana said...

Dear Mark and Nat!

Congratulations on your anniversary!
And your pictures were something to look forward to every day :o)
And I'd like a copy of the book if it ever gets published! :o)
Best wishes!

2:13 AM, November 14, 2005  
Anonymous Melody said...

Happy Anniversary Mark and Nat. I have followed your photo posting for almost a year and have enjoyed looking for familiar scenes. I'll be visiting Kuwait again with new family travelers after the New Year. We are viewing your photos to enjoy new perspecives when making that trip. Nice job, you persevered. Use that experience on your resume!

2:25 AM, November 14, 2005  
Anonymous JAi said...

Mark,

Just wanted to congratulate and thank you for a job well done! It quenched the thirst of nostalgic people like my friends and I who miss Kuwait and also provided a unique look for people who knew less about it!

Thank you once again, Its been good fun!

-Jai
P.S I have put up my favorite miskan pictures on facebook.com. Add me if you have access! Jaisimha Rao.

3:06 AM, November 14, 2005  
Blogger Antisocial said...

Great job, even though I might have been critical sometimes, I have had great time reading all your logs. It made me feel closer to home especially that I have been away for a while.
Wish you and Nat the best
Thanks a lot, I had a great time

P.S. I would like to contribute to this historical moment and order a book

6:44 AM, November 14, 2005  
Blogger Shopaholic Q8eya said...

So no more Miskan pictures? Hmmm, you have to know, I enjoyed every bit of it. The book will be great.

Congrats on your anniversary, Mark & Nat ;p

7:36 AM, November 14, 2005  
Blogger forzaq8 said...

congrats ! for both the project and the 1 year anniversary

mark check this site http://www.lulu.com/

if you want another option for publishing

7:49 AM, November 14, 2005  
Blogger Maryam said...

Happy Anniversary to Mark and Nat... I really enjoyed your Miskan project!!! You did a wonderfull job!!!

8:22 AM, November 14, 2005  
Anonymous Ray Marusyk said...

Well done, Mark. I've enjoyed every image and your comments as well.
Put me on the list for a copy of your book.

8:34 AM, November 14, 2005  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Congrats Mark. Amazing endeavor. You captured something of Kuwait that only people who live here sense. This was such an inspiring project and it will be missed. The book is a great idea, and I'm convinced you'll find interested publishers. Thanks again! Red

8:43 AM, November 14, 2005  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi Mark,

Your project is truely inspirational. I came across 248 first and than a link to Miskan. I live in India and have thoroughly enjoyed checking Miskan everyday. You have shown a lot of committment and creativity in sharing a part of your life with everybody out here in the web world.

Kudos....

Happy Anniversary too for you and Nat...God Bless.

8:44 AM, November 14, 2005  
Blogger Mark said...

thanks again for all your comments, its great reading them :)

9:01 AM, November 14, 2005  
Blogger Purgatory said...

Did you have plastic surgery?

10:58 AM, November 14, 2005  
Blogger ananyah said...

Mark,

I've loved this site ever since I first saw it around 200 days ago, the photos are amazing and it was an amazing unique idea!

It will be sadly missed by everyone who wanted to check out what you posted and where your camera took you.

You last pic should have been a self portrait of you and nat hehe but it's a great shot none the less!

Happy 1st Anniversary, hope you and Nat celebrate with something speical, to mark that occasion and to say goodbye to miskan!

I really hope that the site will stay open, and you create another amazing project!

Oh and I'd love a book, take care and I'll see you over at 248

12:12 PM, November 14, 2005  
Blogger Mahi said...

Good bye Miskan... and Wish you a happy anniversary.

Miss you Miskan

12:29 PM, November 14, 2005  
Anonymous Andy said...

Hi Mark,

Congratulations on finishing the project as planned and on all the great photos. I tuned in early around day 60 and promptly viewed them all on Flickr. I've been following ever since, and though I've come close to commenting once or twice, I thought I'd save it 'til the end.

There are several things I really enjoyed about Miskan. The first was the photography of course. Your background as a designer shows through, in a good way, in your creativity and composition. I always shoot people and places, but you tought me to look at objects, color, and moods.

Closely related to the photography was your goal of improving through the project. I think it's cool that you set yourself a daily goal, stuck to it and made it work. And I'm sure you learned a lot in the process and not just photography. I think more people should have year-long daily goals in life, it would give us perspective and practice. So you're also an inspiration.

In a sense, though, it was your personal commentary that got me hooked. I love to travel and experience new places, but I've never been to Kuwait. You gave me an insider's view not only into what is there and what happens there, but also how people feel about it. You inevitably, and perhaps unknowingly, revealed much of your personality, yet you did have certain limits, such as the self-portrait you kept until the end.

Thanks for sharing, and "Aloha" from the US minor outlying islands.

1:11 PM, November 14, 2005  
Anonymous Susan said...

Hello Mark,

Congratulations on a job well done! I am amazed by your dedication to Miskan (god, I sound like a teacher).
I have learnt loads more about Kuwait through your anecdotes and daily offerings on Miskan and 2.48 which helps to make it an even better place to live. The final photo was quite fitting, an unveiling of sorts.

What on earth are you going to do now?

2:19 PM, November 14, 2005  
Blogger Exceer said...

Miskan was successful all the way, it truely was inspiratinal in many ways..
14th of nov is personally a special day to me so
"Blessed and Joyful Anniversary" to you and your wife..

3:45 PM, November 14, 2005  
Blogger Jazz Central said...

COngrats on one year of true artwork! Sad to see you go, but bigger things are out there for sure. Please sign me up for a copy of your book when it hopefully comes out :)

5:13 PM, November 14, 2005  
Anonymous Jaime Macias said...

Congratulations, please put me on the book notification list.

6:52 PM, November 14, 2005  
Blogger Moey said...

mark, you made me like/love blogging and posting on internet, i might be a screwed up kid or whatever you call it, BUT i loved you blog/pics and i swear i do check it more like 3-4 times daily and now i can't believe that it's not gonna be updated anymore.. i'm shocked, and i'd like to have a copy of it.. i'm in jordan and i hope you can send it here, ill pay for the aramex ship or whatever you wanna send through, your work worths it!.. my email is (slipknots@gmail.com)

7:18 PM, November 14, 2005  
Blogger ماعندي بلوج said...

Grats Mark :-)
We will be looking for your future projects ...

9:25 PM, November 14, 2005  
Anonymous Maria said...

Hi.

I find your blog yesterday, so I missed it with a year :)
Happy Anniverary to you and Nat.
I think I have to look at your pictures day by day for a year ;) starting today.
Maybe its something to do for me, to get me starting with my camera. Do you recomend it?
I'm sorry if my english sucks.
Have a nice time
/Maria

11:32 PM, November 14, 2005  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

mark

please keep forword


بصراحة لا أحسن الكتابة بالإنجليزية

مارك أنت مبدع فلا تتوقف

4:10 PM, November 15, 2005  
Blogger Mark deSouza said...

Mark,
Congrats! Ive been checkin this project all year...cant beieve uve completed it! Good job! It really helped me keep in touch with kuwait, even though im know 10,000 km away.

Regards,

Mark deSouza

4:10 PM, November 15, 2005  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Mark,

First of all congratulations on completing your project! I have been following since day one and the moblogging before that. I thought it was about time that I posted a comment! I am very impressed on how your work has improved over the year, and how your keen eye for design and detail has complemented the quality of your work. I am a Kuwaiti but am living in the UK studying architecture. I have always checked your site nearly on a daily basis to view your different perspectives on Kuwait, and have found your more abstracted work very inspiring.

I believe that August 2005 was definately your best months work, it was my favourite anyway, what do you think?

All the best.
Regards,
Khalid

7:48 PM, November 15, 2005  
Anonymous DesertRose said...

Dear Mark,
You did a superb job in Miskan, I also love the 248am.com blog, it is wonderful and full of wonderful ideas, it would be really great if you did cut back on swearing when blogging.Best of luck in future projects.
Yours Sincerely,
DesertRose(Toronto/Q8)

4:30 AM, November 16, 2005  
Blogger Gigi said...

Dictator:
You are dumb :D Let's say Mark had aimed to do the project for one week and started on a Saturday. How many days is a week? Seven. Let's see when the project would end:

Day One: Saturday
Day Two: Sunday
Day Three: Monday
Day Four: Tuesday
Day Five: Wednesday
Day Six: Thursday
Day Seven: Friday
Day Eight: Saturday

See? The project would not end on the same day that he started just as it wouldn't END on the 14th of November 2005 if he started on the 14th of November 2004. Sheesh! Next time, THINK before you say something that makes you look like a loser :/

Mark:
WAY TO GO MARK! I've enjoyed Miskan and can only dream of having your dedication and dicipline. Count me in for the book too. The pictures were lovely and the commentary was always a joy to read.

Gigi, admiringly

2:16 PM, November 16, 2005  
Blogger Dubai Sunshine said...

Mark,
Congratulations on ending this year-long project. I discovered your blog about a month ago, and spent a whole week browsing through your pictures. I admire the way you stuck to it, even though you probably felt like abandoning the project so many times. It's truly inspiring.
Good luck with everything you do and happy belated anniversary to you and Nat.

Dubai Sunshine

2:42 PM, November 19, 2005  
Anonymous manhattan dan said...

son, i don't even know you.

BUT i visited regularly.

congrats on a job well done.

manhattan dan

6:52 PM, November 22, 2005  
Blogger Nuke Em said...

Sorry this is late (I haven't had a working PC for ages) but congratulations on a fantastic achievement. I have enjoyed reading your blogs and viewing your superb photos. Thank you

Simon

1:08 PM, November 24, 2005  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hey Mark, thanks a lot for the pics & amazing work, congrats. I looked at your site almost every day, except for the last five because my laptop broke ;-) I enjoy learning more about photography. Please keep posting pictures at 2:48am and comment them & the process, thats what makes them so interesting...
Anyway, congrats on your first year and thank you!

6:24 PM, November 24, 2005  
Blogger Shurouq said...

Mark,
Your project was wonderful. Please save me a copy of your promised book.

Best regards to you and your beautiful wife.

11:28 AM, November 30, 2005  
Blogger Lara said...

I just discovered your site today and found it fascinating. Good job! I am definately interested in your book - please include me on your list.

10:17 PM, November 30, 2005  
Blogger Kuwaiti Femme said...

I've been slowly following you project, and I have to great job! I really enjoyed showing off the images from Kuwait to my friends here in the USA. I kind of want to start the same sort of project, which would be interesting since I never finish what I start, any tips? I don’t think I’d blog it, but if I did, I’ll give u credit for the idea, lol the Miskan project!

Hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed it!

Peace in the middle east

The Kuwaiti Femme

P.s.
Start up a new project! LOL I miss seeing new pics!

5:09 AM, December 04, 2005  
Anonymous Abdullateef said...

this is something unbelivable ... i'm talkin' seriously ... and by the way i'm so regreted coz i've explored ur site so late !! & by coincidence .. i really like the way u posted ur pictures, ur desire, ur challenge & ur success !! Congratulations dear.. plz plz plz don't neglect this gr8 site .. keep working with it ..hope to see ur published pictures in a private book as u prmoised .. thanx again ..


cordially

Abdullateef Al-Man'ea
miloooo@hotmail.com

5:33 AM, December 28, 2005  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

No words can describe what i want to say, jst in teh end you make a great case to become really commited to it.

NaMmOoR
nimer@hotmail.com

5:28 PM, January 23, 2006  
Blogger The Krispy Dixie said...

A belated congratulations on ur anniversary. I've been out of the country for awhile but I commend u on this great project and I love lOvE LOVE the last picture. I would really love a copy of the book once its out and best of luck with all ur subsequent projects

cheerio :D

Layla

2:12 PM, March 29, 2006  

Post a Comment

<< Home