Saturday, October 13, 2007

From Summer to Cold

Good Saturday Morning!

The creation this morning is to acknowledge that we may have a short fall this year.

People at work are all asking "Hey! What happened to fall?"

They were donning their jackets this week, and then musing that they needed to dig out a heavier coat, as it's cold. Frankly, I'm enjoying it.

The creation shows that you can still see some flowers outside. But, how much longer before they're gone?

Listening to the radio on the way in yesterday, they were saying that "some areas may see LIGHT frost on the ground".

In this creation, there is a house in the background. A walkway leading up to a front porch. I did some special effects on it, but it's there. I wanted the little fence with the remaining flowers of the season to be the main attraction.

Next Tuesday is Bosses Day. We are bringing in snacks to honor the occasion. Do you do anything special for your boss?

Have a great Saturday, and I will be back tomorrow.

Thursday, October 11, 2007

Simple Kalei

Good morning,

A simple kalei for a simple creation. Some days need a little simplicity.

Yesterday was a jacket day. The skies were dark and gray all day. It looked like rain, but it's not expected until today.

The funeral yesterday was really lovely. It was joyful. One of celebration of life and passing into something much better. I am so glad I went.

Have a great Thursday.

Back tomorrow.

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Owl be seeing you

Good morning,

Another day, another creation, another kalei-art. That's what this is.

It all started with the v-shape of the eyes and the sides of the face. Somehow, that looked like an owl to me, so this is where I began.

I played with inner bevels and textures, trying this and that until I found what I liked. My daughter told me he looks evil. I just think owls usually have kind of a "spooky look", which is perfect for the month of October.

Last week, we set a new record (1-degree above) for heat, but this week, we are heading into fall. Much cooler temperatures, and they are saying that the summer is now behind us. I'm ready!

My prayers go out to a fellow co-worker whose mother passed away last Friday. Her funeral is today at 1:30 pm. I remember how hard it is to lose a parent. My father's death was a hard time to get through. You don't want to tell them that time will ease your loss, but it does happen. The first year is the hardest, but each year, it does get better. Eventually, time allows just your favorite memories to live in their absence.

I talked with my son yesterday. I wanted to "wish him a happy birthday". He had taken the day off, and was relaxing at home when I reached him. His girlfriend, Kathy, is going through her first annual grieving for the loss of her brother last year. Her parents will be in to visit and remember him together.

When my dad died on January 31st -- many, many years ago now -- I went through this annual grieving period. I was thoroughly amazed to realize that on the fifth annual passage of his life, I had completely missed it. At first, I was horrified. And then I realized, time had finally done it's job. I had been allowed to move on.

After losing a parent, I dread the loss of either my spouse, or any of my children or grandchildren. Those that are closest to you, and in your life everyday, are going to be the biggest obstacles. I don't like to even think of these things, so I do my best NOT to.

In my journey to better health, I donned a pair of sunglasses on my drive home from work yesterday. While I personally don't get many headaches, but used to get "exercise-induced migraines", I read something that made me think.

Due to all the air-conditioning everywhere now, it's those sudden changes in temperature that can bring them on. The article I read suggested the sunglasses, as well as wearing a coverup, such as a jacket or sweater, even in the summer. I've always worn an over garment since I knew you could be "burning up" outside and "freezing" inside.

I knew my own migraines were a result of exercising, getting all hot and sweaty, and then cooling down too fast. I was a gold-certified aerobics instructor back then, and during cooldown, we used to turn on a fan, as my students all wanted it on at that point. And that's when my migraine would begin until I learned what was happening, and stayed out of the draft.

I used to jog with a student during the week, and even then, I carried a hat to donn my sweaty head to keep any drafts from causing this headache. It helped immensely, so when I read this article, I was NOT surprised.

And my eyes just get so funny in the sun. After a while, I feel like I can't see at all. All that "bright sunlight striking the retina of the eye!" That article made me more conscious of protecting them.

So ends another post and creation for today. May God's peace and tranquility be with you all today, wherever and whatever you may be facing.

See you tomorrow.

Tuesday, October 9, 2007

Thank You Girl

Good morning!

My creation this morning is my Thank You Girl. She was inspired out of the kalei behind her. Can you see her hair is made from the flowers behind her?

This was really a fun little creation! I love the colors!

It's back to work this morning. I would be looking at a four-day work week, but we have a mandatory Saturday coming up, so it will be a regular work week because of it. Except we won't be on the phones. And that is good.

I slept in this morning! I'm usually up very early. Around 1:30 a.m. But this morning, I added about 2 hours, so I must have needed it. But adding extra sleeping time makes me feel "groggy". Almost like I'm in slow motion. Ugh!

On my diet journey, I am learning how to make my meals healthier and more efficient. I've always liked the South Beach Diet myself. A lot of good information there. And recipes.

I love oatmeal for breakfast. I make the "old-fashioned" brand, which really doesn't take very long. Since I am lactose-intolerant, I don't use milk very often. But I love yogurt! So I put low-fat vanilla yogurt all over my oatmeal. I add fruit; either pineapple, blueberries, or peaches, some cinnamon and a sprinkle of sliced almonds. I mix it up together, and eat. It taste almost like a dessert instead of a healthy meal! Try it! It's really good.

I hope you all have a terrific Tuesday.

See you tomorrow!

Monday, October 8, 2007

I smell a rat!

Good morning!

It is Monday, October 8th! A wonderful, wonderful day for two reasons!

First, it is my oldest son's birthday. Happy birthday, Christian! He is 36 years old this year.

And second: It is Columbus Day; therefore, I have the day off!

Fantastic!

This is another picture of the wild mama cat, Sweetie, who comes to my door to be fed. I took the picture, and tubed it.

Being that it's almost Halloween, I felt a mouse dressed for "Trick or Treat" would be amusing. Hence, the cartoon.

I drew out some sketches of what I wanted my mouse to look like first, and then used them as my guide to do the mouse in psp. I used the air brush to paint and shade, and the warp brush to shape and move into place. The mouse is actually a much bigger tube, but I shrunk it for this creation.

I think my computer problems are over. At least, I hope so. My husband worked on it yesterday, and it appears to be functioning again normally. Thank you, darlin'!

We had a wonderful Sunday. My daughter brought her beau over. He's handsome, and very personable. It was delightful to meet him.

I am on a new mission today. One of health and weight-control through nutritional know-how! I am always reading, and I just hate the fact that I can't remember "what is good for what"! So, I've started a databased book to put down these nuggets and introduce them into my life.

I am already a healthy eater. But now ... I will be even better. If you're interested in such things, feel free to post something to my chat box. Share tips on what you know.

A University of Illinois study found that eating a simple combination of broccoli and tomatoes together provides such fantastic teamwork together that it stops the growth of abnormal cells. Since I love salads, this would make a super, simple one! While I'm not worried about cancer in my life, I certainly don't mind eating things that will help prevent it either.

I hope you all have a wonderful day. Be healthy!

Back tomorrow.

Sunday, October 7, 2007

Sweet Halloween Scarecrow

Good Morning,

A picture of a little girl, all dressed up for Halloween.

I saw this picture in a magazine several weeks ago, and decided to try my hand at doing a drawing of her. I started it, but never finished it. I then ran across it last week, and began working on her again.

Today is Sunday. I currently have 3 pictures and blog posts, none of which have published.

While I am now able to get my images into Blogger, I am still unable to publish.

The trials and errors of internet publishing.

My granddaughter is here this morning. Yesterday, we bought her a Halloween costume. She is a Princess. While I voted for a much fancier costume with a hooped skirt (and it had the hoop), and was very fancy, she chose a rather plain Princess costume with a pointed hat. The hat had nothing to make it stand up though.

I fashioned a cone out of cardboard, and inserted it into the hat. Unfortunately, she does not want to wear the chin strap to keep it on, so it keeps falling off.

Her mom brought her by yesterday, and she's spending the night. As far as I know, she has yet to sleep.

I woke up at 12:30 am to find her wide awake in her bed. She told me she was hungry, so I warmed up the spaghetti I made last night. I have informed her that once she eats, she could use a little sleep.

I made my dinner yesterday for this afternoon. I am meeting my daughter's new beau, Danny, around noon.

Garlic chicken over pasta, mashed potatoes (sweet potatoes for those that prefer), and a nice big salad. Taylor and I will bake cookies this morning for our dessert.

I decided to make ranch dressing, but unfortunately grabbed the Miracle Whip instead of the mayo. It tastes really different. Since my husband only eats Miracle Whip (the one I grew up on), and I eat mayo now, it can get confusing at times. So, this morning, I will do a new batch.

I am probably working next Saturday. It seems we have a "mandatory" Saturday to move some files. If I work then, I will probably schedule next Monday off.

Hoping this posts! Have a great day!

Saturday, October 6, 2007

One frame from my gif

Well, Good Morning!

I was trying to post my gif, but am happy that I was able to post any item.

In addition to the gif, I was going to post this frame anyway, as I realize there are some people in companies where they might NOT be able to see the gif.

This is another picture of the wild mama cat that comes around my house. I call her Sweetie.

A kalei was placed around her.

This was originally for Saturday, so while I appear to be able to post, I will go on and put up the one for Sunday.

Due to the problems I've been having with my computer, these few posts are out of order.

Have a great day!