Fantasy Garden

          

One more before I go.  I had to share this tonight.  I thought about waiting, but I am loving this.  I spent some time putting this together today after work.  I think I got lost in the fantasy and just kept adding and doctoring it up.  Adding the water was a little different and will admit after many attempts I got it the way I wanted.  Thanks to Sam at Dock Lines for the use of his water!  LOL  I cut out a portion of one of his pictures I already had and used it to fill in.  The white was actually a white cap and I played with it until I thought it had the effect of a cloud reflecting.  My clouds aren't quite as bright and once I saved the graphic they almost completely disappeared, but I swear they were there!  I played and played with the frame and decided I really liked this look.  It started out having an almost brass effect but I wanted something a bit different.  I say this fits the 'different' bill :)  

Though the scenery is nice and the place looks cozy and right out of a fantasy garden, I'd hate to have to clean it or keep up the grounds!  I will just sit and look at it and dream about the knight on the white horse with a full staff to wait on me.  :::giggle:::

Simple Elegance?

                           

This was something I put together the other day.  The lady had a copy write, and though I couldn't read it or make out exactly what it said on my copy, I did leave it on her dress.  The background picture was something that came pretty much assembled with no information at all on a copy write.  I was trying to get an effect of elegance, and in my eyes I thought it was a success.  LOL I was extremely pleased with the graphic and the frame.  I could have made the frame a bit larger, but it is a bit 'busy' and didn't want to take away from the simplicity of the graphic.

On a brighter note........

  

My son starts his new job tomorrow and I know he is more than just a little excited.  I am sure there is some nervousness in there too.  He's been at his current job for a good 3 years and has become a 'staple' to that company.  They love him and really hate to see him go, but move on he must.  Like the wild horses he must forge his way in to the future.  Make a life for himself.  He's always been pretty independent but this new job will really help him grow.   

I'm excited and a little nervous for him as well.  Or is that for me?  Being an only child and having raised him by myself it's hard to let my 'baby' go, grow up.  You always want your children to succeed, make good for themselves but then down deep you wonder if they will still need you like they have in the past.  Then you realize, yes, they will.  I will always be Mom, and we will always have a bond.  Poor kid!  LOL  

So like wild horses he must run into the wild, not completely leaving the past behind, but learning from all his experiences to become an even better human being.  I can't tie him up or fence him in.  I can only hope the things I've taught him along the way will shine through.  

Good Luck bud... I am so happy for you and so very proud.  Love you!

Fish Out of Water

                                      

Today was a bit better.  After having Friday off and a long weekend, Monday was tough.  It's hard enough to get in the swing of things on a Monday, but after the extra day off it is that much worse.  To say nothing about having voice mail and email to address.  My desk had papers that weren't handled while I was off and I still had to get caught up on Friday's scheduled activities.  It only takes a few minutes for my schedule to go to hell in a hand basket and with an entire day off it takes days to catch back up.  Not that I am ever caught up.  I am horrible on myself and always schedule way to much.  I'd rather be busy than bored so I just continue on the path.  So in essence I only have me to blame!  

For the past several weeks I've felt like a fish out of water.  I am usually so in control and organized, but not lately.  Emotions have been up and down.  Happy, sad, indifferent, angry, loving and with the drop of a hat they seem to change.  Someone recently commented that my graphics are showing the mood swings.  I know it's not PMS, yet I can't really put my finger on it.  Going in so many directions yet never ending up at any destination.... a fish out of water.....

Typical Monday

            

Long... drawn out... and tiring.  Gawd I hate Mondays!  I never took my nap yesterday and ended up going to bed early.  I woke up still tired and the day just seemed to drag.  I swear by 2 I was ready for a nap and felt if I blinked for a second too long I'd be fast asleep at my desk.  Did some quick running after work with my son.  He needed a few things for the new job.  Steel toe boots, and jeans to wear, you know, not the ones he wears 'out' but the ones that can be ruined.  Go figure when I was growing up Levi's were the good ones and Wrangler were the knock around ruin kind.  Now, it's Levi's he is wearing to work......... am I that old or out of touch?  

Went through about 200 pieces of mail and to be honest I just wasn't into it.  None of the graphics caught my eye.  Again, I think it was because I am tired or maybe it's blah.  Doing graphics didn't even have the same 'zip.'  I did this one and am not real pleased with the water movement.  I love the picture because it is soothing, but the colors of the water were tough.   

I'm sitting here yawning and think maybe I will just jump into bed and get some much needed sleep. 

....fourth entry.... done for now :)

                  

       

           

                    

.... third entry....

              

 

                 

 

                   

.........second entry... AC

                                 

As Promised...... first entry :)

As promised I am posting graphics before I move them off my computer and onto disc.  Some are out of character, some were experimental trying to learn techniques, and others may have what some call adult content.  Some are old, some are new.  I am going to try and get these up back to back so I apologize for the alerts you may get, but I know if I don't do it now I will procrastinate on getting the graphics off my computer. 

  

 

                                 

 

Site Meter

                  

I have had a few requests/questions regarding the counter I mentioned in an earlier entry.  It can be found at sitemeter.com.  Just sign up and follow the directions.  There is a selection for AOL Journals, and a code listed.  If that code does not work for you there is a 'click here' if this does not work.  I believe I needed to use the second code on that second page.  Apparently there are a few that will work for AOL, you just have to find the one for you.  There are different types you can use.  Some include numbers so don't.  You can also start the counter at a number different from 0.  No cheating though!  LOL

Peaceful Sunday

 

I've been up since about 5:30.  Not sure exactly why so early, but early it was.  It was still dark out and I could hear the wind whistle through the branches of the trees.  A star twinkling here and there.  I had looked out the window because there was a call for lake effect snow and I wanted to see if we actually had any.  Only a dusting appeared on the ground and it looked so clean and fresh.  Even in the darkness I could see the glow of white.  I left the house quiet and just sat on the computer catching up with mail and doing some surfing.  No background noise what so ever, and let me tell you it did the head good.  Not that it has been bad around here, but sometimes there is so much commotion I can't even think straight.  TV going as the boys channel surf, the phone ringing both land line and cell.  Music, cars, doors, washer and dryer.  It's no wonder I get lost in the graphics.  A solitude amongst the craziness.  

This morning I got lost in graphics.  This is one I created almost first thing.  It just confirmed the peaceful feeling I had.  I sat drinking coffee and working in the quiet and only realized how late it was when my stomach started to growl.  When my sister got up we decided to cook a nice breakfast and enjoy the meal in peace and quiet.  For me it wasn't breakfast or even lunch, but more like dinner as I'd been up so many hours already.  As I cleaned up the dishes I looked out my back window.  The blue sky was bright and crisp.  The pillow like white clouds drifted swiftly about throwing shadows along the yard.  Examining the clouds some, if not all, were tinted with a bit of gray.  Or is that the silver lining we hear so much about? The sun, when out, was bright and clear giving you the feeling it was warm out, but instead it is a chilly 15.  The trees swayed in the breeze and the branches glistened in the sunlight.  What ever snow had been on them was gone and surely had turned to a thin coating of ice in this cold.  With the odd weather pattern we've had there are actually some buds on the trees and when the sun caught them just right they looked like little diamonds on the otherwise bare branches.  Oh, how nice it would be to be able to pick them and cash them in!  

Nothing much going on around my house today.  I will probably go take a nap and wrap up in some warm blankets and drift to lah lah land.  I had thought about going and getting some pictures but my body is telling me otherwise.  It does not want to go out and be exposed to the frigid temperatures.  Numb fingers and toes is not what I feel like doing today.  A nice relaxing, lazy weekend will do my body and soul good after so many emotions the past few days and I am more than ready to take advantage.  At some point I will be moving my graphics on to disc so don't be surprised if you see a bunch get entered on here.  Off the top of my head I am not even sure what, but I know I have several that haven't made it yet.   

I hope everyone has a wonderful and peaceful Sunday and be ready for the alerts.  :)

I Lied............. LOL

                                 

             

                          

 

Ok, so I lied a little.  :)   I did take a long hot shower, no bath.  I got my jammies on and curled on the couch with a cup of tea.  Then I was drawn to the computer once again and I was emailed a great bunch of wolf graphics.  I know so many of you are as fond of them as I so I went to work.  Nothing to extravagant or intricate, just enough I thought.   

Now it's off to bed.  'night

Time to Relax

                   

This last week has been a whirlwind of emotions and ups and downs.  Currently, everything has seemed to settle into place and I can breath at a more normal rate.  The stress has left my neck somewhat and I am feeling much much better.  Again, thank you for all your support!   

I did notice my AOL counter is back down to 28 so once again it obviously has had a 'burp' or at this point would be 'puke'?  Long long ago I added the site meter counter and have had no issues with it at all.  I've even got it set not to count me as I add or edit to my journal so the count is so much more accurate.  I also get a report on how many visitors I've had.  What is really interesting is I can see a world map and see where my visitors are coming from.  In addition to England, I've had Ireland, Tel Aviv, Austria, Australia and China to name a few.  I will be removing the AOL counter all together.  As a matter of fact, it will be gone by the time you read this.   

I've done a ton of graphics and have posted a good many of them today :)  I hope you have enjoyed them as much as I did making them.  I am not off to a hot shower/bath and a relaxing cup of tea as I curl up on the couch and just relax.  I deserve it!  LOL

A Couple St Paddy......

                                

                        

 

Scenery..........

 

 

              

 

Just to share what I did today.  LOL  Not much else got done, but I had fun :)~

Mardi Gras

                           

                                   

Just wanted to share a couple of Mardi Gras graphics I did.  I have no idea where I got the lady in purple or who actually drew it but I wish I did.  I love it.  It was an actual picture that I tubed, misted and added some sparkle to.  Thought it turned out like a Mardi Gras Ball outfit.

A New Day

                   

All in all things are good and I'd like to thank you all for your prayers, good wishes, and good thoughts.  Things have turned out as well as could be expected under the circumstances, if not better.  My son did get that job, and though it took a couple of months to have everything finalized it will definitely be worth the wait.  The other situation was put into perspective last evening and turned out pretty well.  It won't be pretty for a bit, but we should make it through.  Thanks again!   

Now I have several new graphics and I have no idea where to begin, but you can expect me to be relaxing and doing a ton over this weekend :) 

Wild Things......

  

                       

                        

Good News

              

 

Making the rounds in J-Land it appears a lot of folks are having a tough go of things and it is not only me with issues.  Whether it's the time of year that is causing so much unrest in folks or not is beyond me, all I know is I would love nothing more than to have some nice sunny warm days heat up all our souls and make things good, make them right.  Sometimes long winter months, even if they are mild can get to folks.  

I have some good news and hope the positive vibes will carry into the evening hours.  My son got the news this morning that he got the job and will be starting on Wed March 1.  Unlike the Feb 1 start date, he has paperwork in hand, a place to be and a time.  No more speculation.  It's his and he is on his way to what will be a wonderful start to a great career and financial stability.  I am doing a happy dance and so proud of this accomplishment.  Takes a load of a Mother's mind seeing her 'baby' make good.   

Lets hope this good news is the start of an upswing in the positives of life and things will get better on all other issues.  I am keeping my fingers crossed, hope you'll join me.  It's no fun feeling as though you're stranded on an iceberg in the middle of no where with the bright lights appearing far away.

Couldn't Decide........

                

 

                   

I couldn't decide which I liked better, with or without the rain,  LOL so here are both   :)~

Old ones..........

     

 

                     

A couple of older ones to share :)

Hanging On

                  

Ok I trust everyone saw the results for the Ladies Figure Skating.  I waited to post this just in case :)   I knew earlier today but didn't want to spoil it for anyone.   

First, congrats to Shizuka Arakawa on the Gold, Sasha Cohen on the Silver, and Irina Slutskaya on the Bronze.  All the girls in the competition looked beautiful and a special shout out to Kimmie Meissner who placed 6th and Emily Hughes who placed 7th.  

Now, I must say I am thrilled for Sasha getting the Silver, but I still hate the new point system.  She fell twice.  Twice and you get Silver?  'Cmon what is wrong with this picture?  I am far from an expert on the sport or the way all the points work, and I understand special points for foot work, number of rotations on a jump, blah blah blah....  I feel if you land on your arse you should not be awarded or would that be rewarded?  With this point system how long before skaters add fancy foot work and then try the quad knowing damn well that can't land it but they will still get points for trying?  Makes me think the sport will go in the shi!!er before long.  Adjustments on this please!  Apparently she held on just enough but I feel bad for the girls that skated flawlessly and finished much further down the standings. 

Just some.......

                           

                               

                        

Just a couple of graphics I put together.  Using misting, and some editing I was able to create these.  My collection of graphics and tubes is getting pretty large giving me the ability to add additional things to the graphics to give subtle changes yet making them look pretty natural. 

Hump Day.........

Things here have been a bit hectic, running here and there.  Lots of work and many errands that had to be run.  By the time I get home and get through mail I am exhausted.  Stress has decided to rest in my neck and shoulders so sitting at the computer is not something I feel like doing all day at work and then again at night.  I have a nice heat buddy that I stick in the microwave and wrap around my neck and it helps, but I think these kinks will be here for a bit.  Let me tell you, when it rains it pours!   

I saw this picture and decided to edit a bit and mist it to soften the colors.  I am not thrilled with the water movement.  I think it has something to do with the color scheme.  It doesn't want to move all over no matter how much I touch it.  I decided to leave as it is.  It really shouldn't be moving to much anyway.  

Interesting turn of events today in Olympic Hockey.  Both the US and Canada were eliminated from play before even getting to the medal round.  Though I complained about the goalie situation for the US, the offense wasn't there either so it matters not if a goalie only lets in one or two.  If you can't put one in you won't win.  I do think one of the major problems was the composition of the teams for both countries.  You can't throw 23 guys together and not have any major practices or games played together before a tournament like this and expect wins.  Both countries roster was filled with NHL players and the league played right up until Sunday.  Their first game in the Olympics was Wednesday.  I've heard rumbles about the US team being stranded on the East coast because of the snow, but that is hogwash.  We need to get back to college kids so they can play and practice together for a few months prior.  Every other country has teams of this nature that are speckled with NHL players plugged in.  

Hockey tidbit....   Team Finland knocked the US out today.  Teppo Numminen is on the Finland team has some connections to the 1980 Miracle on Ice.  His father coached Finland which is the team the US beat to go on to win the Gold Medal.   

What about the women figure skaters?  The US team looks extremely strong and I amhopeful of getting more than one medal.  I'd love nothing more than to see Kimmie pull it out.  Sixteen and no pressure or expectations.  Same thing with Emily she didn't even know until after opening ceremonies that she would be in.  Sosha, she looked wonderful but the Russian is hanging right with her.  Tomorrow night should be exciting and fun.  

The graphic below is something I put together.  I saw the 'vintage' skater and wanted to do something with her for the competition.  It was much more difficult than I thought it would be.  There are a few errors that I could not fix, but I am some what happy with it.   

Johari Window

                               

Ok, last entry for the night.  Going to go veg and watch the Olympics instead of just listening.  I was asked to partake in this and thought I'd give it a whirl.  Pretty simple actually.  Just go to my Johari Window and select a few words that you think describe me.  You can the create your own have folks you know do the same.  I'm curious to see what you all think of me.  ROFL  or do I?? 

Had to........

   

I just had to come back and share this one.  I was playing around with a few different graphics, frames and misting and when all was said and done I thought this looked like an old fashion post card.  I thought about cropping and cutting off the access blue background but decided I really liked the way the drop shadow made the whole thing look 3-D.  Yes, of course I had to make the lights twinkle as I just love movement.  I almost missed the one behind the lady.  After I went back and did it I wasn't sure I liked it but the more I looked the more I thought it looked as though it was reflecting a bit on her.  All in all I have to say I'm pleased. 

Skylines

   

 

I had these graphics of the Chicago and New York City skyline.  I animated Chicago first and then went to NYC.  As I was working on the water I realized it was an old picture and had the towers.  My sister asked if I was going to remove them from the picture and I said no.  We need to remember.  My use of the picture here is not to take away from the tragedy so please don't take it that way.  Instead, take it as a tribute to all those people who were hurt in one way, shape, or form.

I wish I could paint

                                    

My father, both my brothers, and my son are great artists in their own right.  They can draw and paint wonderful pictures.  Very creative.  My sister has the Martha Stewart knack, and has done some great decorating.  Me, I do graphics.  I don't cut up other folks tags and change them to be mine.  I don't cut out their sig line and add mine.  I take a tube that is available to use and create.  I use multiple tubes, other graphics, backgrounds, misting, and animate it.  I sometimes take a picture and only change the background and make the water move.  It might be subtle, but I did do the animation and yes I added my sig line.  That is why folks share their graphics.   

I am done on the subject.  My intent by my entry was not to draw attention to other graphic journals and make them targets.  It was to address a comment left in my journal.  I emailed in private but wanted to bring it out in the open to answer any lingering questions.  I don't want to blow this out of proportion and I don't want it to drag into some drama.  I am to old and tired to say nothing about having other issues to deal with.  It's over.  If you have a question regarding something I did please email me and I will answer.

Graphic Clarification..........

                   

I had a comment on my last entry that was from a new comer, so once again I do want to clarify the graphics.  As it says in my journal description 'D's Designs are animations done by me.  Graphics are mine, found throughout the net or sent to me to use.....'  I do not claim to draw, paint, or make all graphics I use to animate (which I have posted before).  I have several PSP groups who share their graphics/tubes for others to use to make tags and/or animations, with their blessings and permission.  Some even say the 'S' in PSP is for share.  If there is a copy write available I do include it in my work.  If it's not there it's because I don't know it.  My regular readers know me well enough to know I would not take something and use it without permission, or at least I hope they do.  Some of the pictures I've used are mine and if not I have always stated where they came from.  I thank you again for letting me use them to create other things.  I hope this clarifies things for those of you who may be wondering, but the gate was opened and the light is on welcoming me to use the graphics. :)

I haven't lost interest :)

                

 

        

 

So I had a little creativity block the other day, but I have not lost interest.  I'm still going to town on the graphics trying to decide which to do first and what to do with them.  I've experimented with a few and didn't like them so they are back on the drawing board to try again.  Here are a few I did today while out from under the blanket.   

I've been watching the Olympics, I think a few of you have been as well.  I am still amazed at the scoring system for skating.  Once again a pair that fell is in the lead.  The 'best' haven't skated yet, but how can that be?  Also, can someone tell me when they stopped wearing the netting on their outfits?  Wardrobe malfunction anyone?  Exposed tattoos?  Not that there is anything wrong with tattoos, but I was stunned to see it on an ice dancer.  

How about the 'power house' hockey teams?  US and Canada both losing.  Not sure how close they are to being in the 'play off rounds' or out, but they were supposed to be the best.  I didn't agree with the US being one of the favorites but according to the TV they were.   

Anyone see the snow coming down on the ski hills?  It looked like that here part of the day.