Country Garden Share

             

I had to share this one.  I've had the little birds animated for such a long time but it was so small I had nothing to do with it.  As I was cleaning up files and sorting graphics, I found this one and wondered it if would work.  This new (or not so new) technique I've been using has opened a few doors for me to animate some graphics that I loved but had nothing to 'move.'  Sparkles are nice on some, but I do like something a bit more.  Hope you like it as much as I do :)

So Ready

      

What a day!  The weather here was unreal with a high of 78.  It was warm and sunny as I left for work.  I had a fleece on and it was off before I even got into my car.  The sun rays danced between the bare branches of the trees throwing a mixture of shadows and glowing effects all over the grass.  I couldn't hide the smile even if I wanted to.  I jumped in my car and opened the windows.  It was wonderful having the breeze slap on my face as I drove.  I didn't even care that my hair was blowing all over.  Had it been June or July it would have been a beach day, no doubt, but today they would still be deserted.  I wished I could take the day off, and even thought about leaving early, but decided I would save it for that 'beach day.' The sun didn't stay out.  By mid afternoon dark thick clouds had rolled in and it started raining about 4.  It wasn't a rain storm, but at times it did come down pretty heavy.  Funny thing, the rain didn't even bother me so much.  It was still warm and reminded me of a mid summer rain.  Currently it still stands at 60.  April Fools!  It won't last, tomorrow it won't even be hitting 50.  Argh!  What a tease!!!

 

No major plans this weekend.  I did get a cool tutorial that I want to try, maybe tomorrow.  I haven't followed a tutorial in several months but I saw this one and just have to do it.  Stay alert those of you that sew, you'll love it!  I was going to try tonight but I was to tired to read and match, read and match, my eyes didn't want to do that. 

 

Congrats goes out to Sassy for being Guest Editor this week.  Congrats Deb!!!

Odds & Ends

I will just say Martha Karen was pretty smug with all the wonderful comments last night.  She walked about smiling and smirking, chest puffed out, eyes sparkling.  You know that look, 'I told you so!'  LOL  So tonight she started on me early to make sure I shared more.  No gun was needed, ya'll know I share, dontcha?  :)~ 

 

                             

                    

Thursday... Thursday...

  

Argh!  Why can't it be Friday?  I think I need a vacation!  I had Monday off, yet this week feels like it's lasted forever.  Why is that?  You take a day off, and you suffer the rest of the week trying to catch up and it feels as though you worked 7 days straight instead of 4. 

I'd have much rather been home today.  The high today was 67 so the weatherman wasn't too far off.  It was wonderful, and I was inside!  Maybe I will leave early tomorrow, they are calling for 75.  Yeeehaw!  

 

The sunset was beautiful tonight.  Oranges, reds, purples and patches of blue danced in the distance and the clouds cast shadows on the bare trees and dingy grass.  It was almost eerie, but beautiful.  By the time I got home to my camera it was too late.  Now that it is getting nicer I will consider leaving the camera in the car.  In the freezing temps I didn't want to.  Maybe one day soon I can grab a glimpse and share my night with you :)

 

Not much else to say tonight, I'm a bit tired.  I posted a new graphic on my tag journal, My Ds Designs, last night and in less than 24 hours I had 20 requests.  I spent a good portion of the night filling them.  I guess it was a hit.  LOL  Feel free to stop by and check it out :)  Keep in mind I have a 2 week time frame for requests.  It's just too hard to keep all the graphics straight and on my computer.

A Few More & Off to Bed

          

    

 

                 

 

Thank Martha Karen! :)

 

I don't know about you, but I love this graphic.  I love the effect on the water that makes it appear it is bouncing from the heavy rain, the light house warning all ships.

I wanted to make this a personal one to use at a later date, you know the bitch that I am.  LOL Anyway, my sister loved it too, but she said to make it snaggable.  'It's that time of year.  Rain everywhere, let them have it.'  So, being the bitch I am, I pouted and I stomped my feet, but she held that gun firmly to my head until I put my regular sig line on it.  Then she pressed just slightly on the trigger and said, 'save it, NOW!'  It's supposed to be sunny and in the 70s tomorrow. I wanted to live to see that day so I listened.

It's in the Air

          

Spring is finally in the air!  I woke up this morning and the sun was already up and out.  The brightness was bouncing of the glass on the windows.  The sky was a crisp light blue and the angels must have been playing tug of war with the clouds.  They were stretched so thin it looked like cotton candy whisped at random in the sky.  I actually heard birds chirping and the neighbors dog bark as is chased Peter rabbit through their backyard.  I had an extra bounce in my step as I got ready for work.  When I finally got outside it wasn't as warm as looking through the window would have you believe, but it was 40ish and I loved it!  I could smell ozone in the air.  Like the fresh scent after a rain.  All I could think of was the dew had dissipated and that was what I was smelling.  I drove to work with my windows opened a crack and music blaring.  No jock show this morning I wanted to move to the beat.  Signs of Spring!

 

Work was a bore and all I wanted to do was leave and enjoy a beautiful day.  A light breeze coming in off the lake had the temps in the city a little cooler than what they'd be at my house but it was still wonderful.  Mid 50s at least.  At lunch I could hear outdoor tools hard at work.  Lawn movers, edge trimmers, and a few buzzing sounds I couldn't place.  Street cleaners were washing away the soot that sat at the edge of the streets.  It was noisy but a magnificent sound.  Signs of Spring!

 

On the way home the highway workers had cut the grass at the on/off ramps.  Workers used pokers to pick up trash and carefully put it in their bags.  I had to chuckle at one worker.  I could see him from a distance with his bag, and as I got closer the top had been rolled back, to keep the slop on the inside no doubt, it swayed in the breeze and it looked as though he was carrying around an oversized condom.  I couldn't resist, I had to toot my horn and wave.  Signs of Spring!

 

The boys won their game tonight 4-3 over the Bruins.  It was a wild game but the boys are out of their losing streak.  Ten games left in the regular season and then it is on to post.  Signs of Spring!

No big entry........ which one?

          

           

Didn't have much to say today anyway, but time got away from me and now it's so late I don't have time.  Did these earlier tonight and couldn't decide which one I liked better.  I still love me scenes, and you know I will continue but I wanted to do a few other things.  Expand my horizons.  LOL  Do tell, do you have a preference on the above?

I didn't forget about you :)

            

           

Ironic...

Ok, I have posted a few things about wishing ... on a star...  just to wish... however.  I've had a few secret wishes of my own lately, and I thought that was what was driving the graphics and the words in some recent posts. 

 

Today I get in the car to run to the store for a few things and as soon as the car starts Bryan Adams is on the radio.  I do love his songs and 'Star' is one of my favorites.  Hits home!  My eyes filled with tears as I sang along.  Let me tell you, be glad you weren't with me to hear my voice bellowing.  :)~  

 

Then, Steve and I go to pick up dinner.  What's on the radio?  You guessed it, 'Star' again.  Different station but song again.  Now I haven't heard this song in months, lots and lots of months and today I hear it twice.  Kind wondered why.....

 

I decided to post the words as I think it might hit home with a few others and maybe bring a smile to their face knowing they aren't alone.

 

What cha wanna be - when you grow up
What cha gonna do - when your time is up
What cha gonna say - when things go wrong
What cha wanna do - when you’re on your own

There’s a road - long and winding
The lights are blindin’ - but it gets there
Don’t give up - don’t look back
There’s a silver linin’ - it’s out there somewhere
Everybody wants an answer - everybody needs a friend
We all need a shinin’ star on which we can depend
N’ so tonight we’re gonna wish upon a star
We never wished upon before - (to find what you’re
Looking for)

There’ll be times - in your life
Ya when you’ be dancin’ n’ shit - but you ain’t gettin it
But don’t get disillusioned - no, don’t expect too much
Cuz if what you have is all you can get - just keep on
Tryin’ - it just ain’t happened yet
Everybody wants ta be winner - everybody has a dream
We all need a shinin’ star when things ain’t what they seem
So tonight we’re gonna wish upon a star
We never wished upon before - (gotta get where you’re
Headed for)

Everybody wants some kindness - everybody needs a break
We all need a shinin’ star when things get hard to take
So tonight we’re gonna wish upon a star
We never wished upon before

 

     

Day Off

                

Today turned out to be a great day.  Very productive and the sun was shining.  I got up early even though I did not have to go into work.  My plan was to get up and move early.  It didn't turn out quite that way.  I logged on thinking I would do an early morning post, but I had so much mail I never got that far.  I got through all of my mail and it was so nice to have 0 to read.  No alerts, no comments, no tubes, nothing.  I did my replies and visited the alerts.  It felt so good to do that too.  I've been reading but not commenting as much as I'd like lately.  I didn't comment on each, if I did that I would have gotten nothing done.  If I missed you, I'm sorry but know I am reading :)

 

I did get the closet cleaned up.  It was the closet in Steve's old room.  It was full of lots of different things from his 'life.'  Old trophies from sports he played, so many for football.  Brought back so many joyous memories.  A time of innocence.  Old shoes, footballs, golf clubs, hockey sticks, sleeping bags.  You name it was in there.  It's all nice and neat and I was able to get other things laying around put away in there.  He also left me a wonderful present.  A laundry basket that had dirty clothes.  It was obviously filled with clothes he doesn't wear or forgot he had.  He has more clothes than anyone I know!!!  Needless to say, I was doing my laundry anyway so I did all that too.  It was nice to have everything folded neatly and ready to go to his house.  My room got cleaned too.  It just had clutter laying around that needed to be put in its rightful spot.  Did my bedding and as I was making it back up I could smell the cleanliness.  I put my head down and wanted so bad to take a snooze.  So fresh and clean and it was trying to put me in a trance.  I won out!  

 

I also cleaned up the computer.  I had no idea how much graphic supplies I had.  I burned to a disc and deleted.  Ran defrag, virus scan, and also spyware scan.  I was clean.  ::giggle:: and it felt so good.  I am also running smoother and faster.  I have to remember to clear out the PSP files more often.  They tend to be on the larger side and take up so much room.  I have a huge hard drive, but still I needed them off here.  Might take me a bit longer to find the things I need going to disc, but it will definitely be worth it.

 

Steve and I did do dinner tonight.  We had Applebee's, but ate early.  He has to work at 11 and wanted to eat and have everything digested before going in.  We did curbside, carside, or whatever they call it.  So nice to get it to go and eat at your own kitchen table.  We chatted back and forth and had a nice time.  I was a bit surprised at how long he actually stayed, he was here for several hours.  He did take some of his things home, and that is a good thing!  Not all the trophies but the clothes are gone.  Who wants to bet they stay folded in that hamper until he wears them??

 

Oh, don't kid yourself I only won out on the trance for a bit.  I finished up what I wanted and did get a little nap.  It was nice to lay in bed and let my head sink into the pillows and have the clean smell engulf me.  Can you say dryer sheets?  LOL

 

This is one of the graphics I worked on last night.  I absolutely love the way it came out.  The water and sky are from a picture I took awhile back up in Ogdensburg, NY.  It's a small town/city on the St. Lawrence River just past Alexandria Bay or the Thousand Islands.  The sunsets on the river are unbelievable and the colors they produce vibrant and clear.  I added the beach chairs and the additional palm trees.  I thought the 'glitter' on the tree in the forefront added a unique touch.  A fitting graphic for a wonderful day.  The sun was bright today and felt warm through the windows.  The temps only got to the mid 40s, but it is getting there.  I do believe spring is finally on it's way!

G'night

                         

Well, there wasn't crap on TV tonight so I spent some time playing in PSP.  My eyes are crossed, my finger and arm numb, and my head is spinning, but I love the finished products.  I hate to 'hold out,' but you'll have to wait to see them.  I am saving them for a personal entry.  :)  I am off tomorrow and looking forward to spending time cleaning out closets.  Did I say looking forward to it??  Argh!  I must be delirious!  Nothing major and nothing too special happened today but I spent it with family and that is what counts.  I'm off to bed, you all sleep well.  G'night

Easter

A couple more for Easter.  Lazy on these ones, sorry.  I was working on a few new ones that I will post at a later date, but I wanted to put a few more 'shares' up.  Enjoy :)

                 

                         

 

A few to share.........

    

      

                      

Swinging From........

       

No, I wasn't swinging from the chandelier today, I did however have a good day.

Breakfast was absolutely yummy!  The rest of the morning and early afternoon I basically did nothing.  Had a few wonderful birthday calls that made my day but mostly I lounged. 

 

My sister out did herself.  For dinner she made steak, fries, and corn.  It was out of this world and hit the spot.  Of course she had a wonderful chocolate/chocolate cake for dessert.  A candle in tators didn't cut it for her so she needed something more.  No pictures of dinner, sorry.  It didn't sit on the plate long enough :) For doing nothing today I am exhausted.  I can't imagine why.  Eye lids feel heavy and body in need of rest.  All that food maybe???

 

AOL experienced a 'burp' today.  I am not sure how many noticed but apparently the file manager went down.  Any picture that was uploaded there turned into a red x on journals and you couldn't access it.  When I tried I got an error about the server.  I had a few others check and they had the same issue.  I generally use photobucket to store my graphics, but on occasion it doesn't like my animation and I got blotches and blurs so I use AOL.  Wouldn't you know Keanu fell into that category and disappeared for most of the day :(  A shame for such a good looking man to turn into nothing but a red x.  Argh!  All seems to be good now but I can only imagine what 'fix' AOL was putting into place when that happened!  Anyone else know of some good free storage places that are compatible with AOL journals?  I am looking for a back up.  Thanks!

 

Thanks again for all the wonderful wishes I truly appreciate them.

Keanu Reeves

         

I can't figure out what attracts me to this man, but there is something.  I loved this picture of him and decided to do something a bit different.  I don't generally take known subjects and play with them, but thought these two graphics together in the rain came out pretty good.  I know some folks don't like rain graphics, but I find them soothing and mysterious at times.  Just thought I'd share :)

Make a Wish

    

I loved this graphic when I saw it.  It reminded me of wishing on a star.  Thoughts of long ago and far away, or something pending that you want to happen as soon as possible. 

 

I want to thank everyone for the beautiful birthday wishes.  You all helped make my day wonderful and made me feel so very special.  One more reason J-Land is such a great community.  Comments, emails, cards, and calls.  My day has been full of reminding me I am old.  LOL  I do appreciate it though, thank you! 

 

Woke up early this morning hoping for my normal Sunday routine and it only took a matter of a few minutes to realize it wasn't going that way so I went back to bed and got a few more winks in.  The extra sleep was wonderful, and my body melted into my bed and off to dreamland I went.  I did get my big breakfast this morning :)  My sister did the cooking and I played a bit with camera to see if I could figure out the settings.  I wanted to test it out so I used my plate as the subject.  Tell me we're not nuts.  A candle in the tators ... would have topped it off had she sang.  LOL

 

      

 

Not much planned today.  Going to 'take a break' it's my birthday.  Long story, but I will give you the short version.  As kids going up, we all had chores we had to do.  We were assigned clearing the table, doing dishes, drying and putting away to name a few.  It turned out on my birthday one year it was my turn to do dishes.  I was crabby over something and whined a bit that I shouldn't have to do them, 'it's my birthday give me a break.'  The saying stuck and many a year after I had to hear it thrown back at me.  So now anytime we want a break everyone chimes in, 'it's my birthday give me a break!'  Kind of funny but such a great saying to get out of something.  

 

Thanks again folks I appreciate all the wonderful wishes.  Hugs! 

Saturday Night........

    

It was an early night at the party.  It was nice, and pretty calm considering.  This year Gage's Mom decided to split up the families.  So in essence he got 2 parties, and a trip next weekend.  Lucky him!  Aaahhh but at 7 it's a good thing, once you're older you want to have 0.  LOL Or at least I do.  We sang, ate cake and ice cream, and watched him open his gifts.  He loved everything he got.  Hardly any clothes!  Toys, games, paint by numbers, and cash to take with him to the arcade next weekend.  He was stoked and there were lots of hugs, kisses and thank you's. 

 

I didn't get many pictures.  I had been playing with the new camera the other day and messed with some of the settings and when I got there it appeared everything was coming out blurry.  Wouldn't you know it, I had no directions, and I surely had no idea what I changed.  Why would I take my little cheat book?  Argh!  I will download what I took and play around with them to see if I can use anything, but I will be honest I gave up taking after a few and in no hurry to even transfer them.  What I will have to do when I have a clear head is figure out what the hell I did and fix it. 

 

No big plans for tomorrow.  Steve is working at his old job from 1-9.  He mentioned dinner, but I am not sure I'm up to eating that late.  I am usually starving by 7.  Remember last time, I ate and then picked when we went out late at night.  Maybe one night during the week we can do something.  His schedule got switched for this week and he will be working 11pm-7am Mon & Tues.  Then works 7am-7pm Sat & Sun.  He'll have some free dinner times and that might work out best.  He is still trying to get a grip on his schedule.  They assured him he will be on a set schedule and he isn't sure if this is the normal training cycle.  Work on each shift for training and then move into yours.  He was told way back when he'd be working 11pm-7am Thurs & Fri and 7pm-7am Sat & Sun.  He has yet to work that one.  Maybe he can come over early tomorrow and we'll have a big breakfast.  The whole shebang.  Eggs, sausage, hash browns, toast, coffee and juice.  Yum!  Doesn't that just sound wonderful?  :)

 

I absolutely love this graphic.  I am thrilled with the way it turned out.  Wishing for the rain to stop so she can enjoy the beach, the sand between her toes, filling the bucket, a gentle salt breeze, the clouds breaking up so the sun can shine on her and kiss her cheeks.  MMMMmmm now that is a thought I will take to bed.  It's still in the low 30s here and I'm in need of some warm weather! 

Party......... quick entry

                   

Saw this picture and had to play with it just a bit and real quick.  Going over to my nieces house this evening.  Gage turns 7 next weekend and we are doing cake and ice cream for him tonight.  They will be in PA for his birthday, celebrating at Splash Lagoon, an inside water park.  Both kids are so excited.  Sounds like a blast, and having some heat will be good. 

 

Here's a link to the 'Broaches'  Not for the faint at heart.  Make sure you play the video!  LOL 

What happened to Spring?

         

Is my calendar wrong?  Is it not March 24?  Brrr it is damn cold out right now and it has been freaking snowing!  I thought it was going to get warmer, but nooooooooo now they tell us two more days.  What will they tell us on Sunday?  Two more?  Damn I want spring!  Though the sun shining through the clouds and a gentle snowfall on the prairie looks pretty, it only really looks pretty in December.  By the time March rolls around I want to see green grass, buds and leaves, flowers poking their heads out.  Giggles and laughter as children run through the grass chasing butterflies.  It doesn't really matter that we had a mild winter, I am ready!

 

Work wasn't bad today, but I couldn't wait for the day to end.  I wanted to get home and start my long weekend.  You know the one the weatherman said was going to be in the mid 40s!?  Well, cold or not I am off until Tuesday and I am looking forward to it.

A day for me.  No running to the DMV, getting Steve back and forth to work.  Just one to relax and do what I want. 

 

Boys lost their 4th game in a row tonight :(  It's been a rough stretch and nothing seems to be bouncing their way.  I can't even count how many goal posts they've hit in this stretch.  The other night there were 5, tonight a couple and a goal disallowed.  Argh!  Frustrating as all get out, but they are holding their own in 4th place in the conference and better to slump now then in a few weeks.  A few days I heard they had 32 out of a possible 36 points.  I can remember a day when I was happy if they got 15 points.  They've also played 13 games in 24 days.  Not worried yet, but I do hope they pull themselves up by the skate laces and get it together. 

 

Oh, I also owe you all an apology.  I forgot that Jeannette had gone private with her journal.  Feel free to email her and she will add you to her list.  Sorry about that.

 

Ok I just heard it all.  New 'broaches' are selling like hot cakes.  A lady has taken live cock roaches, glued gems to them, and put them on a leash.  You wear them and let them crawl on you.  WTF????  Who would be interested in that???  Paaaleease!!!! 

 

I'm going to bed!  LOL

Waiting.............

            

Things here are good.  Steve's car is working out wonderful.  He had to work until 3am and it is was great not having to get up and go get him in the middle of the night, but I'm not sure exactly how well I slept.  Worried Mom syndrome I think. 

 

It's quiet on the home front, and not much has been going on.  I didn't post last night as I really had nothing to say.  LOL  Yeap, me, nothing to say, believe it!  Have a weird feeling like a storm is brewing or maybe it already has and I am waiting for it to blow over.  Either way it has me in a bit of a funk.  Could cry or snap at a drop of a hat and I really don't know why.  Maybe I am still tired or stressed over the events of the past few weeks.  Maybe I'm going through a let down because I don't have it anymore.  Hmmm or maybe it's the start of a mid life crisis.  Eeeekkk could it be?  My Birthday is Sunday and I'm old already!  I don't want to get older  LOL 

 

This graphic was soothing yet fit my mood to a tee.  Confused, and waiting. 

 

OOOoohh speaking of graphics.  Jeannette over at 'Welcome to My Travels' just arrived home from a lovely trip and posted several pictures.  I wasn't able to get through all of them, but she has some beauties.  She gave me permission to snag at will.  She is so good to me!  Anyway, I did snag one that I wanted to play with.  I used the new technique of picture in/over picture and really liked the way it came out.  I didn't animate the entire thing as I felt it would be overkill.  I emailed it to her this evening and hope she likes the end result.  I won't post it at this time as I want her to see it first and give her the chance to use it if she wants.  In the meantime jump on over, she has some great stories and history on the trips and pictures she has taken. 

Playing Around

    

Yes, I realize it is raining on the wrong side of the picture.  LOL  But, it's actually the side in my  head.  I was trying to get the effect of walking out of the rain.... Not sure what I think of it.  I do know I like the effect of the rain hitting the water :)

                         

Had to play with that movie clip again.  I wanted to see how big the file would be without any other animation.  Not bad at all!  I know we have sewers, crafters out there.  I like the 'sitting behind the screen' effect. 

                 

This one I love!  Whatcha think Shelly?  I know you like elephants, did I do it justice?

Easter is around the corner...........

                         

          

Love Storm....... with Alerts

              

I just got an email from a friend regarding alerts going away as of March 30.  Apparently he was at Keyword: Alerts, and noticed the verbiage, 'Member-Generated alert service will be discontinued as of March 30, 2006. We are no longer accepting new alert groups. Thank you for using AOL® Alerts.'  He was concerned he wouldn't be able to find his favorites and asked me.  I was totally unaware and went to check myself and sure enough it is there, but I have no clue.  I was going to suggest he contact Joe and went to Joe's journal to get the link.  Low and behold I found an entry 'Alerts Are Not Going Away' from yesterday.  So those of you that have a love storm with alerts no worries, they are not going away.  :)

 

Ooohhh and I am only using the term 'love storm' because of the name of the graphic that I wanted to use and really had no entry to go with it, soooooooooooooooooooo LOL don't take offense if you use alerts - I do too! 

Some Good News

    

Even though it is cold and dreary out it must be spring.  They took the Ice Boom out.  The Ice Boom is installed each winter at the eastern end of Lake Erie.  It goes from the breakwall in Buffalo Harbor across the lake almost to the Canadian shore.  It reduces the amount of ice going from Lake Erie into the River.  We all know what kind of damage ice can cause, but it can also reduce the water flow to the hydro-electric power plant intakes.  Those on the East Coast might not be happy if their power goes out.  Taking the boom out is always a good sign.  It also lets the ice left in the water move away from the city and the air can warm up. 

 

The really good news is my son got his car and it's on the road.  Yiipppeeee!  It's not the prettiest nor is it the newest, but he has wheels to cart his own ass back and forth to work and fit into his budget right now.  He can deal with the cold air coming off the River, the fog rolling across the road, and the dark dark nights.  His eyes are better then mine!  He got up early this morning, went to pay for and get the paperwork, went to get his insurance, (LOL he is off mine now), went to the DMV and got it registered and the plates, and went back to the car to hook himself up.  He had to go early because he had to work at 3.  He pulled up to the DMV and the line was out the door.  I can only imagine the lovely language that came out of him as went to stand in line.  Wasn't bad though, it took less than an hour. 

 

It's an old Probe with lots of miles, but dependable.  Family members know the guy he got it from and they feel confident it will give him the several months he needs until he can save up the big bucks he is earning and buy something else.  I didn't think it was too bad, but I am no motor head (I'm a jock, remember?)  It wasn't a rust bucket, is sky blue (which he could do without), and it has a sunroof.  He smiled ear to ear as he showed me.  He has turned down several hours of overtime because of his lack of wheels.  Apparently, they wait until close to the end of the shift to spread the word and ask and by then I was already on my way to get him.  So now he is planning working a few 12 hour shifts during the week.  Geeze he WILL be making more then me.  How is that fair?  LOL

 

As you can see I really like this new technique and have done several graphics using it.  This is not a picture I took, and really isn't what our waterfront looks like, well not everywhere.  It did remind me of the rides to the plant though.  Ice chunks floating and bobbing in the water.  Sometimes beautiful sunsets, of course the snow the past couple weeks, and the fog hanging over like a blanket dancing around.  It's a drive I won't miss but when I saw this graphic I had to play with it for this entry.

Signs of Spring

           

Your Monday Photo Shoot: Signs of Spring

 

So I cheated a little bit.  Sue me!  I would have loved to have my first day of spring look like this.  The sun was out but it was colder than a witches......... well, you know the saying.  A flake here and a flake there, but nothing stuck to the ground.  I had a thin layer on my car when I went to leave work but not enough to worry about.  I could have blown and it would have been gone and it didn't impede my driving.  I stepped on the gas and started moving and it was gone. 

 

Bright greens, maybe a little rain, and some beautiful daffodils scream spring to me.  So I dabbled, added, edited, animated, and this is my first day of spring in my mind and I thought I'd use John's Monday Photo Shoot as an excuse to post it.  LOL  Besides I so love the effect I've been playing around with it on a few other graphics.  The movie clip takes the size over the top so I'm not sure how many more I will do with them, unless I find some smaller clips to use.  Happy Spring! 

Touch of Spring

                     

I mentioned I'd be playing with this new concept and couldn't resist making this one.  I fell in the love with the graphic yet had no idea what I was going to do with it.  I am thrilled with the way it came out.  I actually made it last night but had a helluva time uploading.  It's a huge file and no storage facility wanted to let me do it.  They all wanted to resize it.  A resize wasn't bad but it was going as small as stamp and lost all animation and clarity.  It was sloppy and so distorted it was something I didn't want to be associated with making.  I made it snaggable, but please keep in mind it is a huge file and it will not load to journals easily. Please don't post it if it becomes that sloppy mess. 

A couple....

                           

I was asked about angels, and I hadn't done any in a long time.  I am not sure I am pleased with the dove movement, but figured I post it anyway.

                     

I was actually experimenting here.  I know there are lots of wolf lovers out there so I figured I'd share it as is.                          

Enough Already!

            

Enough winter already!  I am so ready for spring.  I know I shouldn't complain to much since our winter this year was extremely mild.  We haven't gotten much snow all year, well below the average and the temperatures in Jan were like 50.  These past few weeks it's been cold.  Maybe I got spoiled, but this bitter wind we are having is cutting right to the bone. 

 

Steve was called into work this morning for 5 hours of OT.  He couldn't pass it up and asked if I'd run him at 2.  The route to the plant runs along side the Niagara River and it looked damn cold.  There hadn't been ice almost all winter but there were chunks today.  A dark hazy misty laid on top of the water like a blanket.  I cursed a bit and said don't insulate that ice, let it melt!!  The sooner it melts and the water warms up the warmer it will be.

 

I stopped at the store on my home and ran into a good friend I haven't seen in forever.  Well, we are both talkers and after several minutes inside we checked out and went to her car so I could hug her hubby.  Long standing joke with him and I couldn't just not say hi.  Standing out in the wind and cold was ok at first, but then my fingers started to feel like pins were going in them and I decided it was time to say good bye and make plans to hook up later.  And, someplace warm.  As I walked away from their van I got a look in the window.  Good Gawd my reflection was a sight!  Talk about wind blown.  My hair was just about standing on end and I felt like something out of a Disney cartoon.  As I got to the car it had started snowing.  Snowing I said.  It's freakin March 19, enough!  It wasn't sticking but it was blowing around as it slid across the frozen ground.

 

As the meat loaf was in the oven, I played with some graphics.  I had seen something very similar to the one above and also found a tutorial.  I didn't like what was in the tutorial as it was for a name tag.  As you all know by now (maybe), though I like making name tags for others I rarely use them for myself.  Go figure!  One good thing about the tutorial was it had a link to some mini movie clips.  Not enough for my liking, so if anyone has additional sites a link would be appreciated. 

 

So I sat here knowing I was going to complain about the cold, the wind, and the snow in my entry tonight.  I found some graphics to play with and the moving clip with snow.  My original thought was to make it snow in the side portion where it says enough, but thought it would be too busy.  I went with the light flashing instead.  I was surprised how simple and fun it was.  I know I will be doing more and playing a bit with the technique.

 

Damn, it's 10:15 on Sunday, where did the weekend go?????

11:30 and I'm still at it! LOL

                

 

I loved this little girl when I got her.  Misting made the dress lose some of the luster, but I thought the water background was a cute touch.  No doubt I will use her again in something.  LOL  I actually thought about using this one for my 'pick' entry I thought the blushing look would be perfect.  I didn't because I didn't want begging from a certain someone for me to share.  LOL  Hugs girlfriend, just teasing you :)

 

               

 

When I saw this I had to do something with it as I was running up and down the stairs doing my laundry.  I look forward to the day I can hang my clothes outside and have the sun and fresh air dry them.  Sure, I could do it now but then I could be arrested for being in possession of a deadly weapon.  Frozen solid jeans could hurt! 

 

      

 

I'm not even sure what to say about this one.  I love the way it came out.  I have fallen in love with the cafe type scenes and thought the lady fit the bill so I added her.  I have a few more scenes like this so don't be surprised if you see them. 

Retreat

       

Other than the excitement of getting my new car, today was pretty calm and restful.  A few errands, cleaning out my old car, and laundry.  I had to pick Steve up last night at a 11 and when I got home I was wound like a 10 day clock.  No way I was falling asleep.  I did a few things on line and when I did go to bed I slept like a rock.  It was a nice restful sleep that went right into morning.  It was about 8ish when I woke up and the house was like a retreat.  The sun was out even though it was a brisk 20 degrees.  I could hear the humming of my furnace and is pumped warm air through the house.  As much as I hate getting up in morning, I do love the quiet.  Well, it's not that I hate getting up I just hate having to move and rush.  I like to be able to sit and drink my coffee as I lounge a bit in my jammies, robe, and fuzzy slippers.  Let each muscle feel the warmth of the coffee as it makes its way through me.  Let my eyes adjust to the light and movement.  Let my senses take in the new day at a leisurely pace.  No clock watching to see how much time I have before I have to go.  I seem to get a lot of graphics done on a Saturday morning too.  Maybe all my creative juices are flowing, maybe I have a clear head, whatever the reason I do like that time. 

 

The boys had a chance to go into first place in the division tonight.  They played Ottawa who held the lead by one point.  A win would put us ahead by one.  Unfortunately they came out a little flat and really got outplayed for 40 minutes.  I didn't understand it, and wondered are they trying to mislead them for a later date?  Either way they did get back into the game and it was 3-2 with very little time left and are our goalie was on the bench when the scored in the empty net making the final score 4-2.  There are still 16 games left in the season so there is time left to overtake 1st, but either way they will be in the playoffs and be able to make a run for Lord Stanley.

 

Off to get some graphics for you wonderful folks and maybe work on a few more before bed.

Update :)~

                               

This little bandleader is here to tell you I went to pick up my new car at 4 pm this afternoon.  I pretty much held the cards this time as I didn't need to do this, and I wasn't going to pay more.  I could just as easily walk away as sign the papers.  The sales rep called about noon and gave me the details.  I am not saving a bundle but my payment did go down.  I have a car that is 3 years newer and has 9000 less miles on it.  Now that might not be a deal to anyone else, but to me I felt it was worth it.  You had the details on the upgrades in the earlier post.  I did drive it much further today and really love the way it drives, but I knew I would, I had one.  There is more pick up in this, the engine had been improved since my last one was made and I could feel it as I accelerated from a complete stop.  Some of the controls are in a different spot but nothing I can't get use to.  I will also need to figure out the CD player.  LOL  I couldn't get the CD in, and it takes 6.  My son will know and think me an idiot for not knowing.  Will be a good laugh tomorrow.  I didn't get pictures today, but I will at some point tomorrow I hope and will get them up so you can see it. 

Peaceful

   

It's been a crazy week around here the past few days, and today I just had so much to do.  I did, however, have to come and share this one.  I thought it came out extremely good and I love the peaceful feeling it gives.  The frame is a new technique I'm trying and to me it helps make the entire graphic.  I hope this helps give a peaceful feeling to those that need it :)  I'm off to bed now as I'm ready to just completely crash.

Flattered, honored, humbled

                     

Dianna over at Dianna's Mindless Musings is this weeks Guest Editor.  Her journal is a thing of beauty both in words and new found passion for making graphics.  I am so impressed with what she has learned in such a short time with PSP.  She is a pillar in the J-Land community.  Though I am sure she can be sazzy as her name suggests, I think she is a wonderful caring person who has nothing but nice things to say about folks. I see her out in J-Land always ready to lend a hand or shoulder of support.  The kind words she speaks go a long way.  Congrats Dianna you deserve it.  This selection did not surprise me at all, what did surprise me was that I was one of her six selections.

 

I am so flattered and honored.  Her words about my journal and graphics made my face prickle with heat as I blushed.  Thank you so much Dianna I do appreciate it.  I started my journal almost a year ago, and about Aug/Sept started doing my own graphics and animation.  There is definitely a progression and I've grown in so many aspects.  J-Land is a wonderful place with some magnificent people all with some type of story or graphic to share.  Please take a trip over and check out her journal along with her other picks.  You'll find some great ones.