29 August 2015

Turkey and More Turkeys

When I looked out my side window today, I spotted a flock* of turkeys walking through the trees. One large turkey followed by lots of little ones with a couple medium-sized turkeys bringing up the rear. I counted at least 9 or 10, it was hard to keep track with a few little ones walking next to each other.

They were heading out of view, so I switched windows to look at the backyard where another group of turkeys was walking up the garden path towards the first flock. This group had 5 good sized turkeys.

"They're gonna have a rumble!" I exclaimed.

But turkeys aren't jerks it seems as they crossed paths without incident.

Then a lawn mower started next door and I think all the turkeys decided to head further into the woods. I lost them amidst the afternoon shadows which let them blend in more with previous year's old brown fallen leaves.

ETA: About a half hour later, I saw the first flock of turkeys further down the road. They were easier to count when they were crossing the street. 3 hens and 10 little ones, so a grand total of 18 for the day.


*Apparently only a domesticated group of turkeys is called a rafter. The ones I saw were definitely wild turkeys.


A year ago on TTaT: Life of Art SitRep #238 Purple preparation for the iPhone 6

28 August 2015

Life of Art SitRep #290 Two Steps Back For A Brighter Tomorrow

So... last week I laid out my new system, but this week I discovered a flaw which was better addressed now than later. And then I found a couple other nitpicky details I wanted to change.

Thank Science for "find and replace." That did ease the work of the finer points. The link revising was more cumbersome. But I did finish it! Well, the offline part of this endeavour anyway.

At that point, I hit pause to thoroughly back up my work.

Now it's back to the beginning of revising descriptions and tags. I've done two so far. Pretty sure there's at least a hundred to go plus an alarming number which will have to be done individually. Ah well, it's progress.

Also made some updates to my stores... which, hmm, are not live just yet. I'll keep you posted.

Created some more Pillowcases:
Rainbow Colored Planets Pillowcase
Rainbow Colored Planets Pillowcase by RocklawnArts
Check out Rainbow Pillowcases online at zazzle

Created some more iPad Cases. (There's no direct link to all of the iPad Air 2/iPad Air Folio Cases I've been adding at the moment, but they are currently the Newest additions and will therefore show at the top of the page on that link.) Each of the iPad Air 2/iPad Air cases is also available as cases for the iPad Mini, iPad 2/3/4, and Kindle Fire HD/HDX. Just select the appropriate model in the sidebar of the product's page.

How was your week?


Two years ago on TTaT: Becoming a Supple Leopard: The Ultimate Guide to Resolving Pain, Preventing Injury, and Optimizing Athletic Performance

24 August 2015

Great Dane

Tonight I saw the most beautiful Great Dane with fur like a Dalmatian (amorphous black spots on white) but a bit fuzzier. She (or he) looked very sweet-tempered.

I waved but did not say, "Hello," because I didn't want to be barked at or to have this tremendously huge dog leap out a car window at me. Oddly I was more worried about the dog getting injured by running away or into traffic than about me getting mauled. (I have some bad history with dogs.)

Rest assured, all four windows of the little car were completely down and it wasn't hot out. Quite nice actually around 72 and getting cooler as the sun continued setting.

Such a sweet looking dog!


3 years ago on TTaT: Life of Art SitRep #133 Finding the Wagon

21 August 2015

Life of Art SitRep #289 iPad Air Cases and Pillowcases continued

Plugging away this week and developing systems for accomplishing more tedious yet significant tasks. Pretty straightforward actually. I stuck a sticky note on my desk with two tasks I need to do every day: update one product line's description, update one product line's tags. If I do more in a day, great, but if not, I will still be steadily chipping away at a time-sucking but important endeavour.

To that end, I revised tags for 6 product lines and descriptions for 9. (I implemented my system a few days into the week.)

Created more Pillowcases:

Created more iPad Cases. (There's no direct link to all of the iPad Air 2/iPad Air Folio Cases I've been adding at the moment, but they are currently the Newest additions and will therefore show at the top of the page on that link.) Each of the iPad Air 2/iPad Air cases is also available as cases for the iPad Mini, iPad 2/3/4, and Kindle Fire HD/HDX. Just select the appropriate model in the sidebar of the product's page.
Black Diamonds on White Geometric Pattern
Black Diamonds on White Geometric Pattern by RocklawnArts
Check out more Black and white Cases at Zazzle

Watched Email Marketing for Crafters with Abby Glassenberg on creative LIVE.

How was your week?


3 years ago on TTaT: In Case You Were Wondering...

14 August 2015

Life of Art SitRep #288 Cases: Pillow and iPad Air 2/Air Folio

Slower going than expected this week but I did make some headway.

Finished adding my new design Red Stripes and Chevrons with Monogram on White to products:

Rocklawn Arts blogged New Red Stripes and Chevrons with Monogram on White pattern.

Finished adding my photographs to the new iPad Air Folio cases:
Adobe Passageway: Black & White photo
Adobe Passageway: Black & White photo by RocklawnArts
Check out more Protective Cases at Zazzle
Green Water Abstract Photo
Green Water Abstract Photo by RocklawnArts
Shop for Protective Cases online at Zazzle.com
Red Linen Texture Photo with Your Name
Red Linen Texture Photo with Your Name by RocklawnArts
Check out other Protective Cases at zazzle.com

Started adding my designs to iPad Air 2/Air Folio Cases and Pillowcases:

Updated links and LOA files.

Upgraded my stopgap computer to Windows 10.

How was your week?


6 years ago on TTaT: How to get perfect bacon

13 August 2015

Perseids

A little bit after midnight, I put on my shoes and grabbed my black fuzzy hoodie. I turned on the hall/stairwell light and headed downstairs. Two nightlights on the main floor were sufficient for me to navigate to the back door.

I put my hoodie on and stepped out onto the deck in the cool night air. It felt really nice. I was mindful of chairs but tripped a bit on the doormat set beyond the swing of the storm door. I caught myself before truly stumbling and proceeded more cautiously in the dark to the railing. I'd moved an umbrella earlier to block the light from the street lamp.

I leaned back on the rail and looked up.

For once, the sky looked clear, the stars shining brightly.

I interlaced my fingers behind my neck and waited. There's not a lot of sky to be seen from the yard due to surrounding trees, but I was determined to make an effort.

Zoooom! A brief bright flash made a short streak across the sky. My first Perseid.

Then another.

My view was aimed mostly up but directed Northward. I spotted the constellation Cassiopeia which I learned this year is next to Perseus (one I don't know). One article I read said the Perseids come from between the two constellations.

It didn't seem to matter though because they were shooting across all parts of the sky I could see and in varied directions.

Seeing shooting stars is addictive. First I said I'd go in after I saw 20, then 25, then just one more big one... Faint clouds passed by and then a thicker one started obscuring the stars. I was about to pack it in but then the sky was clear again. 30, just one more big one.

They seemed to be occurring less frequently. I inhaled 4 counts, held 2, exhaled 4 counts, held 2, and then repeated the sequence. My breathing wasn't properly meditative though because I was still very much focused on seeing more streaks of light across the night sky. Or maybe it was very meditative, I don't know. I was just waiting.

All told I saw no less than 36 meteors, 4 pretty big, and 1 firefly.

Every couple of steps towards the house, I'd look up again, just in case.

Once inside, I checked a digital clock in the kitchen. It was 1:15 AM. I'd been outside about an hour.

My eyes were thoroughly adjusted to the dark so I made my way with no difficulty. When I reached the stairs, the light was still on and it was blinding. Next time I'll try to remember to shut that one off.

It's a great year for the Perseid meteor shower since we're close to a new moon and the moon doesn't rise until early in the morning anyway. If you missed the peak last night, fret not! You can still go out to see them in the next few days but the longer you wait, the fewer you'll see per hour. The next moonless Perseids won't occur until 2018, so get out and see 'em this year!


A year ago on TTaT: Coot Club

07 August 2015

Life of Art SitRep #287 Progress In Parts - Sneak Peek!

In some ways, it feels like I made more headway behind the scenes this week. It sets me up well for next week, assuming no technical issues.

Started adding the new design Red Stripes and Chevrons with Monogram on White to items in my shop. All of the monograms are customizable. If your initial doesn't appear centered, let me know and I can adjust it for you.

More to come soon!

Created a few new iPad Air 2/iPad Air Folio Cases. These cases also come in versions for iPad Mini, iPad 2/3/4, and Kindle Fire HD/HDX. Just click through to the product page to select your model device in the sidebar.

Also created Pillowcase templates. I should have some up in the coming week.

Revised descriptions for Light Blue Diamonds on White.

Made monthly backups.

Have you backed up lately?


Two years ago on TTaT: Peter Duck: A Treasure Hunt in the Caribbees