As I was waking up this morning, I heard dogs barking outside, a fairly unusual occurrence.
My first thought was Bear, as in maybe they see a bear, not out of the realm of possibility here. I was not awake enough to think that's it's probably too cold out for bears now.
You can never be sure anyway, so I flung open the curtain of the window next to my bed. I saw a white dog chase a black dog behind the house next door. The white dog didn't look familiar. Oh, maybe that's all it is, i.e., a strange dog in the neighborhood.
Here's where things are fuzzy. In the same moment, I somehow knocked over my water glass throwing water everywhere as it landed on my rug with a thud.
I did not for a moment consider it might be broken but dove to the floor to retrieve it. There was about one sip of water left from a previously full glass. I set it down and grabbed a purple t-shirt full of holes and tears from a bag of old, too-beat-up-to-wear clothes at the bottom of my closet and sopped up the pool of water on the wood floor next to the edge of my rug.
I was thankful the power strip tucked next to my bed was turned off with all of its outlets closed. (It's there for the window A/C in the summer.)
I surveyed the damage. There were water spots along my bed which the glass must've bounced off. My pajama bottoms had spots and streaks of water on them. And I kept stepping on wet spots on my rug with my bare feet that seemed improbably far from the origin of the spill.
I hate stepping on wet spots. At least bare feet dry quicker than wet socks.
At this point, I took a break to pee. I brought back a couple of paper towels from the bathroom and checked that my glass wasn't leaking all over my chest of drawers. Fortunately, it was unbroken.
I opened my other curtains and scanned my rug for more wet spots, doing my best to get as much of the water out as I could.
Oddly, I still didn't feel particularly awake, just fogged because I still don't understand how I knocked the glass over in the first place.
So it's going to be that kind of day. Hmm.
29 November 2013
Life of Art SitRep #199 Gobble, Gobble
I hope y'all had a tasty, restful Thanksgiving!
This week, I created big cards, poker chips, watches, and lamps as appropriate for the rest of my photographs in my shop, yay! There's still most of my designs to contend with but I'm making headway.
Snow-covered Trees: Vertical Hanging Pendant Lamp by RocklawnArts
View more Snow covered trees Lamp-In-A-Box Lamp at zazzle.com 
On The Golden Gate Bridge Table Lamp by RocklawnArts
Find other Golden gate bridge Lamp-In-A-Box Lamp at zazzle.com 
Red Dianthus With Raindrops Watches by RocklawnArts
Find other Red flower May28th Watch at zazzle.com
Naturally 2 new iPad Air cases were added to Zazzle this week, so that's yet more products to add. It's getting a bit cumbersome to track what items I've added and which I've yet to do with my designs. I'll keep plugging away though.
Also created iPad Air Casemate cases, iPad Air Dodo cases, pocket journals, snowflake ornaments, iPad Air cases and Perfect Posters as appropriate for several of my designs:
Christmas Diamond Pattern with Monogram Ornaments by RocklawnArts
Check out other Christmas Ornament at zazzle.com 
Checkered Red and White iPad Air Covers by RocklawnArts
Shop for iPad Air Covers online at zazzle.com 
Checkered Navy and White Cover For iPad Air by RocklawnArts
Check out more Navy Powis iCase at Zazzle
Made my store categories show in rows of 4 instead of 3 and rearranged my store some.
How was your week?
A year ago on TTaT: Super Moon
This week, I created big cards, poker chips, watches, and lamps as appropriate for the rest of my photographs in my shop, yay! There's still most of my designs to contend with but I'm making headway.
Snow-covered Trees: Vertical Hanging Pendant Lamp by RocklawnArts
View more Snow covered trees Lamp-In-A-Box Lamp at zazzle.com
On The Golden Gate Bridge Table Lamp by RocklawnArts
Find other Golden gate bridge Lamp-In-A-Box Lamp at zazzle.com
Red Dianthus With Raindrops Watches by RocklawnArts
Find other Red flower May28th Watch at zazzle.com
Naturally 2 new iPad Air cases were added to Zazzle this week, so that's yet more products to add. It's getting a bit cumbersome to track what items I've added and which I've yet to do with my designs. I'll keep plugging away though.
Also created iPad Air Casemate cases, iPad Air Dodo cases, pocket journals, snowflake ornaments, iPad Air cases and Perfect Posters as appropriate for several of my designs:
Christmas Diamond Pattern with Monogram Ornaments by RocklawnArts
Check out other Christmas Ornament at zazzle.com
Checkered Red and White iPad Air Covers by RocklawnArts
Shop for iPad Air Covers online at zazzle.com
Checkered Navy and White Cover For iPad Air by RocklawnArts
Check out more Navy Powis iCase at Zazzle
Made my store categories show in rows of 4 instead of 3 and rearranged my store some.
How was your week?
A year ago on TTaT: Super Moon
22 November 2013
Life of Art SitRep #198 Plugging away
Remember last week when I thought I was nearly done editing descriptions and tags for my products? It took 4 more days, but I finished that at last, huzzah!
Then I dove back into adding new products (big cards, poker chips, watches, lamps, iPad Air cases and Perfect Posters) to my existing designs and photographs as well as two new products, snowflake ornaments and pocket journals. I have a long way to go but made some good headway.
Snow-covered Trees: Vertical Ornament by RocklawnArts
See other Snow covered trees Ornament at zazzle 
Adobe Passageway: Black & White photo Poker Chip Set by RocklawnArts
Browse more Adobe Poker Chips at Zazzle
Rocklawn Arts blogged Green Diamonds on White and Light Blue Diamonds on White.
Finished reading The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5 Book for Digital Photographers by Scott Kelby and Popular Photography Nov. 13 and Dec. 13 issues.
Watched day 1 of Easy Exercises to Improve Your Vision with Dr. Eric Cobb on Creative LIVE. It continues on Friday, Nov. 22 at 9 AM Pacific time. A rewatch of the first day will be playing overnight before then. Good stuff!
How was your week?
5 years ago on TTaT: 21 degrees in November?
Then I dove back into adding new products (big cards, poker chips, watches, lamps, iPad Air cases and Perfect Posters) to my existing designs and photographs as well as two new products, snowflake ornaments and pocket journals. I have a long way to go but made some good headway.
Snow-covered Trees: Vertical Ornament by RocklawnArts
See other Snow covered trees Ornament at zazzle
Adobe Passageway: Black & White photo Poker Chip Set by RocklawnArts
Browse more Adobe Poker Chips at Zazzle
Rocklawn Arts blogged Green Diamonds on White and Light Blue Diamonds on White.
Finished reading The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5 Book for Digital Photographers by Scott Kelby and Popular Photography Nov. 13 and Dec. 13 issues.
Watched day 1 of Easy Exercises to Improve Your Vision with Dr. Eric Cobb on Creative LIVE. It continues on Friday, Nov. 22 at 9 AM Pacific time. A rewatch of the first day will be playing overnight before then. Good stuff!
How was your week?
5 years ago on TTaT: 21 degrees in November?
19 November 2013
The future?
Tonight's fortune:
That's not actually a fortune, but I'll take it!
Two years ago on TTaT: Treasures of the Pharaohs
You display the wonderful traits of charm and courtesy.
That's not actually a fortune, but I'll take it!
Two years ago on TTaT: Treasures of the Pharaohs
17 November 2013
The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5 Book for Digital Photographers
41. The Adobe Photoshop Lightroom 5 Book for Digital Photographers by Scott KelbyMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
This book explains how to use Lightroom 5 in a very practical way. It's a very good reference book.
I do wish the book were larger so that the screencaps from Lightroom could be larger. Lightroom's dark grey background with light grey text is hard to read in print. Kelby uses red circles to highlight things in the screencaps which helps. If you already have Lightroom, you could just open it up on your computer instead of trying to read the tiny text in the book's images. (I don't currently use Lightroom but have seen it enough to be familiar with its layout which helped.)
The book is broken into chapters covering the different modules. The subsections of those are broken into numbered steps. Though the numbering is sequential, sometimes the steps aren't. That is to say step 3 might not be what follows step 2 but rather another way to accomplish step 2. I would've preferred additional subsections for alternative methods, but I understand it's a huge program and difficult to organize its explanation.
The end of each chapter (save one or two) has a Lightroom Killer Tips section on the topic with key tips for it. Just when I thought he'd forgotten to write how to back up any presets you'd made, I checked the index and got sent to a Killer Tips section with the answer.
The book also includes a white balance card in the back and a lot of extras you can download online. I haven't checked out the latter yet but will once I start using Lightroom.
Kelby's book was really helpful in giving me a sense of whether I would like Lightroom or not. I think I will. He also gives lots of advice on the best ways to set things up to avoid hassles and make things easier. He also covers what to do in Lightroom and what to do in Photoshop (and how to get there and back).
Aside from the small print in the screengrabs, it's a very readable technical manual.
A year ago on TTaT: Angel & Faith: Live Through This
16 November 2013
Oh, Look...
So, I was out to dinner with my Dad at Panera on a Friday night. (I know how to live it up, I tell ya.)
Although we were early, they were pretty busy with all of their full booths and many half-booths and tables taken. I snagged us a half-booth while Dad got his coffee.
As we ate, we took advantage of Mom's absence to chat about stocks which she has no patience or particular interest in. I'm interested though and learning more about investing as I go.
After a while, most of the people who were there when we arrived cleared out and now the place looked kind of empty. The booths were still full though.
I looked over at the now empty tables adjacent to us and saw someone's phone and keys resting unattended.
"Oh, look," I said, "Free phone." I looked around to see if someone had forgotten it but didn't see anyone on his or her way out.
"What?" Dad said.
"Over there." I gestured with my head towards the phone on the empty table. "Free phone."
"And a new car," Dad said.
"Yeah, if it's got one of those...," I searched for the words electronic key and came up with "things. Then you could just go out and trigger it to see which car it was."
"A new phone and car."
"We'd probably have to ditch the phone though, they might be able to track its GPS," I mused idly considering the abundance of crime show experience I've amassed. "If I wanted to hold a table, I wouldn't leave my keys and phone, I'd leave my jacket." Not strictly true. I probably wouldn't leave my jacket unattended either. If there were two or more of us, I'd have one of us wait at the table or I'd be sure I always had my jacket in view and that I wasn't far from it.
A while later, two middle-aged women sat at the keys and phone table. Both were wearing puffy winter jackets that they proceeded to remove. Really? I thought to myself. You opted to stand around in those heavy jackets and leave your cell and keys on the table instead?
7 years ago on TTaT: 30 Rock
Although we were early, they were pretty busy with all of their full booths and many half-booths and tables taken. I snagged us a half-booth while Dad got his coffee.
As we ate, we took advantage of Mom's absence to chat about stocks which she has no patience or particular interest in. I'm interested though and learning more about investing as I go.
After a while, most of the people who were there when we arrived cleared out and now the place looked kind of empty. The booths were still full though.
I looked over at the now empty tables adjacent to us and saw someone's phone and keys resting unattended.
"Oh, look," I said, "Free phone." I looked around to see if someone had forgotten it but didn't see anyone on his or her way out.
"What?" Dad said.
"Over there." I gestured with my head towards the phone on the empty table. "Free phone."
"And a new car," Dad said.
"Yeah, if it's got one of those...," I searched for the words electronic key and came up with "things. Then you could just go out and trigger it to see which car it was."
"A new phone and car."
"We'd probably have to ditch the phone though, they might be able to track its GPS," I mused idly considering the abundance of crime show experience I've amassed. "If I wanted to hold a table, I wouldn't leave my keys and phone, I'd leave my jacket." Not strictly true. I probably wouldn't leave my jacket unattended either. If there were two or more of us, I'd have one of us wait at the table or I'd be sure I always had my jacket in view and that I wasn't far from it.
A while later, two middle-aged women sat at the keys and phone table. Both were wearing puffy winter jackets that they proceeded to remove. Really? I thought to myself. You opted to stand around in those heavy jackets and leave your cell and keys on the table instead?
7 years ago on TTaT: 30 Rock
15 November 2013
Life of Art SitRep #197 LOA Extreme!
Lots of work behind the scenes this week. I finished revising my descriptions and tags for all of my photographs and am about halfway through my designs.
It was like a trip down memory lane where I could've used a button that read, "Delete Whimsy." Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a whimsical product description, but they're not well suited for SEO. Also the way Zazzle is set up, most of what I write for a description is hidden beyond a "Read more..." click I doubt most people will bother to make. The first sentence or two that do show need to count.
And then there's tagging, an art of its own. I keep revising my strategy as I learn more. We'll see.
The best thing though is that I can see the finish line to this endeavor. It was too far to reach tonight, but I'm hopeful I'll be able to cross these revisions off my list next week.
Created some more Poker Chips, May28th Watches, and Lamps:
Black and White Diamond Pattern with Monogram Set Of Poker Chips by RocklawnArts
Look at additional poker chip sets at Zazzle 
Checkered Black and White Ceiling Lamps by RocklawnArts
Browse more Checkers Lamp-In-A-Box Lamp at Zazzle
Made several new templates for new product types: Big cards (8.5"x11"), Powis iPad Air cases, and Perfect Posters and made a few products:
Rocklawn Arts blogged New Red and Green Diamonds on White design and New Red Diamonds on White design.
Watched days 2-3 of How to Be a Commercial Photographer with Rob Grimm and Gary Martin on creative LIVE.
How was your week?
From the days of yore, 8 years ago on TTaT: Tidbit
It was like a trip down memory lane where I could've used a button that read, "Delete Whimsy." Don't get me wrong, I enjoy a whimsical product description, but they're not well suited for SEO. Also the way Zazzle is set up, most of what I write for a description is hidden beyond a "Read more..." click I doubt most people will bother to make. The first sentence or two that do show need to count.
And then there's tagging, an art of its own. I keep revising my strategy as I learn more. We'll see.
The best thing though is that I can see the finish line to this endeavor. It was too far to reach tonight, but I'm hopeful I'll be able to cross these revisions off my list next week.
Created some more Poker Chips, May28th Watches, and Lamps:
Black and White Diamond Pattern with Monogram Set Of Poker Chips by RocklawnArts
Look at additional poker chip sets at Zazzle
Checkered Black and White Ceiling Lamps by RocklawnArts
Browse more Checkers Lamp-In-A-Box Lamp at Zazzle
Made several new templates for new product types: Big cards (8.5"x11"), Powis iPad Air cases, and Perfect Posters and made a few products:
Rocklawn Arts blogged New Red and Green Diamonds on White design and New Red Diamonds on White design.
Watched days 2-3 of How to Be a Commercial Photographer with Rob Grimm and Gary Martin on creative LIVE.
How was your week?
From the days of yore, 8 years ago on TTaT: Tidbit
08 November 2013
Life of Art SitRep #196 Overflow
It's disconcerting how easily a productive week can be thrown off kilter but I shall plunge forward hoping the week to come will be free of pitfalls and trying to remember how much went right this week. (A pre-post-publish post script: it's also surprising how easily some things can be remedied when you make the effort to ask what was wrong and they discover it was their error. Sent a couple more queries. Fingers crossed.)
And before it gets lost, a poll: If you were going to buy a monogrammed poker chip, would you want a) the monogram to be on one side only, b) the monogram to be on both sides, or c) the ability to have different letters on the front and back?
I created 5 new designs and added them to my shop: Green and Red Diamonds on White, Red and Green Diamonds on White, Red Diamonds on White, Green Diamonds on White, and Light Blue Diamonds on White.
Green and Red Diamonds on White Greeting Cards by RocklawnArts
Design unique personalized note cards from zazzle.com. 
Light Blue Diamonds on White Wallclock by RocklawnArts
View other Light blue Wall Clocks at Zazzle.com
Rocklawn Arts blogged New Green and Red Diamonds on White design.
Found some new products on Zazzle, made templates for them and started creating Poker Chips, watches, Hanging Lamps and Table Lamps:
Watched day 1 of How to Be a Commercial Photographer with Rob Grimm and Gary Martin on creative LIVE. Days 2 and 3 will continue live and free on Friday and Saturday.
Watched Autumn Photo Critique, day 2: Landscape critique pt. 1. This course is free to watch any time on creative LIVE.
Updated locations of sales file more. I know, not super useful, but entertaining for me. I found a sale from Hawaii today and more from Switzerland. :)
Made monthly backups.
Don't forget to answer my poker chip poll from the top! I'd really appreciate your feedback. It would be very helpful.
A year ago on TTaT: Small Success
And before it gets lost, a poll: If you were going to buy a monogrammed poker chip, would you want a) the monogram to be on one side only, b) the monogram to be on both sides, or c) the ability to have different letters on the front and back?
I created 5 new designs and added them to my shop: Green and Red Diamonds on White, Red and Green Diamonds on White, Red Diamonds on White, Green Diamonds on White, and Light Blue Diamonds on White.
Green and Red Diamonds on White Greeting Cards by RocklawnArts
Design unique personalized note cards from zazzle.com.
Light Blue Diamonds on White Wallclock by RocklawnArts
View other Light blue Wall Clocks at Zazzle.com
Rocklawn Arts blogged New Green and Red Diamonds on White design.
Found some new products on Zazzle, made templates for them and started creating Poker Chips, watches, Hanging Lamps and Table Lamps:
Watched day 1 of How to Be a Commercial Photographer with Rob Grimm and Gary Martin on creative LIVE. Days 2 and 3 will continue live and free on Friday and Saturday.
Watched Autumn Photo Critique, day 2: Landscape critique pt. 1. This course is free to watch any time on creative LIVE.
Updated locations of sales file more. I know, not super useful, but entertaining for me. I found a sale from Hawaii today and more from Switzerland. :)
Made monthly backups.
Don't forget to answer my poker chip poll from the top! I'd really appreciate your feedback. It would be very helpful.
A year ago on TTaT: Small Success
05 November 2013
Don't just talk the talk, IOC
I love the Olympics, but I'm disappointed they will next be held in Russia which has severe anti-LGBTQ laws.
As a person mindful of others' copyrights, I share this video with the makers encouragement.
Here's to the fulfillment of Olympic dreams no matter your orientation.
#LoveAlwaysWins
3 years ago on TTaT: Life of Art SitRep #39 the calm, post-mojo
As a person mindful of others' copyrights, I share this video with the makers encouragement.
Here's to the fulfillment of Olympic dreams no matter your orientation.
#LoveAlwaysWins
3 years ago on TTaT: Life of Art SitRep #39 the calm, post-mojo
01 November 2013
Life of Art SitRep #195 Pink!
This week, I created Pink and White Zigzag and Pink and Black Zigzag designs.
Started working on a new design. Made some variations, not quite what I want yet.
Updated LOA summary & link file.
Rocklawn Arts blogged New Pink and Black Zigzag design and New Pink and White Zigzag design.
Watched some Creative LIVE and Fine Art Layout in Lightroom’s Print Module by Levi Sim.
A year ago on TTaT: Life of Art SitRep #143 Storm Surge
Started working on a new design. Made some variations, not quite what I want yet.
Updated LOA summary & link file.
Rocklawn Arts blogged New Pink and Black Zigzag design and New Pink and White Zigzag design.
Watched some Creative LIVE and Fine Art Layout in Lightroom’s Print Module by Levi Sim.
A year ago on TTaT: Life of Art SitRep #143 Storm Surge
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