New Year's Eve

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Chiseled Sunlight. Like many of my images, it is the result of an experiment. Somehow it seems fitting to start a new year out with new things.

I also am going to make a request. I just read an item over on another blog that I follow (thank you, David!) about a young woman whose boyfriend may have an especially virulent form of cancer. This young lady's name is Brandy, and she describes her young man as incredibly thoughtful, talented, and even a bit of a romantic. What I would like to ask now is that we all pray for a miracle for this young couple. If you want to see the whole story, check out The Rest Is Still Unwritten.

Until we meet...

A Year In Review

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Holiday Colors. I originally made it for Christmas, but didn't get to use it as such. It didn't turn out as planned (so what's new?), but it is nice and festive.

I was just thinking about one of my previous class assignments, where I had to make a long-term 'life' plan that included the creation of a new business. I didn't get to do a bunch of the things on that list. But I didn't expect to either: After all, that list was just a bit ambitious. The one thing I absolutely did do is go back to school. My brain has protested a few times, but it's better than wasting all that time playing video games! I've enjoyed my share of those games of course, but the games have very little to do with opening up possibilities, and that's what I need the most.

Until we meet, Gentle Readers...

A Question for the Readers...

Good morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Another Opening, and is truly an accident: I meant to shape the pink fill rather than the blue, and by the time I figured out why it wasn't working I had what you see now. I thought it was nice and dramatic, so I kept it. I'll try making this image as I originally intended later on today.

Last night, I was going over some of my early entries at the lair. Outside of a few typos, I can say I've not done too badly at the start. But I can talk about school and so on only so long before I start repeating myself.

I do have a question for my readers; What would you like to hear about at The Tigger's Lair?

Until we meet, Gentle Readers...

Happy New Year!

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

I know it's still a little early, but I created this image in celebration of the year to come. As you can see, it is titled Happy New Year- Not to be confused with the virus of the same name, by the way. I hope you enjoy both the picture and the year!

My weekend out of town was very pleasant, and indeed allowed me to relax from the pressures of the Internet. My husband and I delivered a few presents we got to my parents, and we got a few nice ones in return.

I also got to share a book that a friend sent me: A marvelous item that really goes into the nuts and bolts of self-sufficiency and organic farming. The book was written by John Seymour and Will Sutherland, and is titled The Self-Sufficient Life And How To Live It. It does start off with a rant against modern methods and technologies, and that did concern me at first that it might be just another piece of propaganda. But once the first few pages of ranting were done, there were a lot of details that really do make a lot of sense. If anyone wants to try to strike out on their own and disconnect from the grid, I strongly recommend this most especial book as a guide.

Until we meet, Gentle Readers...

A Short Holiday Reprisal

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Light Games. As you might have seen, I made some use of the color-filling bug. While it's grey outside, this little item gives a bit of brightness.

I thought I would sneak in one more time to wish you the best of holidays before I leave the wide world of the internet for a while!

Until we meet, Gentle Readers....

Christmas Morning!

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

This is another of my Christmas Tree images. It didn't really turn out as I wanted it, being done early in my experiments with my (then) new graphics program. But the colors were seasonal and I might be able to do something else with it. So I saved it.

It's Christmas morning, and last night my husband wrapped up his share of the gifts. I confess, I want to see what they are! Sometimes I can be worse than a cat about that. But I'll try to restrain my curiosity until tomorrow: We'll be taking things over to my parents to share.

Until we meet, Gentle Readers...

Merry Christmas!!

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

It is Christmas Eve, so I decided to post this image titled Another Ornament. I can't put up a tree right now in part because of the cats- But I can share my pictures with you, such as the one above.

I confess, after first thing in the morning, I've always found Christmas Day to be just a bit anticlimactic. That isn't really bad: After all of the excitement building up to the holiday, we all really need to rest. Meanwhile, we can still enjoy the gifts and cards and foods.

I may or may not be posting tomorrow: I will decide that then.

Happy Holidays, whatever you celebrate!

Until we meet, Gentle Readers...

Snowy Ramblings

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Holiday Light. It wasn't exactly planned- but then, most of my pictures aren't! However, I managed to tie the pine green and red together, and add the blue and white background. I'm still looking for a convincing snowflake effect- but I suspect I'll need a different program for that.

Speaking of snow, most of the snow has melted off around here. At least, the steps and porch outside aren't dangerously slick. But it still gets cold at night. Considering the temperature news elsewhere, I'm really fortunate in that regard. Even if my fingers will argue the case!

I don't have much more to talk about this morning, though that may change after I've had my morning coffee.

Until we meet, Gentle Readers....

Merry Christmas!

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is a reprisal of Holiday Tree. I made it while I was still trying to figure out a number of the tools in my graphics program, and decided to save it for your viewing pleasure.

As I said yesterday, I'm not going to be home this weekend: I'm going to be out of town. I've not really had this sense of excitement over any holiday in quite some time, but I'm looking forward to it! The house will be considerably quieter where we're going than it has been in the past- at least, I think it will be. There are a couple of the neighbors that I've not finished figuring out. But there are fewer dogs, and a number of former neighbors who were known trouble-makers won't be there. That is a truly great gift in itself.

Until we meet, Gentle Readers...

Warming Up Some...

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Second Light. I really did not intend for the center to be so much brighter than the outlying edges- but that's what I got when I added a second flood-fill to an area I had already shaped. I liked what I saw, so I kept it.

It's a little hard to be sure right now- But I think it's going to warm up today enough for the snow and ice to melt most of the way off. I wasn't an icicle when I came back in from taking the outside garbage can to the road, and the porch and steps were slick- which meant that it was melting just a bit. Fortunately I was expecting that and so was able to keep from slipping and falling! I hope that most of the melt is done by the time my husband gets home from work today: There are groceries he will have to get, and those aren't light.

I won't be writing in this coming weekend, Gentle Readers: I won't have internet access where my husband and I are going. But sometimes a rest is good.

Until we meet...

Brrrrrrr!

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled More Circles And Sun. While it's not really part of the holiday, it is warm. Considering how cold it is outside, I thought something warm was a good idea. Enjoy!

And boy was it cold! The day before yesterday, we got some 3 to 4 inches of snow. Then we got sleet and freezing rain, though that did melt some of the snow off. Last night, however, we got more snow. There wasn't much: Just a very fine powder about half an inch or so deep. But it was enough to convince me to stay in my nice warm nest as long as I could.

However, I can do that only so long. I actually feel like I have some energy today! Perhaps I can catch up some stuff that has been sitting around for a while now!

Until we meet, Gentle Readers...

Home, Snow, and School

Good morning, Gentle Readers!

It's awful wet and messy outside right now, and cold thanks to the snow we got late last night. I didn't try to step out to measure it, but I would estimate that we got a good four inches of accumulation before it changed to rain. There will be more snow and rain tonight. Can we say ick? That sure won't do the roads any favors!

Fortunately, the roads aren't really my problem: I can hole up right where I am. Hot chocolate and hot apple cider will be the order of the day I'm thinking, since we are running low on coffee.

It will also be a good day for studying! I've been burning a lot of midnight oil doing just that, but I see I need to do a little bit more: I've not been pleased with some of the assignments I've turned in.

Wish me luck, Gentle Readers!

Until we meet...

Snow?

Good morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled New Spin. I honestly had no idea what would happen when I made this- and I'm not sure I could duplicate it. Such is the nature of accidental art!

So far this morning, I've heard conflicting reports about a possible snowstorm during the weekend: One source is predicting no more than three inches. Another is suggesting up to a foot. I don't think we'll get the latter number, but one thing is certain: Mixed with ice and freezing rain, it will be dangerous to drive on. It doesn't help that a lot of people locally have no idea how to drive on snow and ice. Methinks it will be a good time to hole up with hot cocoa and warm blankets!

Until we meet, Gentle Readers...

Holiday Break, Part 2

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Strobed. I chose it because it had a few nice seasonal colors in it. I had to use several layers, since there was no way all the colors I wanted to use would play nice otherwise.

I have a few items I need to finish up today and perhaps tomorrow: The holiday break starts tomorrow and will continue on until January. I'm pretty sure at least one instructor won't be peeking in: I have the feeling her family is going to keep her busy.

Yesterday I finished my shopping and did my wrapping. One person I bought for I honestly wasn't sure what to get, until I saw the object: My husband is pretty computer-centric, but as much as I would like to buy him a shiny new machine that was way out of my budget. However, a cup of coffee did provide inspiration! All hail the power of java! I'll say more about that after the holiday.

Last night was COLD: I almost didn't want to get out of my nice warm nest this morning! Despite the lack of snow, I would say winter has well and truly set in.

Until we meet, Gentle Readers...

Last-minute preparations

Good morning, Gentle Readers!

Believe it or not, today's image is a take-off from one of the earlier candle ones. I honestly had no idea what would happen if I used some of the effects my program was capable of. I could easily see this on the set of some science-fiction movie, though!

Today is Wednesday. And that means that today is the day I head on up to the mall for the last item I need to shop for, since it is my husband's long day at work- Unless something happens that he gets sent home early. That isn't very likely, though. Fortunately dinner won't be a problem: You've got to love full soup pots!

I also have to dig in and finish a number of projects for my school. One is a bit over half-done, but I need to add more material to it. I've found something that should give it a needed punch, but I'm having a time sorting out the material I need from the extraneous stuff. Today's the day I do it, though- Or else!

Until we meet, Gentle Readers...

Gray...

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Party In A Ball. There were a number of items that I wanted to attempt with my graphics program. I wasn't quite sure what would come out when I did this, but I unabashedly can say I am pleased with this.

Compared to yesterday, it's almost warm outside. It's also grey and cloudy, and feels very damp. I won't be surprised if we get more rain today. Something tells me there won't be any white Christmas here this year! I don't know whether to be relieved or disappointed. Snow can be pretty, at least until it starts melting then refreezing. But a lot of people locally don't really know how to drive on snow. And then there is the problem of ice that tends to come with the white stuff.

Until we meet, Gentle Readers...

Cold!

Good morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Next Candle, and refers to how I've made several candle images before. But not once did I succeed in making that especial glow! One effect filter I tried out has given me an idea for another picture. Consider it next on my art agenda!

It's grey and rainy out today, unlike the beautiful sunshine of yesterday. I'm not sure if it will turn into snow or not: Probably not, since it is presently a little warmer than it was yesterday. We will have to see, since the nights are cold now with a capital Cold.

Still, while it's not comfortable (for me), I still consider myself fortunate: The news from Saskatchewan as of last night was that the temperature was -47 degrees and dropping. All together, now: BRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!! That makes me glad I don't live there!

Stay warm and dry, Gentle Readers!

Until we meet...

In Praise of The Lineman

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Christmas Circles. I was trying to create this effect yesterday with the dark green background- but apparently that green just doesn't play nicely with a lot of other colors, so to speak. At least, it doesn't as a background, though it does as an object.

We had a small bit of excitement today. While we didn't lose power altogether, something outside sure went POW. In fact, it did that several times, much to the displeasure of our kitties. So I crawled out of my nice warm nest and did everything I could that actually required electricity: For all I knew, it was about to go out altogether.

Someone called the power company, and they sent a crew out to investigate. Picture this: It is cold outside, at least one of the neighbors isn't cooperative- though it would have been to his benefit to try to help out with information, and it's right smack-dab in the middle of the holiday season. These gentlemen from the power company inspected every inch of the line that they could, though, before they found the frayed area that seemed to be the source of the problem. Rather than wait for a major problem to develop, they turned off the transformer and fixed it right then and there. I'm sure they will enjoy their hot coffee or whatever they have waiting for them!

Make sure you think about these people as you celebrate your holidays: Emergencies and power outages don't take vacations.

Until we meet, Gentle Readers...

The Countdown...

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Layered Star. It's a retake of an experiment I attempted to do using several different colors in a starburst that wasn't quite successful. This one was, but it lacks a certain punch. I think it would come out right if I used a different background. That's next on my agenda.

The end is getting nearer for my courses. And I'm near the end of my third block of classes, if one can believe that! I've kept the texts from my previous courses, and my virtual library is getting full- Or so it seems. I'm going to have to go through and sort out stuff. I hesitate to throw it out altogether: There are still some things from Critical Thinking I need to refer to a lot, and one especial chapter from back then gave me a real bear no matter how many times I read it! Reading a textbook isn't quite like reading a fantasy where you can potentially quote whole passages after two or three passes. If it were, I would be reciting stuff to my instructors. But eidetic memory is one thing I don't have, much to my chagrin. Such is life!

Back to the battle of the textbooks for me!

Until we meet, Gentle Readers...

Holiday Break

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Snowy Night. That didn't come out quite like I hoped it would, but it is nice and cheerful, and in tune with the coming holiday.

Speaking of the holiday, I've got a winter break from school coming up. That doesn't mean that I won't be working on stuff, but it does mean that I'll be able to get ahead a bit more easily. I intend to take full advantage of it!

I have a number of projects in mind that I would like to do before the end of the year, including spending more time with my own writing instead of writing for classes. So I guess I had better get busy!

Until we meet, Gentle Readers...

Sirens and Rain

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Veridian. I made it last night on a bit of inspiration. Several times before I tried to make starburst-type images, but there was always a flaw in them. It's here too, but this time it's a characteristic that is useful.

Yesterday evening, we did have a heavy rainstorm roll in. It wasn't quite the predicted Nor'easter, but it was heavy enough to make me glad I had taken care of my outside stuff in the morning.

We did have a siren test this morning. Normally I would have ignored it as such, but in light of the flood watch I thought I had better find out what was what. Fortunately, nothing came of it.

Until we meet, Gentle Readers...

Pictures and Ventures

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Party In A Ball. A friend and I were talking last night about school assignments, and the last one was really giving her a fit. It didn't help that she had had to deal with injuries on top of trying to winterize her house on top of assorted other difficulties. I told her that when this block of classes was over for her, I was going to throw the biggest cyber-party the internet has ever seen. Thus the picture.

Speaking of which, my husband and I really ought to either get the air conditioner out of the window or somehow cover it up: It's not like we will need it any more this year!

And speaking of pictures, I somehow found myself spending time trying to create a logo specifically for Starfire Images. I think I have something, but it needs to be tweaked. I did get an effect that I was specifically looking for, but it was in a highly unexpected way.

Until we meet, Gentle Readers...

Busy, Busy!

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Sunset. It really gave me a bear while making it, and it still didn't come out the way I really wanted it: That bug that I had a problem with before concerning flood-fills not filling cropped up again, and one of my attempted work-arounds gave results that I didn't find appealing at all. Still, it did give me an idea that I'll try the next time.

People around me have been incredibly busy! One friend has been cleaning, holiday shopping, and organizing and running holiday parties- all while being ill! And another has been going bonkers with her end-of-term project, trying to find information that has suspiciously turned up missing. Considering what the project is about, I'm not terribly surprised about the information.

As for myself, today I'll be giving my new shampooer a trial run. I'll give you a report on how well it works later.

Wish me luck, Gentle Readers!

Until we meet...

Sunshine and Papers

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is Christmas Poinsettia by Ron Venable. As you can see, he is quite an artist in his own right. In honor of the season, I thought it appropriate.

Yesterday I made a start on my paper. Then I looked back over the requirements for it and started wondering if I had all of the material I really needed to make it convincing. Much as I hate the thought of having to format yet more references, it may come to that! Personal observation simply isn't going to cut it for an academic work!

On a lighter note, it is bright and sunny outside in spite of the frozen temperatures. I do mean frozen: There was ice on the porch again. It didn't catch me by surprise this time though, so nyah!

Until we meet, Gentle Readers...

Yesterday

Good morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Christmas Lightning. It's a remake of an older picture that has not really held up well in the format I used to save it. My husband looked over my shoulder while I was working on this one and commented on how the bands at the top and bottom looked kind of bright and Christmas-y. Thus the name.

Speaking of Christmas, yesterday I went out shopping. I found several candles, a new string of lights, and a present for my nephew. I wasn't going to get him anything at first: A lot of things he was given, he hasn't really taken care of. But then I got to thinking that he is almost 17 years old and is discovering that a few things aren't quite like his thirteen-year-old daydreams. And he would feel left out if he didn't get anything. So I did get him something he will probably enjoy when he moves out on his own.

It's a good thing I did my shopping yesterday: This morning I woke to a cold rain. It is different from the chance of snow that was originally predicted, but still miserable stuff to try to walk in.

Until we meet, Gentle Readers...

Begining of the Holiday...

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Holiday Tree. I really didn't intend for it to look like it was floating! But perhaps that is a good thing: That way the tree can go to wherever it is needed.

It has been a long while since I've 'gotten the holiday spirit' until the day before the actual holiday. Having cats in the house, too, makes decorating very hard: The male, especially, tends to get into things that he knows he shouldn't. And he chews so much that sometimes my husband and I wonder if he thinks he's a dog!

Still, this year does feel different. I really can't explain why, but I'll take any possibilities I can.

Until we meet, Gentle Readers...

More School Stuff...

Good morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Triangle in the Wind. I ran into that color-bug again, but it seems to have worked to the image's advantage. I used a couple of deformations that I usually wouldn't, but decided that I should see what they can do. There are a few more effects I want to take a look at too, but that will wait for another picture.

One of the assignments I have due today involves creating a thesis statement. After looking over the description last night, I'm thinking I might as well go ahead and finish writing the paper: It would be one item off my list, anyway!

I also have to start seriously organizing information for the other paper. I did take a peek at the reading for next week. It does look fascinating. I'll tell you more about that tomorrow, after I finish studying it.

Until we meet, Gentle Readers...

What to do for Holidays...

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Candy because of the bright, candy-like colors used in it. The bug that had created a problem for me before with my color choices cropped up again, so I had to step back and figure out how to get around it. As you can see, my method worked! I probably ought to go clean up my holiday images too: We will want them very soon.

Another week half-over, less time to finish my class projects, and less time to decide what to do about my holiday shopping. I may have done as much shopping as I'm going to, really: Money is a huge concern, after all. But I still have my cookbooks, and my baking goodies. I think I'll spend a night some time baking instead of at the keyboard. I've gone quite a lot like that before, and I do enjoy the smells of cinnamon and chocolate.

Until we meet, Gentle Readers...

Ow!

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Red-Green Shadows. I may change that. It was an experiment from some months ago that I think I'll try to expand on eventually.

I'm sure you're wondering about the title of today's post. Well-we got our first frost of the season this morning after it rained late yesterday. Needless to say, the back porch was very slick! So when I took out the garbage this morning, down I went! I tried to catch myself, but there was nothing really solid nearby that I could hold onto while getting my feet steady under me again. Nothing was broken, fortunately. But I'm thinking that a visit to the local mall to find a mat for that back porch is in order.

Until we meet, Gentle Readers...