A Paper and a Rant

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Blue Tree. I made it while searching for my 'rainbow effect'- or rather, that's what I thought to do. However, I forgot to add the second layer. Still, it is pleasant in an alien sort of way.

I never did finish my end-of-term last night. However, I did remove one of the games that I've wasted far too much time with from my ready-access list so that won't prove to be such a temptation. I have the vast majority of the material I need for the completion right in front of me, so I will finish it up today.

Have I ever mentioned how much I despise spammers? It's bad enough that the fools think I need 'male enhancement products', or 'dating services'- which more often than not are thinly-veiled offers of porn or solicitations for prostitution. Now these spammers have gotten into offering what they say is medicine from Canada- and they've started using the e-mail addresses of a couple of my friends to do it. It is amusing, though; These same spammers have also pretended to send such mails to me- From fictional characters that I created for a couple of MUDs that I'm active in. Spamming activities are really pretty pathetic.

That, Gentle Readers, is my rant for the day.

Until we meet...

Economics

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Bubble Gem. The name is really more of a placeholder than anything else, but I did notice how the results looked like a gem floating in a soft light. Some day I'm going to have to learn how to work with the metallic colors, though I'm not sure Paint Shop Pro has them.

Yesterday when I was doing some research for my end-of-term, I came across a fascinating article that demonstrated how the housing and job markets were related. That was some fascinating reading! You can read this article at www.realtor.org, under the housing category. Some people might find it to be a bit dry, but it is less so once one is more acquainted with some of the terms and principles used. I may go back and search that database some more for my own purposes.

Until we meet, Gentle Readers...

Change of Plans

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is Cupcake Crown. I had originally made it in Paint Shop Pro, but was not really impressed with the results there. Still, I kept it and last night decided to see what Gimp could do with it. I am much happier with the results here!

For the past few days, I had been talking about the upcoming accounting and geology classes. Well- there has been a huge change of plans. It seems I have been opted out of geology, and the accounting has been scooted back a block so I could take it all by itself; Apparently my academic counselor thought it was a bit much to try to take with anything else too! Though I most certainly would have tried. Instead, I'll be taking a refresher course in algebra and one in advanced business communications. I'm glad I got a look at the latter; One of the assignments involves creating a power point presentation about giving speeches. I'm not looking forward to that, but it could be worse; I could be wrestling with the mysteries of the spreadsheet instead!

Until we meet, Gentle Readers...

Projects and Delays

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is Beribboned Ball. None of the ribbons in the picture are supposed to be white; That's simply the color they turned when applied over a couple of my odd filters. I decided that I liked what happened, though- so now the picture is here for your perusal.

I now have one more assignment for my Economics class- Unless one includes the Discussion Question at the end. That will be a relief! Not that I will relax much, considering what is coming up. But that will give me about a week as a breather, and I can even see if I can get the syllabuses for my next classes. I doubt that will happen; The college still seems to think that students should have to wait until the night before the class starts to get those. Considering how this is a school that is supposed to cater to working people, that is a huge mistake. I'll have to remember to talk to my academic counselor about that; I'm fairly sure she'll see where I'm coming from, since the administrative personnel chooses not to. I doubt I'm the only one who views this delay as a problem.

Until we meet, Gentle Readers...

Hot Sun, Cool Texts?

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled A Swarm Of Ribbons. I made it yesterday while trying to re-find the combination that makes the rainbow effects. As you can see, I didn't have any luck- But now I think the key is in the flood fills, not the lines themselves. I'll be testing further today.

We did get some break in the heat last night- which pleased me no end. The mercury is going to go right straight back up, but I did enjoy a few good hours of sleep at least.

Boy do I have my hands full! I have an essay and an end-of-term to finish. Thankfully, I've got all the big stuff turned in for my psychology class, so all that is left is the economics- then I should attempt to get an early start in my new courses, considering the sheer load of reading. Even considering that a lot of it is just a repeat of certain sections of text time and again, the sheer quantity and unfamiliarity with the material will be enough to drive my brain bonkers!

Well- It's not going to go away. So Bring It On!

Until we meet, Gentle Readers...

Still too hot!

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Screening. I'm using that more as a place-holder name than anything else, In any case, this is about what I was trying to make when I created Water a few days ago.

Well, we didn't get the predicted storms last night- or rather, possible storms. But the sky looks mighty grey right now. That being the case, I would do well to get my chores done ASAP, along with my school work that I didn't get to finish over the weekend. I try not to complain about the weather since I can't change it, but the heat has been oppressive. While I haven't seen any death lists like I've heard were being placed in papers elsewhere, I imagine a lot of kids and older people are dropping with heat stroke. In fact, I've not even seen the usual assortment of them riding their bikes up and down the drive during the past few days. I sure hope we do get that rain soon. The little critters can't be having any easier time of it than us big ones.

Until we meet, Gentle Readers...

Work- Or is it hot enough?

Good afternoon, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Lilac. It reminds me a little bit of the lilac bushes my grandparents used to have growing against one of their sheds, so pretty and nice-smelling. While the color isn't exactly the one usually associated with lilacs, it's close enough.

I'm sure you're wondering where I was yesterday. Well, I was helping my parents move. A couple of days ago- Shortly after my last post in fact- I was at their old place packing and carrying stuff onto the moving van. Then, last night and this morning, I was busy carrying stuff off that moving van, up a staircase that was more like a ladder with a kink in the middle, and unpacking. My feet and legs are not happy with me right now- But a lot of the flab has gone into hiding! Mind you, all of this work was done in record-breaking heat. Needless to say, I got a LOT to drink!

Until we meet, Gentle Readers...

Bring it on!

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Green Lace. I was attempting to create a foreground image with a sharper point on the bottom, and couldn't quite get it without a few other effects that I didn't want. So I added the bright green over the rosy-blue pink.

I admit it; I got cold feet when I saw I would have to use graphs on that assignment. Well, I can't do that if I want to get the assignment done. I've said it before; The work isn't going to go away just because I don't want to do it. Besides, once I finish that I will have only two more items for the entire course. And I'm not going to let myself be beat down by one little item!

Until we meet, Gentle Readers...

Not quite an Economics panic...

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

This image is titled Differences. I confess, that dark area through the middle of the picture was not planned for at all- But a quirk in the program created it. At first, I thought it was just that, a line of unplanned darkness. But now it looks more like an opening in a curtain. In any case, I thought it an interesting test.

Well well- Another assignment out of the way for Economics. Now I have a large paper to do, and it looks like I may have to invoke the Yellow pad for it. It's rather strange how I can role-play a trader in one of my little games, but when it comes to writing about trade simulations I'm not sure I can. I suspect that the difference in the viewpoint is responsible for that, though. I'll know more after I take a look at the simulation activity. Wish me luck!

Until we meet, Gentle Readers...

I didn't do it!

Good morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Water. There are a number of odd things about this image; For one thing, the fields you see crossing over the light are supposed to be a rosy color. However, I suspect that the overlay filter in the layer itself prevented that. Rose and pink simply do not show well over dark blue when one uses that.

I don't have much news on the school front, other than an error report- Not on my side of the equation, though, but on the school's. When I tried to turn in an item, I discovered that a mis-set flag in the area I'm supposed to use eliminated that function. I still have a few more days before I really need to turn the assignment in, fortunately, and tech support and my professor have been made aware of the mistake. Hopefully that will give us enough time to get everything fixed.

Which is well; I now have a couple of assignments to do for next week, between thunderstorms which will be rolling in right about then. If they're the same ones that have hit my friend out in the mid-west, then I had better hurry up and get them done!

Until we meet, Gentle Readers...

Economics!

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Beribboned Teardrop Moon. I made it last night between studying my economics texts- Which, indeed, I needed to do before I could start doing the deliverable assignments. As usual, this isn't exactly what I was attempting to do- But it did make full use of the field, so I won't fuss over it.

Speaking of the texts, the assignments involve describing what I think the fiscal policy should be concerning the economy. But I've been finding out that the economy is a huge, fickle beast, and so hard to control. I'll think of something; I always do.

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

End-Of-Terms

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is Ball and Blue Flames. A couple of days ago, I was trying to get a look at what would happen with straight lines and a circle deformation. What you see is the result. The 'flames' were put in to keep that ball from being all alone in that dark field.

Well, I got the last of the lectures attended to, and the larger part of the reading for Economics. Oddly enough, the work that is left to do for this course doesn't feel much 'bigger' than what I have to do for Psychology. With Psychology, other than a partial rewrite of my end-of-term, I can pretty well finish coasting. I'll have to focus more on Economics, since I don't naturally think in terms of graphs- But most of the material I need is assembled, so now I can finish putting that together.

Wish me luck, Gentle Readers!

Until we meet...

Lots of lectures!

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Spinning Futures. This is somewhat closer to what I was attempting to create when I made In Light instead. I still would like to find a way to make the dividing outlines a little less obvious, but this one isn't bad. I think I might even be able to do it, now that I have a handle on how the magic wand tool works.

I started listening to the remaining Economics lectures for this course last night. Oy vey, I had thought I was done with having dozens of the things- but apparently not! It doesn't help that some of them are about half an hour long, and I have no way of telling which are the long ones short of opening them up! The good news, though, is that I listened to most of them last night. A lot of them looked a lot like the basic supply and demand curves that the lecturer talked about previously- and that is what they are, but on a more grand scale. I'll have to be sure to take a lot of notes when I get to the texts!

Until we meet, Gentle Readers...

Work- faint-thud!

Good Afternoon, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Sunglow. I used a sunburst floodfill for the background, then one of my other filters for the object in the front. Usually I don't use sunbursts that often, but there are times when that changes.

Wow! I got that power-point done last night and hit the sack. While I won't say I slept soundly (It was too hot to really do that), I did stay down far longer than I expected to. While I was waking up, I got to thinking that I may have to rewrite at least part of my end-of-term project. That's no problem: I have plenty of time yet for that. For the rest of this psychology course, I should be golden otherwise. Now I can focus more attention on the economics course.

Wish me luck, Gentle Readers!

Until we meet...

Someone stop me!

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is Soft Golden Heart. I knew there was a way to use deformations and bezier lines to create heart shapes, so I spent the last couple of days trying to figure out how to deliberately do so. As you can see, it didn't always work- But the results were still well worth saving.

You may remember yesterday that I was in some panic over all the papers I had to finish. Well, lo and behold, my Psychology end-of-term is done! As is an essay that is due tomorrow. After I finished that essay, I promised myself no more studying and school stuff for the day. But what happens? I turn right around and open a program to start the power-point presentation I have due next week! That was the item that scared me worst, but not after I took another look at it.

So I have the next couple of weeks for psychology largely out of the way, and I just have to finish with economics now. Fortunately, I have a couple of spare days to watch the lectures and read texts for that.

Until we meet, Gentle Readers...

Papers here, papers there, papers everywhere!

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is Summer Starting. Of course, for those of us in the Northern Hemisphere, summer has been going on for some time- and a steamy one it has been too! You may recognize the basic technique I used here. To that, I added a little bit of rotation. I may try that again with another image in the future; It does present possibilities.

I spent much of last night working on an end-of-term paper, but I suspect I will have to put finishing it on hold for a bit. The essay I see coming up won't be much of a problem, but the power-point presentation is another matter, along with the speaker's notes- which the professor will wish to see as properly annotated. That's the breaks, I guess!

Until we meet, Gentle Readers...

Geology, paper-pusher style?

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is Recursion In Green And Blue. There are a number of curiosities about this image. One of them is that one of the blue areas is supposed to be a bright pink, while the other is supposed to be a pale lavender. I suspect that the overlay filter has something to do with this oddity, since it does allow the layers beneath to show.

Last night, I finally finished down-loading my course materials for my geology class and lab. Aye-yi-yi, no wonder the counselor was concerned that I might have bitten off more than I can chew! In addition to all of the reading, I have some 20-odd forms that I will have to study and fill out! Well, I asked for it, so I guess I had better dig into it! Fortunately I still have a couple of weeks before I need to get really concerned, since I'm still working on my old courses. Still- I've said it before. Procrastination is no student's friend, so gangway!

Until we meet, Gentle Readers...

Incoming!

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Layers of Glass. Despite the name, I didn't really use layers this time- Unless one counts adding the new colors around the old ones as layering. A lot of my earlier images were made like this, but on a different background: Black or perhaps white instead of transparent. The same image on a different background can have a very different appearance.

Last night, I started downloading material for my upcoming courses. Geology should be fun, but oy vey, accounting? Just the glances I took were enough to hurt my head! At least I've got only one more assignment that I really MUST do for economics. Then I think I'll spend the rest of the day working on my psychology end-of-term; I've got a bunch of storms headed my way, and I don't want to be caught with my assignments not turned in.

Until we meet, Gentle Readers...

Organizing...

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled In Light. I made it a couple of nights ago while experimenting with bezier lines (the lines that are curvy) and a hard light filter. One of the quarters didn't quite turn out as I wanted it to, but all in all I'm pleased with it.

Speaking of pictures, I spent part of last night trying to sort a few of them into a folder so I could find what I want more easily. I was also contemplating making a few more folders. Perhaps I should have one for holiday items; That will make it easier to find them when I want them.

Until we meet, Gentle Readers...

Home Stretch

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Second Dawn Pentagon. There is a bit of a story behind it- But I will say I made this especially for a friend who had run into some pretty scary difficulties. He seems to be feeling better now.

Last night, I looked at next week's reading for my psychology class- and gawked. I have only four more chapters to read from my text, and I spent most of last night taking notes from one of them onto my yellow pad, while placing more for my end-of-term project in my head. I'll have to do more writing, of course- But that is a good thing, considering what it is. I suppose I should set up a separate document to list my references on, like I did with a project for one of my last courses. That did make it a lot easier to keep things alphabetized, rather than trying to do it all at once.

Do I get to do a faint-thud yet?

Until we meet, Gentle Readers...

Searching

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Saint Elmo's Fire. I may change the name of it, but I thought that was a good name for that glowing ball settled on those green waves.

I have a slightly unusual request today. As some of you may know, I play a fantasy RPG called Dragonrealms. Last night, a former player asked my help in locating a couple of friends he played with there, who had gone on with their lives some 5 or six years ago. I posted his message over on the Dragonrealms forums, but I thought I would post here too, for a gentleman named Pete. If you know anything about the players of Krinahd and Taffei, please let me know!

Until we meet, Gentle Readers...

A Little More Time...

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Moonflowers. I made it last night for a friend who had had a bad day. At first, there was a little too much bright green in the background that washed out the stems, but a nice blue flood-fill fixed that!

I had been feeling just a bit ill during the past couple of days, and because of that I didn't get as much school work done as I would have liked. But oddly enough, I'm feeling pretty good now! So I should be able to finish up the assignments, and maybe even have time to spare.

That's just as well; I have yet another assignment due today, while the one I was taking notes on last night isn't due until Sunday. The thing about today's assignment is that I have materials already on hand to work with, so I don't really have to take notes if I don't want to. Talk about a relief!

Until we meet, Gentle Readers...

Under The Wire!

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Glowing Ellipses. For once, I managed to contrast yellow against the blue/purple spectrum without either appearing to be washed out. While I did have to use outlines to keep the coloring where I wanted it, overall I'm very happy with the results.

Talk about sliding in under the wire! I got an assignment done and turned in with just minutes to spare last night! To be fair, though, I spent most of the day working on another item and investigating things for the other class's end-of-term project. At least I've got a fairly good idea now where to go for some of the information I want! I'm going to pat myself on the back too; I think I've finally got a handle on reference-making for the reference page on my reports. Now to finish getting that handle on the in-text stuff...

Wish me luck, Gentle Readers!

Until we meet...

Positive Thinking

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Shards In Heat, and I think you can see why. I originally intended to post this yesterday, but somehow I couldn't find it. I still don't know why; It was safely right where I put it. Perhaps it's time for me to make an extra folder and move a few of my images there so I can sort the rest more easily.

Boy am I glad I got all my really heavy housework done Monday! Yesterday, when I checked the forecast for my area, I found myself gawking at a forecast high of 100+! Methinks I'm going to be hitting the drinks hard today.

This morning as I was doing my morning reading, I came upon a blog by David Stehl of The Rest Is Still Unwritten fame. This morning, he wrote about the importance of finding things to be grateful for. He is right; Most times in the news, one hears about all the bad things that are happening. When one thinks about work, one usually thinks about all the problems that one may have encountered. When one thinks of school work, it's not hard to get caught up in the cycle of moaning about how hard the assignments are.

But it's more important now than ever to not let that negative energy suck you down. This may sound kooky or New-Agish, but the fact is that negative energy- negativity- is tiring, draining even. So it's important to put so much positive energy in your life that there is no room for the negative stuff. One way is to record the things that make you happy, for your own eyes if not for anyone else. Another way is to train yourself to think good thoughts. Negative thinking, admittedly, is a hard habit to break. But it can be done. And the more people that do it, the better.

Until we meet, Gentle Readers...

Psyching Myself up for Psychology

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is Red, White, and Blue Gumdrops. This isn't the image I originally intended to post today; I have to find out where it went. But in light of the recent holiday, I thought it was appropriate.

Boy do I have my hands full this week! I have to write not one but TWO papers about federal bodies that influence the housing market, and tons of stuff to do for my psychology class. I did manage to get a decent start on one of the housing papers, fortunately. But I'm not looking forward to the rest! Enough of that; Wishing isn't going to make the work go away. So, Gangway!

Until we meet, Gentle Readers...

Leaks and Thoughts

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Connected. I really wasn't sure what else to call it, since at first glance it does appear to be a random collection of things. But the last item, which I decided to take the name from, does appear to thread through all of the fields. Thus, it was so named.

You'll remember yesterday I looked for that leak in my mattress. I spent a large part of this morning looking again, but had no luck. So either it has a leaky valve or the leak is hidden in a seam where it can't be located or mended so easily. There is only one word for that: Yuck! The last thing my husband and I need is another expense. However, we really ought to do something.

Enough of that; It probably bores you silly anyway.

Recently I made a series of posts about self-sufficiency and green living. So now I have a question for you; What else can you think of that we can do to increase our independence from the grid and other support systems? It really doesn't matter how nutty it sounds. After all, some of our greatest scientists were viewed as madmen during their own time!

Until we meet, Gentle Readers...

Where did the stuffing go?

Good Afternoon, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Cool Change. Most of the coloring, as you can see, is on the hot side of the spectrum- But that green wave- which isn't exactly the color I planned on- Isn't. I found I liked the juxtaposing, though. One person that I showed this to compared it to a kind of modern Yin-Yang symbol. I was a bit surprised at that, but decided that it made sense.

I do have a kind of minor problem; The air mattress, which my husband and I have been sleeping on, has developed a leak. I've no idea how or where, but near the top of my work list tomorrow is taking of ALL the bedding and inspecting the thing. I'm not looking forward to that at all, but it has to be done if we are to get a decent night's sleep! I can't blame the kitties for this: I put a lot of padding on there on purpose so they couldn't puncture it with their back claws.

Wish me luck, Gentle Readers!

Until we meet...

The Future after College

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Outline. I really was not at all sure what would happen if I put those outlined areas around the outside of my frame, then shaped it into a pentagon like you see now. I am, however, very happy with the results.

When I last talked with one of my counselors, I learned that I would be graduating from everything around December. That would make a nice holiday present! I did work for it, of course- but I will have that degree to show anyone that wants to see it. At present, I need to finish my investigations on a number of other items- Like how much do people charge for work that is comparable to mine? I've not seen anything identical, of course, but I was impressed with what I saw another artist showing. This other lady, though, works with oil and canvas- so I'll need to keep that in mind. You'll be the first to hear when I'm ready to go!

Until we meet, Gentle Readers...

Study innovations

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Green Spark and Lacing. I was doing some work with lines, distortions, and flood-fills when I came up with this. I may try something similar with another set of colors later, and do something different about the lines; The flat color against the light like this doesn't seem quite as appealing. But it does show what can be done.

Four-Hundred posts today! Well over a year of rambling about whatever came to mind, including even a few rants. I really don't rant that often: Rants are a dime a dozen, and there are some people who are better at it than I am.

Speaking of graphics, I was quite busy with them last night. There is a lady who had asked me to help her with algebra studies, and I've created a few items that just might help. One reason normal text doesn't seem to work with her is that it all looks like a bunch of little black squiggles to her. So the thing to do is take the equations apart and present them in a way that they are easier to see. It does work, but I think I'll wait a while now; It has been a while since I've practiced advanced Algebra. I can start again once she starts getting her assignments for that.

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

Cantankerous ISP!

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Reconciliation. I made it last night for a friend who is about to lose his father- and who is having trouble within his family. Feuds in families are never good, and at such a time it is even worse. For all of their sakes, I hope they find peace.

I suppose you're wondering about the title of the post. Well, for the last few days, my ISP has refused to display the mail like it should. I had to take some of my note-writing over to another mail program that I know IS reliable. This is not the first time Verizon has given me a fit; When I got the last update I did with AVG antivirus, Verizon refused to work at all. To make matters worse, when my husband and I called in to report the problem, the (coughs) answering service had us on hold for over half an hour, while repeating a positively insulting message about how m approximate wait time was five minutes. Excuse me, that's not what my clock says! As icing on the cake, the tech- when we finally got one- tried to tell us to go to the Verizon site to do this, that, and the other. EXCUSE ME! If the site were accessible, we would not have made that call! We finally solved the problem by restoring an earlier version of AVG. Later, I was somewhat amused to hear that the event that led to considerable annoyance on my part was repeated throughout the ranks of Verizon customers, and the company got themselves in a bit of hot water over it. I admit, I snickered.

I don't think the present issue is that severe, but it is annoying.

Until we meet, Gentle Readers