Cooling Off

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Fairy Wings. I wasn't exactly trying for fire when I made this, but I did add a deformation to the 'wings' before I added the other two objects. I considered adding another deformation, but decided against it after I tried it on for size and decided I didn't like that at all.

Yesterday, it was cool enough that I had to turn off the fans. The relative silence sure sounds strange after months of them humming in the background! I then even stayed mostly under the covers, which was nice. I haven't been well able to sleep without covers for some time, though during the height of summer I had no choice if I was to sleep at all.

Since I'm largely done with this block of classes, I have been looking over what I need for my next block. I found out that I was signed up for a different geology class, so I went to get my study materials for that while putting the original folder out of the way. I did run into something a little strange and a lot annoying; The downloads for a number of the chapters of the text either would hang up somewhere in the middle, or wouldn't even start at all. This will be a problem if I can't fix it before I need the book. Perhaps I ought to order a hardcopy textbook as well, but I have found that the electronic texts usually do what I want them to do.

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

School and Miscellanea...

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Eye-Opening, largely because of the shape surrounding the starburst. As usual, it didn't come out exactly as planned- but it did come out closer than usual!

Well, I am ahead of schedule- and I think that if I wished to, I could finish out everything due for the algebra course today. But there really is no point in it, especially when I need to check with my communications professor about the end-of-term. I might go ahead and see if I can get the syllabus for my next class too; Whether geology or accounting are next, both will be demanding and I'll feel a whole lot better about knowing what I'm really letting myself in for, beyond what I have in the course materials.

My husband and I went to help my parents get firewood last night. It's a good thing we did; The rain is coming down heavy now, and I'm not expecting it to really let up until Friday. Not that I'm complaining: The last few weeks have been dry. The cooler temperatures are welcome too; It's very hard to sleep well when one is burning up, while at the same time excess heat is sapping your energy!

Wish me luck, Gentle Readers!

Until We Meet...

Question of Corporation Versus Privacy?

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Different Dancing Flames. It has been a while since I've attempted anything that is flame-based, and my first attempts didn't come out well at all. This image didn't quite come out as planned either: The center was supposed to be the green, not the blue, and the flame at the top was supposed to be yellow. However, overall I am pleased with the effect.

The leaves haven't finished turning by any stretch of the imagination, but fall is here; The rains have started. We had a few sprinkles yesterday, and a down-pour early this morning. I didn't hear any thunder, so it can't properly be called a storm. I'm just as glad of that; The cats don't like storms, and I would rather be in sturdier housing before a big storm hits again!

I've got only one piece of homework to do for my communications class this week- but I can't do anything about it until my classmates chime in about the discussion questions. Given the nature of the questions, I don't blame them for hesitating; They are about whether employers should monitor their employees use of the company computers and internet connections. My position is that the company does have a right to monitor what I do on company computers and company time- but the company had better leave me well alone when I'm on my own time and not using the company equipment and services. In a way, it's sad that this question needs to be discussed at all, since some people choose to behave irresponsibly and download stuff that has nothing whatsoever to do with the business- and that might even be open invitations to viruses and hackers. What's alarming is that some of these irresponsible people are in positions of terrific responsibility and authority.

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers....

Woo-Hoo!

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Different Kind of Candle. I did like the shape of the flame at the top, but not much else about it. The candle part came out much better. I'll have to try this again; I think I know what went wrong.

Go Me! I got my report done and turned in, then I went on to do an Algebra assignment that was due in a few days. I had enough of going nuts because of the overload of work, thank you! I still am not sure how I'm supposed to make that end-of-term project for the communications class work; I have the parts gathered, but they are incredibly disparate, so I've no idea how I'm supposed to put them together. I'll have to make sure I didn't miss anything important, but while I was writing my report I did go back and review a number of items. I'll probably have to do that for the next couple of weeks; That's how much longer the classes will last. Then there will be a short break. Not that I think it will be much of a break; My next classes are going to be bears. Fortunately, I've got the material down-loaded for them because I thought I was going to need it for this go-around. Not only that, my mother gave me a book she used when she was taking a similar course so I should be able to get a decent head-start.

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

Finishing Up

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Bright Shards. I chose that because of the contrast of the yellow forms against the background. I really intended for this to be another of my 'fire' images, but the red came out a fuchsia pink instead, so I ran with it in another direction.

I probably should have pulled another all-night study session last night to finish my report, but I didn't. I confess, I don't relish that thought so close to the previous one! Still, I did manage to gather enough information that I think I can finish the writing without any problems today. That is well; Occasional storms are forecast for today, and I believe it. The wind is starting to kick up.

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

Success!

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Fiery Ball, Violet Lightning. You may remember I said something a couple of days ago about trying to make a flower with flame-petals. This isn't quite what I was after either, though it is closer. I think I know what happened, though- so the next attempt should come out the way I want. The lightning is something that I thought would break up the field just a bit. As you can see, it's not really violet all the way through; The red from the major image shows through where it is strongest.

I got my presentation done and turned in, much to my relief! Now all I have to do is finish the report. That should be a cinch, given how I've already made a decent start on that. I should do a little more research, though; My professor, and my theoretical executive officers, will want some hard numbers to back my statements, though the statements are true in themselves.

Wish me luck, Gentle Readers!

Until We Meet...

Eek! Redux...

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Spring And Autumn. I chose that because red and gold are associated with both seasons: Fresh flowers for the spring, and falling leaves in autumn. This is one of the few pictures I've made where I had a fair idea of what would happen.

I suppose you're wondering about the title. Well, it's like this: I started to work on the report for my class. That wouldn't have been a problem: I possibly could have finished and turned that in. However, I checked my syllabus. Yikes! The Power Point Presentation is what I needed first! I did make a start on that, but I'm not happy with some of the words and arrangement- so I'll have to go back and redo parts of it. Boy am I glad I looked last night instead of waiting until today!

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

All Night Long...

Good Afternoon, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Red Clover. It's not quite what I was looking for; I was thinking to make another fire-based image, but when I applied a deformation it rounded the fields off instead, to what you see. Still, I decided to save this and try again later.

Oy Vey, I was up until 4:30 AM working on school stuff! I've no idea how I managed to keep on going. It was probably on my second wind. A few times I thought to put the assignment up and just finish it today- but that would have left more to do, and I can't afford that right now. I did sleep way later than I usually do, but right now I'm feeling pretty good. I suspect the long night and short rest will catch up with me later, but I'm not arguing with the energy boost right now!

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

More School Stuff

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Twisters. You may notice that I used a few curved lines (bezier, according to the descriptor on the tool), and a circle-deformed overlay. This was one of my more or less random experiments. I have another one I want to try some time today too- but that will depend on how quickly I can finish my school work.

Speaking of school work, I think I finally did get a handle on a few concepts that were proving to be more difficult than they ought to be. I should finish my Algebra reading just to make sure I didn't miss anything- but that is more time-consuming because of the sheer quantity than anything else.

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

Eek!

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Windblown. It has been a while since I tried using a wind filter on any of my images, so I put the red in the background and used it there, then added the light purple pinwheel as the fore-image. Given how it is somewhat transparent, that part may not be easy to see- but I was far happier with this than I thought I would be.

Eek! I finally got done with my note-taking for my communications class and opened the text for algebra- and found myself staring at 66 pages worth of stuff! I haven't even looked at the second chapter yet! I'm going to have my hands full catching up! Fortunately, I was right about the familiarity. It does help some that a lot of space is given to practice problems.

It's not going to go away by itself- so let me at it!

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

Study Study!

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Icy Flames. I've been debating whether to add more flame-shapes or not, but the largest part of the space left happens to be right over the starburst- and I really don't want to cover that up. Perhaps I will make a copy of this image for experimental purposes. If I like what I find, I can post that later.

I was up until the wee hours taking notes last night. I still am not comfortable about the quantity of work left to do before I can tackle my assignments, but the second chapter of communications reading- all 52 pages of it- is out of the way. Fortunately, the last chapter is considerably shorter, and I have a feeling that the algebra stuff will be familiar.

Wish me luck, Gentle Readers!

Until we meet...

Surveys?

Good Afternoon, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Spindled Infinity. As you may notice, there is something of an illusion of a paper being rolled- or spindled. I wasn't really sure what would happen here- naturally. But the green against the red and violets proved to be quite striking.

Well, I still haven't quite finished my note-taking. But a lot of what I see is a repetition of things I had read in previous courses and workshops. Right now, I'm looking at a description of what makes a good survey or interview question. In a way, it's rather amusing because it points out flaws in questionnaires that the school itself uses. It also shows some serious gaps in a lot of other common survey questions; A lot of these surveys are leading and don't really let the subject describe his or her real opinion fully. Needless to say, I'm not going to be in a hurry to fill out any more surveys until the companies in question can get their collective acts together!

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

Too Busy!

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Spiral-Sparkle Heart. One thing that I missed from the original Paint program was the ability to draw sparkles with the air brush instead of just about everything else under the sun. So while I was poking around with Paint Shop Pro, I found a couple of interesting things with the paintbrush tool- including a way to make those sparkles! I'm quite the happy camper now, though I still will have to experiment further.

Aye-yi-yi! I made progress last night with my note-taking; I did get about halfway through the one chapter. But getting through the rest of my reading will be a challenge! Fortunately, a peek at the instructions for my Power Point Presentation did simplify matters somewhat. Considering how long it has to be, I need all the simplification I can get!

I got a phone call from my mother this morning. Boy is she happy with that little cottage she and Dad have now! She is going to be busy planting trees and shrubs, and wants us to take before and after pictures of the yard. I guess we're going to be quite busy with that too!

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

After Midnight?

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Never Ending. It's probably the most complex image I've attempted since I gave up on the more traditional style of portraits and pictures. I honestly have no idea where the pink came from in part of the overlays; Given the colors in question, I was expecting more of a dusky green. Still, it does add a bit of a spark to the image!

I opened a text for part of next week's reading for business communication last night after I finished a few other items. Boy am I glad I didn't wait; I have three chapters to read, and this first one is over 40 pages long! Not only that, I have a power point presentation to assemble. Methinks I will be burning a lot of midnight oil this week!

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

Wrestling with the Math Monster!

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Transparency. It has been a while since I've worked mostly with blue and white- and that was before I had learned what I had about how overlays work, at least most of the time. I may try a variation of this later, but I do like how the light outlines the center where the starburst is clearest.

My poor aching brain! I spent a lot of last night working on a number of assigned problems with algebra- especially using formulas that I wasn't taught the first time around. The thing is that I'm sure I solved some of those problems correctly earlier, but the test wasn't acknowledging it! Meanwhile, a couple of the programs that the class made available to me for graphing purposes weren't exactly cooperative. But I finally got them done, along with a short essay about perpendicular lines. So I have one more test to take, and I'll be golden for the rest of the week!

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers....

Computer Woes

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled A Lotta Lemon-Lime. It really doesn't look much like how I had intended it; I meant for there to be a lot more pale blue in there than there is, but much of where I wanted it was taken over by the green and yellow. Still, there is enough blue to cut it just a bit.

Talk about computer woes! I noticed a bit of lag last night, and I had trouble with one of my sites loading properly. So this morning, I started to run a scan. Well- About an hour and a half after I did that, the scan was still running (fortunately, without turning up anything dangerous), when I find out that I had an automatic update coming in. Now, I don't really mind security updates. But I would like to restart the machine on my own time instead of having the thing restart right when I'm in the middle of something! To really complicate matters, the computer lost contact with the keyboard until I restarted it again. Needless to say, I am not pleased. Fortunately, the machine seems to be behaving itself now. Perhaps that growl I gave it has something to do with the matter.

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

Homework and stuff

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Water. I made it some time ago while I was working extensively with overlays. I still do use overlays a lot, as you have seen- but more often recently I've gone back to just a basic canvas.

I got my homework for my business communication class turned in last night. It came out fairly easily once I started writing- Much more so than I expected, in fact! Now I have to focus a bit on algebra. That should be easy enough too; I've studied what seems to be the subject for the week, but I have to listen to the lectures just to be sure. I then ought to get a start on next week; There is a lot of extra material there, or so it appears.

I've also been looking a bit at the job market. It's hard to find a job nowadays, and harder to find a job that isn't really a scam. But with what I have learned so far, and with what I have found where I hope to eventually live, I am more hopeful than I have been for some time. I'm through making my living as a 'housekeeper', thank you!

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

Learning to Listen?

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Daisy Petals. A few times before, I had tried to make daisy-like flowers on my pictures, and wasn't satisfied with how they came out. I still am not completely pleased- but I think I know what happened this time. Meanwhile, the gossamer appearance is pleasant enough in its own way.

I finished taking my communication notes last night, so I should be well able to handle the assignments for the week now. In fact, I probably could have done the vast majority of them last night, considering how much of the material was covered in previous courses. The concepts of active listening and understanding cultural diversity have a lot of use even if one never enters the business world.

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

Autumn and school

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Helix. It has been a while since I've created images right before I posted them, but I did that this morning because I didn't see anything else in my collection that I really felt like putting up.

A few days ago, I noticed that the leaves were starting to change. Most of those I noticed were hanging over the road where the rising heat would have baked them all summer long, of course. But the cool temperatures are welcome. There is a certain rich scent in the air that was missing during the summer, and now we are getting gentle rains instead of either droughts or gully-washers. I didn't try especially hard to tend a garden this year, but farmers will welcome this as well.

I will have my hands full this week, I think, with the school work I didn't get done early. But I finally have been able to start taking a few notes ahead of time again. I now need to finish with the chapter in question, then see what I can do with the algebra. Unless I get another major surprise, though, I think the major concepts have been covered- other than the quadratic equation, which may be part of the work that is coming up.

Wish me luck, Gentle Readers!

A Quiet Day

Good Evening, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is a repost of one I made some years ago titled Nine-Eleven, and I think you can see why. Whole futures were cut off during the horrific events of that day, and a certain innocence was lost. While dwelling on the past will benefit no one, we should make sure we never forget.

While I did spend part of today attending to school stuff, more of it was spent helping my parents get and stack firewood. My parents have a small house, and one of the advantages is that there is little space to heat, or to otherwise tend. I was given to understand that this house was built some 70 or so years ago. While there are a number of places where the floor slopes- a lot- it's in remarkably good condition for its age. That's a good thing. I don't relish the thought of trying to to get things down those stairs!

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

One Down, Two to Go...

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Sunglow. It was one of the last pictures I made before I decided to try increasing the size of my canvas. I was a little concerned about the indigo lining around the main object, but I needn't have been; It was just the touch needed to separate the main object from the sunlight 'halo'.

I still have two more items to finish with the one assignment. I had some difficulty after all, deciding which format to use to speak to which theoretical object. But now that the one item is out of the way (all hail the Mighty Yellow Pad!), the other two should come easily enough.

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

All caught up!

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Wavy Checkerboard. I used that more as a place-holder than anything else, since the traditional boards are usually black and red or white. Many years ago in an art class, I was shown how to use lines to give an illusion of motion- so that is where I drew part of my inspiration from.

I finally got caught up with my algebra reading, and took a few notes that put a number of concepts into perspective. Now I just have to finish with the assignments, then tackle the remaining items I owe for the communications class. I don't think that will be excessively hard after the assignment I turned in earlier. I'm just annoyed that I let myself fall behind like that in the first place!

Until we meet, Gentle Readers...

Catching Up

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Illusions. Part of what you see was, for once, planned. The rest wasn't, quite. The diamond you see at the top of the circle certainly wasn't; I was expecting more of a reversed teardrop shape, and I was trying more for a fuchsia/pink color than for the lighter blue that you see. However, it came together rather well. The next time I try something similar to this, though, I will want a slightly- stronger contrast.

I spent last night discovering that I lost more time in studying than I thought. I have a lot to make up for today! Fortunately, I am getting well now, though I'm not all the way there yet. Wish me luck, Gentle Readers! The books and I are going to have a very long talk!

Until We Meet...

Sneezes and Sniffles and Classes, Oh My!

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Gentle Light. Lately, I had been working with contrasting colors, so last night I thought I would tone it down just a little. I also did a minor extra experiment to see if I could uncover a couple of the color bugs that often come with overlays. The fact that nothing unusual seems to be showing shows that I have met with success.

After much sneezing and sniffling, I did get the first of my homework assignments turned in. Go Me! It was the one that was really scaring me too! I'll want to review some of my reading before I tackle the rest, but I'm feeling pretty good right about now. Considering how this is Week 5 in both of my present courses, that is important: Week 5 marks the midpoint of the class blocks for the school. I'm still not altogether certain what the professor for my business class really wants for the end-of-term, but I think I can start putting things together now. Wish me luck!

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

Random Notes

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Many Flames. A few times when I was on camping trips with friends or family, someone would bring along pieces of copper pipe filled with old rubber hose, and we would put those in the fire and watch the flames turn color- from indigo purple to green. That was the images inspiration.

My cold must be on its way out: I've gone into the coughing stage. While that isn't comfortable, it does mean that my body is getting rid of the residue. I think the heat I built up from my normal Monday chores might help too.

I never did get to finish taking all of my notes last night, but I got more than I really expected to. Now I just have to finish, then take care of my assignments. Fortunately, I don't think that will be a problem now: The chapters, for once, do relate directly to the items in question.

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

Time For a Cool Change...

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Purple Flame. It's actually a work in progress; I want a little more purple in it. But I must say I am happy with how it is turning out.

Last night was cool! About time, too; The summer was hot and uncomfortable, so it was very difficult to rest. The house sounds different without the air conditioner running. I am enjoying the relative quiet.

That is a good thing in itself: I've come down with my dear husband's cold. It was inevitable, with us sharing close quarters. But it sure will make studying hard! No matter; The studying has to be done anyway. It might even be a needed lesson in itself.

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

There's The Sunshine!

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Sunlight Band. As you probably have noticed, I've been making a lot of sunlight images lately. I decided I didn't like the appearance of the transparency under the basic lines that I used to shape the picture- though technically, I knew that they would be hidden in the finished product. At the same time, I didn't want to alter the basic coloring. Thus, what you now see.

Pardon me while I bounce around a bit; All that tea and lemon and ginger I've been pouring into my husband seems to be working! Other than a leftover cough, he seems to be feeling pretty good, and that suits me very well indeed. That is just as well; I have a lot of notes to finish taking for my communication class next week. Wish me luck, Gentle Readers!

Until We Meet...

Close Quarters and Colds

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Circles And Sunlight. I used the extra-large canvas for this picture too, similar to yesterday's. I admit, I wasn't really sure what would happen with the extra light over the lines- but it came out well.

I suppose you're wondering what I'm doing up at this hour. Normally, I would be asleep still. However, my husband has fallen ill- which means that I have to see what I can do about that. Not an easy proposition when he doesn't wish to take the time off to get well himself! It also means that we may not get to the planned cook-out tomorrow, unless he spends a lot of time asleep when he gets home today; At least, that works for me when I'm sick. I'll have to disinfect a lot of stuff while he's out: So far, I'm still well, and I want to keep it that way. It may not work since we are in such close quarters, but it may keep a lid on how sick I get too- Unless by some wild chance it's something I've developed an immunity too!

Wish me luck, Gentle Readers!

Until We Meet...

Back to School...

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Veridian Gem. I've not tried working with a canvas this size before, so I wasn't quite sure what would happen. There is an area that I flood-filled twice trying to get a certain color into it. I was a bit surprised that it took; Usually floodfills on the same layer cover their precedents.

Well, I did get all of my school assignments for the week turned in- though I'm not sure one is quite what was needed. Still, it is done! Now I have to look at the assignments for next week.

Actually, I have. The communication class has me running just a bit scared! Of course, I can't have that. So it's time to invoke the yellow pad again, methinks! I'm going to have to learn a bit about business letters and memos, after all, if I want to build a business that will support my husband and me.

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

More on Earl

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Hemispheres. I seldom work with straight lines in my images, other than when I'm depicting lightning. However, I did this time. When I applied the deformation, I expected the lines to take on some curve too. I was a bit surprised when they didn't. I decided to save this item more as a sample than anything else.

This morning when I looked at Hurricane Earl's projected path, I noticed it was more of a swish clear around my area than a direct hit. The people to the northeast of me won't have such a clean miss- but by the time he reaches them, he would have weakened considerably.

That is not to say, "All Clear"; Much of a storm's potential for damage is, after all, from wind. I expect to see plenty of that. But I'm not going to fret over it. The wind will do whatever it wants no matter what, after all.

There is another good side to this storm: I got much of my course work done and turned in already, and the last item is about half-done. I can finish that and start on next week, with an eye toward the end projects.

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...