Revelation!

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is yet another fractal by Ron Venable titled Fright Fest. Since today is Halloween- or All Hallow's Eve, whichever nomenclature you prefer- I thought it highly appropriate.

Wow, I just had a revelation! Since I removed Solitaire from my quick-links list, I've found that I've gained a minimum of half an hour to take care of anything else I might do on the computer! I knew I was losing time- a few minutes here, a few there- but I didn't know I was losing that much! Now that I have the time back, I had better put it to good use. Wish me luck!

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

Pay Attention!

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is a fractal by Ron Venable that he named Autumn Flower. It has been quite a while since I displayed some of his work, and I thought this was seasonal- So out it came!

I did get my 'big' paper of the week turned in to my geology class last night. I confess, I was not really pleased with it, though I did try to give what the professor wanted. It was a case of too much information that I simply was not sorting out. This morning, I took a number of games off of my ready-access list so I could study better, instead of being tempted to waste time playing them. Then out came the textbook! I'll have to do some hard-and-fast reading and note-taking, but at least I'll be able to focus on that better than I had the past couple of weeks.

Until We meet, Gentle Readers...

Explaining to a kid?

Good Afternoon, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Light on Red on Red. I tried using a floodfill with colors that I normally don't use together, and didn't change them when I went to the next layer up until I got to the light. The results aren't what I normally would wish to save, but they do demonstrate possibilities.

Wow, look at the temperature go! It was down-right hot and muggy yesterday, but last night it got almost chilly! The heat is supposed to creep back in during the next few days, but it's not likely to stay long I think. It is enough to make one wonder what season it is!

I finally got the short essay done last night after invoking the Power of the Pad. As it is, I'm not terribly certain the essay does everything it's supposed to do. How do you explain the concepts of plate tectonics and mantle convection to a fifth-grader in 300 words or less, after all! That while talking about the guys that came up with the ideas? I did what I could with it, so there is no need for me to fret over it any more. The big essay will be almost easy by comparison, since it won't be so constrained!

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

Here comes the sun...

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is also a rerun of a picture I made in basic Paint, and is titled Ghost Cookie. I may remake this later on, but it is a nice virtual sweet for those of us who have to watch out for real sugar!

I got a bit of a surprise this morning; A truck with a crew of professional tree surgeons came by and started removing limbs. It really was a good idea: Some of those limbs were hanging very low, and weren't really healthy anyway. There are still a lot of clouds in the sky, but the sun is peeking through in places. If it doesn't rain, I'll try to grab a rake tomorrow. I might even do so this afternoon, if I can make the time between assignments. That may be a challenge; It won't take me long to whip up that short essay, but the longer paper is a different matter. It may not be that bad, though; Upon getting a second look at the assignment, I found that it was on stuff I had noted the living daylights out of. I'll just have to go back again and make sure I have everything properly cited.

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

Autumnal Musings

Good morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is Autumn Star. This is a re-run from last year, and is one of a series that I made for the seasons. I will want to look at the other holiday items I have stored, but as I said before, most of the others simply did not measure up.

Yay! I finally got finished with my note-taking. Some of it even makes sense! I also got a new note pad out; The one I've been using for my accounting class is fresh out of paper. That hand is starting to grow some muscle too. Now I just have to attend to that assignment. The geology items shouldn't be so hard, though I do have a large paper to write- formatted and properly cited, of course. I will need to invoke the Mighty Yellow Pad for that, I think!

The weather has been conducive to study, when I'm not wanting to sleep: Grey and damp-feeling outside. I suppose I ought to get busy with a rake when it dries out enough; The leaves on the ground have become noticeable, and unlike last year, we no longer have a power mower to just run over them and turn them into mulch. That's the breaks, and I really could stand the exercise.

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

School and Autumn ramblings

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!
Today's image is titled Wavery. I made it last night while testing a couple of filters together; I usually don't combine anything except maybe overlay and hard light. This time, I used another pair- Including one that tends to turn colors into something quite different.

Well, I did get most of the way through that one accounting chapter. Some of it even makes sense! I still have a way to go, but I'm optimistic about being able to finish today. I still have a busy day ahead of me, though, given some of the other tasks that have suddenly arisen.

During the past couple of weeks, acorns have been falling on the house. At times, it sounds almost like hail. A few times, it hit the vent cover- which is makes a loud 'Poing' sound. A few times it had my husband jumping for the ceiling! The cats weren't pleased about having their naps interrupted either. I confess, I would like to live somewhere just a bit quieter!

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

Ow?

Good Afternoon, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Aqua, largely because of the color of the main object. It was more of a test than anything else (naturally), but I was quite pleased with the results.

I never did finish that one chapter of Accounting notes last night. But I did take a peek at the next. One word; Ow! I still have nearly 100 pages to go for this week, and a lot of it is still Greek to me! One thing I find encouraging is that the first week of the course, I had about 3 chapters of a similar size to read- but didn't really need the last one until the next week. I'm not going to bet on that happening this week, but it is a possibility. In the meanwhile, I have found that I can go through the pages pretty quickly if I buckle down and ignore the cats- which is a challenge in itself. Wish me luck!

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

Never A Dull Moment!

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Glittered. I had not tried using this most especial filter before, and was just a little surprised at what happened- pleasantly so. I'm going to see if I can get silver or metallic gold sparkles with this now.

I usually don't do late nights-early mornings very well- but last night, I was awake quite late taking notes: To 1:30 AM, in fact. While that's not a match for the 4:00 AM I pulled a few weeks before, it is enough to show that I may be just a bit more nocturnal than I thought I was- or than I used to be at least. To be sure, I did sleep later than I planned to, but not that much.

Now I need to finish my note-taking on that most especial chapter and see what I can do with the Geology class; I have a bunch of videos to watch for the latter. Never a dull moment!

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

A D'uh Moment...

Good Afternoon, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Sunlight. I managed to put this over a glowing background and add an illusion of a kind of golden wash to it- without mangling the background colors too badly. I thought it appropriate today, since we now have bright sunshine out after a few gloomy days.

Last night, I opened what I thought was a chapter for next week. I was quite confused when I saw that it was in fact something I had taken extensive notes from last week. When I took a second look at my files, I found that the file I wanted was under the one I opened, D'uh! It really wasn't my fault, though! A lot of the files I have are duplicates! I had better go through and eliminate a few of them; My computer and my brain will thank me.

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

Holiday Season

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

As you might guess, today's image is titled Happy Halloween! I've attempted several pumpkin-featuring pictures in the past, but was never really happy with them. I finally made this this morning. While it still has a few glitches in it, it is a lot less awkward then the others.

The holiday season is coming down on us hard and fast. We have Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's Eve for those who celebrate such things. For those who don't, there are other holidays celebrating the harvest and the end of the year. Additionally, there are a number of birthdays and anniversaries in my family- so, needless to say, I will be busy with a capital busy!

I seldom really think about what my favorite holidays are, or didn't. But I'm beginning to think that the autumn and winter holidays all are. They are what keep us sane when the land is sleeping and the sky gloomy.

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

Ramblings...

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Yellow Vining. I made this while I was trying to learn how to make some tree-style images without the branches looking down-right awkward. I was quite happy with the results here. Now I'll have to see what I can do about oaks and birches, as well as viny objects!

After all of the note-taking and looking at the assignments for my geology, I've found that some of the reading I have to do this week isn't really going to be needed until next. I don't mind: There are a few things I really need time to get more or less temped down in my mind, and after all, I do have that challenge from my friend! I also have a couple of assignments still to do for this week, but I should be able to get them and the rest of the note-taking done today. Wish me luck!

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

Pulling ahead

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Wavy Stripes. Some time ago, I had attempted a stripe-based image. That didn't quite turn out as planned, and some of the elements that I really wanted for it weren't available anyway. But I have learned a few things since then.

I'm down to my last chapter of geology reading and note-taking for the week. I really need to try to pull my work ahead some; My husband has finally decided to go on vacation in about a month, and that's about when the heaviest workload will be occurring for my present courses. Another thing to consider is that this is a busy time of year anyway: Birthdays, anniversaries, and holidays all piled one on top of the other. I must say I am pleased with the results of my early studying for accounting, at least; While I'm still not really comfortable with it, at least it isn't a whole alien language now.

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

Geology

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Halloween Ball. I made it about this time last year in honor of the holiday, and thought that a rerun was very much in order since Autumn is well under way.

In geology, I've been reading a lot about the different theories concerning the age of the Earth and how it could be measured. It really was quite fascinating- though a few of the older scientists did miss a few very important items while creating their theories. Still, even the mistakes had uses; Even if the theories couldn't accurately measure the age of the whole planet, they are valuable for gathering information about various formations.

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

Surprise, Redux!

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Shards. It had been a while since I really used pentagons much, so I thought I would go back and revisit the form for this. As usual, it didn't really come out as I thought it would; The pink lines aren't supposed to be pink, or at least not that shade thereof, and the pale golden shards that give the image it's name were intended to fill the whole area they are in, not just the fragments that they do. I believe the phrase 'Don't Mess With Success' applies here, though.

I started to do my homework for the week for accounting last night- and I admit, I gawked! I was further ahead of that than I thought I was! I'm still going to have to do a lot of work on geography, but I did manage to make a start on that end project. I'm still feeling a little lost on the accounting one, but I have a feeling I can start making that come together- perhaps even as early as this week. It depends on what I find as I work through the course.

Wish me luck, Gentle Readers!

Until we meet...

A Glitch?

Good Afternoon, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Dolphin Light. Of course, the shape isn't really a dolphin; It lacks fins, for one thing. But other than that, it does indeed have the shape of a dolphin.

I have run into a glitch with my schooling, though not one that I consider insurmountable; A couple of the links I'm supposed to look at for college won't open, even though in theory at least I have the proper software. It's driving me nuts! However, thanks to all the notes I've taken from my text and the spare textbook I've been loaned, it's not insurmountable. As it is, my evening is going to be full trying to catch up a bit on the schoolwork so the pressure will be off a bit next week. And then, of course, there is that running dare I have. My husband wants to know if my competition is feeling breathing down her neck!

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

Surprise!

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Butterfly Ball. This wasn't planned of course, but I found that the deformation I used put wings in the center image. I decided not to do anything more with it once I saw that, though I briefly did consider adding a tree or web of some sort. I may do that with a remake of this image, but meanwhile I'm keeping this just as it is.

My poor cousin- as you noticed from the comment yesterday- didn't expect me to take her up on her dare! Well, I think I have a couple of ideas for one end-of-term project. I just have to clear it with my professor first. The other will be harder, since it is in a subject I am less familiar with, but full steam ahead! I was pleasantly surprised about my final grades from my last block of classes; A and A-, respectively. So now I just have to keep it up. Considering how I'm in the home stretch of my schooling, I won't have to much longer.

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

A Challenge?

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Angle Down. This was a typo: I meant to name it Angel Down because it was another attempt at feathered wings. That didn't work, and the deformation I started to use for it unbalanced the picture so badly that I took it out again in a hurry. Still, I think I did find a way to soften the lines just a bit.

It seems that I have been issued a scholarly challenge: Last night, I was informed that a friend was only a couple of weeks ahead of me in a class I just started. The class in question was Geology. Needless to say, I took it on and spent much of the night with a text, and today will be with the assorted labs. If I can, I ought to try to get a couple of weeks ahead in accounting too. That will be harder, but not impossible considering the pages of notes I've made about that! I've even discovered that the reading isn't quite as dry as it used to be.

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

Dog Days and Doings

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Golden Winged. I still haven't really figured out how to get a bird's wings spread effect to my satisfaction, but I did like what I saw of this. I even managed to create something like a metallic gold color- quite by accident and much to my surprise. It doesn't really have a sheen to it, of course- But I can decide what to do about that later.

The Dog Days of summer seem to be over, and the leaves are turning. We are now looking at rain and even possible storms, and the temperature will be just a bit on the chilly side tonight- at least, according to my standards. I don't mind; The chill will help discourage bugs, and it is great for cuddling with those you love.

Am I ever glad I did so much of my note-taking ahead of time! As it is, I'm going to be a bit rushed with some of the things I have to do: A small essay today, and a much larger one which is due a little bit afterwards. I also have to go look at a few of the links for the geology class. While so far I've seen little in geology that I haven't before, I have been noting stuff in case I needed specific words, names, or descriptions. I may even have to break out a new legal pad somewhere in the middle of these courses. I think some of my old college professors would be pleased that I have been taking so many notes, though.

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

Geology?

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Blowing Bubbles. I was seeing what I could do with a number of blur filters when I created this. I really would like to one day find a way to make a bunch of fine pin-lines that work together in a broader stripe, but I suspect I will need a different program to do that.

So far in my first chapter of Geology, I've seen little that I have not read elsewhere many times- but I have made sure to take notes anyway, just in case I need them to solve specific problems. It's funny how being something of an astronomy buff can help with a literally earth-bound subject! But as the text writers were careful to point out, no one system is really closed; No one system is so isolated from the others that it can work alone.

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

And We're Off!

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Smile. Most smileys are made from yellow- as you well know. But I made this last night while trying to create an effect of wings. It didn't exactly work as planned (so what's new?), but I did find it to be cheerful once I finished putting the eyes in.

And we're off! Yesterday, I was able to get a hold of the new syllabuses. It's a good thing I spent all the time I had with my accounting text. As it is, I will have to go back over some of my notes, but I made a good start with that. I'll also need a better look at what I need to do for homework, and at what I need to do for my end-of-term projects. One of them will be a lengthy power-point presentation. Considering how the short ones could drive me up the wall, I've no intention of waiting a full nine weeks to start on this baby- one that should be between 16 and 25 slides long. I'm not even sure if that will include the reference pages or not.

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

No Syllabuses yet?

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Angel. I made it last night for a very small girl who never got to go home. Since portraits aren't my strength, I tried instead to create an illusion of flight.

When I went looking for the new syllabuses yesterday evening, they weren't up yet. Granted, the school is about an hour or perhaps two after me in time zones, but it does lead me to wonder if the professors weren't having difficulties of their own. This has happened before. Fortunately, I did get the majority of my note-taking done for accounting. I may even be overdoing it because when I was originally downloading the texts, I found there were places where some of the chapters had to be re-read. If that's the case, getting all of this noting done now will be a tremendous help.

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

Back to the Grind

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Flowing Green and Gold. The 'gold' part is really yellow, of course- but the word yellow lacks a certain aesthetic value. I made it a few days ago when I decided I needed to work in something besides, blue, purple, red, and white- if only for the practice.

The new syllabuses should be available today, probably by this evening. One I may not have to get, thanks to a previous student in the course in question- But I'm going to take a look just in case. The other- the accounting that had me staring like a deer in the headlights- I will need. Fortunately, I've finished the first two chapters of note-taking! I should have a healthy start on the third chapter by tonight. In fact, I think I'll start on it in about an hour, after I take care of a few other items. There's never a dull moment!

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

Plans

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Flower Fire. I finally decided that the deformations I usually use in my creations were what was messing up the flame shapes I really wanted, so I made this without them. It seems that I was right.

I've got a busy week ahead of me- though not quite as busy as it could have been, since I've already done a sizable fraction of my note-taking. Aside from the school, I need to do some serious research into HTML, and tax laws. Fortunately, the college offers links that I can use for such purposes. I was also thinking that I ought to go ahead and make a graphic with the listings that I want on it, and just plain change it out when the functional graphic is ready. I have a feeling that I will eventually want to change my front page graphics anyway; While the light blue does show well against the background, it somehow doesn't feel right. The font doesn't really feel right either, though I did choose it because it could be easily read. Wish me luck!

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

The Site..

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Diamond Through a Spectrum. While, of course, the background isn't really a 'true spectrum', it most certainly does have the different colors with boundaries.

I did a little more work on the new site yesterday- though I still need help putting the pieces together. Bless his heart, my husband was so excited to see the site and the work! He does have some experience as a webmaster, so I'll be able to pick his brains for it. I'll want to set up site navigation, for one thing; That will make it easier for my hopeful clients to see what I have available. Meanwhile, I need to sort out more things that I don't really think are sale quality so they won't end up for sale by accident!

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

Starfire Forever Images

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is, as you probably guessed, the front page to the site I am presently trying to set up to sell some of my work. I will have to weed out a few more items that I'm less pleased with, but I'm highly excited about the possibilities presented here!

I spent time running web searches on the name I originally wanted for this business, which is Starfire Images. I found out that it was in use already, so I scratched that idea; The last thing I want is a copyright lawsuit! However, when I tried again with Starfire Forever Images, I found out that Starfire was apparently a cartoon character. I also found that there were no companies or web sites named Starfire Forever Images. Next, I went to GoDaddy.com to see if the domain name was available; I have heard of people buying up blocks of domain names just to sell them again for obscene profits. Oh joy! It was there! My husband came in and looked over my shoulder, then helped me finish securing it. I'll be trying to set the site itself up later on today. Wish me luck!

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

Going away?

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Spearhead. I don't use much green in my images because I never know how it will react with the other colors- especially in Overlay form. However, this one turned out well, so I saved it for your perusal.

My husband and I may be going to visit his brother. I say may because both guys are refusing to say anything definite, and it's driving me up the wall! If we do, I won't have internet access, and so won't be able to update you with the small bits of news, information, and trivia from my world.

I never did get around to opening my text back up yesterday. But I think I will try to after I finish breakfast. It will be easier for me to think anyway; I get just a bit fuzzy-brained when I've been without food for too long.

Until we meet, Gentle Readers...

Ahead of the Game

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Square. It isn't often that I use white, or blue-white- in fields like you see today. I was going to try for a diamond picture, but the image wouldn't rotate like I tried to get it to. Thinking about it, I know what I missed this time, so I will try it again.

Finally, that exam is out of the way! My brain is breathing a sigh of relief. I considered opening a text to take more notes, but I really did need to give it a rest for a day. I may resume note-taking later on, as well as seeing if I can locate a syllabus or two. In the meanwhile, I do have a bit over a week before I resume classes, so I'm ahead of the game.

Wish me luck, Gentle Readers!

Until We Meet...

Between Classes?

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Ice In Fire. I originally intended to try for a red, white, and blue fire picture with this, but I changed my mind when I saw how the blue sections curved together in a circle. I'll need to decide what to do about the background before I do the flames anyway, since they are of such disparate colors.

The final exam in Algebra should be available today; At least, that's what the calendar showed last night. Hopefully the practice problems will help; I was not at all pleased with some of my last quiz scores! I did hesitate less on the practice pages than I had before, so I think the extra study is having an effect.

I also opened up an accounting text to start taking notes. While the course won't start for a few more weeks, I decided that I needed all the head start I could get. So far, I've been pleasantly surprised: The first 12 pages were largely reviews of items I had learned in my previous business classes. On the last couple of pages, I did start seeing formulas- But even those weren't complete strangers. I'm still not easy about the spread sheets, but I'm not having a phobic reaction!

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

Where is that Exam?

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Diamond in a Bubble. Usually diamond images have a bit of a stretch vertically, but that didn't happen this time, even when I added the extra deformation. I may have to use a different tool to get that, if I want it.

Last night, I went in to look for my final exam- and I STILL didn't find it! Ick! So I decided to go ahead and do a page of practice problems instead; I didn't want to lose hard-won skills. I think it's a good thing I did because I found a number of spots where the program and I didn't agree. If I don't find that final exam again today, I'll go looking for another page to practice with.

I probably ought to start my next block of note-taking and reading; The accounting, at least, will be a bear to deal with because my eyes tend to glaze over these days when I see a wall of text- and when I was downloading stuff before, I found the chapters tended to have 100+ pages. I haven't looked the textbook yet to see how much is just space taken up by sample spreadsheets.

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

C'mon, Let me at it!

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Bright Light. I made it a couple of days ago, thinking that something like this would be good to have around when the winter gets dull and grey. White Christmases are lovely in songs, but they haven't happened where I live in years.

I've been trying to get in to attend my final exam for Algebra, but it hasn't been available. This bothers me really, because it is the last piece of work I really need to do for the course. However, it was early so I might find it today- Or perhaps tomorrow. In the meanwhile, I suppose I could work a few more practice problems to make sure I don't get rusty. Color me impatient!

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

For Pop...

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Here's To You, Pop. As you can see, it has absolutely nothing to do with the picture's appearance. But it has everything to do with today's post.

My husband and I got some news yesterday about his father; He has died, and probably had died Tuesday. The coroners think he had a stroke or heart attack while he was alone in his home. I will not speculate on what his last thoughts were- But I do hope he took some comfort in knowing we were somewhere nearby.

He was a loving man, and his boys were the biggest joy in his life. In his youth, he ran a bakery. It wasn't so much a specialty shop as a factory for making bread- but it was work he enjoyed, and he did it until he retired.

We do have pictures of him and his wife- a lovely, frail-seeming lady. Randy has one of her cups, and he drank his morning coffee from it this morning. I think I will pack the photo album too, while getting us ready to attend the memorial.

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...