Tuesday, August 31, 2010

Mother Nature's House-cleaning?

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Bubbles. I had an idea for an image a couple of days ago- which didn't exactly turn out as planned (So what's new?). But I did like the ethereal-floating appearance, especially given how the circles seemed to be just barely tethered. Needless to say, I didn't fuss. I'll just have to try again.

For a change, I will talk about the weather.

This morning I went to look at my forecast- something I've been doing a lot since Hurricane Earl started stirring. I still don't think Hurricane Earl is an especially dangerous storm; In fact, he may be a lucky one. I did find that we were under a code orange air quality alert. That means that the ozone levels have gotten high enough near the ground that the ill and elderly, and those with heart or respiratory conditions, need to be careful about exerting themselves overmuch. While I don't fall in any of those categories, I am a bit flabby. Fortunately I did the majority of my heavy work yesterday! Perhaps the winds from Earl will take care of the air problem.

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

Monday, August 30, 2010

The Race Is On

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Healing Lights. I made it for a friend who was really down in the dumps at the time- but I think she would like to see her picture shared too. As you can see, I used a number of overlays, to pretty good effect if I do say so myself!

Boy do I have my work cut out for me! I have a lot of school work to get finished and turned in, before Friday whatever the syllabuses say. That's because that's when Hurricane Earl is projected to hit where I live. I don't think Earl is as dangerous a storm as Katrina and Rita were, but I don't want to find out the hard way that I don't have internet access when I need it either.

Wish me luck, Gentle Readers!

Until We Meet...

Sunday, August 29, 2010

Doing it the hard way!

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Popsicle Drop. I was experimenting a bit with various flood fills and bezier lines, and came up with this. For anyone who has ever enjoyed a melting popsicle on a hot summer day, the colors should recall a few memories!

I spent much of last night wrestling with the problem of X and Y intercepts with graphing, then finally gave it up. This morning, my subconscious knocked me upside the noggin and pointed out that I had been doing it the hard way! I feel silly now, but lesson learned! Fortunately, I can go back and redo the problem, since I haven't turned it in yet.

I haven't cracked open my Com text yet. I'm not terribly concerned: Contrary to my expectations, the course has been relatively easy- Other than me having to learn how to use a couple of unfamiliar programs. I'm just as glad I'm learning now, instead of waiting until I have a business to keep track of at the same time.

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

Saturday, August 28, 2010

A Couple of Surprises

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

For the sake of convenience, today's image is titled Hot Liquid Light. I did a lot of flame-based work this past week while trying to juxtapose purple against red and gold. As you've noticed by now, the purple seldom really looks like purple. However, I think I know why too. I would like to find a combination that will let the purple show without hiding the fiery colors behind it.

Last night, I checked my algebra syllabus for next week's reading, since that seems to be where the heavy stuff is. I was quite surprised to find that there was nothing from my textbook for algebra next week. However, there is stuff for the week after, and I will have to check the college site for any other links or lectures I need to take care of.

Upon reading my syllabus and term-paper instructions for my business communications class, I discovered why I hadn't been given instructions on the organizer part of the class; While according to the instructions, I should try to build my organizer this week, according to the syllabus it's not really due until next- and that is along with a bunch of other stuff. At least I think I've seen enough to make a start today and tomorrow; The syllabus mentioned a special chart and program that's supposed to help. So now I'll have to grapple with that! Well indeed that I looked ahead!

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

Friday, August 27, 2010

Another Week Gone...

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Flame Through Circle 2. As you might guess, it's pretty much a second version of yesterday's image. I've got an idea for yet another variation- But I will attempt that later.

It took some doing, but I finally got that assignment turned in. I still can't get over how the Wikipedia article about New Zealand was so utterly unbalanced. Really, all people make history, not just one group or another. Some people just yell more about it. I have a feeling that's exactly what happened here.

Another week has passed, so now I need to start on next week's stuff as well as see what I can do about the end-of-term. I did spend that sliver of time between being awake and being asleep thinking about a couple of things that were giving me difficulty with one of my courses. Sometimes I can understand problems more clearly when I am not distracted by conscious worries. Indeed, sometimes that's the ONLY way I can understand things! Fortunately, I'm a big believer in the unconscious mind and the almighty yellow pad!

Wish me luck, Gentle Readers!

Until we meet...

Thursday, August 26, 2010

A Disappointment

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is titled Flame Through Circle. A couple of days ago, I read an item that talked about various cultures' views of different colors and what they mean. Part of this item mentioned that in Korea, black was considered a celebrating color and red was lucky. No doubt, black can be quite striking. A few months ago when I was just starting to get acquainted with my graphics program, I used black backgrounds a lot. So I went back to that to see what I could do. You now see one of the results.

Last night, I attempted to do a little research on New Zealand to finish an assignment. I say attempted for a very good reason; Most of the articles at the recommended source were purely about statistics, which I talked about in yesterday's post. When I finally decided to see what was on Wikipedia about it, I was mightily disappointed; THAT article was almost purely Euro-centric, with at best only a passing mention of the Maori- who are very much a part of the culture and country. Let this be a warning; While Wikipedia is convenient at times, it is not the final word. I did find what I really wanted over at a site called Kwintessentials. I think if I wish for a quick reference in the future, I will make sure to check there first.

Until We Meet, Gentle Readers...

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

Communications

Good Morning, Gentle Readers!

Today's image is Light Through The Sky. As usual, it didn't quite turn out as planned; The pink area was supposed to be yellow. However, I found it soothing, so I saved it.

I spent much of last night trying to perform some research on business communications in other countries. I found tons of fascinating articles for my first choice, which was Canada. However, while I saw a lot of business news and a lot of things about the technologies that are available, it wasn't until I got to the last item that I found what I really wanted. That was how to interact with the people behind the technologies. A business can have all the digital dashboards, PDAs, and databases it wants. But without the human element, those gadgets are worthless.

I can't say I'm terribly surprised; People are so accustomed to interacting with each other that they aren't likely to think that visitors from outside their especial area might have problems or be confused by what they see. Even I have been guilty of such lack of thought at times- though I am working on it!

I have two more countries to find out about some time today. Wish me luck, Gentle Readers!

Until we meet...