New Year's Resolution

Wow! My heart was warmed by the guesses on my new year's resolution. I really did not expect the responses.

I tell ya, I learned a little bit. First, I learned that my readers know me! That's big warm fuzzies. Second, I learned a few things about what you want from me.

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Kathy - I think I have it...you are going to make sure that you learn how to use all the functionality of CS4...btw...I am very jealous that you have it...but very happy that you won it.

Oh, yes! That is a great idea! I do need to do that, but it was not what was on my mind. I am sure I WILL do that though.

Mary Ann - Here are 2 guesses, That you are going to scrapbook more of your pictures. That you are going to blog more. My resolution is to not make one just keep on trying to make small lifestyle changes and do them long enough to make them stick. Making them stick is the hard part. I have way too many things to just pick one for a resolution, lol. Good luck with whatever your resolution turns out to be.

Ah, Mary Ann did get it right as my new year's resolution will result in me scrapbooking more. Blog more? Really? I thought people felt I blogged too much as it was and try not to blog! A lifestyle change for you? Hmmm...see my suggestion below!

Dana - My guess is that you are going to journal more. That is one that I need to make but I haven't decided on just one resolution yet. There are so many things I need to do. I guess I could resolve to not make any resolutions! LOLOL

Oh, great guess! It shows you know me. I do encourage everyone to journal more! I could make a blog just to journal my days so I could have text for my layouts before I forget what happened. My old brain forgets quickly it seems. Perfect idea for me, but, alas, I do not think I have the time. I will, however, continue to journal lots on my pages.

Anonymous - Learn CS4 and add those tuts to the site giggle

Another person who reads my blog! See above answer. :)

Ewe Scrap - I have no idea...but...I can't wait to find out!!

Wow? You are anxious to find out? Really? Sometimes I feel people think I'm boring and just babble.

Mammarock - To take a poor newbie named mommarock aka Marcia under your wing and tutor them personally.. Haa haaa haaa :) hee heee ( I like it!!)

Awwww. That is SO sweet! I WANT to take every newbie under my wing. Just stop by the forum and ask questions! I was up late last night helping someone learn their first page first by e-mail and then in the chatroom. It gave me such great satisfaction and joy. It reminded me of what I want to do and what I enjoy doing. Hence, I have decided to try to schedule more chats just for people to show up to ask questions, but that was not my original resolution.

Teri - Hmmm. I would guess that you want to scrapbook more and print these pages out.Speaking of...I have a quick question for you re: digi scrapping. Do you just back them up and enjoy the digi files on the computer, print the pages individually (what size?) and put them into albums, or put them into hardbound books? I'm always interested in what others do with these pages. Thanks!

Oh, great guess! Yes, I do want to scrapbook more and get things printed. I have so many to print now! To answer your question, I have chosen to scrapbook in letter size so I can print at home. I am doing some heritage pages in square to print at Shutterfly...love their hardbound books! I made a Halloween costumes through the years book for the boys and printed it at Shutterfly in a book and loved it. I have started on a genealogy book for the boys and may do other old photos this way too. Read more about printing in the tutorial found here to make your own choice on how to print.

Candy - Learn to make blinkies? Nah, I think it is either learn Photoshop so you can get your Photoshop Certification, Plan the best conference ever or, darn, I had another one but I can't remember it right now.

lol...this one surprised me. Okay, I know how to make blinkies and have a tutorial for PSE on it here - search for "animations" on that page. I do, however, need to improve. I'm just too impatient to make them great. Yes, the Photoshop Certification is a goal of mine, but not until I learn CS4 (see above answers). Oh, and the conference...YES! I want to plan a great conference and I am so anxious about it flopping. Please pray.

Lori - ok - my guess is to NOT get distracted on doing video tutorials and do one a week.... LOL

Oh, contrare. I want to continue doing more videos. However, your word "distracted" is OH so accurate.

Pooh Bear - Hmm The common one at my house is eat healthier and get up from the computer once in awhile and run around the house, well... at least the room...

Yes, I should make a resolution to loose weight, but I know I'll break it, so I won't. Get up from the computer? Yes, I should, but I know I'll break it, so I won't make that resolution either. Sigh.

Laura aka MiniBullyMom - I'm guessing get the Photoshop Certification and focus on what you already have done with the site/blog and not worry about much more you could do with it. IT'S A GREAT SITE already and it has more resources than any site I'm familiar with.Oh...and you probably are going to try to spend more time with your family. My final guess would be "Peace on Earth, Goodwill to Man"

Oh, the Photoshop Certification arises again! See answer above. Your second guess is SO right on....see below. And thanks for your kind words.

So, what is my new year's resolution?

I have resolved to not join any groups of people in which I have to commit to design mini-kits as freebies for my blog or any other activities with deadlines. Why?

Why? I have said over and over in 2008 how I just want to get back to scrapping, doing technique challenges with videos, and teaching. Every time I make these commitments, I do not enjoy it and it causes me stress.

First, I just do not like designing. I have said from Day 1 in 2005 that I would not become a designer because my gifts were in teaching. And what do I continue to do? I try to make designs in the name of marketing. Really? How many people coming to grab freebies on my blog have signed up for the Subscriber Area and learned something? I have no idea, but I am betting very few. Back in 2005 I prayed to God and felt him saying that I should stick with my gifts of teaching as I am not artistic at all. Why don't I listen to Him? If I would just listen to Him, I would be less stressed and get back to enjoying this hobby and teaching.

I will continue to share freebies. I do have some to drag out from the days before my site. Also, what I enjoy most is making a layout and sharing a freebie that I made for my own layout, rather than forcing myself to make a complete kit.

I enjoy making layouts and sharing techniques and teaching how to do them; henceforth, more videos to come.

I need to stop worrying about how many people come to my blog, how many people are posting in the forum, whether people like and accept me in digiland, whether I am doing enough for others, and whether or not my site will make enough money to support itself. The sites first year has paid for itself and I am thankful.

I think that if I just stick with doing what I enjoy, maybe people will enjoy what I do more and enjoy being with me in the forums more and doing challenges with me more. If not, then at least I have done my layouts.

Now, I've babbled. .... again.

AND NOW FOR the second part of my resolution. Won't you join me? I asked Thena to write a poem for me and she came back right away with this one. I am STILL in totally amazement of that woman.

I am going to begin to wear my avatar upside down. As a Mom of three Eagle scouts, I know how the boy scouts are encouraged to do a good turn daily. When they receive a new award, they are supposed to wear it upside down until they do a good turn and which point they can "turn" the badge/pin around.

I am not planning on turning my avatar around each time I do a good thing. However, I want it to remain upside down as a DAILY reminder to do something good for someone.

Won't you join me and turn yours upside down too? Just put a link to this blog post in your signature line so that others will know what it stands for and join us. When I have time, I may do a blinkie too.

Speaking of sharing freebies with things I make in my own layouts, how about one now? I made this template mat when making this layout on this post. I added the text on a path for the above graphic.


You can download it here for a short time and then in the Subscriber Area permanently (as always).

I WISH FOR EVERYONE A BLESSED NEW YEAR!~~~~~~~~~~~

Twitter Roundup

I continue to use Twitter more and more. I have seen others posting "Twitter Roundup" posts and thought it a great idea.

You can follow me on Twitter here: http://twitter.com/HummieIsMe .

My Twitter is synced with my Facebook, so you can also follow me by becoming my friend on Facebook.

Today's Twitter Roundup

Did you know Blogger now has a backup and restore feature? I used it last week and liked it!!!!

Sumo Paint -- Wow....like Photoshop in your browser! Amazing.

Open Clipart Library

WPclipart -- word processing resolution, but inspiration

Morph two faces into one. Go ahead. Play!

Quick Media Converter is popular. I wish I had time to test it.

I wish I had time to play with everything....this snowflake maker application looks fun!

Cool.....I learned what an intervalometer is. I want one for Christmas -- oh no! Too late!

I wonder how well this online panoramic photo stitcher works - it's open source.

Which do it yourself laptop stand do you like best?

People videod themselves dumpster diving? What has the world come to.

Designers are advertising Valentine kits already? What gives?

American Idol commercial with Carrie Underwood

Amy has some amazing New Year's Resolutions

Adorable First year page

Testing Yoono in IE browser

Tim Hawkins Comedy is hilarious!

Photography tips (via Angie Pedersen)

Hey all, my hubby needs twitter friends

Bow names for 100 please.

Really cool blog...thanks Angie!

Some great calendar ideas

Can't get enough of Downhere!

Cute gift card holders

Guess My New Year's Resolutions

Crazy Weather

Check this out! There are really bad storms on one side of Missouri and there is snow on the other side of Missouri right now! It is roughly 60 degrees on one side of Missouri and 26 degrees on the other side, below freezing. No wonder we have tornado watches out right now.

It doesn't know whether it is Spring or Winter outside right now.

Louie Giglio - Laminin

Wow. This is totally cool!

Of course, I had to do an image search right in the middle of the video just to see for myself. lol

Here's the video!

Tim Hawkins on YouTube

Oh my! Is this guy hilarious or what! I would love to find some money to buy his DVDs or to go see him Jan 2 in St. Louis area, but I cannot see it happening right now. I'll just add it to my wish list.

Just search for Tim Hawkins on Y ouTube and enjoy! Be sure to set aside some time as you will get lost in the laughs!

Does anyone know Lori, our digital scrapbooker with 9 children? This made me think of her.



Here's Tim Hawkins on Tech Support, which digital scrapbookers can relate to. I would love to see him learn more about us and do a comedy scene, huh?

The Holiday of a Soldier

While we are celebrating Thanksgiving and Christmas with our family and friends, let us know forget those who cannot be with their loved ones.


TWAS THE NIGHT BEFORE CHRISTMAS,
HE LIVED ALL ALONE,
IN A ONE BEDROOM HOUSE
MADE OF PLASTER AND STONE.

I HAD COME DOWN THE CHIMNEY
WITH PRESENTS TO GIVE,
AND TO SEE JUST WHO
IN THIS HOME DID LIVE.

I LOOKED ALL ABOUT,
A STRANGE SIGHT I DID SEE,
NO TINSEL, NO PRESENTS,
NOT EVEN A TREE.

NO STOCKING BY MANTLE,
JUST BOOTS FILLED WITH SAND,
ON THE WALL HUNG PICTURES
OF FAR DISTANT LANDS.

WITH MEDALS AND BADGES,
AWARDS OF ALL KINDS,
A SOBER THOUGHT
CAME THROUGH MY MIND.

FOR THIS HOUSE WAS DIFFERENT,
IT WAS DARK AND DREARY,
I FOUND THE HOME OF A SOLDIER,
ONCE I COULD SEE CLEARLY.

THE SOLDIER LAY SLEEPING,
SILENT, ALONE,
CURLED UP ON THE FLOOR
IN THIS ONE BEDROOM HOME.

THE FACE WAS SO GENTLE,
THE ROOM IN SUCH DISORDER,
NOT HOW I PICTURED
A UNITED STATES SOLDIER.

WAS THIS THE HERO
OF WHOM I'D JUST READ?
CURLED UP ON A PONCHO,
THE FLOOR FOR A BED?

I REALIZED THE FAMILIES
THAT I SAW THIS NIGHT,
OWED THEIR LIVES TO THESE SOLDIERS
WHO WERE WILLING TO FIGHT.

SOON ROUND THE WORLD,
THE CHILDREN WOULD PLAY,
AND GROWNUPS WOULD CELEBRATE
A BRIGHT CHRISTMAS DAY.

THEY ALL ENJOYED FREEDOM
EACH MONTH OF THE YEAR,
BECAUSE OF THE SOLDIERS,
LIKE THE ONE LYING HERE.

I COULDN'T HELP WONDER
HOW MANY LAY ALONE,
ON A COLD CHRISTMAS EVE
IN A LAND FAR FROM HOME.

THE VERY THOUGHT
BROUGHT A TEAR TO MY EYE,
I DROPPED TO MY KNEES
AND STARTED TO CRY.

THE SOLDIER AWAKENED
AND I HEARD A ROUGH VOICE,
"SANTA DON'T CRY,
THIS LIFE IS MY CHOICE;

I FIGHT FOR FREEDOM,
I DON'T ASK FOR MORE,
MY LIFE IS MY GOD,
MY COUNTRY, MY CORPS."

THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER
AND DRIFTED TO SLEEP,
I COULDN'T CONTROL IT,
I CONTINUED TO WEEP.

I KEPT WATCH FOR HOURS,
SO SILENT AND STILL
AND WE BOTH SHIVERED
FROM THE COLD NIGHT'S CHILL.

I DIDN'T WANT TO LEAVE
ON THAT COLD, DARK, NIGHT,
THIS GUARDIAN OF HONOR
SO WILLING TO FIGHT..

THEN THE SOLDIER ROLLED OVER,
WITH A VOICE SOFT AND PURE,
WHISPERED, "CARRY ON SANTA,
IT'S CHRISTMAS DAY, ALL IS SECURE."

ONE LOOK AT MY WATCH,
AND I KNEW HE WAS RIGHT.
"MERRY CHRISTMAS MY FRIEND,
AND TO ALL A GOOD NIGHT."

This poem was written by a Marine stationed in Okinawa, Japan. The following is his request: Send this to as many people as you can? Christmas will be coming soon and some credit is due to our U.S. service men and women for our being able to celebrate these festivities.Let's try in this small way to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Make people stop and think of our heroes, living and dead, who sacrificed themselves for us. Please, do your small part to plant this small seed.

Challenges with Prizes and a Freebie

1 -- There is still time until the end of the month to do the Designer Technique challenge to earn an awesome prize. Click here.

2 -- Candy has a challenge with the theme of gift and a great prize by Dani. You can still participate in it until the end of the month...do check it out! Click here.


Here is my layout for Candy's challenge. I used Holly McCaig's Memory kit and the old paper is mine.



I have been doing a lot of scanning in the past week -- probably a total of 15 hours. I found this old paper which I fell in love with. It is REALLY old! I could not resist scanning it and sharing it.

I have another to share as soon as I extract it.

Download for a very temporary time and then you can find it in the Subscriber Area (for only $5.50 a month).

The Daily Mugshot

With the new year coming upon us, it is time to start thinking about what new goals we want to start. I found the Daily Mugshot. I have thought about doing the photo a day thing before, but it just seems like something I am setting myself up as a burden. I have seen blogs where they share a photo a day in really unique settings and photography. I would love to do that, but can I keep up?

I have seen sites where they take a photo out their window every day. Now that seems easy, but still. I'm still considering doing that. I'm not sure if I want to commit to it.

However, The Daily Mugshot site is so easy. It is so tempting. I'm not committed yet, but maybe. Of course, uploading a photo from a digital camera would mean plugging in the camera to download the photo every day. The photos could be more fun, but it would also be more of a hassle. It is tempting. This site though, also has the ability to just snap a shot right from your web camera. It could not be easier. We'll see. I'm not sure I want everyone seeing what I look like first think in the morning.

It is fun as you can add friends by favoriting them and visit their photos too. Be sure to favorite me so I can find you if you join the site.

Of course, the idea of taking a photo of myself....yeah....I do not like photos of myself. But there is a button to make it private, but what is the point of that really? It's meant to be shared, right? It would be no fun if only you saw it? Right?

A photo of myself....365 days? Um.

There is a cool flipbook available for only $8.99 once you have 64 photos available. I could see it being a real conversational piece on the coffee table.

Also, they now have avialable an option to e-mail a photo in taken from a phone.

Be sure to check out the videos on the about page.

There is also a reminder application that goes into your notification tray. I'm waiting to see what it does for me tomorrow.

My mugshot is in the sidebar. We'll see if I can keep this up and if it stays there.

These two....

These two make me smile every time!


Videos removed.

Christmas Benediction by the Rev. Gary Ritner

"At Christmas may God open your heart to love, your mind to wonders,
your ears to life, and your life to the divine presence.

"May you experience God's peace for your troubles, God's forgiveness
for your guilt, God's presence for your loneliness, God's light for
your path, God's guidance for your journey, and God's joy for your life.

"May you know the hope of the Christmas season, the rejoicing and
celebration of the carols, the caring found under the mistletoe, the
sharing found in giving, the good news proclaimed by the angels, the
anticipation and excitement of the prophets, the assurance that all is
well found in the Scriptures, and the wonder of God's love found in
Jesus.

"May you leave with the twinkle of bright lights in your eyes, the
joyous sounds of Christmas ringing in your ears, a vision of the
Savior in your mind, the spirit of the season in your memory, the joy
of the season in your life, the faith of the Christ child in your
soul, and the message of the season on your lips. Amen.

No Title2

IF A FAT GUY GRABS YOU AND PUTS YOU IN A BAG, DON'T WORRY I TOLD SANTA I WANTED A GOOD FRIEND FOR CHRISTMAS!

No Title

Q: Why was Santa's little helper depressed?

A: Because he had low elf esteem.

Christmas Tree Text on a Path

Have a blessed Christmas!

Download text on a path Christmas tree (limited time here and then in the Subscriber Area permanently.

Christmas Scrapping Mourn

MamaB put wrote this in the forum and it really made me smile! I just had to share it on the blog.

Who else is having withdrawals from no time to scrap?

Tis 2 days before Christmas and all through the forum,
no one is scrapping, I think I'm in mourning!
All scrappers are busy with their holiday plans,
making memeories to scrap with their holiday clans.
The layouts festooned with glitter will be,
trimmed in bright colors, a great sight to see!!!
Now all of our friends here have oodles of fun!
We'll be waiting for pages when Christmas is done!!!!!

Charging Box

I saw this idea somewhere on the internet a long time ago. We finally took the time to make it happen over the weekend and I wanted to share it with you.

We purchased a power strip and a plastic box with a lid.

We drilled a hole in the side of the box, but it was not big enough, so we gradually cut away at it until it was big enough. It's not pretty, but that does not matter. The power strip is inside and the cord to plug it in is run to the outside through the hole.Next we drilled holes in the lid for cords of things that need to be charged to go through. Most were big enough. A few of them had to be enlarged a little bit. As you can see, we plugged in the cord and ran it through the hole to the outside of the lid.

Now, all of our cords are nicely tucked inside the box with only the plug-in parts outside of the box. We plugged in the power strip in a corner of our living room to tuck it away.

Now, we do not have cords plugged in all over the house for cameras, cell phones, and camcorders. We do not have to remember which outlet a cord is left at as they are all tidy in one spot. Now I do not have to unplug something in the kitchen just to plug in the toaster!

The electronical gadgets, when plugged in, sit right on the lid.

Cool, huh?

Chrismon Tree

I cannot believe some of the things I have done in the past. How did I find the time? Yeas ago (I believe it was 2001), my men and I hand sewed 43 ornaments which you see in this photo of a Chrismon tree at my church. I then wrote a children's program to introduce the meaning of each.

Of course, I remember doing the bulk of the sewing, but I also remember how much time and help my men put into them. They mostly sewed the white stitches, filling in the blank areas after I had done the main areas. I could have never done it with out them!

The ornaments were created with the plastic fabric, if that is what you call it, and yarn.

I am going to be highlighting each of these 43 ornaments and their meanings on my Christian blog. If you would like to learn more about Christian symbols, you may subscribe that that blog. It is called "Look to the Lord."

Vidalia Onions Grow

I have this bowl of Vidalia onions on top of my refriderator. I had actually forgotten about them. I really do not look up too often.

However, I spied them this past weekend and one of them is growing! Goodness, imagine that! What a surprise.

Please tell me what I can do with this thing. Should I plant it? Should I put it in water? I know that if you put a sweet potatoe in a glass of water with toothpicks to hold it up, it will make a really beautiful plant. I have done that before.

It seems a shame to eat it now. So, what do I do with it? Any ideas?

First Registrations are In!

I went to the post office on Saturday to check for registrations. Yes, I know I'm behind on my postings, but I have been attending a LOT of church activities, recording videos, taking photos, processing them, and uploading them to the church website. I cannot keep up with all the things going on!

So, here I am again, with my camera. I had to put it down a few times because I thought some guy was looking at me.This time, there was some real mail! Yeah! Whoo hooooo!

Of course, I had to HURRY to lay it down on a table to just, um, look at it! Wow! Off to home to open it up to see who it is!

Goodness, a few people are coming from afar already! How exciting that they would make this trip! We now have two people from Missouri, two from Illinois, one from Oklahoma, and one from West Virginia attending!

I will be going back down to the post office this weekend and do hope to see more. After the holidays I will begin working hard again to get more contributors. I have three people, or maybe 5, who are willing to give presentations, but the holidays is keeping us too busy to plan for now.

Live Nativity

I SO enjoyed the live nativity at my church tonight that I just had to upload it to share. It had to be uploaded in two video parts due to YouTube limits.

Watch for the sheep, donkey, and three camels!

God bless!

How to Wrap a Present

Hey, why did I do this? I feel SO stupid! Okay, I am stupid.

Show this video to your men.

Old Guy Comedy Scene 2F

This is the last of this scene! Finally! We recorded this way back in November. Can you believe how time flies?

This one is a tad funny...I've watched it several times myself and it gets funnier each time as he shares with us how to make coffee.

I have questions to ask him from one person for the next video. We could use more! Just ask him a question by leaving a comment.

Video below!

Santa Drop Tags

For those who read my blog closely, you will remember my wish for Christmas that caused me CS4 Glow and how I was blessed to receive my wish by winning.

So, I immediately asked Thena Smith to write a poem for me to put on a tag to include in my Santa Drops. She came back very quickly with not just 1 poem, but 4 poems! Have I told you enough how awesome she is?

We are teaming up together to offer these tags for your use too!

To deliver a "Santa Drop," just prepare a gift, whether small or large, and attach the tag. Drop the gift off at someone's door, ring the doorbell, and run!

The tag is letter size (really big) and I plan on taking scissors and cutting around mine. I added the gold border area so that the hand cutting would be forgiving.

Have fun! Let me know if you use them. I would love to see photos. I will be trying to take some photos too. I have already done 2 drops without the tags. :)

Download expired -- now in subscriber area

100 downloads and no 4shared comments...pretty sad.

Scanning Tips

Sherri-Lyn asked me for some scanning tips.

I am not the best person to ask about scanning and would not want to misguide or misdirect someone. My standards of acceptability may be lower than the professionals.

Here are some things that I can think of when considering scanning.

1. Type of file. There are four main types of file types to choose from: .jpg, .tiff, .png, and .gif.

I would not even consider a .gif file.

I am scanning in the .jpg file format as it is the mostly commonly known and widely accepted. However, it is considered a "lossy" file type. That is not to be confused with "lousy." (lol) Due to compression, they do not always retrieve data exactly as the original. However, this file type is a smaller size than the "lossless" file types. It is my feeling that as long as you do not edit the .jpg's and resave them often, they will be okay. Each time a .jpg is opened, edited, and resaved, it loses data. Just make sure you work with a copy of the file when editing and the original scanned image will be fine. When restoring or repairing the photos, keep the original and the repaired file.

This is important for digital scrapbookers to learn in that to edit a layout, it is imperative that the .psd file be reopened and edited, rather than the .jpg file.

The .tiff and .png files are the "lossless" files. These may be preferred by professionals and may be a better choice. If you plan on editing, restoring, and repairing all of the photos, this may be your choice. I do not plan on fixing my thousands of photos, but only a few as I choose to bring them into scrapbook pages, so this is not as important to me.

2. Resolution. This is another very controversial subject in the digital scrapbooking world. You can read my tutorial on choose ppi to understand more (located here). I believe either 200 or 300 ppi would be acceptable for the scans, however, I have personally chosen 300 for my scans.

3. Quality Scanner. I tried to scan my photos on my older scanner, but it had become non-compatible with other software and was causing me much frustration. I was able to purchase a new one with my taxes this year. I purchased a printer/scanner combo from HP, but I am certain that there are many quality scanners available for your choosing.

4. Dust and Scratches. This is where a new scanner is beneficial as the glass will not be damaged. Keeping the glass clean will, of course, create better quality scans. It is frustrating as each time I lay a photo down and pick it back up, either my fingernails scratch or my fingerprints smudge. A microfiber cloth is much better than glass cleaner and paper towels. Keep one handy.

5. Software. It is helpful to use scanning software that has an option to split multiple photos. The Photoshop Elements Organizer will do this, but as we all know, it is also heavy on the RAM. ACDSee will also scan and divide multiple photos (read here). I have tried both of these, but have found I actually prefer the software that came with my new scanner. I am able to scan three photos at a time with one click of the mouse.

6. Straight photos. I have found that I like to put my photos up to the edge of the scanner so that they are straight.

7. Back side. I have found it important to flip photos over to scan the backside also to include the handwritten notes regarding the people in the photos or the location or other information.

7. Organizing. I am not sure exactly how I will organize the photos. I believe I will keep those in albums chronologically within the same folder. The loose old black and white photos will most likely be organized by family.

8. Naming/Labeling. I feel the hardest, yet most important, part of scanning is preserving the identity and information regarding the photos. I have found that the easiest way to do this is to just use the people's names as the file name. However, if it is a large group shot, this makes the file name too long. In this case, a simple text document with the same name as the photo file name would work well.

9. Comfort. Do not be afraid to move your scanner into a place more comfortable for long periods of scanning time. I moved mine from its permanent location onto a temporary tv tray. Another tv tray serves as a place to work with the photos. I am considering some adjustments so I can even sit in my comfy lounge chair while scanning as my back hurt so much after 5 1/2 hours of scanning the first time through. I compared it to back pain from sitting in bleachers for 5 1/2 hours.

Also, for your comfort, set it up so that you can see the television set. It does get boring waiting for the scanner to do its thing each time and having entertainment makes the time go by so much more quickly. A drink is nice to have close by also, but be careful not to spill it on the precious photos!

Well, that's all I can think of for now. I do hope that it helps you in some way. If you have other more specific questions, please do ask.

Text on a Path Freebie

Do you remember my CS4 Glow post? Goodness, it took me a few days to tone down the glow from winning CS4 from Pioneer Woman. Thank you!

The doorbell rang Tuesday night and I had just changed into my nightgown. I could not imagine who was at the door. No one ever rings my doorbell. I had to holler and holler to get my son off of his xbox to answer the door. To think I might have missed my package because no one would go to the door! Oh, had I only realized I would have thrown on a robe and ran! He brought it to the bedroom.

I opened the package and realized what it was only to sit there in shock, just staring at it for the longest time. It seemed like I was in a dream. It was not real. I could not make myself open it. Some of you may remember when I bought my camera. It took me a whole week to open it.

Wednesday I was taking a vacation day from work. Could this be more perfect timing? To receive my new gift/prize and have a whole day to play?

But wait? I had taken the day off to scan all day. See, before my Dad died he loaded up all the family photos in my vehicle and told me to take them to my house. He had his reasons. I promised my family I would scan them all in and give everyone a copy. Now that Mom is remarried, she wants to share her photos with her new husband. She wants them back, but I just cannot give them back until I scan them.

So, I made a deal with myself not to touch CS4 until I had at least done some scanning. Of course, with my desktop hard drive full, it took most of the day just to burn things to DVD and put them on EHD's to make room for the scans. The DVD burning was taking at least a half hour each, so I grew weary and caved in. I installed the program and quickly started playing to learn text on a path. In NO time at all I did it! Yeah! I was SO stoked.

Here is the first one I made to share with PSE users. It's just an oval, nothing fancy, but I was learning. There is the oval shape for you to fill in also. Just drag it into your document, highlight the text, and replace it with your own!
Download (limited time on 4shared, then in the Subscriber Area)

As promised, I am going to continue to create things for PSE users and share them for all those that did not win. If there is something that you would like to have specifically, please leave me a comment to let me know.

I eventually started scanning at about 4 p.m. 5 1/2 hours later I had finished ONE book. It contained 375 photos. I thought I would never finish! I have a lifetime -- okay, several lifetimes -- of photos to scan.

I attacking a box of old black and white photos next. It should be much easier than taking the photos out of a book carefully so as to remember where to put them back in order.

Thursday night was the last night teaching my night class until another one begins. Most of the class and I went to a local restaurant for some appetizers and drinks afterwards. They were such great people. I am glad that it is over though as although I enjoyed teaching, it was just too much on my busy schedule to be adding a third job.

Friday night hubby and I went shopping. We had lunch together already that day, but I SO wanted to head to my favorite Mexican restaurant for margaritas and cheese dip. Instead, we decided to watch television together and pick up some cheese dip to bring home. We really should not be spending the money on expensive margaritas anyway. We had a nice evening and I think it was a wise decision.

I did manage to get the guided Template A Day (for 20 days) done over the past few days. I'm testing the autoresponder and it is not working AGAIN. I am TOTALLY disappointed and do not know what to do. I almost have the second set of the Template A Day done (12 - 40), but am discouraged now.

Well, the weekend is here. Enjoy! What will today bring for us?

A reminder - Hope

Each time I visit the forum today, I continue to see the above. It continues to strike me with warmth as if a subliminal message.

Yes, even in these economic times, there is hope. Hope is not "our newest member"....hope has always been there.

But the needy will not always be forgotten, nor the hope of the afflicted ever perish. Psalm 9:18

Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord. Psalm 31:24

The Hybrid Kid

What a great, new fresh idea! Mel of Painted Little Piggies has started a new blog store called The Hybrid Kid.

"Hybrid" is a term used to indicate projects that mix traditional scrapbooking and crafts with digital scrapbooking.

I remember when I ran a home daycare for ten years, I was always looking for new craft ideas for the children. We sure did plenty of them! If only digital scrapbooking had been the thing then, I know I could have utilized it to its fullest potentional.

I am so glad to see that someone has picked up on the wonderful possibilities of using digital scrapbooking with children.

Mel is just getting started, but I find the projects so far totally awesome. Go ahead, check it out.

Reality TV

I sure wish I had more time to read about reality television and blog my thoughts. I am a reality tv regular supporter!

Did you see the Survivor Finale for Gabon? I think this is the 2nd best season ever! I thought last season was the best of all time. I have never missed an episode.

Bob is the oldest winner. I liked Bob and am glad he won. He ranks right up there with Ethan and Tina as "good people" winners that are a-okay in my book. Randy was the "bad people" that-you-just-want-to-get-voted off this season. We have to have them every season to make the show exciting. How cool that it came down to winning the fire challenge to make a difference in the winner of the game.

Susie was runner up for the most popular. That is an obvious. Really. She is a pin-up girl. Apparently, Sugar is in the movie Sex & Death 101 which is available on DVD. She has a nude scene as a stripper. See the preview here. I do not think I will be renting this. How about you?

If you love Survivor like me, but have time unlike me, there are a lot of interesting interviews to read. Find them at Sirlinksalot.


Next season is already done filming! Did you know that? It finished on December 10th. The location is The Brazil Islands - Tocantins.

I understand that this season begins with 18 people and the buff colors are red and black.

Spoilers indicate that this episode is in honor of Survivor Crew Member Alton Desiree Drowns in Brazil

From here: Andrea Alton Desiree, a crew member of the reality show Survivor, has drowned in Brazil. Desiree left his home in Loubiere, Dominica for Brazil on September 9th for his assignment on the reality series. Although details are sketchy, Desiree had apparently been instructed to go underwater to fix something for the show. When he didn’t resurface, another crew member went underwater to search for him. When he could not be located, a female crew member from Australia telephoned Desiree’s wife Susa, to inform her that her husband was missing. The woman called a second time about an hour and a half later to inform Susa that her husband had been found dead.

Here's a video of the location:


Here is a preview of Season 18



Survivor will premiere Thursday, February 12th! Mark your calendars!

The Amazing Race 14 will premier February 15th, just in time to fill our tivos! This is the first time the Amazing Race will be aired in the Fall and Spring.

American Idol will premiere on January 13th with a 4th judge. There will be some spins in the season. Read more here.

First Hollywood episode: Feb. 3
Semifinalists announced: Feb. 11
First semifinalist performance: Feb. 17
First live results show: Feb. 18
Wild card round and top 12 announced: March 5
Top 12 perform for the first time: March 10



What else am I watching? Top Chef.

Apparently, Momma's Boys premiered last night and no one told me about it! I have not had time to look at television readings or schedules, only to watch what is already tivo'd. I wonder if my tivo suggestions caught it. It looks as if it could be interesting. It's on NBC. Apparently 3 bachelors are helped by their mothers in choosing. Read more here.



Dancing with the Stars premieres March 8th.

The Bachelor premiers January 5th as a unique season with his son participating.



Celebrity Apprentice will return for a second season and premier March 1st.

I usually love dance shows and there is a new Superstars of Dance to premiere on January 4th on NBC. Read here.

True Beauty is another new show to premiere on ABC on January 5th. I'm not sure I can get into this one.

New Google Chrome & Add-ons in Internet Explorer

News is that there is a major flaw in IE (Internet Explorer) and they are recommending that you switch temporarily until a patch comes out.

Passwords can be stolen, including any you save or while entering on your computer.

I'm not sure what to think about this. I am sure that they have just attacked IE because it is the most used, which means that they could do it to the other browsers too if they wanted to.

I often get so tired of people who adamantly put down Internet Explorer.  Just let each person choose for themselves without knocking a person for their choice.

And then Google Chrome just came out of Beta (I'm trying it out). Isn't the timing interesting?

You can download Google Chrome here.  Watch the quick videos of its special features on this page.  

My first impression is with this very post. 

 I found that it uploaded my image very quickly and smoothly.

The shortcut feature is interesting, but that could always be done easily from any browser.  The incognito mode is something that is in the IE8 beta version.

I do find the download feature interesting, but have yet to test it out.

I am also curious about the most recently visited sites page when opening a new tab.  I am waiting for mine to start working so I can decide if I like it.

I am, however, missing many of my add-ons in Internet Explorer.  I am most especially missing the icon which indicates if a page contains RSS.

The best feature of this browser is the Task Manager.  You can easily see all open tabs and plug-ins  to locate the one using the most memory, thereby closing it down to stop a crash of the browsers.

I have found recently that the root cause of IE crashing is add-ons.  I actually turned all of my add-ons off and my browser stopped crashing.  So, with no add-ons in Chrome, it is no wonder that it runs smoother.

I have recently found that in Vista there is an option to quickly start IE with no add-ons temporarily.  Just search for "internet" in the start bar to find it.  Right click and pin it to the Start Menu for easy access next time.  If IE runs well in this mode, then chances are that IE is only crashing because of an add-on which you have installed.

To disable the add-ons permanently, click on Tools, Manage Add-ons, and "Enable or Disable Add-ons."  Disable all of the add-ons and gradually re-enable then one by one, insuring that it is not the one causing the crash before re-enabling the next one.

First Winter Weather of the Season

Some of you who have been with me since the beginning of my digi-time may remember this layout. It was my oldest son's first wreck when he had a date with a pole and knocked off the right side of the bumper.

Even though it was icy that day, he could not even blame it on the weather! Note the car in the layout. Fast forward to yesterday.The ice came down yesterday as the children were being let out of school. Let a huge parking lot full of teenagers out onto slick roads is only asking for trouble. As my son was beginning to change lanes, the young man behind him slid right into him, knocking off the entire left side of the bumper, all the way around the corner of it! Yep, the boys just HAD to even it out and damage the opposite side this time! I thought that was funny. It pushed my sons car to graze the young ladies' vehicle in front of him and then proceeded to hit her vehicle himself. Of course, out of all three vehicles, only ours was damaged. Go figure.

It took almost TWO hours for the police to arrive to make a report. Apparently, they were busy helping the other 40 accidents in town, or so the kind voice at the other end of the phone told me.

I understand the other parents had arrived and were waiting behind the three vehicles. The officer initially thought he had a huge accident with all of those cars. I stayed at work. The boys were fine and they needed to learn to do this stuff on their own anyway. It was certainly a lesson in what to do in the case of an accident.

Thankfully, everyone was okay, which is most important. I am seriously thinking, though, that because the vehicle is so old, they may just total it. Yep, all over a bumper. We'll see.

Of course, I couldn't wait to get some photos because I CERTAINLY have to scrap an accompanying page! "Sigh, mom is making me stand with this bumper just so she can have a photo just like the one of my brother."

They are off this morning to school, driving in the ice again. We made him repeat to us all the various ways of driving in ice, with parental warnings to "drive slow!"

Checking the Mail

Last Wednesday I went to the post office to mail banana bread to my son in college. I was worried it would not make it to him all the way up in Minnesota before it has to set the entire weekend. That would not have been good for perishable goods. However, it arrived on time on Friday, so I was thankful.

Since I had just put up the information on the St. Louis Digi-Gathering, I did not expect any mail. No one had heard of my mailbox yet. I almost did not even check it. However, I ran out to the vehicle and picked up my key, just in case.

What a surprise I received! The box was SO full that nothing more could fit in it! Imagine that! What a waste of paper this is and it does not make me happy. The marketers managed to find me anyway!

So, Saturday I was SO anxious to check my box to see if any registrations had arrived for the St. Louis Digi-Gathering. Did anyone rush out and mail their registration? Who would be the first? Although it was cold and yucky outside and I had no desire to go anywhere, I trudged outside and down to the post office.

My heart was SO anxious as I drew nearer the box! Goodness, just like Christmas surprises!

Geez. There are no windows on the boxes. I cannot even peak before I insert the key! What would be there?! What would be there?!

Sigh. Just more junk mail. Nada. Nothing. No real mail. That stinks. I should have stayed home in my nice warm, dry house. Sigh.

Of course, the handy canister on my way out was more than useful.

Holly Jolly Express

Download

Feel free to return to the station at anytime by clicking the logo
below. Make sure you bookmark it in case you can't ride the train all
the way through to the end today.



Stop 01 - BeaconScrap
Stop 02 - Carolyn Ritter
Stop 03 - Karrie Thomas of Kez Creates Designs
Stop 04 - Crafted by Gina
Stop 05 - DesignsByAmilyn
Stop 06 - Michelle Angeles
Stop 07 - Throwing Some Scraps Around
Stop 08 - Country Hollow Scraps
Stop 09- ScrapinDaisy from Designs by Ruth
Stop 10 - Bits O'Scrap
Stop 11 - Wimpychompers Creations
Stop 12 - QueenBrat Designs
Stop 13- Mumure
Stop 14 - Frosted Illusions
Stop 15 - Aussie Scraps
Stop 16 - HutchsBaby Faith in Christ Scraps
Stop 17 - MoveFearlessly Designs
Stop 18 - swordascrappin
Stop 19 - Kismet
Stop 20 - Missladyhawke
Stop 21 - The Queen and the Princess Designs
Stop 22 - Vanjo Designs
Stop 23 - Angi's Place
Stop 24 - SotoCreations
Stop 25 - The Mathematician's Assistant
Stop 26 - Crops2Dawn Creations
Stop 27 - S.G.Rowe Designs
Stop 28 - Amy's Scraps
Stop 29 - jaydensmama
Stop 30 - Crystal Jozlin, Crystal's Creations By Design
Stop 31 - Digital Creations by Amber
Stop 32 - Kitten Scraps
Stop 33 - Grandma Pat
Stop 34 - Grunge and Glitter Scraps
Stop 35 - JIC Creations
Stop 36 - Butterfly Kisses
Stop 37 - Babyyaks
Stop 38 - Simply Beautiful Creations
Stop 39 - Pretty Scrappy
Stop 40 - TammyJo's Creations
Stop 41 - CMB Designs
Stop 42 - Christy Skaggs
Stop 43 - SnapScrapCreate
Stop 44 - Believe Designs
Stop 45 - Linda's Dream Designs
Stop 46 - MIP Scraps
Stop 47 - Miss Erin's Scraps
Stop 48 - WillowRaven at Purple Dragonfly Creations
Stop 49 - Digital Keepsakes
Stop 50 - Blind Sight Designs
Stop 51 - Dreamland Designs
Stop 52 - Hummie's World<-------------YOU ARE HERE
Stop 53 - Northern Lights Designs
Stop 54 - DesignZ by DeDe
Stop 55 - twisted angel
Stop 56 - Desert Bloom Designs
Stop 57 - Rachelz_Expressionz
Stop 58 - Creations By Jessa
Stop 59 - Bits'N'Bobs
Stop 60 - Amanda's Scrappy Creations
Stop 61 - Heartfelt Perfections
Stop 62 - Candie
Stop 63 - Just For You DigiScraps
Stop 64 - Cuddlebeez Scraps
Stop 65 - Prairie Sage
Stop 66 - Creekside Cottage Designs
Stop 67 - PinkuPixie Digital Designs
Stop 68 - Mariscrap
Stop 69 - Marbled Circle
Stop 70 - Panda Bear Designs
Stop 71 - Kolor'Scapez!
Stop 72 - Stellarfairie designs
Stop 73 - Manda @ Disaster In Designs
Stop 74 - Danielle [DMK Designs]
Stop 75 - Katlen Kreations
Stop 76 - Babydoll's Scrapz
Stop 77 - Angel Flower
Stop 78 - Designs by Teri
Stop 79 - SandEz Creationz
Stop 80 - Sistermoon Scraps

Punch Shapes Tutorial & Using the Cookie Cutter

This morning I recorded a video to match the free written tutorial for punching shapes (just as you would in traditional layouts using the expensive paper punch tools, only much less expensive) and using the cookie cutter tool.

For Subscribers only, it may be found in this thread.

Scrapbook: An American History

I would love to see a copy of this book, but I am not sure I want to purchase one as it is expensive. I wonder if my local library has a copy of it.

You can get it at Amazon or Barnes & Noble.

The book is written by Jessica Helfand and her website is Winterhouse.

Check out The Daily Scrapbook blog for inspiration on what people before us have done with scrapbooks.

I found these links in an internet search: great reads:
Here
Here
Here (how she has offended scrapbookers)
Here

Here is a collection of YouTube videos where you can also learn more about Jessica.

I would love to read your comments and thoughts. Does her thoughts about scrapbooking put a whole new light on what you are doing with your scrapbooks?

Downhere - I want it!

Oh my! I just found something I want for Christmas! It has been so long since I have had a cd -- probably years. I just found a band I like! It is called Downhere and you can listen to complete songs on their website. Ummm..it's going to be playing in my background for a while!

I found it through a Faithbooking Challenge by Tina. I added it to my forum if you would like to participate too, but be sure to go by her blog and leave her thanks too!So, I did her faithbooking challenge in that I used the lyrics. I did it with Monsu's template challenge at Scrapmatters and using the CATW freebies in the forums. Warm fuzzies abound!

Do you think if I tell hubby to make a trip to Wal-mart to look for the cd that he would? Really! I'm tired of the same music on all my long trips to St. Louis. I need new music! It keeps me awake!

oHHHHHHHHHHHH hUBBY! oHHHHHHHHHHHHH! Hubby!

Santa! Ohhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh Santa!


Of course, I had to go find them on Youtube too! Enjoy!







I think I know this one, just did not know who the band was!

Bible Bits - Week 16

Each Saturday, a new printable Bible Bits will be posted. Download it, print it, post it where your family gathers, talk about it, and pray about it with your family. Use it as a screen saver for the week.

Bible Bits are in this folder . Click to open the thumbnail. Under the thumbnail you will see a link entitled “get original uploaded photo.” Open that link up before right clicking to save it.



I love the analogy of this verse to our Christmas tree tradition in that it refers to stumps and branches.

In this verse, the prophet Isaiah foretells hope which will come from a stump. As I sit and enjoy my Christmas tree, I never look at the stump. I am always focused on all the bright lights and beautiful decorations -- the fruit. However, everything on the tree comes from the base that Isaiah refers to as a "stump."

Why does he use the word "stump." I have had plenty of trees cut down in my yard and I am left with this annoying stump. There is nothing to it. There is no chance that branches will ever grow from it again.

However, Isaiah is telling us that "yes" branches will grow from Jesse's stump! And not only will branches grow, but fruit will be produced! Yes, there IS hope! That hope is Jesus Christ our Lord!

This verse is also the basis of the "Tree of Jesse" or "Jesse Tree." One year when my boys were small, we actually utilized a Jesse Tree. I bought a small tree that sat on top of the microwave and some small ornaments for the tree. Each day we read a devotional together and then added an ornament to the tree. I found this cute example online. The photos could even be the ornaments. I may have to find my Jesse Tree to remember exactly what we did.

Visual Weight Example

I have been so blessed in recent weeks by the people who are posting in my Subscriber Area. I have been so blessed even longer by people who are subscribed and DO support this site financially to keep it alive. However, I have always wondered about the lack of postings in the forums. The new Guided Class e-mails have helped a lot. I am working on my second set now--a template a day for over 45 days!

Sandy was working the visual weight tutorial and shared these PERFECT examples and I was SO excited!

She said: "I really loved this tutorial, which I think I originally read /watched 12 months or so ago, and on which I based a design project lesson at school on creating balance in visual art."

May I suggest that you really take the time to go back and forth between the two layouts and observe the visual weight principles she utilized?

1. Eliminate one patterned paper (she shares how patterned papers can be so hard to use as they take visual weight away from the photos).

2. Added more aqua accents: rule of thirds, colour balance (she grabbed the color from the shirt and used it in three places which actually draws the eye to the photo)

3. Changed Title size, position: bottom weight (bottom weighted layouts always feel better)

4. Added vellum behind title: contrast (she changed the title color for the aqua accent and then needed to make another change to keep it readable)

5. Lowered opacity of 08 frame so photo showed through (she removed the brown paper that was the main focal point in the before photo so that now the photos are the main focal point).

BEFORE

AFTER

WOW....Sandie! I am certain that others will learn from your example. Thanks so much for sharing it.

Just a reminder: Anyone can share a layout in the Layout Suggestion area of the Subscriber Area. I will point out any design principles that could be changed. You make the changes and post the re-do and we ALL learn together, just as in this example above.

Won't you join us and try it out? It is how I learned to become a better scrapbooker. Others helped me in the same way.

Subscriptions are only $5.50 a month over 150 videos, lots of freebies, and challenges to inspire, and help from me. The Subscriber Area is only as good as you utilize it! Here are sign up instructions.