Please vote daily - These Animal Rescues are Amazing!

Vote for a shelter at the Animal Rescue Site. Search for "SEMO Animal Rescue Alliance" and you will see that it is located in Lilbourn, Missouri. Follow through with clicking the buttons in several screens. You can vote once per day through August 22nd.

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I am SO far behind on blogging, especially personal stuff, that I wonder if I will every blog all I need to. I forget that not everyone reads my Facebook Fanpage and Twitter and that I need to blog about things also.

The previous weekend, we had a great trip to St. Louis and it involved this goodwill dog rescue mission. I created a layout and the journaling reads:

We participated in an animal rescue by transporting six dogs to St. Louis, since we were headed that way anyway. I was amazed at the efforts put forth to rescue cats and dogs. The dogs in our vehicle were headed all the way up to Minnesota. We were only one leg of the long ride with many volunteers schedule for each leg. I understand that there are shelters with room for these animals up north whereas here in Missouri the shelters are full. These dogs would have lost their life in a shelter had they not been transported to a shelter with space available for them. I understand that sometimes even air pilots volunteer their time to fly the animals across the country. Although I do not have time nor gas money to devote to this all the time, it was nice to know we were able to do our small part to help these animals in this amazing cooperative involving people across many states.



I received a request to vote daily for the shelter in which these dogs were transported from and I thought it would be a great opportunity to pass the request onto you.

This could the shelter here in Southeast Missouri up to $10,000. She is trying to get in the top 25 in the US but can't do it without your help daily. To receive a reminder daily just go to the bottom of the site page and look for the purple paw, clicking on daily reminder. The site will remind you to vote daily. Or you can save this email as new and click on the site daily.

You can vote on multiple computers and you can ask family and friends to vote. Maybe the shelter can win at least $1,000.

Currently, the shelter is in 2nd place for this week for the shelters in Missouri. Please help them jump back into 1st place.

Old Things Week

Join us in the forum (click here).

I know I"m an "old thing," but I'm not about to scrap about myself!

Show us those old things around your space.

I often think about how I should take a photo of every special thing that I have from my parents, grandparents, great-grantparents, and friends. If I were to die, no one would know who the original owner was because that information is in my head. In fact, there are things in my parent's home that I should know the same thing about, but do not.

How else can you take this theme "outside the box?" Get creative!

Additional: Old Things Week

1. Change your avatar to fit this week's theme.

2. Share quotes and poems about old things or antiques in this thread. Go ahead--show us what you can find!

3. Enable us with kits!

To My Sisters in the Lord

There comes a time in every woman's life when she has to take a close look at herself. Not at her circumstance, not at what she did, not how unfair life is, or not at whom made you do it.

She has to just look at herself in all her glory and imperfection. Have you ever
admired a woman who has been through changes in her life?

Or have you made up in your mind that she is just messed up. Before you make this mistake, take a closer look.

A woman who has endured the most unusual life is someone of wisdom, someone who has been chosen by God to go through things that have made her stronger.

Think of all the great women in the Bible:

Mary Magdalene, Ruth and Naomi, the woman with an issue of blood flow, and Esther, to name a few. Mary was a prostitute, a very uneasy woman. But by the time Jesus was done with her, she was His closest follower.

Esther was unfortunate in marrying an abusive man, but by the time God was done with her, she had married one of the wealthiest men in the land.

Women are so quick to beat the next one down instead of trying to hold her up. Before you wonder, "What's up with her?" ask yourself, "What's up with me?"

That woman could be my mother, sister, aunt, in-law, stepmother,niece,grandmother, great-grandmother, neighbor, friend, or co-worker, etc.

That woman could be me.

Women are the carriers of life, not the channels of death. Let's build and encourage each other, as did Ruth and Naomi. Pass this to all the women in your life. Encourage and Love, Forgive and Forget, and trust that the woman that receives this will be touched in some way.

May peace and love be upon you.

Author Unknown

The Gift

A young man was getting ready to graduate from college.

For many months he had admired a beautiful sports car in a dealer's showroom, and knowing his father could well afford it, he told him that was all he wanted.

As Graduation Day approached, the young man awaited signs that his father had purchased the car. Finally, on the morning of his graduation, his father called him into his private study. His father told him how proud he was to have such a fine son, and told him how much he loved him.

He handed his son a beautifully wrapped gift box. Curious, but somewhat disappointed, the young man opened the box and found a lovely, leather-bound Bible, with the young man's name embossed in gold.

Angry, he raised his voice to his father and said, "With all your money you give me a Bible?" and stormed out of the house, leaving the Bible. Many years passed and the young man was very successful in business. He had a beautiful home and wonderful family, but realized his father was very old, and thought perhaps he should go to him. He had not seen him since that graduation day.

Before he could make arrangements, he received a telegram telling him his father had passed away, and willed all of his possessions to his son. He needed to come home immediately and take care of things. When he arrived at his father's house, sudden sadness and regret filled his heart. He began to search through his father's important papers and saw the still new Bible, just as he had left it years ago.

With tears, he opened the Bible and began to turn the pages. His father had carefully underlined a verse, Matt. 7:11, "And if ye, being evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more shall your Heavenly Father which is in Heaven, give to those who ask Him?" As he read those words, a car key dropped from the back of the Bible. It had a tag with the dealer's name, the same dealer who had the sports car he had desired.

On the tag was the date of his graduation, and the words PAID IN FULL.

How many times do we miss God's blessings because they are not packaged as we expected?

Author Unknown

New Class Sign-ups! The Fun Extras!

Let's do something fun!! A new class is starting June 1 at Hummie's World called "The Fun Extras".

There are so many resources available at Hummie's World that one needs a guide to find them all. This class will cover all of fun resources hidden about the forum! Lessons will take you through short video tips, layout and craft ideas, thought-provoking questions, and miscellaneous tutorials.

As with all classes, for every 20 assignments completed, you will earn a special icon by your name. However, this class is different from other classes in that you only need to post in each lesson thread a comment to complete the lesson. There are no layout requirements in this class. However, if you are inspired to create a layout from the lesson, we encourage you to do so and share.

The lessons will be sent to you via e-mail each week on Tuesday and Thursday.

This class is for Subscribers only and the sign-up thread is here.

If you're looking for a fun way to learn, we've got your ticket ready and waiting for you! Hop on board!

The Echo of Life

A man and his son were walking in the forest.
Suddenly the boy trips and feeling a sharp pain he screams, "Ahhhh!"

Surprised, he hears a voice coming from the mountain, "Ahhhh!"

Filled with curiosity, he screams, 'Who are you?" but the only answer he receives is "Who are you?"

This makes him angry so he screams, "You are a coward." And the voice answers, "You are a coward."

He looks at his father, asking, "Dad what is going on?"

"Son" the man replies, "pay attention!" Then he screams, "I admire you!"

The voice answers, "I admire you."

The father shouts, "You are wonderful." And the voice answers, "You are wonderful."

The boy is surprised, but still can't understand what is going on.

The father explains, "People call this 'ECHO' but truly this is 'LIFE!' Life always gives you back what you give out! Life is a mirror of Your actions. If you want more love give more love! If you want more kindness, give more kindness! If you want understanding and respect, give understanding and respect! If you want people to be patient and respectful to you, give patience and respect. This law of nature applies
to every aspect of our lives.

Life always gives you back what you give out.
Your life is not a coincidence, but a mirror of your own doings.

Author Unknown

Daily Quote

"A bird doesn't just sing because it has an answer. It sings because it has a song."
Maya Angelou

How to Treat Brothers and Sisters

A Sunday school teacher was discussing the Ten Commandments with her five and six year olds.

After explaining the commandment to "honor thy father and thy mother," she asked "Is there a commandment that teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters?"

Without missing a beat one little boy answered, "Thou shall not kill."

Daily Quote

\
"There are two lasting bequests we can give our children: one is roots. The other is wings."
Hodding Carter, Jr.

Daily Quote

"Relax and take in the abundance of life."
Author Unknown

Our Lives

As we look back over our lives, it is not too difficult to see that what we went through was for a purpose and helped to prepare us for some valuable work in life. Everything in our lives can help make us of some use in the world.

Each person's life is like the pattern of a mosaic. Each thing that happens to us is like one tiny stone in the mosaic, and each tiny stone fits into the perfected pattern of the mosaic of our life, which has been designed by God.

-- Author Unknown

Quick Tip #2 Finding the Perfect Background Color for your Photos

Here is quick tip #2!

This is covered under some of my other tutorials, but I think it is such a great tip that I wanted to highlight it on its own little video.

Utilizing your knowledge of of the color wheel and the complementary color scheme, you can find the perfect color background for your photos quickly. Watch the video to find out how.



Video made in Photoshop Elements.

Daily Quote

Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.
"Ralph Waldo Emerson"

Thinking On: Impressions

I've been thinking on the word "impressions" a lot this week.

What do you think?

How important are impressions? Really?

Are "first impressions" really that valuable?

Can impressions ever be changed? Like the sea washes away impressions in the sand? Or are they stuck like metal engraving? Even then, they can be melted down.

Are impressions more important than being yourself? Or is being yourself a cost for impressions?

Can one ever control "false impressions" from forming? If not, then why should we worry about impressions so much in the first place?

Can two people see the same thing and gain two different impressions?

What does the Bible say about impressions? How does God want me to handle impressions?

Is it okay to be fake in order to make a good impression? Is it ever okay to put on a "facade?" (def. of facade: an artificial or deceptive front)

In the comedy world, "impressions" are the act of being someone else other than yourself.



Are there people who try to be someone who they are not for the sake of making an impression? Is this okay?

Does striving to make a good impression ever do harm?

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   /ɪmˈprɛʃən/ Show Spelled[im-presh-uhn] –noun
1.a strong effect produced on the intellect, feelings, conscience, etc.
2.the first and immediate effect of an experience or perception upon the mind; sensation.
3.the effect produced by an agency or influence.
4.a notion, remembrance, belief, etc., often of a vague or indistinct nature: He had a general impression of lights, voices, and the clinking of silver.
5.a mark, indentation, figure, etc., produced by pressure.
6.an image in the mind caused by something external to it.
7.the act of impressing; state of being impressed.
8.Dentistry. a mold taken, in plastic materials or plaster of Paris, of teeth and the surrounding tissues.
9.an imitation of the voice, mannerisms, and other traits of a person, esp. a famous person, as by an entertainer: The comedian did a hilarious impression of the president.
10.Chiefly Printing.
a.the process or result of printing from type, plates, etc.
b.a printed copy from type, a plate, an engraved block, etc.
c.one of a number of printings made at different times from the same set of type, without alteration (distinguished from edition).
d.the total number of copies of a book, pamphlet, etc., printed at one time from one setting of type or from one set of plates.
11.Metalworking. a portion of a die having in reverse the intended form of an object to be forged.
--From dictionary.com
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Are the impact of impressions permanent?

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“I've reached a point in life where it's no longer necessary to try to impress. If they like me the way I am, that's good. If they don't, that's too bad.”
Corazon Aquino
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Does society place too much importance on impressions?

Does worry over how you are impressing others cause low self-esteem?

I think I will forever hear in my head "you made a baaaaaad" impression." I need to know how much I care about this statement. I need to know if this is just a phrase to coerce people into doing what you want them to do or to make them feel bad so that you feel better about yourself.

I need to know why some people place the importance of making a good impression over the importance of love.

*****
“Before you do anything, think. If you do something to try and impress someone, to be loved, accepted or even to get someone's attention, stop and think. So many people are busy trying to create an image, they die in the process,”
Salma Hayek
*****

I need to know why people who are focused on making a good impression are the same people who focus on finding fault in others.

I need to know what makes a person place such importance on making a good impression.

Am I leaving an impression in my scrapbooking layouts? Should I worry about what impression I am leaving? Or is it better to just be myself and not worry about what future generations will think of me?

Can you really ever truly fake an impression or does the real you always show through?

How does one leave a "deep impression?" Is that the opposite of a "shallow impression?"

Are children really more impressionable than adults? Does that impression last a lifetime or does the inevitable of our children becoming who they are always happen regardless of the impressions we leave on them?


I cannot stop thinking about "impressions." I need your thoughts so that I can analyze about "impressions" more. I need to know. I need to decide for myself what to believe about "impressions."

Gallery Upgrades [How-to Videos]

The gallery went through even more tweaking with regard to the recent upgrades and now linking images from the gallery to the forum is super simple!

You no longer have to right click to find the direct link! Just copy the link provided and put it in the forum post. Thereafter, you can even click on the images in the forum to be taken directly to the gallery to comment.

I made three videos (to upgrade from the old ones) with regard to gallery how-to's. You can always find them on the new "forum home" page if you need to refer back to them.

How to upload to the gallery (video)



How to post from the gallery to the forum (video)



How to edit and/or delete from the gallery (video)

Daily Quote

"The soul would have no rainbow had the eye no tear."

Author Unknown

Bathroom Upgrade!

Some days I feel like I need an upgrade! Instead, my bathroom has an upgrade.

You may recall me sharing that our wardrobe doors in the bathroom had broken. They may be able to be fixed, but right now I do not have the patience to try to fix them as it would be a difficult fix.

I decided that I would hang curtains on a rod in place of the doors.

We spent one weekend shopping and even bought and tested a curtain, but alas, after searching the internet, I realized that curtains just did not come in the size I needed.

The next weekend I searched on Etsy and found someone locally who said she would sew them for me and the price was really reasonable.

The next weekend, I went shopping for material. I choose the below material.



The store attendant shared with me a $39 Singer machine that would be perfect for the easy task of making curtain. Considering that it would cost more than that to have my machine of 25 years ago repaired, I purchased it.

The next weekend (see how long it took me to do this project -- weekend after weekend!), on my vacation day, I sat down to relearn a sewing machine as I had not touched one in 20 years. I had to get the curtains done before the graduation party which was in two days.

After a few hours of reading the guide, I had refreshed my memory and had successfully wound a bobbin, threaded the machine, and inserted and threaded the bobbin, as well as to measure, carefully calculate inches, and cut the material.

I took off sewing a 65 inch straight stitch and was so excited to be sewing only to turn the finished side over to see loose stitching! What! I began ripping out that 65 inches of stitching and reading to learn why so that I could fix it. Meanwhile, hubby was off on his second trip to the store to get more white thread because during the first trip he bought the most inexpensive he could find and I had shared with him how it easily broke with a little tug.

I was so upset with myself for stitching 65 inches without checking the underside of the stitches. I wish I had remembered that part from 20 years ago. So, I adjusted the tension and stitched, and ripped, and stitched, and ripped, and stitched and ripped until I was near tears!

I picked up the whole machine, material still in place, set it on top of the box the machine came in, and took off to the store. I walked in and the same store attendant was there to hear my opening comment, "You need to either show me how this machine works or give me my money back."

They plugged in the machine and tried it for themselves only to declare, "it's broke" and give me my money back.

I did not know what to do! They encouraged me to call someone and gave me phone numbers, but I just could not impose on someone to do this task at the last minute. I went to my car to sit and think.

I decided to head to Wal-mart and I purchased an $89 machine and took it home. Learning to thread and fix the bobbin went much quicker this time and five hours after I started the whole thing, I finally had one edge stitched.

I broke a needle on the corners where the fabric was too thick and had to relearn how to install a new needle, but thereafter things went smoothly. The corners had to be hand sewn, but hand sewing has always been quick and easy for me.

After a total of seven hours, I finally completed my task and was SO happy to have that behind me. However, it took up some of the time I was going to use to grocery shop for the upcoming graduation party, but that was okay. Things always seem to find a way to get done.



Here is a shot of the curtain on the wardrobe.



I even went out and purchased new matching rugs!


Another photo from the front.



The curtains. Shhhh. Don't look too hard or you'll see the major error I made.



I purchased new matching towels too! There's nothing like having something new to greet you first thing in the morning.


Here's the new hand towel.



This is the new matching trash can, although the photo is blurry, I think you can see it well enough.

Wow. Well. One project done. Onto the next! I hope it isn't so hard!

Thank You for Missing Me

Just a short note to say thank you for missing my blog posts. I appreciate your words, although I cannot answer them all. I've tried hard to get here, but it's just been crazy. I started a blog post about my bathroom three days ago and still have not been able to finish it, much less anything else.

My oldest son came into town on Friday and that was five and a half hours on the road to and from the airport after a full seven hours trying to sew my bathroom curtains.

Saturday was spent preparing for the graduation party on Sunday. Of course, church and graduation, followed by party wiped me out on Sunday. Monday we spent some time with my son before taking him back to the airport.

Tuesday was back to work, but then I became very dizzy in the afternoon from about 1 p.m. until 8 p.m., with the world just rolling by my eyes, which took me out of commission.

And through all this I've been fussing with Paypal not liking the new forum url, as well as trying to stay caught up in the forum and with lessons. Wow! There were 32 lesson assignments uploaded on Sunday alone! I've been continuing to tweak and deal with forum and gallery issues. I have also been having eye doctor and dentist appointments throughout this same time period.

In addition to all of that, my middle son's car was rear-ended and totaled and we have been trying to shop for a new car, but apparently it isn't as easy as before and I'm thinking it's because of Obama's clunker program. It sure was nice of the other insurance's guy to go on and on about what a great car we had and what a great condition it was in. Wonderful. Now find us another one just like it please. We couldn't find the title to the vehicle and, although Missouri's practice is currently that the owner and not the bank retain the title, it would be our problem that the bank had this one. What a waste of time looking for a title and panicking that we had misfiled it!

I was the videographer for a wedding, as well as a second photographer, a month and a half ago and I still do not have those processed and back to the client. I have been trying to work on that as well the last few days.

I shall get through this and life will calm down! Please, Lord?

Breathe in. Breath out.

Holding Pattern

Many times God will allow a painful situation or a painful circumstance in our life to "swallow us up." This season in our spiritual growth is a holding pattern. We can't move to the left or the right.

All we can do is sit, like Jonah sat in the belly of that great fish, so God can have our undivided attention and speak to us. God put Jonah in a holding pattern because He needed to speak to his heart. Jonah was all alone.

There were no friends to call, no colleagues to drop by, no books to read, no food to eat, no interference, and no interruptions. He had plenty of time to sit, think, meditate, and pray.

When we're deep down in the midst of a difficult situation, God can talk to us. When He has our undivided attention, He can show us things about ourselves that we might not otherwise have seen.

A Few of God's Holding Patterns:

1. When you are sick in your physical body and you have prayed but God has not healed you yet, you are in a holding pattern

2. When you are having problems with your children and you have put them on the altar, but God has not delivered them yet, you are in a holding pattern.

3. When you have been praying for the salvation of a loved one and they have not been saved yet, you are in a holding pattern.

4. When you are in a broken relationship and you have given it over to God, but it has not been restored yet, you are in a holding pattern.

5. When the doors slam shut before you can knock on them, you are in a holding pattern.

When we are deep in the belly of a difficult situation, there are no interruptions. God has our undivided attention. All we can do is sit, think, meditate, and pray. We cannot run from God because there are no Mountains that are high enough, valleys low enough, rooms that are dark enough, or places that are hidden enough from Him. We must remember to praise Him while we're waiting and remember three things:

1. The pattern has a purpose.

2. The pattern has a plan.

3. The pattern has a process.

So stop struggling and start listening, praying and trusting. He'll keep you right where you are until you can clearly hear Him say, "I love you."

Prayer: Father, forgive my unbelief. I know You Love me and will turn anything around to benefit me. You have planned nothing for me but victories and I am ready to receive them regardless of how difficult the path. Amen

The shortest distance between a problem and a solution is the distance between your knees and the floor. The one who kneels to the Lord can stand up to anything.

Author Unknown

Daily Quote

"A smile is like the sunshine;
It brightens up the day.
It gives the eye a twinkle
And chases frowns away.

Be who you are
And Say what you feel,
Because, those who mind
Don’t matter and those
Who matter don’t mind"

Dr. Seuss

Daily Quote

""Mother is...a shoulder to cry on, a smile to count on, a love to live on."
Author Unknown

Daily Quote

"
Live Well, Laugh Often, Love Much."
Author Unknown

Daily Quote

"Don’t be afraid to fail. Even if you do, you’re bound to learn something along the way."
from the Book of Everyday Wisdom

Daily Quote

"A friend is a gift you give yourself."
Robert Louis Stevenson

Daily Quote

"The very first time I saw you,
Was special how we met.
You took me by complete surprise.
I knew my heart was set."
Eric Mitchell from The Very First Time I Saw You

Daily Quote

"Learning is a treasure that will follow its owner everywhere."
Chinese Proverb

Featured Blog - Scrap the Music

Oh, the scrapping inspiration that is hidden on this blog waiting to be found!

If you like utilizing lyrics in your layouts as inspiration, whether the whole song or just pulling a few words therefrom, then this site is for you!

Scrap the Music has a weekly challenge. Although most participants are traditional (paper) scrapbookers, the challenges are certainly applicable to digital scrapbookers too. In fact, the layouts in this forum are just inspirational themselves and very scraplift-able!

A list of past challenges can be found on this page and you can find YouTube videos to move your spirit too!

Oh, to have more time in the day to do all the things I would love to do.

Beattitudes of Marriage

Blessed are the husband and wife who continue to be affectionate,considerate, and loving after the wedding bells have ceased ringing.

Blessed are the husband and wife who are as polite and courteous to one another as they are to their friends.

Blessed are they who love their mates more than any other person in the world, and who joyfully fulfill their marriage vow of a lifetime of fidelity and mutual helpfulness to one another.

Blessed are they who attain parenthood, for children are a heritage of the Lord.

Blessed are they who remember to thank God for their food before they partake of it, and who set apart some time each day for the reading of the Bible and for prayer.

Blessed are those mates who never speak loudly to one another, and who make their home a place “where seldom is heard a discouraging word.”

Blessed are the husband and wife who faithfully attend the worship service of the church, and who work together in the church for the advancement of Christ’s kingdom.

Blessed are the husband and wife who can work out the problems of adjustment without interference from relatives.

Blessed is the couple which has complete understanding about financial matters, and have worked out a perfect partnership, with all money under the control of both.

Blessed are the husband and wife who humbly dedicate their lives and their homes to Christ, and who practice the teachings of Christ in the home by being unselfish, loyal and loving.

Author Unknown

Daily Quote

"Some books are to be tasted, others to be swallowed and some few to be chewed on and digested."
Francis Bacon

The Kudos Team

With all the changes with the new forum, we are trying to get The Kudos Team going again!

The Kudos Team started on my blog on June 30, 2007. It was eventually moved to the forum. Now we are moving it to the new "social groups" in the forum.

I love The Kudos Team, but I just cannot keep it going on my own. I do not have time to find layouts for The Team to "hit." Therefore, we are asking for volunteers to take turned taking a period of time to find the layouts.

This is really SUCH a good thing to do! I've watched so many surprised responses over the years.

WHAT IS THE KUDOS TEAM?
We are having a blast surprising complete strangers. Just knowing what the look will be on their face is enough reward, even if we never hear back from them. Can you imagine the surprise of suddenly getting lots of comments on a layout posted a long time ago? Okay, that thought is cracking me up. What a big impact we can have in the digital scrapping world. It is doing a kind act and expecting nothing in return. If you have a heart for making someone's else's day, please join us.

But wait, we get something in return! We can be inspired by these layout. Warm fuzzies abound!

HOW DO I JOIN THE KUDOS TEAM?

To join The Kudos Team with us, log in at the site
of the chosen layout

and leave a comment
under the layout,

ending with
:) The Kudos Team :)

WHERE IS THE NEW SOCIAL GROUP?
The social group is called The Real Hummdingers and can be found here. Anyone can join the group.

Be sure to watch the main forum page for notifications of postings in the forum. There are two places where you can see notifications of group postings on the main forum page.



In the sidebar of the main forum page, you can see the most recent group posts of all of your groups.



If you scroll down to the bottom of the main forum page, you can see all of your groups and note new posts.

Won't you join us? The first layout has already been posted!

PSE Quick Tip - Invert Base Color of Masks

This tip is to use Control I to quickly flip the base color of a mask from black to white.

I can think of more possibilities for the use of this? Can you? If so, please share!

Daily Quote

"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."
Eleanor Roosevelt

Daily Quote

"Joy comes in tiny packages."
Author Unknown

SITE UNDER CONSTRUCTION

After procrastinating this for a VERY long time, I am trying to upgrade the forum to the newest version. This is a MAJOR upgrade, unlike the upgrades in the past.

I have been work from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on this already today and I am growing weary! That is ELEVEN straight hours I've worked on this.

The gallery software must also be upgraded and I am now struggling with it.

You can now log into the forum and use it at this new url.

Please update your bookmarks and favorites when I am done with this upgrade.

Thanks for being patient. I do not know how much longer until I am finished with this, so please pray for me! I am not schooled in these things and I just try the best I can to read instructions and do things and it's really hard!

****Update: I gave up on the gallery upgrade and paid for install services. You cannot upload your lessons right now, but you can still access the forum and watch the videos and do the lesson layouts. Once the gallery is up and going, you will be able to upload and post your lessons.

Course 2 Starts Again May 15th!

There are MANY classes here at Hummie's World and I give a brief overview of them on this blog post.

A new class for Course 2 if forming now that will begin next Saturday, May 15, 2010.

I made the above video to share with you all that you can currently learn in Course 2. I hope that it helps you to see how much is available in the Subscriber Area for such a low cost. I continue to make more lessons as I have time, so the course will only grow.

After paying for a subscription, you can sign up for Course 2 in this area of the forum.


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Here is a testimony from a student in Course 2:

Before discovering Hummie's World, Photoshop pretty much was on my computer, but not used. I was too intimidated and had used Paint Shop Pro for years. I truly wanted to learn Photoshop, but felt like the transition from Paint Shop Pro would be too hard for me. I no longer feel that way. Hummie has a way of putting her students at ease with her style of teaching. She makes the lessons much easier to follow than anything I found on youtube or other resources. I found that she may stumble on her words sometimes or a tool is not cooperating with her for a moment. I like this. She keeps it real. I no longer am intimidated to try new things with Photoshop. I do digital scrapbooking for stress relief. If I felt that if the lessons were too stressful, I would not do them. I just can't see me being interested in taking classes anywhere else on the net. I know that Hummie's classes are geared for Photoshop Elements. I use the full version of Photoshop and there are some steps that are not the same for me as they are for most of the students. Hummie has always been willing to help me with any issue I have come across regarding the full version of Photoshop. She even made a quick video just for me because I was frustrated that I could not do something the same way as she was teaching because I was using a different version of Photoshop than what she was teaching. I love it here. I would recommend Hummie's classes to anyone wanting to learn either Photoshop Elements or even Photoshop.

Jaclin

Daily Quote

"The future arrives without invitation and we never know what burdens or pleasures it brings."
Josephina from the book Gangster by Lorenzo Carcaterra

Daily Quote

Nothing is so strong as gentleness. Nothing is so gentle as real strength. ~Frances De Sales

iPhone Color Aps

Connie Prince at The Daily Digi remarked that she "always starts with colors & the ideas flow from there!"

For some people, color is VERY inspiring! There are blogs out there that are just full of colors. Many will pull images from Flickr and make a collage of colors. I like those posts.

I did a search on the iPhone for color aps. I can imagine sitting somewhere with time while waiting and browsing through and choosing a palette that inspires me.

There were MANY aps when I searched for "color palette" and even more for a general search of "color.

Check them out below:





How does one choose an ap with so many choices and so many price ranges from free to ten dollars?

I decided to test a free one call Color Snap by Sherwin Williams

I did like it for "free" as it will let you pull in a photo and make a color palette from a photo. It allows you to use your finger to choose one color from the photo and then either suggests coordinating colors or allows you to add additional colors.

Each time I tried the coordinating colors I was very pleased with the results.


What is not good with this ap is that it does not give color codes, but rather their paint color codes. That doesn't matter in the long run really as the palettes can be e-mailed and then imported in Photoshop or Photoshop Elements and the eyedropper can be utilized to find the color codes.


Color Stream has a video on their website which was helpful in choosing the ap before payment. I used the same flower photo to play with this ap. It does offer more adjust-ability to the color palettes as well as the color codes.

In addition, there are a variety of color schemes to choose from. However, in order to use your photo in the color schemes, you have to remember the slider settings from the previous area of the ap and set the colors the same.

I like the idea of seeing a color in a store or even in nature, snapping a quick photo, and making a palette right away to e-mail to myself for when I get back home to be able to utilize those colors in a layout. I often see color in many places, but forget it by the time I return home.

What are your favorite color palette generators in Phone aps? How do you use them?

He Is

He is the First and Last, the Beginning and the End!

He is the keeper of Creation and the Creator of all!

He is the Architect of the universe and

The Manager of all times.

He always was, He always is, and He always will be...

Unmoved, Unchanged, Undefeated, and never Undone!

He was bruised and brought healing!

He was pierced and eased pain!

He was persecuted and brought freedom!

He was dead and brought life!

He is risen and brings power!

He reigns and brings Peace!

The world can't understand him,

The armies can't defeat Him,

The schools can't explain Him, and

The leaders can't ignore Him.

Herod couldn't kill Him,

The Pharisees couldn't confuse Him, and

The people couldn't hold Him!

Nero couldn't crush Him,

Hitler couldn't silence Him,

The New Age can't replace Him, and

agnostics can't explain Him away!

He is light, love, longevity, and Lord.

He is goodness, Kindness, Gentleness, and God.

He is Holy, Righteous, mighty, powerful, and pure.

His ways are right,

His word is eternal,

His will is unchanging, and

His mind is on me.

He is my Redeemer,

He is my Savior,

He is my guide, and

He is my peace!

He is my Joy,

He is my comfort,

He is my Lord, and

He rules my life!

I serve Him because His bond is love,

His burden is light, and

His goal for me is abundant life.

I follow Him because He is the wisdom of the wise,

The power of the powerful,

The ancient of days, the ruler of rulers,

The leader of leaders, the overseer of the overcomers, and

The sovereign Lord of all that was and is and is to come.

And if that seems impressive to you, try this for size.

His goal is a relationship with ME!

He will never leave me,

Never forsake me,

Never mislead me,

Never forget me,

Never overlook me, and

Never cancel my appointment in His appointment book!

When I fall, He lifts me up!

When I fail, He forgives!

When I am weak, He is strong!

When I am lost, He is the way!

When I am afraid, He is my courage!

When I stumble, He steadies me!

When I am hurt, He heals me!

When I am broken, He mends me!

When I am blind, He leads me!

When I am hungry, He feeds me!

When I face trials, He is with me!

When I face persecution, He shields me!

When I face problems, He comforts me!

When I face loss, He provides for me!

When I face Death, He carries me Home!

He is everything for everybody, everywhere,

Every time, and every way.

He is God, He is faithful.

I am His, and He is mine!

My Father in heaven has more power than the father of this world.

So, if you're wondering why I feel so secure, understand this...

He said it and that settles it.

God is in control, I am on His side, and

That means all is well with my soul.

Everyday is a blessing for GOD Is!

Daily Quote

"Anyone who has never made a mistake has never tried anything new."
Albert Einstein

American Idol! Did you see?!!!

I do not want to come across as boastful, but I will admit I'm smiling.

Did you see who is in the final four?

And who did I pick to be F4 so many weeks ago? Go see!

I feel like shouting "I'm good!"....but I'm containing myself. But I'm shouting it inside! Oh yeah. Oh yeah. Do a little dance, sing a little......

I do often seem to have a uncany ability to pick winners.

I am not sure who will win it all though. There's none of the final four that stand above the rest to me. I think this will be a close call. That's my "call"...a "close call" finale.

White Balance

Originally posted 2/8/07.

I want to share with you this great article called Everything About White Balance.

My first thought was how little I really pay attention to the white balance tools on my camera because I know I can always correct in in Photoshop Elements to fix the white balance.

I have a lot of white walls in my house. Sometimes my walls do not look white in photos. Why? Because the light source in the room messes things up. That is always a big red flag that the white balance is off on my photo.

How easy is it to just run the Color Cast Tool to fix it?

Using levels and curves will also correct a white balance. Read this.

Maybe some day I will take the time to learn my camera better, but with my limited time, it is too easy to fall back on my Photoshop Elements.

Align and Distribute Tools in Photoshop Elements

A quick overview of how the align and distribute tools work in Photoshop Elements.

Full size video in the Subscriber Area.

A Christian's Way to Reduce Stress

An Angel says, "Never borrow from the future. If you worry about what may happen tomorrow and it doesn't happen, you have worried in vain. Even if it does happen, you have to worry twice."

1. Pray

2. Go to bed on time.

3. Get up on time so you can start the day unrushed.

4. Say No to projects that won't fit into your time schedule, or that will compromise your mental health.

5. Delegate tasks to capable others.

6. Simplify and unclutter your life.

7. Less is more.. (Although one is often not enough, two are often too many.)

8. Allow extra time to do things and to get to places.

9. Pace yourself. Spread out big changes and difficult projects over time; don't lump the hard things all together.

10. Take one day at a time.

11. Separate worries from concerns. If a situation is a concern, find out what God would have you do and let go of the anxiety. If you can't do anything about a situation, forget it.

12. Live within your budget; don't use credit cards for ordinary purchases.

13 . Have backups; an extra car key in your wallet, an extra house key buried in the garden, extra stamps, etc.

14. K.M.S. (Keep Mouth Shut). This single piece of advice can prevent an enormous amount of trouble.

15. Do something for the Kid in You everyday.

16. Carry a Bible with you to read while waiting in line.

17. Get enough rest.

18. Eat right.

19. Get organized so everything has its place.

20. Listen to a tape while driving that can help improve your quality of life.

21. Write down thoughts and inspirations.

22. Every day, find time to be alone.

23. Having problems? Talk to God on the spot.. Try to nip small problems in the bud. Don't wait until it's time to go to bed to try and pray.

24. Make friends with Godly people.

25. Keep a folder of favorite scriptures on hand.

26. Remember that the shortest bridge between despair and hope is often a good "Thank you Jesus."

27. Laugh.

28. Laugh some more!

29. Take your work seriously, but not yourself at all.

30. Develop a forgiving attitude (most people are doing the best they can).

31. Be kind to unkind people (they probably need it the most).

32. Sit on your ego.

33. Talk less; listen more.

34. Slow down.

35. Remind yourself that you are not the general manager of the universe.

36 . Every night before bed, think of one thing you're grateful for that you've never been grateful for before. GOD HAS A WAY OF TURNING THINGS AROUND FOR YOU. "If God is for us, who can be against us?" (Romans 8:31)

Author Unknown

Daily Quote

"Good judgment comes from experience and often experience comes from bad judgment."
Rita Mae Brown

Why are you afraid of Journaling?

It was suggested that I write an article about how to journal or maybe a series of articles regarding my top ten journaling tips.

I am thankful for every one of the complements over the years regarding the journaling in my layouts. It is a gift I never imagined myself having until others began remarking. I understand that people are drawn into my journaling. I understand that they want to learn how to journal.

Then there was one person during the recent digi drama about a month ago that threw up at me that I did not know how to write. I had to half smile at that comment. It is humorous because it is both true and false. I admit that I do not know how to write in that fancy "marketing" fluff-it-up-before-you-give-them-the-good-stuff method. Personally, I do not like those types of writing anyway. They seem to be a waste of my time skimming text just to find the good stuff. Just tell me what I want to know without giving me superficial commentary semi-relating to the topic of interest. Am I right? Do you know what I'm talking about?

I also could not help but wonder if this person was a bit jealous of my writing ability and that jealousy came lashing out with stabbing words. You know what I mean, right? I write of those people who cannot be happy for other people's gifts and have to bring them down to make themselves feel above the other person.

As you can see, I do tend to babble a lot. I think in some ways it is because I can type very fast. I think in other ways it is because I analyze and just plain 'ol think too much. I think in even other ways it is just because what I think just comes out of me and cannot be contained. Of course, this gets me in trouble sometimes.

I have read articles over the last few years with tips on how to journal better. People seem to have a need to learn how to journal and so other people try to stick journaling into a list of helpful tips. For instance, just remember to always include a "who, what, where, when, how" in your journaling. That is a good tip, but I can honestly tell you I never, ever check to see I have all five of them in my writing. I just journal.

So, as someone who has never had a problem with journaling, I really have never thought about how to teach others how to journal. It seems to me that it is not something that can be put into a finite list, but rather something much more abstract. How does one teach about abstract lessons such as an appreciation for art or music? Sometimes concepts are just so deep that it is hard to put words to them in order to teach them.

Nonetheless, I am taking on the challenge of trying to teach you about journaling because so many people really want to learn how to journal. In order to do this, I have to first, of course, analyze what comes so naturally to me. This may take me some time to analyze, but as ideas hit me, I will blog them and share.

An idea hit me tonight, so here is my first thought (after ALL that journaling above!) about how to journal.

I have been studying about insecurity as a person who struggles with self-esteem. It dawned on me that this is probably the single most common factor causing a mental block which keeps people from journaling.

So, I ask: What are you so afraid of that it keeps you from journaling?

Better yet, ask yourself: What am I so afraid of that it keeps me from journaling?

Are you afraid that someone will read what you write and judge you?

Are you afraid that someone will take what you write the wrong way?

Are you afraid that what you believe to be true really isn't true?

Are you afraid that someone will think you are a nutcase?

Are you afraid that they will think you are weird?

Are you afraid of who you really are and that others might discover who you are?

Are you afraid of who you really are and that you might discovery who you are?

Are you afraid that something is too personal to write about?

Are you afraid to share your feelings?

Are you afraid that someone will take your words and twist them to mean something you never intended them to mean?

Are you afraid of leaving behind a false history of what you believe to be true?

Are you afraid of sharing a part of you and your inmost thoughts?

Are you afraid of being hurt or hurting others?

Are you afraid your words will not be respected?

Are you afraid that what you feel and think is unimportant?

What are you afraid of that stops you from just writing what comes to mind? I know you think. Everyone has thoughts. Why won't those thoughts just come out of your mind, through your heart, down your arms, and down to your fingers? Do they get stuck at your heart?

If I feel journaling is so abstract that it is difficult to teach, then how much more do I feel about teaching someone how to 'not be afraid' is difficult?

I cannot even begin to attempt to suggest ways to get over whatever you are afraid of that keeps you from journaling. I can only merely ask you to ponder it in your heart and figure out how to fix it yourself.

Insecurity. We all have it in some form or another. Don't feel bad about being insecure in your ability to journal. Just work on becoming more secure in yourself.

It's a start. Right?

Dancing with God

When I meditated on the word GUIDANCE, I kept seeing "dance" at the end of the word. I remember reading that doing God's will is a lot like dancing.

When two people try to lead, nothing feels right. The movement doesn't flow with the music, and everything is quite uncomfortable and jerky. When one person realizes and lets the other lead, both bodies begin to flow with the music.

One gives gentle cues, perhaps with a nudge to the back or by pressing lightly in one direction or another. It's as if two become one body, moving beautifully. The dance takes surrender, willingness, and attentiveness from one person and gentle guidance and skill from the other.

My eyes drew back to the word GUIDANCE. When I saw "G," I thought of God, followed by "u" and "i." "God, "u" and "i" dance." God, you, and I dance. As I lowered my head, I became willing to trust that I would get guidance about my life. Once again, I became willing to let God lead.

My prayer for you today is that God's blessings and mercies be upon you and your family on this day and everyday. May you abide in Him as He abides in you. Dance together with God, trusting Him to lead and to guide you through each season of your life.

This prayer is powerful and there is nothing attached. If God has done anything for you in your life, please share this message with someone else, for prayer is one of the best gifts we can receive. There is no cost but a lot of rewards; so let's continue to pray for one another. I HOPE YOU DANCE !!!!!!!!!!!!

Author Unknown

Designer Class Shares

As always, I'm excited to watch the designer class learning! There seems to be so much more in the Subscriber Area shared than what the class shares for the general public. I'm not sure why they are not so confident in themselves. I think they are awesome!

The second class will soon be ready to create their first items and I'm excited to see what they will do!

You can download these recent items (as well as older items) in this forum here.

Daily Quote

"You have a radiant smile reflecting the pride I have in you."
Author Unknown