30 Days of Gratitude

In each day of November, I want to give back to everyone who follows me here on my blog, on Facebook, on Twitter, in the forum, and most especially the Subscribers in the forum.

Therefore, each day in November I will be putting up on my blog (via Flickr) one or more pattern files. These will always be available hosted at Flickr, but you will need to right click to download each one. I will also be putting them in the Subscriber Area in zip files for one-click downloading.

Please watch the video below to see how to utilize these files and why I prefer using these files with Photoshop Elements. Of course, these also work in the full version of Photoshop.



To download, visit the folder at Flickr. Click on a thumbnail to open it up.

Click on the "Actions" download arrow. Click on "View all sizes."

You will see the above. Click on "Download the Orignal size of this photo."

~~~~~

Today is a beautiful day here in Cape Girardeau. I am also thankful for nature today. I found this wonderful group of photos on Flickr that just takes your breath away.


Here are today's files for you to download on Flickr.



The texture file.



Pattern 1 Preview


Pattern 1


Pattern 2 Preview


Pattern 2


Pattern 3 Preview


Pattern 3


Pattern 4 Preview


Pattern 4


Pattern 5 Preview


Pattern 5

Course 1 & Course 2 Beginning NOW!

Course 1 and Course 2 are beginning NOW! Enrollment is open through November 7th.


Join Course One!

Course one is another class that is being restructured. Like the templates, Course one was self-paced, but we are changing it up similarly to what the templates class is doing, as you can read in a previous post.

This course is a really great place to start at Hummie’s World, whether a digi scrapping newbie or have been scrapping for years. Most seasoned scrappers have said that they have learned something new by taking this course. So why not give it a whirl?

How does it work?

You have 2 months to complete course one. You will have the whole month of November to complete lessons 1-6H. Then in December, you will finish out the course.

Of course, if you do not meet the monthly goals and are dropped from the class, I encourage you not to give up! Life is busy and so we encourage you to try again in the next sign ups!

Entering course one will be available from the 1st of the month through the 7th of the month in January, March, May, July, September, and November. You are able to sign up early and wait for the class to start.

Course one is in the Subscriber Area, which is $5.50 per month. What a great value! As always, you have access to the entire Subscriber Area for that low price. Come on and join in on the fun and pick up some new exciting skills along the way!

After you subscribe, you may register by posting in the forum here.

Watch an introduction to the classes at Hummie's World here.


Course 2 is probably the most popular here at Hummie’s World. To date, there are 78 lessons and growing! Each lesson teaches a new technique and you will be getting a lot of layouts done!

This class is also being restructured. When you sign up for course 2, you are signing up for a set of 20. You will have one month to complete 5 lessons, then move on to the next 5 and so on. When you complete a set of 20, you will earn an icon by your name. Thereafter, you may sign up for the next set of 20.

If life gets busy and you get behind and don’t meet your goal- don’t despair! You can sign up again and pick up where you left off.

As in the templates class and course one, this course is in the subscriber area for the low price of $5.50 per month. Entering Course 2 will be available from the 1st of the month through the 7th of the month in January, March, May, July, September, and November. As always, you are able to sign up early and wait for the class to start. So what are you waiting for?

To subscribe, read here.

After you subscribe, you may register by posting in the forum here.

Watch an introduction to the classes at Hummie's World here.

Roll up those sleeves and dig on in!

Scrapping and Healing - Come Join us!

I am SO excited about this new adventure at Hummie's World. I have ready others who have heard a sneak peak about it being excited too! It is amazing how God brought circumstances into my life to lead me to putting everything into place for this new group.

We are starting a new Christian based program called "Scrapping and Healing."

Each program will be similar to a "book club," but incorporate scrapbooking along with our readings. I intend on recording personal videos of my growth to share with the group and am encouraging everyone else to do the same so that we may all grow together.

Watch the video here for more information on Scrapping & Healing. The video is about 17 minutes long, but my goal with this new program is to be relaxed, not worried about time, as if we are sitting across the table from one another.

WHAT DO YOU NEED TO DO?

1. Buy the Book. The first group is based on Joyce Meyer's new book called "Power Thoughts." We invite you to buy the book. You can get it as an e-book for Kindle or Nook, or you can purchase the actual book on Amazon or at your favorite bookseller. The book cost only approximately $10.

Both Barnes and Noble (Nook) and Amazon (Kindle) have a free PC Reader which you can download in which to read the book from your computer. Of course, if you have an e-reader or a smart phone, you can also read the book from those devices.

2. Join the Group. We want you to feel comfortable sharing, so we are not doing this in the main forum area, but in a private group. Please join the group. I will approve your admission into the group, but you will need to remain active in the group in order to remain in the group.

3. Join the Newsletter. We will also be communicating with you through a newsletter each time a new video or lesson is posted in the group. If you are already subscribed to the newsletter, you will need to update your newsletter profile to include this special newsletter in your subscriptions. Dawn has made an article in the forum, showing you how to do that.

We are excited about this new venture and look forward to launching it. Let's heal together, grow together, and scrap together!

Our First Designer Partner Program - Snickerdoodle Designs

I am excited to introduce to you our first Designer Partner.

Karen Schulz designs under the name Snickerdoodle Designs.

I just love the designer name! It is so catchy and memorable. I have seen the name around the digiworld, but am just now taking the time out myself to check out her designs and blog myself. She's got some really creative stuff, just like her designer name!

You can find Karen's blog here.

You can find her designs at Digital Design Den, Scrapbooks Gone Digital, Digital Scrap Designs, Digi Scrap Station and Commercial-Use.

Follow Karen on Twitter and on Facebook.


Everytime I read the name "Snickerdoodle Designs" I think of yummy cookies baked fresh from the oven smelling up my whole house! Oh my! Now I think I may have to just make some! If you join her newsletter, you will receive this cute Snickerdoodle Alpha. It's perfect for holiday layouts.

Below is a bio from Karen as well as a little more information regarding the upcoming activities.

I started keeping a scrapbook when I was in Junior High. I kept movie tickets from special dates, photos from dances, and silly things, like my favorite chain that I played hopscotch with when I was in elementary school. Fast forward to the 70's - I kept a diary of my thoughts and feelings when I was expecting my first child.

After my daughter was born, I just kept writing in the journal! One day, when I was recording something cute she had done, I thought, "Oh, I wish I could have a picture of that in my diary to illustrate the story." Then I thought, "Why NOT?" And my own form of "scrapbooking was born."

I had been doing some genealogy research, so knew that I should use acid free paper at the very least. But my pages were very simple, with just journaling and a photo or two. I thought I was in heaven when "scrapbooking" burst on the scene in the 90's and I had choices in papers and elements.

In 2008, I was using an online software company to make a digital photo album. Any creativity was limited by their software templates. Although the book turned out great, I wondered how I might be able to spiff it up a bit. That is when I thought about digital scrapping. I, of course, knew about it, but was dead-set against it because I love feeling the different textures in my hands when I work on scrapbook pages. But I thought I'd give it a try... just to use on one project, of course - but once I had ventured into digiland, I fell in love with the craft. I hate to tell you how many drawers full of traditional scrapping materials are now gathering dust in my room!

Since my earliest memories, I have been involved in some type of craft; sewing, quilting, photography, wood working, tole painting, crewel, counted cross-stitch... you name it, I've probably at least tried it. A dear friend saw my new passion for digi scrapping and suggested I try designing. I didn't feel confident enough in my knowledge of the craft to take that step, but did start designing custom fonts and word art in July 2009. Then in January of 2010, I decided to expand my interests and jump wholeheartedly into the design world.

One of the first things I needed was a design name. I wanted it to express feelings of love, comfort, and peace, so I tried to think of what inspired those things in me. The first thing that came to my mind was my Mom's Snickerdoodle Cookies. I lost my mom to cancer when I was 23 years old, so those cookies always bring back warm memories for me. And that is why I chose the design name of Snickerdoodle Designs.

I love nature and you will find that theme in much of my work. I design from emotions, either those I have experienced or ones that I wish to invoke in others; therefore, my kits are all very personal to me. There is always a story behind them!

I love making papers and can spend many hours getting just the right color or texture that I want. I love that "ah-ha" moment when something comes together, and I stop in my tracks, knowing that I have just achieved what I wanted.

What I find most rewarding about design work is seeing others use my creations in their own projects. I truly consider it an honor when someone utilizes my designs to create something special of their own.



As a designer partner with Hummie's World, Karen is offering one of her newest kits as a reward for completing challenges at Hummie's World. Hummie has created 11 brand new challenges for November. Complete all 11 challenges and you will receive a coupon for 100% of off this kit in Karen's Digital Design Den store!

Watch for the next Hummie's World newsletter or this blog to come out for more details in the near future. In addition, the newsletter will contain a quick page download from Karen to everyone subscribed, so be sure to watch the sidebar of the newsletter.

Karen is also preparing her own challenge with yet more downloads and fun. Watch for more details later.

This is going to be a fun month for all!

Join the Template Class NOW! (Yeah...only $5.50 per month!)

Do you find yourself staring at a blank workstation when you're trying to figure out how to place photos, papers and elements on your layout? Just don't seem to have any mojo? Never fear, Hummie's Templates are here!

Want to see what the templates look like before you commit to the class? Mini previews can be found on the index pages here.

What can I say? I often exclaim "How do I get people to understand what a deal this is?"

Did you know that you can download all 65 templates just by subscribing? Subscribing is only $5.50 per month. The subscription includes everything though -- from every class -- all tutorials and video. All downloads!

I tried doing this class self-paced, but very few people can pace themselves! So we are restructuring all of the classes at Hummie's World. The template class is the first to migrate.

How does it work?

1. Do 5 templates a month to remain in the class. After you do 20 templates, you will earn an icon by your name (you'll be amazed at how sporting those icons can motivate you!).

Um. Yep. That's about it! I'm pacing you at 5 templates a month!

Doing more than 5 per month is okay too!

Of course, if you do not meet the goal of 5 per month and are dropped from the class, I encourage you not to give up! Everyone gets busy. Everyone has life problems arise. Just sign up again at the next available entry date.

Entering the template class will be available from the 1st of the month through the 7th of the month in January, March, May, July, September, and November.

However, you can also sign-up in the sign-up thread at any time and then just wait until the entry period opens up. I will send you an e-mail at that time.

We've tried totally structured template classes where I send you the link (and then everyone was stressed when I pushed them to catch up) and we tried the totally self-paced. Neither works! So we are going to try this much less stress way for everyone. Hopefully, it will be a happy medium between self-paced and teacher-paced.

What are you waiting for? Join now! I opened up November's entry period a few days early!

See how to subscribe here.
Sign-up here.

The King's Highway

Once upon a time, a king had a great highway built for the people who lived in his kingdom. After it was completed, but before it was opened to the public, the king decided to have a contest. He invited as many of his subjects as desired to participate. The challenge was to see who could travel the highway the best, and the winner was to receive a box of gold.

On the day of the contest, all the people came. Some of them had fine chariots, some had fine clothing and fancy food to make the trip a luxurious journey. Some wore their sturdiest shoes and ran along the highway on their feet to show their skill. All day they traveled the highway, and each one, when he arrived at the end, complained to the king about a large pile of rocks and debris that had been left almost blocking the road at one point, and that got in their way and hindered
their travel.

At the end of the day, a lone traveler crossed the finish line warily and walked over to the king. He was tired and dirty, but he addressed the king with great respect and handed him a small chest of gold. He said, "I stopped along the way to clear a pile of rocks and debris that was blocking the road. This chest of gold was under it all. Please have it returned to its rightful owner."

The king replied, "You are the rightful owner."

"Oh no," said the traveler, "This is not mine. I've never known such money."

"Oh yes," said the king, "you've earned this gold, for you won my contest.. He who travels the road best is he who makes the road better for those who will follow."


Remember those words of wisdom as you travel the road of life!

Author Unknown

Making Fall Colors Vibrant in Photoshop Elements

Did you know that Adobe offers a way to unlock the "vibrance" tool in Photoshop Elements?

You can open up a .jpg image in the RAW editor that comes with Photoshop Elements. This video shares with you how to open a .jpg image and gives a quick review of the RAW editor.

It is suggested that you download the most current update of the RAW editor plug-in from Adobe and install it.

Skimming News Sources - 2010 Style!

I am a skimmer. I like to skim for good news. I often only read the headlines to glean the information I need without reading the entire article.

Google Fast Flip is a cool way to skim the news on the internet by viewing the covers of popular newspapers, magazines, and blogs quickly.

There are arrows on the left and the right to navigate.

If you see something you want to read more about, just click on the image to be taken to the source.

Sort by the most popular articles, by topics, or by news sources.

Fast Flip will remember your preferences as you click about to bring you news of your interests.

Kind of cool, huh?

Refocusing & Sneak Announcements

So, I’ve fallen off the bandwagon with regard to my goal of blogging daily. I thought I would write just a few notes here today.

You may recall my recent blog post about “Information Overload.” I’ve been thinking about this a lot lately and decided that I just needed to get organized in my life.

Therefore, I did spend literally from 6 a.m. until about 8 p.m. on Saturday just moving things on my laptop to my three EHD’s. Yes, it does take a very long time for gigs of photos and videos to move over a USB wire to more than one location per file!

I needed to also make room so I could install Photoshop Elements 9, which was finally accomplished.

I also finally pressured hubby to re-do the part of the garden walkway which he messed up. I did not get to enjoy my garden all summer. He started on the project of picking up every stone and relaying them back in March or so. He was doing great until the ending section. I noted it was sloping up and said something to him that he should pick up those three rows and relay them. He told me I was wrong. He declared that he was just going to finish it as it was. I asked him what he would do when finished if at that time he discovered it was wrong. He said he would just pick them up and re-do them again at that point.

So, sometime in May, he finished and came inside to declare I was right. I think I almost fell over in shock as he never admits I am right! So I assume he would do as he said and pick them all up again, but he never did. Summer came and then he complained it was too hot to work on it.

I never did plant flowers and enjoy my garden this summer. I was trying to be a good wife and not complain. I purposefully did not go out to the back yard just because I knew when I did that I would feel frustrated at him just looking at the mess. I waited through September and almost all of October, thinking he would eventually do it on his own once the weather cooled and he had no excuse. He does get three days weekends every week! Nothing happened.

So Friday, my patience ran out and I got into my pushing rants and even got a son to go out there and just pick up all the bricks and throw them in a pile. Finally, progress was made on Friday and Saturday and it is practically done. Now just a little bit more and I can finally put this frustrating matter behind me and look forward to next summer’s flower garden.

I wanted to also clean in my house and also organize personal paperwork this weekend, but I never got that far. I had no idea that my laptop to EHD adventure would take so long.

Having put aside everything on Saturday, I found myself days behind in the forum and with work on the website, so Sunday I dedicated the whole day to catching up on site work.

I made a lot of progress, although not done, but I felt much better to begin the work week afresh on Monday.

I am working on a lot of new things for the website here and I will share with you some of the tidbits now.

1. We are busy working behind the scenes with our very first Designer Partner. I am preparing eleven brand new challenges. You will have the opportunity on November 1st to do all eleven challenges to earn an entire prize kit from our Designer Partner.

2. I have a surprise challenge which I am working on to be launched in November. We will form a private group, purchase a book, and participate in a new “Scrapping and Healing” program. This is a Christian based activity. I do plan on recording videos, so watch for more information to come.

3. I have for a long time wanted to get a recipe challenge class started and I am working toward organizing the same. We will be participating in a designer challenge for the month of November with a recipe theme so that kits can be prepared to use in the challenge. On December 1st, the recipe challenge will launch, just in time for you to make some quick gift books for the holidays.

4. In November, we will have a “30 days of gratitude” right here on my blog. I have a special idea with a daily give-a-way.

Of course, I continue to work on many other new things for the classes already underway, mainly weekly videos for the designer class and the filters challenge class, as well as a new download for the element challenge class. Just those three classes are keeping me very busy!

I also have two Course 2 lessons in mind, but am having trouble finding time to do the layouts to record the videos, but it will happen!

We are launching the new structure of three of the classes next Monday (or over the weekend), so this will also be keeping us busy!

I am hopeful that we will have some more class sign-ups! If you have a class, the people will come!

So, be sure to sign up for the site newsletter as all of these things will be announced in that newsletter at the end of the week.

Hand in Hand with God

He who plants a garden works hand in hand with God. --Malloch

Freebie Alert! We're all hinged together!

Download
If you're too late, you can always find it in the Subscriber Area.

Boy! I get tired of saying that!

Newsletter Welcome Gift

I made a new kit as the welcome gift for joining Hummie's World Newsletter! I am also putting it in the Subscriber Area for all subscribers.

You can join the newsletter here: http://www.bit.ly/HWNewsletter

Twitter Round Up

Oh, you no you like it!

Here's another Twitter Round up! It's a large one! A big thanks to Dawn for helping me round it up!

Happy clicking!

*****
A Woogie let's your child play with your iPod Touch or Iphone without harm! On your Christmas list for your child?

have you seen Shabby Princess' newest free kit? Called the PLENTIFUL collection (I'm sure it's been out a while but I hadn't seen it yet)

Almost 250 signed up for our newsletter in 48 hours -- We thank you for your support! We appreciate you!

Just finished watching the movie "Remember Me" ...best movie I've seen in a long time. We ♥ netflix.

It's 10/10/10 .... just like 9/9/9 and 8/8/8 and 7/7/7 ....is it still fun for you or are you tired of the hype of the numbers?

Check out the new Scrapbook Designing magazine

Look what happens at my house 15 minutes after they came out of the oven!

Podged step stool for a little one. How cute is this? I love it!

For those with a photographer's heart, this "why photograph war" video is moving

I guess the big tech news of today is Windows Phone 7 OS - The catch line is "Save Us From Our Phones"

I agree! @bjfho Sometimes I would be willing to give up the luxuries in order to work less and enjoy life more. I am ready to simplify.

Don't do this and drive.

Photoshop's Toolbox

This tutorial on using photo masks was shared in the forum. If you haven't visited this site yet, it's an awesome resourse!

I sent this to hubby after he killed "the mood."

http://picturemissouri.com/view.php I am loving this new Missouri photo site!

Cute, easy way to display snapshots--on old shutters! This gives me an for a digi LO too...

This came out of my shoe this morning. Do you think that's good?

Look at all these tweeps talking on my twitter wall -- it's surreal as the world scrolls by!

My Photoshop Elements 9 is on it's way! Gotta love iPhone apps!

This is an interesing ! I love the little book made with starbucks coffee sleeves!

Today must be national "drive 5 mph under the speed limit day" and I didn't get the memo.

15 Days (Ways) to use a straight ribbon

Have you entered Darcy's So You Think You Can Font?

Tutorial Paper Piecing with Digital Stamps by Amy Heller

Scrapgirls has 6 new tutorials to celebrate their 6th birthday!

We now have a niece due on December 25th and a nephew's baby due on June 15th.
Making me a GREAT AUNT is making me feel way older than I should be feeling! -- Seriously, isn't a GREAT AUNT equivalent to a GRANDMA?

Watch and Smile! Today is a good day!

Fun digi chipboard tutorial: Creating Chipboard Elements.

I am loving this new Missouri photo site!

So sad... Yet I laughed. Bad me.

Another PSE9 quick look video

What is Content Aware in Photoshop Elements 9?

St. Louis Arch topping!

Photoshop Elements 9 (purchase or free trial download)

Wow! Thanks! RT @mommairish Been digi-scrapping for six years. I refer people to @TheDailyDigi and @HummieIsme Both great resources!

Found a website this morning that has photo tools and actions for PS and PSE. Check it out!

Found some Photoshop & Photoshop Eements tutorials here.

Check out whose going to be on the next Celebrity Apprentice!

"Adding a Vignette Layer with Photoshop" Richard Hales explains this subtle, but effective technique

Buy Page Patterns book at Amazon

Check out this cool Halloween Banner hybrid project.

Take Care of Spiritual Leaders

Scripture teaches that we're to take great care of our spiritual leaders. Paul wrote, "Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work" (1 Thessalonians 5:12-13).

The writer to the Hebrews said something similar when he wrote, "Obey your leaders and submit to their authority. They keep watch over you as men who must give an account. Obey them so that their work will be a joy, not a burden, for that would be of no advantage to you" (Hebrews 13:17). It's our job to love, support and pray for our spiritual leaders.

Information Overload

According to CNN, today is Happy Information Overload Day!

So, happy happy! How do you deal with information overload?

I found this video (below) called "The Internet of Things" by IBMSocialMedia to be very interesting to watch. It really shows us where we are at with technology and where things are going.

It mentions a notification of when our car windows are frosted so that we can leave the house a few minutes early to defrost the windows. Is there an ap for that? I really would like that notification when I awake first n the morning!




I've been thinking (because I analyze everything!) a lot about information overload lately. I really liked this graphic in the video. It analyzes what we do with our information overload. The "information" begins as "data" and as we apply "intelligence" to the data, the data is transformed into first "information," then "knowledge," and then "wisdom."

So, our ultimate goal in our addiction to absorb information through this fairly new technology called the internet and electronic communications is to gain wisdom. Is that my ultimate goal? Is it yours?

I am wondering how I can utilize these thoughts in order to handle and cut down on information overload? Do I really NEED all of the data being sucked into my already full brain?

I reflect on how hubby's job is manual labor and my jobs are all mental labor. We sometimes discuss how we are both totally exhausted at the end of the day, yet in different ways.

I reflect on an analogy regarding food overload. When I overeat, I get tired and my energy is zapped. It is the same way with over intake of data in that I get tired and cannot seem to work my brain anymore. Like food, data is good, but in moderation.

I reflect on how I seem to be addicted with collecting information. For instance, I collect lists of links to good information. In addition, people seem to follow my blog, twitter, and facebook because I share links to good information. Therefore, it is obvious to me that I am not the only one addicted to information!

I think what I need to do is to analyze how to handle and deal with this information overload.

1. Step away from the computer! Yep. I really need to get outside more like I used to before the internet and just breath in the fresh air!

2. Organize! I am finding not only my computer, but my home, a mess with information stacked everywhere. I need to make myself stop collecting any more information until I get what information I have organized so that it does not feel overwhelming as I try to process the information into wisdom!

3. Focus! I am gradually learning to keep up with my to-do list and focus on getting it done before I allow myself to get distracted with zoning-out in front of the computer. I know I feel a lot better if I am productive, so getting things accomplished and then treating myself with some zoning-out time as a reward seems to work. I consider surfing the web and television healthy zoning-out time. I enjoy it; it is relaxing; and it helps me to unwind.

4. Unsubscribe! Occasionally I go through my e-mails and rss reader and unsubscribe from those which I find myself just deleting without reading.

I found this online book about Surviving Information Overload. It appears to be a good read, but don't click if you don't want more data! Or don't click and read this one either! Or don't click and read this one either! Apparently, there is TMI (too much information) about having too much information!

How do you deal with information overload? Please leave a comment to share.

Pastor Appreciation Month

Pastor Appreciation month--originated by Focus on the Family Outreach Ministries, is a celebration held in October. This month presents a great opportunity to say "thank you" to the servants of God who have made a difference in your life. Offer your Pastor a smile. Tell him how you like his feet!

Pastor Appreciation Day

Don't make your pastor wait until next year to be appreciated. This October, begin a habit.

Hummie's Most Used Photoshop Elements Keyboard Shortcuts

The class I am teaching in the evenings requested that I make a list of my most used keyboard shortcuts. Being brand new to Photoshop Elements, they are constantly jotting them down as I tell them to use them.

I thought that everyone might appreciate this list since I took the time to make it.

Watch the quick tip videos for more keyboard shortcuts. I have shared many and have many more to share!



HUMMIE'S MOST USED KEYBOARD SHORTCUTS

Control J - New layer via copy (duplicate) – copy entire layer or selection

Control G - Group layers

Control D – Deselect

D – Foreground and background colors default to black and white

X – Foreground and background colors switch (eXchange)

Control U – Hue/Saturation Pop-up box

Control L – Levels Pop-up box

Control T – Transform tool (brings up bounding box)

Control I – Inverse (layer mask from black to white)

Control Backspace - Fill with background color

Alt Backspace – Fill with foreground color

Space bar – Hand Tool

Control Z – Undo (works in other programs – try it to save the day!)

Control S – Save (A Must Do Often!)

. . . and of course, just as in many programs and even browsers, Control C for copy and Control V for paste.

Twitter and Multimedia

I am continually running into information that Twitter is moving towards multimedia.


It is already evidenced by the new Twitter interface. Have you seen the photos and videos showing up right in the feed? It is predicted that Twitter will soon host the images and videos.

However, the buzz regarding Twitter's Terms of Use is apparently disturbing.

Here are a few snippets of the TOU.

By submitting, posting or displaying Content on or through the Services, you grant us a worldwide, non-exclusive, royalty-free license (with the right to sublicense) to use, copy, reproduce, process, adapt, modify, publish, transmit, display and distribute such Content in any and all media or distribution methods (now known or later developed).

You agree that this license includes the right for Twitter to make such Content available to other companies, organizations or individuals who partner with Twitter for the syndication, broadcast, distribution or publication of such Content on other media and services, subject to our terms and conditions for such Content use.

Yes! This is why I do not use TwitPic or other similar services now.

Unless they change the TOU, if hosting is offered through Twitter, your images will be granted an exclusive copyright to Twitter and, in, addition, to third party applications.

I prefer using Flickr for my photos and videos because I can choose the terms of copyright I am extending to others through this small paid service of $25 per year. I am able to upload to Flickr and post to Twitter through an ap.

Is Twitter moving more and more to be like Facebook?

Ideas to Show Your Pastor You Appreciate Him

October is Pastor Appreciation Month. Here are some ideas to show your Pastor you appreciate him.

ACCEPT OWNERSHIP OF THE PASTOR'S VISION.

ACTUALLY PRAY FOR HIS NEEDS AFTER HE TELLS YOU WHAT THEY ARE.

ANONYMOUSLY LEAVE HIS FAVORITE CANDY BAR ON HIS DESK OR IN HIS MAIL SLOT.

ARRANGE FOR A FALL OR SPRING HOUSECLEANING FOR HIS HOME.

ASK HIM IF YOU CAN GO ALONG ON THOSE HOSPITAL AND SHUT-IN VISITS.

ASK THE PASTOR, "HOW CAN I HELP YOU?"

ASK THE MAYOR TO PROCLAIM A PASTOR APPRECIATION DAY IN THE CITY.

ATTEND CHURCH REGULARLY.

BAKE THE PASTOR A CAKE.

BAKE THE PASTOR SOME COOKIES.

BE AGGRESSIVE IN FORMING A PERSONAL REALTIONSHIP WITH THE PASTOR.

BE A GOOD FOLLOWER.

BE A GOOD LISTENER, LET HIS SERMONS SINK DEEP.

BE AVAILABLE AND WILLING TO LISTEN TO HIS PLANS FOR CHANGE AND GROWTH.

BE CONSISTENT IN YOUR WITNESS AND WORK IN THE CHURCH.

BELIEVE WITH HIM THAT GOD DESIRES TO DO "NEW THINGS" IN THE CHURCH.

BUY HIS WIFE A NEW DRESS.

CALL HIM ON THE PHONE AND ASK WHAT HIS PRAYER NEEDS ARE.

CLAP FOR THE PASTOR ONE SUNDAY MORNING AS HE ENTERS THE SANCTUARY OR APPROACHES THE PULPIT.

COMPLIMENT HIM FOR TIMELY SERMONS.

COMPLIMENT HIM WHEN HE DOES THINGS RIGHT.

DEFEND THE PASTOR AGAINST FAULTFINDERS.

DISPLAY A TEACHABLE SPIRIT, LET THE PASTOR DISCIPLE YOU.

DISCOVER YOUR SPIRITUAL GIFTS, AND ACTUALLY DO SOMETHING WITH THEM IN YOUR CHURCH.

DON'T CRITICIZE THE PASTOR.

DON'T EVER SAY, "WE'VE NEVER DONE IT THAT WAY BEFORE."

ENCOURAGE HIM WITH WORDS AND WORKS.

ENCOURAGE THE PASTOR'S CHILDREN.

FEATURE A WRITE-UP IN THE LOCAL NEWSPAPER/RADIO ABOUT THE PASTOR.

FURNISH HIM WITH FISHING EQUIPMENT AND ENCOURAGE HIM TO GET AWAY FROM STRAIN AND STRESS.

GIVE HIM A BOX OF CANDY.

GIVE HIM A GIFT.

GIVE HIM A LOVE OFFERING.

GIVE HIM TICKETS TO A SPECIAL EVENT/ACTIVITY.

GIVE THE PASTOR A COST-OF-LIVING INCREASE IN SALARY EACH YEAR. HAVE CONFIDENCE IN THE PASTOR'S MOTIVES AND ABILITIES.

HELP SEND THE PASTOR AND HIS FAMILY ON A ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME VACATION.

HONOR AND RESPECT THE PASTOR.

HUG HIM AND TELL HIM YOU LOVE HIM.

INTRODUCE THE PASTOR TO A HOBBY.

INVITE HIM TO LUNCH AND LET HIM RELAX WITH YOU.

INVITE THE PASTOR AND HIS WIFE TO YOUR HOME FOR A MEAL.

LET HIM MAKE MISTAKES, HE'S HUMAN AFTER ALL.

LET THE PASTOR DREAM AND BE CREATIVE.

LISTEN TO HIM, LET HIM SHARE HIS STORY.

LISTEN TO THE PASTOR'S LONG-RANGE GOALS AND PLANS.

MAKE HIM A PAN OF FUDGE OR CANDY.

MAKE SURE HE HAS A DAY OFF EACH WEEK.

MEDITATE ON LAST SUNDAY'S SERMON.

MOW HIS LAWN -- ANONYMOUSLY -- WHILE HE'S AWAY FROM HOME.

OFFER TO ASSIST HIM WITH PERSONAL THINGS- AUTO REPAIR, ERRANDS, HOME REPAIRS.

OFFER TO BABY-SIT.

ORDER A PIZZA AND SEND IT TO HIS HOME.

ORDER HIM A SPECIAL BOOK.

PLAN A CHURCH-WIDE SURPRISE BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR HIM.

PLAN A CHURCH APPRECIATION BANQUET FOR THE PASTOR.

PLANT A TREE IN HONOR OF YOUR PASTOR.

PRAY FOR YOUR PASTOR AND WIFE BY NAME EVERY DAY.

PRAY TOGETHER WITH YOUR PASTOR.

PREPARE A MEAL FOR THE PASTOR AND HIS FAMILY.TALK TO HIM, BUILD A PRESENT THE PASTOR WITH A PLAQUE RECOGINIZING HIS ACHIEVEMENTS AND HONORING HIS COMMITMENT.

PROVIDE HIM WITH MEMBERSHIP TO A HEALTH CLUB.

QUIT COMPLAINING.

REFRAIN FROM SAYING, "THAT WILL COST TOO MUCH."

RELATIONSHIP OF TEAMWORK AND TRUST.

REDECORATE THE PASTOR'S OFFICE.

REMEMBER THE BIRTHDAY OF HIS WIFE AND CHILDREN.

SAY "AMEN!" (AT THE APPROPRIATE TIMES) WHILE HE'S PREACHING.

SAY TO HIM, "I'M WITH YOU, YOU CAN COUNT ON ME."

SAY TO HIM VERY OFTEN, "I AM PRAYING FOR YOU."

SEE THAT THE PASTOR HAS TIME TO BE ALONE WITH GOD, TIME FOR HIS FAMILY AND PERSONAL TIME.

SEND HIM A SMALL (ONE OR TWO SENTENCE) CARD OF ENCOURAGEMENT ONCE A WEEK FOR A MONTH.

SEND HIM A FRUIT BASKET WITH A MESSAGE OF LOVE FROM YOUR FAMILY.

SEND HIM A SIMPLE THANK YOU NOTE.

SEND FLOWERS TO HIS HOME WITH A NOTE OF LOVE AND RESPECT.

SEND THE PASTOR A HUMOROUS CARD- BRIGHTEN HIS DAY.

SEND THE PASTOR TO A SPECIAL CONFERENCE OR SEMINAR.

SHOW THE COMMUNITY "LOVE IN ACTION" BY THE WAY YOU PROVIDE FOR THE PASTOR AND SUPPORT HIM.

STAND BY HIM WHEN HE IS IN THE LINE OF FIRE.

STAND UP FOR HIS PROGRAMS.

STICK WITH HIM WHEN YOU DON'T UNDERSTAND HIS REASONING AND APPROACH.

SUBSCRIBE TO A MINISTERIAL MAGAZINE FOR HIM.

SUPPORT THE PASTOR WITH YOUR TIME, TALENTS, TITHING AND TREASURES.

TAKE HIM ON AN OUTING WITH YOU.

TREAT THE PASTOR'S WIFE TO A HAIR STYLING.

TRUST THE DECISIONS OF THE PASTOR.

VOLUNTEER TO HELP HIM IN A SPECIAL PROJECT.

WASH YOUR PASTOR'S CAR.

WHEN YOU SEE HIM ON WEDNESDAY, TELL HIM ABOUT THE NEW INSIGHTS YOU HAVE AS A RESULT OF MEDITATING ON LAST SUNDAY'S SERMON.

WRITE THE PASTOR A LETTER AND EXPRESS LOVE AND APPRECIATION.

Beautiful Feet!

Have you seen your Pastor's feet? They are beautiful! We know this because God says he does!

"How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news! Romans 10:15

Designer Class Shares

You can find all this great stuff in this thread! Wow! How generous!
I can tell some people are having fun designing and sharing! Please be sure to leave them thanks. If you use their designs, please utilize the gallery to upload your layout to give back.

Gallery Spotlight #12 (Diane)

Dawn has gotten together another Gallery Spotlight post highlighting Diane.
Read all about Diane here.

Dawn has asked some really great questions that I think you will enjoy.
Remember to click right on the images of Diane's layouts and go to her gallery and leave her some warm fuzzies.

Better yet, why not scraplift her and then send her a PM so she can see it!

Eyewitness to Surprises!

I am just laughing inside at hubby! Oh my! Yep, one of the causers of my daily surprises is now an eyewitness to a surprise and exclaiming with smiles!

Now, I don't know how long you all keep your hair brushes. Surely there is an expiration date on them just like make-up, but apparently I do not observe it! I'm probably going to die of some hair-germ sickness one of these days.

This brush was hubby's before we were married and we have been married 24 years! It is our favorite brush. I haven't been able to find another one like it in the stores.

A few weeks ago it disappeared! Yep! Not an uncommon happenstance in Hummie & Hubby's world.

After searching and pleading for its return for days (or maybe even a week), and the return thereof never eminent, hubby gave up and purchased a new brush.

The new brush has been around about a week and I am just getting used to using it when, guess what?!! Oh, my! It was the good 'ol switch-a-roo surprise!

The old brush has suddenly returned today and the new brush has disappeared!

Ahh. Yeah. Good 'ol life in our household. It is always interesting.

Button Freebie

Here's three buttons I made to share with the Elements Class, but as always, I give everything I make away on my blog for a short time, but then it is always available in the Subscriber Area ($5.50 per month). I do like to give. :)

Download

Pop up Folded Words Tutorial

Download the gradient file (for a temporary time, but can always be found in the subscriber area which is a low cost of $5.50 per month).

Video tutorial below! I would love to see what you do with this lesson.

The Power of a Small Act

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.
- Leo Buscaglia

If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

Daily Quote

"
"I can life for two months on a good compliment." Mark Twain

Everyone must think. . .

Everyone must think the site is doing well now because I'm doing the give-a-way.

The opposite is true. I'm giving it away in hopes to boost business.

I'm going on a limb and trying to have faith that if I boost things by paying another person and by doing the newsletter, things will change.

If things don't change for the better, they may change for the worse.

I cannot keep this pace up if it is not worth my time.

Glowing Edges Filter

Here's a simple layout I made tonight while having fun playing and getting ready for recording a video for the filter's challenge class. I have another one in the forum that is one of my favorite layouts. This filter is a lot of fun!

I can't wait to see what the class does with it.

SHARING THE FUN!
My goof! Oh, do I love him. We instant message each other throughout the day. It really has helped our marriage to do so! We bond all day long whereas before we had little time together by the time he came home from his 10 hour shift.

Today's conversation went off on a tangent. The next thing I knew I was teasing him to put away his "big boy" and he was exclaiming about his "profile." I asked him if he was sharing with the guys in the break room and he had been laughing out loud and gave himself away and told me the guys were giving him a hard time. So I let him know that he had just killed the mood.


Then I sent him the above graphic. Oh my! Do we have fun or what? He proceeded to send me a photo of his dirty-covered self saying "you know you want me" and I was certain to tell him that the answer was still 'no.'

Okay. Well, that might be a little TMI (too much information), but hey! You all wanted me to share some of my good times too, as well as the troubles, right! Well, there ya have it!

Daily Quote

"
"What you will do matters. All you need to do is do it." Judy Gahn

Featured Blog - Creativity Prompt

Creativity Prompt is a blog all about it's name! I certainly does prompt my creativity and give me that feeling of "let's get started!"

You can read about Creativity Prompt on their "About" page.

The blog is full of inspiration and tutorials. However, as someone who encourages journaling, I love that this blog also supports the same.

You will find freebies tucked in posts too.

She offer some classes also at a reasonable cost.

If this blog is not on your radar, it should be!

My Special List

I have a list of folks I know all written in a book,
And every now and then I go and take a look.

That is when I realize these names they are a part,
not of the book they're written in, but taken from the heart.

For each Name stands for someone who has crossed my path sometime,
and in that meeting they have become the reason and the rhyme.

Although it sounds fantastic for me to make this claim,
I really am composed of each remembered name.

Although you're not aware of any special link,
just knowing you, has shaped my life more than you could think.

So please don't think my greeting as just a mere routine,
your name was not forgotten in between.

For when I send a greeting that is addressed to you,
it is because you're on the list of folks I'm indebted.

Author Unknown

PSE Give-a-way

Have you heard the news!?! Photoshop Elements 9 is here! Have you bought it yet? No? Well, how would you like to WIN a copy?

Yep, you read that right! Hummie’s World is giving away a copy of PSE9! All you need to do is leave a comment on this blog post and you will be entered for a chance to win!

Of course, you do need to leave me some way to contact you if you should win, either a forum ID, e-mail, or blog.

The winner will be drawn and announced LIVE on Digiscrap Map on November 1st. Watch this blog for more details. The winner need not be present to win, but it sure would make it fun if you were!

During this live show, you will have the opportunity to link us to a layout of yours, and Hummie will discuss some design principles, and offer layout suggestions. So, mark your calendars for this chat because this will be one you won’t want to miss! Be sure to let all your Digiscrap friends know about it, too!

Seeing through the exterior

Once again, I'm so afraid to blog!

First, I remember the day when no one read my blog and that was no fun. Therefore, I am so thankful that people read and respond!

However, sometimes I sit here in confoundment at the responses.

I am compelled to write because of the responses though. What an irony, huh?

Everyone reads what I write in a different way. It's just like ten people watching the same accident, but each seeing and giving a slightly different take on the account.

Some people take my writings very personal as if I am talking about them. I can't tell you how many times that has happened! Do people always wonder if I am talking about them?

Some people take it as I am talking about something in the digital scrapbooking world when I am actually talking about something in real life or vice versa.

Some people read something very different into the post than what I intended it to mean and are helped by the post anyway. That's always a surprise blessing!

Some people read into my posts that I have problems and begin analyzing how to fix me.

Some people read into my posts that I am always down and always needy. I do need to remember to post more about the good things! It's just that people seem to identify with certain topics and that is what I tend to blog more about. I need to think of a new direction of writings sometimes.

I read an article recently about the different types of people that zap your energy. I couldn't help reading it carefully wondering if I was one of those types of people. I don't want to be a downer to others. I'd rather be inspiring and uplifting!

There are those people that are always in the "poor me" mode. I do hope I am not one of them to any of the readers. I think some may think that this is my intention, but I can assure you it is not.

There are those people where every day there is some sort of mishap. Oh my. Yeah. Well. I do have my "daily surprises" theme. I think I may be guilty of that one. But in my defense, I do recognize the good surprises along with the bad, so some days it is only a good surprise.

There are those that constantly talk or constantly joke. Well, hmmmm. Yeah, I have been known to talk to much! I am not a jokester though. But I do try my best to be a listener too. I do try.

There are those people who always want you to fix their problems for them. Now, I don't think I fall into this category, but I have been around people who do drain me when they take advantage of my kindness to help them. I want to help, but sometimes the constant request for help can get me down after a period of time, especially when the only time they contact me is to ask for help and never just in friendship. Friendships go two ways!

There are those people who are always finding someone else to blame for every little problem. I am certainly not this person. If anything, I spend too much time knocking myself down and blaming myself! However, I do know what it is like to be around these people who are very critical of others.

There are those people who always find something negative to say about everyone. I do not think I am this person at all, but I certainly know people who are this way and living around them is not fun at all.

Then there are frustrations such as children, disorganization, an unclean home, worries, jealousies, over-committing, spouses, and living up to expectations that bring us down and zap our energy.

It is a wonder any woman, wife, or mother can be bright with all that goes on in our world.

All this and other circumstances this morning really got me thinking about something rather ironic.

There is someone in my social media world that is always down and, in fact, often talking about dying. I try my best to be supportive and lift this person up. I try to be an encourager.

However, I allowed that nasty thought to enter my head today. Yep. I wondered to myself whether this person just liked all the attention gained by always being down about life.

I quickly slapped my self upside the head (figuratively, of course).

So what if this person is writing these things to get attention? What is wrong with someone needing attention and people giving them attention? Where in our society has this idea come from that when someone is needy for a little bit of love and acknowledgment that we shouldn't give them what they need?

Isn't it better for people to come to the surface with their feelings and allow us an opportunity to realize our ways and change them? Yes. For every person out there that needs attention, there are many people whom they come into contact with that do not give them attention. If a person feels lonely; if a person feels as if they do not fit in; if a person feels unworthy of friendship, whose fault is it? It is my fault. It is your fault. It is the fault of every person who has contact and has hurried on by with their busy life and not taken the moment to make a difference in someone's life.

If you want to know the truth about me, please know that I never write these posts because I need attention. That is not what I need and crave in my heart. I never share because I'm broken and you need to fix me.

I write these posts because I need and crave to know that my life is not wasted on this earth and that I can know I have made a difference in the world. That is the truth about what resonates inside of my heart.

So, for all those who take the time to write back after I share a heartfelt post, I personally thank you. Thank you for fulfilling my need to know that I've made a difference for you when I write, even if it is that you know you are not alone in this world and that there are others out there who feel the same way you do.

However, foremost, I thank Jesus for giving me the means to make a difference to others, to serve Him, to glorify Him, and to the Holy Spirit for working in other's hearts.

Go Fish--They Jump Into Our Boats?

Couldn't God have made it easier on these fishermen and had the fish jump right into the boats? Aren't there many congregations who think that way about their own "growth"? If God wants us to grow, God will have the crowds flocking to our doors.

Think about customer service. An employee could simply tell you on what aisle you will you find your desired object. But some employees stop whatever they're doing, walks WITH you, and takes you to the aisle, pointing to the item that you need. Then they ask, "Can I help you find anything else?" What's the difference between accompanying someone vs. just telling them when it comes to evangelism?

In this analogy, we are the employees, not the customers. How many members see themselves as church customers instead of helpful employees, eager to help other people find what they need?

Author Unknown

Making Things Happen (an honest post from my heart)

I'm thinking today about how difficult these days it is to make things happen.

I have ideas and lots of them.

But that's the problem. I have always been the analyzer and every time I analyze, I think until I think up solutions. The solutions are grand ideas. Grand ideas just HAVE to be implemented.

I've always done this to myself. Why? I ask myself.

I was really horrible about it in cub scouts. I always wanted to do so many things for the boys to make scouts a special memory for them and to teach them. A teacher at heart never stops desiring to teach.

However, to make the ideas happen, I have to convince others that the ideas were great. Of course, no one is ever as excited about my idea as I am. Therefore, if I want my ideas to get done, then I end up having to do them myself. Even if I allow others take the ideas, they never seem to be pulled together like the ideas in my own head.

So I am always doing it to myself. I come up with ideas and then I have to implement them. Thereafter, I feel overwhelmed.

In addition, I see another repetitive cycle with trying to make things happen. I see solutions and other people see change. People don't like change. No one wants to get off that well-worn path and try something new. This leads to the complainers. This leads to people who tear me down. Or sometimes they are just too kind to complain, so they just don't say anything, never getting behind me to encourage me, but never saying anything either.

So, the cycle continues on as I continue to push forward with something I feel matters, trying my best to make a go of it, being disappointed in support, only to eventually feel dragged down and depressed as my excitement turns into struggling stress.

Rounding the curve downward, the cycle continues as I tell myself to exercise patience and to never give up. The longer I continue, the more people become used to and begin to accept my efforts, but are now stuck in that pattern of unsupportiveness and afraid to admit they were wrong and admit their change of attitude.

I push until my will to push is beyond the brick wall and falling off the edge. I push until I finally break and scream and holler, "I quit!"

And then, as the end of the cycle closes, I hear more complaints. Why isn't this being done? Whose job was it and why isn't it being done any more? Someone has to fix this and get it done. Whose going to volunteer?

And I think to myself in disbelief. Why didn't you support me when I was willing and motivated to do it? Why does it take me stopping the ideas I've put in place to get anyone to appreciate what I've done and get on board with it? And I cry.

I cry as I watch someone else who once complained about my idea and the change it brought now pick up that idea and take off with it because they feel it matters and needs to be done.

If I've gone through this cycle of trying to make things happen once, I've gone through it hundreds of times. And I do it to myself, so why can't I ever learn?

I am the analyzer. I am the idea person. I am the worker and doer.

I am not a motivator. As much as I try to make things happen and motivate others, it doesn't happen. Maybe I need to find someone gifted in motivating and have them follow by my side for the rest of my life!

The older I get, the more tired I become of trying to make things happen.

I think things are important though. I think things matter. I think things are stuck in my heart. The real question is, I suppose, how can I say 'no' to myself? How can I say 'no' to my own heart?

If there is a small snippet that shows people who I am, this post is a good reflection of that part of me.

I'm whipped, beaten, and pureed trying to make things happen. Why can't I be one of those people who just watches the world go by and breath it in?

NEW! - Designer Partner Program

Are you a designer, and need help with marketing? We have designed a new program where it will be a win-win for both you and for Hummie’s World!

Here’s how it works: Each month, we will feature a designer. The designer will provide a kit that will be given to members of Hummie’s World that complete a set of new challenges in the forum. (We are willing to host the kit or you can provide hosting.) Hummie will be preparing the set of new challenges.

The designer will be featured in the newsletter (give a small freebie for subscribers to the newsletter) and on the blog, Facebook, and Twitter. The designer will be expected to provide a write-up about themselves and their designs, including all links, for the blog post. Of course, sharing a mini-tutorial or helpful article would be welcomed as learning is what Hummie's World is all about!

Designers are welcome to utilize the challenge area of the forum at Hummie's World to create and sponsor their own special challenge.

In turn, we ask that the designer promote Hummie's World via blogging, Facebook, and Twitter.

It’s what we like to call “mutual marketing for free."

If you are interested in being a featured designer, you can contact Dawn (at dawn@digiscrapfun.com) for more detailed information.

We are searching for our first designer partner to be kicked off on November 1, 2010.

Come and Scrap with Us! Class Sign-ups

CLASS RESTRUCTURING AND MIGRATING

We have restructured the course program here at Hummie's World and the new format will go into effect for Course 1, Course 2, and the Template Class on November 1. We will gradually migrate all of the classes to this new format.

Instead of signing up for the class and being in the class for the full term (over a year for Course 2 and Templates!), each course is separated into sets of 20 lessons and each person will be required to sign-up for each set.

Students will be allowed 4 months to complete a set of 20 lessons to earn an icon by their ID in the forum at which time students will sign up for the next set of 20.

At the beginning of each month, you will be e-mailed 5 lessons to complete during that month. Anyone who has not completed their lessons by the beginning of each month will be removed from the class.

You must complete one set before you can sign up for the next set.

Class sign-ups will be available every two months (Nov, Jan, March, May, July, Sept) to begin on the 1st of the month. Therefore, if you become busy with life happenstance (as we all do!) and are dropped from a class, you may always sign up to participate again. We welcome and encourage you to do so as it is always best to pick yourself up and start all over again rather than giving up altogether.

Course 1 consists of 26 lessons and each student will be given four months to complete the lessons as described above; however, this class is still self-paced through an online guide. Sign-ups will be available every two months as with other classes.

Of course, you may always do any lesson at Hummie's World outside of a class experience just by subscribing, but you will not have the opportunity to earn an icon by your name. It's amazing how motivating a simple icon has been for many!

We will be working in the coming days and weeks to get everyone that is currently enrolled in these three courses to the new system. So, if you’re currently participating, you won’t need to worry about signing up again at this point. However, you may be stuck in an in between stage and have fewer lessons to do and we appreciate your patience as we migrate the classes to a less stressful setting for all.


Class sign-ups for Course 1, Course 2, and Template Classes are now ongoing. All three of these classes are for subscribers only. You may sign up in this area of the forum.

Course one is a great place to start, as it has something for both the newbie and seasoned scrapper. You may think that you know all there is to know about PSE, but you'll be surprised when you learn a new thing or two!

Course 2 is arguably one of the most popular features of Hummie’s World. This course currently has 77 video tutorials (and growing), and it will keep you scrapping for at least a year! Each lesson teaches a new technique, and is a great way to get layouts already on your to-do list done, while learning new skills at the same time!

Templates help you get unstuck! Stuck on a layout? Not sure what to do? Let Hummie's templates help you! (hey- that rhymed!) There are currently over 60 templates available and they are free to subscribers. What a great way to be inspired to just get some layouts done.

There are other classes still available for self-paced until we migrate all classes to the new structure. For a list of all available classes, please read the class descriptions.

The Silversmith

Some time ago, a few ladies met to study the scriptures. While reading the third chapter of Malachi, they came upon a remarkable expression in the third verse "And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver" (Malachi 33).

One lady decided to visit a silversmith, and report to the others on what he said about the subject. She went accordingly, and without telling him the reason for her visit, begged the silversmith to tell her about the process of refining silver. After he had fully described it to her, she asked, "Sir, do you sit while the work of refining is going on?"

"Oh, yes ma'am," replied the silversmith; "I must sit and watch the furnace constantly, for, if the time necessary for refining is exceeded in the slightest degree, the silver will be injured."

The lady at once saw the beauty and comfort of the expression, "He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver." God sees it necessary to put His children into the furnace; but His eye is steadily intent on the work of purifying, and His wisdom and love are both engaged in the best manner for us.

Our trials do not come at random, and He will not let us be tested beyond what we can endure.

Before she left, the lady asked one final question, "How do you know when the process is complete?"

"That's quite simple," replied the silversmith. "When I can see my own image in the silver, the refining process is finished."

Author Unknown

Customer Service in 2010

Many of you who watch my tweets know that I attended the Make a Difference Conference recently with Max Lucado, Third Day, Toby Mac, Michael W. Smith, and Jason Grey.

It was an awesome concert! I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

I want to share with you though, a humorous account of customer service in 2010. This is something I never would have dreamed of being possible even a few years ago. I had tweeted with the Show Me Center earlier in the day, the place where the event was held.

Not being one to like standing in line to use the bathroom during intermission, I waiting through the intermission and then when the band began playing, got up to go to the restroom. There was no line and, actually, I'm not sure anyone was even in the restroom besides me.

Stupid me did not pay attention before I sat down to realize that there was no toilet paper! As I sat there wondering what to do, the options flickered through my head. I could just sit there for a while and drip dry because I left my purse at my seat with my husband, so there wasn't any options to draw from in my purse. I could try to rip the empty cardboard off the holder and use it. I looked around and everything else seemed hard, cold, and attached.

I decided to call out, "Is anyone out there!"

Gratefully, someone replied. I said, "Um, can I have some toilet paper."

"Sure," she said, as she began knocking on each stall door saying "Are you in this one!?"

Extending my hand out under the front door, awkwardly leaving my position from my seat to tilt at a precarious drip dry position, I waved my hand and said, "I'm in this one."

Toilet paper in hand, I finished my work and was out of there as fast as I could be. Whew!

I proceeded to wash my hands when my helper continued on, "Do you know that when you are in China, you can't go in any bathroom unprepared."

I'm thinking in my head, "Yes, it was very nice of you to help me, but I really am not planning on going to China any time soon."

When I returned to my seat, I recalled my Twitter conversation earlier in the day and an idea hit me.

I decided to let the Show Me Center know that there was no toilet paper in the bathroom!

Twenty-nine minutes later, they read my post and replied! Hopefully, someone went to fix the problem immediately. Of course, I was laughing inside as I imagined their reaction to reading my post.

Yep, there you have it folks! Customer service in 2010!

In addition, I have had problems recently with my internet service provider and they have been watching my tweets closely, responding quickly after I complain. However, that's another very long blog post maybe for another day, maybe not. It depends on if my internet goes out again.

I always wonder what the world will have to offer next. I never would have imagined customer service through something like Twitter. What will come next?

Designer Color Challenge - Come join us!

Did you see? We have our first contribution to the Designer Color Challenge and it's awesome!

The answer is "yes!" .....you can participate and contribute too!