Improve....

Most people want to change the world to improve their lives.

What a wasted effort.

If they would improve themselves, they would be better off and so would the world.

Make a resolution this year to improve yourself.

Filmstrip Freebie

I made these filmstrips for the designer and elements classes. As always, I share them on my blog as a freebie for a short while, then they can always be found in the subscriber area ($5.50 a month).

Download

Classes Beginning January 1, 2011

Classes for both subscribers and for all

We have several classes beginning on January 1st that we'd like to invite you to join.

For more information on each of the classes, please see this page.

Course 1 has something for everyone! From the beginner scrapper to the most seasoned, everyone will learn something new!! You can sign up for this class here (Subscriber class).

Arguably the most popular class here at Hummie's World, you will learn MANY techniques and tips in course 2! You can sign up for this class here (Subscriber class).

In a scrapping rut? Or just need to get some layouts done? This class currently has over 60 templates for you to use! You can sign up for this class here (Subscriber class).

Get to know all the filters in PSE (or Photoshop) and use them in your layouts! You can sign up for this class here (Subscriber class).

Another great class to take if you're in need of some mojo to scrap! You can sign up for this class here (open to everyone).

Make a heritage book for yourself or a family member! You can sign up for the class here (open to everyone).

Use these one word themes for inspiration to get some layouts done! You can sign up for the class here (open to everyone).

A Layout Re-Do

April has just finished Course 1 (learning digital scrapbooking) and I thought she did an excellent work on the design principle lesson in re-doing her layout with my suggestions

I love this lesson and watching people learn. Occassionally I ask permisison to share their before and after on the blog for others to learn and April was so gracious to say 'yes.'

Here is her first submission.


Here are my suggestions to her:

1. contrast - The contrast of the brown and white from the matting on the focal photo is great to make that photo pop. If you look at the supporting photo, it has no matting under it and it is struggling to get attention. I would suggest putting a brown border and then putting a white border on that photo too. You don't need a fancy frame, just need borders (edit/stroke) or mats.

2. size - The size of your photos are good to keep the visual weight on them. The size of the title competes just ever so slightly with the photo. It could be a tad smaller.

3. color - Color is also working against you on the title (the word thankful) because it is such a dark brown and it is no where else on the layout. It is a pleasing color and close to the brown in the frame, but the general rule is to try to use a color in three places (in a triangle, whether lopsided triangle or not, just three different locations). I wouldn't try to pull another color from somewhere else because that would make the mat be the only place with brown. I would lighten the brown every so slightly to match the brown of the frame and then add something else that is the same color to make "three places of brown." It could be something as simple as a brad holding down one of the leaves above the focal photo.

While we are looking at the rule of thirds, you have 4 leaves. Yes, 3 are grouped together so they are almost okay as they are, but I would suggest removing one of them at the top to make 3 leaves total or adding 2 more leaves to make 6. You could tuck two somewhere under the title even. They may be a tad large taking focal weight from the photo also....they are close to being okay.

4. shape - not applicable.

5. texture - you have some texture on the orange printed paper, but have used it in a limited way, so it is fine.

6. isolation - not applicable.

7. value - not applicable.

8. balance - almost "too" balanced. It's good what you have going on, and putting the title at the bottom is a good thing to help to make it bottom weighted, as well as putting the focal photo at the bottom. What would happen if you would lower the top photo to have it have a small spot of it underneath the focal photo? That would leave a lot of space at the top and the isolation technique might work some. In addition, your "white space" aka "negative space" is broken up into two spots now. By lowering that photo, it would bring the two spaces together to work like one element. Lowering it would also give you reason to make the leaves smaller so they fit in there.

You are doing well with grounding everything by having everything touch something that touches the edges.

The way my eye flows now is to start at the top photo, flow down through the leaves to the bottom photo, however, the title has the most focal weight so my eye keep popping over there and then popping back to the flow from the top....does that make sense? It's struggling a bit. The better would be for the eye to start with the focal photo and flow upwards through the leaves.

Very good work!


And here is her layout after following the suggestions. Didn't she just do an excellent work?

April said:
I added a brown and tan mat around the top picture, which once you pointed it out to me it was so obvious that it needed a mat also. After adding the mat I needed to make it a bit smaller so that it wasn't as large as the focal picture at the bottom. I lowered the picture to rest just behind the other picture and made it just a bit smaller.

I added more leaves to keep in line with the rule of threes. I also changed the font color to match the other brown in the mat and added the cream boarder to it as well.

I placed a paperclip on the top photo so I could have the three browns in the LO. I also found that I needed to add one more set of berries behind the pictures so that I could keep with the rule of three's as well.

I really liked the finished product much more than the first. There is so much to remember here that I hope I can do better. I find that I tend to make my LO very balanced. This was so good and I learned a lot. Thanks for your advice.

What are your New Year's resolutions?

Here are some simple rules you may wish to follow in making yours.
Make no resolutions having anything to do with losing or gaining weight.
Make no resolutions having anything to do with smoking.
Make no resolutions having anything to do with buying things.
Make it spiritually oriented.
Make it involve relationships with others.
Make it deal with lifestyle changes.
Make it something you have been meaning to do for some time.
Share it with someone that will hold you accountable.

Author Unknown

Hub-E Blogs Again!

My hubby told me today that he wanted to start blogging again.

Years ago, I took a long time to set up a blog for him and then he never used it, so eventually we deleted it.

I told him that this time I would just give him permissions to post on my blog.

So, please pay attention to the "Post by:" which I have added under the titles to this blog. Otherwise, you may think I'm a dual personality!

His posts will also be under the "oldguycomedy" label, which matches his Twitter ID.

However, from his old blog, his Blogger ID is "Rambler," which has something to do with a car.

Hubby mentioned something about writing lyrics again and sharing them, but we shall have to wait and see.

The Canticle of the Turning

I had never heard this song before today and instantly was drawn to the lyrics.

The Canticle of Turning is to the tune of Orthodox Celts - Star Of The County Down, which I have never heard of either, but appears to be Belgrade's most popular Irish & Celtic music band! That's interesting to me as I have heritage from the Belgrade, Ireland area.

The lyrics and arrangement are by Rory Cooney (based on the Magnificat, Luke 1:39-56). The version below embeded was sung by Gary Daigle, Rory Cooney & Theresa Donohoo.

I hope you enjoy this video of The Canticle of the Turning with lyrics. I have included the lyrics below.




1. My soul cries out with a joyful shout
that the God of my heart is great,
And my spirit sings of the wondrous things
that you bring to the ones who wait.
You fixed your sight on your servant's plight,
and my weakness you did not spurn,
So from east to west shall my name be blest.
Could the world be about to turn?

Refrain
My heart shall sing of the day you bring.
Let the fires of your justice burn.
Wipe away all tears, for the dawn draws near,
and the world is about to turn!

2. Though I am small, my God, my all,
you work great things in me,
And your mercy will last from the depths of the past
to the end of the age to be.
Your very name puts the proud to shame,
and to those who would for you yearn,
You will show your might, put the strong to flight,
for the world is about to turn.

3. From the halls of power to the fortress tower,
not a stone will be left on stone.
Let the king beware for your justice tears
ev'ry tyrant from his throne.
The hungry poor shall weep no more,
for the food they can never earn;
There are tables spread, ev'ry mouth be fed,
for the world is about to turn.

4. Though the nations rage from age to age,
we remember who holds us fast:
God's mercy must deliver us
from the conqueror's crushing grasp.
This saving word that our forebears heard
is the promise which holds us bound,
'Til the spear and rod can be crushed by God,
who is turning the world around.

Biscotti

Hubby and I enjoy the biscotti when I make it, but the boys do not.

I find that most people would rather skip it, but I love to dip it in hot tea or hot chocolate.

There's something relaxing about a hot drink and good sweets.

It's a down moment of relaxation with nothing other to distract me than to take in the tastes and smells, especially if I'm trying out a new fragrant tea, or even the smell of good 'ol black tea.

It's even better as "tea for two."


Kit used: Lindsey Jane "Cooked to Perfection"

jiber-jaber

I would like to escape but the key on my computer doesn't seem to work. How disappointing!

I was planning my trip to Hawaii in my mind. I was going 5-0 like Magarret! :0)! What boy doesn't want a new Chevy Camaro to drive on the "big" island?

Today I am testing out my blogging prowess to see if I can do more than type like a turtle! :0) Yes! I am gaining on the turtle! lol Watching that Nascar on T.V. has paid off!

Oh that reminds me whenever we get mad at someone, I mean why do we "throw them under the bus" think of the children for crying out loud oh "the humanity"!! lol

And speaking of remotes, that's a silly name (remote) because mine doesn't work unless it's close to the T.V. lol

Ah modern wonders a car that parks itself wow! What happens if there is a glitch and you end up "under the bus"! What will you tell the children!!! lol

'til next time, read with a vengeance!!!

Keep Letting Go - My 2011 Theme

Christmas is always very hard on me.

The theme for me seems to be "Christmas is the day where I am reminded that no one loves me but God."

The more I read online, the more I know and understand that there are many people in this world that have hurts and pains through the holidays just as I do. In a small way, that is comforting to know that I am not alone.

I'm often afraid to blog about my real life. I'm afraid because some people judge me as "needing help" and try to counsel me or tell me I need a counselor. I'm afraid that it isn't very "business professional" and would turn people away from subscribing to learn digital scrapbooking." I'm afraid of what others might think of me. I have to get over that low self-esteem thing all the time. I'm afraid that people will misread what I write because I do not give details in such a public venue. I'm afraid people will misread and think I am talking about them when I am not. All of these things have happened in the past.

However, I find God pulling me and tugging me to blog about real life me. I especially feel this when I know that other people may be needing to know that they are not alone in their problems and if I don't blog, others won't be comforted. I am not sure how God wants to use me, but I feel Him saying to me "type your thoughts for there are people who need to read them."

I try very hard to stay positive. I did fairly well this year until nearing the end of the day on Christmas Day. The yearly break-down happened and happened hard.

Today is the day after. Healing always begins on the day after.

The day after is always a new beginning, a new day to focus with a new attitude, a new day to find a new way to grow in Christ.

This morning I feel God telling me "keep letting go."

I've been for years focusing on this theme, but I hadn't realized that it was actually a theme until this morning.

I've been letting go of all of my hurts and pains in the past years, even if that means moving away from those who are causing me the pain. I just need a break from them so that I can let go of this pain.

The theme yesterday for everyone seemed to be "I just want someone to love me" and with everyone saying the same thing, why is it so hard for everyone to get together and just love each other. It is so "disconjointed."

In typing that word "disconjointed," I recalled that I've tried to type it before and the dictionary tells me it is not a word, yet it has always been in my vocabulary. I find "conjoined" means unity. "Disconjoined" would mean that there is no unity, but it is not in the dictionary either. "Conjoint" means "joined together," so surely disconjointed must be a form of this word meaning things not joined together.

With so many people hurting and wanting to be loved, why is it so hard for those people to be joined together. Could it be that "hurt people, hurt people?" Once you are a hurt soul, you are in a spiral downward cycle of passing on your hurts to others?

I think part of the problem is that hurt people feel they have to love the people that hurt them because it is the right thing to do. Loving people because you have to love people is so much different than what Christ would have us do. Christ would have us accept their flaws and find a way to love them as they are -- sinful people who don't know how to show they love others. That's "grace." That's what God gives us in His love. He forgives us and loves us regardless of our flaws. He accepts us as we are -- sinful people.

I'm human. It is not as easy for me to "keep letting go" all of these hurts and pains that bottle up my emotions, especially when things and people in my life bring back those pains and memories. Yes, I tell myself and I tell God, "I forgive them" and then I am fine and life is good and I am happy until that time when something brings back to mind those pains and hurts and then they all begin flooding back. Does this mean I haven't really forgiven? I don't think so. I don't need to get stuck into feeling bad on myself wondering whether or not I have forgiven.

I accept that I can and have forgiven, but that I am human and memories (both bad and good) cannot just be wiped from my brain like they can from a computer hard drive. As a human, I have emotions and memories trigger them. This doesn't mean that I still feel bitter towards the person causing those bad memories. It just means that I am a child of God who is in need of God, our true loving father, to comfort me and help me.

"Keep letting go," will be my theme for 2011 as I continue to grow closer to God. There are so many tangents this theme could take. I am letting go of my sons as they continue to mature and begin to step out on their own. I am letting go of pains. I am letting go of ideals and the way things should be. I am letting go of traditions and starting new ones. I am letting go of burdens and things that drag me down. I am letting go of worries. I am letting go of all things bad that have snuck into my life.

As long as I always remember to "never let go of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ," and instead turn to Him to help me let go of whatever it is I need to let go of, ask for his direction and wisdom, and follow Him, then I will be okay.

I pray that you too will never let go of the focus on the ONE that can help you through all the yucky stuff that this life holds.

If you are reading this, I pray for you. I pray that you too can hold fast to Your Lord and Savior and that He will guide you into "letting go" of everything that is not in His Will for you. I pray that you are able to focus on the things that you ♥ and revel in the joys of this world, as well as the true "Joy" with a capital J.

Designer Color Challenge Freebies

Wow! I really appreciate the ladies who did the December Designer Color Palette Challenge! It was a nice surprise to read the thread and see the submission. I hope you like what they have provided too. You can find the downloads here.

I like to remember things I ♥.

I like to remember things I ♥.

I saw this on Critty Joy's blog and thought it was a wonderful idea to remember the things I ♥ as we approach the end of 2010.

It is a personal tradition of my own to reflect on the past, and particularly the past year, and remember the blessings God has granted me. With less than a week until the end of the year, what better time than to start reflecting.

I've shared some recent posts about joy. What better way to continue this reflection of joy.

Please join me in sharing what you ♥. Make your list right in the comments here or leave a comment to your own blog post about what you ♥.

♥ snuggly mornings in a comfy bed with my personal heater and my laptop.

♥ hot tea and the warm glass in my hands

♥ friends

♥ our fake fireplace and big screen tv and the warming mood it gives our living room.

♥ wine and traveling to wineries

♥ relaxing cabins overlooking beautiful river views

♥ hiking through God's beautiful earth

♥ teaching and watching people learn

♥ learning and teaching what I learn

♥ God's love

♥ engagement announcements (son ♥ future daughter-in-law)

♥ sons graduating from high school and entering the next stage in life

♥ new water parks and soaking up the sun

♥ sitting at parks and rivers talking and taking photos

♥ watching flowers grow

♥ preserving memories

♥ old photographs and remembering

♥ helping people even if its just a listening ear

♥ the privilege to pray

♥ sharing on my blog

♥ reading comments on my blog and conversations in the forum

♥ being creative

♥ electric blanket in comfy recliner

♥ gym classes

♥ the hot tub at the gym

♥ escaping reality while creating in PSE

♥ weddings and new love

♥ new born babies and pregnancies

♥ capturing moments and freezing them in photos

♥ Christian concerts and music

♥ lights of the fair

♥ researching genealogy

♥ good books that help me grow in the Lord

♥ Friday meal dates with hubby

♥ talking to my Little (Big Brother, Big Sister)

♥ going through old videos as I transfer them to new technology

♥ the newness of snow

♥ giving warm fuzzies and making others feel good

♥ my dog following me around

New Year's Attitude

Looking back and letting go.

...............Looking forward and starting anew.

Digital Scrapbookers Recipe Book

The recipes in this book were contributed by digital scrapbookers across the digital scrapbooking community.

Please feel free to share the link, embed this, or download the .pdf.

Thanks to all who participated!

Merry Christmas!

Open publication - Free publishing - More recipe

To download as a publication, go to the publication on Issuu and click on the download button. I am not sure, but you may need a free account to download.

Chocolate Chip Cookies

Kit Used: Lindsey Jane "Cooked to Perfection"

I sure am having fun taking photos of food!

for our "oatmeal king"

(kit used - "Cookies for Santa" by Flowerscraps)

I haven't baked in so long! I spend way too much time doing things for this website and not doing things for myself and my family. I guess that would make me a work-a-holic.

I had to laugh when I saw this old favorite recipe of our "oatmeal king." That's a long story that needs to be on a journaling page by itself. I thought about putting his name on this recipe card, but everyone in our family knows who it is anyway. Generations from now they might be wondering though!

I've decided to make my recipe cards 5 x 5 and I will continue to share my project as I figure out what I am doing! I've got some ideas though rolling around in my head.

Just waiting

It's going on 1 p.m. here at Hummie's World and the boys are still in bed. I'm playing with my camera taking photos of lights to learn my camera better. Hubby is vacuuming just in case company does really show up.

The breakfast casserole and monkey bread that I made hours earlier and enjoyed by hubby and I together is now getting cold. Cookies, biscotti, marshmallow treats, and m & m's await whoever might come around. Dinner fixings are there awaiting to be cooked.

The small amount of snow that covered the grass last night is melting fast.

There's not much excitement under the tree. Just one big gift, one small gift, and a stuffed stocking for each boy. The fake electric fireplace is warming the room.

And I'm just waiting.

God and Santa Similarities

It is that time of year again. It seems that every mall has its own fat man in a red suit someplace, complete with his own Christmas village and elf-like helper. There is likely to be a red-nosed reindeer somewhere nearby.

The children come up, sit on his lap and regale him with their lists of this years "must have" loot. Some of the children come quite excitedly, and other come in sheer terror, crying and screaming because they don't know who this strange looking man is and don't want to go near him, let alone sit in his lap. The parents try to reassure their frightened children that "It's only Santa."

Some people think that Santa Clause is a harmless Christmas tradition. Others fear that by encouraging Santa we teach our children lies and encourage greed. You can make a good case both ways. Even the whole concept of celebrating Christmas can have a strong case made for it or against it.

Whatever you think of Santa or Christmas, I see a lot of similarity between Santa and our concept of God.

Many people picture God as a bearded, elderly gentleman, in whose arms we can sit and give him our wish list. If we've been good little boys and girls, we'll get our wishes. Others are frightened by Him, and don't want to go anywhere near Him.

The reality is that neither concept of God is complete.

Author Unknown

The Candy Cane

The candy cane has long been a Christmas tradition and was said to have been the creation of a fine Christian candy maker in Indiana. Its sweet peppermint taste has been enjoyed by young and old for years.

The candy maker started with pure white candy to symbolize Jesus' innocence (Heb 4:15) and the holiness of the sinless son of God (1 John 1:7).

The white also shows the virgin birth of Jesus: "The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son..." (Matt 1:23).

He made the candy hard because the church is built on solid rock and God's promises are a firm foundation (Matt 16:18, 1Thess 5:24), and that Jesus is like a "rock", strong and dependable. (Psalm 31:3).

Next the candy maker made the candy in the shape of a 'J' for the name of Jesus who came to earth as our Savior (Matt 1:21, Acts 4:12).

When the candy was turned upside down, it is the shape of the Good Shepherd's staff (John 10:11). "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep".

Finally he stained the candy with red stripes. The color red symbolizes God's love that sent Jesus to give His life for us on the cross (John 3:16).

The large red stripe is for the blood Jesus shed for our sins on the cross (Eph 1:7). "In him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins,in accordance with the riches of God's grace."

The smaller stripes remind of Jesus' suffering and our redemptive healing (John 19: 1-30).

So this Christmas when you and your family hang candy canes on your tree remember that they're not just candy canes. Instead they are a symbol of the true meaning of Christmas, the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ.

Author Unknown

It's Always Sunny In Here - Scrapbook.com Music Video

Isn't this a fun way to wish us a Merry Christmas? I am impressed at the skills and talent scrapbook.com has available.



Here's there 2008 video.


Here's there 2009 video.

When God Was Born - Another cute story told by children

The Christmas Story - as told by the children of St Paul's Church

The Christmas Story by Kids

This is adorable!

Quiet my heart, Lord

Quiet my heart, Lord,
and show me a Christmas
as peaceful and calm as
an old cattle shed...

Slow down my pace, Lord,
and help me seek Jesus,
the Son of Your Love,
in a humble straw bed...

Steady my spirit, Lord,
call me from chaos
in simple surrender
to pray and rejoice...

Breakthrough the busy,
too-bright celebration,
and whisper your message,
"Be still...hear my voice..."

Be still, and know that I am God..."
Psalm 46:10

Author Unknown

Designer Class Shares

The newest designer class has been very busy! I'm so excited for them with their progress through the lessons as the initial lessons are packed with information and the students are progressing really well. The first shares are coming in and I hope that you are able to find them useful.

If you use any of these downloads, even with other products, please upload to the gallery and then use the links under the gallery images to share in the same thread where you found the downloads. It takes a community to encourage one another!

Downloads can be found in the designer class sharing thread in the forum.

Quote Challenge with Flower Scraps

Join us in the forum for a quote challenge by Deanna of Flower Scraps! She has chosen a holiday song that is her favorite.

In reading the lyrics (below) I pulled out several one lines that really touched me. Others are doing the same.

Won't you join us in pulling out one line or a few words that touch you and scrapping a page with them? Come post your favorite line in the forum here.

I found a bunch of youtube videos of this song and am sharing them with you. Sit back, enjoy, listen, and soak it in. Be inspired.



















Oh holy night. The stars are brightly shining
It is the night of the dear Savior's birth!
Long lay the world in sin and error pining
Till he appear'd and the soul felt its worth.
A thrill of hope the weary world rejoices
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn!

Fall on your knees
Oh hear the angel voices
Oh night divine
Oh night when Christ was born
Oh night divine
Oh night divine

Led by the light of Faith serenely beaming
With glowing hearts by His cradle we stand
So led by light of a star sweetly gleaming
Here come the wise men from Orient land
The King of Kings lay thus in lowly manger
In all our trials born to be our friend.
Fall on your knees
Oh hear the angel voices
Oh night divine
Oh night when Christ was born
Oh night divine
Oh night divine

Truly He taught us to love one another
His law is love and His gospel is peace
Chains shall He break for the slave is our brother
And in His name all oppression shall cease
Sweet hymns of joy in grateful chorus raise we,
Let all within us praise His holy name.

Oh hear the angel voices
Oh night divine
Oh night when Christ was born
Oh night divine
Oh night divine

My Christmas Address Book

I have a list of folks I know, all written in a book
And every year when Christmas comes, I go and take a look,
And that is when I realize that these names are a part
Not of the book they are written in, but really of my heart.

For each name stands for someone who has crossed my path sometime,
And in the meeting they've become the rhythm in each rhyme.
And while it sounds fantastic for me to make this claim,
I really feel that I'm composed of each remembered name.

And while you may not be aware of any special link
Just meeting you has changed my life a lot more than you think.
For once I've met somebody, the years cannot erase
The memory of a pleasant word or of a friendly face.

So never think my Christmas cards are just a mere routine
Of names upon a Christmas list, forgotten in between,
For when I send a Christmas card that is addressed to you,
It is because you're on the list that I'm indebted to.

For I am but a total of the many folks I've met,
And you happen to be one of those I prefer not to forget.
And whether I have known you for many years or few,
In some ways you have a part in shaping things I do.

And every year when Christmas comes, I realize anew,
The best gifts life can offer is meeting folks like you.
And may the spirit of Christmas that forever endures
Leave its richest blessings in the hearts of you and yours.

Author Unknown

He Came

Santa just visited me - - see - -

I was busy working when there suddenly before me appeared Santa!

Apparently Santa is really into hygiene.

I won't tell you what else Santa was [or was not] wearing.

Printing on Bags

I saw these printable bags and instructions on this website and thought it was an easy hybrid project that we could use our digital scrapbooking skills to create.

I'm not sure what makes the bags "printable" and wonder if this could be done with sandwich bags that can be purchased in local grocery stores. she has taped down the the flap on the bag temporarily for printing purposes.

I really like the bows and the scalloped edge with holes.

Sometimes The Surprise are Good

I'm always sharing about my "daily surprises," many of which come through my men.

Sometimes they are good surprises though.

After a long day of work, not coming home for lunch, and going straight to holiday shopping, coming home rather late for the first time, I walked in the door to this surprise.


Yep, my son had made mini chocolate cakes and even iced the top and they were so cute! The cell phone pictures don't do them justice.


And the biggest surprise was that he even washed the blender and all the dishes to clean up after himself! I about fell over and fainted! I think hubby and I both stood there in shock for the longest time looking at each other baffled and thinking "who did that?"


They tasted so good too! Of course, we tasted a little love with each bite too.

Wine Trees

I saw these on Etsy and since I like to drink wine (as you all probably know!) I thought it might be a fun idea to start saving my corks from next year and making one of these. I could even mark the corks from each place we visit as a memory keeper. Kind of a cool, simple idea, huh?

God in a Nutshell

The Nativity Story

The inflation of Stocking Stuffers

Ebay just sent me this e-mail entitled "stocking stuffers under $25 + rush shipping!

Since when did stocking stuffers become "under $25?" Let's see. How many stuffers can be put in a stocking? If they are small enough, I might fit 15 into a stocking.

You do that math?

Why the inflation of stocking stuffers? I feel very poor.

The Christmas Tale

Twitter Round-up

Follow me on Twitter to get this first-hand!

Happy clicking!
******
http://tumblr.com/xx812c1ayp @mhandy1 Wow! Says a lot!

that made me laugh out loud! RT @cybersanta @HummieIsMe If you're good, you might get a Hippopatamus. (This was in response to me posting Dawn's video!)

Santa Claus risks health by flying all night, sleep experts warn

Reading e-mail: Apparently men lost their "man up" when birth control was invented so women could work. Give me a break. Read the Bible.

Atomic Cupcake has a $2 sale and a freebie!

Have you seen Cathy Z's make a page

Cool photos in color from the 40's

Beautiful blowing snow in Cape Girardeau! Whooo hooooo!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QE36E6aMX9w Hummie's World's very own Dawn sings to brighten your Christmas Spirit!

I don't like the name of the site, but I find this totally hilarious because I can identify!

Hubby's solution to a dripping faucet. Do you think it will work ?

Sound travels slowly: Sometimes the things you say when your kids are teenagers don't reach them till they're in their 40's!

Dear Santa, I would like a waist for Christmas, since I lost mine somewhere in the seventh month of my last pregnancy.

Where your adhesive on the outside (CD/DVD covers)

This time of year, you'd better hit the breakroom often or you'll miss out! Oh, the snack gifts! Oh wait -- I NEED to miss out on calories

Countdown to Christmas tutorial. Looks easy peasy.

These images are funny! Be sure to click the next page at the bottom.

I think I need a Canon Mug for Christmas! Too Fun http://bit.ly/i2De4h Thanks Crecia27 @ssdtweets for sharing in the forums.

Yes, Cape Girardeau, it is slick out there. Just slipped and fell on my patoosee. Ouch

Did you know that KLOVE has a Christmas music player?

Cool! I found someone close to where I live and she's got some cool freebies

Odd how the Scrooge's fanpage and its negativity ironically reminds me what of what the spirit of Christmas is all about.

Lauraskathi has awesome 25 days of Christmas -- awesome freebies!

Sweetshoppe is having a template free each day! They're awesome!

"A ban on smoking in Cape cannot come fast enough! The so-called "smoking areas" never keep the smoke in that area ..."

Who ordered all this icy frost and cold in Cape Girardeau? Send it back!! http://flic.kr/p/8Zajh9

Praying for my niece and baby Dane who is coming into the world today! December 7, 2010

Wow! RT Cape Girardeau Ponderosa closes: Dec 10, 2010

Claudette found this blog train for us.

Just curious, is your health insurance plan changing to adapt to the new US healthcare laws? Is it hurting you? Dec 6, 2010

Big thanks to whoever listed HW on this page.

Cool, has anyone tried this action xml generator?

o´¯`❄.¸(░)`O.¸¸.¸.o´¯`❄.¸(░)`O.❄。¨¯`*✲ ´*。.❄¨¯`*✲。❄*´*。✲O.¸¸.¸.o´¯`o.¸(░)...

I'm trying to find my super woman cape. I seem to have lost it! Dec 2, 2010

“@johndissauer: ALLIGATOR alert!!! A 5 footer 15 feet away! http://twitpic.com/3c96p2” where us that!?

RelyLocal Interesting. And they created a personal facebook page, rather than a Fanpage. Not good.

http://www.merchantcircle.com has entered into an agreement with Ask.com who owns Bloglines and Bloglines will be reopening it. Nov 30 2010

Is anyone else surprised that Elemental Scraps is closing at the end of the year? Do you remember all that

Tutorial Make Staple Wire

I'm thinking about practicing Christmas light photos (parade tonight) and found this Flickr Group

#thought of the day: Life is a grindstone. But whether it grinds us down or polishes us up depends on us.

Did you know? DSLR = Digital, Single, Lens, Reflex

Found this blog of tutorials and inspiration linked in the gallery. Cool. http://speedscraps.blogspot.com/

Okay, we are off to put up the Christmas tree! It's always fun to share when you put yours up. So? Nov 27, 2010

Got little ones? This ebook has sound! I love it!

assign a hotkey/shortcut to run Photoshop actions

You will remember our shoot from the hip challenge? Janice shared her daughter's try at this. Isn't it cool?!

Meet Hummie: The Chihuahua (giggle) It's not me!

Cool! The iPad can have a keyboard plugged into it. Thanks @chrispirillo

Torn and distressed looking digital paper in the background video by the Scrappin' Guy

Awesome article on Design Emphasis by Debbie Hodge.

There is a thought in your mind right now. The longer you hold on to it, the more you dwell upon it, the more life you give to that thought. Give it enough life, and it will become real. So make sure the thought is indeed a great one

RT @alibony: Photoshop Elements Video - Lesson 38: Wrap a Tape Measure Around an Object

New Blog Post: Photoshop CS3/4 tips SHADOWS by Polkadot Plum

RT @photojojo Shape Your Photos into a Cat, Dog, Boyfriend, Vampire, or Anything Else!

Cute! Take a photo with a real frame in it and then fill the frame digitally!

Great red and pink ribbons at Scrappincop.

This is the Unibind east staple books.

Great hybrid! Dress-up box. Take the digiscrap elements, print, cut, and paste! I still have the dress-up basket from when my boys were little. Not so fancy as this!

God's Christmas Plan

I found this video to be powerful, yet to the point.

The Way Christmas Should Not Be

T'was the night before Christmas
and all through the town
Not a sign of Baby Jesus
was anywhere to be found.

The people were all busy
with Christmas time chores
Like decorating,and baking, and shopping in stores.

No one sang "Away in a manger,no crib for a bed."
Instead, they sang of Santa dressed-up in bright red.

Mama watched Martha Stewart, Papa drank beer from a tap.
As hour upon hour the presents they'd wrap
When what from the T.V. did they suddenly hear?'
Cept an ad.. which told of a big sale at Sears.

So away to the mall they all flew like a flash...
Buying things on credit...and others with cash!

And, as they made their way home
From their trip to the mall, Did they think about Jesus?
Oh, no... not at all.

Their lives were so busy with their Christmas time things
No time to remember Christ Jesus, the King.

There were presents to wrap and cookies to bake.
How could they stop and remember who died for their sake?

To pray to the Savior...they had no time to stop.
Because they needed more time to "Shop til they dropped!"

On Wal-mart! On K-mart!On Target! On Penney's!
On Hallmark! On Zales! A quick lunch at Denny's

From the big stores downtownto the stores at the mall
They would dash away, dash away,and visit them all!

And up on the roof, there arose such a clatter
As grandpa hung icicle lights up on his brand new step ladder.

He hung lights that would flash.
He hung lights that would twirl.
Yet, he never once prayed to Jesus...Light of the World.

Christ's eyes... how they twinkle!
Christ's Spirit... how merry!
Christ's love... how enormous!
All our burdens... He'll carry!
So instead of being busy,overworked, and uptight
Let's put Christ back in
Christmas and enjoy some good nights!

Merry Christmas, my friends!

Author Unknown

How Do I Find Out Who Is Linking To Me?

I have been asked this question many times: How do I find out who is linking to me?

There are many ways to find out who is linking to you, so I will only share a few here for you which I utilize.

Technorati used to be the best way to find how who was linking to you, but it has been down for a long time and I've lost hope in it ever working again. Do not waste your time there.

SEARCH ENGINES

You can find out who is linking to you by going to any search engine and searching for "link:" followed by your site url. Such as "link: blog.hummiesworld.com" try searching for with the "www" and without and with and without the "http://" to see if the results differ. Also try putting a space after "link:" as well as using no space.

Of course, this only works well for blogs and for one page on a website. One would need to put in each page for their site which could be very time consuming. For example, here are results to my blog on Bing. Be sure to try different search engines as each will have different results.

SITEMETER AND GOOGLE ANALYTICS

Sitemeter and Google Analytics are great tools to find who is linking to you.
Please refer to my blog post of May 27, 2008, which includes videos sharing how to use these tools.


YAHOO SITE EXPLORER

Another tool available is Yahoo Site Explorer. Although it only shares with you sites that link to you, not individual blog posts, it is very interesting and worth installing. The cool feature is that it allows you to see who is linking to the blogs that link to you. These blogs would be worth reaching out to in order to establish a relationship. Consider commenting on these blogs or even linking them to your own site.

To add your site, first put the url in the block provided. Remember that if your blog is hosted separately from your site, you will need to add both.


Thereafter, you will need to authenticate your site ownership by either adding a meta tag to the homepage or uploading a verificaton file to your site. For a blogger blog, you would add the meta tag by going to the "edit html" tab under the "design" tab.

After the site is authenticted, click on "inlinks" to see the results of those linking to you.

GOOGLE ALERTS AND GOOGLE BLOG SEARCH

Please read my post from June 25, 2007, regarding how to use Google Alerts and Google Blog Search. I do check Google Blog Search from time to time outside of Google Alerts, but I do get e-mails for Google Alerts and have them routed to a special folder and check them when I have time.

Featured Blog: Digital Creations by Sharon Dale

Today's featured blog is Digital Creations by Sharon Dale. It seems that her name has been familiar to me for as long as I have been digital scrapbooking. When I saw that I was linking in her sidebar as a "learning" site, it made me smile.

She does digital scrapbooking, paper scrapbooking, and hybrid scrapbooking, as well as many other crafts, such as art journaling.

She is certainly one artistic lady and you are sure to find lots of inspiration on her blog.

My Hybrid Wall Change-up

You may recall what I did to my living room wall earlier this year. You can see the blog post here. The idea was that I would change it up often, but I just cannot seem to find the time! I thought it was a good time of the year to make an effort to make a change and we are really enjoying it. The photos are not good -- it looks much better in person.

Okay, so I thought it was this year, but it was November of 2009 that I created that wall! Wow! Does time fly!

I was excited to get to use in this product Deanna's kit which she is offering this month in the forum for you to earn. It's got a lot of great stuff in it and you only need to do 6 challenges to earn it. Won't you join us? The information and list is here.



Deanna is also having this week a progressive scrap on her blog this week. Check it out here. I've never done one of these on a blog before and what a cool concept it is! Basically, you visit her blog each day for the next instruction to apply to your layout. It may take you all week to finish the layout, but it's fun and you might find a freebie along the way! It's sort of like a speed scrap, only much slower! What a twist. You can still join her.

Next week Deanna will be doing a challenge a day counting down to Christmas and each day she will be giving a piece of a kit.

I also used some elements from the Pickleberry Pop kit called Candlyland that you can get free when you spend $10 or more in their shop. Dawn gave me a gift card which allowed me to receive this kit too.

Here's some photos of my project! The photos are not good. They really don't have so much glare on them as in the photos. They actually look great and hubby has commented several times on how much he likes it.

Social Media/Digital Christmas

Here are two fun videos intertwining today's technology to tell the story of Jesus's birth.