Writing Shorts With Christina Katz

When I signed up for one Christina Katz’s (a.k.a. Writer Mama) classes, I knew I’d be challenged. I was right. After 4 years of waiting, the time had finally arrived to be a student. If you need a push– a loving, really firm, push…she is the coach for you. I needed the coaching, and even though it has been challenging, the process has been invaluable. Writing is hard work. Misery and Euphoria partner to create words worth reading. Sometimes it comes easy, mostly it is heavy on the hard work. But the end? Oh, the end! Deep, soul satisfying, peace giving, delight. The joy of creating captivating words is an honor and a gift.

Dreamed of a writing life but unsure how to start? Check her out, you won’t be disappointed. If you don’t have the time/resources to commit to a full-on class I would recommend one of her books to you. Take the step you can now. Then, keep on stepping. I’ll see you on the road…

http://christinakatz.com/

 

 

Easy Tips For Better Pictures

I’m not an expert photographer (yet!) but have picked up a few tips over the years that have dramatically improved the pictures I take. By changing a few simple things, with any camera you can take better pictures. Let’s use this one as an example of what went wrong.

1)  The angle is too high 2) There is too much clutter in the foreground that is irrelevant to the scene 3) The camera wasn’t focused

This scene wasn’t captured well, because there wasn’t enough thought given to the main focus…the kids and their interaction. Let’s look at another one,

This is taken with an inexpensive point and shoot but still a big improvement. I see two big reasons:

1) The subject is centered with an even amount of space in the front and rear 2) There is enough of the playground equipment to capture the essence, but not so much as to distract from the child 

Lastly, these shots represent what a difference angles make. Remember the first picture, too high of an angle? Coming down directly above, or slightly to the side of the subject creates strong visual impact.

Experiment! Digital cameras open up a cost-free way to explore our creativity without having to purchase all the mistakes. Your skill level will continue to improve, along with your pictures. Any tips you’d like to share? 

Cheap Art Supplies for Art Journals

This year one of my goals is to create an art journal. You must check out the links below to these ladies sites, they are bound to inspire you as well. I do not consider myself an artist, yet am definitely artistic. That said, I also believe we are all capable of creating beautiful things. The cost of art supplies can be prohibitive, and thankfully Michael’s is coming to the rescue. Each of these items are part of their $4.99 collection. Perhaps if you are beginning from scratch, one thing at a time is within your budget. If not, use what you have!  I’ll post my creation for all to see if you’ll promise to reach outside of your comfort zone along with me. And, if you’d like to share, I’ll post your work as well! Sometimes getting started is the hardest part. Remember, if you are inspired by someone’s work, mimic it! Many great artistic souls learned their craft by copying the masters. If you have a great place YOU find encouragement for art, come post the link!

http://www.karenika.com/archives/20351

http://marthalever.blogspot.com/

http://balzerdesigns.typepad.com/balzer_designs/2011/10/30-days-in-your-journal-what-do-i-need.html

Here is a video to get you started, and youtube has TONS of others  http://balzerdesigns.typepad.com/balzer_designs/2010/08/hand-lettering-for-your-art-journal.html

 

 

 

Happy New App!

It feels a bit silly to be so excited to learn how to download and use an app…but there you are. My technically challenged side is revealed. I did learn of two new apps to use on your smartphone or good ol’ online versions.  Now before you tune this out, as another “healthy” new year tip ( I wouldn’t do that to you, really)… even a jaded health pursuer like myself has fallen. Hard.

It isn’t even that these are FREE, although that does sweeten the idea of healthy living slightly, they are very cool. Check them out, be my friend if you’d like to travel together.  Daily mile tracks all your fitness progress and can even track where you are. For example, I am in a hotel as I write this. I typed in the address and it instantly mapped out my choices. Clicking anywhere on the map routes your mileage. A-maz-ing.   Loseit! is sort of like Weight Watchers (except totally free and no counting). You can just type in what you are eating and it tracks your calories, fiber, etc. If you use a smartphone, you can even scan the barcodes on products and it enters the numbers for you.

This is a no pressure year for me.  A year to be healthier, stronger and smarter about my body.

Come join in Cathy Zielske’s class at Bigpictureclasses.com called Move More, Eat Well if you want to have your little health world rocked.

http://www.dailymile.com/

http://www.loseit.com

http://www.bigpictureclasses.com/movemoreeatwell.php

No-Sew Ribbon Rosette Tutorial

After seeing my girl enthusiastically working on a new project, I HAD to share the site where she was inspired. Could list out the designs, but couldn’t do it nearly as well as Cute As a Fox blog http://www.cuteasafox.com/2010/03/no-sew-ribbon-rosette-tutorial.html

Here is girl’s version, and go check out the instructions and try this look for yourself. It was a little tricky to get started but then flew by and had great results…