tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23297992514247981502024-03-05T22:07:34.022+00:00Secret Life of a Lollipop LadyCreative RamblingsAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01615143797050339276noreply@blogger.comBlogger140125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2329799251424798150.post-74649742476106885322015-06-28T20:34:00.001+01:002015-06-28T20:34:01.575+01:00Daisy Dawg Sprites<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/videoseries?list=PLBg70B324-9wkG-N2swlzRRgY9VE3yaKw" width="425"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01615143797050339276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2329799251424798150.post-21541529855673874022015-01-02T17:45:00.000+00:002015-01-02T17:45:00.116+00:00January is Get Organized Month<p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Big8IO9uAQE/VKWIX-r1l2I/AAAAAAAAEUY/umFthFt27Sg/s1600-h/get_organized_month%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="get_organized_month" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="get_organized_month" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-0rdprWw8yIA/VKWIY9pZLbI/AAAAAAAAEUg/509SoqCj0OQ/get_organized_month_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="606" height="303" /></a></p> <p>Every January for the last 10 years the <a title="National Association of Professional Organizers" href="http://www.napo.net/">National Association of Professional Organizers</a> and it’s member chapters have a real big go at instilling the hearty benefits of organisation and of course the services they offer!  Getting organized can help people with managing time, productivity, managing families, and it makes real sense that successful organization can greatly assist in relieving stress and anxiety. As I said yesterday when discussing <a title="Creativity Month" href="http://kaypatterson.blogspot.com/2015/01/january-is-creativity-month.html">Creativity Month</a> then I was beginning to a assess the added influx of belongings into an tightly packed homestead. I am also starting to feel the need to decide which spelling to use! Do I work with an Anglicised ‘s’ in this word or a ‘z’ – a little confusing as this International Day had not originated in England so it also feels a bit rude to make a change to it!</p> <p>Anyway let’s not get too bogged down in etymology and keep instead to the nub of the gist and instead get organised in January. </p> <p>I know I woke yesterday on the first of the month (and indeed the first day of the year – woo hoo) exceptionally keen on making a great start. Some detritus stuffed surfaces got a clear off and I managed to easily summon up some rubbish to fill up my newly emptied wheelie bin. I also had a Mum like growl at the state of my daughter’s bedroom and gave her a nudge in the direction of relocating the floor! I’m not entirely sure if this wee spree at getting things into basic order was to do with it being the start of the year or whether it was because it was also the first day for a few where I was actually fit to do anything as I was icky for a wee bit. Well whatever the reason it does mean that there isn’t receipts and coupons littering the front of the TV and that’s nice! And there is scope for at least 30 more days of organisation round this place so it could be a busy month!</p> <p>As far as <a title="Project Isabella Graphic Workshop" href="http://projectisabella.com">Project Isabella</a> goes then I need to begin populating <a title="The Library at Project Isabella Graphic Workshop" href="http://projectisabella.com/index.php/library">The Library</a> with articles so a calendar of articles will need to be organised – organized?? </p> <h2>So do you have any strategies for streamlining your home or business and getting organized this month?</h2> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01615143797050339276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2329799251424798150.post-14791354622929821462015-01-02T15:43:00.001+00:002015-01-02T15:43:25.373+00:00How I’m celebrating Science Fiction Day<p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-BPU0YBYCm-Y/VKa8ljD_edI/AAAAAAAAEVA/dM-rAtZWc7g/s1600-h/january2scifi%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="january2scifi" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="january2scifi" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-whgcJiyhb8U/VKa8mrREDQI/AAAAAAAAEVI/REIAVIuzK9Q/january2scifi_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="606" height="303" /></a></p> <p>To celebrate <a title="Science Fiction Day" href="https://www.daysoftheyear.com/days/science-fiction-day/">Science Fiction Day</a> I am going to give a sneak peak at a very small sample of the robots being worked on at <a title="Project Isabella Graphic Workshop" href="http://projectisabella.com">Project Isabella</a> These guys will when completed be in lots of colours and materials and art styles and will be available to be purchased as large individual .png files for artwork and in sequenced .png with run and walk actions for game programming. </p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01615143797050339276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2329799251424798150.post-5988444476430702462015-01-01T16:50:00.001+00:002015-01-01T16:54:47.570+00:00January is Creativity Month<p>Well! Happy New Year – we have made it to 2015. I wish you well and may your year be full of blessings. </p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Izi3HCz3XLg/VKV6tpsyA7I/AAAAAAAAEUA/nERYV0J6xlc/s1600-h/creativity_month%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="creativity_month" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="creativity_month" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoU8C_GungNU9so2UQRHllzaJQTWsSLt0odyQLlIm3tC7GT6J0WPaKi-KcrY78UvlDlwuNYb62IM6cyCWabmKhc-lmWtAssaKbgljupIg8KQTl7tmMv5uWJCXJ3ZVmiBPmOX-_PNAMwBk/?imgmax=800" width="579" height="297" /></a></p> <p>As this year has started I have found myself researching days and months and celebrations. I have always enjoyed these sort of things so now is the time to explore it all a bit more and just see what little gems are out there! Of course I had to start with one that sounds like it represents my own life and work so wholeheartedly. January, The Creativity Month. Yes! At first glance it would seem I have started this one with a blast and have filled my digital hours from the wee hours of this morning with colourful and cute little characters that are in the making for <a title="Project Isabella Graphic Workshop" href="http://projectisabella.com">Project Isabella</a>. Today for many people is probably a day off for many but as I got knocked out over the festive period with a stomach flu thing, then I feel I have had a creative drought and needed to slake my thirst literally and figuratively.</p> <h2>So, January is the International Month of Creativity which was founded by Randall Munson.</h2> <p> It is designed as a month to remind individuals and organisations to make the most of the power of creativity. I know in my own home there is clearly going to be a need be some creativity in finding places for my daughters new possessions without the house reacting something like my own body did over Christmas!</p> <p>For organisations it’s a superb time to have a period of reassessment as this may be the longest period teams have been away from one another over the whole calendar and the distance can help where creativity is concerned. Hopefully on return to business there should be still a smattering of Good Will and most promisingly that new exercise book feeling you had at school – a great time for some fresh thinking and creative ideas to get a look in.  </p> <p>So for <a title="Project Isabella Graphic Workshop" href="http://projectisabella.com">Project Isabella</a> and myself as The Graphic Overlord what do I take from this? Clearly in actually creating and creativity terms, myself and the purr of hard drives here can confirm then I honestly do not stop! But I think the idea is greater than that and this Month of Creativity is about creative thinking and I really do need to make some commitment to one particular aspect of business. Creative thinking needs to be applied to sourcing and working alongside a team to market <a title="Graphics For Schools at Project Isabella" href="http://projectisabella.com/index.php/schools">Graphics For Schools</a> that is a service at <a title="Project Isabella Graphic Workshop" href="http://projectisabella.com">Project Isabella</a>.  So that’s a resolution of sorts from me! </p> <h2> How do you think you will take advantage of International Creativity Month to refocus your attention to creatively improve your business and personal activities?</h2> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01615143797050339276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2329799251424798150.post-62111643946757356342014-09-26T17:47:00.001+01:002014-09-26T22:22:19.823+01:00Here's looking at you kid - Eyes from Filter Forge<p>The Eyes have it. Feel free to download any of these eyes if you can use them in your own work - they are in .jpg format and are on a white square of 300px. I will be making some in .png and .svg for the site over the coming days so there will also be an opportunity to buy more eyes if they are your thing.</p> <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-MfcZ9igWuMs/VCWYHlWJUAI/AAAAAAAAEHI/UfkJqiIGoUk/s1600-h/1%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="1" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" border="0" alt="1" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-UOYVRmkeADw/VCWYIv1ppsI/AAAAAAAAEHQ/Zqx2Fh67dfU/1_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="74" height="74"></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Qd5jlSablR0kezrGHEz-bTJsy-TeyGQO6E2Kb_Mi3xA9Qj8LJVfFiRY-LREEA_NtzOLS3cJEVfXUhKTT5goUDFU1y8YwhTAo1BcPMydSkkq1mJG9JCnY_drXCyPZOWyp5AzMZrGyzis/s1600-h/2%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="2" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" border="0" alt="2" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-DTmiExKYX6Y/VCWYJ0MxKwI/AAAAAAAAEHc/k-mESCYj67A/2_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="74" height="74"></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaWr2StNGlEyij6Uo0RZjo4Iuy2LvmqrZVmcWBkCNhR7Y5RdKrdb6gAbdxul00Fz2VC6ndXFhVoUSYqxQhQ9cSmMBq221m_48np_nABmMmSsWLnNE3zeefjerkgrr-PpJVbqiKdcr4tU4/s1600-h/3%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="3" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" border="0" alt="3" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgheJGsjXvzBg8miMf_9zw8TF3Dalx7VN-ZK9p1F6ZWlCEOteYc4lpw5pDPnO09AZguUElZTpFYAv-V15FCk2kITHeQeBvrnrklm8AEMZhqHNGwiCOlraR6e53efsajM0m65me2glAdPnU/?imgmax=800" width="74" height="74"></a> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qW6xpN9d1Ek/VCWYPDWWwjI/AAAAAAAAEH4/N80xqaSodjI/s1600-h/4%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="4" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" border="0" alt="4" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-2fdc9uV3xko/VCWYPl4cD-I/AAAAAAAAEH8/Prd-DCrWLYg/4_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="74" height="74"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-1numpycdB2A/VCWYQDOo64I/AAAAAAAAEII/f2fgbMtdGSU/s1600-h/5%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="5" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" border="0" alt="5" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-qvDxzVD5Mjs/VCWYRp2MSlI/AAAAAAAAEIM/Sh9DYJ4xYiU/5_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="74" height="74"></a> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXYYTsqgSLfrfoVDOODZAUmuJZp7jTtSf2GJFnu4eNQdIJEtTrW2JQJKJxoWIw2cQXMRdmPLA6CS-vWOHGrKSEAjfThIg7x4yLX9SktV_xtH9EB0G3AcPF_TTTjvCqER6BQA667nZDxb8/s1600-h/6%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="6" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" border="0" alt="6" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-ezEBbsdvCnI/VCWYTn12MnI/AAAAAAAAEIg/DcWtwBJjGhg/6_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="74" height="74"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-gJkIewKyI8Y/VCWYULMrjiI/AAAAAAAAEIk/SzIvvoW0an4/s1600-h/7%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="7" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" border="0" alt="7" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-NNrqj0q_TSE/VCWYU3-jaaI/AAAAAAAAEIw/K0FVc8x0UVo/7_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="74" height="74"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-uoV5uH49KCw/VCWYVjA6f0I/AAAAAAAAEI0/Nytr80Vb-gc/s1600-h/8%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="8" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" border="0" alt="8" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-CdhoGQsUwwE/VCWYWAjbIqI/AAAAAAAAEJA/-42g9xAQS30/8_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="74" height="74"></a> <a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-QdTbIzj4n2k/VCWYW0RIPyI/AAAAAAAAEJE/Farc-QNJzUs/s1600-h/9%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="9" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" border="0" alt="9" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIrubbYlR1Whfe2g7a90bBdPIZ8hN8mmoIyFbcZ5Ug5DWyZ2UM_dg0nJ5ewYXi9L3FNHLR1gvZmNJakMcrVzlqInhRSptNPXo8d1RnFmHl2Hn9c_WG9RJOpi-KO7i0pi2H5zx6aQHLmnU/?imgmax=800" width="74" height="74"></a> <a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-TjVHx1MgnzE/VCWYbT6sg6I/AAAAAAAAEJY/2RGRyswoR1o/s1600-h/10%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="10" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" border="0" alt="10" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAqd4hB6Pr4md3eCvWw77PyBbBXiVCOZraZXSe4OJppHz8RSdtO9nq1JVCliapp0fl7xydwYR9qKgvRike_dtOJCyqfjJoNqD-j1fw9jvUREXGB-vIMN-inls2i0y9Tk2ZOfVn4HgfeH0/?imgmax=800" width="74" height="74"></a> <a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Hj0o8ZVUqSs/VCWYcwvVwQI/AAAAAAAAEJo/H47n6mY6LS8/s1600-h/11%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="11" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" border="0" alt="11" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-DhQwCUYzgeM/VCWYd-LS7TI/AAAAAAAAEJs/WryPU6uY69Q/11_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="74" height="74"></a> </p> <p>I am a huge fan of <a href="http://www.filterforge.com/?affiliateid=200075638" target="_blank">Filter Forge</a> and I have blogged on this subject a number of times, in fact I used to run a dedicated blog on the subject but now I spend too much time actually using it to dedicate my time to blogging on the subject all the time. Having said that I'd like to boost my <a href="http://projectisabella.com/index.php/schools/item/1323-benefits-of-the-make-snake">Make Snake Policy</a> over at <a href="http://projectisabella.com" target="_blank">Project Isabella Graphic Workshop</a> by adding the odd post or two regarding some of the creation processes that I go through to develop characters, clipart and graphics. </p> <p>So last week I put a lot of hard work into developing little characters with walk motions for <a href="http://scratch.mit.edu/users/blurtsmum/" target="_blank">Scratch</a> and other programming tools and I'll be going into more detail about that next week but I needed some eyes. So this is an ideal opportunity to get searching the <a href="http://www.filterforge.com/?affiliateid=200075638" target="_blank">Filter Forge</a> Library (not that I need an excuse!) and see what I could find. This filter at the moment strikes me as the most suitable. It is a filter called <a href="https://www.filterforge.com/filters/7380.html?affiliateid=200075638">Cartoon Eyes</a> by Redcap submitted in 2009 and I will no doubt be giving it some hammering over the weekend. I did tweak the original and removed an option called "Diminish Eye Size" as I didn't need my eyes diminished. Keep an Eye (oops a pun) on the <a href="http://www.filterforge.com/?affiliateid=200075638" target="_blank">Filter Forge</a> website at the moment they keep having absolutely mad sale reductions on the price of the software which can be bought outright or as a subscription.</p> <p>Next week I'll let put together a post on how these eyes get used.</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01615143797050339276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2329799251424798150.post-37305542150662015202014-09-25T08:00:00.000+01:002014-09-26T22:22:55.440+01:00Stegosaurus in the night with moon and stars<p><a href="http://www.zazzle.com/stegosaurus_in_the_night_with_moon_and_stars_hat-148353324711031239" target="_blank"></p></a><img title="image" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="image" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-iLqYP4aHFpY/VCL-h3zo7DI/AAAAAAAAEF4/AL0Z1Kv4KoY/image%25255B6%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="317" height="323"></a> <p></p> <p>Having recently sold a stegosaurus hat on <a href="http://www.zazzle.com/blurtsmum">Zazzle</a> I was actually really pleased and flattered as there are some great designs by some other folk on there in the same theme and I thought I'd spend a bit of time sharing those too.</p> <p><a href="http://www.zazzle.com/addicted_to_dinosaurs_disorder_trucker_hats-148742967123047187?rf=238625747281884164"><img title="ADD" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" border="0" alt="ADD" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-qcSdtOUMh_k/VCL-itOlrLI/AAAAAAAAEF8/VQ1IUKzQBmw/ADD%25255B4%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="174" height="194"></a> <a href="http://www.zazzle.com/baseball_cap_stegosaurus_dinosaur_hat-148685536558333001?rf=238625747281884164"><img title="baseball" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" border="0" alt="baseball" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-3A0uaSPf_Ss/VCL-jKRK5gI/AAAAAAAAEGI/huP6blPKhf8/baseball%25255B4%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="174" height="194"></a> <a href="http://www.zazzle.com/baseball_cap_stegosaurus_cartoon_dinosaur_hat-148839540984547053?rf=238625747281884164"><img title="cartoon" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" border="0" alt="cartoon" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/--8g6FMRzX0E/VCL-j6KFpZI/AAAAAAAAEGM/-EDezriiKso/cartoon%25255B4%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="174" height="194"></a> <a href="http://www.zazzle.com/cute_dinosaur_stegosaurus_trucker_hats-148254438348560288?rf=238625747281884164"><img title="cute" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" border="0" alt="cute" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-4hnR3ckDeKU/VCL-kJVx8-I/AAAAAAAAEGU/wmdOeyglwfE/cute%25255B4%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="174" height="194"></a> <a href="http://www.zazzle.com/dinosaur_hat_stegosaurus_gregory_paul-148171801205284889?rf=238625747281884164"><img title="greg" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" border="0" alt="greg" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Ssl2RyWd3dw/VCL-kqQMI6I/AAAAAAAAEGc/m9qI5YMPlxA/greg%25255B4%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="174" height="194"></a> <a href="http://www.zazzle.com/kids_dinosaur_stegosaurus_illustrated_hat-148033576872544045?rf=238625747281884164"><img title="kids" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" border="0" alt="kids" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-rBlQhFW5sIE/VCL-lLPowrI/AAAAAAAAEGo/Uu5eI6oehfQ/kids%25255B4%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="174" height="194"></a> <a href="http://www.zazzle.com/rawr_means_i_love_you_in_dinosaur_stegosaurus_hat-148051244073348253?rf=238625747281884164"><img title="rawr" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" border="0" alt="rawr" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmdZit0V2TVTisplQWfe_h2m1ybP06Wt-iqkV3zC_GX0iB-UbvGShEohORMqAhPOmk9ZHLf1BWWLu1_iU1Y5hJPn8byYrRnNluNycTTk2kv7-RqhlNpk_X8QX5ahN6ZbaunJ5fUXvXCpo/?imgmax=800" width="174" align="left" height="194"></a> <a href="http://www.zazzle.com/dinosaur_stegosaurus_hats-148714726725236923?rf=238625747281884164"><img title="stegsill" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; margin-left: 0px; display: inline; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: 0px" border="0" alt="stegsill" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-NpE9iBjNrB4/VCL-mMdDqaI/AAAAAAAAEG0/91E2Cj8zDCQ/stegsill%25255B9%25255D.png?imgmax=800" width="174" align="left" height="194"></a></p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01615143797050339276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2329799251424798150.post-85505571862221684782014-09-24T15:49:00.000+01:002014-09-26T22:24:40.927+01:00Alice In The Maze - Scratch Project<p>I have been testing out a new character with animated poses - a little preview of Alice here at <a href="http://scratch.mit.edu/users/blurtsmum/" target="_blank">Scratch</a></p><iframe height="402" src="http://scratch.mit.edu/projects/embed/27160412/?autostart=false" frameborder="0" width="485" allowtransparency allowfullscreen></iframe> <p>Alice is a vivacious blonde that has been developed with a swinging walk and a lively run. She has a number of outfits that are bright and some of them work to a defined palette to make your design processes smoother. These will be added to <a href="http://projectisabella.com" target="_blank">Project Isabella Graphic Workshop</a> next week.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3-8L27MWiCSbqG_OksQOF3vf5AT1KV0OYuSPTegQbvcrFuHkA4790RIUNKL3J6Xfx3U4kDzrdAlTe5VTXQV606u8-dWAn4nIthhaaxVmodaPXad4Q6Bo1fhET4R8JkhzcJ3GhDuwMsu0/s1600-h/introducing%252520alice%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="introducing alice" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="introducing alice" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MJxLBwfFe64/VCLPtXAIPzI/AAAAAAAAEFo/X_iMKEThDVc/introducing%252520alice_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="604" height="323"></a></p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01615143797050339276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2329799251424798150.post-24768154720083176862014-09-24T14:37:00.001+01:002014-09-26T22:25:13.476+01:00Change My Name<p>Although I can hardly say</p> <blockquote> <p>Everywhere I went people knew my name<br>Written on my face were the scars of fame</p></blockquote> <p>quote Trading Yesterday - Change My Name <p><a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-Pa5-YqKw7As/VCLJFtckEnI/AAAAAAAAEFI/3I13M3u_5eA/s1600-h/changemyname%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="changemyname" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; margin-left: auto; display: block; border-top-width: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="changemyname" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRaYe4yCvtSZ2V8GS4topkzCVHwwkU30vBPGBKpWX1XMMWZ5kiNMw55wPvz0hVRL-usTr0Sl4pmEemTwfv39DmFYAXe89W5LAPfxJ2jJVxjDgcNuwJy69dgxPQfc_py3Fq-v05YMplZig/?imgmax=800" width="371" height="199"></a> <p>I did think it was maybe time to change the blogs name to something that suited me and the thing I get up to a little better. <p>So "Impromptu Art" has now been renamed "The Secret Life of a Lollipop Lady" where I get to describe all the things I get up to creatively to learn and develop my business <a href="http://projectisabella.com" target="_blank">Project Isabella Graphic Workshop</a> </p> <p>I have some posts lined up regarding activities on <a href="http://scratch.mit.edu/users/blurtsmum/" target="_blank">Scratch</a> the fun I am still having with <a href="http://www.filterforge.com/?affiliateid=200087076" target="_blank">Filter Forge</a> and <a href="http://www.anrdoezrs.net/click-7121631-10652706" target="_blank">Carrara</a> and all this to proof to the new small children at the crossing that I don't actually stand there all day!</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01615143797050339276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2329799251424798150.post-15617435334329733352014-05-22T14:33:00.001+01:002014-05-22T14:36:41.537+01:00Why I develop graphics that can be used in Scratch.Years ago I travelled the world as a Software Engineer. For many the exciting aspect of that phrase would be the idea of visiting beautiful cities in Europe, visiting Australia repeatedly and traveling around America. For me however my passion truly lay in the coding and problem solving. I actually happened on programming and the fact that I had a brain for logic after completing a Theology degree. A training course was offered after an IQ test. I was the only girl on the course. I think I surprised my family as I was a day dreaming novel reader, perhaps the term woolly headed and flibberty jibbet may even have been applied. But then that's family for you!<br />
For me I would love to know that every child has the opportunity to learn programming in schools. There are cost effective ways that children of all ages can be introduced. Some of the articles below work through many of the, I have over the last 2 years worked with my own daughter in a couple of environments - <a href="http://www.kodugamelab.com/">Kodu</a> so far has been her favourite and was particularly useful as she really struggles in her reading. The commands are developed with images but the overall environment is good looking and fun.<br />
My daughter was quite delighted on the occasions when she solved problems in the coding, she displayed a natural talent and it has given me great joy to watch her work. This half term I will be working alongside her in <a href="http://scratch.mit.edu/">Scratch</a> to see how she gets on there. She is excited to know she can use the graphics from Project Isabella and I am looking forward to the holidays.<br />
I would love to encourage children, parents and teachers to give at least one of the methods for introducing programming for children a go and if developing pretty graphics that support systems such as <a href="http://scratch.mit.edu/">Scratch</a> helps, then that would make my me so happy!<br />
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So that's why the SVG graphics at <a href="http://projectisabella.com/">Project Isabella</a> contain a snippet like this.<br />
<h2 -webkit-text-stroke-width:="" 0px="" 101="" 92="" color:="" font-style:="" font-variant:="" letter-spacing:="" new="" none="" normal="" rgb="" roman="" serif="" start="" style="font-family: Georgia,; font-size: 36px; font-weight: normal; line-height: 36px; margin-bottom: 15px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 25px;" text-align:="" text-indent:="" text-transform:="" times="" white-space:="" word-spacing:="">
Use our graphics with Scratch</h2>
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<a href="http://scratch.mit.edu/" style="color: #98b800; text-decoration: none;" title="Scratch"><img align="left" alt="Scratch Programming from MIT" src="http://www.projectisabella.com/images/pagegraphics/faq/scratch.png" style="border: 0px;" title="Scratch Programming from MIT" /></a></div>
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Scratch is a project of the Lifelong Kindergarten group at the MIT Media Lab. It is available for free at <a href="http://scratch.mit.edu/" style="color: #98b800; text-decoration: none;"> </a><a href="http://scratch.mit.edu/" style="color: #98b800; text-decoration: none;"> </a><a href="http://scratch.mit.edu/" style="color: #98b800; text-decoration: none;"> </a><a href="http://scratch.mit.edu/" style="color: #98b800; text-decoration: none;"> </a><a href="http://scratch.mit.edu/" style="color: #98b800; text-decoration: none;"> </a><a href="http://scratch.mit.edu/" style="color: #98b800; text-decoration: none;">http://scratch.mit.edu</a> Scratch enables young students to program their own interactive games, stories and puzzles. As Scratch is a graphical programming language these our SVG <a href="http://www.projectisabella.com/index.php/project-isabella-clipart/education-with-scratch" style="color: #98b800; text-decoration: none;" title="Graphics For Scratch">multi pose vector</a> clip art developed at Project Isabella Graphic Workshop is ideal to use within the Scratch system. <a href="http://www.projectisabella.com/index.php/home/contact-for-school-graphics" style="color: #98b800; text-decoration: none;" title="Graphics in Schools">Contact us</a> to see how you could get these graphics in bulk and very affordable to use in your school or programming club.</div>
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<a href="http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/20-resources-for-teaching-kids-how-to-program-code-200374" target="_blank">20 Resources for <b>Teaching Kids</b> How to <b>Program</b> & Code <b>...</b></a><br />
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Isn't it amazing to see a baby or a toddler handle a tablet or a smart phone? They know how technology works. <em>Kids</em> absorb information so fast, languages (spoken or coded) can be learned in a matter of months. Recently ...<br />
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<a href="http://thejournal.com/articles/2014/05/13/nyt-programming.aspx" target="_blank">All God's <b>Children</b> Gotta Learn to <b>Program</b>! -- THE Journal</a><br />
<a href="http://thejournal.com/" target="_blank">http://thejournal.com</a> <span style="padding-left: 10px;"> Tue, 13 May 2014 12:49:00 GMT </span><br />
In 1967, Seymour Papert and colleagues invented Logo, a <em>programming</em> language designed expressly for <em>kids</em> and intended not to <em>teach programming</em> per se, but to <em>teach</em> 'powerful ideas' in mathematics, e.g., iteration and ...<br />
<a href="http://thejournal.com/articles/2014/05/13/nyt-programming.aspx" target="_blank">Read more ...</a><br />
<a href="http://blog.pluralsight.com/kids-programming-courses" target="_blank">Here's how you can help <b>teach kids programming</b> - Pluralsight blog</a><br />
<a href="http://blog.pluralsight.com/" target="_blank">http://blog.pluralsight.com</a> <span style="padding-left: 10px;"> Tue, 06 May 2014 16:44:19 GMT </span><br />
Top reasons why <em>kids</em> need to learn computer <em>programming</em>.<br />
<a href="http://blog.pluralsight.com/kids-programming-courses" target="_blank">Read more ...</a><br />
<a href="https://developer.salesforce.com/blogs/developer-relations/2014/05/women-tech-coding-teach-kids-to-code.html" target="_blank">Women in Tech: Coding and <b>Teaching Kids</b> to Code - Developer <b>...</b></a><br />
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I really like <em>teaching</em>, and whenever there's an opportunity for me to talk about what I do or to <em>teach kids</em> to code, I take it. I want <em>kids</em> to feel like I did when I was little: “Oh yeah, obviously <em>programming</em> is the best job!” I love the ...<br />
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<!--CurationSoftTemplate Simple]-->Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01615143797050339276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2329799251424798150.post-59627119979595670622013-11-21T11:13:00.001+00:002013-11-21T11:13:13.332+00:00Boost Your Zazzle by Using PromotiGraphics<p>If you purchase quality graphics or letter art from Project Isabella they come with built in advertising for what you create on Zazzle. Those using the Print On Demand Company Zazzle to create merchandise such as T Shirts, mugs and device cases are usually creative souls already, so why should they go out of their way to buy graphics to boost their Zazzle designs?</p> <p>I have some great reasons and I am building a business around them - I want to hear you scream about Zazzle sales!</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz5LARY3HVl4-CGNnVEEEh-fYg0vrr2gmL_NRL5cRC_CMv3RcdWMdwqekb3jr17eS2Kq37gIfylMOuQJn8U1wQd3t2InWgCAK0T1vxf0gxU-p69nFvCWVPZxzaggm7SvLVC5d8Pc21y1E/s1600-h/boost%252520your%252520zazzle%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img title="boost your zazzle" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="boost your zazzle" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-RY4XZbKnQrY/Uo3qx5Qe_NI/AAAAAAAADxE/CeHOk-j_9xE/boost%252520your%252520zazzle_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" width="339" height="260" /></a></p> <p>If you haven't heard of Zazzle, then as a quick explanation I would tell you that it is a Print on Demand service that allows creative folk to place images they have rights to use on all manner of things that the company will then print and send to you, or place in a online store and display it for someone else to purchase. If you would like to see a store feel free rummage <a href="http://www.zazzle.com/blurtsmum">in my own Zazzle store</a>. Zazzle isn't the only Print On Demand (POD) set up, there are others such as Cafepress, Society6 and more. </p> <p>So, back to to the point I am writing about today, I call my system <a href="http://projectisabella.com/index.php/promotigraphics">PromotiGraphics</a> and here are some reasons why you should consider using graphics from <a href="http://projectisabella.com/">Project Isabella Graphic Workshop</a> with PromotiGraphics to boost your Zazzle exposure and sales.</p> <ol> <li>It's good for your store to vary up your work a bit and add new elements, as someone who creates images and graphics for a living I constantly find it is some of my least favourite things that sell, not everyone has your taste or style. Using graphics that push your Zazzle designs out of your normal groove will increase your exposure and potentially boost your sales. </li> <li>It's good for your own creativity and artistic development to work with new tools and elements on a regular basis, why not use elements that are good value for money and offer promotion for your Zazzle store. </li> <li>Project Isabella Graphics contain built in advertising, this means if you use them your item and the Zazzle store it is in will be promoted across many Social Media account and on the website at Project Isabella. </li> <li>The PromotiGraphic catalogue is growing with many themes and each the the themes at Project Isabella contains hundreds of images, so you are by no means going to be struggling to be inspired. You are also able to post requests for custom items or to suggest the next items to be uploaded that have already been created. There is no need to feel like Project Isabella will not be able to produce something you can use in your next creative project.</li> </ol> <p>Graphics with built in PromotiGraphics service can be purchased so far, on <a href="https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/Blurtsmum">Etsy</a> or at the <a href="http://projectisabella.com/">Project Isabella</a> website, other sites are being made available too.</p> <p>It's not only Zazzlers that can use PromotiGraphics - but I am hoping some Zazzlers will like this as we know that boosting our store traffic to this growing marketplace is what it takes to sell our goodies.</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01615143797050339276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2329799251424798150.post-82428485613817154502013-11-20T08:52:00.001+00:002013-11-20T08:52:46.901+00:00Pinterest for Kick Ass Market Research<p> </p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-MqPwvLmK6ok/Uox4VFmDTiI/AAAAAAAADwM/emHsnzMiitU/s1600-h/kickass%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="kickass" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="kickass" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-2l85uTeDXcI/Uox4WI4UDaI/AAAAAAAADwU/9glCf1RusiM/kickass_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="613" height="580" /></a></p> <p>Pinterest is certainly fun to use and once you are in the swing, it is very compelling, inspiring and frankly hard to stop. Thankfully for my business it has a number of positives so now I can schedule pinning and know it's actually part of my working day - and that pleases me no end!</p> <p><a href="http://pinterest.com/blurtsmum"><img title="pinterest" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="pinterest" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-T6Lo8yUTyXs/Uox4W4AljwI/AAAAAAAADwc/hzztbAaxziM/pinterest%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="649" height="280" /></a></p> <p>My business <a href="http://projectisabella.com/">Project Isabella</a> creates graphics, so before I sit down and start on a new batch or a certain subject I start a pin board on that subject. If you took a look at my board <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/blurtsmum/fairy/">Fairy</a> you would know that I pinned over three hundred - yes 300 images from all over the internet on the subject of fairy. I searched Pinterest for pins that contained the word "fairy" and also searched for boards that used the word "fairy".</p> <p>So how does all this pinning of images of other people's fairies help my business? Surely that is just promoting other people's artwork? So to put pay to that attitude I would like to share the ways this activity helps me.</p> <p>1. I have established that images of fairies are very popular. There are many boards, pins and pinners for this subject.</p> <p>2. The subject matter remains active, I know this because when I pin Fairy things they are quickly repinned.</p> <p>3. The Fairy topic includes vintage and modern material, this interests me as the subject is not a fad of a fleeting fashion pinning frenzy so it should stick around some more - definitely long enough for me to put together my collection of fairies and get them to store.</p> <p>4. I have been able to study the popular images of fairy that can help me understand some artistic elements such as poses, lighting, colours and attitudes.</p> <p>5. I can follow where fairies on my board get pinned to - for example is it to a board named "I love these" - or "Things not to touch with a mile long stick"</p> <p>6. Basically I get the opportunity to study my subject matter and observe the traits of the most successful images as wells as observe the demand for such images. That is pretty good market research and it did not cost me anything other than a small amount of time, time I belief I can happily justify.</p> <p>I don't think we have ever had to hand such a powerful tool to utilise in Market Research for artists and illustrators and I can confirm that for me it worked - a fairy figure was the first I sold in my new business - and here it is on my clients t shirt.</p> <p>Brilliant!</p> <p><a href="http://whohasyourback.net/designs/pink-fairy-on-black-long-sleeve-scoop-neck-ladies-t-shirt/"><img title="fairy-pink" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="fairy-pink" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-Bg9q3IDzOIA/Uox4XfdoUyI/AAAAAAAADwk/kCyhA7PfbMA/fairy-pink%25255B4%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="396" height="395" /></a></p> <p>You can visit this T Shirt at its store at <a href="http://whohasyourback.net/designs/pink-fairy-on-black-long-sleeve-scoop-neck-ladies-t-shirt/">Who Has Your Back?</a></p> <p>So I have done my research on Fairies and now I have images of fairies that I have created for sale and a Pinterest board followed by fairy hungry followers - I wonder what could happen next?</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01615143797050339276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2329799251424798150.post-58321187589121850372013-07-21T14:26:00.001+01:002013-07-21T14:26:40.876+01:00Day 19 Book review! The Name of The Wind @_PVBOnline Daily Challenge<p> <br />Book review! Which is your favourite book? Why?</p> <p>I do have a favourite book and it is the first of 3 books. It is the only time I have read a book and then waited impatiently for the second part, I marked it on a calendar and wouldn’t you know it, it got delayed it was awful to have to wait. The second part did arrive eventually and it was brilliant too – now I wait for the third – I’m not good at waiting.</p> <p>My favourite book is “he Name of the Wind” by Patrick Rothfuss and it’s the only time I have rammed a book through someone else's door just so they could read it and we could talk about it. I also wanted to check that it wasn’t my imagination on how beautifully it was written.</p> <p>Apparently I wasn’t wrong it is indeed a wonderful piece of writing. However my reading chum and I did disagree regarding the main character. I am not sure whether that has something to do with us being different genders. In some books you are guided quite plainly on how you should feel about a character. Kvothe is the protagonist and in these books I honestly don’t believe we guided in our feelings. Having since looked at readers reactions on Amazon then I’m not the only one. There is one discussion titled “Is it just me or is Kvothe a git?” Notice it is a question! </p> <p><a href="http://www.amazon.co.uk/The-Name-Wind-Kingkiller-Chronicle/dp/0575081406/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1374412366&sr=8-1&keywords=name+of+the+wind"><img title="nameofthewind" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="nameofthewind" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7EdpstDq0XEBy_6WZLJw_EhK3p53GMV8nCJirsclUsMp8jXdDDWqn0Yh6QnkCpBNUYWrO8zSnTy0DvD1RZitkJYH_inp-_8bUEOqvXMKcZFYgJOPwnm2l-J3vEDsbeNbqLQusG5gNPwo/?imgmax=800" width="385" height="500" /></a></p> <p>My friend did not feel the character was flawed enough and this gave him a sense of of dis-ease, I however wasn’t as disturbed by him but wasn’t entirely sure I would want him as a friend.</p> <p>The Name of the Wind is a big romp of a fantasy tale with magic, evil bad guys and a large landscape with travel. I would heartily encourage anyone to read it and then to read it again and revel in the language used.</p> <p>Listen to this</p> <blockquote> <p>'I have stolen princesses back from sleeping barrow kings. I burned down the town of Trebon. I have spent the night with Felurian and left with both my sanity and my life. I was expelled from the University at a younger age than most people are allowed in. I tread paths by moonlight that others fear to speak of during day. I have talked to Gods, loved women, and written songs that make the minstrels weep.</p> <p>My name is Kvothe.</p> <p>You may have heard of me'</p> </blockquote> <p>Seriously go and read this and if you are disappointed I’d really like to know why. </p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01615143797050339276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2329799251424798150.post-86677917860451194922013-07-19T20:51:00.001+01:002013-07-19T20:51:28.263+01:00Day 18 Your yummiest dessert. What is it? How can we make it? @_PVBOnline Daily Challenge<p> </p> <p>Thought this one may go down OK for this weekend if you are getting the BBQ out.</p> <p>I’m quoting Brandie hear from <a href="http://homecookingmemories.com">Home Cooking Memories</a> it’s a great recipe site and the pages are very pinnable if you feel like saving a few for another day.</p> <p>Feel free to leave your links to your yummy recipes in the comments – its always good to hear from you.</p> <blockquote> <h3>Grilled Banana Dessert Bar #SundaySupper</h3> <p>Putting together a <strong>Grilled Banana Dessert Bar</strong> is simple and sure to be a hit with family and friends at your next summer BBQ! I’ll show you how to make grilled bananas, plus give you plenty of topping ideas.</p> <p><a href="http://homecookingmemories.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Grilled-Banana-Dessert-Bar.jpg"><img title="Grilled Banana Dessert Bar" alt="Grilled Banana Dessert Bar" src="http://homecookingmemories.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/06/Grilled-Banana-Dessert-Bar.jpg" width="500" height="750" /></a></p> <p>Grilling is a major part of our summer. We do grill year-round, but the summer is when we kick it up a notch. Dessert isn’t always part of our grilling (much to the disappoint of my kids), but on holidays, like 4th of July and other random times, it’s fun to make a dessert that can be made on the grill.</p> <p>Follow the link to the site to read more. It's a great site to have in your cooking collections.</p> </blockquote> <p><a href="http://homecookingmemories.com/grilled-banana-dessert-bar/">Grilled Banana Dessert Bar #SundaySupper - Home Cooking Memories</a></p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01615143797050339276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2329799251424798150.post-50079354242982706172013-07-18T20:10:00.001+01:002013-07-18T20:12:42.484+01:00Day 17 How do you relax and wind down? @_PVBOnline Daily Blog ChallengeI could so easily give the wrong answer here! At first glance it would seem that creating graphics and fiddling about re-skinning 3D models would be the thing to state. Others around me may even suggest that too. I often get part way through the week and after having a hard slog at the social media, SEO, the website, setting up databases to carry out repetitive tasks I will state out loud – “I’m going to have to make something or I will go crackers!” Then I do that and I feel better. But that isn’t winding down and relaxing that is just getting rid of the anxiety of the fact that I haven’t got to the favourite part of my job.<br />
When you are setting up a new business there is a ridiculous amount of things to tackle, learn and slog through. If you don’t know how you tick and how to do that vital winding down you will burn out rather rapidly. It’s good to know yourself and be honest about it if you are your own boss. <br />
I do feel a great sense of soothing through My Quiet Man, he rarely speaks so he does not aggravate and more than that, where I am fidgety and flamboyant, even flappy (despite actually not wanting to be any of these things) he is peaceful, quiet and calm. His very presence serves as a wonderful salve to my flighty spirit and that is great, however for self preservation I cannot claim that as my answer. I don’t think it is wise to pin a basic life necessity on another person, find them in yourself no one can take them away then!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmuld-09bP4ePgIpDtZ5VnbOh1K2I2AhCsEv30-6vyc3zBDCp09rg02f2olNAKT1EeiyV32bRTFV1iF3epvmZRlc_OwDHUljt94LUq0Kwo9UZEy2xwBiI2cMFX6PMDmZzaxfWF0NYwLyg/s1600-h/learningjoylaughter%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img alt="learningjoylaughter" border="0" height="449" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-L2a-y8P5_bs/Ueg9qmsx2SI/AAAAAAAADnQ/r3MDJWga1GE/learningjoylaughter_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="learningjoylaughter" width="445" /></a>So to wind down and relax I drink and talk rubbish. I can do this with anyone it doesn’t have to be established friends. Just talk about the big things, the small things, the funny things and do a bit of gentle friendly arguing. Have fun! That’s how I do it. <br />
On the whole this generally happens with friends because they are around you already but as I have said in previous posts I travelled extensively when programming and it was mostly on my own and could be for weeks rather than a weekend. Learning to cope on your own and find social settings that work is a great thing and it has brought me much joy, learning and laughter.<br />
How do you relax and wind down?Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01615143797050339276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2329799251424798150.post-58688166947623118802013-07-17T22:13:00.001+01:002013-07-18T08:46:07.275+01:00Day 16 Life lessons, one tip you stick by in life. @_PVBOnline Daily ChallengeDevelop the ability to forgive.<br />
The ability to forgive, I think can be a huge element in a happy life. It is sadly something that a lot of people fail at. Harbouring a grudge only creates more misery to those who hold them and preventing good relations not only with the target but also with any relationship that may bare some resemblance to that target and yourself. <br />
<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-FZJRZSXfMO4/UecI4usf_bI/AAAAAAAADmw/AkiXDHonrSc/s1600-h/forgive%25255B2%25255D.jpg"><img alt="forgive" border="0" height="96" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-XBfdaajySxo/UecI5NaE6WI/AAAAAAAADm4/BHaUogLMWlg/forgive_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="forgive" width="400" /></a><br />
We all makes mistakes, all of the time so why not have mercy when others do? Remaining angry feels horrible and is a negative waste of energy. However forgiving someone brings a refreshing sensation to the mind and healing to the relationship and it’s one less negative emotion that you need to feed.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01615143797050339276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2329799251424798150.post-13900459092245903362013-07-17T18:53:00.001+01:002013-07-17T18:53:47.306+01:00Day 15 My most cherished belonging? @_PVBOnline<p>My most cherished belonging is my computer, not a particular computer but whatever I have to hand that serves the purpose I am trying to fulfil. </p> <p>I wasn’t geeky straight away in life, it came to me in 1992 when I took a 6 month programming course in C. That was from a standing start and only from using other peoples word processors to do my degree in a not so geeky theology course. I had taken some aptitude tracking things that apparently showed that this sort of study in programming would suit me. </p> <p>I cherish the ability I have to learn and communicate with computers. I now cherish the fulfilment I get through creating with my computer – I honestly feel a bit lost and lonely when I don’t have it near by.</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01615143797050339276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2329799251424798150.post-87407584674036360632013-07-15T20:43:00.001+01:002013-07-15T20:43:50.083+01:00Day 14 Take us to your favourite place.<p>My favourite place is the North Yorkshire Moors. This area of the country and it’s landscape I find profoundly moving. There are some stunning little villages and cosy nooks but I really love the desolate looking bleak parts.</p> <p>I have rounded up a few pictures so you can have a look for yourself.</p> <p> </p> <p><a href="http://pinterest.com/blurtsmum/yorkshire-moors/"><img title="Snap_2013.07.15 20.35.30_001" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="Snap_2013.07.15 20.35.30_001" src="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-M_O_vuO-lLM/UeRQ9MVlhcI/AAAAAAAADmI/BvVCZPx5jQc/Snap_2013.07.15%25252020.35.30_001%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="409" height="1061" /></a></p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01615143797050339276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2329799251424798150.post-17623643456345749772013-07-14T12:47:00.001+01:002013-07-15T20:47:50.872+01:00Day 13 Film review: Harvey– Daily Challenge @_PVBOnlineToday’s task is to review a favourite film. <br />I watch a lot of films and I may have a favourite of the month, or year but this film has been a favourite since childhood and returning to it never diminishes that. <br /><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-n1Tfzyw6Ge0/UeRR4xIKoQI/AAAAAAAADmU/rykuDxSY8cg/s1600-h/harvey%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="harvey" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: left; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px 8px 0px 0px; border-left: 0px; display: inline; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="harvey" align="left" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-bQapiU8_TFo/UeRR5fxZy1I/AAAAAAAADmc/f5QLH4QMrDU/harvey_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="234" height="341" /></a> <br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0042546/?ref_=ttqt_qt_tt" target="_blank">Harvey 1950 – James Stewart</a> <br />The film is based around a middle aged brother and sister and the sister’s daughter who is of a an age where she should be finding a husband. <br />Elwood P Dowd, the brother, is our main character, he is a slightly bumbling but clearly intelligent man with a wonderful view of life. He is played by James Stewart. Elwood has a <a href="http://www.karenkincy.com/faq/what-is-a-pooka/" target="_blank">Pooka</a> – which manifests to himself as a large white rabbit – called Harvey. <br />We do not see Harvey in the film but we are very aware of his presence, as indeed many others are. <br />I like this film because it very cleverly combines a range of emotions. <br /> <h3>Humour</h3> The humour is delivered mainly by the sister character Veta, superbly performed by the Josephine Hull. She is a whirlwind of energy, opinions, worry and care. Placed in situations near Elwood the extremes of character couldn’t be more profound. <br />A big comedy of errors occurs when Veta tries to have Elwood committed to a mental institute after he commits one too many social gaffs which she is unable to tolerate while she is trying to find a husband for her daughter Myrtle Mae. <br /> <h3>Pathos</h3> We are led to genuinely like Elwood P Dowd we are totally convinced of his deep goodness and charm. If we had an afternoon in his town we’d love to spend it sitting and having a drink with him and Harvey - well I would. We like him despite the film pointing out his flaws. Elwood drinks and we know he hangs around bars a lot, and he sees things that people don’t normally see. We understand that he has sidestepped what would normally be presumed to be a normal life in the society in which his sister lives. Or do we like him because of these flaws? <br />Elwood P Down is a small philosopher and thinks he has himself sussed out. Some great quotes. <br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000071/?ref_=tt_trv_qu">Elwood P. Dowd</a>: Well, I've wrestled with reality for 35 years, Doctor, and I'm happy to state I finally won out over it. <br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000071/?ref_=tt_trv_qu">Elwood P. Dowd</a>: Years ago my mother used to say to me, she'd say, "In this world, Elwood, you must be" - she always called me Elwood - "In this world, Elwood, you must be oh so smart or oh so pleasant." Well, for years I was smart. I recommend pleasant. You may quote me. <br /> <h3>Self Analysis</h3> There is the bite and the rub in this film though and it leaves us to question ourselves. See this <br /><a href="http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0000071/?ref_=tt_trv_qu">Elwood P. Dowd</a>: Harvey and I sit in the bars... have a drink or two... play the juke box. And soon the faces of all the other people they turn toward mine and they smile. And they're saying, "We don't know your name, mister, but you're a very nice fella." Harvey and I warm ourselves in all these golden moments. We've entered as strangers - soon we have friends. And they come over... and they sit with us... and they drink with us... and they talk to us. They tell about the big terrible things they've done and the big wonderful things they'll do. Their hopes, and their regrets, and their loves, and their hates. All very large, because nobody ever brings anything small into a bar. And then I introduce them to Harvey... and he's bigger and grander than anything they offer me. And when they leave, they leave impressed. The same people seldom come back; but that's envy, my dear. There's a little bit of envy in the best of us. <br />So the point is – the same people seldom come back, there is a knowledge we have that Elwood hasn’t realised, some of those people don’t come back because when they have sobered up they find that they think him crazy and dare not return. Would I be one who came back to talk to the man who sat in a booth with a large white rabbit that I was unable to see? I think I would! I think I do! <br />That is where I must end it because I am now going out to support our pubs, hang out in some bars and share big things, because nobody brings anything small into a bar. Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01615143797050339276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2329799251424798150.post-64864661011408113192013-07-13T18:59:00.001+01:002013-07-13T18:59:22.504+01:00Day 12 Create something. Take photos and show us what you have created. @_PVBOnline Daily Blog<p>Today is about creating so I could have cheated and just pointed at nearly every product I have on my <a href="http://projectisabella.com/" target="_blank">website</a> as many of them include pictures and they state how it’s done. I haven’t done that though and it was out with the scissor’s, glue and child. It’s no good doing clever crafts and not sharing them with your child, that is part of the fun.</p> <p>So I started with a new digital scrapbooking kit that I am making in collaboration with <a href="http://twitter.com/babylonblu" target="_blank">@babylonblu</a> who makes jewellery. I mentioned in a post last week that I had managed to forge business connections on <a href="http://twitter.com/blurtsmum">twitter</a> and the work had been progressing nicely and today marked the day I wanted to do some prototype boxes from the kit that has been put together with <a href="http://twitter.com/babylonblu" target="_blank">@babylonblu</a>.</p> <p>So I opened up my BabylonBlu mixed kit (to be released soon) in <a href="http://tinyurl.com/cjhujzc" target="_blank">Serif CraftArtist</a>. then I opened a box template.</p> <p>I used some of the backgrounds and embellishments to start making some box designs. With a kit like this you could honestly hand the controls to a drunk, colour-blind chimp and the chances are they would make something appealing. Its a case of drag and drop and woop de doop. </p> <p>Yeah that’s not describing it very well is it. When I haven’t got everyone here I will be adding some videos on my YouTube channel that shows how that goes. In the meantime have a sneaky look in the kit.</p> <p><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-c7LNwHJGkh8/UeGVUyX9kAI/AAAAAAAADlA/5U0ewdSrVi4/s1600-h/Snap_2013.07.13%25252017.08.10_003%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Snap_2013.07.13 17.08.10_003" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Snap_2013.07.13 17.08.10_003" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHxHVn9AzEqH7O_Cq1Pow5qlbtMBIRYqGpIsxTkeyXJ_Vf45FExuMP9c97hOmgOlk9o9_NGLFIhvmzCyc3jQnlElyE9HYsCV-J7pxUvTYjOqI1C3V4Ewk8_TVTjij40YUJiH52tThG8iw/?imgmax=800" width="640" height="346" /></a><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-p45SvOjs6kg/UeGVXkBLxJI/AAAAAAAADlQ/A0xm5c4wNLo/s1600-h/Snap_2013.07.13%25252017.08.41_005%25255B5%25255D.jpg"><img title="Snap_2013.07.13 17.08.41_005" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Snap_2013.07.13 17.08.41_005" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-vZfPHSkiKZU/UeGVYinF1RI/AAAAAAAADlY/WCeTQIhtRRE/Snap_2013.07.13%25252017.08.41_005_thumb%25255B3%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="346" /></a><a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-gvzWRwBMtX4/UeGVaegje7I/AAAAAAAADlg/_qtVPqtxNUc/s1600-h/Snap_2013.07.13%25252017.07.50_002%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="Snap_2013.07.13 17.07.50_002" style="border-left-width: 0px; border-right-width: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom-width: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; display: block; padding-right: 0px; border-top-width: 0px" border="0" alt="Snap_2013.07.13 17.07.50_002" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-W0tUjaYaTaM/UeGVbeS098I/AAAAAAAADlo/CmlbKEMalxU/Snap_2013.07.13%25252017.07.50_002_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="640" height="346" /></a></p> <p>Then it was off to the printer (trot over to another desk) with the designs. After that I went shopping and left Blurt to do the cutting out and folding. I reappeared having foraged locally and stuck them together.</p> <p>Ta-da 3 Prototype Boxes.</p> <p><a href="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-s7u4aZX4GmI/UeGVdrPXNkI/AAAAAAAADlw/qIcnLHB6Kgo/s1600-h/photo%252520boxes%25255B7%25255D.jpg"><img title="photo boxes" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin: 0px auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px" border="0" alt="photo boxes" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjC6NXNRYmBEJPv7LmUcip040oJqEyog6QqWHN9tpKMo0YrDgjJ6fRLPgyNCQNMjxw5rXr-MNPjttyux_u1RpZVbN6TNfQwyC0FHpMPoWn-qggKNkXx64aw8KYDP2zNsUECLcw9bgrVYAY/?imgmax=800" width="398" height="272" /></a></p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01615143797050339276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2329799251424798150.post-13995872601961107772013-07-12T19:11:00.001+01:002013-07-12T19:11:38.065+01:00Day 11–Funniest Moment Ever–Daily Blog Challenge with @_PVBOnline<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQja0C68XsUVYZ1GcGsuqTKZ_3ZvJMq81EYRZhQuDE8LVs1_0fyrtoC5aQLdyVr4bEwsnsqL0KApEgr2HMV-6kkrWdFQ2R7e3Qnz53RK1bHCeuuKdMNl0yRJxfuszZq4-BcTo8AvfzW40/s1600-h/thumb_97_toy_quilt_elephant%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="thumb_97_toy_quilt_elephant" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="thumb_97_toy_quilt_elephant" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ2N7gxzBBSgdm2vZx_vqXRJBZjQiBpJaR0POjXw-bAYWqatf4l7Qw_mv5Cqdx27j4Ob1bap73vsfipCuXpdl6A_Yt_Y6-Jo52QKjPt7gz9NE4eWwXk7SEmTubp1u94LBBRNIN4aoFFUI/?imgmax=800" width="120" height="150" /></a> <p>I’m just not feeling the funny today – I feel rather tired and a tad burnt out – it’s probably a touch of the creator blues – its a natural ebb and flow that has to happen when you use creative power.</p> <p> <a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-Cd7_jhDPFRA/UeBGy4qMX8I/AAAAAAAADj4/h0F62w2VPxU/s1600-h/thumb_93_toy_quilt_elephant%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="thumb_93_toy_quilt_elephant" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="thumb_93_toy_quilt_elephant" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyOb24KY5cxj4TY_L4j5SqvxsxOkhcxQCsXfz1KwoGOSLiUw5rXRbcphyphenhyphen1F7tFKHQmJDVPiNJO7ppQyY84Kt2_XmoOnbsHZ2u4d2NAG8o48Ht1MC3toTj9KvsY6MhKCGl7wK0VWkQISxs/?imgmax=800" width="120" height="130" /></a></p> <p>You can’t have that much energy and enthusiasm without a little lag. I have learned to handle that now and have a few hours wallowing and and getting cosy to reenergise. If you do not accept this flow you will suffer big fallout at a later point.</p> <p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEil-f3279KziB0168PJa5_j_1E9d5sIts-aMcQ3IRerKQlyBo-bFC88QITIw1l2-GTMRFkq2hRbf9_IO96COLHYoDbO7-WxrBw8IMFr6uMRW_P2u_nHoI52G5jb9-oqVfxm9uUYm2fxCjE/s1600-h/thumb_96_toy_quilt_elephant%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="thumb_96_toy_quilt_elephant" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="thumb_96_toy_quilt_elephant" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-JqCvJqOlucY/UeBG0LiQPzI/AAAAAAAADkQ/TucWEuoQqpY/thumb_96_toy_quilt_elephant_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="120" height="140" /></a></p> <p>I nearly tried to wriggle out of blogging – but no I’m too stubborn. However I am going to cheat because thinking of me laughing when I have these type of blues actually make me sadder so I will recall the times that my friends persecute me, this somehow I find warms me more.<a href="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-qGBskhdQ1Xo/UeBG0kuaN7I/AAAAAAAADkY/bdDx7qpxa60/s1600-h/thumb_94_toy_quilt_elephant%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img title="thumb_94_toy_quilt_elephant" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="thumb_94_toy_quilt_elephant" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-59TWHsyExsg/UeBG1Dzz5NI/AAAAAAAADkg/GM2aSrbc3uA/thumb_94_toy_quilt_elephant_thumb%25255B1%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="120" height="128" /></a></p> <p>We know that some great heroes have their fatal weakness – like superman and kryptonite – well I have a couple of words that if anyone says them I am nearly sick right there and then. I have to use all my powers of mind to prevent this. My mind control methods consist of thinking “fluffy bunnies, fluffy bunnies, fluffy bunnies” rapidly and that stops other things getting in.</p> <p>If someone decides to use the words – which I am obviously not going to publish – as a cruel weapon then they may repeat them – this then requires that my fluffy bunny action in my mind has to be reinforced with some hand action above the head, to represent bunny ears – I may even wiggle them!</p> <p>So that’s what happens, occasionally when my friends have run out of other people to persecute, I get it, which results in them crying with laughter and me chanting fluffy bunnies and doing ears.</p> <p>This may seem harsh but my friends are also utterly ridiculous at times and this has me in stiches – it’s one of the things that friends are for.</p> <p>OK – time to get the cocoa on and put on a pretty frock for no reason at all – it’s time to be blue – in the morning I’ll bounce back and be as chirpy as ever.</p> <p>See you then!</p> <p><a href="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-o67w1Za1cSg/UeBG1nBR-7I/AAAAAAAADko/w_DHPDuQLG4/s1600-h/thumb_95_toy_quilt_elephant%25255B4%25255D.jpg"><img title="thumb_95_toy_quilt_elephant" style="border-top: 0px; border-right: 0px; background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; float: none; padding-top: 0px; padding-left: 0px; margin-left: auto; border-left: 0px; display: block; padding-right: 0px; margin-right: auto" border="0" alt="thumb_95_toy_quilt_elephant" src="http://lh3.ggpht.com/-zjd9OX5gcho/UeBG2Hz6cRI/AAAAAAAADkw/TGBCIHC4Zms/thumb_95_toy_quilt_elephant_thumb%25255B2%25255D.jpg?imgmax=800" width="120" height="128" /></a></p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01615143797050339276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2329799251424798150.post-78910256104967854652013-07-11T19:37:00.001+01:002013-07-11T19:44:52.226+01:00Day 10 The best holiday I have ever been on. Daily Blog Challenge @_PVBOnlineI was just replying to <a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/05423432691918607112" target="_blank">Lindsey</a> (also in the <a href="http://www.pvbonline.co.uk/blogs.html" target="_blank">blog challenge</a>) as she had left a comment on yesterday’s post, that I keep looking at the title for todays post, attending to other matters and then forgetting. I don’t mean keep forgetting to do it – I mean keep forgetting the subject – that is unusual even for me.<br />
However as I keep returning I know why it is. I have only had 2 organised holidays, at least what I think other people would call holidays.<br />
I went to Lanzerote with a husband I had in another life and I did a 3 week trip across Canada and took a young man with me. Floozy that I am!<br />
Don’t get me wrong I have travelled the world to do previous jobs, Australia, New Zealand, America, Europe and Birmingham but I have not repeated the sort of holidays my friends look forward to. <br />
All of that though does not mean that I am unable to answer the question. <br />
The best holiday I have been on was a weekend with my daughter a couple of winters ago she was 6.<br />
The snow started the day before we were due to go away to “London”. We had nipped off on a day trip to London a few months before on the train but this time we were driving the whole way and staying in a Hotel in Watford. (Hence the quotes around “London”). It was just before Christmas and the snow started to fall the day before we were due to leave – it stopped in the night but then in the morning as I was casually packing things up it started to snow and it was really mad, it was laying so thick and so fast!<br />
So that was it – “Blurt – get up if we don’t go now we won’t make it! It could get a bit scary, are you willing to give it a go? We might not get far the snow has gone mad!”<br />
Blurt gave it a bit of thought and declared she was up for it and then she got up and made sure she had her essential cuddly companions all tucked in a sturdy bag.<br />
We waded through the snow (in our chafing work boots) and got to the car which I had fortunately not left on the hill outside my house (I wouldn’t have got out) The car was parked on a little street with shops on it. The local shopkeepers were already out with brushes and shovels, clearing steps and cars.<br />
Myself and Blurt were hailed by name and spotting my snowploughing suitcase that I was about to put in my car they got to work digging it out and sweeping it off. (Yes that’s the kind of town I live in – who would want to go on holiday!?)<br />
With the car prepped by my friendly community and them waving us off, we set off into rather poor conditions, I had checked the status of the roads that I wished to travel by and I knew if I could get to the main roads we would not be at any real risk. Please don’t think I was being fool hardy with myself and my child. I also had safety equipment and shovels in the car as my normal journey to work was extensive anyway at that time and I am a be prepared sort of lassie.<br />
This is Blurt and Connie Car at dawn a few months before the snow on our previous trip to London. Parked near the shops with the nice shopkeepers.<br />
<a href="http://lh6.ggpht.com/-g_AI3YOOa9M/Ud77df1yOII/AAAAAAAADjM/od3yuSncZq8/s1600-h/P1000001small%25255B3%25255D.jpg"><img alt="P1000001small" border="0" height="292" src="http://lh4.ggpht.com/-bG_uRAVeNPc/Ud77efikZeI/AAAAAAAADjQ/XevD3AwX844/P1000001small_thumb.jpg?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="P1000001small" width="400" /></a><br />
We were off and after the first 20 miles which were pretty rotten then things eased up and it was fairly good.<br />
We had a great time in London for a lovely long weekend. We went to see the ballet (Beatrix Potter – Royal Opera House) and went to the German Market to see Santa and it was all lovely. We had our nails done to match our dresses. Blurt was a rich red and I was silver. Blurt got shouted at in the street for being beautiful!<br />
There was some other chaos that ensued on that holiday with Blurt and I that involved fire escapes, us inching round the side of the hotel in the dark and a grouchy taxi driver but I’ll leave it there for now. The chaos of course is normal because as I have said before – Chaos does follow me like a little piddly puppy, but it also helps Blurt and I distinguish one trip from another in our memories.<br />
It was an adventure, we saw new things and we had good company – the best sort of holiday.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01615143797050339276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2329799251424798150.post-34804522467623130192013-07-10T21:31:00.001+01:002013-07-10T21:31:26.798+01:00Day 9 Outfit of the day. What are you wearing today? @_PVBOnline<p>Well I work in a workshop so today I was wearing overalls, hard hat and goggles. I don’t like the boots – they rub so I go bare foot.</p> <p>Actually this blog post title sounds so much like some rather odd calls I’ve been receiving lately that ask the same thing.</p> <p>Project Isabella Graphic Workshop is in my home and some days I do dress up for it because I like it. Sometimes a ball gown and a trench coat other times my overalls.</p> <p>I never wear hi-viz though that would be just silly – no one to see me!</p> <p>I also like to answer the door with a running chain saw in my hand  – it keeps people guessing on what the hell goes on in here and keeps the post man polite when there are customs charges.</p> <p>Some of this is true – it’s up to you to decide which bits!</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01615143797050339276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2329799251424798150.post-64633564448315313382013-07-09T17:22:00.001+01:002013-07-09T21:12:57.583+01:00Day 8 My favourite quote and why? @_PVBOnline Daily ChallengeMy favourite quote is Farmer Mr Hogget in the film ‘Babe’ saying, “That will do pig, that’ll do”. There are so many reasons why this is a favourite. There maybe some spoiler alerts if you haven't watched it – and if you haven't go and do it and then come back. <img alt="Smile" class="wlEmoticon wlEmoticon-smile" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-jziZChe5C6I/Udw4xG14iII/AAAAAAAADio/AVwXCG6LGZ8/wlEmoticon-smile%25255B2%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="border-bottom-style: none; border-left-style: none; border-right-style: none; border-top-style: none;" /><br />
1. Babe the piglet has just accomplished a task rare and precious. To achieve that he needed the backing of a character that hated him (the male sheep dog) – he got it in the end, by being himself. <br />
2. To accomplish the task of winning the show he need some insider secrets and he got these from the sheep. He got the secret because they had learned to trust him due to to the time he had acted to protect them.<br />
3. Babe accomplished something unique and was willing to be laughed at in order to prove himself.<br />
4. Farmer Hogget danced for that pig and that moved me so much I well up when I think of it.<br />
5. Babe faced the complete truth about himself and his place in the world, admittedly at first he was depressed but with some encouragement and some dancing from someone who cared he rallies round.<br />
So many lessons for life about friendship, trust, faith in one another, acceptance, and the need to encourage are all rammed in this closing sentence – “That'll do pig.”<br />
On that note I’ll also share one of my new pig graphics, these have not been uploaded to <a href="http://projectisabella.com/" target="_blank">Project Isabella</a> yet but this is one of my many - It’s a Kind of Paisley Pig.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCae-Vn9kkZLluJ1KvV4XoiqYmYtyupimxAK5Tlyz0liK0jdodLeQIOsUxUe3SFtdEL1JfkCqVgrcPayOI1m1qj6d51fvyqT7xXVaNwOIy4YhUFfYGUjQgBGe4QyVmlE8mXnkCYM9xYqU/s1600-h/paisley1piglet%25255B3%25255D.png"><img alt="paisley1piglet" border="0" height="401" src="http://lh5.ggpht.com/-YM_CNKggZoU/Udw44RIr6JI/AAAAAAAADi4/VVLf4R-9hz8/paisley1piglet_thumb%25255B1%25255D.png?imgmax=800" style="background-image: none; border-bottom: 0px; border-left: 0px; border-right: 0px; border-top: 0px; display: block; float: none; margin: 0px auto; padding-left: 0px; padding-right: 0px; padding-top: 0px;" title="paisley1piglet" width="328" /></a>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01615143797050339276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2329799251424798150.post-45957174513144780392013-07-08T21:12:00.001+01:002013-07-08T21:12:36.928+01:00Day 7–Goals for the next 6 month– Daily Challenge @_PVBOnline<p>So it’s a week since the start of the daily challenges began and it’s been such a busy week. </p> <p>I do have goals for the next 6 months and I’ve made a solid start at achieving them over the last couple of days.</p> <p>This is one of my goals.</p> <p>By the New Year which will be the six month marker I want to have made 12 business art collaborations with Handmade Jewellery makers.</p> <p>I am just working on the first one and bedding the method in to which I will be working to and next week should see the full launch.</p> <p>I also have another service to do with handmade dolls and toys that I need to map out and pitch to the appropriate clients.</p> <p>This is a short one again to today as I am working hard to get the first kit ready. </p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01615143797050339276noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2329799251424798150.post-20631300288643851902013-07-07T14:50:00.001+01:002013-07-07T14:50:51.165+01:00Day 6 My favourite home made meal. @_PVBOnline Daily Challenge<p>I cook all the time – I need to cook as I have to feed people, it’s not something I am passionate about, it’s a functional requirement. However there are times when I get quite enthusiastic and that is for 2 quite different meals.</p> <p>I love preparing and eating a big all in cooked breakfast – the whole thing – sausages, bacon, mushrooms, tomatoes, beans, eggs, bubble and squeak, toast or fried bread or even toast and fried bread – all washed down with a huge cup of tea.</p> <p>I also like a big salad, I love leaves, I am crazy about the colours and the texture combinations. I like making croutons to go on my big salads. These big salads that come on my biggest plates need to be served with fresh juice or wine.</p> <p>If I could have a day when I have both of these and some good company to share them with - I’d be in my element.</p> <p>Short one today – I’ve got some tennis to keep tabs on and then it’s German Grand Prix while I am whisking up some new digital art brushes.</p> Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/01615143797050339276noreply@blogger.com