Taking A Bad Sketch to a Whole New Level

I still have the old Photo Draw 2000 software from Microsoft, and love it.  I have since purchased Photoshop Elements, but have yet to use it.

Try something different or creative with any of you art or photos.  My favorite effect is to use the “cut out” by color, then change the search mode from global to local and make sure the “put in new picture” is checked.  Do this effect in various areas of the selected picture and when finished, select to fill from the format tab.  There I selected the gradient fill for the colors but you can replace it with a photo, texture or all one color.  It will only fill in the areas of the sketch that you clicked to cut out, which is the effect I wished to achieve.  I then used “Designer Effects” from the Effects tab to enhance the color and contrast to my taste.  I finished by layering the enhanced picture over a dark purple background color that had to be created from the default picture after the picture setup was changed from landscape to portrait.

Anyone else out there fool around with their photos or art like this?

Weekly Photo Challenge: Illumination

One illuminated window in an old house in Toronto.
One illuminated window in an old house in Toronto.
Saw this illuminated cross on a garage when taking a walk.
Saw this illuminated cross on a garage when taking a walk.
Detroit at twilight. You can see part of the Ambassador Bridge.
Detroit at twilight. You can see part of the Ambassador Bridge.
Tiny twinkling lights in the distance appear much larger in this garden shot.
Tiny twinkling lights in the distance appear much larger in this garden shot.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Resolved

I am resolved to keep moving forward even though I am tempted to give up, quit or otherwise be very scared and lazy.

I am resolved to post more information to help people with their daily lives.

I am resolved to finally market my self-published tax self-help book this year.

I am resolved to finding a permanent home this year to nest until I really get to go home. 

Even though I can't see the finish line, I will just keep trucken'!
Even though I can’t see the finish line, I will just keep trucken’!

Come On, Move It!

 blondgirl1
I am not going to waste your time on this site by posting any actual exercises.  There are many of them and most movement is good for you.  The main thing to remember is walking is the best exercise and most natural. We need to be sure to use the upper body to maintain strength as we age. Exercising with small weights can help. As an ex-dancer and dance teacher, I know what a great work out dancing is.
Anyone who has seen Dancing With The Stars can see how many of the contestants lose weight while on the show.  Belly Dancing is a sensual way to become attune to your body as you tone it! It is important not to overdo any exercise and check with your Dr if you have any health issues or are obese before you try anything strenuous.
Working out with others gives people more incentive. You might try checking out your local school’s continuing education programs for any dance or fitness classes that seem reasonable.  Don’t become obsessive about the latest diet or exercise, you need to find a way to move in everything that you do, to incorporate exercise, so you don’t feel like it is something you have to do, it is something your body wants to feel.  The glorious feeling of being stretched and relaxed, not worn out!

Exercise can never be overrated.

Your overall fitness and health depends more on exercise or lack thereof, then your diet when it comes to weight loss and muscle tone.

As long as you are not actually overeating, taking in more calories than you burn and eating really bad, fatty foods, you should be able to eat what you want in reasonable portion sizes and be able to lose or maintain your weight if you move enough.

I knew people that never did structured exercise in their life, but between gardening, having very clean houses, taking occasional walks
and going out dancing once a week, they had great figures even with their healthy appetites.  You never want to be sloth-like, laying or
sitting around all the time.  It is dangerous to lose so much muscle tone, as well as potentially causing blood clots to form.
The more muscle you lose, the more cellulite appears in its place.  Ask any ex-dancer!blondgirl2

First attempt to refinish table
French toast with Pecan cinnamon bread
Early peas
Turkey, brocolli & Lowfat Alfredo sauce
After the Crucifixion in Lenawee County
Fall motif made with glass plate, silk flowers and tissue paper
Honorable Mention in Spring art show 2012
Whole wheat pasta and some kind of homemade sauce
Early spring rose branches
Spring rain
Misty winter morning
First violets
Baptism of my great nephew
Spring walk
One of many Instructables in 2012 posted on Instructables.com
Photo transfer on white Organza
Black-eyed Susans
Fresh produce
Bread n’ wine
Monarch on my Butterfly Bush
Lace backed collage of my German ancestors
Broken toilet handle spring 2012
printing on used dryer sheets
Lovely Daylilies
Finally spring
Neighborhood pool
First peony
Apron and wine sack
Bottle & stamp necklace
Accent transfer and thread painted, unfinished
Patching up jeans
Short cape soon to be on etsy
Various types of fabric jewelry
Asian theme apron
Tea stained apron
First try at matching pot holders
Crazy skull heads from air clay
Second attempt with fall decor
Apple from the cider mill
Carrot and squash soup with turkey on whole wheat & avocado
Crappachino
Cozy teatime
Team Robin for Robin Roberts of Good Morning America
Winter sunshine
Fall picture transfered to muslin, lined with lace pieces and puff painted
Fall 2012
Fall leaves
Christmas valance from scrap fabrics
Found my dollar store elf sneaking wine again
Hollowed out fruit with allspice for natural holiday air freshener
Neighbor gave me the cutest miniature gingerbread house
Everyone has a cousin Eddie

Weekly Photo Challenge: My 2012 in Pictures

Po’ Girl’s Christmas Ideas

You don’t have to purchase special Christmas decor for the mantle or buffet. I usually try to set up a centerpiece of some kind so I can place some of the smaller gifts around it in a decorative fashion. Looks all Christmassy until the gifts are given out, then who cares?  This is great to do if you don’t want to go to the trouble, expense or have the room for a full size tree.