Blog Smart

Why blog?

I have been blogging for almost 9 years!

I didn't think I'd have anything to say.

I think, what if I stuck to my original idea of taking one of our garden gnomes on all of our life's adventures?? I was going to take pictures with the gnome and then document where we were with him.  But then I got bored with that, thinking for sure it was NOT exciting at all.  All the places we've gone to in 9 years.... that might have been a pretty awesome travel blog. Ha!

There have been short periods of time where I didn't blog.  I just wasn't feeling it.

Recently, through other social media that never existed 9 years ago,  the question was posted in a way that I heard... why do you blog?

There are a few ways I could answer that question.... but the main one I discovered is ... I blog for accountability!

Accountable:  required or expected to justify actions or decisions; responsible.

I blog to hold myself accountable for my actions.  

Ever since we moved to Illinois from Wisconsin, and then my children grew from teenagers to spread their wings in the big world ... I have been seeking my purpose.  I have been trying to find my niche. Where do I fit?  What can I do?  What am I here for?

Not very often am I held responsible anymore for what I do, or what I say, or how I do it, or why I do it.... but blogging for me has held me accountable.

I blog to share my life's experiences. It's my living diary.  I blog to show off my artwork, crafts, gardening, cooking and adventures.  I blog because I think that someone might learn something new or different, or something just downright awesome. I blog because it keeps me active in technology. It keeps my mind moving and helps me to learn about new things. I blog because its a way to keep memories....

I blog because it keeps me accountable for the things in life that are important... for me to be me. 

To SHINE!

I have fun blogging!

Above is my most recent Adventures with Cooper and Tucker.  It seems they got a hold of my laptop on Cyber Monday and decided to do a little shopping!  Sneaky fur babies.

Monday Creative Energy

I almost had a disaster over the weekend!

I got this little pop up on the side of my computer to upload the new version of Windows 10.  You know? I never really know what's legit or not anymore!! Pop ups for anit-virus, time is running out .... ways it seems that the cyber world is out there trying to scam you, get your information, selling you stuff you don't even know you need.

So.... I upgraded, clicked the button, did whatever it asked of me.... and after a few hours of trying to make adjustments and figure out what I just did.... I walked away from my computer and did some real stuff!!

Did you know that I like to make greeting cards?  

It's true!!

They bring me such an artistic satisfaction, at times I can't even explain what joy they bring me.

I enjoy making whimsical and fun cards.

I even like making more serious cards with bold color and bold shapes.

I especially love making cards that have doodle on them.

Not that card making is *easy.  It is a challenge that I love the beginning... middle and end result.

But then I got stuck.  I upgraded to Windows 10 on my computer.  I wanted to throw it out the window.  I couldn't 'make it do' what I needed or wanted it to do.  I wanted my old 'windows' back.

It appears many other people did also.  I did a search and found out that I could uninstall it.  In a heartbeat, I was all over that!  Don't get me wrong... I am loving all this computer technology.... but this past week, I wasn't up for learning anything new, or trying to figure out apps, or program layouts or updates.

Cross your fingers!!! Going back seemed to go really smooth. I was only updated for less than 24 hours.  I may go there again, but I'll leave that for another day, when I have nothing to do!

I will go back to my card making tried and true tools.  Need to move the mouse, computer, screens and papers, markers, and stuff to make a clear spot.... to make more creative greetings. Monday morning, let's start this week off in a great way!!!!

3 Easy Steps to Make a Greeting Card

I get so excited when I learn something new!
Well of course.... I could learn a lot of new 'things' , but when they change the way I've been doing something, that's when I get excited!!

This, is just a very simple doodle.  

It's an outline of 3 super cute woodland animals.  Although it is completely drawn by me, (can't help myself, I admit that I copied the idea from a Papyrus card) I put pen to paper, I committed my lines (no pencil beforehand).  Once all the lines were completed and closed... I took a picture with my Iphone of my picture, and uploaded this to my computer.

Since I love to learn... I have been taking an online class where I'm learning all kinds of things related to doodling and electronic doodling.  I was able to upload my art to my Photo Shop Element program and make my hand drawn doodle .... digital.... and color it in as you can see above.  They look even MORE animated!!!

My original hand drawn doodle is on the bottom right, on the keyboard  The computer screen holds my image and what it looked like when I digitized it, or colored it in and then I added the sentiment. Propped up on the left side is a completed card... with some PRDesign additions, embellished and dimensional.

Do you know what this means?????  I could make a lot more of the same exact card!!!  Well, that's good and bad, because I did pride my card making as unique and one of a kind, because each card is/was hand drawn!! Now, who knows where this could lead to.

As simple as one two 3.... well.... I could certainly have made one card quicker.  But now that I am learning to master this new technique, who knows what is possible.

My 2015 Year of Progress..... one step at a time I'm getting there!

A Little TGB

During Thanksgiving week there always seems to be more awareness about the things we are all thankful for.

I have made an effort over the past few years to recognize my blessings. When 'LIFE' is sooo busy, often times the effort to see what is right in front of you, gets lost in the shuffle of busy-ness.  I am overwhelmed in a good way with my position of gratitude.  To save on space here and boredom for you (whoever you may be), today I will recognize 3,  4,  5,    so many things in my life that I am thankful for.

In no particular order, but you may see a pattern .... the ability to create.. . Eventually, this became the reason to keep this blog.... to show 'off' what I created.  I'm not pushing what I do on you, if you want to see what I do, you are welcome to come on in and wonder around to the different areas of PRDesigns.  I amaze my self daily.  On most days I want to get better.  Create = Shine  and so I practice, practice, practice ... and I am so grateful to be able to make things. I am thankful that I get to see the world from different perspectives,  and I can express in so many unique ways and share my talents with others.

I have two fur babies that bring me joy.  Life would not be the same without these two fuzzy characters.  They wake me up and get me out into the world with daily walks.  They greet me unconditionally when I am away for 5 minutes or 9 hours. And they love me for being me.

I also have two 'real' babies who I am so proud to be their mom.  They've left the nest, but have taken the time to come home for Thanksgiving week.  I am so blessed to have had the opportunity to raise two beautiful, caring, kind, intelligent, and wonderful kids.

Last but not least.... but I need to end somewhere.... or this post would go on forever... I am thankful for my husband of 25 years, Jeff.  He has had to put up with a lot!  He signed up for this journey.... he wanted the adventure!!! 

This week of Thanksgiving 2015, I am so thankful, grateful and blessed! (TGB)

Happy Thanksgiving!!

Ten Principles of SHINE

Although I made it to the end of the 10 post of the Principles of Shine, it's never the end to Spreading Shine! 

Including today, I've written 10 posts that have highlighted the 10 Principles of Shine.

It's a way to BE, DO and SHARE.

If you've missed them, scroll down and view the rest of my most recent post writings!

Experts say/write that it takes 21 days to make or break a habit.  I've made it a habit to spread Shine.

Although as a personal side note:  I recently lost a job due to the fact that I was unhappy.  What's up with that?  Yes, I admit, I was unhappy with company day to day poor management .... but every day I would start the morning with words of encouragement over the loud speaker.  After team huddles when management wasn't upbeat, I would cheer 'go team' and raise my hands jazz style. Most knew me as the SHINE girl.  I helped plan company events and was part of the Safety committee. Know what ?  I wasn't able to bring my SHINE to that place.

Not my circus, not my monkeys.... not my problem, as the Polish saying goes.

10  Spread Shine

People who Shine build time into their week for thanking and recognizing other people.  Shining is an attitude, highly contagious and most easily transmitted through celebration of other people and events. House of Shine

I'll admit, sometimes there are set backs. I don't feel the SHINE. It might not be possible to SHINE all 10 ways for every situation that life throws at you. At this time in our ever changing world, I'm happy that I have some consistency to bring with me where ever I go. I can always use at least one of the principles.

Bring a little SHINE into your life, and share it with your friends!

Spread Shine

You have to be unique and different and shine in your own way - Lady Gaga

Count on Shining

It's a brand new week!

A chance to start things all over again.

According to the House of Shine, Principle number 9 is Be Accountable.

People who Shine understand that choosing to Shine is a discipline, like exercising, managing money, or becoming more patient.  That is why people who Shine practice Shining.

I admit that I now have the need to SHINE every day.  I feel it.  And one of the ways I feel I SHINE is when I create.  I can't help but see the signs everywhere, especially when I'm not looking for them. I make a point to have a lot of reminders all around me.

I practice a lot of things!  I make a point when I am traveling to look for the signs .... the ones that are directing me on my path, and those that are reinforcing my purpose to SHINE! Literal signs that SHINE, or are related to beautiful sunSHINE!

I feel that everything we do to create beauty, light and inspiration.... matters!  (so the quote I did not come up with reads!!!)

Just like joy & happiness..... no one can create it just for you.  Ain't nobody gonna do it for you!!!

You have to find it within and keep it going.  You have to choose to SHINE... it is a choice.  You have to practice your SHINE....

It's a wonderful thing to share your SHINE with others who might not be feeling their best.

Once you practice, practice, practice, it becomes a part of your daily routine.  It's easy to SHINE.   

No Restrictions

Number eight in my series of 10 posts of the Principles of Shine.

People who SHINE are fixated on their passions and will work tirelessly to reach their goals.  They do what they love because they cannot imagine an alternative. The House of Shine.

Be Relentlessly Passionate.

Be, Do, Share

You don't have to do art exclusively, to be creative.  

But, in my case I am proud to admit that I am an artist.  I have constant feelings for the need of being creative, and I can not imagine a day with out drawing, doodling or making something.

I  just completed a card order.  That is, making creative greetings for a customer. I was so happy the way things turned out.  And of course, I was doubly happy to get paid for my work.  

I had a list of things I wanted to get at the store.  The store in fact is Hobby Lobby.  Funny.  But I needed/wanted some things to help me create better....differently.... imaginatively.

My passion is crafty art.  

Part of my life is to create.  I am so excited to share what I do. 

My imagination is my limit.  

I can't wait to see where my art can take me!