You Are Pause

You Are Pause

Compared to most people, you are reflective and thoughtful. You're always willing to take a break and digest everything that's happened. You are patient with life. You are happy to sit back and let things unfold. You're not in a hurry. You're content to take things at someone else's pace.

What Remote Button Are You?

Happy Birthday Kim

A birthday card for a friend celebrating today (and for those a little slow, those are balls of yarn stamped across the dark purple background). Greeting is popped up. It is the grand irony of life that, as we prepare to celebrate one life today, we also mourn the passing of another. A long-time friend of my parents passed unexpectedly over the weekend. His birthday would have been this coming Wednesday.

Stamps: Cats Galore (Inkadinkado), Birthday Messages (Hero Arts)
Paper: Bazzill Basics (from Archivers)
Ink: Basic Black, Elegant Eggplant (Stampin' Up)
Accessories: Circle punches (Marvy Uchida)

Snow Buds

Rumor has it the landscape across much of the upper Midwest could look like this again over the weekend, with chances for more snow and rain for the following week, and more cold temperatures (it was only 26F when I left the house this morning). The last thing we need is more precipitation of any kind. Lakes and rivers are already causing severe flooding from the Dakotas across Wisconsin and parts farther south. Ain't it always the way that people who don't need it, get it...and those who really do need it, don't?

Thursday Thirteen 100: Basic Photography Tips

Friday, March 27, is National Photography Day. Though friends will attest to the (sometimes annoying) fact that I always seem to have a camera with me, I am by no means an expert. Still, here are a few basic tips I have learned in taking better quality photos.

1. Try to hold the camera as steady as possible. If you don’t have a tri-pod, prop the camera on a ledge, on top of a fence or pile of books or, using both hands, rest your elbows on your chest and stay loose. Press the shutter button in one fluid motion.

2. Simplicity is best. Instead of trying to capture an entire canvas, or all the people in a large room, zoom in and pan with the camera until you find the perfect shot. Don’t be afraid to switch to a wider angle, or from horizontal to vertical pictures.

3. Get close to your subject. Too many people are afraid of zooming in, or moving closer to the subject of their picture. Unless an outfit or item they are holding is important, concentrate on head and shoulder shots, particularly facial features such as eyes and mouth.

4. Get down on their level. If photographing pets or children, rather than taking pictures looking down on your subjects, stoop/kneel/lie down at their level, or take photos looking up at your subject.

5. Note the position of the sun. When taking pictures outdoors, you should stand so that the sun is behind you and to one side, and so that people are not squinting into the sun. Ask subjects to remove hats or tilt them so that you can see their faces.

6. Work by the rule of thirds. When looking through the lens, imagine the frame divided into a grid like a tic-tac-toe board. Try to align your subject so that it is along one of the lines or intersections, not dead center of the frame. This will allow you to pick up the landscape or other background details as well as your subject. Also consider the horizon. Never place the horizon dead center of your photo. Use a low horizon (horizon at bottom third of the grid) for photographing the sky, and a high horizon (top third of the grid) for landscapes.

7. Variety is the spice of life. Mix up your photos to include people and landscapes, different types of weather, and different angles. Take pictures of interesting signs, buildings or people, experimenting with different angles and close-ups.

8. Add detail. Look for the interesting in a mundane world. Instead of a far-off photo of a popular landmark or monument, focus in on the little details—the iron work of the Eiffel Tower, the marble detailing of hands or chiseled face of a statue, or the texture of bark on an unusual tree…

9. Consider form. Don’t just snap random pictures, study the subject of your photo from different angles and light, and decide the best angle from which to photograph it. Instead of shooting a statue straight on, consider photographing it from the side, or getting down on your knees and shooting up.

10. Avoid motion in still photography. If taking pictures of a stationary object, any amount of movement in the frame will detract from the photo, resulting in blurred photographs or poor lighting. Make sure nothing moves inside the frame.

11. Color contrast. The best photographs have shades of black, white and gray in them. The contrast between bright colors and these neutrals can be phenomenal. Also, don’t be afraid to alter a color photo to gray scale. The black and white image produced can speak volumes more than the original color photograph.

12. Read the manual. This may sound pretty simple, but you’d be amazed by how many people never open the manual that came with their camera, or bother to learn about all its functions.

13. Practice. Even the most accomplished photographer had to start somewhere. Don’t be afraid to get out there and take a lot of pictures, playing with the different tips outlined above. With a bit of time and practice, you’ll be rivaling Ansel Adams or Annie Leibovitz in no time!

As I said, I am by no means a professional photographer, but if truly interested in seeing some of my pics, simply click on the “Photos” label at bottom of this post. Now, get out there and take some pictures of your own!


LINKS TO OTHER THURSDAY THIRTEENS:
(Please leave your link if this is your first visit!)

Stephanie Adkins * Alice Audrey * Adelle Laudan
Mel * RJ LeBeau * Angeleque Ford * Clara
Janice Seagraves * Lauren Murphey * Jamie Babette
Ms Menozzi * Shelley Munro * Hootin' Anni * Cassandra
Jennifer McKenzie * Brenda ND * Lanie Fuller * Janet
Nina Pierce * Paige Tyler * Jenna Bayley-Burke


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others’ comments. It’s easy, and fun! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things.

The Internal CD Player

It probably comes as little surprise to those who know me that I almost constantly have some song or other running through my head. Yes, nearly every waking hour (sometimes even in my sleep), and sometimes even two songs at once -- let me tell you, that can really be annoying. Here are the songs that have been playing in my head so far today:


1. Rainy Days and Mondays by The Carpenters. I awoke with this in my head this morning. Not much of a surprise since a) it is Monday and b) it is a rainy, gray day best spent sleeping in, watching old movies or curling up with a good book. Naturally, the stupid day job refused to allow me the joy of any of those.


2. Love is a Many-Splendored Thing by The Four Aces. This one also makes sense as I watched the movie last night and the melody plays throughout. I fell asleep with it in my head. And can I just go on record as saying, "What a sucky ending!" Anyone else seen it? It's a romance set in Hong Kong where a widowed Eurasian doctor (half Chinese, half European--played by Jennifer Jones) falls in love with an American news correspondent (William Holden). Beautiful love story right up until the last ten minutes. I felt like throwing the remote through the TV.


3. Christmas Dreaming by Harry Connick, Jr. HUH?? Where the heck did that come from in March? Definitely not dreaming of Christmas this early in the year. Harry, on the other hand...


4. What's the Name of the Game by Abba. Again?! Sheesh...it's been more than a month since the last time I watched the movie, and a couple of weeks since I listened to the CD at work, and I still can't get these songs out of my head.


5. Volcano by Jimmy Buffett -- upon reading about the overnight eruptions of Alaska's Mount Redoubt. "I don't know, I don't know, I don't know where I'ma gonna go when the volcano blows..."


6. An Irish Ballad -- trad. (I think). Learned this one waaaaay back in middle school -- I'm sure Angela remembers it, as we used to sing it together, despite neither of us actually being Irish. It's been flitting through my head off and on for the past week. Gee...I wonder why that might be? lol (Chorus: Fare thee well my darlin' to America / I will wait in Ireland for ye / When the warm Kansas sun makes the grain grow tall / My darlin' I'll come back for ye)


So...what song has been playing in your head today?

Thanks So Much

Some thank you cards I made this week.

Stamps: Greeting (Pocket Silhouettes--Stampin' Up), Scalloped Edge (Dolls--Hero Arts)
Paper: DCWV Summer Stack (2008)
Ink: Basic Black, Ruby Red
Accessories: Red Brads

Thursday Thirteen 99: Spring!

In honor of Friday’s vernal equinox —a spring post!

Did you know there are 45 definitions for the word spring in the dictionary? Here are but a few of them.

–verb (used without object)
1. to rise, leap, move, or act suddenly and swiftly, as by a sudden dart or thrust forward or outward, or being suddenly released from a coiled or constrained position: to spring into the air; a tiger about to spring.
2. to issue forth suddenly, as water, blood, sparks, fire, etc. (often fol. by forth, out, or up): Blood sprang from the wound.
3. to come into being, rise, or arise within a short time (usually fol. by up): Industries sprang up in the suburbs.
4. to proceed or originate from a specific source or cause.
5. to start or rise from cover, as a pheasant, woodcock, or the like.
6. to explode, as a mine.

–verb (used with object)
7. to cause to spring.
8. to split or crack: The ship sprang its keel on a rock.
9. to stretch or bend (a spring or other resilient device) beyond its elastic tolerance: This clip has been sprung.
10. Slang. to secure the release of (someone) from confinement, as of jail, military service, or the like.

–noun
11. a leap, jump, or bound.
12. an issue of water from the earth, taking the form, on the surface, of a small stream or standing as a pool or small lake.
13. a source or fountainhead of something: a spring of inspiration.

BONUS:
14. (in temperate zones) the season of the year following winter and characterized by the budding of trees, growth of plants, the onset of warmer weather, etc. The vernal equinox.



LINKS TO OTHER THURSDAY THIRTEENS:
(Please leave your link if this is your first visit!)

Stephanie Adkins * Alice Audrey * Adelle Laudan
Shelley Munro * Anthony North * Scarlett Sanderson
Hootin' Anni * Ms Menozzi * Jamie Babette * Carmen Shirkey
Colleen * Jennifer McKenzie * Janice Seagraves * Ayla
Lanie Fuller * Paige Tyler * Clara * Pop Art Diva * Claudia
ChameleonsDream

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others’ comments. It’s easy, and fun! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things.

More Phone Etiquette

An addition to Monday's rant...

If you place the call, it is rude to ask the person you are calling to hold because you have another call coming in. This is standard phone etiquette. You make the call, you make time to complete the call, or ask if you can call the person back. You do not ask them to hold!

(And my day started off so well...)

A Much Better Day

This was a much better day. Slept a bit better last night, and not only was there abundant sunshine today, we got all the way up to 70. Yes, spring is slowly creeping in! If not for the wind, this day would have been darn near perfect. I took advantage of the weather and did some walking this afternoon. Four or five miles, camera in hand. I know that will make Jana and Nina happy, if no one else. I also took pics of the handmade quilt received for my birthday. Will get around to uploading and sharing all in good time. Maybe. I still have pics from NYE to finish uploading for friends. But hey--since one of them still owes me pictures promised way back in 1997 following our DC trip...I feel in no hurry to appease them. It's only fair, right? *weg*

Issues

If it seems I've been a bit absent the last couple weeks, well -- blame it on computers. Seriously, I am getting so fed up with them. The one at work...okay, granted the biggest issue there is the outdated operating system. But before we can update that we have to upgrade the invoicing software we use. Which, of course, all costs money. Granted, some of that would be tax deductible, but it's still A LOT of money upfront and in case no one has heard, we're in a serious recession. So, I'm stuck dealing with daily frustrations, such as the fact this thing has frozen on me half a dozen times today. If not more. Thankfully, most of those times I have been able to ctrl+alt+del my way out of it, but have suffered one hard freeze that necessitated shutting the computer down the hard way and restarting. Ugh! I ran full maintenance this afternoon, hoping it would be an hour well-spent, only to receive another frickin' error report within ten minutes of coming back online. ARGH!

As for the home computer...there it's mostly connection issues. If it's not the ISP acting up, it's AT&T doing more line work in the neighborhood. And I can always tell when AT&T shows up. I'll be speeding through email or surfing along quite nicely when all of a sudden...nothing. Nada. Rien. Complete standstill. Take a walk around the block and nine times out of ten there will be an AT&T utility truck. Irritating in the extreme!

* * * * * * * * * *

Also irritating is the fact that someone stole my scissors over the weekend. I remember using them near the end of the day on Friday and returning them to their cubicle on my desk. Soon after coming in this morning I reached for my scissors and they were...gone! The boss claims he wasn't in all weekend, so who took them? A mouse? Someone was obviously here, 'cause they didn't just grow legs and walk out on their own. And these were GOOD scissors, not crappy ones like other pairs here at the office because I don't use mine to cut stuff you shouldn't. Which means they aren't stiff or dull but actually work. Someone better cough 'em up and fast!

* * * * * * * * * *

If it seems like I'm in a bit of a foul mood today well, that's because I have had a bit of an off day. Blame it on my neck, which contributed to a poor night. As some may remember, I suffered whiplash a decade ago when some bimbo at the Kohl Center tripped over her own feet returning from concessions, landing on--you guessed it--my neck. It's meant not being able to do some things, like reach for items shelved above my head, or sitting with my head turned at an angle for any length of time, and I can't look up at the sky (or a high shelf) without supporting my neck from behind with one hand. There are also (supposed to be) limits as to what I can lift. As in, not supposed to lift anything over 20 pounds. Ha! Yeah, like that's possible with my life. Maybe if I had a house boy to do all the heavy lifting and strenuous house cleaning for me. I also get migraines once or twice a month now, which causes my neck to throb with pain.

My neck has been bothering me a lot again lately, and I was hurting quite a bit when I went to bed last night. Yes, I took some drugs and applied heat before climbing into bed. And again when it woke me up at 1 and 5. The last set plus heat and another hour of sleep finally seemed to do the trick, but as is usual after a night like this, it starts to feel tense again after a long day at work. Not to mention how it sours my mood. Good thing stupid people have stayed out of my way today! *WEG*

* * * * * * * * * *

Oh, and what is with people not knowing how to talk on the phone? Okay, Phone Etiquette 101.

First, turn off the TV and radio. It's distracting to both you and me.
Second, silence screaming kids or barking dogs (likewise screaming dogs and barking kids). Again, it's distracting to both parties.
Third, if placing an order, have your order written down in front of you (item, description, part number, color, etc). Likewise your credit card.
Fourth, speak slowly and clearly. There are no prizes for speed, and no one likes repeating themselves twenty times when they can't be understood. Plus, if the person can't understand you, it could lead to your order being entered wrong.
Fifth, speak loud enough to be heard without deafening the person on the other line. This is the 21st century, people. You do NOT have to shout over the telephone line. Really. I'm not kidding.
Sixth, spell out names, especially unusual ones. You know whether your name is unusual or not by how frequently you have been asked to spell it. Also, do not be offended if asked which spelling of a name you use. Some people spell it S-t-e-v-e-n, some spell it S-t-e-p-h-e-n. Likewise, consider the number of different spellings of names such as Terry/Tari/Teri, Jerry/Jerri/Geri, and Chris/Kris.
Seventh, be polite. How you treat the person you're calling can greatly influence how they in turn treat you. So if you don't want to be treated like an ass, don't behave like one.

End rant. *g*

Thursday Thirteen 98: Movie Mentors

There's no doubt that the right teacher can make a huge difference in one's life. I was lucky in that, until college, I never had a bad teacher, and was constantly encouraged to pursue my dreams and interests. Some, as we all know, are not so lucky, and their talent lies dormant or goes to waste. Inspirational mentors and teachers have long been a staple of the film industry. Here are a few movies worth mentioning--and yes, I've seen them all. How many have you seen? Do you have a favorite?


1. Blackboard Jungle (1955; Featuring Sidney Poitier as a troubled youth)

2. To Sir, With Love (1967; Sidney Poitier becomes the mentor)

3. Dead Poets Society (1989) (Carpe Diem!)

4. Cheers for Miss Bishop (1941)

5. Lean on Me (1989)

6. Stand and Deliver (1988)

7. The Miracle Worker (1962)

8. Dangerous Minds (1995)

9. Take the Lead (2006)

10. Akeelah and the Bee (2006; Changing the world...one word at a time.)

11. Finding Forrester (2000)

12. Front of the Class (2008)

13. The Corn is Green (1945)


LINKS TO OTHER THURSDAY THIRTEENS:
(Please leave your link if this is your first visit!)

Alice Audrey * Lanie Fuller * Shelley Munro
Ms Menozzi * Hootin' Anni * Jamie Babette * Carmen
Adelle Laudan * Jennifer McKenzie * Paige Tyler
RJ LeBeau * Janice Seagraves * Mel * Inez Kelley
Jen * Jenn * Eaton Bennett * Nicholas
Jenna Bayley-Burke * Brenda ND

The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others’ comments. It’s easy, and fun! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things.

Wildlife Reserve 2

A few quick cards to share...

Stamps: Wildlife Reserve, Birthday Greetings, It's Your Birthday (Stampin' Up)
Paper: DCWV
Ink: Basic Black
Accessories: Circle adn Oval punches, Raffia, Hole Piercer

Friday 5

1. On March 6, 1869, Dmitri Mendeleev presented the first Periodic Table of the Elements to the Russian Chemical Society. What memories do you have of your high-school chemistry course?

Chemistry...ugh! I was lost and miserable in HS chemistry. I hated it. None of my friends were in the same class and I didn't have a regular lab partner, getting stuck with whoever's partner was absent on lab days. Yay, me. I barely passed with a C, but at least I didn't blow up the chem lab, as one of my older half sisters did years before.

My college chem class was better and I passed with a B (A in labs, but tests brought the grade down a bit). I had a great partner, Joy, and she only blew up one of our experiments. And yes, it was all her. She was late to lab the day we were to extract caffeine from tea to make aspirin and missed the professor's admonishment not to turn the bunsen burner above a certain level. She grew impatient as we were about 15 minutes behind everyone else (and whose fault was that again??). I told her not to turn it up, but as soon as my back was turned she did anyway and POOF! Liquid exploded everywhere. Good thing it was under a hood! Ironically, despite our late start and Joy's little mishap, the prof told us our speciman was the best-looking of the class. Heh!

2. On March 6, 1899, the Bayer company registered aspirin as a trademark. When did you last take medication for pain?
Ha! Love the irony in the order of these questions, considering the above story. I haven't taken any Aspirin recently, but did pop a couple Acetaminophen for a headache earlier today.

3. On March 6, 1853, Giuseppe Verdi’s opera La Traviata premiered in Venice. How do you feel about opera?
Opera is okay. Not my first choice in theater entertainment, but I have nothing against it.

4. On March 6, 1947, American film director Rob Reiner (Meathead!) was born. Which of these Reiner-directed films have you seen, and what do you think of them? (Those I've seen are in red)

The Bucket List (2007)
Rumor Has It… (2005)
Alex & Emma (2003)
The Story of Us (1999)
Ghosts of Mississippi (1996) Good movie!
The American President (1995) Love it, it's one of my faves!
North (1994)
A Few Good Men (1992) Another excellent movie
Misery (1990) Eh...it was okay. Definitely not a fave
Postcards From the Edge (1990)
When Harry Met Sally… (1989) Yes, yes, yes!
The Princess Bride (1987) Another good one!
Stand by Me (1986) Good, but not a favorite
The Sure Thing (1985)
This Is Spinal Tap (1984)


5. On March 6, 1972, American basketball-player Shaquille O’Neal was born. How do you feel about basketball?
Well...that depends. It's not at the top of my list of sports I like or will watch. In fact, I've only ever attended one basketball game in my life, when a HS friend dragged me to one so she could drool over a guy on the opposing team. Though my college's teams did pretty well, I never went to any of the games, and only occasionally watch Badger basketball on TV (ie: when nothing else is on, or they make it to the playoffs). Locally, March means avoiding the malls at all costs. Boys and girls hockey is this weekend. Girls state basketball is in town next weekend, and boys the following. Between the three, the stores are way too crowded and overflowing with teens. We do watch some of the games that are televised, though, especially if any of the local teams are playing.

Thursday Thirteen 97: Number One Songs

In honor of yesterday's birthday -- number one songs on significant dates in my life. All info is taken from NumberOneInHistory.

1. The day I was born: "Bridge Over Troubled Water" by Simon & Garfunkel (I'd say this suits me)
2. Younger sis: "My Sweet Lord/ Isn't It a Pity" by George Harrison (Spot. On!)
3. Baby sis: "Love Train" by The O'Jays
4. Mom’s birthday: "Till the End of Time" by Perry Como
5. Dad’s birthday: "Stein Song (University of Maine)" by Rudy Vallee
6. 16th birthday: “Kyrie” by Mr. Mister
7. 18th birthday: "Father Figure" by George Michael
8. High School graduation: "One More Try" by George Michael
(And thank god I didn't have to give it one more try!)
9. 21st birthday: "Someday" by Mariah Carey
10. College graduation: "Jump" by Kris Kross (Are ya kiddin’ me? I hated that song!)
11. Younger sis and BIL’s wedding: "Un-Break My Heart" by Toni Braxton
12. Day Dad died: (2001) "Fallin'" by Alicia Keys
13. My niece, The Bug’s Birthday: “Let Me Love You” by Mario


LINKS TO OTHER THURSDAY THIRTEENS:
(Please leave your link if it's your first visit, so I can link back to you!)

Stephanie Adkins * Adelle Laudan * Alice Audrey
Claudia * Marcia * Angeleque Ford * Shelley Munro
RJ LeBeau * Ms Menozzi * Thorne * Sharon
Hootin' Anni * Tricia * Jennifer McKenzie
Paperback Diva * Carmen Shirkey * Paige Tyler * Mel
BrendaND * Lanie Fuller * Cassandra * Inez Kelley
Jenna Bayley-Burke * KandyBlossom * Colleen


The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others’ comments. It’s easy, and fun! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things.

Where the Sidewalk...Disappears?

Yes, there's a sidewalk curving along that wall...somewhere. This was actually taken last February, though it has looked much the same this year. Between all the snow that had fallen (more than 100 inches by this time last year and about 70 inches so far this year), and all that has been plowed off the road to the left and heaped upon the narrow terrace, there was barely enough room left to navigate the walkway.

What Element Are You?

Your element is Water

Water is the essence of love.

The river rushing onward to the sea represents perseverance and the courage needed to stay the course. You are the nurturer, the calm center of the family who supports loved ones to help them overcome obstacles, and conquer problems. When fire forces through change, you smooth the path, and sooth hurt feelings. Sensual, graceful, and often very beautiful, you have strong emotions, and love deeply. Your friends are likely to turn to you for advice on love and friendship. Feelings are made of the same stuff as water and ‘well up’ inside you. Tears spring from emotion and wash away hurt. Cleansing, healing, and psychic, you may be in the healing or caring professions. Taste pure water; listen to a babbling brook; feel the cool kiss of a mountain stream on your fingers. Your season is fall, your time of day the shadowy dusk.


Take the Quiz

Sixes Photo Meme

One of the latest memes making the rounds is based on sixes. Open your photo files, then the sixth folder (and the sixth subfolder inside that if applicable), ultimately posting the sixth photo inside the sixth folder. I have my photos arranged by year, then season, then event. The sixth folder in my picture files is for 2006, then: summer/cornfest/carousel-06 -- which is the sixth of many pictures taken of my niece, The Bug, at the Sun Prairie Sweet Corn Festival in August 2006. Look how tiny she was! She still loves the carousel best of all the rides, and tends to zone out while the ride is in motion, suddenly blinking back to life as the carousel comes to a stop. It's really rather cute -- as is she. NOT that I'm at all biased. *grin*

The Bug and Mommy riding the carousel