“God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him” (1 Jn 4:16). These words from the First Letter of John express with remarkable clarity the heart of the Christian faith: the Christian image of God and the resulting image of mankind and its destiny. In the same verse, Saint John also offers a kind of summary of the Christian life: “We have come to know and to believe in the love God has for us”.
We have come to believe in God's love: in these words the Christian can express the fundamental decision of his life. Being Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction. Saint John's Gospel describes that event in these words: “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should ... have eternal life” (3:16). In acknowledging the centrality of love, Christian faith has retained the core of Israel's faith, while at the same time giving it new depth and breadth. The pious Jew prayed daily the words of the Book of Deuteronomy which expressed the heart of his existence: “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God is one Lord, and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your might” (6:4-5). Jesus united into a single precept this commandment of love for God and the commandment of love for neighbour found in the Book of Leviticus: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself” (19:18; cf. Mk 12:29-31). Since God has first loved us (cf. 1 Jn 4:10), love is now no longer a mere “command”; it is the response to the gift of love with which God draws near to us.
In a world where the name of God is sometimes associated with vengeance or even a duty of hatred and violence, this message is both timely and significant. For this reason, I wish in my first Encyclical to speak of the love which God lavishes upon us and which we in turn must share with others. That, in essence, is what the two main parts of this Letter are about, and they are profoundly interconnected. The first part is more speculative, since I wanted here—at the beginning of my Pontificate—to clarify some essential facts concerning the love which God mysteriously and gratuitously offers to man, together with the intrinsic link between that Love and the reality of human love. The second part is more concrete, since it treats the ecclesial exercise of the commandment of love of neighbour. The argument has vast implications, but a lengthy treatment would go beyond the scope of the present Encyclical. I wish to emphasize some basic elements, so as to call forth in the world renewed energy and commitment in the human response to God's love.
Tuesday, October 4, 2011
NOTE:5 Steps to Streamline your Creative Process
NOTE:5 Steps to Streamline your Creative Process
5 Steps to Streamline your Creative Process
by abduzeedo Sep 08, 2009
abduzeedo's blog
Português
As a designer I’m always trying to optimize my creative process. Since I started, lots of things have changed in my workflow, some things got simpler while others got a little bit more complicated. With these changes came the experience of learning from the mistakes but also from the successes.
In this article I will summarize how I try to streamline my creative process to make it as efficient as possible. Basically everything consists of 5 steps:
1- Understand the work
"A well-defined problem is half solved."Michael Osborne - Principal, Michael Osborne Design
It might sound obvious but sometimes we tend to assume that we know what we have to do when we simply don’t. It’s really important to know exactly what it is that you have to do before you start doing anything. If you don't, it would be like going to the supermarket when you’re hungry. You want to buy everything... The understanding of the project will filter exactly what you have to look for, it will give you directions and the context of the work you will have to do. But what's the use in knowing what you have to do if you don't know who you're doing it for? That will lead us to the second step...
2- Audience
"A common mistake that people make when trying to design something completely foolproof is to underestimate the ingenuity of complete fools."Douglas Adams - Creator of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
So, you now have a firm understanding of the work, but now the question has come to: for whom will the work be intended? The audience is key in this equation because it filters and reduces even more the range of your search for inspiration. Once you have the audience figured out, you really have to get in your mind that it's 100% about them, which will lead us to the third step.
3- Business
"Every night I pray that clients with taste will get money and clients with money will get taste." Bill Gardner - Principal, Gardner Design
The biggest difference between commercial design and art, for me, is that we design something for the audience and not as a means of self-expression for ourselves. We solve problems for them, we make it easier for them. As far as graphic and visual design goes, most of the problems arise in communication. Essentially, we’re the middle man between the client and the consumer. Our goal is to make the communication better for them (which in most cases means simplifying), and not to interfere in the communication with our own personal tastes and influences.
4 - Challenge
"We spend a lot of effort trying to make things look effortless." Alexander Isley - Principal, Alexander Isley Design
With a solid understanding of the work, the audience, and the question of solving problems, we now face the challenge: the designing part. The challenge creates the motivation to look for the details that will make your work better and superior.
5 - Try
"You will never really like anything you do, and you will die knowing that you still have to do your best." Garth Walker - Orange Juice Design
The previous steps won’t necessarily guarantee that you'll come up with a good design, they're merely there to form a foundation, or a stepping stone, if you will.
To recap, the understanding of both the work and the audience will create the context. Keeping in mind the business perspective will avoid you losing focus on what's important. And, finally, the challenge will give you the motivation to look for the most innovative and efficient solutions. But the only way for you to come up with a good design is to take all these things and TRY.
5 Steps to Streamline your Creative Process
by abduzeedo Sep 08, 2009
abduzeedo's blog
Português
As a designer I’m always trying to optimize my creative process. Since I started, lots of things have changed in my workflow, some things got simpler while others got a little bit more complicated. With these changes came the experience of learning from the mistakes but also from the successes.
In this article I will summarize how I try to streamline my creative process to make it as efficient as possible. Basically everything consists of 5 steps:
1- Understand the work
"A well-defined problem is half solved."Michael Osborne - Principal, Michael Osborne Design
It might sound obvious but sometimes we tend to assume that we know what we have to do when we simply don’t. It’s really important to know exactly what it is that you have to do before you start doing anything. If you don't, it would be like going to the supermarket when you’re hungry. You want to buy everything... The understanding of the project will filter exactly what you have to look for, it will give you directions and the context of the work you will have to do. But what's the use in knowing what you have to do if you don't know who you're doing it for? That will lead us to the second step...
2- Audience
"A common mistake that people make when trying to design something completely foolproof is to underestimate the ingenuity of complete fools."Douglas Adams - Creator of The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy
So, you now have a firm understanding of the work, but now the question has come to: for whom will the work be intended? The audience is key in this equation because it filters and reduces even more the range of your search for inspiration. Once you have the audience figured out, you really have to get in your mind that it's 100% about them, which will lead us to the third step.
3- Business
"Every night I pray that clients with taste will get money and clients with money will get taste." Bill Gardner - Principal, Gardner Design
The biggest difference between commercial design and art, for me, is that we design something for the audience and not as a means of self-expression for ourselves. We solve problems for them, we make it easier for them. As far as graphic and visual design goes, most of the problems arise in communication. Essentially, we’re the middle man between the client and the consumer. Our goal is to make the communication better for them (which in most cases means simplifying), and not to interfere in the communication with our own personal tastes and influences.
4 - Challenge
"We spend a lot of effort trying to make things look effortless." Alexander Isley - Principal, Alexander Isley Design
With a solid understanding of the work, the audience, and the question of solving problems, we now face the challenge: the designing part. The challenge creates the motivation to look for the details that will make your work better and superior.
5 - Try
"You will never really like anything you do, and you will die knowing that you still have to do your best." Garth Walker - Orange Juice Design
The previous steps won’t necessarily guarantee that you'll come up with a good design, they're merely there to form a foundation, or a stepping stone, if you will.
To recap, the understanding of both the work and the audience will create the context. Keeping in mind the business perspective will avoid you losing focus on what's important. And, finally, the challenge will give you the motivation to look for the most innovative and efficient solutions. But the only way for you to come up with a good design is to take all these things and TRY.
10 Ways to Rev-up Your Creativity
10 Ways to Rev-up Your Creativity
1. Pick Up A Pencil
Remember the pencil? Remember the sketch book? Doodling and sketching, even about nothing in particular, can be very freeing and cause some great ideas to come out of your hand. Just sit down and draw. It’s good to get thoughts and ideas down on paper and can actually lead to something great.
2. Read Design Magazines
There are so many design magazines out there. A lot of them have some great design solutions and articles contained that can spark some creativity to get things going again. There are many design experts that contribute articles and ideas to the magazines and sometimes they may get a stuck designer, well, unstuck.
3. Go To A Museum
If you’re in an urban area, there are many museums around that you can go to. They don’t necessarily have to be art museums, but a trip to a modern art museum should get some ideas pumped out for you. It’s always good to get out, clear your mind, and just let things happen at the museum. We can admire, criticize, and simply experience the talent and beauty that is all around these places.
4. Listen To Others
How often do we listen to others? In the design business, there are many colleagues out there that have the same trials and tribulations that you do. Talk to them. Get into their heads about their art and work. What do they do? How do they work? I’m not saying to steal ideas from them, just get some dialogue going. What about instructors at school? I know you have to listen them in class all the time, but maybe a private, relaxed conversation will produce some new thoughts and ideas. People that have been in the business for awhile have lots of experience and can really help.
5. Take A Break
Stressed? Burned-out? Then, take a break. Just a break. Get up, get away from that computer, and do something else. Watch TV, read a book, do something that is not even related to design or anything that you’re working on. It’s OK to take a break from a project sometimes. Many times, during these downtimes, ideas and thoughts can creep into your head that may be a solution to something you’ve been searching for.
6. Go Freeform
Similar to picking up a pencil, going freeform is getting out those colored pencils, markers, and even crayons to get out some ideas. Use vibrant colors. Go crazy, there are no rules to going freeform. Be a kid again. Remember how imaginative we were then? It’s fun and can really free up a blocked mind. Who knows, you may even find another method of doing your work. Another way of going freeform is to dance and sing. Just be crazy and let the results flow in.
7. Look At Other Work
Do you have a guru of the design world that you simply love? Do you love what they’ve done in their career and feel some attachments to them? Look at their work and see what they’ve done. Once again, we don’t copy their work, but we can get ideas and inspiration from them. Look at fine artists’ work and see what they’ve done. Painters, sculptors, and photographers have a lot of talent and their ingenuity can be of benefit to all of us.
8. Look At The Environment
The world outside has a multitude of things going on. Trees, parks, grass, beaches, oceans, and wildlife can be very refreshing and inspirational. Open your mind, take a big breath of fresh air, and walk around outside. Architecture and other man-made things can be truly beautiful as well. Don’t expect anything, just get out there and do it.
9. Look At Those Old Design Books
Remember the old design books we had to read through school? It’s OK to pull them out again and take a look. There may be some things in those old books that you forgot about and may be useful to you now. Not only textbooks, but design and art books of all types can be really nice to look at and read. Don’t have any? Remember the library.
10. Meditate
When all else fails, it’s good to sit down and meditate. Turn everything off, sit comfortably in peace and quiet, and open your mind. Push out all thoughts and just be you. Don’t worry about anything when you’re sitting in the quiet, just sit and be in the moment. It can be hard to do this if you’re not in the practice of meditating, but, with practice, it can be really good and freeing. It’s also very good for your overall mental and physical health.
1. Pick Up A Pencil
Remember the pencil? Remember the sketch book? Doodling and sketching, even about nothing in particular, can be very freeing and cause some great ideas to come out of your hand. Just sit down and draw. It’s good to get thoughts and ideas down on paper and can actually lead to something great.
2. Read Design Magazines
There are so many design magazines out there. A lot of them have some great design solutions and articles contained that can spark some creativity to get things going again. There are many design experts that contribute articles and ideas to the magazines and sometimes they may get a stuck designer, well, unstuck.
3. Go To A Museum
If you’re in an urban area, there are many museums around that you can go to. They don’t necessarily have to be art museums, but a trip to a modern art museum should get some ideas pumped out for you. It’s always good to get out, clear your mind, and just let things happen at the museum. We can admire, criticize, and simply experience the talent and beauty that is all around these places.
4. Listen To Others
How often do we listen to others? In the design business, there are many colleagues out there that have the same trials and tribulations that you do. Talk to them. Get into their heads about their art and work. What do they do? How do they work? I’m not saying to steal ideas from them, just get some dialogue going. What about instructors at school? I know you have to listen them in class all the time, but maybe a private, relaxed conversation will produce some new thoughts and ideas. People that have been in the business for awhile have lots of experience and can really help.
5. Take A Break
Stressed? Burned-out? Then, take a break. Just a break. Get up, get away from that computer, and do something else. Watch TV, read a book, do something that is not even related to design or anything that you’re working on. It’s OK to take a break from a project sometimes. Many times, during these downtimes, ideas and thoughts can creep into your head that may be a solution to something you’ve been searching for.
6. Go Freeform
Similar to picking up a pencil, going freeform is getting out those colored pencils, markers, and even crayons to get out some ideas. Use vibrant colors. Go crazy, there are no rules to going freeform. Be a kid again. Remember how imaginative we were then? It’s fun and can really free up a blocked mind. Who knows, you may even find another method of doing your work. Another way of going freeform is to dance and sing. Just be crazy and let the results flow in.
7. Look At Other Work
Do you have a guru of the design world that you simply love? Do you love what they’ve done in their career and feel some attachments to them? Look at their work and see what they’ve done. Once again, we don’t copy their work, but we can get ideas and inspiration from them. Look at fine artists’ work and see what they’ve done. Painters, sculptors, and photographers have a lot of talent and their ingenuity can be of benefit to all of us.
8. Look At The Environment
The world outside has a multitude of things going on. Trees, parks, grass, beaches, oceans, and wildlife can be very refreshing and inspirational. Open your mind, take a big breath of fresh air, and walk around outside. Architecture and other man-made things can be truly beautiful as well. Don’t expect anything, just get out there and do it.
9. Look At Those Old Design Books
Remember the old design books we had to read through school? It’s OK to pull them out again and take a look. There may be some things in those old books that you forgot about and may be useful to you now. Not only textbooks, but design and art books of all types can be really nice to look at and read. Don’t have any? Remember the library.
10. Meditate
When all else fails, it’s good to sit down and meditate. Turn everything off, sit comfortably in peace and quiet, and open your mind. Push out all thoughts and just be you. Don’t worry about anything when you’re sitting in the quiet, just sit and be in the moment. It can be hard to do this if you’re not in the practice of meditating, but, with practice, it can be really good and freeing. It’s also very good for your overall mental and physical health.
15 Things an Artist Should Never Say
15 Things an Artist Should Never Say
Being a successful artist takes hard work, patience and good networking skills. It is not enough to simply have talent. Your success will magnified by your ability to socialize, reach business goals, and manage projects. Does that sound a little overwhelming? Here are some tips that you can take one at a time. Let’s start with what an artist should never say…
“I can’t do that”
Say a friend wants to commission you. They propose a work of art that is not your typical style or medium. The last thing you want to do is to flat out refuse them.
You have some options:
• Learn what ever skill you lack to do the piece.
• Take the opportunity to educate them about your work to see if they might want something closer to what you do (but don’t be dogmatic).
• Hire someone to fabricate what ever it is that you can’t.
• Propose another work of art that will give them what you both want.
Never say yes to a hard deadline on the spot.
Whether it is a commission or a gallery show, a commitment is to be taken seriously. The gallery or collector will be planning around the finished work. The last thing you want to do is inconvenience them. Before setting a hard deadline, make sure you have enough time to complete the project.
“I can’t afford to make art”
Artists over centuries have always found a way to make art…for nothing. Think of the cave painters, their art did not cost money. Yes, some art costs money to make, but it does not have to. You may even have things lying around your house with which you can make your next masterpiece.
“I didn’t go to ‘X’ school, so I’ll never make it as an artist.”
Now that is just a cop out! If your work is good enough, it will find its way. A good art education is worth it but not everyone that went to Yale is making millions from their art.
“Never be silent…”
…when you should be promoting your work. Simply open your mouth. Invite the curator you met at the last opening for a studio visit. This is the way the art world turns.
Never say you will do it… when you won’t.
This is the most obvious suggestion, but also the one we mess up on the most. Don’t agree to something that you cannot or are not willing to do for what ever reason.
“Never indulge in self-depreciating comments”
If someone asks you about your work say something that will interest them and invite more questions. Do not say anything negative or incredibly boring about your work or career.
Never “dis” the competition.
It’s a very small world and you just never know. Do your best to be gracious and have something good to say about your fellow artists. Having said that, if your opinion is called for, be honest about what you see in the work.
“I’m too old”
Matisse made art work into his 90’s even while sight impaired.
“I’m too busy to go out and network.”
You can only say this phrase if you are rich and famous. If you are not, how else are you going to get there? Like it or not, networking is your job.
“You can have it”
Never give your work away. If someone is interested in buying but the price is a little steep, offer to discount it 10% or 20%. The value you place on your work is an indication of how successful you feel.
Exception: Giving artwork as gifts or a trade with another artist is fine. In fact, it may help your career.
“I’m an artist not a computer geek.”
Some use this excuse to not learn the necessary tools to promote your work in this day an age. Every artist needs to promote their work on the internet. You can do it!
“I’m a failure because I’ve never sold”
Van Gogh only sold paintings to his brother while he was alive
“No.”
You should never say “no” to a project out of fear of the challenge.
“I’m an artist, not a business person.”
Sorry to tell you this, but you may be in the wrong profession if you want to make a living as an artist. All artists can benefit from business training. Contact your local art center to see if they have business classes for artists or get help from a mentor.
Being a successful artist takes hard work, patience and good networking skills. It is not enough to simply have talent. Your success will magnified by your ability to socialize, reach business goals, and manage projects. Does that sound a little overwhelming? Here are some tips that you can take one at a time. Let’s start with what an artist should never say…
“I can’t do that”
Say a friend wants to commission you. They propose a work of art that is not your typical style or medium. The last thing you want to do is to flat out refuse them.
You have some options:
• Learn what ever skill you lack to do the piece.
• Take the opportunity to educate them about your work to see if they might want something closer to what you do (but don’t be dogmatic).
• Hire someone to fabricate what ever it is that you can’t.
• Propose another work of art that will give them what you both want.
Never say yes to a hard deadline on the spot.
Whether it is a commission or a gallery show, a commitment is to be taken seriously. The gallery or collector will be planning around the finished work. The last thing you want to do is inconvenience them. Before setting a hard deadline, make sure you have enough time to complete the project.
“I can’t afford to make art”
Artists over centuries have always found a way to make art…for nothing. Think of the cave painters, their art did not cost money. Yes, some art costs money to make, but it does not have to. You may even have things lying around your house with which you can make your next masterpiece.
“I didn’t go to ‘X’ school, so I’ll never make it as an artist.”
Now that is just a cop out! If your work is good enough, it will find its way. A good art education is worth it but not everyone that went to Yale is making millions from their art.
“Never be silent…”
…when you should be promoting your work. Simply open your mouth. Invite the curator you met at the last opening for a studio visit. This is the way the art world turns.
Never say you will do it… when you won’t.
This is the most obvious suggestion, but also the one we mess up on the most. Don’t agree to something that you cannot or are not willing to do for what ever reason.
“Never indulge in self-depreciating comments”
If someone asks you about your work say something that will interest them and invite more questions. Do not say anything negative or incredibly boring about your work or career.
Never “dis” the competition.
It’s a very small world and you just never know. Do your best to be gracious and have something good to say about your fellow artists. Having said that, if your opinion is called for, be honest about what you see in the work.
“I’m too old”
Matisse made art work into his 90’s even while sight impaired.
“I’m too busy to go out and network.”
You can only say this phrase if you are rich and famous. If you are not, how else are you going to get there? Like it or not, networking is your job.
“You can have it”
Never give your work away. If someone is interested in buying but the price is a little steep, offer to discount it 10% or 20%. The value you place on your work is an indication of how successful you feel.
Exception: Giving artwork as gifts or a trade with another artist is fine. In fact, it may help your career.
“I’m an artist not a computer geek.”
Some use this excuse to not learn the necessary tools to promote your work in this day an age. Every artist needs to promote their work on the internet. You can do it!
“I’m a failure because I’ve never sold”
Van Gogh only sold paintings to his brother while he was alive
“No.”
You should never say “no” to a project out of fear of the challenge.
“I’m an artist, not a business person.”
Sorry to tell you this, but you may be in the wrong profession if you want to make a living as an artist. All artists can benefit from business training. Contact your local art center to see if they have business classes for artists or get help from a mentor.
Keeping Yourself Motivated
Keeping Yourself Motivated
Staying motivated isn’t easy – we often convince ourselves not to be. We often give ourselves excuses, allow other people to put us down, or look at the success of others and think, “That’ll never be me.”
There are two basic types of motivation: intrinsic motivation, and extrinsic motivation.
Intrinsic motivation comes from the feeling of self-achievement inherent in the task or project achieved, i.e. solving a puzzle, completing a school assignment, or finally publishing that website you were working on for a client.
Extrinsic motivation is the reward you get from others – or outside “forces”. This includes money and other financial or tangible rewards, such as a free vacation for achieving your sales targets, a trophy for winning first place at the Olympics, or even the crowd cheering as you overtake car #2 in the last stretch of the race. This explains the “home team advantage” methodology.
Extrinsic motivation (namely money) is often the primary basis for our motivation. Everyone needs money, and wants as much of it as possible. That’s no secret. However, I believe the feeling of self achievement is equally important when it comes to staying motivated.
When you’ve finished the design work for a client, what feels better? Getting paid or seeing your client smile, succeed, and receive brand recognition partly due to your efforts? If you picked getting paid, try thinking about it this way:
A small, startup company seeks your help in setting up their identity (logo, business card, website, etc.). The company is completely unknown but happens to take off. All of a sudden the company is everywhere – the NY Times, TechCrunch, CNN, a trending topic on Twitter, you name it.
Do you still feel the same? Okay, that might have been a bit of an exaggeration, but hopefully my point was made.
But what about the money?
There are many ways that you can use money and your personal financial status to keep yourself motivated. Here are a few ideas:
Reward yourself: decide on an amount (that doesn’t cut into your bill paying or savings) and reward yourself after a job well done. Of course you don’t want to spend every hard penny you’ve earned on your favourite hobby, but if it’s all work and no play you’ll get burnt out. Reward yourself as a reminder of what you’re working towards.
Financial status: do you want to put a down payment on your own place in 2 years? Pay off the house in 7? Have children and send them to private school? Remind yourself how much money you need to earn each month in order to support your desired lifestyle. If you’re not quite there yet figure out the steps needed to get there and write them down.
It takes money to make money: do you have any business plans that require startup capital you don’t currently have? Do you plan to buy and rent properties? Invest? These are other good ways to remind yourself to keep at it.
What else?
Networking. It’s easy to meet other people in your industry on the internet these days (especially if you’re a designer). If you don’t already have a blog, consider starting one. Sign up for Twitter and get out there! Meeting other people in your line of work helps you to learn the language and communication styles that are effective in your industry.
If you know a lot of designers, for instance, they can refer clients to you when they’re overbooked, or when a client requires something beyond their expertise.
It’s also a good idea to try to network in person. It’s refreshing to get out of your home or office and meet people face to face. People will often share more in person than they will on their blog or via Twitter. Escaping your workstation every once in a while will give you that added fuel you need to move forward when you return from your mid-day vacation.
When all else fails, I tend to go on a “success story” binge. Take an hour to watch a fewTED Talks, read a few articles about people on the Forbes 400 list, or poke around the Small Business Success Stories page on BusinessWeek.
Stay motivated – and if you can’t, try something new.
Staying motivated isn’t easy – we often convince ourselves not to be. We often give ourselves excuses, allow other people to put us down, or look at the success of others and think, “That’ll never be me.”
There are two basic types of motivation: intrinsic motivation, and extrinsic motivation.
Intrinsic motivation comes from the feeling of self-achievement inherent in the task or project achieved, i.e. solving a puzzle, completing a school assignment, or finally publishing that website you were working on for a client.
Extrinsic motivation is the reward you get from others – or outside “forces”. This includes money and other financial or tangible rewards, such as a free vacation for achieving your sales targets, a trophy for winning first place at the Olympics, or even the crowd cheering as you overtake car #2 in the last stretch of the race. This explains the “home team advantage” methodology.
Extrinsic motivation (namely money) is often the primary basis for our motivation. Everyone needs money, and wants as much of it as possible. That’s no secret. However, I believe the feeling of self achievement is equally important when it comes to staying motivated.
When you’ve finished the design work for a client, what feels better? Getting paid or seeing your client smile, succeed, and receive brand recognition partly due to your efforts? If you picked getting paid, try thinking about it this way:
A small, startup company seeks your help in setting up their identity (logo, business card, website, etc.). The company is completely unknown but happens to take off. All of a sudden the company is everywhere – the NY Times, TechCrunch, CNN, a trending topic on Twitter, you name it.
Do you still feel the same? Okay, that might have been a bit of an exaggeration, but hopefully my point was made.
But what about the money?
There are many ways that you can use money and your personal financial status to keep yourself motivated. Here are a few ideas:
Reward yourself: decide on an amount (that doesn’t cut into your bill paying or savings) and reward yourself after a job well done. Of course you don’t want to spend every hard penny you’ve earned on your favourite hobby, but if it’s all work and no play you’ll get burnt out. Reward yourself as a reminder of what you’re working towards.
Financial status: do you want to put a down payment on your own place in 2 years? Pay off the house in 7? Have children and send them to private school? Remind yourself how much money you need to earn each month in order to support your desired lifestyle. If you’re not quite there yet figure out the steps needed to get there and write them down.
It takes money to make money: do you have any business plans that require startup capital you don’t currently have? Do you plan to buy and rent properties? Invest? These are other good ways to remind yourself to keep at it.
What else?
Networking. It’s easy to meet other people in your industry on the internet these days (especially if you’re a designer). If you don’t already have a blog, consider starting one. Sign up for Twitter and get out there! Meeting other people in your line of work helps you to learn the language and communication styles that are effective in your industry.
If you know a lot of designers, for instance, they can refer clients to you when they’re overbooked, or when a client requires something beyond their expertise.
It’s also a good idea to try to network in person. It’s refreshing to get out of your home or office and meet people face to face. People will often share more in person than they will on their blog or via Twitter. Escaping your workstation every once in a while will give you that added fuel you need to move forward when you return from your mid-day vacation.
When all else fails, I tend to go on a “success story” binge. Take an hour to watch a fewTED Talks, read a few articles about people on the Forbes 400 list, or poke around the Small Business Success Stories page on BusinessWeek.
Stay motivated – and if you can’t, try something new.
Self-Motivating Through Creative Blocks
Self-Motivating Through Creative Blocks
As designers, we need to be creative in order to be successful at our jobs.
Coming up with ideas and creative solutions to problems is what we do on a daily basis. But that doesn’t mean it’s always easy to do so.
Sometimes we get blocked creatively, and it seems like no matter how hard we try, we just can’t come up with a creative solution to anything.
The good news is that there are plenty of things you can do that can help you overcome a block in your creativity. First you’ll need to understand why you’re blocked, and then try some simple techniques to get over that blockage.
In this article, we’ll also cover a few ideas for finding motivation when your lack of desire to work is the root of your creativity problems.
Reasons for Creative Blockages
Before we can overcome a creative block, it’s important to figure out what is causing it. Without knowing the root cause, we don’t really know the best methods for getting over a blockage. In most cases, blocks are caused by one of four things:
1. Working Too Hard If you find yourself with a creative block, think about how much you’ve been working lately. If you work ten hour days or never take days off, you may be blocked because you’re just working too hard and too much. Most people don’t have an unlimited supply of creativity. After a few hours or a few days, we need time to replenish those creative reserves.
2. Lack of Sleep Being tired tends to zap creativity faster than anything else. If you’re not getting enough sleep every night, you can’t expect to be as creative as you would be if you’re well-rested. Not everyone necessarily needs eight hours of sleep a night, so it’s important to figure out how much sleep you need to be at your optimal creative levels. Note: Sometimes too much sleep can be just as bad for your creativity as too little.
3. Stress Whether it’s things in your personal life causing you stress or something at work, stress is a major killer of creativity. Finding ways to minimize the stress in your life is a great way to boost your creativity. Whether you do that by eliminating the things causing you stress or simply by finding ways to deal with it (like meditation or exercise) is up to you.
4. Fear Fear can freeze your creativity more solidly than virtually anything else. Sometimes you might be afraid to finish the current project because you have nothing else lined up after it. Other times you might be afraid the client isn’t going to like what you’ve done, or that your peers won’t appreciate the design. In either case, overcoming your fear is going to be paramount to getting your creativity back and finishing the project.
Ways to Overcome Creative Blocks
Hopefully you’ve been able to nail down exactly why you’re suffering from a creative block. Now it’s time to get down to overcoming it. There are a lot of techniques you can utilize to get over almost any kind of creative blockage. Here are some of the best:
1. Take a Break If you’re creatively blocked, taking a break from whatever you’re working on can do wonders. Work on something else for a bit, or take a day off. When you’ve got some distance from your project and aren’t thinking about it anymore, you might be surprised at the ideas that will start flowing.
2. Take a Nap This is particularly important if you think your creative blockage might be due to a lack of sleep. Taking a nap, even if it’s just for twenty or thirty minutes, can let your creative batteries recharge and give you new ideas. Even if your creativity blockage isn’t because of a lack of sleep, a nap can still give you a fresh perspective on your work. If you’re a morning person, an afternoon nap can even help reset your creativity levels to what they are when you get up in the morning.
3. Take a Walk A change of setting can often open up your creative flood gates better than anything else. Walking can also let your mind wander, which can result in finding new, creative solutions. Some people like to take long walks, maybe for an hour or two to free up their creativity, while others find just a quick, ten-minute walk around their block does the trick. You’ll have to experiment to see what works for you.
4. Do Something
Mundane This is one of the best tricks out there for unblocking your creativity. Doing some mundane task allows your brain to relax and wander, much as it does when you take a walk. Cleaning is often one of the best mundane tasks for overcoming a creative block, whether it’s vacuuming or washing dishes or dusting. The bonus here is that in many cases you’re completing other work that needs to get done. Make sure whatever mundane task you choose requires some physical activity but little or no concentration.
5. Switch Your Tools As designers, we generally use the same tools over and over again for each project. The same software, same hardware, same notebooks, pens, etc. If you change the tools you’re using, you may find ideas flow a little better. Try hand-coding for awhile in just a text editor, or use a different graphics program for a little while. If you normally use a computer-based wire-framing program, considering switching to paper for a bit (or vice versa). Making a small change in how you work can have a remarkable effect on how creative you’re feeling.
6. Look for Inspiration Finding new inspiration can do wonders for your creativity. If you’re blocked on a certain project, try looking at similar projects others have created. You can also try to find inspiration in other design work or outside the design world. If you want to create a new website layout, for example, maybe spend some time looking at magazine layouts for inspiration.
7. Force Yourself Sometimes the only way to get over a creative blockage is to push through it. You might have tried all the techniques above and still not be able to find your creativity again. If that’s the case, then just keep moving forward with the project. Sometimes, once you get past a certain part of the project, you may get over your creative block. You might also be able to then look at the part of the project that was giving you problems once it’s finished and figure out a better way to redo it. Or you might find that pushing through results in a perfectly acceptable solution that you and your client are both happy with.
Self-Motivating Tricks
Sometimes it’s not so much that we don’t know how to overcome a creative block as it’s just that we have no motivation to do so. For freelancers, especially, finding motivation can be difficult at times.
Even if you normally have no problem motivating yourself, almost everyone gets hit by a lack of motivation at one point or another, and this can often lead to a creative block. Finding motivation again can be tricky, but there are a few things you can do to get yourself working again.
1. Small Rewards Using small rewards as you reach certain milestones in your project can be a great way to get your creativity flowing again. If you know that after you complete a certain bit of your work that you can go out to eat, or go hang out with your friends or family, you’re more likely to just push through the creative block (which can end up freeing things up). These small rewards should be something you enjoy that you maybe don’t get to do every day or every week. The key here is to stick to it and not take your reward until you’ve met your goal.
2. Big Rewards Big rewards can be a great motivator for getting over a more severe creative block and finishing a big project. What this big reward is will depend on you. For some people, it might be taking a day or two off. For others it might be buying something you’ve been eying for awhile. Regardless of what the reward is, it can serve as a great motivator for loosening up a creative block. And if nothing else, it can motivate you to push through the block and get the work done.
3. Music Don’t overlook music as both a motivator and a way to free up your creativity. Put on something with a good beat, especially something fast, and you might be surprised at how much it can motivate you. Try to tailor the music to the project you’re working on. If you’re designing something young and hip, put on some club music or pop. If you’re designing something elegant and sophisticated, put on classical music or something like Frank Sinatra. Music that fits the project can get your creativity moving in the right direction.
4. Don’t Let Yourself Work This one seems counter-intuitive, but sometimes forcing yourself to take a break and not work can free up your creative flow. A forced hiatus can leave you eager to get back to work and filled with new ideas. If you can, take a break of a couple days. Do anything but work, and try not to even think about your work. You’ll probably find after a day or so, you can’t not think about your current project and your head is full of new ideas. Don’t got back to work as soon as that happens. Force yourself to take another day or two before you start working again so you’ve got so many ideas they’ll keep you going for awhile.
As designers, we need to be creative in order to be successful at our jobs.
Coming up with ideas and creative solutions to problems is what we do on a daily basis. But that doesn’t mean it’s always easy to do so.
Sometimes we get blocked creatively, and it seems like no matter how hard we try, we just can’t come up with a creative solution to anything.
The good news is that there are plenty of things you can do that can help you overcome a block in your creativity. First you’ll need to understand why you’re blocked, and then try some simple techniques to get over that blockage.
In this article, we’ll also cover a few ideas for finding motivation when your lack of desire to work is the root of your creativity problems.
Reasons for Creative Blockages
Before we can overcome a creative block, it’s important to figure out what is causing it. Without knowing the root cause, we don’t really know the best methods for getting over a blockage. In most cases, blocks are caused by one of four things:
1. Working Too Hard If you find yourself with a creative block, think about how much you’ve been working lately. If you work ten hour days or never take days off, you may be blocked because you’re just working too hard and too much. Most people don’t have an unlimited supply of creativity. After a few hours or a few days, we need time to replenish those creative reserves.
2. Lack of Sleep Being tired tends to zap creativity faster than anything else. If you’re not getting enough sleep every night, you can’t expect to be as creative as you would be if you’re well-rested. Not everyone necessarily needs eight hours of sleep a night, so it’s important to figure out how much sleep you need to be at your optimal creative levels. Note: Sometimes too much sleep can be just as bad for your creativity as too little.
3. Stress Whether it’s things in your personal life causing you stress or something at work, stress is a major killer of creativity. Finding ways to minimize the stress in your life is a great way to boost your creativity. Whether you do that by eliminating the things causing you stress or simply by finding ways to deal with it (like meditation or exercise) is up to you.
4. Fear Fear can freeze your creativity more solidly than virtually anything else. Sometimes you might be afraid to finish the current project because you have nothing else lined up after it. Other times you might be afraid the client isn’t going to like what you’ve done, or that your peers won’t appreciate the design. In either case, overcoming your fear is going to be paramount to getting your creativity back and finishing the project.
Ways to Overcome Creative Blocks
Hopefully you’ve been able to nail down exactly why you’re suffering from a creative block. Now it’s time to get down to overcoming it. There are a lot of techniques you can utilize to get over almost any kind of creative blockage. Here are some of the best:
1. Take a Break If you’re creatively blocked, taking a break from whatever you’re working on can do wonders. Work on something else for a bit, or take a day off. When you’ve got some distance from your project and aren’t thinking about it anymore, you might be surprised at the ideas that will start flowing.
2. Take a Nap This is particularly important if you think your creative blockage might be due to a lack of sleep. Taking a nap, even if it’s just for twenty or thirty minutes, can let your creative batteries recharge and give you new ideas. Even if your creativity blockage isn’t because of a lack of sleep, a nap can still give you a fresh perspective on your work. If you’re a morning person, an afternoon nap can even help reset your creativity levels to what they are when you get up in the morning.
3. Take a Walk A change of setting can often open up your creative flood gates better than anything else. Walking can also let your mind wander, which can result in finding new, creative solutions. Some people like to take long walks, maybe for an hour or two to free up their creativity, while others find just a quick, ten-minute walk around their block does the trick. You’ll have to experiment to see what works for you.
4. Do Something
Mundane This is one of the best tricks out there for unblocking your creativity. Doing some mundane task allows your brain to relax and wander, much as it does when you take a walk. Cleaning is often one of the best mundane tasks for overcoming a creative block, whether it’s vacuuming or washing dishes or dusting. The bonus here is that in many cases you’re completing other work that needs to get done. Make sure whatever mundane task you choose requires some physical activity but little or no concentration.
5. Switch Your Tools As designers, we generally use the same tools over and over again for each project. The same software, same hardware, same notebooks, pens, etc. If you change the tools you’re using, you may find ideas flow a little better. Try hand-coding for awhile in just a text editor, or use a different graphics program for a little while. If you normally use a computer-based wire-framing program, considering switching to paper for a bit (or vice versa). Making a small change in how you work can have a remarkable effect on how creative you’re feeling.
6. Look for Inspiration Finding new inspiration can do wonders for your creativity. If you’re blocked on a certain project, try looking at similar projects others have created. You can also try to find inspiration in other design work or outside the design world. If you want to create a new website layout, for example, maybe spend some time looking at magazine layouts for inspiration.
7. Force Yourself Sometimes the only way to get over a creative blockage is to push through it. You might have tried all the techniques above and still not be able to find your creativity again. If that’s the case, then just keep moving forward with the project. Sometimes, once you get past a certain part of the project, you may get over your creative block. You might also be able to then look at the part of the project that was giving you problems once it’s finished and figure out a better way to redo it. Or you might find that pushing through results in a perfectly acceptable solution that you and your client are both happy with.
Self-Motivating Tricks
Sometimes it’s not so much that we don’t know how to overcome a creative block as it’s just that we have no motivation to do so. For freelancers, especially, finding motivation can be difficult at times.
Even if you normally have no problem motivating yourself, almost everyone gets hit by a lack of motivation at one point or another, and this can often lead to a creative block. Finding motivation again can be tricky, but there are a few things you can do to get yourself working again.
1. Small Rewards Using small rewards as you reach certain milestones in your project can be a great way to get your creativity flowing again. If you know that after you complete a certain bit of your work that you can go out to eat, or go hang out with your friends or family, you’re more likely to just push through the creative block (which can end up freeing things up). These small rewards should be something you enjoy that you maybe don’t get to do every day or every week. The key here is to stick to it and not take your reward until you’ve met your goal.
2. Big Rewards Big rewards can be a great motivator for getting over a more severe creative block and finishing a big project. What this big reward is will depend on you. For some people, it might be taking a day or two off. For others it might be buying something you’ve been eying for awhile. Regardless of what the reward is, it can serve as a great motivator for loosening up a creative block. And if nothing else, it can motivate you to push through the block and get the work done.
3. Music Don’t overlook music as both a motivator and a way to free up your creativity. Put on something with a good beat, especially something fast, and you might be surprised at how much it can motivate you. Try to tailor the music to the project you’re working on. If you’re designing something young and hip, put on some club music or pop. If you’re designing something elegant and sophisticated, put on classical music or something like Frank Sinatra. Music that fits the project can get your creativity moving in the right direction.
4. Don’t Let Yourself Work This one seems counter-intuitive, but sometimes forcing yourself to take a break and not work can free up your creative flow. A forced hiatus can leave you eager to get back to work and filled with new ideas. If you can, take a break of a couple days. Do anything but work, and try not to even think about your work. You’ll probably find after a day or so, you can’t not think about your current project and your head is full of new ideas. Don’t got back to work as soon as that happens. Force yourself to take another day or two before you start working again so you’ve got so many ideas they’ll keep you going for awhile.
10 Secrets Every New Artist Should Know
10 Secrets Every New Artist Should Know
Being a professional artist is as much about tenacity as it is about talent. Just because you have the creative ability to mold perception and shape moods using color, light, and sound, doesn’t mean you have what it takes to make it as an artist. In fact, being creative and being talented is rarely very lucrative.
It takes a lot of concentrated energy, impressive levels of ability and commitment, and a combination of luck, timing, and business savvy to succeed as an artist. It’s definitely not easy, but neither is it impossible — especially if you know what to expect when you are first starting your career.
#1 Freelance Regularly
Sure, you’d prefer to have one steady, high-paying job as an animator, illustrator, or designer. Who wouldn’t? It’d be great to receive bimonthly paychecks from your company, have health insurance and paid vacation days. Unfortunately, there are a lot more people like you vying for that steady job than there are jobs like that available.
Instead of waiting around for the perfect opportunity to fall out of the sky, you need to create your own opportunities. How do you do this? Simple. Freelance as much as you can. Expand your body of work and your network of professional relationships. Work with start-ups, do little one-off corporate projects, take month-long contract gigs. You never know which of the many pots on the fire is going to boil first. If you’ve gotten your work exposed to a lot of people, you’ll have much better odds of getting hired when one of these projects takes off. After all, you’ll already be a known and respected commodity.
#2 Volunteer: Serve Others While Serving Yourself
Sometimes we do freelance work for free: it’s called volunteering. Sure, you can look at it as working for free… or, you can look at it as networking. Try thinking about it like this: if you are a talented artist and you aren’t getting paid for that talent, one of the reasons may be lack of exposure. It’s as simple as that — not enough people have seen your work! By volunteering, you get to look like a benevolent human being AND you get to showcase your skills to a potentially large and appreciative audience. You never know when one of the many people associated with your volunteer project will offer you a job — or an introduction — that can help out your career.
#3 Illustrate Your Point
No matter what kind of artist you are, it pays to be able to do a quick sketch to visually articulate your point. Think of it as professional Pictionary. If somebody asks you for an example of a concept or a campaign and hands you a piece of paper and a pen, you should be able to take that notepad and draw your idea with confidence. Not an illustrator? It doesn’t matter. Even if you’re a computer animator, a fashion designer, or a sculptor, having a basic ability to make quick visual illustrations of your ideas will give you the credibility and edge you need in presentations. Anyone can give an “elevator pitch”, but only a few can describe that pitch with a pen as fluently as they can with a paragraph.
#4 Give Yourself a Hot Brand
Marketing is important, especially in a crowded field like art. There are millions of people that claim to be artists; they all have portfolios and big aspirations. What they don’t all have is a clear brand. Evaluate your skills, evaluate your specialty, and make a branding decision.
Are you a photographer? Great. What kind? Editorial, travel, wedding, fashion, food? Focus your brand. (As a photographer we shouldn’t even have to tell you this.!) Focus your skills through the right lens and get the best shot at success. Once you know what your brand is, use it. Promote it, build it, strengthen it, network with it, attend conventions with it, SEO it. Make your brand unique, compelling, and impactful by focusing on a skill and cultivating it. You’ll increase relevancy, opportunity, and ultimately brand value.
#5 Show Off Your Professional Portfolio Online and Off
Every serious artist needs a serious portfolio. If you want people to consider you a professional, you will need to compile and design a professional portfolio both on the web and in a traditional “book.”
Your book should be in a nice presentation case. Remember, the feel and texture of the case itself as well as the sheen on the sleeves that hold your work will all be evaluated (even if unconsciously) by the people to whom you present your work.
Online, your portfolio needs to be professionally designed by a web designer; it should be clearly organized and easy to navigate. An artist with a badly designed online portfolio will not look professional, no matter how good his or her work is. Make sure to link to your experience and education in a resume section, showcase your clients and expertise. If you work in various media, you should have a painting channel, an illustration channel, a photography channel, each segmented to highlight your top work in each section.
#6 Contracts Can Make the Difference
As you look for the perfect artistic career, you’ll find yourself doing a lot of piecemeal contract and freelance work for extra cash. When you work on a project-by-project basis, you need to get paid promptly so that you can pay for things you might need. To make sure you always make rent, you need a solid contract.
Keep your contract straightforward, simple, and professional. Make it clear that your contract is legally binding and that payment is due within 30 days of the receipt of the invoice. Stipulate that additional penalties will accrue at X% on top of the original fee if payment is tardy beyond the 30-day mark. In most instances you can accomplish everything you need to in a short form contract. For more information on contracts for artistscheck this out.
#7 Know Your Value
Art is subjective. One man’s paint splatter is another man’s masterpiece. When you are trying to decide how much to charge for your work, you need to take a lot of things into account.
First, think about the time it takes you to do something. If a piece takes you 60 hours to complete and you only charge $500 dollars for it that means you are working for about $8 an hour. That’s not a great salary for a professional artist, unless of course you are a “Sandwich Artist.”.
Second, consider the cost of your supplies. If you spend $200 on materials for that 60-hour piece, and charge $500 dollars, you are only making $300 on the piece – which means you’re actually making about $5 an hour.
Third, factor in the intangibles of your work that give it value. You didn’t start making art today; you’ve practiced, studied, trained, experimented, and improved for years. Factor those years of preparation into your final price. Even if you can make something in an hour, it doesn’t mean it’s less valuable because it would take a non-professional many more hours to approximate the same thing. After all, your years of practice prepared you to create quality work quickly. You should be compensated for that foresight and training.
Fourthly, value creates value. If you charge more money for something, people will assume it is worth more money. If you make an amazing sculpture and sell it for one dollar, people will think that there must be something wrong with it. They will devalue it, even though their initial impression was that it was a lovely and valuable piece of art. There is a point where you can charge too much for your work, but charging more than you think it’s worth might actually help you sell more of it, make more money, and establish a perceived value that wasn’t there before.
#8 The Client Will Annoy You
The problem with art is that everyone assumes that they are good at it. Nuclear engineers never face this problem. If a nuclear engineer gets hired to work on a problem, they are never second-guessed about tweaking their quantum physics formulas. Why? Because the person who hired them knows they don’t know how to perform nuclear engineering, that’s why they hired a scientist.
Art is not like this. Art is more democratic—and democracies make mistakes. Everyone thinks they have a hidden talent for art, a great eye, or a subtle genius for color theory. At the very least they will assume that “they know what they like” (even if their taste is atrocious). Because of this common misconception, yourclient will give you advice and feedback that will annoy you. And it should annoy you, because in most cases, it will be wrong. After all, your client lacks the talent and vision to create design for him or herself. Don’t worry; this won’t stop them from piping in with ill formed opinions. He or she will try to put their touch on your design by having you add space where it isn’t needed, or mix colors that clash.
Unfortunately, until you are an established artist, you are going to have to either concede to your client’s wishes and get paid, or stay righteous and poor. The sooner you deal with this, the sooner you’ll get paid.
#9 Being an Artist Doesn’t Mean You Get to Be Irresponsible
Until you’ve made it big, your quirks and whims won’t be seen as endearing or delightfully Warholian. If you’re serious about making art your business then go ahead and put aside romantic visions of an artistic lifestyle that focuses on glamour and doesn’t put much stock in the details.
As an aspiring artist you’ll need to hustle, and you’ll need to sell yourself. You’ll need to network; you’ll need to market your skills and your portfolio. You’ll need to answer phone calls, and, just as importantly, return those calls you missed. Just because you are talented doesn’t mean you are going to make it as an artist. A combination of talent and tenacity is required to showcase your work and get it the recognition that it very well may deserve.
#10 Confidence is Required
If a stranger asks you, “What do you do?” And your response sounds something like, “Umm. Well, I um … I don’t know. Well … I want to be an artist, but I’m not really an artist, I mean I’m not that good, and I certainly don’t get paid for it, but I sure like art.”
You are not doing a good job of being an artist. No matter how amazing your artwork is, if you can’t project an aura of confidence and professionalism it is going to take a series of miracles for anyone to ever get the chance to see and appreciate your work. Yes, the universe is unfair, there are some artists with little talent beyond self-promotion that are famous. Do they deserve to be famous? Not really, but the point is that confidence and self-promotion can be as important, if not more important, than talent.
The majority of successful professional artists exhibit a combination of confidence and talent. They recognize an opportunity and they know how to present themselves and their work to seize that opportunity. If you don’t think your art is good enough to talk about, stop now, because nobody else will either.
Being a professional artist is as much about tenacity as it is about talent. Just because you have the creative ability to mold perception and shape moods using color, light, and sound, doesn’t mean you have what it takes to make it as an artist. In fact, being creative and being talented is rarely very lucrative.
It takes a lot of concentrated energy, impressive levels of ability and commitment, and a combination of luck, timing, and business savvy to succeed as an artist. It’s definitely not easy, but neither is it impossible — especially if you know what to expect when you are first starting your career.
#1 Freelance Regularly
Sure, you’d prefer to have one steady, high-paying job as an animator, illustrator, or designer. Who wouldn’t? It’d be great to receive bimonthly paychecks from your company, have health insurance and paid vacation days. Unfortunately, there are a lot more people like you vying for that steady job than there are jobs like that available.
Instead of waiting around for the perfect opportunity to fall out of the sky, you need to create your own opportunities. How do you do this? Simple. Freelance as much as you can. Expand your body of work and your network of professional relationships. Work with start-ups, do little one-off corporate projects, take month-long contract gigs. You never know which of the many pots on the fire is going to boil first. If you’ve gotten your work exposed to a lot of people, you’ll have much better odds of getting hired when one of these projects takes off. After all, you’ll already be a known and respected commodity.
#2 Volunteer: Serve Others While Serving Yourself
Sometimes we do freelance work for free: it’s called volunteering. Sure, you can look at it as working for free… or, you can look at it as networking. Try thinking about it like this: if you are a talented artist and you aren’t getting paid for that talent, one of the reasons may be lack of exposure. It’s as simple as that — not enough people have seen your work! By volunteering, you get to look like a benevolent human being AND you get to showcase your skills to a potentially large and appreciative audience. You never know when one of the many people associated with your volunteer project will offer you a job — or an introduction — that can help out your career.
#3 Illustrate Your Point
No matter what kind of artist you are, it pays to be able to do a quick sketch to visually articulate your point. Think of it as professional Pictionary. If somebody asks you for an example of a concept or a campaign and hands you a piece of paper and a pen, you should be able to take that notepad and draw your idea with confidence. Not an illustrator? It doesn’t matter. Even if you’re a computer animator, a fashion designer, or a sculptor, having a basic ability to make quick visual illustrations of your ideas will give you the credibility and edge you need in presentations. Anyone can give an “elevator pitch”, but only a few can describe that pitch with a pen as fluently as they can with a paragraph.
#4 Give Yourself a Hot Brand
Marketing is important, especially in a crowded field like art. There are millions of people that claim to be artists; they all have portfolios and big aspirations. What they don’t all have is a clear brand. Evaluate your skills, evaluate your specialty, and make a branding decision.
Are you a photographer? Great. What kind? Editorial, travel, wedding, fashion, food? Focus your brand. (As a photographer we shouldn’t even have to tell you this.!) Focus your skills through the right lens and get the best shot at success. Once you know what your brand is, use it. Promote it, build it, strengthen it, network with it, attend conventions with it, SEO it. Make your brand unique, compelling, and impactful by focusing on a skill and cultivating it. You’ll increase relevancy, opportunity, and ultimately brand value.
#5 Show Off Your Professional Portfolio Online and Off
Every serious artist needs a serious portfolio. If you want people to consider you a professional, you will need to compile and design a professional portfolio both on the web and in a traditional “book.”
Your book should be in a nice presentation case. Remember, the feel and texture of the case itself as well as the sheen on the sleeves that hold your work will all be evaluated (even if unconsciously) by the people to whom you present your work.
Online, your portfolio needs to be professionally designed by a web designer; it should be clearly organized and easy to navigate. An artist with a badly designed online portfolio will not look professional, no matter how good his or her work is. Make sure to link to your experience and education in a resume section, showcase your clients and expertise. If you work in various media, you should have a painting channel, an illustration channel, a photography channel, each segmented to highlight your top work in each section.
#6 Contracts Can Make the Difference
As you look for the perfect artistic career, you’ll find yourself doing a lot of piecemeal contract and freelance work for extra cash. When you work on a project-by-project basis, you need to get paid promptly so that you can pay for things you might need. To make sure you always make rent, you need a solid contract.
Keep your contract straightforward, simple, and professional. Make it clear that your contract is legally binding and that payment is due within 30 days of the receipt of the invoice. Stipulate that additional penalties will accrue at X% on top of the original fee if payment is tardy beyond the 30-day mark. In most instances you can accomplish everything you need to in a short form contract. For more information on contracts for artistscheck this out.
#7 Know Your Value
Art is subjective. One man’s paint splatter is another man’s masterpiece. When you are trying to decide how much to charge for your work, you need to take a lot of things into account.
First, think about the time it takes you to do something. If a piece takes you 60 hours to complete and you only charge $500 dollars for it that means you are working for about $8 an hour. That’s not a great salary for a professional artist, unless of course you are a “Sandwich Artist.”.
Second, consider the cost of your supplies. If you spend $200 on materials for that 60-hour piece, and charge $500 dollars, you are only making $300 on the piece – which means you’re actually making about $5 an hour.
Third, factor in the intangibles of your work that give it value. You didn’t start making art today; you’ve practiced, studied, trained, experimented, and improved for years. Factor those years of preparation into your final price. Even if you can make something in an hour, it doesn’t mean it’s less valuable because it would take a non-professional many more hours to approximate the same thing. After all, your years of practice prepared you to create quality work quickly. You should be compensated for that foresight and training.
Fourthly, value creates value. If you charge more money for something, people will assume it is worth more money. If you make an amazing sculpture and sell it for one dollar, people will think that there must be something wrong with it. They will devalue it, even though their initial impression was that it was a lovely and valuable piece of art. There is a point where you can charge too much for your work, but charging more than you think it’s worth might actually help you sell more of it, make more money, and establish a perceived value that wasn’t there before.
#8 The Client Will Annoy You
The problem with art is that everyone assumes that they are good at it. Nuclear engineers never face this problem. If a nuclear engineer gets hired to work on a problem, they are never second-guessed about tweaking their quantum physics formulas. Why? Because the person who hired them knows they don’t know how to perform nuclear engineering, that’s why they hired a scientist.
Art is not like this. Art is more democratic—and democracies make mistakes. Everyone thinks they have a hidden talent for art, a great eye, or a subtle genius for color theory. At the very least they will assume that “they know what they like” (even if their taste is atrocious). Because of this common misconception, yourclient will give you advice and feedback that will annoy you. And it should annoy you, because in most cases, it will be wrong. After all, your client lacks the talent and vision to create design for him or herself. Don’t worry; this won’t stop them from piping in with ill formed opinions. He or she will try to put their touch on your design by having you add space where it isn’t needed, or mix colors that clash.
Unfortunately, until you are an established artist, you are going to have to either concede to your client’s wishes and get paid, or stay righteous and poor. The sooner you deal with this, the sooner you’ll get paid.
#9 Being an Artist Doesn’t Mean You Get to Be Irresponsible
Until you’ve made it big, your quirks and whims won’t be seen as endearing or delightfully Warholian. If you’re serious about making art your business then go ahead and put aside romantic visions of an artistic lifestyle that focuses on glamour and doesn’t put much stock in the details.
As an aspiring artist you’ll need to hustle, and you’ll need to sell yourself. You’ll need to network; you’ll need to market your skills and your portfolio. You’ll need to answer phone calls, and, just as importantly, return those calls you missed. Just because you are talented doesn’t mean you are going to make it as an artist. A combination of talent and tenacity is required to showcase your work and get it the recognition that it very well may deserve.
#10 Confidence is Required
If a stranger asks you, “What do you do?” And your response sounds something like, “Umm. Well, I um … I don’t know. Well … I want to be an artist, but I’m not really an artist, I mean I’m not that good, and I certainly don’t get paid for it, but I sure like art.”
You are not doing a good job of being an artist. No matter how amazing your artwork is, if you can’t project an aura of confidence and professionalism it is going to take a series of miracles for anyone to ever get the chance to see and appreciate your work. Yes, the universe is unfair, there are some artists with little talent beyond self-promotion that are famous. Do they deserve to be famous? Not really, but the point is that confidence and self-promotion can be as important, if not more important, than talent.
The majority of successful professional artists exhibit a combination of confidence and talent. They recognize an opportunity and they know how to present themselves and their work to seize that opportunity. If you don’t think your art is good enough to talk about, stop now, because nobody else will either.
11 Things You Should Resolve Not to Do at Work in 2011
11 Things You Should Resolve Not to Do at Work in 2011
By Megan Malugani, Monster Contributing Writer
The new year is a perfect time to say “hello” to workplace happiness and “good-bye” to the bad habits that make you miserable and hinder your professional success. You’ll enjoy your time in the office a little more -- and improve your professional reputation -- if you make it your New Year’s resolution to cut down on these 11 counterproductive behaviors:
1. Excessive Complaining
Enough already. Constant whining about insignificant things (“It’s horribly unfair that Department X got a casual day and we didn’t!”) doesn’t serve a purpose and keeps you in a perpetually bad mood. Plus, happy people will avoid you.
2. Gossiping
Ditto for gossiping. The next time a colleague tries to engage you in the office drama du jour, offer a one-word response, like “interesting” or “wow,” and follow it with, “I’ve got to go. See you later.” Repeat as necessary.
3. Heartlessly Criticizing Others
Sometimes you must criticize a colleague’s or subordinate’s performance. But have a heart when doing so. If possible, mention a few positives for every negative, and try to be constructive rather than cruel.
4. Beating Yourself Up
So you made a mistake, or your brilliant idea actually turned out to be a bad one. No one is perfect. Own up to your mistake, or take responsibility for your failure. Then move on.
5. Taking Yourself Too Seriously
C’mon, lighten up. Admittedly, this may be tough for overworked employees in a difficult labor market. But that is precisely the reason to flash those pearly whites and crack a joke now and then (even of the “gallows humor” variety): Everyone benefits when the tension is brought down a notch, even for just a minute.
6. Stagnating
Are you content to be bored at work? Do you want your boss to consider you uninspired? Probably not. So make it a resolution to learn something new or try something different in 2011.
7. Isolating Yourself
In today’s topsy-turvy job market, professional networking is more important than ever. So this year, don’t hole up in your cubicle. Get out there and meet some new folks -- both inside and outside the company -- who share your profession or work in your field.
8. Blending into the Woodwork
Even if you’ve always had a hard time speaking up in meetings or expressing your opinion to your boss, it’s never too late to start putting in your two cents. Pick one work-related issue that is close to your heart and that you’re knowledgeable about. Contribute a few comments on this issue during a meeting -- you may be surprised at how seriously people take the input of someone who speaks sparingly!
9. Blabbing Unnecessarily
Stating your mind is important, but don’t just talk to hear your own voice in meetings, either. Speak up only if you’re adding something of value to the discussion.
10. Burning Bridges
Don’t assume that colleagues, customers and others who cross your professional path will forgive and forget when you do them wrong. So make it one of your resolutions in 2011 to stay on good terms with your professional acquaintances. Yes, it’s sometimes hard, but oh-so-worth-it in the long run.
11. Wasting Time Via Social Media
Wasting time at work is as old as work itself. But a particularly timely pet peeve of many bosses is the overuse and/or misuse of Facebook, Twitter and other forms of social media. Alas, this final resolution -- to curb your social media addiction -- may not make you happier at work in the short term, but it will protect you professionally in the long term.
By Megan Malugani, Monster Contributing Writer
The new year is a perfect time to say “hello” to workplace happiness and “good-bye” to the bad habits that make you miserable and hinder your professional success. You’ll enjoy your time in the office a little more -- and improve your professional reputation -- if you make it your New Year’s resolution to cut down on these 11 counterproductive behaviors:
1. Excessive Complaining
Enough already. Constant whining about insignificant things (“It’s horribly unfair that Department X got a casual day and we didn’t!”) doesn’t serve a purpose and keeps you in a perpetually bad mood. Plus, happy people will avoid you.
2. Gossiping
Ditto for gossiping. The next time a colleague tries to engage you in the office drama du jour, offer a one-word response, like “interesting” or “wow,” and follow it with, “I’ve got to go. See you later.” Repeat as necessary.
3. Heartlessly Criticizing Others
Sometimes you must criticize a colleague’s or subordinate’s performance. But have a heart when doing so. If possible, mention a few positives for every negative, and try to be constructive rather than cruel.
4. Beating Yourself Up
So you made a mistake, or your brilliant idea actually turned out to be a bad one. No one is perfect. Own up to your mistake, or take responsibility for your failure. Then move on.
5. Taking Yourself Too Seriously
C’mon, lighten up. Admittedly, this may be tough for overworked employees in a difficult labor market. But that is precisely the reason to flash those pearly whites and crack a joke now and then (even of the “gallows humor” variety): Everyone benefits when the tension is brought down a notch, even for just a minute.
6. Stagnating
Are you content to be bored at work? Do you want your boss to consider you uninspired? Probably not. So make it a resolution to learn something new or try something different in 2011.
7. Isolating Yourself
In today’s topsy-turvy job market, professional networking is more important than ever. So this year, don’t hole up in your cubicle. Get out there and meet some new folks -- both inside and outside the company -- who share your profession or work in your field.
8. Blending into the Woodwork
Even if you’ve always had a hard time speaking up in meetings or expressing your opinion to your boss, it’s never too late to start putting in your two cents. Pick one work-related issue that is close to your heart and that you’re knowledgeable about. Contribute a few comments on this issue during a meeting -- you may be surprised at how seriously people take the input of someone who speaks sparingly!
9. Blabbing Unnecessarily
Stating your mind is important, but don’t just talk to hear your own voice in meetings, either. Speak up only if you’re adding something of value to the discussion.
10. Burning Bridges
Don’t assume that colleagues, customers and others who cross your professional path will forgive and forget when you do them wrong. So make it one of your resolutions in 2011 to stay on good terms with your professional acquaintances. Yes, it’s sometimes hard, but oh-so-worth-it in the long run.
11. Wasting Time Via Social Media
Wasting time at work is as old as work itself. But a particularly timely pet peeve of many bosses is the overuse and/or misuse of Facebook, Twitter and other forms of social media. Alas, this final resolution -- to curb your social media addiction -- may not make you happier at work in the short term, but it will protect you professionally in the long term.
Best Methods for Using Texture in Design
Best Methods for Using Texture in Design
From the examples above, it's easy to see how texture in any medium can enhance design. However, what are the best methods for incorporating it? Texture can add a lot of interest to a design which means it can also go too far as well. There are situations where texture can be distracting or used incorrectly so that it is ineffective.
Of course, depending on what artistic venue you're working in, texture should be used differently. For example, logo design should keep texture to a minimum, while web or graphic design can use a lot more. Despite the differences for each type of design, let's look into some general rules, or guidelines.
1. Don't Distract from the Essential Elements
There are different levels of texture and different types that can be used in better situations that others. If texture is distracting from the needed content or other imagery, then it is being used incorrectly. Try to think about this consciously and get other people's opinions before using too much texture. Also, try not to use heavy textures on backgrounds, unless it is meant to be part of the focus of the design.
2. Follow a Texture Theme
Use similar texture styles to create repetition, in a seemingly random design. This can also be used to cause unity in the design. In certain types of design that use texture, the design can seem disorganized and messy, while design should always seem put together to an extent. A designer should use texture for visual interest, either to break a pattern or add variety to a repeating pattern, but texture should not be used to create such chaos that the design looks disorganized. Similar textures will help combat this.
3. Add Texture to Repeating Patterns
Most of the examples above are seemingly random textures used for visual interest. However, there are many designers that add texture in a much more organized way, via patterns. An example of this practice would be straight wooden planks used as a background, or dust/noise added to a pattern.
4. Gradients and/or Fading Texture
Sometimes an extreme texture can be made more subtle by simply not covering the entire design with it. Try fading a texture into a solid color, or to a darker and less noticeable version of the texture. Be sure to put the lightest part of the gradient (where the texture will be most noticeable) in an area of the design where it's needed — highlighting a main feature, or adding visual interest to a place that needs it.
5. Try Putting Texture as the Main Focus
While most designs succeed with adding texture but making it as subtle as possible, other designs excel by making texture the primary focus. An example of this practice is a large background website. A well-textured large background along with interesting shapes and themes can be the main focus of the design, and therefore not be too distracting. This technique is also used often in graphic design with varying textures are clashed to create a design in itself.
Wrapping Up
Texture is an important part of any style of design, and many forms of design or art aren't visually appealing enough without it. While there are many examples of texture-less design still used today, many viewers see textured designs as more appealing and are more emotionally responsive. Even when knowing this, many designers are afraid of using texture in the wrong way to an extent that they avoid using it, or avoid using too much of it.
Our advice to any designer or artist: always feel free to experiment with texture! Trying out new things is the only way to explore and discover new ways of using this one design element to its fullest potential.
From the examples above, it's easy to see how texture in any medium can enhance design. However, what are the best methods for incorporating it? Texture can add a lot of interest to a design which means it can also go too far as well. There are situations where texture can be distracting or used incorrectly so that it is ineffective.
Of course, depending on what artistic venue you're working in, texture should be used differently. For example, logo design should keep texture to a minimum, while web or graphic design can use a lot more. Despite the differences for each type of design, let's look into some general rules, or guidelines.
1. Don't Distract from the Essential Elements
There are different levels of texture and different types that can be used in better situations that others. If texture is distracting from the needed content or other imagery, then it is being used incorrectly. Try to think about this consciously and get other people's opinions before using too much texture. Also, try not to use heavy textures on backgrounds, unless it is meant to be part of the focus of the design.
2. Follow a Texture Theme
Use similar texture styles to create repetition, in a seemingly random design. This can also be used to cause unity in the design. In certain types of design that use texture, the design can seem disorganized and messy, while design should always seem put together to an extent. A designer should use texture for visual interest, either to break a pattern or add variety to a repeating pattern, but texture should not be used to create such chaos that the design looks disorganized. Similar textures will help combat this.
3. Add Texture to Repeating Patterns
Most of the examples above are seemingly random textures used for visual interest. However, there are many designers that add texture in a much more organized way, via patterns. An example of this practice would be straight wooden planks used as a background, or dust/noise added to a pattern.
4. Gradients and/or Fading Texture
Sometimes an extreme texture can be made more subtle by simply not covering the entire design with it. Try fading a texture into a solid color, or to a darker and less noticeable version of the texture. Be sure to put the lightest part of the gradient (where the texture will be most noticeable) in an area of the design where it's needed — highlighting a main feature, or adding visual interest to a place that needs it.
5. Try Putting Texture as the Main Focus
While most designs succeed with adding texture but making it as subtle as possible, other designs excel by making texture the primary focus. An example of this practice is a large background website. A well-textured large background along with interesting shapes and themes can be the main focus of the design, and therefore not be too distracting. This technique is also used often in graphic design with varying textures are clashed to create a design in itself.
Wrapping Up
Texture is an important part of any style of design, and many forms of design or art aren't visually appealing enough without it. While there are many examples of texture-less design still used today, many viewers see textured designs as more appealing and are more emotionally responsive. Even when knowing this, many designers are afraid of using texture in the wrong way to an extent that they avoid using it, or avoid using too much of it.
Our advice to any designer or artist: always feel free to experiment with texture! Trying out new things is the only way to explore and discover new ways of using this one design element to its fullest potential.
Wisdom of Life
Wisdom of Life
> 1.
> Life isn't fair, but it's still
> good.
>
> 2. When in doubt, just take the next small
> step.
>
> 3.
> Life is too short to waste time hating
> anyone.
>
> 4. Your job won't take care of you when you are
> sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in
> touch.
>
> 5..
> Pay off your credit cards every month.
>
> 6. You don't have to win every argument.
> Agree to disagree.
>
> 7.
> Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying
> alone.
>
> 8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take
> it.
>
> 9.
> Save for retirement starting with your first
> paycheck.
>
> 10. When it comes to
> chocolate, resistance is
> futile.
>
> 11.
> Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the
> present.
>
> 12. It's OK to let your children see you
> cry.
>
> 13.
> Don't compare your life to
> others. You have no idea what
> their journey is all about.
>
> 14. If a relationship has to be a
> secret, you shouldn't be in
> it.
>
> 15.
> Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't
> worry; God never blinks.
>
> 16. Take a deep breath. It calms the
> mind.
>
> 17.
> Get rid of anything that isn't
> useful, beautiful or
> joyful.
>
> 18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make
> you stronger.
>
> 19.
> It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the
> second one is up to you and no one
> else.
>
> 20. When it comes to going after what you love in
> life, don't take no for an
> answer.
>
> 21.
> Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy
> lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is
> special.
>
> 22. Over prepare, then go with the
> flow.
>
> 23.
> Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear
> purple.
>
> 24. The most important sex organ is the
> brain.
>
> 25.
> No one is in charge of your happiness but
> you.
>
> 26. Frame every so-called disaster with these
> words 'In five years, will
> this matter?'
>
> 27.
> Always choose life.
>
> 28. Forgive everyone
> everything.
>
> 29.
> What other people think of you is none of your
> business.
>
> 30. Time heals almost everything. Give time
> time.
>
> 31.
> However good or bad a situation is, it will
> change.
>
> 32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one
> else does.
>
> 33.
> Believe in miracles.
>
> 34. God loves you because of who God is, not
> because of anything you did or didn't
> do.
>
> 35.
> Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it
> now.
>
> 36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying
> young.
>
> 37.
> Your children get only one childhood.
>
> 38. All that truly matters in the end is that you
> loved.
>
> 39.
> Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting
> everywhere.
>
> 40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw
> everyone else's,we'd grab ours
> back.
>
> 41.
> Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you
> need.
>
> 42. The best is yet to
> come.
>
> 43.
> No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show
> up.
>
> 44. Yield.
>
> 45.
> Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a
> gift."
> 1.
> Life isn't fair, but it's still
> good.
>
> 2. When in doubt, just take the next small
> step.
>
> 3.
> Life is too short to waste time hating
> anyone.
>
> 4. Your job won't take care of you when you are
> sick. Your friends and parents will. Stay in
> touch.
>
> 5..
> Pay off your credit cards every month.
>
> 6. You don't have to win every argument.
> Agree to disagree.
>
> 7.
> Cry with someone. It's more healing than crying
> alone.
>
> 8. It's OK to get angry with God. He can take
> it.
>
> 9.
> Save for retirement starting with your first
> paycheck.
>
> 10. When it comes to
> chocolate, resistance is
> futile.
>
> 11.
> Make peace with your past so it won't screw up the
> present.
>
> 12. It's OK to let your children see you
> cry.
>
> 13.
> Don't compare your life to
> others. You have no idea what
> their journey is all about.
>
> 14. If a relationship has to be a
> secret, you shouldn't be in
> it.
>
> 15.
> Everything can change in the blink of an eye. But don't
> worry; God never blinks.
>
> 16. Take a deep breath. It calms the
> mind.
>
> 17.
> Get rid of anything that isn't
> useful, beautiful or
> joyful.
>
> 18. Whatever doesn't kill you really does make
> you stronger.
>
> 19.
> It's never too late to have a happy childhood. But the
> second one is up to you and no one
> else.
>
> 20. When it comes to going after what you love in
> life, don't take no for an
> answer.
>
> 21.
> Burn the candles, use the nice sheets, wear the fancy
> lingerie. Don't save it for a special occasion. Today is
> special.
>
> 22. Over prepare, then go with the
> flow.
>
> 23.
> Be eccentric now. Don't wait for old age to wear
> purple.
>
> 24. The most important sex organ is the
> brain.
>
> 25.
> No one is in charge of your happiness but
> you.
>
> 26. Frame every so-called disaster with these
> words 'In five years, will
> this matter?'
>
> 27.
> Always choose life.
>
> 28. Forgive everyone
> everything.
>
> 29.
> What other people think of you is none of your
> business.
>
> 30. Time heals almost everything. Give time
> time.
>
> 31.
> However good or bad a situation is, it will
> change.
>
> 32. Don't take yourself so seriously. No one
> else does.
>
> 33.
> Believe in miracles.
>
> 34. God loves you because of who God is, not
> because of anything you did or didn't
> do.
>
> 35.
> Don't audit life. Show up and make the most of it
> now.
>
> 36. Growing old beats the alternative -- dying
> young.
>
> 37.
> Your children get only one childhood.
>
> 38. All that truly matters in the end is that you
> loved.
>
> 39.
> Get outside every day. Miracles are waiting
> everywhere.
>
> 40. If we all threw our problems in a pile and saw
> everyone else's,we'd grab ours
> back.
>
> 41.
> Envy is a waste of time. You already have all you
> need.
>
> 42. The best is yet to
> come.
>
> 43.
> No matter how you feel, get up, dress up and show
> up.
>
> 44. Yield.
>
> 45.
> Life isn't tied with a bow, but it's still a
> gift."
Psychological Study of Web Designs Important Factors in Website Designing:
Psychological Study of Web Designs
Important Factors in Website Designing:
There are some factors which act like determinants for making a good website. These actually contribute a lot in enhancing the usability and experience of the visitors on the website. The factors are listed below:
You need to be very particular about images that suit your website the best.
The focus of the page— the area where your eyes tend to look when you visit a page for the first time.
Be particular about the object you tend to focus on— a single wrong move can ruin the expected traffic
Get a hold of your competitors— what their website look like.
Simplicity is the best policy and there is a need to create a balance between quantity and quality— be concise and qualitative.
Symbolism of Colours
Colours are the non-verbal communicators and go beyond the limits of ink. It all depends on how our mind perceive and associate meanings with each colour. But the colours have a deep impact on how your visitors perceive your site, reinforcing the message you want to portray, only if the selection of the colours is right.
Red
Fiery and passionate, strength, boldness, excitement, determination, desire, courage. It stimulates people to make quick decisions.
Orange
Enthusiasm, cheerfulness, affordability, stimulation, creativity, and is highly accepted among young people.
Yellow
A warm, happy color. It is attention-grabbing, comfort, liveliness, intellect, happiness, energy. It stimulates mental activity.
Green
Durability, reliability, safety, honesty, optimism, harmony, freshness. Green can sometimes represent inexperience. On the flip side, green is sometimes associated with envy or jealousy. It has been known to drive people away, so in most cases, unless the website is associated with nature, it is better to use it only for website accents.
Blue
Depth, stability, professionalism, loyalty, reliability, honour, trust. It proves to be calming and cool, but too much can be depressing. It is often associated with corporate images.
Purple/Violet
Long associated with royalty and wealth. It’s also a spiritual colour— power,nobility, luxury, mystery, royalty, elegance, magic are its phenomenal characteristics.
Black
Elegance, sophistication, formality, strength, mystery, with a bit of chameleon touch.
White
Cleanliness, purity, newness, virginity, peace, innocence, and simplicity.
Brown
A wholesome and down-to-earth colour that denotes stability and reliability.
Grey
Neutral and balanced. Conservatism, traditionalism, intelligence, seriousness depicts “Grey”.
Colours make us feel a certain way, so they can and should be used to support the purpose of a website.
“Whitespace,” or “negative space” is the space between elements in a composition. More specifically, the space between major elements in a composition is “macro whitespace.” - MARK BOULTON - Whitespace article for A list Apart
Don't let your visitors experience the negative space on your site. Try and encourage your readers to focus on a thing and then, take the appropriate action.
A sitemap, is very important so that it gives the reader an idea that every single page consists a single objective and it rules out.
Try and make sure that you at least have a choice to figure out the best element.
Rather than merely being the production of online decoration, web design is an effort of direction and communication. The main goal of such a psychologically triggered web design is to strike a balance between client preferences, design principles, and trial-and-error tests based on end-user analytics data. It should be an on-going process incorporating all the essentials.
Important Factors in Website Designing:
There are some factors which act like determinants for making a good website. These actually contribute a lot in enhancing the usability and experience of the visitors on the website. The factors are listed below:
You need to be very particular about images that suit your website the best.
The focus of the page— the area where your eyes tend to look when you visit a page for the first time.
Be particular about the object you tend to focus on— a single wrong move can ruin the expected traffic
Get a hold of your competitors— what their website look like.
Simplicity is the best policy and there is a need to create a balance between quantity and quality— be concise and qualitative.
Symbolism of Colours
Colours are the non-verbal communicators and go beyond the limits of ink. It all depends on how our mind perceive and associate meanings with each colour. But the colours have a deep impact on how your visitors perceive your site, reinforcing the message you want to portray, only if the selection of the colours is right.
Red
Fiery and passionate, strength, boldness, excitement, determination, desire, courage. It stimulates people to make quick decisions.
Orange
Enthusiasm, cheerfulness, affordability, stimulation, creativity, and is highly accepted among young people.
Yellow
A warm, happy color. It is attention-grabbing, comfort, liveliness, intellect, happiness, energy. It stimulates mental activity.
Green
Durability, reliability, safety, honesty, optimism, harmony, freshness. Green can sometimes represent inexperience. On the flip side, green is sometimes associated with envy or jealousy. It has been known to drive people away, so in most cases, unless the website is associated with nature, it is better to use it only for website accents.
Blue
Depth, stability, professionalism, loyalty, reliability, honour, trust. It proves to be calming and cool, but too much can be depressing. It is often associated with corporate images.
Purple/Violet
Long associated with royalty and wealth. It’s also a spiritual colour— power,nobility, luxury, mystery, royalty, elegance, magic are its phenomenal characteristics.
Black
Elegance, sophistication, formality, strength, mystery, with a bit of chameleon touch.
White
Cleanliness, purity, newness, virginity, peace, innocence, and simplicity.
Brown
A wholesome and down-to-earth colour that denotes stability and reliability.
Grey
Neutral and balanced. Conservatism, traditionalism, intelligence, seriousness depicts “Grey”.
Colours make us feel a certain way, so they can and should be used to support the purpose of a website.
“Whitespace,” or “negative space” is the space between elements in a composition. More specifically, the space between major elements in a composition is “macro whitespace.” - MARK BOULTON - Whitespace article for A list Apart
Don't let your visitors experience the negative space on your site. Try and encourage your readers to focus on a thing and then, take the appropriate action.
A sitemap, is very important so that it gives the reader an idea that every single page consists a single objective and it rules out.
Try and make sure that you at least have a choice to figure out the best element.
Rather than merely being the production of online decoration, web design is an effort of direction and communication. The main goal of such a psychologically triggered web design is to strike a balance between client preferences, design principles, and trial-and-error tests based on end-user analytics data. It should be an on-going process incorporating all the essentials.
7 Essential Changes You Need to Make Right Now
7 Essential Changes You Need to Make Right Now
It is easy to go with the flow. Doing what comes naturally is ingrained in everyone’s DNA. However, in the realm of health and fitness this can have disastrous consequences on our lives. Simply following the course of life that many are on this very second will honestly lead them to an early grave. Not that I mean to scare anyone just for the sake of it, but living a healthy, fit life is not something that comes natural to anyone. If you are currently on the path of least resistance then you may need to consider applying the following 7 essential changes to your life immediately.
-Diet: You can’t always eat junk. If I ate whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted I could probably single handedly finance an entire chain of bacon and cheese french fry establishments. But when I decided to take my health seriously, I knew that my diet was the first thing I had to change. We are literally killing ourselves by what we eat. While it takes some will power to decide to eat right, knowing what to eat shouldn’t be that difficult. Focus on lean protein (grilled chicken, fish), plenty of fruits and veggies, and whole grain carbs.
-Schedule: Make room for exercise, rest, family. This is important for your physical well being as well as your mental well being. We cannot live our lives fully devoted to work, food and sleep. There have to be times when we just let ourselves go for a walk, read a book or just sit outside in the sunlight. Spending time with family is extra important, not only for your sake, but for theirs as well. No one is an island but no one is a robot either. As for exercise…
-Physical activity: Your body NEEDS it. If you’re like me and work a normal desk job, then the temptation is to come home and sit around on your couch after work watching TV or playing video games. This isn’t going to cut it. People weren’t made for such sedentary lifestyles. We were meant to hunt, to roam, to run and play. I’d say that getting regular exercise is THE most essential change we all need in our lives. It helps our bodies and our minds.
-Goals: Making ambiguous targets won’t take you anywhere. Do you have a goal? Specify it. If you want to lose weight, change it to losing X lbs. If you want to be more active, sign up for a race and commit to it. By nature, people just don’t make very good goals. We have to be specific. Otherwise, not only will we never know when we reach our goal, but we’ll likely never really start pursuing it either.
-Initiative: Someday will never be today. Stop telling yourself that you’ll get around to exercising and eating right “someday”. We all know that will never happen. Take the reigns of your life and initiate the change you want to see today. When I first started running I really didn’t want to do it all that much. I just new it was something that I should be doing. So one day after enough postponing and procrastination, I took the first step. I laced up and walked out the door. It wasn’t the smoothest transition but it was a start. Everything needs a starting point.
-Support: Include others in your goals. I’m a very introverted person. I don’t really like to share too much of myself with others. I decided to keep my fitness attempts quiet until people started noticing. However, I believe that this was a mistake. If I had other people to hold me accountable to the things I was committing to who knows what could have happened. Maybe you are already doing this in your life now, but this is definitely a change I need to learn to make in my own life even today.
-Challenge your fears: Don’t resist something just because it scares you. This is huge! So huge, in fact, it is almost a life principle for me now. I tend to be a very conservative person that likes to shy away from things outside my comfort zone. This doesn’t tend to leave much room for personal growth. A few years ago I began forcing myself through those uncomfortable scary things and found the amazing rewards on the other side. Training for a intimidating event or putting yourself in a new place of responsibility can indeed be scary. However, I’m trying to learn from the things that scare me. When I get the sense that something intimidates me, it is usually a sign that is the right thing for me to do.
It is easy to go with the flow. Doing what comes naturally is ingrained in everyone’s DNA. However, in the realm of health and fitness this can have disastrous consequences on our lives. Simply following the course of life that many are on this very second will honestly lead them to an early grave. Not that I mean to scare anyone just for the sake of it, but living a healthy, fit life is not something that comes natural to anyone. If you are currently on the path of least resistance then you may need to consider applying the following 7 essential changes to your life immediately.
-Diet: You can’t always eat junk. If I ate whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted I could probably single handedly finance an entire chain of bacon and cheese french fry establishments. But when I decided to take my health seriously, I knew that my diet was the first thing I had to change. We are literally killing ourselves by what we eat. While it takes some will power to decide to eat right, knowing what to eat shouldn’t be that difficult. Focus on lean protein (grilled chicken, fish), plenty of fruits and veggies, and whole grain carbs.
-Schedule: Make room for exercise, rest, family. This is important for your physical well being as well as your mental well being. We cannot live our lives fully devoted to work, food and sleep. There have to be times when we just let ourselves go for a walk, read a book or just sit outside in the sunlight. Spending time with family is extra important, not only for your sake, but for theirs as well. No one is an island but no one is a robot either. As for exercise…
-Physical activity: Your body NEEDS it. If you’re like me and work a normal desk job, then the temptation is to come home and sit around on your couch after work watching TV or playing video games. This isn’t going to cut it. People weren’t made for such sedentary lifestyles. We were meant to hunt, to roam, to run and play. I’d say that getting regular exercise is THE most essential change we all need in our lives. It helps our bodies and our minds.
-Goals: Making ambiguous targets won’t take you anywhere. Do you have a goal? Specify it. If you want to lose weight, change it to losing X lbs. If you want to be more active, sign up for a race and commit to it. By nature, people just don’t make very good goals. We have to be specific. Otherwise, not only will we never know when we reach our goal, but we’ll likely never really start pursuing it either.
-Initiative: Someday will never be today. Stop telling yourself that you’ll get around to exercising and eating right “someday”. We all know that will never happen. Take the reigns of your life and initiate the change you want to see today. When I first started running I really didn’t want to do it all that much. I just new it was something that I should be doing. So one day after enough postponing and procrastination, I took the first step. I laced up and walked out the door. It wasn’t the smoothest transition but it was a start. Everything needs a starting point.
-Support: Include others in your goals. I’m a very introverted person. I don’t really like to share too much of myself with others. I decided to keep my fitness attempts quiet until people started noticing. However, I believe that this was a mistake. If I had other people to hold me accountable to the things I was committing to who knows what could have happened. Maybe you are already doing this in your life now, but this is definitely a change I need to learn to make in my own life even today.
-Challenge your fears: Don’t resist something just because it scares you. This is huge! So huge, in fact, it is almost a life principle for me now. I tend to be a very conservative person that likes to shy away from things outside my comfort zone. This doesn’t tend to leave much room for personal growth. A few years ago I began forcing myself through those uncomfortable scary things and found the amazing rewards on the other side. Training for a intimidating event or putting yourself in a new place of responsibility can indeed be scary. However, I’m trying to learn from the things that scare me. When I get the sense that something intimidates me, it is usually a sign that is the right thing for me to do.
Monday, October 3, 2011
All Good Things...
All Good Things...
I've sat down to write this post about a dozen times and each time, I write a few words and then sign out. I kept flip-floping; yes I'm going to, no I'm not, yes I am, no I'm not. But since these words are being written, you can see that I finally came to a decision.
After five years of writing, or reflecting and processing, I am moving on from this blog. Some may say, well, you haven't posted in two months, isn't that pretty much the same? No. Not for me. I need closure, to walk away and say I'm ready to start something new.
(Dammit! I can barely type, I'm teary already)
When I first began this blog, it was simply an exchange of ideas for my friends. When I had my miscarriages it became my solace, my well of grief and my strength. Shortly after the second miscarriage I found the ALI community. I don't think I can adequately express what everyone has done for me. You shone a light on the dark days and rejoiced in the bright ones. I've made many friends as a result and although I haven't kept up recently, you are all often in my thoughts.
Things are such in my life that I fid myself not wanted to blog anymore. I'm writing lots but not here. And I've decided that it's okay. I will no longer make myself feel guilty for it. But before I take my leave of you, I want to tell where I am at these days.
I am happy. That is probably the most important thing for you to know. I still have post-partum depression and have periods of hibernation, but they don't hinder my life as much as they used to. I'm still seeing my psychiatrist occasionally and she is still as wonderful as the day I met her. I'll be on my meds until the New Year and if I'm truly doing well, I can wean off them.
R handed in his PhD dissertation earlier this month and on July 21st will have his defence. So by August 1st, my darling husband will be a Doctor of Philosophy, Sciences (Physics). From there we will (fingers crossed) get a job and we will either be staying here in Vancouver or moving wherever he finds work.
In limbo can be a stressful place to be, but I'm doing the best I can to keep it in check and enjoy each and every day with Bean. She is more wonderful than I ever could have imagined. I always knew I was meant to be a mother, and it has been comfirmed over and over again. She makes me smile and laugh, and at times cry in frustration, but I wouldn't change a single moment of it. Well, I suppose I'd like to go back and enjoy those first months, but they are what they are and I am just glad I made it through and can now be there for my daughter.
In recent days, the full effect of what it means to be a "family" has hit me. My relationship with R is doing better than it has throughout all of the chaos of the last two years and there are moments when we hug each other while holding Bean, that I feel like my heart might explode form happiness.
I've been through many things in my life, and will go through many more, but that is what this journey is about. The Steadfast Warrior shall keep in going. Some of you are friends with me on facebook, some have my email. If you are interested in keeping in touch, email me.
Thank you for lending me your eyes, and you hearts. You are more wonderful than I can express. I shall leave you with one last Photo of the Day. This is Bean in all her 8.5 Month glory. She's going to be walking soon (Fates help us) and keeps me on my toes...
I've sat down to write this post about a dozen times and each time, I write a few words and then sign out. I kept flip-floping; yes I'm going to, no I'm not, yes I am, no I'm not. But since these words are being written, you can see that I finally came to a decision.
After five years of writing, or reflecting and processing, I am moving on from this blog. Some may say, well, you haven't posted in two months, isn't that pretty much the same? No. Not for me. I need closure, to walk away and say I'm ready to start something new.
(Dammit! I can barely type, I'm teary already)
When I first began this blog, it was simply an exchange of ideas for my friends. When I had my miscarriages it became my solace, my well of grief and my strength. Shortly after the second miscarriage I found the ALI community. I don't think I can adequately express what everyone has done for me. You shone a light on the dark days and rejoiced in the bright ones. I've made many friends as a result and although I haven't kept up recently, you are all often in my thoughts.
Things are such in my life that I fid myself not wanted to blog anymore. I'm writing lots but not here. And I've decided that it's okay. I will no longer make myself feel guilty for it. But before I take my leave of you, I want to tell where I am at these days.
I am happy. That is probably the most important thing for you to know. I still have post-partum depression and have periods of hibernation, but they don't hinder my life as much as they used to. I'm still seeing my psychiatrist occasionally and she is still as wonderful as the day I met her. I'll be on my meds until the New Year and if I'm truly doing well, I can wean off them.
R handed in his PhD dissertation earlier this month and on July 21st will have his defence. So by August 1st, my darling husband will be a Doctor of Philosophy, Sciences (Physics). From there we will (fingers crossed) get a job and we will either be staying here in Vancouver or moving wherever he finds work.
In limbo can be a stressful place to be, but I'm doing the best I can to keep it in check and enjoy each and every day with Bean. She is more wonderful than I ever could have imagined. I always knew I was meant to be a mother, and it has been comfirmed over and over again. She makes me smile and laugh, and at times cry in frustration, but I wouldn't change a single moment of it. Well, I suppose I'd like to go back and enjoy those first months, but they are what they are and I am just glad I made it through and can now be there for my daughter.
In recent days, the full effect of what it means to be a "family" has hit me. My relationship with R is doing better than it has throughout all of the chaos of the last two years and there are moments when we hug each other while holding Bean, that I feel like my heart might explode form happiness.
I've been through many things in my life, and will go through many more, but that is what this journey is about. The Steadfast Warrior shall keep in going. Some of you are friends with me on facebook, some have my email. If you are interested in keeping in touch, email me.
Thank you for lending me your eyes, and you hearts. You are more wonderful than I can express. I shall leave you with one last Photo of the Day. This is Bean in all her 8.5 Month glory. She's going to be walking soon (Fates help us) and keeps me on my toes...
Fourteen Names of God
Sometimes we are given maps
just a few blue lines
like the veins on our mothers' breasts
Green curves, a lizard
curled in your warm hands
this secret, all we own
Now in my dreams we set out again
towards each other
over the mine fields of this life
breathing the sweet air
For more years than you lived
I have tried to learn the words
the grasses tell each other
on summer nights
guarded by fireflies
as in that Tokyo sunset
when you tied my sash
& ran, though braced, still laughing
through the pyrotechnic flowers
towards happiness
I see you still, waving to me
far across the starfields
You have released the balloons
The ribbons slide from my hair
But I hold your faithful map
to the places of dragons
to that tender lair, the far
mountains, the acres of longing
just a few blue lines
like the veins on our mothers' breasts
Green curves, a lizard
curled in your warm hands
this secret, all we own
Now in my dreams we set out again
towards each other
over the mine fields of this life
breathing the sweet air
For more years than you lived
I have tried to learn the words
the grasses tell each other
on summer nights
guarded by fireflies
as in that Tokyo sunset
when you tied my sash
& ran, though braced, still laughing
through the pyrotechnic flowers
towards happiness
I see you still, waving to me
far across the starfields
You have released the balloons
The ribbons slide from my hair
But I hold your faithful map
to the places of dragons
to that tender lair, the far
mountains, the acres of longing
Social Network beggars?
Social Network beggars?
I am so shocked of the fun stuff I have been reading lately on Facebook and Twitter and even places like kijiji.
I don't know if its just me who has a problem with this but lately I am seeing so many people creating groups or the like to ask for money to pay for things like spaying their dog, help with medical costs, help with repairing things, or just plain wanting money to purchase something they want, Idont know why this rubs me so wrongly but it does.
Every one of the situations, I mean, YES we all know that life throws us curve balls from time to time and times get really rough for some of us but what I dont understand is, as an example. If you know me, like real life know me, you would know I have some odd tastes in the things I like (ie expensive at times), I have more animals than one person really should have and right now I dont have a job to say.
However, I have ALWAYS been under the impression that if you can not afford to care for something adequately then perhaps you should not have it, and I may have a few things like the Doo for example that really I did not need to get myself but wanted it. Now, if all my animals were to get sick and need some major medical attention that would cost upwards of lets say $15 000 ( keep in mind I do have 6 dogs and 3 horses and 3 cats) there is not a chance in hell I wouldn't sell my Doo, my dream car, take out a loan or two, ask family privately or even friends... but I just dont see myself ever publically asking people to donate money to me to pay for what I TOOK ON.
Last time I checked, what is mine is my problem. I had to get a tow truck to take my beloved Tiburon home today, I 'could' have driven it, but with a seized back brake I chose not to. Yes I got a bit of a deal on my tow call, and the garage I am going to will cost me a lot less than it would have to go to Canadian Tire or something to get my car fixed, thanks to having connections, and really NO I dont have the money to fix it ( so I just wont for a week or so, no big deal, just take the truck for now) but I dont feel that I need to fund raise to have my brakes fixed or that the world for some reason should know I cant afford basic maintanance of my car. ( I just did I know but not in the same context lol)
Take Elmo for instance... he was a 'rescue' of sorts, I chose to keep him, I chose to take him on, all expenses that I will face with him ect over his life time and dont for a minute think I did not think it through. There was a lot of number crunching, right down to figuring out annual vet check, feeding, vaccinations vs titers, legal stuff, and EMERGENCY consideration ( ie big vet bills) for having a sixth dog here. Not to mention time, grooming, extra poop, another crate, smaller bed, smaller collars ect. I had him neutered at my cost, 2 days after having a horse gelded ( who I also did the previous number crunch with prior to buying but add in annual teeth floating, farrier work every 6 weeks, extra feed for a draft mix horse, training costs and so on.) I didn't ask for help to have those testicles removed with in a few days of each other, having a vet call and paying for the vets "time" for exam and vaccinations, Elmo's neuter, blood work and all that jazz...
However, so many people seem to be expecting their friends or aquaintances to pitch in on the things they are choosing to have.
The way I see it, especially when it comes to animals, you cant put it off, when they're sick or hurt they need attention NOW. SO, the logic side of me thinks that everyone would factor these potentials into their decision to obtain said animal no? Apparently not.
I guess an impaction, hit by car or spay is not something that people will think their dogs will ever have, or they are some how protected from accidents.
Now when it comes to material or 'luxury nonsense' everything breaks, everything will need repair or could. So if your brakes seize its your problem is it not? Some people NEED their car in working condition ASAP. If I did not have a spare vehicle here to turn to, and was working, my car would have been getting fixed at the nearest garage ASAP. I live in the country, I commute to work ( when I work) and to be with out wheels is just not an option for me. There is no public transit, it would be cheaper to rent a car than get a cab to come out here twice a day and I wouldnt feel right relying on friends or family for more than one trip ( again my pride I guess) so... if I had no other choice I probably would have chosen a car that the parts are cheaper, its easier to fix at home, and parts are much easier to come by than the car I did. Again this is all stuff I thought through prior to signing papers for said car.
I dont get it. Seems like I'm the only one that really has a problem with social network begging, apparently it is acceptable to an extent. However what is the limit? Fund raising for non profit I have NO PROBLEM with. But when it comes to something that someone owns and has conciously chosen to have I personally find it wrong.
Oh well. End that rant for now.
I have far more crap on my plate than that I can chew right now, I have so much on my mind, still standing at cross roads and looking around like I have landed on a strange planet or am standing at the corner of Axmith and Axmith, the nexus of the universe in Elliot Lake, and wondering where the hell I should go from there. I really dont think I should be wasting too much energy on the previous rant.
I am so shocked of the fun stuff I have been reading lately on Facebook and Twitter and even places like kijiji.
I don't know if its just me who has a problem with this but lately I am seeing so many people creating groups or the like to ask for money to pay for things like spaying their dog, help with medical costs, help with repairing things, or just plain wanting money to purchase something they want, Idont know why this rubs me so wrongly but it does.
Every one of the situations, I mean, YES we all know that life throws us curve balls from time to time and times get really rough for some of us but what I dont understand is, as an example. If you know me, like real life know me, you would know I have some odd tastes in the things I like (ie expensive at times), I have more animals than one person really should have and right now I dont have a job to say.
However, I have ALWAYS been under the impression that if you can not afford to care for something adequately then perhaps you should not have it, and I may have a few things like the Doo for example that really I did not need to get myself but wanted it. Now, if all my animals were to get sick and need some major medical attention that would cost upwards of lets say $15 000 ( keep in mind I do have 6 dogs and 3 horses and 3 cats) there is not a chance in hell I wouldn't sell my Doo, my dream car, take out a loan or two, ask family privately or even friends... but I just dont see myself ever publically asking people to donate money to me to pay for what I TOOK ON.
Last time I checked, what is mine is my problem. I had to get a tow truck to take my beloved Tiburon home today, I 'could' have driven it, but with a seized back brake I chose not to. Yes I got a bit of a deal on my tow call, and the garage I am going to will cost me a lot less than it would have to go to Canadian Tire or something to get my car fixed, thanks to having connections, and really NO I dont have the money to fix it ( so I just wont for a week or so, no big deal, just take the truck for now) but I dont feel that I need to fund raise to have my brakes fixed or that the world for some reason should know I cant afford basic maintanance of my car. ( I just did I know but not in the same context lol)
Take Elmo for instance... he was a 'rescue' of sorts, I chose to keep him, I chose to take him on, all expenses that I will face with him ect over his life time and dont for a minute think I did not think it through. There was a lot of number crunching, right down to figuring out annual vet check, feeding, vaccinations vs titers, legal stuff, and EMERGENCY consideration ( ie big vet bills) for having a sixth dog here. Not to mention time, grooming, extra poop, another crate, smaller bed, smaller collars ect. I had him neutered at my cost, 2 days after having a horse gelded ( who I also did the previous number crunch with prior to buying but add in annual teeth floating, farrier work every 6 weeks, extra feed for a draft mix horse, training costs and so on.) I didn't ask for help to have those testicles removed with in a few days of each other, having a vet call and paying for the vets "time" for exam and vaccinations, Elmo's neuter, blood work and all that jazz...
However, so many people seem to be expecting their friends or aquaintances to pitch in on the things they are choosing to have.
The way I see it, especially when it comes to animals, you cant put it off, when they're sick or hurt they need attention NOW. SO, the logic side of me thinks that everyone would factor these potentials into their decision to obtain said animal no? Apparently not.
I guess an impaction, hit by car or spay is not something that people will think their dogs will ever have, or they are some how protected from accidents.
Now when it comes to material or 'luxury nonsense' everything breaks, everything will need repair or could. So if your brakes seize its your problem is it not? Some people NEED their car in working condition ASAP. If I did not have a spare vehicle here to turn to, and was working, my car would have been getting fixed at the nearest garage ASAP. I live in the country, I commute to work ( when I work) and to be with out wheels is just not an option for me. There is no public transit, it would be cheaper to rent a car than get a cab to come out here twice a day and I wouldnt feel right relying on friends or family for more than one trip ( again my pride I guess) so... if I had no other choice I probably would have chosen a car that the parts are cheaper, its easier to fix at home, and parts are much easier to come by than the car I did. Again this is all stuff I thought through prior to signing papers for said car.
I dont get it. Seems like I'm the only one that really has a problem with social network begging, apparently it is acceptable to an extent. However what is the limit? Fund raising for non profit I have NO PROBLEM with. But when it comes to something that someone owns and has conciously chosen to have I personally find it wrong.
Oh well. End that rant for now.
I have far more crap on my plate than that I can chew right now, I have so much on my mind, still standing at cross roads and looking around like I have landed on a strange planet or am standing at the corner of Axmith and Axmith, the nexus of the universe in Elliot Lake, and wondering where the hell I should go from there. I really dont think I should be wasting too much energy on the previous rant.
MIRACLE MONDAY - JESUS HEALS
A man with leprosy came to him and begged him on his knees, “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!” Immediately the leprosy left the man and he was cured.”
What exactly is leprosy? Leprosy, basically described, is a tropical skin and nerve disease. It often causes disfigurement and is transmitted following close personal contact with someone who has it. In Biblical times there was no cure for leprosy. This means those infected were usually isolated. Nobody wanted to even accidentally touch someone with leprosy. Everyone was too afraid they would get infected if they did. This means once someone got leprosy they did not get touched-probably ever again for the rest of their life.
So, this man infected with leprosy comes up to Jesus and begs him to heal him. He specifically says. “If you are willing, you can make me clean.”
When this man came up to Jesus, Jesus never even thought twice about the fact that this man had leprosy. He just simply reached out and touched the man. This man, infected with leprosy, may have not been touched in a long time. People probably would not have even looked at him, let alone think about touching him. Yet Jesus did.
Then as Jesus is touching the man He says, “I am willing.” He said, “I am willing.” He was willing to heal this man of his leprosy. He could have simply said ‘Okay’ or ‘Sure’, etc. But instead He proclaims that He is willing to heal this man. This means he was ready to do something voluntarily, he was eager to do it, he was enthusiastic, he was happy to do it.
Just like Jesus was willing to heal this man, He healed all others He encountered while on Earth. But, even more He continues to heal people to this day. He is just as willing to heal today as He was over 2,000 years ago.
He wants to heal us.
He wants us to be healthy and well.
For us this is good news! For Jesus proclaims in John 14:12-14:
12 I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
Jesus calls us to go out and heal the sick! We have the power to do so only through His power in us. We can ask for anything in Jesus’ name and He will do it.
Matthew 10:8- “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons.”
I pray that all of you would pray and seek God about this verse. Ask Holy Spirit to reveal to you the depths of what this means. I pray that you will go out and preach this good news. I pray that you would go out and begin to heal the sick with the power you have within you. I pray that others around you will come to know and love Jesus as they see the miracles happening around you!
I love the chain reaction that can happen when you share this good news with others! Once during a Bible study my sister and I were leading with a group of women at a drug and rehabilitation center we got the opportunity to share this. One of the ladies asked us if we could pray for her headache. She didn’t know we had a very hands on approach! We walked up to her and invited others to lay hands on her. Wow was she shocked! We simply asked for her headache to be completely gone in Jesus name. She opened her eyes and exclaimed, “WOW! It’s completely gone!” My sister and I found out later that some of the ladies that were in that Bible study laid hands and prayed for a girl who was having trouble with her legs the very next day. One of the ladies boldly said, “Can we pray for you?” And they told her pain to be gone in Jesus name and the lady was healed. Praise God! Isn’t that an awesome story!
What exactly is leprosy? Leprosy, basically described, is a tropical skin and nerve disease. It often causes disfigurement and is transmitted following close personal contact with someone who has it. In Biblical times there was no cure for leprosy. This means those infected were usually isolated. Nobody wanted to even accidentally touch someone with leprosy. Everyone was too afraid they would get infected if they did. This means once someone got leprosy they did not get touched-probably ever again for the rest of their life.
So, this man infected with leprosy comes up to Jesus and begs him to heal him. He specifically says. “If you are willing, you can make me clean.”
When this man came up to Jesus, Jesus never even thought twice about the fact that this man had leprosy. He just simply reached out and touched the man. This man, infected with leprosy, may have not been touched in a long time. People probably would not have even looked at him, let alone think about touching him. Yet Jesus did.
Then as Jesus is touching the man He says, “I am willing.” He said, “I am willing.” He was willing to heal this man of his leprosy. He could have simply said ‘Okay’ or ‘Sure’, etc. But instead He proclaims that He is willing to heal this man. This means he was ready to do something voluntarily, he was eager to do it, he was enthusiastic, he was happy to do it.
Just like Jesus was willing to heal this man, He healed all others He encountered while on Earth. But, even more He continues to heal people to this day. He is just as willing to heal today as He was over 2,000 years ago.
He wants to heal us.
He wants us to be healthy and well.
For us this is good news! For Jesus proclaims in John 14:12-14:
12 I tell you the truth, anyone who has faith in me will do what I have been doing. He will do even greater things than these, because I am going to the Father. 13 And I will do whatever you ask in my name, so that the Son may bring glory to the Father. 14 You may ask me for anything in my name, and I will do it.
Jesus calls us to go out and heal the sick! We have the power to do so only through His power in us. We can ask for anything in Jesus’ name and He will do it.
Matthew 10:8- “Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse those who have leprosy, drive out demons.”
I pray that all of you would pray and seek God about this verse. Ask Holy Spirit to reveal to you the depths of what this means. I pray that you will go out and preach this good news. I pray that you would go out and begin to heal the sick with the power you have within you. I pray that others around you will come to know and love Jesus as they see the miracles happening around you!
I love the chain reaction that can happen when you share this good news with others! Once during a Bible study my sister and I were leading with a group of women at a drug and rehabilitation center we got the opportunity to share this. One of the ladies asked us if we could pray for her headache. She didn’t know we had a very hands on approach! We walked up to her and invited others to lay hands on her. Wow was she shocked! We simply asked for her headache to be completely gone in Jesus name. She opened her eyes and exclaimed, “WOW! It’s completely gone!” My sister and I found out later that some of the ladies that were in that Bible study laid hands and prayed for a girl who was having trouble with her legs the very next day. One of the ladies boldly said, “Can we pray for you?” And they told her pain to be gone in Jesus name and the lady was healed. Praise God! Isn’t that an awesome story!
The Greatest Love of All
Several years ago, Robert Schuller sent me a copy of his book Self-Esteem: The New Reformation. (Actually, he sent it to thousands of preachers, but it made me feel better about myself to think he'd sent it to me personally.) In that book and other writings, Schuller redefined the gospel in terms of self-esteem. Jesus came to give us us back the proper view of ourselves that God intended for us from the beginning. Schuller defined sin as "any act or thought that robs myself or another human being of his or her self-esteem." He suggested that "a person is in hell when he has lost his self-esteem." Thus salvation is being saved from this loss of self-worth, "To be born again means that we must be changed from a negative to a positive self-image--from inferiority to self-esteem, from fear to love, from doubt to trust." Well, if that is the gospel, then perhaps we should see Whitney Houston as a new-gospel singer as she croons, "Learning to love yourself is the greatest love of all."
Not only was Schuller wrong, he could not have been more wrong. The central act of Christianity is the cross where Christ "made himself nothing" (NIV) or "emptied himself" (NET) as He died on the cross (Phil 2:7). The cross was not about self-esteem; it is about shame (Heb 12:2), a shame that we also bear as we follow Jesus outside the camp (Heb 13:13). We are given a new identity as children of God, and that does indeed recast how we view ourselves (1 John 3:1-3). But God calls us to "share in His holiness" (Heb 12:10), and our self-esteem often takes a beating when we see just how short of that we are able to come. Paul is not pumping us our self-esteem when he says, "What a wretched man I am!" (Rom 7:24). The fact that God loves us and that Jesus died for us and that the Spirit indwells us DESPITE our wretchedness does not change the fact that we are indeed wretched. And the greatest love of all is learning to lay down our lives for others (John 15:13, 1 John 3:16).
I really enjoy reading Experimental Theology, the blog of Dr. Richard Beck, a professor of psychology at ACU. In his most recent blog, he dealt with the idea of self-esteem and Christianity as it relates to the second great command. "Love your neighbor as yourself." Beck suggests that as it is often taught in churches, Jesus is teaching two things here: (1) we must love ourselves and (2) we must love others as ourselves. Thus as Schuller argues (though not to the same degree), the gospel is concerned about pumping up our self-esteem as a platform for loving other. I liked the way he addressed that idea--
Actually don't think Jesus has this very recent, Western psychotherapeutic situation in mind. I don't Jesus is saying anything at all about self-esteem in the second Greatest Commandment. And it worries me a lot that churches are leading with messages of self-love. I don't think Americans need to hear a message that starts like this: "The first thing you need to do is work on loving yourself. And when you've got that down then you can turn to loving others." Because, as best I can tell, a lot of Christians are spending their whole lives just working away on the first part of that equation. Year after year American Christians are spending all their spiritual formation energy on learning to love themselves. And that seems a bit screwy.
What I actually think Jesus is trying to say in the second Greatest Commandment is that we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. As I argue in Unclean, Jesus is trying to blur the boundary between Self and Other. Jesus is trying in the second Greatest Commandment to form an identity relationship between Self and Other, to see our lives as intertwined. The hallmark of this fusion is empathy, the ability to stand in another person's shoes and ask a simple question: "If this were me, what would I want?" Basically, "love your neighbor as you love yourself" is just another version of the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Click over to Experimental Theology and read his entire post; I think it will be informative. Let me sum up with how Beck sums up, "The secret, I think, isn't to try to go from a low self-esteem to a high self-esteem. The secret is to just stop playing the self-esteem game altogether. The key is to get out of your head." I like that... I'm just not very good at it.
Not only was Schuller wrong, he could not have been more wrong. The central act of Christianity is the cross where Christ "made himself nothing" (NIV) or "emptied himself" (NET) as He died on the cross (Phil 2:7). The cross was not about self-esteem; it is about shame (Heb 12:2), a shame that we also bear as we follow Jesus outside the camp (Heb 13:13). We are given a new identity as children of God, and that does indeed recast how we view ourselves (1 John 3:1-3). But God calls us to "share in His holiness" (Heb 12:10), and our self-esteem often takes a beating when we see just how short of that we are able to come. Paul is not pumping us our self-esteem when he says, "What a wretched man I am!" (Rom 7:24). The fact that God loves us and that Jesus died for us and that the Spirit indwells us DESPITE our wretchedness does not change the fact that we are indeed wretched. And the greatest love of all is learning to lay down our lives for others (John 15:13, 1 John 3:16).
I really enjoy reading Experimental Theology, the blog of Dr. Richard Beck, a professor of psychology at ACU. In his most recent blog, he dealt with the idea of self-esteem and Christianity as it relates to the second great command. "Love your neighbor as yourself." Beck suggests that as it is often taught in churches, Jesus is teaching two things here: (1) we must love ourselves and (2) we must love others as ourselves. Thus as Schuller argues (though not to the same degree), the gospel is concerned about pumping up our self-esteem as a platform for loving other. I liked the way he addressed that idea--
Actually don't think Jesus has this very recent, Western psychotherapeutic situation in mind. I don't Jesus is saying anything at all about self-esteem in the second Greatest Commandment. And it worries me a lot that churches are leading with messages of self-love. I don't think Americans need to hear a message that starts like this: "The first thing you need to do is work on loving yourself. And when you've got that down then you can turn to loving others." Because, as best I can tell, a lot of Christians are spending their whole lives just working away on the first part of that equation. Year after year American Christians are spending all their spiritual formation energy on learning to love themselves. And that seems a bit screwy.
What I actually think Jesus is trying to say in the second Greatest Commandment is that we are to love our neighbor as ourselves. As I argue in Unclean, Jesus is trying to blur the boundary between Self and Other. Jesus is trying in the second Greatest Commandment to form an identity relationship between Self and Other, to see our lives as intertwined. The hallmark of this fusion is empathy, the ability to stand in another person's shoes and ask a simple question: "If this were me, what would I want?" Basically, "love your neighbor as you love yourself" is just another version of the Golden Rule: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Click over to Experimental Theology and read his entire post; I think it will be informative. Let me sum up with how Beck sums up, "The secret, I think, isn't to try to go from a low self-esteem to a high self-esteem. The secret is to just stop playing the self-esteem game altogether. The key is to get out of your head." I like that... I'm just not very good at it.
No Ordinary Love
Every once in a while I get a stirring inside of me that wants to do something or be something great. I wish for the fame of an ultra talented writer who sells many books and changes lives or that
I could be a professional runner who lives for running and wins. I wish that I had incredible creativity and sold fantastic crafty type things on Etsy or that I was a super good cook and had dinner parties every weekend. Alas, I am none of these things. I'm just a normal, ordinary, every day, type of person. No one looks twice when I walk by. I live in a normal, ordinary, every day house on a normal, ordinary, every day street.
The other day my plain little house was bustling with the noises of norm (kids quarreling, TV blaring, baby whining) when I stepped outside, as I do every day, to throw out some trash. The door shut behind me and I was struck by the quietness of the morning. I could hear some far away barks of a restless dog, the wind rustling tree leaves, but then caught sight of a silently soaring bird. My eyes followed its flight to the end of our street before I walked back into the clatter of my life.
Since then I've noticed these silent birds in flight almost every where I go. I am intrigued by how often they soar by without fanfare or demand for attention. These birds are going about the ordinary business of their days. Maybe one is gathering twigs for a nest, or another scouting out her prey. Whatever the task, each bird is doing what it was created to do and for all I know, perfectly content with life. A normal, ordinary, every day kind of life for a bird.
I know that, at least for now, God is not asking me to be anything extraordinary. He needs me to be ordinary. I may not be signing books or on the cover of Runners' World, but my life has meaning to those close to me because of ordinary love. I love because I was first loved by God. It is a love that is linked forever to the sacrifice of the cross. This same Love can flow through me and continue on forever if I am willing to accept this life God has given me. God's love multiplies and so ordinary love, does in fact, have the amazing capability to change the world. Now whenever I see a bird soaring through the air, I silently accept again God's love and this life He has given me because God's love is no ordinary love.
I could be a professional runner who lives for running and wins. I wish that I had incredible creativity and sold fantastic crafty type things on Etsy or that I was a super good cook and had dinner parties every weekend. Alas, I am none of these things. I'm just a normal, ordinary, every day, type of person. No one looks twice when I walk by. I live in a normal, ordinary, every day house on a normal, ordinary, every day street.
The other day my plain little house was bustling with the noises of norm (kids quarreling, TV blaring, baby whining) when I stepped outside, as I do every day, to throw out some trash. The door shut behind me and I was struck by the quietness of the morning. I could hear some far away barks of a restless dog, the wind rustling tree leaves, but then caught sight of a silently soaring bird. My eyes followed its flight to the end of our street before I walked back into the clatter of my life.
Since then I've noticed these silent birds in flight almost every where I go. I am intrigued by how often they soar by without fanfare or demand for attention. These birds are going about the ordinary business of their days. Maybe one is gathering twigs for a nest, or another scouting out her prey. Whatever the task, each bird is doing what it was created to do and for all I know, perfectly content with life. A normal, ordinary, every day kind of life for a bird.
I know that, at least for now, God is not asking me to be anything extraordinary. He needs me to be ordinary. I may not be signing books or on the cover of Runners' World, but my life has meaning to those close to me because of ordinary love. I love because I was first loved by God. It is a love that is linked forever to the sacrifice of the cross. This same Love can flow through me and continue on forever if I am willing to accept this life God has given me. God's love multiplies and so ordinary love, does in fact, have the amazing capability to change the world. Now whenever I see a bird soaring through the air, I silently accept again God's love and this life He has given me because God's love is no ordinary love.
TURNING BACK TO GOD
TURNING BACK TO GOD
“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.” (Psalm 51:7,8).
Psalm 51 is the best known of the penitential psalms written by David, a man who had come to know the depths of sin, and the depths of God's forgiveness. After his sin with Bathsheba had been brought to light (2 Samuel 12), the shepherd King of Israel was a broken man physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Although the consequences of a believer’s transgression may not be readily apparent, they will surely come because the Lord is faithful to chasten those whom he loves. "If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?" (Hebrews 12:10). Hard as it may be at the moment, the discipline of the Lord is not punitive, but transformational. “For they (our earthly fathers) verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness” (Hebrews 12:10). We see this in David's petition that God would create in him a clean heart and a steadfast spirit (Psalm 51:10). A clean heart is indicative of a new beginning, and a steadfast spirit a new determination. Out of the pit of sin’s despair the repentant child of God finds comfort and peace in a restored relationship with his Lord and Savior.
Dear Christian brother or sister, have you committed some grievous sin or sin’s that weigh on you day and night? Is this a burden you can no longer bear? Are you feeling like David whose sin was ever before him (Psalm 51:3)? This is a very painful place for a child of God to be. Gone is the joy of salvation and nothing in life can replace the fellowship with God you once enjoyed. In my years of pastoral ministry I have seen this occur many times among God’s children and always offer the same counsel. Just as with David and the prodigal son in Luke 15, the way home is the path of repentance. David confessed his sin and the Lord graciously forgave him all his iniquities. The key to your restoration and favor with God is to acknowledge your sin and need of restored fellowship with God. Seek it without delay. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” ( 1 John 1:8,9). When the prodigal son returned home his father was moved with compassion, embraced him, and kissed him (Luke 15:20). The story goes on to say that a great feast was held that day because the wayward child had come back to the place of blessing and the comfort of his father’s love.
Wandering child of God, today can be your day of rejoicing and blessing if you go to Jesus now, confessing all your sin, seeking only Him and a new beginning. He will never cast you out.
“Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Make me to hear joy and gladness; that the bones which thou hast broken may rejoice.” (Psalm 51:7,8).
Psalm 51 is the best known of the penitential psalms written by David, a man who had come to know the depths of sin, and the depths of God's forgiveness. After his sin with Bathsheba had been brought to light (2 Samuel 12), the shepherd King of Israel was a broken man physically, spiritually, and emotionally. Although the consequences of a believer’s transgression may not be readily apparent, they will surely come because the Lord is faithful to chasten those whom he loves. "If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?" (Hebrews 12:10). Hard as it may be at the moment, the discipline of the Lord is not punitive, but transformational. “For they (our earthly fathers) verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness” (Hebrews 12:10). We see this in David's petition that God would create in him a clean heart and a steadfast spirit (Psalm 51:10). A clean heart is indicative of a new beginning, and a steadfast spirit a new determination. Out of the pit of sin’s despair the repentant child of God finds comfort and peace in a restored relationship with his Lord and Savior.
Dear Christian brother or sister, have you committed some grievous sin or sin’s that weigh on you day and night? Is this a burden you can no longer bear? Are you feeling like David whose sin was ever before him (Psalm 51:3)? This is a very painful place for a child of God to be. Gone is the joy of salvation and nothing in life can replace the fellowship with God you once enjoyed. In my years of pastoral ministry I have seen this occur many times among God’s children and always offer the same counsel. Just as with David and the prodigal son in Luke 15, the way home is the path of repentance. David confessed his sin and the Lord graciously forgave him all his iniquities. The key to your restoration and favor with God is to acknowledge your sin and need of restored fellowship with God. Seek it without delay. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness” ( 1 John 1:8,9). When the prodigal son returned home his father was moved with compassion, embraced him, and kissed him (Luke 15:20). The story goes on to say that a great feast was held that day because the wayward child had come back to the place of blessing and the comfort of his father’s love.
Wandering child of God, today can be your day of rejoicing and blessing if you go to Jesus now, confessing all your sin, seeking only Him and a new beginning. He will never cast you out.
God is love
“God is love, and he who abides in love abides in God, and God abides in him” (1 Jn 4:16). These words from the First Letter of John express with remarkable clarity the heart of the Christian faith: the Christian image of God and the resulting image of mankind and its destiny. In the same verse, Saint John also offers a kind of summary of the Christian life: “We have come to know and to believe in the love God has for us”.
We have come to believe in God's love: in these words the Christian can express the fundamental decision of his life. Being Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction. Saint John's Gospel describes that event in these words: “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should ... have eternal life” (3:16). In acknowledging the centrality of love, Christian faith has retained the core of Israel's faith, while at the same time giving it new depth and breadth. The pious Jew prayed daily the words of the Book of Deuteronomy which expressed the heart of his existence: “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God is one Lord, and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your might” (6:4-5). Jesus united into a single precept this commandment of love for God and the commandment of love for neighbour found in the Book of Leviticus: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself” (19:18; cf. Mk 12:29-31). Since God has first loved us (cf. 1 Jn 4:10), love is now no longer a mere “command”; it is the response to the gift of love with which God draws near to us.
In a world where the name of God is sometimes associated with vengeance or even a duty of hatred and violence, this message is both timely and significant. For this reason, I wish in my first Encyclical to speak of the love which God lavishes upon us and which we in turn must share with others. That, in essence, is what the two main parts of this Letter are about, and they are profoundly interconnected. The first part is more speculative, since I wanted here—at the beginning of my Pontificate—to clarify some essential facts concerning the love which God mysteriously and gratuitously offers to man, together with the intrinsic link between that Love and the reality of human love. The second part is more concrete, since it treats the ecclesial exercise of the commandment of love of neighbour. The argument has vast implications, but a lengthy treatment would go beyond the scope of the present Encyclical. I wish to emphasize some basic elements, so as to call forth in the world renewed energy and commitment in the human response to God's love.
We have come to believe in God's love: in these words the Christian can express the fundamental decision of his life. Being Christian is not the result of an ethical choice or a lofty idea, but the encounter with an event, a person, which gives life a new horizon and a decisive direction. Saint John's Gospel describes that event in these words: “God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should ... have eternal life” (3:16). In acknowledging the centrality of love, Christian faith has retained the core of Israel's faith, while at the same time giving it new depth and breadth. The pious Jew prayed daily the words of the Book of Deuteronomy which expressed the heart of his existence: “Hear, O Israel: the Lord our God is one Lord, and you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul and with all your might” (6:4-5). Jesus united into a single precept this commandment of love for God and the commandment of love for neighbour found in the Book of Leviticus: “You shall love your neighbour as yourself” (19:18; cf. Mk 12:29-31). Since God has first loved us (cf. 1 Jn 4:10), love is now no longer a mere “command”; it is the response to the gift of love with which God draws near to us.
In a world where the name of God is sometimes associated with vengeance or even a duty of hatred and violence, this message is both timely and significant. For this reason, I wish in my first Encyclical to speak of the love which God lavishes upon us and which we in turn must share with others. That, in essence, is what the two main parts of this Letter are about, and they are profoundly interconnected. The first part is more speculative, since I wanted here—at the beginning of my Pontificate—to clarify some essential facts concerning the love which God mysteriously and gratuitously offers to man, together with the intrinsic link between that Love and the reality of human love. The second part is more concrete, since it treats the ecclesial exercise of the commandment of love of neighbour. The argument has vast implications, but a lengthy treatment would go beyond the scope of the present Encyclical. I wish to emphasize some basic elements, so as to call forth in the world renewed energy and commitment in the human response to God's love.
Fall is Here
Fall has arrived at Sparrow Haven. The official first day of fall was September 22 this year and it was warm and humid. But, the week before saw fall arrive with a shout of surprise as the temperatures dropped down to single digits at night and highs of less than 20º C in the day.
OF course it was no surprise to those who pay attention to the world around them. The goldenrod started blooming in August this year. It started out in small patches scattered over the area on August 15th but by the end of August it was in full bloom every where. If you know the old wives tale then you know that means frost 6 weeks from the first blooming of the goldenrod.
The geese started flocking up not long after the goldenrod was in full bloom. We hear small V's of them going over in the evenings and mornings as they come and go from the river. Over the next two weeks the flocks will get bigger and bigger then they will all head South for the winter. It is always an impressive sight to see flocks of thousands take the the air and head out for the winter feeding grounds, but it also means the snow will fly soon.
The garden is still going. The green beans are winding down but the root vegetables, beets and carrots, are still going strong. I did get a fall planting of green peas in back in August. The plants are not about a foot tall and seem to be enjoying the weather, though they would probably prefer more water as it has been rather dry so far this month.
Soon, maybe another two or three weeks, it will be time to wrap the bottom of the chicken coop with plastic and insulate it with straw bales. This year we're going to add a second heat lamp under the coop so the chickens can sit in the sun coming through the clear plastic on the front of the coop and have some extra warmth during the day and early evenings. I'm not sure how cold it will be this winter but I'm hoping this new setup will help prevent frostbite on the chickens combs this year.
OF course it was no surprise to those who pay attention to the world around them. The goldenrod started blooming in August this year. It started out in small patches scattered over the area on August 15th but by the end of August it was in full bloom every where. If you know the old wives tale then you know that means frost 6 weeks from the first blooming of the goldenrod.
The geese started flocking up not long after the goldenrod was in full bloom. We hear small V's of them going over in the evenings and mornings as they come and go from the river. Over the next two weeks the flocks will get bigger and bigger then they will all head South for the winter. It is always an impressive sight to see flocks of thousands take the the air and head out for the winter feeding grounds, but it also means the snow will fly soon.
The garden is still going. The green beans are winding down but the root vegetables, beets and carrots, are still going strong. I did get a fall planting of green peas in back in August. The plants are not about a foot tall and seem to be enjoying the weather, though they would probably prefer more water as it has been rather dry so far this month.
Soon, maybe another two or three weeks, it will be time to wrap the bottom of the chicken coop with plastic and insulate it with straw bales. This year we're going to add a second heat lamp under the coop so the chickens can sit in the sun coming through the clear plastic on the front of the coop and have some extra warmth during the day and early evenings. I'm not sure how cold it will be this winter but I'm hoping this new setup will help prevent frostbite on the chickens combs this year.
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