Camera Challenge: Day 3--Clouds

It looks like?

Photo Challenge: Day 2--What You Wore Today

More like what I wish I could find to wear today...

i want a cute rainboot!
no plain ole yellow will suit
i would dance in the rain
and be able to do it again and again.
my feet would be toasty
and i would be boasty.
for my cute rainboot
would dry keep my foot!

Photo Challenge Day 1: Self Portrait

So I found a neato photography challenge on pinterest last month, and Darling Daughter has hit the ground running with it. I have been telling her for a week that I would join in. Only running a little behind but here it is...my self portrait.

Because I am Made Up of All Those I Love...

I truly do hate photos of me so this was a bit of a challenge, which totally explains why I have been dragging my feet getting started. Nevertheless, it hit me last night as I was mentally doing the Sunday-night-can't-sleep-checklist that I would like to make my self portrait out of all the pictures of me together...a multi-photo collage self-portrait. Once again, I googled and you-tubed my way to this creation. I imagine if I hadn't had to high jack low-res photos from my facebook, then this would have been clearer.

Step 1: In photoshop, open all of the photos you want to use.
Step 2: Create a new photoshop picture (I began with an 8 in x 8in 72 dpi transparent canvas)
Step 3: Within each photo that you opened in step 1, crop and reduce the size to 1 in x 1 in and 72 dpi...you can be uniform or freeform on whether you stick to 1x1.
Step 4: Once the desired size is reached in each photo, copy and close the photo without saving. Then paste your copy into Step 2's new empty photoshop document, lining the photos up in rows and columns.
Step 5: Merge all layers and crop out any open space once you have the collage the way you want it.
Step 6: Open the photo you want to overlay the collage onto to be the portrait. Copy and paste the main photo onto a new layer in the collage document and move that layer behind the collage layer.
Step 7: Select the collage layer, which should now be on top, and use the opacity toggle to allow the main photo to shine through. I chose about 20% opacity for mine.
Step 8: Once you have it the way you want, merge the layers and save.

Radiance

Sister, Gayla
Forever in my heart.

The radiance of the sunshine as it set seemed out of place as I stood in the middle of my parents' four acres to get better signal. A cold sweat mingled with the warm tears, and they trickled down my face as my mind raced around the ugly truth that tasted like salt coating my mouth. Had that man really just said my sister was gone? How had I gotten to this place, and why was I on my knees in the muddy, just-watered lawn? The luminescence of her smile lost forever became a glare on my heart and soul that horrible March day last year.

Kay Bailey Hutchison, SHAME SHAME SHAME

Oh soap box, I apologise for over-using you this week. I promise to come off my high horse for a titch next week...it is the season of politics so you can just expect to be put upon a little more this year. You're just lucky Govy-Poo pulled out of the race yesterday...it was about to get UNCOMFORTABLE up in here!

Earlier this week, I called on my friends to write to the powers that be and encourage them to get behind the legislation to ban and punish distracted driving. I received a response from Kay Bailey Hutchison's camp, and it rubbed me all kinds of wrong.

Dear Friend:

     Thank you for contacting me regarding the hazards of cellular phone use while driving. I appreciate hearing from you on this important matter.
     As the former Vice Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, and as  current Ranking Member of the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, I consider road safety a high priority.   The input I receive from Texans helps me better represent Texas in the United States Senate, and I am grateful for your suggestions.
     Many aspects of transportation policy are determined at the state and local levels.  Since this issue is not under the jurisdiction of the federal government, I recommend you contact your state senator or representative in Austin.  You can find information about the state government at http://www.texas.gov.
     I appreciate hearing from you, and I hope that you will not hesitate to contact me on any issue that is important to you.

Sincerely,

Kay Bailey Hutchison

United States Senator
284 Russell Senate Office Building
Washington, DC  20510
202-224-5922 (tel)
202-224-0776 (fax)
http://hutchison.senate.gov

Since this made me feel like I slid down a cheese grater into a vat of lemon juice, I had to respond! They really need a marketing coordinator to help them with a public image issue, in my opinion (and you know the saying about opinions and lower orafices).

Dear Senator Hutchison,

I sent you a detailed letter of request as one of your constituents. I am not naive enough to think you actually read it but one of your employees took care of it for you. Therefore, I guess I should address this to him/her.

FYI, especially when a constituent writes about a sensistive issue, including information about the death of their loved one, DO NOT SEND THE NORMAL FORM LETTER and DO NOT ADDRESS THE CONSTITUENT AS "FRIEND"!!!! If in fact we were "friends," then you would eat your shoe before you sent me a form letter of pass the buck to someone else when I told you about the death of my only sister!!!! You assume too much, and since you are from Texas, I am sure you've heard the old phrase about what assuming does.

Your response was shallow and showed me exactly what I mean to this "friendship." NOTHING! You won't be re-elected by my vote or the votes of anyone I share this with.

Sincerely disgruntled,
Jaimee
Registered Voter

Thursdays are Happiness Reports: Week 3 January

Hello, my name is Jaimee, and I am a passive aggressive personality.


Hi, Jaimee!


Yesterday, my therapist and I started exploring a goal for me this year. We decided on setting boundaries. How are the two related, you ask? Answer: I am passive almost all of the time except when I've had enough and feel so violated that I flip a switch and become irate or pouty. Then I put up a wall that lets no one in until I have created a vacant existence of loneliness so I cycle back down into passiveness to please everyone. See the circle? It just keeps going over and over.


You know the definition of insanity? Expecting a different outcome even though you continue to do the same thing over and over again.


How do boundaries help? By its very definition, a boundary is a property line around you, inside and out...it's what makes us unique in our emotions, hopes, dreams, opinions, values, etc. The boundary marks us off as "private property." If you have boundaries clearly defined, then no one can trespass, and if they do, then you can only control how you react...hopefully appropriately.


First issue...I am afraid of saying "NO" to anyone. The notes I am reading from Dr. John Townsend's interview about boundaries nails my issue right on the head. I feel if I say "NO" to anyone, then it would result in the loss of that relationship.


Now you're asking, what does this have to do with boosting energy? My mental state plays a big part in my physical state. If I am feeling fearful about losing a relationship, disappointing someone or being controlled by him/her, then I just crawl into my shell and hide out...literally and figuratively (no, I don't have a giant tortoise shell in my closet, but have considered finding one. For this literal translation, the mound of covers on my bed and the 4 million pillows I stack around me will suffice.). Now that we KNOW what's the problem (GI JOE said that's half the battle), we can work on it. This is where the people pleaser in my says, "So please, please, please, please don't hate me if I tell you 'No' in the near future."

[APPLAUSE FROM THE SUPPORT GROUP]

Boundary: maintain my dignity, honor myself and others, interact respectfully, say "No."
Mantra: "I can stay in the relationship, express who I am, and still be loved."

Thank you for continuing to support this little bit of crazy each day! Visit my blog each Thursday to see how My Happiness Project is going! Here's the plan by month so far:

• January--BOOST ENERGY
• February--REMEMBER LOVE MARRIAGE
• March--AIM HIGHER WORK
• April--LIGHTEN UP PARENTHOOD
• May--BE SERIOUS ABOUT PLAY
• June--MAKE TIME FOR FRIENDS
• July--BUY SOME HAPPINESS
• August--CONTEMPLATE THE HEAVENS
• September--PURSUE A PASSION
• October--PAY ATTENTION
• November--KEEP A CONTENTED HEART
• December--BOOT CAMP PERFECT HAPPINESS

Calling All Friends (AGAIN)

NOTE: MY 12-HOUR BOYCOTT OF THE INTERNET ENDED AT 7:20 P.M.

Dear Friends, Family, and Fans,

I implore you to write to your state and federal representatives to request that they get involved with passing legislation to outlaw distracted driving and to institute consequences similar to those of driving while under the influence. Below is most of the letter I have sent to my representatives and senators. Feel free to become a C.A.S.E worker and Copy And Steal Everything!

Dear _______________,

I wish I could share a photo with you so you could see the beautiful smile of my sister, Gayla. That smile, dear sir, was the most amazing amount of sunshine within a gorgeous soul the world could ever imagine. I speak in hyperbole because to understand the depth of the chasm of pain our family, friends and I now suffer, you must first understand the immense joy we had in our lives when Gayla was here.

[PARAGRAPH DESCRIBING SISTER'S DEATH; MAKE THIS PART YOUR OWN] 

Distracted driving is the main contributing factor for more than 8,000 automobile accidents EVERY DAY. In 2010, more than 33,000 deaths of the 1 million lives lost in the last 25 years were because of automobile accidents. What else does AAA (triple A) have to say for distracted driving? "Drivers spend more than half their time behind the wheel engaged in distracted behavior. Using a cell phone while driving quadruples your risk of crashing. Eating, smoking, adjusting music or rubbernecking while driving can be just as dangerous as texting, emailing or talking on a cell phone. Passengers are one of the most frequently reported causes of distraction, with young children being four times more distracting than adults and infants being eight times more distracting."

The official US Government website for addressing distracted driving can be found at www.distraction.gov, and it states, "Distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person's attention away from the primary task of driving. All distractions endanger driver, passenger, and bystander safety."

I cannot encourage you enough, __________________! Don't let distractions get in the way of you driving safely; but also, it is time for Texas to pass legislation outlawing distracted driving, including consequences similar to those of driving while under the influence in these instances. My sister didn't have to die at the age of 38. Gayla was supposed to live to be really old. She was supposed to get to see her niece and nephews grow up and be a part of their lives. Also, no parent should have to outlive their child. It is the cruelest torment to endure. I implore you to get involved with legislature that would help prevent this type of tragedy for some other family.

Sincerely,

_______________________

I'm Smart But Not Smart Enough

Consider this a 503 Error from the not-so-tech-savvy...shoo! Take an Internet break today. Www.sopastrike.com

Try Something New Tuesdays: Gelish Week 2

UPDATED: 4/29/2012--Before you opt in, check out March Good Housekeeping..."Four Risks of Gel Manicures."

Week 2

Well, that was short-lived. Gelish is no more on my nails. I can say that up until I had two nails break off violently, the gel nail polish looked as glossy and pristine as the day it was done. However, because the polish is so good at looking good, it's also almost indestructible, which means when your nail is met with an immovable force, the nail must move. OUCHIE!

Week 1

Gel nail polish. Sold to me as, "You wanna try this new gel nail polish? It dries instantly, prevents chipping and breaking, makes your nails stronger, and the polish stays glossy. I have one that will match your OPI color perfectly."

How much more than a normal manicure? $30 vs. $15 Sure! Why not! If it lasts twice as long, then it's paid for itself.

"What is this new wonder product you speak of, Aunt J-Me?" you ask.

The online descriptions are thus:

The consistent quality, unique colors and varying textures of Gelish nail polish is what makes these nail art products one-of-a-kind. Bringing the elements of harmony, performance and style together into one product, Gelish soak off gel polishes are a fabulous solution for nail artists looking for a stylish, easy-to-use polish to use at home or in the salon. bigdaddybeauty.com (1/10/12)

New from Hand & Nail Harmony comes Gelish Color Gels. The gels come in an array of colors, apply like polish, with twist cap and applicator, but are cured in a LED lamp in 30 seconds or in two minutes in traditional UV lamps, just like gels. Gelish stays on nails for three weeks with no chipping or peeling, and soak completely off in only 15 minutes. nailharmony.com (1/10/12) [PRODUCER OF GELISH]

REVIEW: After seven days of grueling wedding preparations, running around like a chicken out of hell (mixed euphemisms?) and such, my nails look like I just left the salon, save the 1/16" of growth at the cuticle. My favorite part was walking out of the salon quickly and not worrying one iota about hairprints, smudging and the like. I'll do an update for the next four weeks to see if the maker's claims are accurate. As to the claim from the nail technician that Gelish Rendezvous is a match for OPI Romeo and Joliet...DING! DING! DING!

How do you find a nail salon that uses Gelish? NO CLUE! I Forest Gumped my way into Nail Elite (500 W Southlake Blvd., Ste. 128, Southlake, Texas) while sitting in traffic on my way to Sosie's rehearsal last week.

Get directions

Soap Box: Distracted Driving

Me and Gayla in 2010
Sister was my biggest fan, and I am still in search
of how she hung the moon so perfectly.

Do you see that beautiful smile on the right? That, friends, is the most amazing amount of sunshine within a gorgeous soul the world could ever imagine. I speak in hyperbole because to understand the depth of this chasm of pain our family, friends and I now suffer, you must first understand the immense joy we had in our lives when Gayla was here.

It has been almost a year since Sister was killed. I am dreading March 19 as much as I dreaded her birthday, Thanksgiving and Christmas this past year because without her, happy times are just too sad to describe in words. Even when I lived in New York in 2000, I never went more than a couple of months without seeing my sister, and now a year has become an eternity without her. Every day it feels like this hole in my heart just gets bigger and bigger. If time heals all wounds, then time needs to get on with the program, Friends.

For those who may not be aware, Gayla was killed by a distracted driver. He told the authorities he looked down to put his tractor trailer back into gear as he down shifted in stalled and sluggish traffic rather than braking. No one was in that 18-wheeler's cab so we will never know if this is true or if there might have been a cellular device involved or even a moment to look down to find a new radio station or balance a toppling coffee cup while dashboard dining. Regardless, that truck driver was doing something that distracted him from his job...driving his rig safely. He plowed into the rear of Sister's little mid-sized sedan sending her barreling into a wire guardrail. The impact broke her neck and killed her instantly and robbed this family of our Gayla.

Distracted driving is the main contributing factor for more than 8,000 automobile accidents EVERY DAY. In 2010, more than 33,000 deaths of the 1 million lives lost in the last 25 years were because of automobile accidents. What else does AAA (triple A) have to say for distracted driving?

• Drivers spend more than half their time behind the wheel engaged in distracted behavior.
• Using a cell phone while driving quadruples your risk of crashing.
• Eating, smoking, adjusting music or rubbernecking while driving can be just as dangerous as texting, emailing or talking on a cell phone.
• Passengers are one of the most frequently reported causes of distraction, with young children being four times more distracting than adults and infants being eight times more distracting.

The official US Government website for addressing distracted driving can be found at www.distraction.gov, and it states, "Distracted driving is any activity that could divert a person's attention away from the primary task of driving. All distractions endanger driver, passenger, and bystander safety."

TAKE THE PLEDGE! I cannot encourage you enough! Don't let distractions get in the way of you driving safely. Even if you are a master multi-tasker, don't risk your life or the lives of others while driving. The fight to end distracted driving starts with you. Make the commitment to drive phone-free today.

Distracted driving kills and injures thousands of people each year. I pledge to:

• Protect lives by never texting or talking on the phone while driving.
• Be a good passenger and speak out if the driver in my car is distracted.
• Encourage my friends and family to drive phone-free.