Help! Adobe! Volume 1.0

I plan to add more of these series as time goes on.  This goes out to all the people who love Photoshop and Illustrator, but every once in a while, screw up their settings and hate that no amount of manual or online forum searching produces any sort of help.  I’ll do these in volumes.

Today I’m going to include a problem encountered in Photoshop, which made me feel like an idiot when I encountered it, but I’m not ashamed to admit it and post it for the others who don’t want to admit it.

PHOTOSHOP Problem!

Tulips are my favorite. It was between this and a picture of David Tennant. Maybe I'll do the David in a future tutorial.

There you are, creating yourself a pretty fine Photoshop piece of art when…  wait a second… how do I?  Crud.  Double crud.

What happened to my rainbow? How do I get black in this? Or white? Or anything?

What happened to my pretty rainbow selection of colors?  I tried switching color libraries, but that didn’t work.  Now I have to guess where the color I’d want would be, and restarting hasn’t worked.  What do I do?!

SOLUTION:

Those pesky buttons. How did I ever select the 'R' ?

Somehow you’ve either clicked in the RGB section or the Lab section.  Simply click on the “H” in the HSB section.  That brings you back to traditional hues.  The “S” and “B” will present you with the same problems being the saturation and amount of blackness.  However, if you’re looking to refine a particular shade, these are helpful buttons to click on.  Now that you know how to get back home, you can experiment all you like.

Happy Photoshopping!

5 Reasons I’m Glad I’m Mormon

I recently listened to the founders of the “More Good” foundation, who encouraged all of us to talk about our beliefs or testimony of the Mormon faith.  I often have Gospel-oriented discussions with friends and plan to post the topics we discuss on here briefly, but for starters I thought I’d give the webverse 5 reasons why I’m glad I’m a Mormon.

5.  The Priesthood. Although I am a female and to most outsiders seem fairly excluded from the Mormon priesthood, I have been a regular beneficiary of its power and presence.  I believe in the power of priesthood blessings, and feel like sicknesses and worries have been relieved as well as feeling extra comfort from the Holy Ghost.  In my teens, it was the number one reason I held to the Mormon church, even while examining a few other faiths.  I didn’t feel like I ever saw that power elsewhere.

4. Knowledge. Having attended two Church-sponsored schools (BYU-Idaho then Ricks College and BYU), I enjoyed having a mix of religious and secular learning and I think there’s no better way to learn.  I know a lot of people see that as a constraint, but I think learning by the Spirit increases the speed at which you’re able to learn as well as comprehension.

Thanks to a Church-sponsored program called Institute, I’ve also been to continue my religious education for free.  Subjects I never would have dared broach such as understanding the Old Testament, Isaiah in particular, or the Book of Revelation, I find more fascinating thanks to Institute instructors.  The Old Testament brings the New Testament as well as Book of Mormon more vibrance than I thought could be possible.  For me they all compliment each other well and make me passionate about all Gospel texts (I include the Old and New Testaments as well as the Book of Mormon, Doctrine and Covenants, and Pearl of Great Price).

3. Logic. If you’re all about the Nicene Creed, that’s fine, but I prefer something that appeals to me logically.  I know some may argue that point with me over Mormonism, but for me the doctrine is simple, easy to understand, and logical, while still holding great depth and intellectual stimulation.  I feel like there’s an explanation for everything–though some things take more time to understand, my faith in receiving an answer has yet to let me down.

The simplicity: God is my Father who created me with the potential to be like Him.  Among those he created was Jesus, my brother, and Lucifer, also my brother (but no worries, we’re not blood related… *wink*).  Lucifer wanted to make us all subject to him and give us no chance to become like God as well as take our free will from us.  Jesus wanted to follow our Father’s will.  And here we are, trying to do our best to become like God with the necessary aid of our brother, with that other pesky brother trying to mess things up for us.  If we follow Jesus, we win.  If we follow Lucifer, we lose.  That’s the barebones (and really not so different from what other Christian denominations believe).

I could go on and on about this part, but I’ll save those discussions for another day in another post.

2. God still speaks. Other denominations claim God stopped sending revelation after the Apostles were killed, and I just simply don’t believe that.  I believe in a living God who speaks, and I believe he still uses the same system Jesus installed while on this earth: apostles and prophets.  The LDS Church has got them, and much like the prophets of the Bible and Book of Mormon spoke plainly to the people of their time, so do these current prophets speak to our day and age.  Not replacing or lessening the power of the scriptures, but only adding to them.

1. A Testimony of Jesus Christ. Never while looking at the other religions or Christian denominations did I ever feel anything that even came close to the spiritual and testimony I have received and continually receive being a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.  I’m truly amazed with what I continue to learn about His mission and Gospel.  I’ve recently come to understand more deeply about the healing power of the atonement.

I didn’t have much of a testimony of it before, at least not for myself.  I believed it worked for others, but when it came to myself I had a harder time believing it could work for me.

I experienced something hard in my life, and I never thought I’d be able to get over it, let alone forgive those who had hurt me.  But I prayed to have my heart changed, solely with the desire to believe, because I didn’t have enough faith of my own.  It wasn’t overnight and it was a struggle.  I often liken it to a cold, where you never think it will ever leave and then one day you wake up and it’s gone.  That was my experience.  I struggled and struggled, but kept praying, and then one day I noticed the change.  It was a night and day difference for me, but I know I owe that healing to God.

I’ve also noticed that since I’ve been more grateful to Him and acknowledged His hand in my life that my once bitter and somewhat pessimistic attitude has changed to optimism and a happier life.  The more I notice, the more I notice and I feel like the more He sends.

Well, there you have it, like it or not, believe it or not, it’s what I hold as truth.  I’m, of course, open to answering any questions and if you ever have a topic or question you want me to cover, I’ll do my best.  Otherwise, may God bless you in your search for happiness and truth.

Is it really politics as usual?

I’m going to try not to abandon yet another blog, so I’m back. Here with another entry like so many other entries out there in cyberspace, wondering if it will ever be read. Never you mind.

Glenn Beck. A lot of people hate him, most of them probably because of his harsh criticism of the current administration. Know why I like him? He got me interested in politics.

Seriously.

Whether or not you believe he’s serious about what he says hardly matters as much as whether you believe the message yourself. Do I want what the founding fathers intended or what Karl Marx intended? I’m I for Mao or Madison? Che or capitalism? Stalin or self-reliancy? Beck may be out for a buck (but I don’t think that’s his sole motivation) but it’s the principles that matter to me and so principles I will stick with.

I like that he highlights “Question with boldness” and “speak without fear.” These aren’t just philosophies I use in politics, but also in daily life.

I believe in capitalism, not because Glenn Beck, Sarah Palin, Rush Limbaugh, or Sean Hannity told me to, but because I believe that one should be rewarded for hard work. I believe what I earn I should keep, and if I work harder and make more money than my neighbor, then I deserve to be richer due to my hard work and/or sacrifice.

I also believe in charity, but the difference here is my freedom of choice. I can choose to be stingy, but much like socialism robs the individual of the fruits of their labor, I think socialist programs rob the individual of the fruits of being charitable. Charity promotes love for mankind. Government welfare promotes dependence and abuse. Charity gives to both the giver and the recipient–one receives a spiritual reward and the other receives needs. Government welfare provides for the disdain of both.

Before Glenn Beck, I only cared about politics enough to get to the polls once every 4 years, if I remembered. Now, I’ve attended my first town hall meeting. If you would have told me this might have happened a year ago, I would have laughed you to scorn.

Does that mean I’m a gung-ho republican now? Nope. Well what about an activated democrat? Nope, not that either. Why neither? Because I see both currently as the problem. I feel like we truly are being pitted in a silly rivalry game only to find out both teams are their to distract us while our cars are being looted in the parking lot. It really doesn’t matter if team red or team blue wins, OUR CARS ARE BEING LOOTED IN THE PARKING LOT.

So I will vote for those politicians who adhere to the same principles I do, be they democrat, republican, or independent–even if that seems like I’m throwing a vote away. I’m voting for principles, not parties.

So for all you politicians out there, listen up. I know I’m not the only one, and while the rivalry may continue a few more cycles, your numbers are up if you only care about staying elected and not serving the people. If you are a democrat and you are for big government, I will vote you out. If you are a republican and you are for big government, I will vote you out. If you are seeking to destroy the foundation of my republic I will vote you out and plan to make it my mission to get you voted out.

It’s time you start listening to the people. We are awake and we are watching.

Baby Shower Blues

It happens every summer, at least it seems more often that it occurs in the summer.

I can’t say I’m fond of baby showers.  I was more of a tomboy growing up, so the girly girl stuff often doesn’t appeal to me.  You play a bunch of silly games for hours and wonder if you care if you see the girl open the present and/or if she’ll be offended if you leave early (same goes for bridal showers generally).

Of course, those who love baby showers may love this entry for ideas.  And don’t get me wrong (especially if those for whom I attended are reading) it’s not that I don’t want to congratulate them and celebrate with them, it’s those games…..

AWFUL GAME #1 Scoop up the cotton blindfolded into a bucket while being timed and if you get the most you get a prize!!!  Yeah, I’m still not sure how it’s related to babies…  One of those moments where you watch the second hand on the clock and swear it’s moving backward.  Hiro Nakamura where are you?

AWFUL GAME #2 Examine poop in a diaper.  I’m serious, well, except that the poop is melted choco candy bars.  The idea is you melt 10 candy bars into diapers so they look like poop and then let everyone examine the poop choco to see if they can figure out which bar it is.  If it sounds fun, wait until you are looking at a mess in a diaper or better still if someone sticks their nose in and smells….

AWFUL GAME #3 This was a new one for me.  Guess the baby food in the jar by tasting it…with everyone else as you pass it around.  Swine Flu epidemic anyone?  I used my nose on this one, and I’ll give you an easy win.  If it’s green and it smells absolutely putrid, it’s peas.

AWFUL GAME #4 Hand-made baby crossword.  All of the games are timed, except often with these they’ve made them themselves and usually there’s some kind of inside family joke so you’re thinking “I don’t know what Cousin Tom thought would be funny to name the baby and why do I have to answer this anyways.”

Also, anyone know why the treat of choice seems to be salted nuts and mints?  Usually in some kind of baby something?

And speaking of which, the baby shower party supply industry must be making bank, especially in Utah.  I never knew there could be so many useless things produced that people could buy in my life.  (Well, ok, I did happen by the scrapbooking section of a store once.  I guess I can just think of 100 things I’d rather spend my money on that that).

But, I did have a lot of fun with one particular activity, which I thought was pretty unique.  Recently my good friend had a baby shower, poopy choco diaper game and all, but she also had a contest running.  She gave everyone white onesies (the shirt suit that buttons underneath the bum, for those who are baby-language impaired) and told them to decorate them and the best would get prizes.

I took this to heart, and fortunately placed in the top 3 finalists (like 3 1st place prizes).  I got a picnic bowl set, which I do have use for, so all and all a good day.

I used Crayola Fabric markers, which the craft store helped me find after describing for a few minutes what I wanted to do.

They both learned Spanish, so I included some.

But I solemnly swear that if I have anything to say about it, and should I happen to have a baby shower someday in the future, I’m doing a BBQ get together.  Maybe some volleyball and karaoke, etc., no poopy choco diapers, I promise.

Dee Adventures

I’m not great at managing my time and multiple hobbies, so I can’t promise frequency…. Sometimes crazy stuff happens to me and sometimes I draw it. Tell me what you think (and click on it for a larger image). It’s a warm-up for future things I think. I call this one:

Back in 10, pt 1

Rune Factory Addiction

I was playing Virtual Villagers (yes, it’s related, just wait) waiting for something to happen on my slowerish Mac at home and while the trial version is kinda fun, it’s slow and limited…

Telling my little brother about this, he seemed inspired.  Turning on his Wii he told me to check out a current game of his fancy.  Enter Rune Factory Frontier and my new addiction.

I had originally thought the less and less time I was spending with the Wii I owned was due to lack of time.  It turns out I just needed a game I would make time to squeeze in.  RFF is kind of like a Legend of Zelda meets Warcraft (old school), except you don’t go slaughter other villages… at least not that I’ve discovered yet.  But there are caves/ruins to be explored and monsters to kill.

Die defenseless squirrel! Die!!!!!

How did this satisfy the old Virtual Villagers craving?  I mean, what about the farming, building, etc?  RFF has that as well.  There’s actually 4 seasons you play during, so you can grow different crops during each season.  Plus the monsters you’re killing, you can decide to tame and make your farm slaves–er workers to help you with harvesting, etc.

Lazy monsters! Where's my help?!

For all the romantics out there, an array of different girls are available for courting and marrying, but you have to figure out how what they like (which in turn makes them fall in love with you).  You also get to name your main character–though no customization.  That’s due to him taking part in a story line and several anime cut scenes throughout.

For the multi-taskers who get bored w/o 20 extra things to do, you can master cooking, alchemy, blacksmith, crafts (clothes, etc.) or all.  You can fish, swim at the beach, go to festivals, sail around in a boat on the lake–what could be better than actually doing all of this in real life?!

I <3 my new RFF and though it retails for $50, if you’re also an avid ebayer or don’t mind it used, you can find it for a lot less (I got new at $37).  You can buy a guide or… this is a pretty good one.  (I’ve been trying to do it sans-guide, but nearly missed some stuff, so I’m doing 50/50).

Oh, the best part (well, nearly)?  There’s an anime music video at the beginning, all in Japanese.  (^_^)

Rating: A+

What is a “banana freckle?”

Truth be told, my friend could not for the life of her think of what to call the spots on bananas (spots), and laughing I said, “What do you want to call them, banana freckles?”  They also happen to indicate to me when it’s the best time for me to consume one of those golden delights.  But I also see it as a symbol of the enjoyable ridiculousness I enjoy in my own life.

So like everyone else in the internetverse with a blog, I thought I’d contribute to the mass amounts of useless but entertaining text out there.  And since I’m debating ditching another blog I co-contributed to with a friend who has ditched it completely, here’s my newest project.

But I feel like I need to leave you with something entertaining for actually finding this blog and reading this far along, so, for your entertainment: a stupid people photo included below.  Enjoy!  And please come back often and comment just as often.

Held up train traffic and we had to get off the train and walk to the next station since it was going to take too long. The driver claimed they "couldn't see the tracks." Maybe it's just me... but... aren't they fairly apparent? I mean, wouldn't you think "not road!"