March 26, 2014 Knowledge

Knowledge is nothing without the wisdom to know its meaning



I had to stop and think about this one for a bit. There is a great deal of knowledge in the world today. It pervades everything and is so readily available it is scary. The internet is a virtual information goldmine. Information and directions on how to do anything are a keyboard away from anyone who cares to look. The problem is that most of it is cold and lifeless information. It is nothing more than that. It is like a book without a teacher. No human moral values attached. To have true knowledge there must be the wisdom to understand the knowledge beyond the words. Knowledge benefits all when wisely practiced. Solomon was the best example I know of in the bible. 2 Chronicles 1:10-12 " Therefore give me wisdom and knowledge to act as leader of this people, for how otherwise could such a great people as yours be governed? ‘Since that is what you want,’ God said to Solomon, ‘since you have asked, not for riches, treasure, honour, the lives of your enemies, or even for a long life, but for wisdom and knowledge to govern my people of whom I have made you king, therefore wisdom and knowledge are granted you. I give you riches too, and treasure, and honour such as no king had before you and none will have after you.'

The New Jerusalem Bible. (1985). (2 Ch 1:10–12). New York: Doubleday.

Wisdom is the subject of the next post. 

Before I go any further I would like to correct something from my post for Laughter. Pops from http://popscards.blogspot.com/ informed me that the images I used are still available at Saturated Canary. Thank you Pops. It is much appreciated. I do have several other images from them. I would like to share one of them and an image that has driven me crazy for the past week. In fact that is the one I will share first.

This image is from Technique Junkies. This was a challenge for many reason. First of all I rarely like an image that already has light shadows present. It makes it difficult to decide where the light is actually coming from. This is important because the shadows rarely are complete. Other much lighter shadows will also be present and need to be identified. 

Copic Colors: Skin R00, R000, R0000, RV0000 Hair YR30, E41  Eyes E34, R20, C00   Lips RV11   Dress G0000, W0   Hat T3

I broke the colors down to show that the colors are fairly straight forward depending on the skin tone desired. It actually took 9 stamped images and 6 times coloring to to get this image. These images stamp rather dark and that is a problem. I had to roll the Mementos ink onto the stamp to get it to stamp evenly and legibly on several kinds of paper. Next was getting the skin tones to be just right and not over done. Again the different papers gave different results with the exact same Copic Colors. That last step is where all the problems happen. Skin tone, shadows and blending are critical to this image. I am not totally satisfied with the results but for now it is done. Consider this a mini tutorial on what to look for and what to expect.

On to something a bit easier. Another Saturated Canary Image. These images remind me of the Precious Moments line. Those big eyes and cute poses. Love at first site.

Copics Colors: R81, YR24, RV23, R29, BG72, R85, BG23, R00, R000, R0000, E0000, E34

These images are easy to color and are so cute. If you could give one of these cuties a hug I bet you wouldn't hesitate. I would if it were possible. 

Well, another post is completed. Certainly hope you enjoyed it, even with the technical stuff. I  had fun presenting it to you for your inspection. As always do your best and above all LOVE THE DETAILS. They make all the difference in what you create.

March 18, 2014 Patience

Patience may make the heart grow fonder but it also increases the surprise factor.

 
 Brainy Quotes
Alas, in today's world and mind set this is a tough pill to swallow. In fact much of what has been placed at the disposal of the average person today makes patience almost unknown. Smart phones, computers with the Internet, overnight delivery and even charge cards are contributors. Instant gratification. I have even talked to some college grads that feel they can come out of college and get top wages right away. Few want to gain what they want with patience and labor. Experience is not free nor magical. It requires patience and time. James 1:2-4 "My brothers, consider it a great joy when trials of many kinds come upon you, for you well know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance, and perseverance must complete its work so that you will become fully developed, complete, not deficient in any way.
The New Jerusalem Bible. (1985). (Jas 1:2–4). New York: Doubleday.
This is true for all things worth having in life.

We are going to start off by saying, "I didn't write the colors down." Sorry ladies! Cherokee was a distraction when I did these so I forgot to write them down. "Cherokee not distraction. Irish fall asleep at desk. Snore loud and wake up Cherokee." Really? Where did you come from? "You not know? Cherokee figmental from imagnication." You mean figment of my imagination. "Yes. What you said." I didn't know you could have bad daydreams. Bye Cherokee. "Humpf."

The first image is from Stampland. I was out to this site and it is currently under construction but I am providing the link to it any way.

The stamped image was a difficult one to color. It was very dark and the image itself was hard to discern from the background. Once the edges were found care had to be taken not to color things that were not part of the figure. As you can see the result isn't half bad. It sure makes a nice card.

My DW had a bit of a hard time trying to use this image. I think she did an admirable creation using the image.

Next are two House-Mouse Images. Hummers are one of my all time favorite birds. This one was fun to do.

The card is done well as usual.

The final house mouse is one I had a little more difficulty with due to the number of colors and having to use pen and ink to fill in some parts that didn't stamp. It still looks pretty good I think.

Making me hungry. Used to love picnics. Then discovered picnic ants. Still like picnics but on picnic tables. LOL.
The card turned out nice too.

The camera at the time did not have the best of resolution so it turned out a bit out of focus but the card was great.

Well, it is time to wrap up for now. Tomorrow our company arrives. I need to help Jill finish getting ready. It will be at least Tuesday or Wednesday before I post again. We have no idea what her aunt's schedule is so I will comment and respond as I can. Remember to LOVE THE DETAILS.

March 13, 2014 Treasures

Treasures of the heart are eternal.

We all have out treasures. Our treasures say much about who we are and where we are. Most have things they consider to be treasures. Ask yourself what would happen if the things you consider to be treasures were stripped away. Would they still be treasures? The pictures, savings, home, pets or anything gone. What would be your treasures from this point on? Most have lost a loved one. Are they still with you? Herein is your treasure not the physical but the memory. Einstein was on the mark. Our treasuries are not on earth because they are not permanent but transitional. They will all become dust. We can leave them as a dowry in a will but even this is not guaranteed. We certainly can't take them with us when we leave this earth. What is your greatest treasure? Where is your greatest pleasure? I'll bet you can't reach out and touch it physically. Matthew 6:19-21  "Do not store up treasures for yourselves on earth, where moth and woodworm destroy them and thieves can break in and steal.  But store up treasures for yourselves in heaven, where neither moth nor woodworm destroys them and thieves cannot break in and steal. For wherever your treasure is, there will your heart be too."

The New Jerusalem Bible. (1985). (Mt 6:19–21). New York: Doubleday.  

Since the last post many have commented in the comment section and in an email. Thank you so much for your support. You are all my treasure. I am grateful for all of you.

You all seemed to enjoy my bird photography so today I am going to share several special photos with you. The first is a Red Tailed Hawk that I played peek-a-boo with at the top of my neighbors pine tree. 

This as are the next two images, distance shots. The top of the pine is some 50 to  60 feet high. The next shot is a different day but  a full on image.

Shooting into a bright sky is a problem but it was far enough away from the sun to be satisfactory. Next the Hawk in flight. This is a favorite of mine.

This was an extreme distance straight up shot. Difficult but I got a lot of detail. My next  three images are of a sweet little female dove that had no problem coming up to me and under me as long as I sat still and made no quick moves. Fun.

The middle picture shows a little of the color when the sun hits the feathers at exactly the right angle.

That's it for today. Hope you liked the pictures. I doubt I will be sharing before next week. We are preparing for Jill's aunt to visit from Texas. Until then I still LOVE THE DETAILS.

       

March 8, 2014 Obedience

Brainy Quote

We all know what it means to be caught up in the moment. Sometimes the moment is not just a moment but hours, days, months or even years. The path of life is strewn with side trips and all manner of distractions. Some of them are minor and some are major. Some are productive and some are destructive. Only one path really matters. It is the one that leads to life. If we stray from it we find we are in control of the place we are in but our direction of travel is not. I often find myself in this situation. Do you? The challenge in the quote above is only partly correct. The challenge is to change ourselves by seeking direction(s) from Jesus and the Holy spirit. It is by obedience to His directions the path becomes clear again. There is no need to control when the way is cleared before you. It is like following a snow plow. You have a clear precise path to follow. Everything falls into place and there is time for everything. It is almost effortless.  Matthew 4:18-20 "Now as Jesus was walking by the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon who was called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. And He said to them, Follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men. Immediately they left their nets and followed Him.
New American Standard Bible: 1995 update. (1995). (Mt 4:18–20). LaHabra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.

For a time I have lost sight of what I shared above. I have decided that bloging has begun to absorb too much of the time needed to get other things done that are in need of attention. I am, therefore going to post only as time permits. It is unknown how often that will be. I will not be commenting the way I have either. It is even more time consuming than putting together the post. I will do the same with the commenting, as time permits. There will be no picture posts today but in future posts I will endeavor to do so. I do so enjoy sharing with all of you. I enjoy the emails we share as well. I do hope we can continue to keep in touch and share. Until the next post, yep, I still LOVE THE DETAILS.

March 6, 2014 Laughter

The healing of life's Pains

 


Cherokee has asked if he could help with the comment portion of this post. I think this might be the perfect time for that. What would you like to say? "Share how Cherokee meet maw squaw." I don't understand. "Meet maw squaw at bear wrestling contest." She was rooting for you? " No. Maw Squaw is contestant. Wrestle grizzly bear. Bear not win." She WON? " Cherokee think need to meet this woman. Only problem is, she chief's daughter." Problem huh? "Chief very protective. Cherokee figure out way to see chiefs daughter and not get caught." Did it work? " Work for two moons but chief suspicious. Cherokee hide chief's bow and arrows and gun so if we get caught Cherokee not get shot." Then what? "Maw and Cherokee having tickle contest under buffalo skin. Cherokee forget chief's daughter have snorting laughter. Sound like buffalo in dust wallow snorting dust out of nose. It LOUD." Let me guess. " No guess. Chief caught us. He not understand and take us right to medicine man." I thought you hid his weapons! " Forgot tomahawk. We have tomahawk wedding. Chief not believe we not fool around but just have fun." That's a bummer. "Not know what bummer is but it OK. Other warriors always pick on Cherokee before marry chief's daughter. Now they all afraid to pick on Cherokee. Last warrior that do that in hospital for more than one moon. Doctor say he have limp for a bit but he live." And the moral of this story is? "Cherokee afraid at first but laugh a lot now." I think I learned more than I wanted to but it does explain a lot. Thank you Cherokee! "Welcome." I don't think there is a verse in the good book for this but if there is I'm sure I will hear about it. 

Let's switch gears a bit here and take a look at two images I colored. There are no cards as of yet but they are super cute. 
Both images are from Digi Doodle Shop. Sorry but no link. They went out of business. 

Copic Colors: RV000, RV29, B05, RV55, R46, B95, Y13, YG07, YR30, E02, E00

This image is called Boobie Love. I colored the logo on her blouse yellow and her blouse a shade of lavender but you still get the picture. She is quite the cutie with those big blue eyes.

The last image is called Canary Love. 

Copic Colors: YR30, r29, BG57, R20, R81, Y02, R32, R39, R35, C3, YR21

Another blond hair blue eyed cutie.  Hope you enjoyed your visit and had a chuckle or two. For Cherokee and I.... Don't say...."Love Details." Close enough I guess. We...I will try for Saturday. Blessings to all.

March 4, 2014 Experiences

Experience is today's lesson from yesterdays happenings for tomorrows possibilities.




Brainy Quotes
There is a ton of doors opened with this one.The one we are interested in is life experience. Is there anything more enabling or more debilitating than what we experience on the road of life? No one I have ever met has ever been quiet about what life has dealt them, some good and some bad. Where it gets interesting is when you ask "What was the result or What happened?" You will either get a wealth of what for's and what not's or you will get nothing. Nothing meaning it was and still is a negative. In short, the road ends here along with the lesson and the life it may have contained. If there is any explanation at all that indicates it was or is being handled internally or externally on a positive note, it will enhance life. Be sure your life experience is handled toward a positive end. The quote today is a lesson to be learned about being positive. The proof? Hebrews 2:8-9 "At present, it is true, we are not able to see that all things are under him, but we do see Jesus, who was for a short while made less than the angels, now crowned with glory and honour because he submitted to death; so that by God’s grace his experience of death should benefit all humanity."

The New Jerusalem Bible. (1985). (Heb 2:8–9). New York: Doubleday.

 I am gradually working up to Easter, my favorite time of the year. I am starting to see Easter cards out there. Christmas is important but to me Easter is the most holy of all times. My DW Jill has posted a card that is for Christmas. Here is the Colored image for your approval. This image was given to me so I have no idea who the stamp company is that created it. If you know please let me know and I will give proper credits to it.

Copic Colors: R24, Y28, E19, Y00, B97, R39, C3, C4, E31, E33, BV08, E21, B05, R29, E34, T5, E57, BV02, V17, BG18, YR24, T13

This was some what fun to do. As with so many of my early images there were a very limited number of colors available. I had to make do. Here is the card my DW made from it.

She did better with making the card than I did coloring it. Really great card.

My next image is of a German Bearded Iris. I have about 8 or 10 different colors ranging from pure white, blues, browns and several multi colors. My absolute favorite, hands down is this beauty.

 Copic Colors: R24,BV000, V09, V17, Y18, Y02, G05, G03, E55, E53, Y11

I am praying that this one survives this brutal winter. I have but one of them.I have looked for this particular color combo and can't find it anywhere.

I think Jill did a fantastic job with this card. I am pleased and grateful she is so gifted at making her cards. It makes it possible to share with others who are less fortunate and who need something to brighten their day.

Well, that's it for today. I hope we all enjoyed ourselves.....Hold on there.......I hope you enjoyed yourself. I think I did. "Cherokee enjoy self." That's nice. By the way that sun dance thing you did the other day ..... uh ..... worked. Just a dusting of snow. Thank you. "Welcome." "Cherokee Love Details too." OOOOKKKKK. There went my punch line. See you Thursday. "Cherokee too, Maybe. Irish give Cherokee funny stare." We shall see Cherokee.

March 2, 2014 Grateful

Grateful is a place in life that has no regrets.


BrainyQuotes
How often do we say this simple little word? Do you ever attach an "if","and" or "but" to it? Grateful is none of that. Grateful is a peaceful place where there are no regrets. I am grateful to be alive thank you Lord. I am grateful for the food on my table. I am grateful for the friends in my life. They have changed me forever by just being there when they were. Not all are there forever but I am GRATEFUL that they were there. Being grateful is giving thanks in the most perfect way. I am grateful for the comments on what I share. Are you grateful for the comments others share? Do you comment? Being grateful does not require it nor do the grateful look for it. We are grateful to be here to share and to inspire those who need it. Nothing more and nothing less. Being grateful is a blessing and a prayer. Was that being grateful enough?

I am grateful and thankful for the tons of images I colored that can be shared. Now if only I could figure out which ones to share. If this were close to Easter, my favorite holiday, I would have something extra special to share. Do you get the feeling that I'm stalling? Yep! Sure am. No idea what to post. I know, how about two images from Stamps Happen. Stamps Happen can be found at JANLYNN. I'm not sure if these particular stamps are still available there but here they are.

Copic Colors: V01, V000, Y00, Y02, Y13, E0000, E04, R02, YG0000, YG01, E33, YG93. Y17, R83, E41, E08, YR18, Y35, T5, YR23, YR18, E25, YR61, Yr20, YR11, C0, C1, C2

This is Lady & Fairy Tales. One of the first images colored. These were a lot of fun to do. Pretty much tested the blending skills at the time. I was limited to a fair number of colors but not enough. Where have you heard that before. Whe ever has enough colors to use! 

Copic Colors: G000, G00, G24, YR24, Y0000, E0000, G99, BV0000, BV000, BV00, RV13, Yr0000

 This image is titled Fairy in Gown. No kidding. Really that is what it is named. Grin. Shame we don't have smiley faces and such. Boy would that be fun. Yeah, yeah! We can probably add a thingy doodad that would do that but then not everyone could see it. Wait! That wouldn't be so good. They could leave comments and attach a thingy doodad and I couldn't see it. What if it was a thingy doodad sticking out its tongue at me. NAH. You wouldn't do that. Would you? LOL

That is it for today/tonight/tomorrow. Did I cover it all? I'm tired. Can you tell? Night, Night and remember to LOVE THE DETAILS.