Mad Meanderings

Random things found the washer after doing little boys laundry

2012-02-01T23:00:00.001-05:00

I've been doing little boys' laundry for many years now. It never ceases to amaze me what they find precious enough to carry around in their pants pockets. I've found the usual things like: change, Legos, and the occasional hot wheels car. If I'm lucky, I'll find the green crayon before it gets to the dryer.
More unusual things that I find with regularity: large amounts of pea gravel (this is also likely to be found in sneakers on any given day. Wouldn't that be uncomfortable in there?) school papers with bad grades all wadded up, notes from teachers from last week and pencil erasers. The creepiest thing I found was a cricket. (poor thing didn't make it) today's load of boy pants yielded: peanuts in the shell (2), pea gravel (2 pieces) and some (2) wonky plastic things I've never seen before but I suspect belong at school.
At least the load was well balanced.

A short film for your viewing enjoyment, shot out my kitchen window this morning.

2012-01-19T08:59:00.000-05:00

Mooove over at Fair Oaks Dairy

2011-12-29T13:25:00.000-05:00

Mayan apocalypse- remember Y2K?

2011-12-27T17:29:00.002-05:00

There is all this bunk about the Mayan calendar ending in December of 2012, and therefore the world will end in a fiery ball of wonder.

I say BAH!First off:
How the heck did those Mayans know about the roman calendar anyway? Do they count Leap years?
Second off:
What do you do with your old calendars when the date runs out on December 31st?
Third off:
Remember all the hubbub of Y2K? Yeah? Really?

Again I say -BAH!
I truly think that we will wake up in January of 2013 and start it all over.

Design site worth looking at today

2011-12-27T17:18:00.001-05:00

In my wild ramblings across the web, I come across some interesting learning sites upon occasion.One of them is this one:http://tympanus.net/codrops/

Interesting design. I LOVE the blue background and the way the art at the top is angled for links to blog, and social media sites.

winter time business or is it busy-ness?

2011-12-16T13:05:00.002-05:00

I've been incredibly busy since the onset of December. Since Iv'e been finishing up the fall semester at Ivy Tech Community college in Indianapolis, There are of course those dreaded finals. Part of that responsibility was an online portfolio site for myself. Ohhh. Really? Do work for myself? Wow. That threw me. I always have at least a glimmer of an idea when working up something for a client. In fact, I usually have an overflow of ideas, but when thinking of something for myself I was at somewhat of a loss. What do I like?How should I portray myself?OMFG! I've got to edit 20years work of design work and decide what the heck to post!After taking a good hard look at what I've had stored, I found a few more recent pieces to showcase, but by NO means all of my compiled work. This will be an ongoing effort.

You can see the results of this week of cramming for a final project here.I've also created a website for my friend, Lee Ann Hutson, and her business Always Laugh Creations.

She and her husband, Daryl, are entrepreneurs who also happen to drive my children to school. She's an amazing basket maker and creates some of the most delicious smelling soy candles I've ever had the pleasure of being around. My favorite is Hillbilly homebrew!

I serve on a local non-profit board for the Montgomery County Leadership Academy. Part of that responsibility has been to update the current website for this tiny non-profit. This has given me the opportunity to use my newly honed dreamweaver skills on their website too.All this on top of getting ready for the holiday season has been keeping me extremely busy. Now... back to knitting.

Travel time

2011-12-04T18:10:00.001-05:00

My husband is preparing for another travel adventure, this time to Olive Branch, Mississippi. He won't be too far from Memphis, TN and our friends John and Maria Flora, whom are just across the Arkansas border near Memphis. He's already spied out a Cigar bar In Memphis to visit. This is a new fascination for him and I'm sure he'll report back if it's any good.

Exposure 2011 | Lauri Shillings

2011-12-01T12:44:00.000-05:00

Hey, do me a solid and check out my photography submission for Artists Wanted photography competition. Click the "LIKE" or "VOTE" button to give me a shot at winning "major awards!"
It wont hurt, I promise.
Exposure 2011 | Lauri Shillings

Client Love!

2011-11-27T15:43:00.001-05:00

I've recently finished a website redesign for a client in Jonesboro, Arkansas.Myshka Chiropractic came to me by word of mouth recommendation. Her previous website was not very user friendly, was bogged down with repetitive information and endless links to the many pages that could be condensed into a smaller framework. The graphics were outdated and huge.My revamped site can be seen here.The client, Susan Myshka, Was overjoyed with the results and quote, "I've been waiting for someone like you to come along and make it all better!"Thanks Susan. I'm happy to help.

If I can help you with any of your website needs, just drop me a line here, or visit my business site at Piratesmilemedia.com

Hanging at McDs, soaking up the wifi.

2011-11-11T10:14:00.001-05:00

better product photography

2011-11-07T14:03:00.001-05:00

I've been working at increasing my photography skills. I think I've got a pretty good eye for photography, but I'm always looking for ways to increase the 'technical' side of the business. You know, like, studio lighting, light boxes, camera settings and the like. I've even gone so far as to take a photography class in indianapolis. I already knew most of what they had taught, but you pick up a few tidbits.so anyway, I made my own small lightbox out of remnant materials laying around the house, (my finished product looks SORTA like this but nearly as cool) a wooden frame, white freezer paper for a background. The only purchase was an under the counter type of fluorescent light fixture that I mounted to the wooden frame. Plug the whole mess in and TaDa- you've got a countertop light box. I'm not saying it's the best thing. But it seems to work. I think I'm really going to have to add 2 side lights for it to be the 'greatest'. But for now, the overhead bar of light works.anyway, My ETSY account always has nifty blurbs about product photography. Here's the latest helpful how to video they've posted.

Great Product Photos from Etsy Inc. on Vimeo.

If Product photography is too tame, You can start to think like a sports photographer. I know from experience there is nothing worse on the front page of your newspaper than a TER-RI-BLE wet, dark, red eyed water monster known as a young swimming athlete that appears to be mucking around in a swamp.. but it happens.My friend, Ed Henninger offers a link for better sports photography tips here.

Good morning world!

2011-11-02T08:15:00.001-04:00

Shortbread severed finger cookies! Mmmmmmm

2011-10-30T12:30:00.000-04:00

Eat more fruit! That's shaped like bread!

2011-10-28T12:22:00.001-04:00

Big sky of the homeland

2011-10-27T13:15:00.001-04:00

I've made the most amazing dough-nut sugar cookies ever!

2011-10-20T21:56:00.000-04:00

A different crinoid embedded in limestone

2011-10-18T13:11:00.002-04:00

Crinoid embedded in limestone

2011-10-18T13:11:00.001-04:00

My feet are happy here in Crinoid land.

2011-10-16T12:50:00.000-04:00

James Ross Shillings

2011-09-10T19:34:00.000-04:00

I've been spending quite a bit of time in Hendrick's County Regional Health this week.

A great man in our life is critically ill. Papaw Shillings is fighting the good fight to stay with us and may not win the war. He's a World War II Veteran with the 8th infantry. He's earned a purple heart for his effort. A humble and steady man to all who know him. He's a treasure we are trying to keep close to us.

This picture is truly iconic. He's got a gravelly voice from drinking too much coffee and smoking too many cigarettes. A unique tone that is low, remembered and respected. He's also known as a superb gardener. He's not had the energy to garden this year for the first time ever, a real indication of his declining health. He was raised during the depression, the youngest of 9 siblings, and the last of his clan. He was known to sneak an extra biscuit at breakfast and hide it under the table for later, just so he'd have some supper. We're all rooting for you Papaw.______________________________Update:James "Jim" Ross Shillings passed away just after 3 a.m. on September 11, 2011.He will be sorely missed.

Words with friends

2011-08-17T13:51:00.000-04:00

Words with friends
If you have an iPhone you know there are literally thousands of apps
to choose from for your personal entertainment device. I have to admit
I have quite a few of those apps downloaded onto my phone. I'm
notoriously cheap, however, so nearly all of them are of the free
variety.
I have only one app that I've paid for the full un-advertising laden
version. Yes, I'm addicted to 'Words with friends'. It's a scrabble
based game you can play long distance.
So, if you need to find me, add me to your Words with Friends
challenge list!

Thanks,
Lauri Shillings

The new chicken park

2011-07-31T18:13:00.000-04:00

Sunflower

2011-07-31T18:12:00.000-04:00

I've been MIA...

2011-07-06T13:48:00.008-04:00

hmmm. Seems like only yesterday I was all gung-ho on making my blog so incredibly up to date. Well that went to hell pretty quick didn't it?
so... A month has passed. Since I've last inspired you with my great postings, I've greeted a new logo and branding package for a local business called "MIGHTY DOGS". Located at 127 E. Main, Crawforsville, IN. The whole concept would be great hotdogs from around the nation all under one roof. So imagine you've been to chicago, you go see a cubby game. You get a hot dog... OH MAN! That must have been the best hotdog you've ever had!!! Well, at MIGHTY DOGS you can get the EXACT. SAME. HOT. DOG. No kidding. Same Vienna beef frank, same poppy seed bun, awesome relish, peppers, mustard, dill spear and tomato. No joke. This guy has a great idea going on here. Several regional favorites from around the nation, the chicago dog being just one. You get a dog, and a side for under a fiver. Can you say GREAT!

Anyway, here's the logo I make for MIGHTY DOGS.

and here's the BW version for printing purposes, cause newspapers aren't all color you know.

I also made a menu for MIGHTY DOGS. This was a full scale new business special. I've got table toppers, signage, letterhead, business cards... EVERYTHING for a new business... it's a great deal for the money. It's very helpful that my client is super excited and motivated about promoting his business.

MIGHTY DOGS grand opening flyer was distributed 1 week prior to the opening. There were people lined up around the block for the first day! Most impressive for Crawfordsville, Indiana.

Can't wait to see what the future holds for this entrepreneur.

unleashing college student buying power

2011-05-26T12:44:00.007-04:00

well, I've officially committed to becoming a college student after the age of 40. I had my first classes this week. one is "how to be a great student" required for anyone who has to take a brush up course. (sadly, 20+ years out of school has left me *ehem* lacking in my math). Second one is intro to algebra. Third is Art History.

While purchasing the overpriced books for said classes, I discovered that Financial Aid is a marvelous thing. It pays for EVERYTHING in the bookstore. Did I mention that they had Vera Bradly bags there???? HA ha ha.... No. I didn't get a bag. Wasn't even tempted because:
****drumroll*****
they had GEEKY GADGETS FOR DESIGNERS!
Yes boys and girls, I scored a bamboo pen and touch tablet! available from Wacom. Get yours here.

yes, I fell for it immediately. Like some lonely sucker at the animal welfare, I adopted a black one!

my first clumsy attempts at using the pressure pen are shown below.
I expect great reviews from my critics.
:)

here's the original picture

Here's what it looks like after I have spent approximately 3 minutes messing around with my pen without reading any instructions because I'm too impatient to do so:

Ta-Da!

Newspaper design

2011-05-16T10:47:00.003-04:00

While at John and Maria's house, we sat down for morning coffee and opened the local newspaper, the Jonesboro Sun. I knew that fellow blogger, Ed Henninger, had a hand in it's redesign a few years ago and I caught a few details in this paper that threw me. I know Ed's style, and what he would normally do with certain design elements. But I also know what he would NOT have done.
This is something Ed would NOT have done... It's a simple thing, this tiny square dot on the folio line... but he would never have left it on the base line. It doesn't make any sense. He would have centered it with the text vertically, or taken it off all together.

So I questioned Maria, who works at the Sun.... she wasn't clear on who's decision it was to leave this detail that way. To clear it up I got Ed on the phone who assured me that it was a design "leftover" from someone at the paper.. not his doing.

I knew it.

Outdoors on Crowley's Ridge

2011-05-16T10:44:00.002-04:00

Just a few quick shots of some of the flora and fauna at John and Maria's house

vintage coffee delight

2011-05-16T10:43:00.001-04:00

Morning coffee was delicious at John and Maria's house. Made even more so when it's served in a vintage cup, on a saucer! (with Baileys) Mmmmm

visiting the neighbors

2011-05-16T10:40:00.002-04:00

While at John and Maria's, we strolled over to visit their closest neighbor. They have a small young man who loved his boots. He also seemed to love John, or at least his cool arsenal of wheeled stuff in the garage. He begged and begged to get on the lawn mower, the motorcycle and anything else that might start up and run off with him. I believe the boys' name was Jackson... but I can't be sure. He was so excited to see John he was dancing side to side in hopes he would get a ride on the mower.

It's on Faaaahr.

2011-05-16T10:39:00.000-04:00

Ohhh! John's burning stuff.

John and Maria!

2011-05-16T10:37:00.002-04:00

John and Maria are the very best photographers I know. Their years of experience are worth tapping into. John and I carried our cameras around all over the place. Here's a weird angle of John I took when he was lighting the leaves on fire in his burn pile.

John and Maria!

2011-05-16T10:35:00.002-04:00

The second weekend in April I finally got to go see my bestest friends John and Maria in Arkansas!
Here's a shot of Me showing off my new Mac that I got for my birthday to Maria. I'm showing here family photos.
John's taking the pic with my camera, using a wide angle lens.... Which I desperately want to have for my own. **sigh** one day.

2011-05-16T10:27:00.002-04:00

I'm gonna burn through the Germann U-boat exhibit at the museum of science and industry... I know, I know.. this was the 'best' part according to my trusted source, John, but I really can't stand modern military history. The only cool part for me at this exhibit were the PR posters promoting local women and men to promote and support the war effort.... Sorry...... I liked the storm exhibit the best :)
The only thing that was really cool about this was how they 'built' this huge amphitheater around this submarine. the time lapse video was great.

Jim and the boys checking out the anchor for the uboat

here's a view from the front of the Uboat

Here's the plaque that tells about the nazi war flag

Here's the nazi war flag that was on the Uboat. The only reason I took this pic was 'cause my friend John collects Nazi memorabilia.

Jacob looking through a periscope.

Judd looking through a periscope.

different photography styles

2011-05-16T10:19:00.004-04:00

I recently took a "Chimpsy" photography class In Indianapolis that emphasized the power of "Thirds". I had realized this long before this class, but here's a perfect example.
Notice the picture of Jim and the boys. This is how I take a picture. tight framing of the faces, off center, something in the background that gives you an idea of what is going on in the picture.

Now look at the picture of me and the boys. This is habitually how Jim takes snapshots. me, the kids, centered, usually too much leg, and thankfully, I've kept him from cutting off my head entirely. Not a bad snapshot, but just an example of centering your subject. Not as interesting or pleasing to the eye as the other photo.

Jim knows I give him a hard time about cutting off my head when he's taking pictures of me and the boys, he's done it for years. I think I've finally broke him of it.

Jim

2011-05-16T10:17:00.003-04:00

Here's Jim at the Museum. I can't tell you how much I love this man. He fascinates and frustrates me all at the same time. I suppose with my personality, that's just what I need. If things were simple, or easy all the time- what would be the challenge?

Trains, trains, trains

2011-05-16T10:15:00.002-04:00

Judd and Jacob enjoyed the train display at the Museum of Science and Industry. I'm not so big on trains, but since we took the Amtrak to Chicago, the boys seemed keen on checking them out. I admit I do like climbing all over stuff at museums. Mostly to alleviate the boredom.
I would much rather walk around and take pictures of people doing stuff.

Grow your own corn!

2011-05-16T10:08:00.003-04:00

Having been raised in the midwest corn belt, I laughed heartily at the quarter vending machine that was stashed in the corner of the agriculture exhibit of the Museum of Science and Industry. I couldn't fathom spending 25¢ on a tiny handful of corn kernels. You see, we can just walk along nearly any county road in Indiana during harvest season and get 5 gallon buckets of the stuff off the roadways for free. The grain haulers inevitably overload their wagons and spill it willy nilly all over the place.

the power of water and light

2011-05-16T10:01:00.006-04:00

In the Science of Storms exhibit, there was a section that had three spotlights on the floor. These spotlights were not ordinary. There were concentric rings of light bouncing endlessly in a repetitive pattern. I couldn't understand how they got the lights to 'dance' like that. I looked up and understood then. They had pushed their lighting through a clear tray of water that had divisions in strategic places so you could understand how 'waves' or vibrations were affected by the placement of land masses. A slow drip of water into the trays provided the ripples of light movement. It was beautiful.

I'm looking at this and thinking: Am I the only one that thinks this would be really, really cool to have in a house? Use it as an art piece some how in an open area? or in a garden seating area?

Installation display

2011-05-16T09:54:00.003-04:00

Being a graphic designer is great.... but I was once a 'merchandising supervisor' for JCPenney. meaning: I made all the table scapes of neatly folded clothes, dressed and placed mannequins and window displays, as well as signage throughout the local Penney's store. I'm appreciative of what it takes to make a store, or museum as the case is here, look 'good'.

I was drawn to the frosted glass signage throughout the entire museum. The glass had informative text and graphics so you could learn the obvious information about each exhibit- but the secondary bonus to the signage is the visual impact it has in the dim lighting: the ability to see through it- letting you view things mostly unimpeded by the sign itself. There is the most impressive thing I noticed is the shadows the signs threw on the floor. I found it beautiful.

science of storms

2011-05-16T09:50:00.003-04:00

There was a display about avalanche science at the museum. This is a photo of a giant spinning disk that was angled toward the viewer. Imagine an inverted frisbee that's 15 foot wide leaning against the wall. Now spin it.... most impressive. Filling this giant frisbee like disk was garnet sand and some smaller, lighter sand for contrast. It was mesmerizing to watch it spin. The effect is like a constantly drifting sand dune. Made out of garnet. beautiful to watch the patterns appear.

Getting there

2011-05-16T09:47:00.003-04:00

There was lots to see and do at the Museum of Science and Industry. There's a predominant display of Train history, Airplanes and a newer section entitled science of storms.

The museum of Science and Industry

2011-05-16T09:42:00.004-04:00

We went to Chicago the first week of April. In a whirlwind tour of a freezing, foggy town- we tried our best to see as much as possible in 24 hours. Whew!

We visited the museum of Science and industry on day 2 of our tour of Chicago. The taxi ride there was so frantic. Almost scary fast as we whizzed by traffic going 70MPH in a 50 zone. Slamming on brakes to avoid slower traffic. The museum foot traffic wasn't terrible. but busy enough.

Catching up

2011-05-16T09:41:00.002-04:00

Well, I realize I've been a bit lax with posting... I've been on walk-about. Nuff said.

I'll start by catching you up on the month of April ok?

Outstanding posters

2011-04-10T17:02:00.000-04:00

Smart computer graphics.

2011-04-10T17:01:00.002-04:00

at the museum of science and industry in Chicago. Great display of digital butterflies shown with what looked like a projector. When a subject stepped in front of the light show, the butterflies "landed" on the individual. How cool!

Fog in Chicago

2011-04-08T10:18:00.003-04:00

Driving in the taxi cab to our hotel- the fog just ate the buildings in the distance.

On the rails

2011-04-07T09:07:00.001-04:00

Have you ever wondered what sort of person rides a train? I've always
imagined it as being weary workers, commuting to and fro to their
obscure jobs in the city. Or worldly travelers with newspapers and
steamer trunks. Something more romantic than everyday travel.
I'm taking my first train trip today. The reality of train travel is a
bit more gritty than I had imagined. The travelers, with the exception
of exuberant toddlers, seem worn, weary, and leery of fellow
travelers. There are a few expressive adults, but they are the
exception. On our Trip to Chicago today, I've seen four groups of
family members shuffle on, shuffle off, move around. Get sandwiches
and coffee. Myself in that group. The coffee is exceptional, and the
dining car is just 3 cars away. Several families are celebrating
spring break from their school. Going to Chicago for shopping and
museums.
To sit as an unknown observer in such a public situation is somewhat
novel. The souls having been on the train before me are sleeping.
These travelers trust me with their sleeping faces. Their innocent
slumbering dreams. Their baggage.
I'm not sure if I could do the same.

The further to the north we travel on tracks that do indeed make the
clack, clack sound in a seemingly four count beat, the foggier it
gets. Peering out of the large rounded rectangles of the passenger
train, the buildings, trees, roads and rail yards appear through the
murk suddenly. Ghosts of shapes just over the horizon. You see people
in their cars staring dispassionately at the train slowing their
morning commute at crossings.

It is interesting to see unknown things in the countryside where
you've lived your entire life. I've brought my Nikon D60 for this
trip. I'm hoping to capture the spirit of this traveling adventure in
photos.

All aboard!

2011-04-07T08:06:00.000-04:00

Watching and waiting for the Amtrak to Chicago.

2011-04-07T06:49:00.001-04:00

New copper earring design! Making up several pair this week.

2011-03-29T11:44:00.001-04:00

Off for Comedy

2011-03-19T17:02:00.001-04:00

Well, we're headed to Crackers Comedy club tonight to see Darren
Carter. I've never been to a comedy club, but enjoy comedy on TV. I'm
pretty excited! The only drawback will be missing HGTV's dream home
giveaway this evening. I feel confident I am not the grand prize
winner, but you never can tell. Either way, it's a win/win evening for
me.

Country driving in Indiana

2011-03-18T17:37:00.000-04:00

Fungus jungle

2011-03-12T08:04:00.000-05:00

I'm sitting with Jacob on the couch early this Saturday morning.
Feeling rather cough-hack I say, 'I have a fungus jungle living in the
back of my throat.' sticking my tongue out and going, 'vlahhhh.'

Jacob says, 'I want to see the tiger!'

I say, 'He's been busy scratching the back of my eukalaylee!'

Jacob says, 'Did the tree frogs come out if your nose?'

Let the silliness commence.

Thanks,
Lauri Shillings

Fabric for future Happy hipster bags!

2011-03-04T14:37:00.000-05:00

School Daze

2011-03-03T14:11:00.002-05:00

I have spent the last few days at my son's school helping his class disect frogs.
This the first opportunity for this group of kids to experience this type of forensic science.Being a mother, I was quite proud to see my son needing very little, if any help to disect his frog. Being a classroom helper- I was amused mostly at the teacher's aid being 'grossed out' by them. A few children were mock ill. I didn't see any real vomit- just playacting.
It's been a few years since bio-med classes, but I did OK. Not great, but OK finding all the internal organs.
The smell is just as bad, in case you were wondering.

Happy bag!

2011-03-02T16:18:00.000-05:00

Here's the button on my most recent bag project. Love the fiery colors!

Hi ho - it's off to school we go

2011-02-28T13:03:00.002-05:00

So. It's Monday again.
I've re-applied to Ivy Tech Community College. It seems your application is only valid for 12 months, then if you don't do anything about signing up for classes, they discard your stuff. SO--- I went throught he entire application process again. This time, I've also registered for their manditory orientation for this Thursday, the 3rd.
Can't wait.

The only problem is that they have my name spelled incorrectly. On everything. the college based e-mail. the registration user name, the login username for their website which is mandetory to use for just about everything.
Instead of a 'G' in my last name, they have it as an 'E'. I recall having to enter my name no less than 3 different times on the online entry form. I'm also certain that I spelled it right each time. Also note that G on the keyboard is nowhere close to the E. entirely different finger strokes.

Hmmm. Suspicious. I do remember last time I signed up for this place I started getting a rash of information to one L. Shillines. I mean tons of spam-y type mail from publishers clearing house, coupon surveys, insurance. You name it. All with this misspelled name. And now- I figured out where it came from. I'm wondering if it is a standard practice of colleges to sell their mailing list. Ironic how They couldn't find any info about me on file, thus the re-application process, yet they now have my name misspelled the same as last year, I'm sure from their database.
If I start receiving crappy mail with this last name again- I'll know for sure.

Freedom and liberation

2011-02-24T13:18:00.003-05:00

Well, It's been just a few days over a fortnight since my 'liberation' from the Journal Review. I must say- I have had the best time! Other than being bored out of my skull in my own home- It's been all good. I've applied for the local college in order to finish my degree. I plan on starting classes for the summer term. We'll see how many of my college credits from 20+ years ago will transfer over. The visual communications course I've chosen is only offered out of the Indianapolis campus. So commuting will be in my future for the next few years, unless I can opt for online courses. We'll see how that goes.
I've about got the better half conviced that it is imperative we have internet at the homestead. Being on the edge of a ravine, and a 1/4 mile from the road has it's disadvantages. Satellite is our only option right now- it's not reasonably priced at all. 60-80 bucks per month. Ouch. well, at least the motorcycle was paid off this month.
I've also been brushing up on my online portfolio at Behance. You can click the behance ad in the upper right corner for a direct link to my work.

Happy trails! I'm planning on visiting my good friends in Arkansas if at all humanly possible in the first weeks of April. I miss them terribly- and need their morale support now more than ever. Even if it's just playing cards and watching tv. I'm down with that.

Kisses to the universe!
Lauri

Portfolio- Lauri Shillings

2011-02-13T15:03:00.000-05:00

Art foolishness3 challenge

2011-02-06T21:51:00.000-05:00

A fellow artist, Kelly Barton posts periodic art challenges called
'Art foolishness' on her website. Most recently: create an art piece
with the theme of lavendar, chocolate brown with a few swatches of
plaid. To the soundtrack 'lisa loeb' channel on pandora. Now I've
never heard of Lisa Loeb', but I thought I'd give it a try.
This is what came out from an evening if sketches.

I had thought to make a textured, mixed media piece. But I kindov like
it the way it Is. On old calendar grid paper and all. It ties in with
the 'past, present' thing. Bright ribbons of faith (you choose your
own style of faith and insert it here) are tied into the trees
branches, are woven into the twisted bark and are embedded into the
very roots of this gnarled tree of life.
Some aspects of your faith float proudly, quite pleased to be seen by
any passers by. Other portions of your faith are hidden deep in the
soul. Harder to glimpse as they might be darker than expected.

Till next time universe-

Lauri

The snow.

2011-02-05T17:25:00.000-05:00

Fabric considerations for 4th grade 'space' quilt.

2011-02-04T19:08:00.001-05:00

Fabric considerations for 4th grade 'space' quilt.

2011-02-04T19:08:00.000-05:00

Fabric considerations for 4th grade 'space' quilt.

2011-02-04T19:07:00.002-05:00

Fabric considerations for 4th grade 'space' quilt.

2011-02-04T19:07:00.001-05:00

Fabric considerations for 4th grade 'space' quilt.

2011-02-04T19:07:00.000-05:00

Fabric considerations for 4th grade 'space' quilt.

2011-02-04T19:06:00.000-05:00

Fabric considerations for the 4th grade 'space' quilt.

2011-02-04T19:05:00.000-05:00

Ohhh yeah.

2011-02-02T16:55:00.000-05:00

Yes we can!

2011-02-02T16:54:00.001-05:00

Can we make it up the hill?

2011-02-02T16:54:00.000-05:00

let it snow - Indiana 'Icepocalypse' 2011

2011-02-02T15:27:00.005-05:00

We've encountered a spot of bad weather here in central indiana.
Tuesday was mostly sleet with a nice crust of ice equally about an inch or so of the offending white stuff.
After their day with me at work the boys had fun trying to chip the ice off of the deck railing around the house.

I've also got some pictures from today's commute to work to share:

Above is a view of the road in front of our house- not a plow had touched it in about a day and a half.

Here is the main road, but it was more open to the blizzard-like winds we've been having- creating some visability issues. Not too bad, however. I'm holding out for the drive home to see how the drifting has settled in while I was at work today.

My favorite blogging tool

2011-02-01T13:22:00.001-05:00

Lauri graciously invited me to contribute here several months ago. Until today, I couldn’t think of anything suitable to post and felt guilty about not participating. So here’s something that might be useful:

I have no way of knowing, but I suspect most people who use Blogger.com for their blogs, compose their posts within the Blogger online software. That’s what I did for several years before I discovered Windows Live Writer.

It comes as part of a suite of free software from Microsoft called Windows Live Essentials and gives me much more control over sizing and placing images and videos. If you’re using a Windows operating system and want to try it, you can check it out here. The suite also includes Windows Live Mail, which makes it a breeze to manage multiple email addresses.

Cat portrait

2011-01-26T09:44:00.005-05:00

It's very hard to get a good shot of a cat that's in focus. Darn things are skittish and tend to freak out from the flash.

Frozen Wasteland

2011-01-26T09:41:00.001-05:00

Bitter Indiana cold often leads to bitter frost on everything.

Winter time thoughts

2011-01-26T09:37:00.004-05:00

I wonder if birds have a secret dancing language like bees do.

I've had plenty of snow this year to ponder the question of bird language. We normally think birds use their voices to talk to one another. But I'm wondering if there isn't a more intricate dance involved with them. Look at the legacy of their movements. You can see how they move, swivel and dance...

Pinot trivia

2011-01-19T09:46:00.006-05:00

A good friend, Howard Hewitt recently posted a video on his blog Red for me, about blind taste testing of two Pinot noir wines.

I thought the concept interesting, and might try it at home soon.

I had never thought to try to 'geo-locate' a wine to its growing region by taste alone. That might be a big challenge!
Here's the video of the experiment.

A long holiday

2011-01-12T14:57:00.006-05:00

I've been taking a long holiday from my blogging. I've had so much to do!
I was terribly ill over Giftmas with a flu bug- but that soon passed and the New year was upon me. I survived another trip round the sun with no problem. I celebrated with my family, a close friend and her 2 children and one of my husband's good friends, Chris. He's my hubby's 'Barn Buddy' they go to the barn and do man stuff to trucks, while drinking utility beer.

I received a great gift from John and Maria on the 12th day of Christmas... It was a hand stamped box which you can read about John's stamps here.
And a lovely quilted table runner that had chicken's on it! It matches my kitchen perfectly and now holds a spot of honor on the kitchen table.

I've increased my BeHance portfolio recently. I thought it would be best to try to keep up on the old portfolio. If you don't save the files while you work- you tend to forget what you've been working on. Behance also gives me a chance to look at my work as a progression. A critique if you will of where my design style has been- and where it's going.

Merry Christmas!

2010-12-24T23:25:00.000-05:00

Happy holidays to you and yours. I'm hoping that you all have a
thoughtful, meaningful day filled with the spirit of love and laughter.

It's hat madness!

2010-12-21T08:11:00.000-05:00

My fudge making companion tonight. Delightful!

2010-12-16T21:56:00.000-05:00

We're going out for supper!

2010-12-03T19:20:00.001-05:00

2010 REBRAND 100 Global Awards Winners Showcase on Effective Rebranding

2010-11-30T09:21:00.000-05:00

Here is a fascinating look at rebranding before/ afters.
Inspirational.

2010 REBRAND 100 Global Awards Winners Showcase on Effective Rebranding

leisure time

2010-11-28T15:31:00.002-05:00

I've had my fair share of leisure time recently- but I've also been very busy.

I've successfully purged about 4 bags of nonsense from my sewing/crafting corner of the basement. I've purgedabout 12 bags of crap from both children's bedrooms consisting of old and outdated clothes, missing pieces toy sets. broken bits of weird kid stuff and random happy meal plastic garbage.
I've gotten about 4 crates of books ready to donate to the library. (repeat mantra to self - I will NOT be guilty by giving away books, stuff, or anything else that I deem not valuable enough to use at least 2 times a month!)

As a self admitted borderline hoarder I have to tell myself it's OK not to keep every single thing that comes into my house - even if it was a gift. example: I have so many books they won't fit on bookshelves anymore- they are stacked, literally EVERYWHERE! I mean I have a lot of bookshelves. about 8 at last count.... that's a lot of damn books.

so with part of the basement, the living room and the kids room done I now have to tackle my own bedroom of crap- piles of fitness and women's magazines and ill fitting pants that need to just go away- even if i *might* be able to wear them again soon! So many bits of junk like old receipts, clothing tags, old candy wrapper remnants that come out of my coat pocket *god how do they get in those coat pockets anyway? Ooooh yeah- the bits of dusty sweetness from the bottom of my purse at walmart that I crammed into my mouth about a week ago- and the wrappers from the one crammed into my kids mouths also - then repeat every week until a pile land on top of my dresser*

so- all this has to go too.

I now have to wait patiently for the garbage man to take it all away... Must refrain from pilfering through the bags to see if maybe i might need to ... ... ... (see mantra) All this is Perfectly good crap too. I'm amazed that no one wanted to buy it at the yard sale.
So here lies the dilemma... Do I just chuck it into the trash? Do I haul it all to good will? (pain the in trunk and many trips to town option) or do I try to sell it on Ebay? or on ETSY as some fabulous vintage collectors delight?

Hell, any of the above except the trash means it all stays in bags, stashed in the corner of my basement- or in the barn until dooms day...

It. has. to. go.

I'm going to take it directly to the curb. Looters- let's hope you get there first.

Barn boxing!

2010-11-28T10:30:00.000-05:00

Thanks to my dear husband for clearing out a space for me in the barn!

Rockin' the June Cleaver pearls for Halloween

2010-10-31T12:59:00.000-04:00

The wienermobile was spotted in Lafayette

2010-10-23T15:56:00.000-04:00

Jim at the races

2010-10-22T08:16:00.003-04:00

I've come across a picture from last year in my archives of Jim on his brand new Fuji Bike from Rotten Robbies Cycle Sports in Crawfordsville, IN.
Jim is shown here racing at the Indianapolis Velodrome.

Peddle faster!

IRS warns Hoosiers about new E-mail scam

2010-10-22T08:08:00.002-04:00

October 22, 2010
INDIANAPOLIS - The IRS is warning taxpayers about a new phishing scam. Phishing, a word play on "fishing" for information, is a scam in which Internet fraudsters send seemingly legitimate e-mail messages to trick unsuspecting victims into revealing personal and financial information.

Alternately, the purpose of an e-mail scam may be to download malware, or malicious code, onto the recipient's computer when the recipient opens an attachment to the e-mail or clicks on a link within the e-mail. The malware could take over the victim's computer hard drive, giving someone remote access to the computer, or it could look for passwords and other information and send them to the scamster.

The IRS wants Hoosiers to be aware of a recent scam
in which recipients receive an e-mail that claims to come from the Electronic Federal Tax Payment System. EFTPS
is a tax payment system that allows individuals and businesses to pay federal taxes electronically via the Internet or phone.

"The e-mail states that tax payments made by the e-mail recipient through EFTPS have been rejected," said Jodie Reynolds, IRS Spokesperson. "The e-mail then directs recipients to a bogus website containing malicious software that infects the intended victim's computer. To avoid the bogus website and malware, do not click on any links, open any attachments or reply to the sender for any e-mail you may receive that claims to come from EFTPS."

"The IRS and the Financial Management Service, the Treasury bureau that owns EFTPS, never communicates payment information through e-mail," Jodie said.

If you receive an IRS related e-mail that you suspect is a phishing attempt or directs you to an imitation IRS website, please forward it to the IRS at phishing@irs.gov. You can also visit IRS.gov and enter the keyword phishing for additional information.

Our crinoid find this eve.

2010-10-16T18:59:00.000-04:00

Lego madness

2010-10-16T15:22:00.000-04:00

We've spent the day at the Boone County fairgrounds at the Indy
brick show. Some of the most amazing, creative and astounding things
made from legos were on display.

Yay! Tooth number two is out!

2010-10-14T17:32:00.001-04:00

Out with the old...

2010-10-08T11:12:00.005-04:00

We've revamped the front page of the JR again. This time, with a little thought and reason. As of Oct 1 the front page rail of ads on the left side were done away with, leaving with a more open news hole. All done with a blink of an eye, but our Masthead still needed to be brought back in line... My friends at Ed Henninger's blog were kind enough to dice the front page on the left. The results that came from that appear on the right. This time around I was allowed quite a bit of input on design elements and fonts- white space etc.

I'm pretty pleased with the results. So is the publisher! I'm just waiting see what the gang at Ed's place think of the news.

enabler in action - or - birth of an enabler

2010-09-29T08:11:00.004-04:00

Tooth fairy to visit

2010-09-26T19:57:00.001-04:00

Judd has met with gory, bloody, tooth-pulling success. And he did it
himself! The tooth fairy should be on track for a visit tonight.

Tooth fairy to visit tonight

2010-09-26T19:54:00.001-04:00

Judd prepares to pull his front tooth

HSPA advertising contest 2010

2010-09-18T11:57:00.003-04:00

I attended the HSPA advertising awards last night, the Journal Review placed very well again this year.

All in the division B category, circulation of 6,000 - 14,999 daily.

Best Home and Garden
3rd place, Lauri Shillings- Sears

Best Financial Ad
3rd Place, Lauri Shillings, PFC "Spring Cash"
2nd place, Lauri Shillings, PFC "Back to School"

Best Automotive Ad
2nd Place, Lauri Shillings, Horner - "Back to School"
1st Place, Lauri Shillings, Horner - "Coming Soon- Buick Lacrosse"

Best Real Estate Ad
2nd Place, Lacey Wheeler, Linda Walsh- Carpenter realtors "Time is Running out"

Best Fashion and Personal Care
3rd Place, Lauri Shillings, Creek Jewelry "Diamond Remount Event"

Best Entertainment and Lifestyles
3rd Place, Lauri Shillings, Cville Parks & Rec "Yoga Classes"

Best Political Ad
2nd Place, Lauri Shillings, "Re-elect Michelle Cash"
1st Place, Lauri Shillings, "Elect Hal Utterback Sherrif"

Best Thinking Out of the Box Ad
1st Place, Lauri Shillings, Cville Square/Lamar Property Mgmt "Community Fair"

Best Multi Advertiser with a common Theme
2nd Place, lauri Shillings, Downtown Crawfordsville "Eggnourmous Event"

Best Non-inserted Niche Publication
3rd place, Lauri Shillings and Staff for "Montgomery County Cooks"
2nd place, Staff for "Montgomery County Essentials"

Best Non ROP and NON Traditional Product
2nd place, Lauri Shillings, Athena Sport & Fitness insert flyer "Yes You Can!"
1st Place, Lauri Shillings, Journal Review Reader Rewards Card

Best ROP Series or Campaign
3rd Place, Lacey Wheeler, Blue monkey bar "Go Bananas"
2nd place, Lauri Shillings, Muffs & Tails "Holy Cow- that's a loud Muffler"

Best Event Marketing ad
2nd place - Lacey Wheeler, Cville Square/ Lamar property mgmt "Boo Party"
1st Place, Lacey Wheeler, "Taste of Montgomery County"

Flea market wonder

2010-09-05T11:03:00.000-04:00

This vintage free flight model air plane still boasted it's small gas
engine and silk and dope airframe covering. Could be a great find for
a collector. It's at Steam Corner flea market south of Veedersburg for
about two more days.

It looks just like you Judd!

2010-09-05T11:00:00.002-04:00

2010-09-05T11:00:00.001-04:00

Deal if the day at the fleamarket- 4mm letter punches for just 8$.