New Classes & new Texture Tutorials
today....a little Ben love...just cause..... 'smile'
Hello friends,
You know that saying.... a day late and a dollar short.... today I'm thinking... instead... a week late and so many days short. Hmmm, where does the time go?
I know I'm not alone....'sigh'.....
Enough of that...
I'm excited to announce 2 new classes today... and a few eCourse ideas that are spinning around in my head today.
First the new class is.....
Picture Process - actually it's 2 separate classes.... One for Elements 11 users and another for Photoshop CS6 users. I will announce all the details early next week....Here's a basic overview of the class.
This class will fill your creative brain with all kinds of ideas for making your photos unique and oh-so-you. We will start at the beginning, no experience necessary. Once we have the basics covered we will move into the more advanced and interesting possibilities of Photoshop/Elements. By the end of class you will be rocking photoshop..... Layers, masking, creative touches, text, textures, skin retouching, photo layouts, banners, buttons....and more.
I'm just finalizing the dates and details. Registration will open next week...Class will begin mid-March.
I also have a few brand new class ideas in my head...
Picture Process - Lightroom 4 Creative Edits
The title says it all, I think.....
Ready, Set ..... SLOW - a 3 month slow-paced Lighroom class.
Details are still brewing..... this would be a slow & steady approach to learning Lightroom.
Ready, Set .... GO - Mini Workshops - a variety of short, instant access classes on Lightroom, Photoshop & maybe photography....spin, spin... goes my head.
The Art of Texture - an all new texture class - from applying, to creating your own textures both painted and digitally.... completely new lessons....
So that's what's inside my head..... waiting to come to life..... Class-wise....
Lately
On a more personal note... a few weeks ago a guest popped by..... uninvited.....and she still here. Perhaps you've met? I call her... the blues... the blahs.... the ughs.....
'sigh'.....
It might be a winter thing.... gosh it goes on far too long.... But I find it's pulling me down... Not so much in my work... but definitely in my personal day to day life. It feels like an extra weight...hanging off of me. I'm quite sick of it. I'm irritable, overly sensitive, short-tempered...... I grumble about the cold & the ice, all the extra clothes I have to layer on.... I'm dragging myself out the door for my walks.... Oh my... listen to me. It sounds quite pathetic.....
I know this too shall pass.... I must sound really ungrateful. I know it's best to focus on all the good in my life... I'm trying...and truly there is so much to be thankful for... But for some reason... I just can't see to shake these blahs.....
I restarted my morning pages today...and this got me to thinking..... maybe I should share this my lovely readers. I like to be honest and real with you. I thought perhaps someone out there... might be feeling this way too...It always helps to know we are not alone.
In fact, just writing this .... feels good. I'm hoping the next time I pop in, I will be free of 'her'.... and back to my old self....
I thought I'd ask you all.... what do you do...when the blues hit? Share in the comments if you like. I'd love to hear from you.
one more week til Benny gets his haircut.... phew.. it's like his head is shrinking as his fur keeps growing in all kinds of unruly ways..... :)
As promised I put together a few new Texture Tutorials... for cs6 and Elements 11. Please take a peek if you have a moment.
If you are new to textures, be sure to sign up for my texture list HERE, and start receiving lots of lovely freebies right away.
I must sign off... until next time... much love...and the biggest gratitude.
xo,
Texturize CS6 - Part 1
Texturize CS6 - Part 2
Texturize Elements

Reader Comments (67)
Love your photos...such a sweet pup!
When I'm down, not just a gloomy day here or there, but really in a pit...I always turn to "Streams in the Desert" by Cowman, it's a great book that keeps in perspective this life we live and God's love for us.
Blessings,
Cindy
So, Thank you.
Karen
Tanya
Usually for me when I see those crocuses peeking through the snow and hear the birds singing their Spring songs, my heart lightens. When that doesn't happen I "take refuge" and "lean into the good" ... see Rick Hanson...
And if I'm still stuck I eat some chocolate and go for a walk with my camera! That seems to do the trick.
Hold on, dear one, you are held in love ... by so many.
Please tell me that the PSE11/CS6 classes will re-run again later, as I will be doing the round-trip starting March 5, and I won't be able to handle 2 courses parallel...
Have a wonderful weekend!
Thank you for your tutorials. They are such gems. I will savor this one tomorrow when I have peace and quiet around me. I hope your blues will take the hint and go very soon. Take care.
Allnthe best to you - and be easy on yourself!
It made me sad to hear of your blues - you don't deserve them. It's probably not an answer to your question - but (and I am not being a brownie here), when I have the blues I join a Kim class! Truly - Because for me it's not work - t's a self-indulgent dive into the arts and away from life's nitty-gritty. Is there something you are passionate about outside the arts? Maybe some kind of training for Ben or something? I laughed when you started by saying how "late" and "behind" you are! Gee - what could it be - maybe designing two new courses while dreaming up four others???? That wouldn't keep anybody busy now , would it? All I know is that you are a love and an inspiration, so I hope te blues stay away from your door. Peace,
I love this photo of your sweet Ben. You make me want to get a dog!
As for blues, I don't know. Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough ice cream is my response, but it is not a remedy. My observation is that you expect a lot of yourself and give a lot of yourself, which we all appreciate so much. And we all have our ebbs and flows with regard to energy and creativity. Please do give yourself permission to take whatever you need at this time. We will still be here. For myself, getting my pup out for a long, quiet walk always helps a bit. And sometimes a good cry, depending.
Thank you for all you do!
How to heal...love yourself...just as you are, right where you stand...be gentle to yourself right now and pour your sorrow and weariness into the fur of Big Ben...he will console and comfort you without question...then do what makes you happy...turn up the heat...take off a few layers...go find some warmth and sun...read a great good...pamper, pamper, pamper... Oh and keep taking care of us...all your loyal and loving followers...and you know what....if you need a vacation from us, that's o.k.to., just not for to long...
My favorite saying and I'm trying to make it work for me now, as it has in the past is....this to shall pass...I promise...
you just need to repeat and believe...I'm trusting in good time your kick that uninvited guest's ass to the curb...
Love you...C
To get me out of the doldrums, I go play with my photos in Photoshop. I got CS6 for xmas and I'm learning my way around after using CS2 and Elements10. Thanks for the CS tips.
I have another way to open and place a texture that you and others might already know or if not, maybe want to try.
Open your texture (in mini bridge (which I'm still learning) or just in a tab beside your photo (under the options bar).
Click Option Command I and the Image Size box will appear. Leave it alone and go to Window (at the top bar in Photoshop) . At the bottom of the menu will be your photo as well as the texture (and any others you have open ...click on the photo's name , then click ok in the Image size box. Now you can drag your texture onto the photo and it is exactly the right size, no need to size it to fit. it will always fit perfectly! Hope you find this helpful too
I'm really sorry to hear about your blues period.... you really don't deserve this.
Take care Kim, of YOU.
Marleen
Upcoming classes sound awesome! Can't wait. Take care chickie.
Lisa F
http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/mormon-messages?lang=eng&id=2009-02-06-create#2009-02-06-create
Be good to yourself...give yourself permission to take care of YOU!
Thanks again for all that you do and for all that you share with us (both spiritually and otherwise).
Hugs,
Linda
The new class sounds wonderful - and I'll hope to be able to afford it - and participate more fully !
The blues, the blahs, the downs? Me too. Maybe it's just this time of year? I found the first crocus' lighting up the grayness on Wednesday - so things will get better for all! Creativity has a way of sending us into fits of ennui at times - but it always passes and it does we do better than ever!
Be well and know that you rock!
Hugs
PSS..
I am not sure where to sign up = I click and it drops me into your other site but I am lost after that??
me..... it directs me to a place where I start to question etc and when I go within myself to listen..I sometimes find that there is a new door or a new way of thinking on something or just a reflection on what is going on in my life .etc....I call this my smile in my heart as when I feel good I know my heart is listening....I love the peace and quiet I find in myself and remember to go there when I need rejuvinating or need to think or recompose myself..Outside I see the world as I have to see ....its where I live ...Its where I am...... but I also have the world within me thats the real me ..who I am and who I will become ...may many doors open to you with blessing for your heart........
so much love to you xoxoxo
The new classes sound wonderful! Hoping one or some are appropriate for those of us who have already taken a lot of your classes (not beginners). Excited!!!
p.s. liking the new texture class idea ... How about creating textures digitally? And have you ever noticed that little mustache on Ben? Rather endearing!
I'm sorry that you aren't feeling the best at the moment. I can't offer any solutions but I want you to know that you are an inspiration to so many people and have changed so many lives by sharing your amazing talents with us.
Take care, Nikki.
Sorry to hear you are feeling down. Put on your favorite music, and write, write write, look at inspiring photos and blogs. Get I'm comfy Jammies and treat yourself to a treat and girly movie. We all go through those periods and its hard! Will be thinking of you! Xo
First, I would snuggle that fabulous bundle of doggie love, Ben! He is so beautiful and has a soft and lovely ancient spirit that shows in his eyes.
Second, check out gardening catalogs, the bigger and brighter the photos, the better...I think the absence of greens hitting the brain through the eyes can really pull down your happiness chemicals. Take a sun bath, if not possible, get a full spectrum light and spend some time with it, your thyroid will be SO happy you did. And consider some vitamin D supplementation...over the age of 25, women don't make much in the summer, and it is really low down in the winter. Physical exercise always helps me, even if it is dance tunes in the living room. When all else fails, I try to remind myself that I'm not in Antarctica, where it is minus 110 with 100 mph winds!!!!
love to you,
Rain
So sorry the blues have hit. I get them a lot at this time of year too - winter, bleurgh. I do morning pages (and find they really help), get outside as much as possible (easier said than done at this time of year, I know!) and I give myself little treats - make some cookies, paint my nails, etc. It just cheers me up a bit. :) I also find that going on a trip somewhere - local, just somewhere I haven't been before or where I know I'll find something I love that will inspire me - can really help. Something about getting out of the everyday rut I think.
On another note, your new classes sound fabulous. Can't wait to hear more.
Take care of yourself.
Becs x
Remember when you had us write a note to ourselves in Beyond ...? Well, maybe today would be a good time to do that for you again.
It got me to thinking about you over the past say, 6 months ... you have had some pretty big real life changes to deal with. I think your mind, body and spirit are just kind of coming down from all that. This has nothing to do with your beautiful work. It has everything to do with ... just You. Let it be and you will find that all these experiences are the root of your wisdom.
Now, we all know you are incredibly generous and loving to your 'peeps' and don't ever think you don't deserve to feel like this once in a while. I know you are busting at the seams to get out and do your springtime themes, I know it hits me this time of year to just get over winter already. The grey days kill me and we've apparently had only half the sunlight that we normally get from Dec to now ... ugh. Bright side, Remember daylight savings is only a couple of weeks away and I find it helps ever more.
Now ... how about an assignment for you before your cold, frozen tundra is gone huh? ....
When you drag yourself out with Ben this weekend ... take your camera with only your Macro lens and see what happens. You would be surprised at what you will discover. I found it invigorating and challenging after not taking it outside for awhile ... to the point where you end up shooting your whole card ... so hey, it's only a suggestion but something different to inspire. Shoot some things you don't normally shoot or shoot them but CLOSER ... know what I mean Vern?
And the other thing that brings me up ... is visiting our Beyonders, the gathering room, watching videos over again ...etc.
And last but not least. I sit on the back porch no matter the weather but of course if it's at least sunny it is nicer, and watch , ... just watch. It's amazing what occurs in a day that you never see when so busy taking care of things. Sometimes you just have to 'Just Be' ... listen to your breathing, watch the birds, wind through the trees, snow being picked up by the breeze ... the quiet ... . Another place I go when I have the chance is down to the ocean ... just to be there, listen and watch. I know you don't have that but there must be a spot that when you go there, you connect to nature and you feel contentment.
You'll see. I think it grounds you again. Other than that ... know that you are allowed to feel blah because it makes all the smiles worthwhile when they come.
I think I'll shut up now ... quit rambling.
Love always,
xo Joy
Your classes all sound amazing - I'm in awe of your focus and ability to do a million things at once. I look forward to watching your texture videos - thank you! Have a wonderful weekend.
Thinking of you.
xoxo
You are not alone in the blues. I live on the west coast, which is much warmer and spring comes sooner, but I am still struggling. I think sometimes the best thing we can do when we feel like that is to just accept it, and know that it will pass. It does not mean that we are not grateful for all the good things in our life, it just means we are human, and no one can get through life without the occasional bout of it. Spring will come for all of us soon :)
Thanks so much for the refresher on texture for PS Element. It really helped. Funny, but I had planned on sitting down today and refreshing my memory on texture and then your email came along. Perfect timing!