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

Comments

[Cindy]

I would be a below ground up student, but am sooo interested in learning! Do you prefer Elements 11 or Photoshop CS6? Want to make sure I am ready with the one you would suggest.
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

[Karen]

Kim, you always are an answer to what I need. I just started using CS6 and although I have been using Photoshop Elements for a long time, I still can't find what I need quickly in Photoshop CS6.

So, Thank you.

Karen

[erin]

vigorous exercise out in the fesh air...especially if it is sunny (vitamin D) but even if it is not....always makes me feel better.

[Tanya]

Kim, Thank you for sharing. You are definitely not alone. I have a similar challenge...a similar visitor. The past few years, I have been learning about Mindfulness and started my own daily practice. What a huge difference it has made for me. If you would like more info, please email me for book recommendations - I would be glad to share. What you're feeling is what you're feeling...it's not wrong. Self compassion is a good friend we often forget about : )
Tanya

[susanna]

Ahh the blues...the blahs...S.A.D. Whatever name you give it, it still elbows into your enjoyment of the day-to-day, the little things, relationships, even your art. One thing I do, is just acknowledge it, take gentle care of me, and work on building my practice of self compassion. You might enjoy Kristen Neff's approach http://selfcompassion.org

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.

[Pamela]

Thank you Kim for your generosity of sharing, of spirit and of self. I don't care how "good" of a life we have, the blues come to everyone at some point. I understand where you are coming from, sometimes I feel like the proverbial, "look a gift horse in the mouth". But if we didn't have those ups & downs, we wouldn't be able to relate and empathize with others. A very wise woman has a theory that speaks to me; "Do the next thing". For some reason it helps me to get my eyes off of the overwhelming big picture and focus on what needs to be done, one thing at a time. Usually working my way out of the blues, blahs... eventually. If all else fails, chocolate, a warm bath, a good book, a special treat, lunch w/a friend... haha. I love the picture of Ben. What a sweet face. A hug from my fur babies is more healing to me than most anything.

[Viv]

Oh Kim this time of the year ..... Blah I hate it. In the UK the skies are grey I'm so looking forward to some blue, I really find that if I can take a few photos and play around with them that helps and listening to some really good music too. Chin up my friend thinking of you xxx

[Scott Allan]

Kim, hang in there, you are definitely not alone!!! The "off-season" (a nice way of saying really f*&$#@ long winter) here is 8 - 9 months. Very depressing if you don't even get a nice season of beautiful snow to play in (like this year)... just long grey cold days. Add to that unemployment (no one will even talk to you until April/May) and it's truly a daily challenge to stay even slightly positive. I know it can always be worse (and the universe is quick to send me reminders) but somedays there's simply no escaping it. Oh yea, you can also add the daily task of taking care of two elderly, unhealthy, parents that can't really do anything much for themselves (by far the biggest daily challenge I've ever had) to the list. The reason I'm telling you this is really because this year there were two things that the universe sent my way to help me "escape" once in a while... One is the what turned out to be four kittens I rescued (http://www.buzzfeed.com/summeranne/two-tiny-kittens-rescued-from-a-junk-pile), and the other is YOU. This awesome Cafe site and family, and your amazing work and inspiration have truly been a god-send!!! So thank youSOOOO MUCH for ALLLLLLLLL you do!!!

[Sarah]

You are rocking my world today with all this exciting information!!!!! Yes, the long, cold, gray days do wear you down so much. I think lack of sunshine is HUGE! I have started taking one day a week off - I call it my Creative Inspiration Day - it is totally so I can do what I want, NO GUILT attached. The first one was last week, and my second one was today. I feel very re-enegerized just planning what I want to do. I started with a personal trainer and this was her recommendation. Writing is also huge. So many things have been stirred up with the "mental" aspect of the personal trainer, it is so helpful for me to get it written and out of me :) I know this was a long reply, but obviously a lot is bubbling under the surface in me.

[elke]

dear Kim, you are not alone, most definitely not. Though you (we all) feel alone at times when the blahs hit. My mindfulness practice helps me through the ups and downs and the blues of life. Morning pages, too. If you want to read about mindfulness, I would recommend books by Jon Kabat-Zinn and Saki Santorelli. Thank you for being so honest. I`m so glad to have found you and your work.xo

[Rosie Grey]

Oh, Kim, that sounds fantastic!!! The class ideas, that is, not the blahs ;-)
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!

[Renee B]

I can relate to what you are feeling. I do think for myself that winter and lack of sunshine has a huge influence on my blah moods. I find that is I get out and go for a hike or something that it seems to help. But sometimes it is such a chore to get myself up and moving to do that :-) I hope the blah stage passes by quickly for you. One good thing....2 weeks until March. I like the sound of that because usually in March we start get "spring-like" days here and there.

[Fi]

I have been visited by the blues this week too. My own fault really, I have been neglecting my (buddhist) practice for a couple of weeks and have lost the feeling of being grounded and centered it gives me. So I'm going to get back to doing it, journal a lot to empty my head, get back to drinking green smoothies and having plenty of early nights. That should get me back on track. For a quick fix, chocolate is always helpful as well as some of my favourite TV shows to stop thinking for a while.
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.

[Rosie Grey]

I forgot to mention: when the blues hit I try to make myself comfortable on the couch - preferably with chocolate - I don't want to speak with anyone or meet people; I read or watch TV - no dramas, something funny or exciting. When it's warmer and/or sunnier I try to take a walk (this won't work now, as its's cold and wet and grey and dreary...), if possible with my camera. And sometimes music gets me out of the blues, too! :-)
Allnthe best to you - and be easy on yourself!

[Karen M]

I know what you mean but in "Moon River" the movie - they are called the "mean reds". Because you get irritable and touchy and want to scream. When it happens to me - I am better alone and walk and try to listen to music. Walking my dog seems to make me calmer. I even talk to her and she seems to understand. She just licks me and I take a deep breath and hope that Spring is just around the corner. I know you live in a colder climate than I do but April seems to be the month I look forward to. Take Care - you are not alone in this.

[Karen]

I'm very excited about the Picture Process class for Elements 11. I've been scratching the surface of the program for a couple months - and like it a lot - bu so much is a mystery to me. I'm sorry about the blahs. Winters can be so long, and I imagine more so in Canada. I find that it helps me to bundle up and get outdoors. I think there is something in the fresh air and sunlight (dim as it may be). Best of luck shaking her!

[Carol Albers]

Hi Kim,
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,

[seabluelee]

Kim, I've found that sometimes the winter blahs and blues are PHYSICAL. For me, taking a vitamin D supplement (2000 I.U. daily in addition to my regular multivitamin) made all the difference in the world. In any case, I hope you feel better soon.

I love this photo of your sweet Ben. You make me want to get a dog!

[Micki]

Hello Kim, I just watched your Texturize Elements tutorial and it is excellent -- basic and succinct and clear. I am likely going to sign up for your Lightroom Roundtrip class, but the Ready, Set . . . Slow idea sounds excellent. I start learning after I've tried something hands-on for the 3rd or 4th time.

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!

[Jeannette]

Thank you for the free tutorial - so very much appreciated and informative! It's a great start for you're upcoming class

[cheryl c.]

Oh Kim, I know of what you speak...I am there most days also with "breaks" in the day of trying for normalcy...somedays are better than others...for me it's being sick for so long with no really good answers and just trying to move forward...it's also been a winter of darker days rather than sunny...so that doesn't help...The good news is it's not you or me...we are not the cause...it is life..I believe that sometimes there are things going on deep inside that we are not aware of on the surface and so we can't deal with them...and our body just takes over in a most unpleasant way....
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

[Sharon O]

I think we all are feeling fed up with winter just about now! We want to see colors and sunshine.
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

[Marl1's Images]

Dear Kim

I'm really sorry to hear about your blues period.... you really don't deserve this.
Take care Kim, of YOU.

Marleen

[Lisa Flewellyn]

Blues ... schmoos .... You keep up those walking sessions Kim ... That is what I do when I hit those days. Just get out and clear your head, fresh air and take it all in. It won't be long til spring comes ... We just have to get thru February first. We've had a LOT of winter and snow and cold here in the Ottawa Valley but it's not going to last. The next thing you need to keep doing, is picking up those bold, bright coloured bouquets of flowers you find in the grocery store. It's amazing what a bouquet of flowers can do for your mood and a room. Next thing ... lots of Ben hugs and play. Good luck ...

Upcoming classes sound awesome! Can't wait. Take care chickie.
Lisa F

[Sharon]

I get SAD too during the winter's long beige slide into spring. Taking art classes, starting new colorful projects (sewing? painting? photographing colorful or textural things like ribbons, handmade papers, flowers, antiques - just ask in any independent store, they usually say yes) and going for walks helps a lot. So does buying myself flowers - the cheaper and brighter the better. Chocolate is also good. Thank you for sharing your thoughts, textures and those beautiful photos of Ben.

[Carolyn]

Sweet Kim, I am your newest fan. You bless my life with your goodness. View this short, not quite 2 minute video, it's called "Create". I think it will make you smile. You've been given a gift to create. Rejoice in it!
http://www.lds.org/media-library/video/mormon-messages?lang=eng&id=2009-02-06-create#2009-02-06-create

[Linda Kittmer]

Kim, thanks for sharing your thoughts today. There are so many of us that suffer with the same issues, yet it's still hard to talk about it openly. The other day was Bell "Let's Talk Day" and I think that whether it's a feeling of being a bit down, or true depression, we have to make it okay to talk about these issues. My son figures we're all solar powered...and certainly our long Canadian winters don't help! For me, I find my art really helps. Whether it's my photography and photo art, my art journalling or my fibre art, I just have to make sure that I work on something artistic everyday. The other thing I find is good for me is exercise. I've got to get those endorphines going!

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

[Julie L. (AKA MaggieMae)]

So sorry to hear about your visitor - I have her twin staying with me. It happens every year about this time when the ground is squishy with melting snow and there are piles of dirty snow everywhere. I was told to take Vitamin D because my blood test showed I virtually had no Vitamin D. It might help you, too. It's hard to learn to be nice to yourself - it doesn't seem to be in our DNA. You are really appreciated. I'm just starting to learn about textures and just loved your Big Picture class and your tutorials. You are so generous to give us free textures, also! Take care of you!!

[diane]

I loved, loved these texture tuts. Thanks so much for putting them together. I wished that they were the teasers for a new class and I could have signed up right away.

[Marie Z. Johansen]

Hi Kim!
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!

[Kristeen]

Sorry --your feeling kinda out of it -- it's gotta be the winter weather.. That's why I am in Az for the winter gotta have the sun shine or I get the blues.. Keep eating healthy -- it should help..
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??

[Lozzie]

Kim ..this is what works for me.....Sometimes my Spirit (my true self) calls to let me know how I am truly feeling within...sometimes its subtle ...sometimes its like a ton of bricks fall on
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........

[stefanierenee]

oh I love the idea = Photshop for Creatives and even more the Lightroom for Creatives! oh the winter blues...i hear ya sweets and I'm in California with non stop sun. Sometimes I wish for the cold and dreary to give us the excuse to stay inside and hibernate. The sun can give you the blues too. Now to get out of them....well I'm still trying to figure that out so I can't help you there :)

so much love to you xoxoxo

[Melinda]

Ohhhh yes- I can relate! You have gotten some good advice here- mindfulness, walks (I know those are already part of your routines), gratitude journal, chocolate! My husband and I use HeartMath tools- very helpful. The season could definitely be a big part- maybe a weekend (or WEEK) away with your husband? Those special lightbulbs for SAD? I'm sending some positive energy and virtual hugs your way!

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!!!

[Colleen G]

Sweet Kim ... There is no doubt in my mind that you are suffering from post traumatic no sun disorder ... You need a beach and a bathing suit and a book and Ben and a week to recuperate. I live in Texas and I suffer these blues when we have stretches of 40 degree weather. I cannot fathom how you endure this for so many months. I might have the cure ... Girls retreat ... Gulf Coast Florida ... Limited to only those that are willing to lay around, chat girl stuff, bring Kim diet cokes, and cook long, involved dinners for said Kim over lengthy creative conversations, music, wine (or diet coke), and evening beach strolls. I think this could be an annual idea ... Hugs dear...
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!

[Patti]

Walking in nature helps me to feel better. I am also tired of piling on all the layers to go outside.. So I don't have any advise but I can understand. I bet hanging out with Ben helps.

[Beth]

Well Kim, it looks like you've gotten some pretty good advice here but just remember there's always chocolate :0)

[Nikki]

Hi Kim, Thank you so much for your textures and videos. I have used Elements and Photoshop for many years and have always used the File>Open method but found your other suggestions so much better.

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.

[Angela]

Your new classes sound great. I'm pacing myself with Roundtrip, BL and B2. I had to create separate journals for each one tonight because I was confusing myself with all the notes and homework! Glad to hear you are doing Morning Pages. I just started them again recently and they do make a real difference. Peace.

[Chelsea Chamness]

Kim,
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

[KimG]

For me, it's simply knowing the "this too shall pass" ...

[Rain Klepper]

Hi Kim,
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

[Becs]

Hi Kim,
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

[Joy Gerow]

Well Kim .... you've had a lot of feedback on this one so you know you are not alone for sure. I get my blue days too but I found the morning pages help a lot. That, I got from you and it was a wonderful link to all things good.
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

[Sherri B.]

Oh Kim, you are most definitely not alone with the winter blahs/blues...I deal with them every single year during this time. I find that the best thing for me to do is acknowledge them...instead of trying to deny them or snuff them, I acknowledge that I'm having a blue day and that I should be gentle with myself. It almost seems as if they pass quicker when I treat them as a temporary guest instead of an unwanted visitor. The other thing I do is force myself to exercise, and I also make sure I have creative time because that's what fills me up and replenishes my spirit. Hugging and loving on my dog also helps...and you have your sweet Ben to do this with. :)

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.

[Radish]

Hawaii is the only answer. And take John.

[Gitanjali]

Sending you big big hugs. You don't sound ungrateful at all. Battling the blues is awful isn't it? I usually sit down and have a big cry. It feels really good to let it all out and my thoughts become a lot more coherent after.
Thinking of you.
xoxo

[Joyelle @ An Artful Endeavor]

Hi Kim,

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 :)

[Mary]

Chocolate, only chocolate!

[Marilyn]

Kim,
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!