My place is very messy at the moment, not at all like the image above, but that is the goal – to reduce my belongings acquired over 20+ years into about 10 large packing boxes. Why, because I’m moving across Australia from Brisbane in Queensland to Perth in Western Australia. Why? To be closer to my daughters and their families at last plus the bonus of my first great-grandchild to be making an appearance later in the year!
Although I am in my senior years, I still want to be “doing things” and want to use my time for in a worthwhile and balanced way – so time for work, time to read & relax, time to help others at least in a small way. I was browsing quotes & found this one that summed up my current way of thinking.
This image made with The Graphics Creator from Laughingbird Software. I’ve been using it for more than 10 years & it’s probably my go-to for quick blog or social media posts.
Learn more about this software and the couple who own & run the company, Marc & Lisa Sylvestor https://laughingbirdsoftware.com/pages/about-us
Just upload an image, go to the Patterns Tab, choose a Tiling Option the move your cursor to select the area to create amazingly attractive patterns. Lots of tiles to choose from, both seamless & seamed & several Effects to get even more types of patterns.
Seamless patterns work well as backgrounds because it means that the image elements on the edges of your image need to match up with what is next to it, so when put together you can’t tell where one ends and another begins.
Here are some examples of my recent work. The starting image is one I created using the AI Art creator NightCafe Studio:
Print on Demand is a printing process where the customer can order any product they want, and it will be printed and delivered to them as soon as possible.
This is a new way of printing that has been made possible by digital printing technologies. It has seen a rise in popularity in recent years because it allows for the production of customized products without the need for inventory storage or large-scale production.
Print on demand is also known as “short run” or “on demand” printing, which means that the customer can print one copy at a time.
It’s very popular with clothing companies because they don’t have to keep many different sizes in stock.
The images below show how my designs would look used on Mugs, pillows/cushions, T-shirts or make a scarf:
I really enjoy learning and playing with new software and Fast Video Creator is looking really good, posting here a meaningful quote that inspires & encourages me.
Any time is a good time to see flowers, they raise our vibrations or our spirits, whatever way you like to describe it, but it’s hard to see beautiful flowers and not feel some joy in living, at least that’s my opinion.
Here is a photo of my lovely orchid, the first time I’ve had three flowers.
The 20% discount on Techsmith products, including my favorite “Snagit”, a capture program I use daily & often several times every day, has only a few days to run – ends on 1st October. (Discount code at checkout: TSCAFF20)
Capture anything on your screen with one click!
Create From Templates
Pre-made layouts within Snagit to create visual documentation, tutorials, and training materials.
Create Video From Images
Talk and draw over a series of screenshots to create a quick “how-to” video or GIF.
Enterprise Sharing Destinations
Snagit 2021 now lets you share directly to Slack and Box.
See more Here: Use This Code at Checkout to get your discount : TSCAFF2
Also in the offer is Camtasia an all-in-one screen recorder and video editor software that has been around for over 15 years with over and has millions of users and is really good for creating video tutorials and screencasts.
20% Discount Applies to Camtasia 2021, Snagit 2021, Camtasia + Snagit Bundle: Use This Code at Checkout to get your discount : TSCAFF2
Smiling can influence your feelings of positivity, even if it feels unnatural or forced. Regardless of whether or not your smile is genuine, it still sends the message that “Life is good!” to your brain and, ultimately, the rest of your body.
The physical act of smiling actually activates pathways in your brain that influence your emotional state—meaning that by adopting a happy facial expression, you can “trick” your mind into entering a state of happiness. This holds true whether or not your smile is real.
Even a simple smile can trigger the release of neuropeptides that improve your neural communication, as well as neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin, which can boost your mood. Think of smiling like a natural antidepressant.
We all know that stress can permeate our entire being, and it can really show up in our faces and makes us look less attractive. Smiling not only helps to prevent us from looking tired, worn down, and overwhelmed but it can actually help decrease stress and boost our overall health by helping our immune system to function more effectively. It is believed that when you smile, immune function improves because you are more relaxed (those neurotransmitters again!).
Studies also show that smiling releases endorphins, other natural painkillers, and serotonin. Together, these brain chemicals make us feel good from head to toe, not only do they elevate our mood, but they also relax our body and reduce physical pain. Smiling is a natural drug.
Whether you’re trying to maintain your overall health or strengthen your immune system ahead of cold and flu season, smiling may help so, smile every day, as often as you can.
Friday, 1 October is World Smile Day 2021 so just to get you ready, here is a catchy Smile video.
Just to add a bit of color to my life quickly am playing around with the Text Effects Templates
I first used this software from Laughingbird Software way back in 1915 when it was called The Logo Creator. Since then it has grown and grown, with a wide variety of templates available to help you make your own creations very quickly. I use it nearly every day in my business, for social media posts and to add interest to my personal emails & messages.
With the desktop version you buy template packs and the software is included with the purchase. You have these forever with no extra payment. There are many different packs and I’ve added more and more over the years.
However, if you want access to ALL the templates, the online version with annual or monthly subscription is a great way to create your own graphics simply and easily.
Click this link to have a look for yourself.
The new year, 2021 is underway now and we all want it to be better than 2020, so here’s a way to make this year YOU.Music Maker from Magix Software has a FREE version.
To make your music you just choose sounds from a huge collection of beats, tunes and vocals, combine the sounds and loops together in a drag & drop interface to make something that appeals to you!
Play a whole library of software instruments and add some of the professional effects. It’s FUN.
Click here to read more about it. To get the Free version, click on the “Purchase Here” button and then select “Music Maker” – that is the Free Version.
Here are some ways to manage.
1. Don’t overspend. Don’t use credit cards unless you can pay them off in January. If you do, you will spread December stress into the New Year. If you have already extended your credit, resolve not to do so next year. You can open a Christmas Club account at your bank and save whatever your credit card payment was each month so that you will have the money set aside for next year.
2. Don’t have unrealistic expectations. Something is sure to go wrong. Don’t let it ruin your celebration. It will only be ruined if you allow it to be.
3. Give to charity. If you can afford it, give money/and or gifts to reputable organizations such as Salvation Army, Angel tree, Toys for Tots, church food and/or toy drives, Red Cross, or local women’s shelter. If you can’t afford to give money or gifts, give time. Volunteer to sort and/or wrap donations, deliver packages to recipients, staff a selection/drop-off center, serve a meal to a shelter. Giving makes you feel good as well as benefitting the recipient.
4. Share. Invite someone who can’t be with family to share your celebration.
5. Exercise. One of the best stress busters around!!
6. Allow yourself to be sad that loved ones can’t be present, whether they have passed away or can’t make the trip. After allowing yourself some time to be sad, focus on the positive, like all the holidays you did get to share with them or the future holidays you expect to have. Take time to relax.
7. Delegate. Let other family members bring dishes, use pre-made food, and ask others to help with the set-up and/or clean up.
8. Be flexible. Compromise when necessary.
9. Don’t overindulge in alcohol. If you do, use a designated driver, call a cab, or don’t leave until you’ve sobered up.
Doing these things should help you have a safer, more pleasant holiday season. Enjoy!!
