Still Alive and Kicking

Despite the lack of new posts recently, I'm still hovering around here. There are some things I'd like to put up on this blog, but you won't be seeing anything until I: a) get some pictures taken, b) get something interesting done, or c) actually have time to do A or B.


EDIT: It looks like the first of the autumn foliage is here at last. That means many things, the start of term not the least. It hasn't yet begun, of course, but I'm already mired up to my head in my schedule- not a particularly accomodating schedule at that.

Okay, folks. Sorry, but I'm out.

Into the Dark

Who can resist a labyrinth of low twisting passageways that open into cathedral-like spaces, stone draperies, underground waterfalls rushing away into the dark, and seemingly bottomless shafts?

I can offer no tales of international travels this year either, I'm afraid, but for the past several days I have with family visited the Mammoth Caves area, not just the national park but also other cave systems. My friend also has a snippet about Mammoth in her blog, here.

After taking all the typical touristy walking tours, I can ensure you that the novelty wears off after the third or fourth time. Then there is the following around slow-moving packs of fellow tourists and the listening to repetitive explanations about formations. Usually half the information offered is well-enough known to the general public. The depth of the explanations given by tour guides also seems to be inversely proportional to the number of people present. It is therefore quite worth a drive out to see lesser known caves.

Obtaining good photographic results in these low-light areas takes additional effort. Moving with a group makes anything but snapshots impossible, and minimal time to adjust camera settings. Without a tripod, shutter speeds need to be faster, but that also cuts out much of whatever light is available. I did not end up with very many decent shots. Eventually I had to resort to using flash, which I generally avoid for its ugly, flat white balance.

All a well-spent few days, nonetheless.

First Sale (and Other Things)

It's been only a little over a month since I've set up shop, and today-well, not anymore; yesterday- I made my first sale on Etsy! If that in itself isn't enough, it was an international customer. That simply made my day (I was bouncing off the walls for an hour). Thanks so much!

In similar news, I'm considering putting up a couple of new prints in my shop in the next few days. Color, anyone? Let me know what you think of the above, for instance.

Blueberries...

We went blueberry-picking today, and, delicious though they be, I must admit that I cannot stomach any more blueberries today. Pick-it-yourself farms are a spectacular alternative to buying them in a supermarket. The fruit you get there is not only much fresher and less expensive, but the picking is a rewarding experience in itself. It's also a great way to support local businesses.

Today ended with quite a good haul- I expect the next few days will be spent washing and freezing blueberries. Some fruits, especially berries, keep very well when frozen (fortunate, when buying produce in bulk), and can even be eaten straight out of the freezer.

I ended up with a number of decent photos today as well. If anyone's interested, they might be appearing on my devArt in the near future.

Front Page

Made the front page on Etsy! I never imagined it would happen, not to mention so soon. Thanks to whomever featured my print in his or her treasury.

I didn't manage to find or catch a screenshot, but it's listed.

Share Your Blog

Do you have a blog? I've been looking around for some to read, and combing search engines, compilations, blogging communities, etc. is out of the question- I've done enough of that. Pretty much anything will do. Go on, share yours! I'll be looking forward to reading whatever you write or rant about.

Have You Seen this Artist Yet?

Have you seen this artist yet? Because if you haven't, you are, without question, missing out. Words like exquisite and extraordinary hardly do his illustrations justice. This master of many traditional media produces stunning works in not only watercolor, but inks, graphite, and others, all in his uniquely elegant style. In fact, I should stop talking, as you shouldn't be even spending time reading this- go take a look at his deviantArt now.

Learn Another Language

We all know that language is an essential part of life. But what are the benefits of knowing more than one language? Languages open the boundaries between different peoples, cultures, nations. It is amazing how much knowing more than one language can do. In our native tongues, we are comfortable; we are confident of our competence and skill in the familiar.

To those who know or learn another, however, there is more to the world. The comprehension of multiple languages is, in the words of a cliché, more than the sum of its parts. Knowing more than one language helps each one to be seen not only more clearly, but also in a different light. Connections will be drawn, realizations made. There is nothing so uplifting as the process of gaining insight- making sudden discoveries in addition to simple understanding.

I can personally attest to all of this. I grew up with two languages, and although I am not awfully fond of the other, non-English one, I am still wholly grateful that I understand both. Unfortunately, my abilities in the other have gone downhill over the years. At the moment I am also beginning to learn another, and the process can be described as nothing less than exhilarating. Even brief encounters with other, unfamiliar languages are like looking through windows you never knew were there.

Sometimes, we hear of, or even encounter, extraordinary individuals that have mastered half a dozen languages or more. This induces a certain amount of envy, to be sure, but mostly I am held in awe. But, more commonplace an occurence, are the ordinary people all over the world who speak two. Have you ever noticed how many people speak English in addition to their own language, as opposed to native English speakers, who mostly speak only English?

Learning languages may not be the center of your focus or top of your priorities, but keep in mind that it is or will be one of the most enriching and valuable experiences you will have- not to mention the merits of learning in itself. You are all encouraged. Learn another language (you can never know too many).

Stuff for Today

So today I made little tags. My hands are going to be disabled for a couple of hours, and I am having serious doubts about the likelihood I'll be able to use them (the tags), but hey. They're colorful and I kinda like them.

Watch Your Scotchgard

Previously, I had been suggesting the use of strong water repellents like Scotchgard to seal paint. It is a convenient alternative to traditional sealants. However, I have recently noticed several problems. The waterproofer is much more corrosive than it initially appears to be. Unless sprayed liberally over most acrylic paints, no adverse effects are apparent. Also be careful of the following:

• It discolors. Some mild yellowing is visible, especially with lighter colors.
• Bleeding- it also causes oil-based inks to bleed through any layers over it.
• And again, corrosion. It can dissove thin coats of paint and eat through lightweight materials such as tissue paper.

This is, of course, just what I've gathered from personal experience. I have done no experimenting and cannot decisively determine precise effects.