Originally published at Calobee Doodles. You can comment here or there.
Originally published at sixhours.net. You can comment here or there.
Here are some of my favorites:
Sexsmith. It's playful. It's fun. If a font could be sexy, this one would be sexy. I use Sexsmith over at Calobee Doodles and it's one of those I keep coming back to... I have to force myself not to over-use it!
Rosewood Std Fill. This font was designed to be used as a (you guessed it) fill for its fancy cousin, Rosewood Std, but I think it stands quite well on its own.
Didot. One of my regular design practices involves combining a simple serif with a simple sans-serif, and this is my simple serif font of choice.
Little Days. Another of my Calobee Doodles favorites. Whimsical and a little loopy, just like me!
Respect the font, people. What are your favorites?
Originally published at sixhours.net. You can comment here or there.
I'm feeling a little nostalgic. Last year at this time I was eagerly counting down the days until the arrival of Miss Elspeth and wondering what the future had in store. Well, the future is now, as they say. Here's a snapshot:
Babies come with luggage, not baggage...
Then: Our living room had a fairly straightforward arrangement. Chairs, a TV, a lamp, a bookshelf or two--simple, functional, nothing fancy.
Now: It looks like a Toys R Us exploded. There's a sippy cup in the middle of the floor, and I'm pretty sure it's been there for three days. There's this behemoth of a thing we call the Pack n' Play sitting in one corner, although the name is misleading... it implies that baby might play in it. It should actually be called Baby's Favorite Torture Device, because that's what you'd think we were doing when we put her in it.
Handling someone else's excrement is...
Then: Not happening.
Now: Any diaper that doesn't require a new outfit or a bath on the part of either changee or changer is a good diaper, no matter how stinky.
The soft spot is...
Then: Eurghh. *shudder*
Now: I admit, I'm still squicked out by the soft spot. If you're not familiar, it's that part of the baby's skull that hasn't yet fused, leaving an opening covered by skin. If you happen to press on it (I wish you wouldn't) it's like pressing into warm Silly Putty... if that Silly Putty were made of your baby's brains.
On the pacifier...
Then: Hadn't said the word "binky" more than a handful of times in my life. Probably didn't know what "binky" meant. Didn't care.
Now: I say it a handful of times each day, usually preceded by "Where is the damn..." or "What the hell happened to the...." Binkies, like cat toys, have this nasty habit of disappearing to hold secret binky meetings under the furniture.
Laundry--I'm...
Then: Always drowning in it, but there's hope!
Now: Always drowning in it, and there's no hope in sight. Considering nudism.
On sleep (or a lack thereof)...
Then: 6 a.m. is an ungodly hour. No self-respecting lover of sleep should be subjected to it.
Now: "It's 6:15 a.m.? She let us sleep in! Wait, is she alive? Yes? WOOHOO!"
Alarm clocks are...
Then: A necessity if I want to get to work before 8.
Now: Still necessary, but we got a new one. This particular model totally ignores all user programming, is loud, insistent, and I've yet to find the snooze button.
When someone tells you that having a kid will change your life... take heed. Listen to them and listen well. Now, where is that damn binky...
Originally published at sixhours.net. You can comment here or there.
The colors aren't quite right, and I want to add a lot more detail, but here's what I've been working on for Calobee Doodles. My initial thought was to have this be an animated Web layout... when a user rolls over one of the houses (presumably they'd each be a link), something happens. Maybe a kitty pokes his head around the corner, the chimney smoke moves, or a curtain is pushed to the side to reveal a little boy staring out.
But then I'm not sure I want to get so involved... I have a tendency to lose interest when a project takes too long to complete. I may scrap this as a Web layout altogether and just make it into a print for the shop. Or maybe I'll do both! Either way, it's fun thinking up all the little bits and pieces that bring the doodle together (I'm particularly enamored with the mini clothesline for some reason) and watching each house grow into its unique personality.
(Click for a larger version!)
Originally published at sixhours.net. You can comment here or there.
I had fun designing this one, if you couldn't tell. It gave me a chance to flex my (rapidly deteriorating) Photoshop muscles and better familiarize myself with the WordPress Theme structure. A huge part of this redesign is not only design, but a re-branding of sorts. I decided to treat Sixhours.net less like a photography portfolio and more like a personal Web site... and so the design is a little more me and a little less Serious Business (tm). Speaking of which, it's been eight years (!) since I first bought this little nook of the Web. I think this is the domain-equivalent of a birthday at the spa.
I'll be the first to admit I've been in a rut, and I know it's because I've defined my creative life by my photography, but photography isn't doing it for me lately (there's also that pesky new-baby-itis problem, but I'm recovering). When I allowed myself to apply my creative energy to other tasks, I found I had a lot of ideas and more motivation to work on them.
So now I have a list of projects that should keep me busy for a while. I'm already working on a new look for Calobee Doodles which will hopefully be up soon. Another thing I've been meaning to do for a few months is doodle a desktop calendar/wallpaper for each month... and now is the perfect time to start those for the new year. In the same vein, I may open a new "downloads" section on Calobee Doodles. The problem is I'm always working on someone else's projects and I don't make enough time for my own (tsk tsk!)
I'm also working on a "bucket list," a la Mighty Girl, and that has me thinking about the big picture--the things I'd like to do that might seem too big or too scary to accomplish at first glance. One thing I'd love to do is write and illustrate (and maybe publish?) a children's book. I've been thinking about that since Elspeth was born. Even if no one else ever read it, I'd love to make something for her to enjoy when she's older.
I want to believe in doctors, but my past experience makes it very hard to trust anything any of them have to say.
Yesterday I found myself in the walk in clinic up the street to get a refill on some meds. While I was in there I mentioned to the doctor that I had a severe pain running down my legs after walking a few blocks. I stood up, pulled up the leg of my jeans and ran my finger down the outer side of my leg - between the knee and ankle. I specified that the pain is from here (about an inch below by knee cap) to here (just about my ankle bone). I told her that it starts out as a slight burn, but if I continue to walk the burn becomes quite intense and I tend to lose the feeling in my feet. If I rest, the pain subsides (after about 5 minutes) but resumes when I start walking again. I also told her that it was quite the problem since I walk in Vancouver, I do not drive. Most stores I frequent are within walking distance. The pain is excrutiating and it keeps me from being as mobile as I would like.
I told her I bought some shoe inserts and her response was, "and they work?"
If they worked I wouldn't be telling you about the pain, now would I?
I said that it doesn't matter what shoes I wear but I do not have this pain when I ride my stationary bike...only walking.
I also told her that I didn't notice it so much in the past, but that might be because in Arkansas I didn't do as much long distance walking, like I do in Vancouver or when we are on vacation and out sightseeing.
So after telling her all of that here is what she said.
"You have a pinched nerve in your spine. You need X-rays."
I said, "Really, you think that's what it is?"
She says, "Well, the other thing it could be is PAD - but you don't want that. People with diabeties and other chronic illnesses have that. You aren't there."
"Ok. The pain doesn't run up my hip or thigh...just my lower leg."
"How long have you had this problem? Did you have it in the States too?"
"Yes, but it was not as noticiable because it only happens when I am in a situation where I find myself walking a lot."
I was pretty sure I had made this point already but I found myself going through it again, in a more illustrative way. "You see, in Arkansas I was a driver. I didn't walk to the store or anywhere to get to places. Walking the Target parking lot then strolling the aisles isn't the same kind of walking that I do now. I had a very bad episode in Philidelphia several years ago while sightseeing and doing a lot of walking, but I chalked that up to legs not used to walking great distances. I thought it was weak muscles...but my legs should be used to walking by now. I shouldn't hurt this bad. My feet shouldn't go numb after walking 2 blocks."
"So, here is what I want you to do - change your shoes. Don't wear the shoes you are wearing."
I stopped her. I thought I had already gone over this.
"It doesn't matter what shoes I wear. I have Converse sneakers, leather boots, track shoes, Reeboks, slip ons...it doesn't matter what shoe I have on - and I don't wear heels so that is not an issue either."
Didn't I just show you the brand new arch support I put in the shoe???
"Well, I don't think it's anything too serious."
"But I can't walk."
She took a breath. "Hmmm, well it looks like you haven't had a physical in a while...we should schedule you for a complete physical."
Nice way to change the subject.
So a few minutes later I found myself getting 8 spinal Xrays. SIX maybe but...I am not sure why I had to get EIGHT GOD DAMNED X-RAYS. Seems excessive.
I need to find another doctor.
Marc talks about prison food and the hypocrisy of alcoholic politicians...
A week or so ago I saw a blurb from one of my long time friends (Brad) on facebook about a mutual acquaintance. To cut to the chase, Charles Zook needs a dog. Not just any dog, but a service dog.
When I knew Charles in the way way back, he wasn't in a chair. I didn't know Charles had been in an accident and when I saw him after a large time gap I reacted in what I can only describe as a "am I dreaming this?" moment. I literally had to search my memory and reassure myself this chair was new and then I tried not to get emotional...so my reaction was pretty stupid. Acting casual when you are in shock and disbelief is rarely pulled off with grace. Sorry, Zook.
So, here is what I am doing for Charles.
From the beginning of October to the end of December any doggie shirt I sell on Zazzle will generate royalties that I will set aside for Rufus and Charles. I sold one yesterday, so we are off to a start.
These dogs are expensive - so let's help Rufus help Charles! I mean look at these two! They look great together.
If you have an extra 5 bucks or two just laying around in your change jar you could help too..
Service Dog Project
7604 Ohio #6 - Little Rock, Ar 72227
Make checks payable to the Sloan-Swindle Families Foundation
with Charles and Rufus in the memo
For additional information call: Georgann (501) 590 2042
Originally published at sixhours photography by caroline moore. You can comment here or there.
It's hard to believe it's been four months since I last updated this blog. How ironic that my last entry ended with, "Yes, I’m attempting to maintain multiple blogs at once. We all know how this will end, but humor me, won’t you?" I think that promise was broken before it even had a chance to get off the ground, hah!
My summer was long, grueling and complicated, but the start of autumn provides a much-needed respite. My day job is finally slowing its frenetic pace, and I can (hopefully? maybe?) get back to having a life outside work. What a thought!
My shops have definitely felt the strain of the summer, but they're slowly making a come-back. Custom orders and prints are going out again (if not a bit slower than usual) and I'm very grateful to my customers for being so patient with me!
When I'm not working, I'm spending time with the little (or not so little, anymore) bugger you see up there. Elspeth is a crazy-busy nine-month-old on a mission: She spends most of her time gleefully trying to kill herself. For all the baby-proofing we've done, this kid could find a way to get into mischief in a room filled with nothing but pillows and air. She's on the go, ready for action, and she's not even walking yet.
In short: We're in deep doo-doo.
And yet, that clever, mischievous smile helped me maintain my sanity in a time when I otherwise would have drawn into myself, letting the long days wear me down. It's much harder to mope and fret when there's someone depending on you for food, shelter, love, and the occasional frantic grasp of the ankle to prevent baby from diving off the end of the bed. You know, all the basic parental necessities.
I'm looking forward to picking up the blogging reigns again. I'm eagerly anticipating autumn and all it brings--the cool fall air, apple crisp, stews and soups, scarves, and ultimately settling in for the long winter ahead. Normally I dread the dark, cold months, but I'm feeling surprisingly peaceful about this transition for once. Perhaps it's because I know I'll soon be chasing a toddler around--there won't be any time for seasonal blahs when Ellie's climbing the baby gates and chasing after the cats!
Originally published at sixhours photography by caroline moore. You can comment here or there.
It's hard to believe it's been four months since I last updated this blog. How ironic that my last entry ended with, "Yes, I’m attempting to maintain multiple blogs at once. We all know how this will end, but humor me, won’t you?" I think that promise was broken before it even had a chance to get off the ground, hah!
My summer was long, grueling and complicated, but the start of autumn provides a much-needed respite. My day job is finally slowing its frenetic pace, and I can (hopefully? maybe?) get back to having a life outside work. What a thought!
My shops have definitely felt the strain of the summer, but they're slowly making a come-back. Custom orders and prints are going out again (if not a bit slower than usual) and I'm very grateful to my customers for being so patient with me!
When I'm not working, I'm spending time with the little (or not so little, anymore) bugger you see up there. Elspeth is a crazy-busy nine-month-old on a mission: She spends most of her time gleefully trying to kill herself. For all the baby-proofing we've done, this kid could find a way to get into mischief in a room filled with nothing but pillows and air. She's on the go, ready for action, and she's not even walking yet.
In short: We're in deep doo-doo.
And yet, that clever, mischievous smile helped me maintain my sanity in a time when I otherwise would have drawn into myself, letting the long days wear me down. It's much harder to mope and fret when there's someone depending on you for food, shelter, love, and the occasional frantic grasp of the ankle to prevent baby from diving off the end of the bed. You know, all the basic parental necessities.
I'm looking forward to picking up the blogging reigns again. I'm eagerly anticipating autumn and all it brings--the cool fall air, apple crisp, stews and soups, scarves, and ultimately settling in for the long winter ahead. Normally I dread the dark, cold months, but I'm feeling surprisingly peaceful about this transition for once. Perhaps it's because I know I'll soon be chasing a toddler around--there won't be any time for seasonal blahs when Ellie's climbing the baby gates and chasing after the cats!
