Thursday, January 14, 2010

I'VE GOT APPS!

It's true. DH surprised me with an iPod/Touch (have you heard of it?). Neither had I. But here I sit adding 'apps' and investigating the annual Consumer Electronics Show (ECS) in Las Vegas. Years ago in Chicago I used to attend the ECS at McCormack Place on the lakefront, among many other trade shows but you could not drag me to a trade show now. That ship has sailed. Thanks to Google, I can peruse the reports and learn about APPS all at once. Apparently the BIG thing at this year's show "Applications" has pushed iPod into a whole new realm.

Just as I was bragging to a friend in the gym locker room that I had advanced to Apps, she informs me about a private networking program (see PBWorks.com). And not a minute too soon.
Next summer we have proposed a family get together on the Oregon coast, bringing extended family from NC, TX and OR to relax and have fun for a few days. The logistics of getting everyone at the right place and right time looks like a nightmare and the idea of a family network is looking better all the time. Forwarded the links to DH and have not heard back. I fear he feels this will spread communication beyond just himself and number 1 son. Exactly: others will be joining us and need the option of getting info and giving input. And with the bpworks each has a unique password and everyone gets to edit, link and save. Brilliant!

DIRECTIONS: Go to PBWworks.com review the front page: Select 'for Education, then Resources and click Support Center. Run the video 'wikis in plain English. The Camping Trip Video is a real hoot. With this kind of network we could plan an all out invasion of Alaska (but why would you want to?). SEE: http://pbworks.com.

My project for today is: sort fabric. DOQ's January meeting is Monday [aka MLK Day], and I have three cartons of fabric ready to offer in the Silent Auction. Yes, it is killing me to give up beautiful fabric. Each piece suggests an idea or garment, or clever use and I must realize that making up every single piece of fabric is no longer my mission. Best to pass it on to someone else who can do the job. Plus there are collected pieces that have been hanging over my head for years and by donating them to the auction, I get an emotional reprieve.

Soon as the fabric is packed, I will begin to review notes for an upcoming course at Sara P. Duke Gardens, Durham. Friday Jan 22 and Monday January 25, me and my Lumix Digital camera are taking "Photoshop for the Nature Photographer." Paul Salazar, Nature Photographer is the instrutor. Why you might ask am I interested in nature photography? Really, I'm not. BUT my Photoshop skills are in need of a serious upgrade and this sounds like it will be a challenge. If I get over this learning-curve, the next is a short course in March on Digital Scrapbooking. Will I become one of those crazy crafters whose every minutes is spent scanning and pasting? Not likely but I predict that when we make the big move to a CCC Community, working on the PC will take less space and offer plenty of creativity for me. See: http://www.duke.edu/

Tonight's dinner will be the "Kitchen Sink Salad" [KSS], as enjoyed at the Cafe Zeum in the Jepson Art Center, Savannah GA just a few weeks ago. Over a bed of mixed greens add chopped red onion, green apple, artichoke, asparagus, grapes, tomatoes, golden raisins, date bits and top with lo mein noodles. The dressing? Don't ask, I'll use the usual. But I will be adding leftover chicken, a few shrimp, and some carrots. While you are filling the kitchen sink, might as well go all the way.

This was a delicious luncheon salad served in a sparkling cafe located inside the Jepson Center designed by Moshe Safdie [remember Habitat at the '67 World's Fair?]. http://www.greatbuildings.com/buildings/Habitat_67.html
I am still reflecting on the lightness, whiteness, aireiness and cool-color serenity of Safdie's form. The cafe was only aspect of this sterling museum we enjoyed.
http://www.savannahga.net/tours/jepsoncenterforthearts.html

Back to clearing out the fabric closet, making notes for the photo class and catching up with laundry. Yes, I fear housework is the bain of all creative crafters who seek aesthetic therapy. My mother feels a clean house is her greatest accomplishment. Not mine, what can I say?

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