Tuesday, December 9, 2008

A Woman Can Change Her Mind

Woke up this morning with a head cold. Darn. Well, life goes on... so... I started experimenting with card possibilities. I like the first image best (red and green didn't cut it)...So...Here is the result:



SILENT NIGHT, HOLY NIGHT

Card and Photograph by Elisabeth Bacon 2008--All Rights Reserved

This, too, may change.

This shot is a perfect example of shooting when sick. Don't do it folks...the image will always be less than your best. Perhaps I will retake this card image and replace, as soon as I am up to shooting again.

Monday, December 8, 2008

Christmas Card Beginnings

Today the process of Christmas Card creation began. I am late this year. Printed out the foundation image and did some test cards. Soon this image will be bedecked with gold ribbon, framed and adorned with glitter. Tomorrow the ornament will be pasted on card stock and the finishing touches added.



Photograph by Elisabeth Bacon 2008--All Rights Reserved

Sunday, December 7, 2008

Today's Photo

Photograph by Elisabeth Bacon--All Rights Reserved


Saturday, December 6, 2008

Sepia

Have wanted to take this shot for some time. Finally got around to it. Am fascinated with clean, stark images processed in black and white, or sepia.

Photograph by Elisabeth Bacon 2008

Reality Is. During this holiday season, I get to reminisce about past Christmases, snow, candles, church services, choirs, solos, O Holy Night, parents, grandparents, children, shopping, baking and Christmas trees. My Reality expands to include What Was in What Is.

Wednesday, December 3, 2008

Crayons Galore


Crayons, crayons and more crayons--120 of them. Wow! The joy...the excitement...childhood memories flood in...the smell, the colors--a plethora of glorious rainbows in wax. I am filled with anticipation. Ta-da...time to begin:

And more Ta-da:

Elisabeth Bacon 2008

All Rights Reserved



At times, it is fun being BOLD.

For Today: Play!

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

Speaking Out

Written in remembrance of walking away.

Why do some folks stay in abusive relationships? Some are afraid to leave, some don't want to admit to making a mistake and some actually derive a hidden pleasure from being the underdog. The victim often gets approval and pity from friends and family. They become important through negative instead of positive attention. Some actually believe they don't deserve better.

However, a bully can only continue being a bully if his, or her, behavior is accepted and endured. The only way to fight back is to decide not to put up with this negativity. Mental and emotional abuse is as detrimental as physical mistreatment and can have long-lasting effects. Get smart. Walk away. Get away and stay away.

It has been said, "If you are not part of the solution, then you are part of the problem." So, if you aren't happy, then only you can choose to change. Develop a legitimate plan, then follow through. Only you are responsible for you. This is true in all areas of a person's life. No one is responsible for you, but you. If you don't take care of yourself, who will?

The lesson learned from close proximity to abuse is one learns the telltale signs. When confronted in the future, a red flag goes up in your head. Pay attention to that red flag. It means, DANGER. Listen. Run. You don't need it. You don't want it. No promise is worth selling your soul.

One way to combat negativity is: Say "Stop It" to yourself, or out loud if necessary, when dealing with negative thoughts and behavior. Instead, surround yourself with people of like mind. We have a choice. We are in charge. We are alive. We are here and we have a right to be here. We are worthy of success, health and happiness.

One more thing...The myth that an artist must be unhappy to be creative is not true. One can be creative and happy. In fact, the most creative people I know are happy and have the freedom to create anytime anywhere.

My wish and prayer for the New Year is that the abused will realize their worth, stand tall, and walk into a world of creative good.

Remember: Be Good, Do Good and then Strive to be Better.
Believe in Yourself. Be Creative. Be Grateful. Love life. Life is good.

Monday, December 1, 2008

Challenges

Challenge 1: Typing with a cut finger poses a huge challenge. Who would have thought creating a bound journal could be hazardous.

Challenge 2: Working with images in Photoshop is more fun than working directly in a bound journal. Am considering doing pages in PS and pasting them in journal.

Journal Page 1 with Type:

RENAISSANCE REVISITED

Photograph, Layout and Design Created by Elisabeth Bacon 2008
IlShakeFest Font ©1995 Illinois Shakespeare Festival

Note to Self: Permission Requests Required