Thursday, February 17, 2011

Live & Learn

Whenever something wrong happened, my mother had a couple favorite sayings, "c'est la vie" or "live and learn."  I don't know about you, but a big part of living for me is learning.  More times than not, I take the self-teach approach and learn how-to on my own through trial and error. A few days ago I downloaded Photoshop Elements 9. I couldn't wait to get started and process my photos.  While perusing the program I realized this was going to take time and  I don't have all the time in the world as I did when I started teaching myself to play the piano around the age of 8. 

A good fairy wanders about the blogosphere.  Kim Klassen creates dreamy photography and shares her knowledge and textures with a great generous heart.  While reading Kim's blog I discovered she was guiding those who wanted to learn more about Photoshop in an eCourse she calls Skinny-Mini. In an impulsive, serendipitous moment I  signed up to take the class that had begun on Monday.  I was just in time, Wednesday night was the cut-off date. 

I approached this new adventure with anxious enthusiasm and I'm lovin' it!  I have a bit of catching up to do, but I don't mind.  It's all about photography and well, as I live and learn I'm discovering joy in every aspect of my new found passion.

9 comments:

  1. Something wonderful happens when we learn! I love the instant where we go from not knowing something to knowing it. Ah, bliss!

    And,I love the image! Well done on the lesson!

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  2. yes, I agree with your philosophy of learning and living. Lovely photo-and blog highlight :)

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  3. Marion...I so agree! Learning can be a challenge, but it's a beautiful challenge with blissful results. Thanks for stopping by.

    Ilona..it's wonderful to see you.
    I believe that as a woman it's my duty to elevate other women and celebrate their succeses. I could write a long discourse on this topic, but I'll let it go at that.

    Thanks for stopping by.

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  4. Dear Teresa, I know exactly what you mean. I do love learning new things. Indeed the whole weblogging experience has really advanced my technological skills light years beyond where they were a year ago [which is not very far at all]. Your photography course sounds far too technical for me but I am sure that you will thrive on it and, coupled with your artistic eye, I look forward to seeing even more remarkable images on your weblog in the future.

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  5. I admire, and envy, you for jumping in. I looked at Photoshop over Xmas and concluded that I didn't have the time or energy to figure it out. Maybe someday? (And then you will be the one offering helpful advice?)

    Please keep me posted on possible moving adventures . . . and thanks for understanding why I want to move back into the city. Most people think I'm mad (in the English sense of being crazy!).

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  6. Edith... you are ever the hearty supporter of the efforts of others and it sure does bring a smile to smile to my face. Thank you for your encouraging words.

    Bee...I'm using a version of Photoshop called Elements. It doesn't have all the bells and whistles or capabilities that the full version does. I think Elements is going to be far easier to learn. Wheeewwww...

    I will indeed keep you posted and I hope you will do the same. Living in the country can be wonderful, but I'm weary of streets that roll up at 8 pm, even on weekends. I long for cafe or bookstore where I can wile away an hour and two on Sunday afternoon without driving an hour to get there. I don't think you're crazy at all...I think you're following your heart, your bliss, and only you and those closest to you know what those things are.

    *Hugs*

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  7. Brilliant! I use photoshop. I had a brief chat with a teacher of photoshop a year or two back and have made my way from there. I find that I think what I want to achieve ... and then find ways of doing it. Exciting, but as I treat it as I would a painting, I can never remember how I created an effect. Still - love doing it.

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  8. aguja...My usual plan of attack when learning a new techie program or trick, is to type keywords in Google and search for tutorials or how-to's. Learning the basics through this class is faster and easier. Kim is doing such a good job; she's an excellent teacher. I'm notorious for going my own way. I guess that can be good or bad, depending on how one looks at it.

    I agree..it is exciting and fun.

    Have beautiful Sunday!

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  9. it's wonderful that everything just popped into place for you and still, you would have found a way to do it one way or the other...often, with these things, if i am driven to do something, i will find out how and i think we are all like that...we almost create our opportunities in our desire. so enjoy, i love what you are doing with your photos! xxx

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