Eustace is still visiting his family, but wanted to send you his customary Wednesday greeting. He should be home by next week, I think. You know how camel’s can be when they’re with their caravan. I may even have to send Brutus off to collect our big guy, what with all those sparkly bangles he’s wearing… no way for him to sneak all that jewelry past airport security, without setting off all the alarms!
Since this feels sort of like a woulda, coulda, shoulda question, it seemed appropriate that I answer with a this, that, and the other sort of response. Here goes…
I could walk differently, talk differently, and even wear my socks differently. Perhaps I could dance a new step, change the way I laugh, or maybe start wearing wigs. I could change my style, my clothes, or possibly change what shows I watch on television.
When it comes to looking on the inside, I suppose that I could pray harder and longer, read more of the bible each day, and even spend more time thinking of others instead of myself. I could love deeper, laugh longer, and live with a deeper purpose, possibly.
At the end of the day, I suppose that we all might consider a handful of things we should have, could have, or wished we might have done differently. We may even wake with these thoughts swirling around inside our heads, each morning.
If you ask me this question tomorrow, it will most likely be a completely different answer. Why? Because each and every day, we encounter situations that will either turn out well, or maybe not so well. From those circumstances comes the thought of whether we could have done a thing differently, in order to see a better outcome.
Aren’t you glad that I didn’t decide to offer you liver and onions, instead of my normal cookies? Don’t worry… I’ve no intention of changing that part of these daily prompts. I wouldn’t dream of it!
Guess what? Norbert got an upgrade!
Well, OpenArt was actually what got a facelift, but I like to refer to the AI by a fictional name, just for fun.
Anyhow, one of the changes to the program was an upgraded visual for all my characters… that means, more realism and more accuracy. I love it! Of course I’ve no intention of paying for a silly account upgrade, but they did give me a freebie, so I chose Squagon.
Our tiny flying squirrel has never been the same since the switch to this AI application, so I gambled with my freebie character upgrade, and look what we got…
SUCCESS!!!
This new upgrade made it possible to put life back into our little guy, real fur and all. Plus, no matter what I tell him to do, the program now keeps the character perfectly in tact. No more free range, off the reservation, loose AI interpretations of what I ask… at least, with the visuals. It still tries to change what I ask for it to do, in some futile hope that I’ll like it’s version instead of mine, but I enjoy telling it off. I’ll have to make all new characters for each of them, but it’s cheaper than paying for the next tier of membership.
There are also a number of improvements on the beta version of putting two characters into the same scene. It’s still not good, but it is better than before…
They’ve even made improvements to the storyline side of things, like the short videos…
I didn’t like how the AI opted to change faces by the end of the video, but it still felt like somewhat of a success, in and of itself. Don’t think for one moment that I’ll settle for anything less than a true Tilly and Henry. This was just the first of many tests and trial runs, but I don’t mind, really. It gives me time to improve my own skills, utilizing ai for my illustrations without letting ai change my direction, if that makes any sense.
For now, it’s back to the drawing board, or rather, back to the ai program. I intend to become quite proficient with this program, but let it be made quite clear that I am NOT an artist, but simply a writer who enjoys bringing visuals into my writing. I think it helps with introducing an atmosphere that enhances the readers ability to see and feel what I do when I write. Trust me, if I had an actual publisher with an actual illustrations department, I’d leave the graphic visuals to the pros. But, til things change in this department, OpenArt is my go to.
Tinkering is by far the best way for me to become more proficient in the editing department, as well as sharing my progress with you.
My hope is that I’ll have some better pieces of video and images to share by next week so that you, me, and Norbert, can view the improvements made. I think I want to tackle both Osrig and Peanut, as they are both a battle with Norbert’s abilities. The ai program really seems to struggle with creations that are human, vs, fictional, or animal combinations. My characters are nearly all part human or animal, mixed with a fictional imaginary type creature. That’s why I love them so! These characters each have a life of their own, which I strive to keep true to their personalities, not just what Norbert thinks.
Well, that’s it for now. Maybe next week will have some real successes, but I’ll probably show you the failures, as well. Sometimes the mistakes are better than the perfect outcomes, wouldn’t you agree?
I was going to put cookies on the billboard, but I think you’d rather eat them…
Wow! The holidays simply flew past, didn’t they?
I’ll be honest in saying that I was a bit distracted, what with our newest grandbaby arriving. I’m gonna let Sugarplum take all the spotlight, because all I did was feel sorry for myself and play video games.
Oh, as far as the self-pity gaming… I’m over it, thank goodness!
While things have not changed for the better with my health, my reliance and obedience to God have not wavered!
I’ve no idea what, when, or if I’ll write anything of value this year, but I intend to be here with bells on, regardless!
There is a very fine, and precarious line between writing with passion or writing with emotion. Some can separate these two things while writing, quite effectively, I cannot. Don’t get me wrong, as I can definitely write this way… but it’s raw, painful, and often can be very damaging to others, not to mention my own mental state.
My health journey over the last 6 months has been exhausting, discouraging, and traumatic. I’ve been tossed from one specialist to another, none of which want my case. Primary doc sent me to the G.I. who went on vacation, so I waited three weeks. They ran tests and said it was simply due to my IBS (Irritable Bowel Syndrome). The weight continued to drop, and I still couldn’t eat. I asked for another appointment which was scheduled for two months later. I went off on the nurse, to say the least, though no swear words or disrespect were used. I simply screamed out over the phone that I didn’t want to die, and I was begging for help. In exasperation, they scheduled me for the next test, which was the Esophogram. That’s where they made the SECOND diagnosis for the Hiatal Hernia.
Off to the surgeon I was sent, where he also went on vacation for an additional 3 weeks before my appointment. He said he wanted more tests, so again, I waited another month for the nuclear study. They then said that my stomach was not emptying like normal, and referred me back to the G.I. for more meds… the surgeon refused to operate!
I got a message immediately from my G.I., not for an appointment but to offer a new drug… surprise!
My answer… NO MORE DRUGS!
Since when did doctors refuse to doctor?
When was it acceptable to allow a commercial about a new drug to dictate whether I should ask a doctor for help or not?
What about the Hypocritic Oath? Or are they now teaching the Hypocritical Oath in colleges these days?
Not even hours after that email, email I said, email… I saw a commercial on television for the very medication the doctor had so quickly offered me over the phone.
I’m out!
It will be God that heals me or I shall be going home… either way brings me no fear, but rather, hope for my future.
Each day I pray that God covers me, allowing me to get the very most out of a bowl of oatmeal with raisins, and 3 oz. chicken and rice w/veggies for dinner. I am reminded of how the Israelites wandered in the desert for 40 years, eating Manna and quail… if they could do it, so too can I!
My God is far more Omnipotent and powerful than anything of man… I will stay on my feet as the chosen warrior of God until my last breath has gone!
I shall not fear!
I will walk boldly in the shadow of my God, who knows every part of my journey!
There may be days where I am silent, only offering inspirational music or scripture. Those are the days where He carries me.
There will be days of laughter, where God’s lessons are the ones that help me to lighten up, and let things be.
There may even be days where I cry out, in need of some encouragement and love from those I consider family… that’s you!
Whatever this year brings, we will face it together… I will share my ups, downs, and in-bewteens, and I expect the same from you! Just because one has struggles, doesn’t mean they’re incapable of giving love and understanding to others.
No matter where you are, what you are going through, or how badly you might be hurting, you are loved… you are valued… you are prayed for… and you are NEEDED, as you are!
How’s that for a Monday Message?
Lessons learned in the past are worth remembering, but only if they build a positive growth for the future. Let go of the bad, cherish the good, and make better choices for the journey going forward.
I may not always get it right, but I refuse to dwell in the past. In the same sense, I don’t want to dwell on a future that I’m only guessing at. I look ahead, but it feels as if God desires that I live in the moment… that’s where the beauty and joy of life exist!
Cookie?
I like to turn this song way up and sing along, whether the cats go running or the dogs start howling. My soul just wants to worship, and the lyrics are spot on!
When it comes to schoolin, I’ve done my share over the years. Once out of high school, there were numerous educational establishments that I graced with my presence (it makes me feel smarter to say it like that)… some good, some bad, and we gotta include the uglies, as well.
The mix of educational platforms (even the ugly ones) came together to make me who I am today.
I’ve completed certifications, passed state board exams, and even earned an Associates degree, but honestly, I think it was at Hard Knocks University (HKU) that I earned the most valuable degree available… an Associate’s degree in Survival!
Truthfully, the survival degree has been the only one that’s kept me on my feet over the years. No, it didn’t necessarily cost anything money wise, at least in the sense of paying a specific set of tuitions. It also didn’t come with any study guides, workbooks, or online tutorials, which I found rather rude! Just a daily water boarding from the realities of this world.
What did I get out of HKU? Wisdom, understanding, forgiveness, grace, mercy, and most importantly, peace and joy!
Nob0dy needs the name of any specific colleges I’ve attended, nor should I make you endure a laundry list of my educational background. Who actually gives a flying fairy about all that, anyway?
How about we just eat cookies…
With the birth of our newest grandchild, changes are coming to the barnyard that none of the babes have ever experienced before.
Yes, we’ve had a baby Squagon to care for, two baby dragons to feed, a tiny Lilly that flew in on a dandelion, and a passel of Moonlight Dreamers flitting above the rafters in the barn. I also realize that Brutus, himself, came to me as a tiny one… but a baby, an actual baby, has never before been experienced around the barnyard.
Osrig is so confused that he doesn’t know what to do. He just keeps looking at her with such devotion, without knowing why he feels that way. He just sits and stares at her, smelling her hair and occasionally licking her tiny little fingers… it’s actually quite adorable.
Even Peanut has taken one of the bedrooms just off of the nursery, hoping I’ll let him help with anything baby…
While I wish that I could splatter a thousand pictures of our Maisie all over the doors, windows, and walls, I must also respect my daughter and son-in-laws privacy. This is where our SugarPlum comes in as a happy little substitute…
I had to invite our little SugarPlum into the barnyard, because I’ll be caring for Maisie when her mamma goes back to work. Obviously, my daughter said there wouldn’t be any wild boat rides allowed, so who else will travel abroad with us, sailing the high seas, and all that?
Babies are so fragile, I wouldn’t dream of risking her safety out on the high seas. Just so that you don’t worry about SugarPlum, she’s perfectly magical and fluffy, and fit for sea adventures… I promise!
Welcome to the barnyard, Maisie…
and you too, SugarPlum!
This girl likes to have fun, if you hadn’t picked up on that yet, but “playtime” has had to be toned down these days.
From the time I was small, playtime revolved around hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping, fishing, and/or any fun activity out in the wilderness.
Over the years I’ve walked marathons (running them is silly), played softball, and at one point even played a game of tackle football in a muddy field, no joke. I was fast, light, and could take a hit!
Sitting where I sit now, with a rainy day ache in every single place that I injured myself over the years, playtime has had to become a bit less aggressive.
I traded my outdoor adventuring for online gaming outdoor adventuring (don’t judge), as I’ve no desire to collapse from trying to do things the way I used to. Not only that, but the embarrassment of being hand carried off the path by some young, strong, and handsome paramedics… no thanks!
I may not be a young spring chicken any longer, but this wise old owl has traded her adventure shoes for Meemaw slippers. Don’t think that this is just anybody’s game, no ho ho way! You wouldn’t think that rocking a baby to sleep would be so tough… until you have rocked them for an hour, while holding yourself in the most awkward and uncomfortable position. You’ll ache for days, trust me!
I guess you could say that my playtime has become selective now… I save up all my physical energy for baby, while I imagine, write, and virtually play online games. I also bake you virtual cookies each day, which I consider playtime, as well.
Speaking of cookies…
Journey With Me! 