[fertilepress]

What's up with this blog?

Not much, obviously.

It's taking a humongous amount of time to launch a website, promote it, teach classes, stay current on trends, keep honing my design and technical skills, figuring out what to say that is of interest, and carving out a little time for a personal life. (Not handling the last one very well.)

So...

I figure what's the point of blogging anyway if you have nothing to say, right? Well, that's how I've felt for months now. What I would like to do, though, is record my daily process of keeping the creative juices flowing in spite of the craziness that is my life these days. Now that makes me excited about blogging again!

So, in a few months I'll be moving this blog under the umbrella of reneepearson.com. It needs to be closer to home...where I live now. Thanks for hanging with me since April, 2005. I can't believe it's been that long! But it's time for a new chapter and I eagerly anticipate it.

later...

4am project

I got a Twitter notification in my email today that someone called "4amproject" was following me. 4amproject? Who's that? Naturally my curiosity got the better of me and off I went to check out 4amproject. Was I ever in for a WOW moment!

The aim of the 4amproject is to gather a collection of photos from around the world at the magical time of 4am. Everyone can take part and join in! All you need is a camera. We want to see what you see at that moment in time on that one day. What’s your view at 4am?

I'm such a night owl, it's easy for me to imagine myself still up at 4am! So today I became 4amproject's Twitter follower #376.

Hmmm... What are you doing at 4am?

later...

cover girl

Ummm... That would be me!

While I'm sad it's the cover of the last print edition of Digital Scrapbooking Magazine, it's still fun to see my face and my design on the cover.

What I love most, though, is that I was able to draw upon my real love, digital mixed-media artwork, to create the page layout. The magazine had two canvases printed and mounted for the cover, which they happily shipped to me after the cover photo shoot.

I'm so excited about my new education site where I plan to teach others how to stretch what Photoshop and Illustrator can do in the artistic realm. If you'd like to be notified when the new site opens, just send me an email. Please put "site subscription" in the subject line.

later...

SCADs of fun

I love working from my neighborhood Borders' coffee shop. It's right down the street from the Savannah College of Art and Design Atlanta campus, so I get to chat with scads of young art students. That was a pun! Ha, ha, ha!

later...

tina...simply the best!

Last night Kent and I went to see Tina Turner in concert. All I can say is...

 

When I grow up, I wanna be just like Tina!

later...

random thoughts

Well, my second time at QVC was fun and a lot more relaxed. I only had to do one 6-minute segment which seemed to fly by. Funny how that works. I think that may be it for 2008.

I'm hosting the Digital Scrapbooking Magazine site group this week so come on over and say hi!

Must read book (if you haven't aleady): The Secret Life of Bees

Must see movie: The Secret Life of Bees. Roger Ebert calls it "An enchanting parable of hope and love." He's right! This beautiful film stars Queen Latifah, Dakota Fanning, Jennifer Hudson, Alicia Keys and Sophie Okoneda.

Speaking of Jennifer Hudson... It's so sad about her family. I can't imagine the pain she must be going through right now. I hope she has a strong support system around her now. She'll need it for sure.

If Barack wins next week, I'm thinking about going to Washington, DC for the inauguration. Haven't discussed it with Kent yet. Don't know what we'll do there...but it sure would be nice to be there.

If you're a Moleskine lover (like me) but are on a budget (who isn't!), then you might be interested in the Piccadilly notebooks for sale on the bargain table at Borders. The large one (7.5" x 10") sells for $5.99 and the medium one (5" x 8.25") selss for $4.99. The quality is pretty good!

Can't wait for November 21 when Twilight the movie opens! My daughter calls it "that cult book." I don't care...I'm totally there!

Well, that's it for now. I should get back to working on the new site.

later...

Back to QVC this Sunday!

Can you believe it? I'm heading back to QVC this Sunday to appear on the Family Gifts show. I'll be representing Adobe this time 'round. Be sure to tune in because their offer is fantastic. My segment is scheduled during the 3-4pm hour with Jill Bauer as host. I'm glad it's Jill. I got to work with her last time and she's a real pro.

If you're not busy, please do tune in.

later...

what's new!

Hmmm... What have I been up to lately? Well, let's see. This may turn out to be somewhat of a long post. So if you don't read anything else, be sure to read the note at the bottom. I'd love your feedback.

:::

a new book is coming!

Yep! I've been working for the last several months on a new book due out early 2009. When I started, it was supposed to be an update of my first book, Digital Designs for Scrapbooking, which was originally published in 2005. That book had 3 sold-out printings before it was taken out of print. Now, used copies are going for crazy exorbitant numbers at eBay.

So... My publisher and I agreed that it was time to update and republish. But as I got into the process, I realized that what I really needed to do was a total rewrite. And so began my crazy summer of dealing with book deadlines, magazine deadlines as well as personal appearances at events and trade shows.

This new edition, called Digital Designs for Scrapbooking: Getting Started with Photoshop Elements, is complete with all new content, including kits from some of the top designers in the digital scrapbooking world. I just finished the final chapter last week. Now that my part is done and I can sit back, relax and wait to see the galleys.

Stay tuned. I'll post a few "sneak peeks" and information on a release date right here on this very blog!

:::

One of the most fun events I participated in this summer was the Creative Photography Retreat (CPR for short) in San Jose, CA. I met a lot of very talented people, both instructors and students, at this event. This Thursday, I'm leaving for the East Coast version in Stamford, CT. (October 9-11).

In addition to having the treat of teaching and meeting new people, I'm returning to one of my old stomping grounds, Southern Connecticut. We used to live in Greenwich, CT (right next door to Stamford) when Kent and I both worked in New York City. And this is the best time of year to visit. There's no place like New England in the Fall...such beautiful colors! I'm only disappointed that I won't have time to go into the city.

:::

odds 'n ends

I wanna live in a loft! Kent and I attended the fabulous Castleberry Hill loft tour over the weekend. You can read all about it and see some great pictures at his blog. If you live in the Atlanta area and missed the loft tour, check out the monthly Art Stroll. It's a blast, too!

Make a butterfly. As I am writing this I received an email from Beth W to this site. I'm gonna make a butterfly, too.

 

:::

note at the bottom: last but not least

Another big project I've been working on lately is my own website where I'll be able to teach digital design and scrapbooking techniques! I'm soooo excited about this project. If you have a topic you'd like to learn, please let me know by leaving a comment on this blog. I'll share more about this exciting venture in the coming weeks.

later...

QVC...the true West Chester, Pa story, part 2

True: QVC runs like a well-oiled machine.

It's amazing to watch this in action from behind the scenes. While you're setting things up or checking on your set, there's a live show going on two sets away. And people are moving in and out and around the sets with tables on wheels, cameras, props, whatever. Amazing!

Everyone who works there is a true professional. Plus, they're really helpful if you're new. They want things to go smoothly for you. After all, in the end it's all about the Benjamins.

False: The "Green Room" is like a Hollywood dressing room for stars.

Ummm...I wish!  There are actually several green rooms, and they are comfortable. One is the community green room, for guests who are only doing one or a few spots on air. It's large with comfortable seating, large mounted plasma TV, a kitchenette with coffee and tea, ironing board, bathroom with shower and two (or was it three?) dressing rooms. Very comfortable.

Since we (Lisa and I) were doing a TSV (Today's Special Value), we scored a private green room because we would be on and off air all night and day. It also had a large mounted plasma TV (yes we could tune away from QVC if we wanted), sofa, loveseat and big easy chair with hassock, kitchenette, dressing room with garment steamer and bathroom with shower. We also had coffee, tea and food delivered at intervals. After my 3-4am slot, everyone had left for home or a hotel. I slept in the green room because I only had a couple of hours before I had to begin again. Driving to and from a hotel would have cut into my sleep time dramatically.

Oh! And green rooms are not painted green. (LOL)

Best parts:

Working with the always supportive Lisa Bearnson. No one, and I mean NO ONE, works harder than Lisa. She's warm and gracious and totally without ego. She immediately welcomed me and did everything she could to make my first time on QVC a positive experience. Everyone at QVC is always happy to see her, and I can see why.

Chatting with friends and fellow guests Brenda Walton, Joy Macdonnell, "Diva" Danielle Forsgren, Tim Holtz, Nancy Hill of Die Cuts with a View and the inimitable Anna Griffin. There's something about sharing an experience that bonds people, ya know?

Working with the friendliest TV hosts in the world. I owe a big hug and a thank you to Jacque (who sneaked on set after her appearance to whisper in my ear that she had a "thing" for vampires, too!), Dave, Pat, Jill, David and Carolyn. They made it so easy for me.

And finally, having Kent there to share this adventure with me. I could never have relaxed as much as I did on air if I hadn't had him there in my "corner" the whole time.

All in all, I'd say it was a positive experience. Would I do it again? You betcha!

Next post...part two of the "Real Photoshop Layer Masks" tutorial.

later...

bye, QVC...it was a blast!

Wow! What a blast. It took me a whole day to recover, but it was so worth it. Thanks to all of you who sent me positive thoughts. I really appreciate your support.

What was it like appearing on QVC? Well, here I present to you...

QVC...the true Hollywood story. (Ummm...actually it should read, QVC...the true Westchester, PA story.)

True: I was awake for almost 40 hours!

Here's a breakdown of my schedule for Monday, September 22nd and Tuesday, September 23rd:

9:00am, Sept 22nd Wake up!

9:30am - 12:00 noon Breakfast, review product notes and demo and prepare to checkout of hotel.

12:30pm Checkout and leave for QVC

1:00pm Arrive at QVC. Pickup guest badge and head for the studio.

1:00pm - 5:00pm Grab some lunch, review product table for 3:00am appearance, check demo.

5:00 - 9:00pm Meet on set with QVC team and Lisa Bearnson to review plan for the Today's Special Value (TSV), setup table, setup computer and practice.

9:00 - 11:00pm Relax in Green room, get dressed for first appearance at midnight.

11:00pm Makeup applied. (Have you ever had foundation airbrushed on? Weird!)

11:30pm Head for set to "psych" self and calm nerves.

Midnight, Sept 23rd Show begins with TSV. Lisa and I are introduced by host, Jacque Gonzales. Yikes! Renee's not miked! (I didn't have a microphone.) Leave set (hopefully unobtrusively) to have mic attached. Hurry back on set.

Midnight - 12:12am Present TSV with Lisa and host. Before I know it it's over! That wasn't so bad. But I'm still nervous about being on my own from 2-3am.

12:12 - 1:00am Return microphone to studio desk, then back to set to watch Lisa's show.

1:00 - 2::30am Return to Green Room to watch the rest of Lisa's show on TV. Chat with Lisa and Jacque after Lisa's show.

2:30am Have makeup freshened, get mic (won't forget this for the rest of the appearances) and return to set.

3:00 - 3:10am (Awake for 16 hours at this point.) Present TSV with host, Dave James.

3:10 - 4:00am Present 6 products on Papercrafting with the Pros show. This thing was really FAST! Only 2-3 minutes for each product.

4:00 - 5:00am Return mic, go to Green Room, change into "sleeping" clothes (hospital scrubs), try to cycle-down and relax. For the first time I feel a sense of relief. The hard part is over...me doing it by myself.

5:00am (Awake for 18 hours at this point.) I finally fall asleep. Sofa in Green Room is long and comfy. Soft pillow and cozy quilt waiting for me. Kent insisted I take the sofa, even though he's tall. He sleeps sitting up on loveseat with feet propped up on cushioned hassock. Poor guy.

6:30am "Wake-up" knock on Green Room door. Next on-air appearance scheduled for 7:55am.

6:30 - 7:15am Stagger off sofa, wake Kent to move to long sofa. Brush teeth and get dressed. Return to makeup for a touch-up. (Note: Why didn't I wash my face the night before and have all new makeup applied when I awoke? Easy decision...it would have cut into my sleep time.)

7:30am Return to set and check computer.

7:55 - 8:07am Present TSV with host, Pat James–DeMentri.

8:07am Total relief! Feel good about that appearance...plus I don't have to appear again until 10:00am. Return to Green Room to find breakfast has been delivered. Awesome!

9:00am Awake for 22.5 hours (24 hours minus the 1.5 hours of sleep I got from 5-6:30am.)

9:30am Check in with makeup for touchup, pickup mic, head for set.

10:00 - 10:12 am Present TSV with Lisa and host, Jill Bauer. (You're beginning to get the picture right about now, right? A few minutes on, not enough time to sleep off, then on again.)

11:45am Present TSV with Lisa and Jill again.

1:00pm Present TSV with Lisa and host, David Venable.

3:00pm Final presentation of TSV with Lisa and host, Carolyn Gracie. By this time I'm pushing 30 hours with little sleep. Running on pure adrenalin.)

3:12pm Whew! It's over! I survived it. I'm ready to go home now...thank you very much.

After a little debrief, then chatting with everyone involved with the show, thanking and hugging everyone who helped I pack my stuff to head to the airport and try for an earlier flight.

We can't change our flight so Kent and I have dinner at the airport Friday's. We're both exhausted. Remember, he was awake whenever I was awake. In fact, he worked hard to help with setting up the products and moving the tables on set. What a team player! In fact, if you'd like to read his impressions of this adventure, check out his post today. 

On the plane, Kent passes out immediately, but I can't sleep. I know that if I fall asleep it will be murder waking up when we land in 2 hours. So I force myself to stay awake by watching Friends on my laptop. We finally walk into our front door around 11:00pm.

I'm not the type who can fall asleep at the drop of a hat. So I "piddle" around unpacking a few things, checking out the news and finally decide to have a long soak in the bathtub. I lay my head down on my own pillow around 1:00am...40 hours after my adventure began.

What I learned: You can stay awake for a very long time if you're running on adrenalin.

More on my adventure...

later...

QVC...here I am!

Yep...I'm already here in Pennsylvania. I came in tonight so I could get one good night's sleep before my first appearance at midnight on Tuesday morning. Yes! I did say midnight. And that's not the half of it. I have a one-hour show to do from 3-4am. Yikes! Needless to say I'll be a basket case by the afternoon appearances.

While I have to arrive at QVC tomorrow at 1pm to go over all the products, the very first thing I'll do on-air is the Today's Special Value with Lisa Bearnson. It's a good one, too. It really is a special value. But that's all I can say about it right now.

Anyway...I'm about to shower and bed.

Wish me luck!

later...

today's thought and other stuff...

Thought for the day...

One must desire to be free of desire to be free.
                             ~ Sister Louisa

Listening to now...

Cliffs of Dover by Eric Johnson

Discovered this amazing guitarist thanks to Guitar Hero III.

Next posts...pics from Donna Downey's Inspired Event last weekend. What a blast! Also, some tips I picked up at Photoshop World.

later...

sick and tired...

Or tired and sick is more like it. Kinda like which came first, the chicken or the egg.

I've got that bug that's been going around and it laid me out flat over the weekend. I'm up and about today, with a not too feminine cough as a remnant. But overall I'm on the mend.

Traveled to Cleveland last week to tape the PBS series Scrapbook Memories for the magazine. That's always fun. The people who produce this show are so easy to work with. And the two hosts, Julie and Beth, are absolute darlings. You forget the camera's rolling and it's just like chatting with two friends. A big THANKS to those two.

I did this last fall and the episodes I taped should be airing soon. My episodes are 1209 (Books) and 1212 (New Technology). Check here to find out if and when the show airs in your area!

sniffles...

i hate DST!

I feel particularly draggy this morning...and I'm blaming it on Daylight Saving Time. Blech! I detest DST.

"I object to being told that I am saving daylight when my reason tells me that I am doing nothing of the kind. I even object to the implication that I am wasting something valuable if I stay in bed after the sun has risen. As an admirer of moonlight I resent the bossy insistence of those who want to reduce my time for enjoying it. At the back of the Daylight Saving scheme I detect the bony, blue-fingered hand of Puritanism, eager to push people into bed earlier, and get them up earlier, to make them healthy, wealthy and wise in spite of themselves."                                                          ~ Robertson Davies, 1947

I feel you, Robertson!

on a happier note...

It is okay for me to have fun and enjoy myself and I do!
I willingly express the qualities I've been given to express.
I have patience and trust my creative energies already working.
I radiate love and shine my positive light on my life and on others.
And so it is!

~ ritaandsutton.com

later...

stream of consciousness

What's on my mind today...

One of the little known facts about me is that I love video games. (Okay, if you've been reading this blog for awhile you already knew that.) Anyway, Kent and I have discovered Rock Band...thanks to our son, Matthew. Needless to say we're hooked. My specialty is lead guitar. (Looks like all those years of air guitar are paying off now.) While Kent is best on bass guitar, he also likes to play drums. If you haven't checked out this highly addictive game, you're in for a treat. Be careful, though, or you'll find hours pass quickly. We're staying up WAY too late rocking out.

Thanks to Colleen for pointing me to Feedblitz! If you look to the top left you'll see there's now a way for you to subscribe to e-mail notices whenever I update this (seldomly updated) blog.

Kent is very proud of his new blog layout and banner. I'm proud of it too. He's also posted a picture of his Maya Road make-and-take from CHA. Check it out!

That's all I got for now. Except to say...

ROCK ON!

later...