Homework with CJ

CJ and I had a little fun the otherday as we are both studying the in's and out's of Photoshop. CJ had an assignment to manipulate pictures and so we sat down together to get it done. I think our results were pretty cool. This first one is part of CJ's 8th grade portraits I took this past fall at Mukwonago Park. We made the colors pop out and then texturized it with a tiling effect.

The next is again from CJ's 8th grade portraits this fall, but at Rainbow Springs. This one was a lot of work in that we had a lot of layers and adjustments. The effect was to make the picture look like a sketch. What do ya think?

The final image we worked on was a fun one! We took a picture of the Flying Dutchman, the movie prop that is at Disney's private island in the Carribbean, and merged one of CJ's fall portrait pictures to it. It is a hurried attempt, but I think we achieved our end goal of making it look like CJ is standing on the boat...

This is how I know he loves me!

I know Joe loves me when he shakes me awake at midnight, and as I look over my shoulder I see the orange belly and the little legs of a baby painter turtle just a-going! Yes, my love brought me home a turtle!

His name is Leonardo "Pudgie" (because he has a fat head) Davinci. Joe and CJ built a little beach and ramp for him. A warning to all worms - not unlike the TMNT's, this little guy will bring you down! He is hilarious to watch!

So, continuing with my theme: I sat down the other friday to have lunch with my little neice and nephew, Haley and Mikey. As I sat there "talking" with them and looking at my little kitchen (imagining what it will one day be) my gaze falls upon our refrigerator that is askew with the letter and number magnets the kids play with. Well before my love left for the day, he left me a message on the refrigerator. Let's hear it: "awww"! (I know! ain't he the best!)

We are sitting still with the house for the most part right now as we are uncertain what the future holds. Joe has been very fortunate that he has survived 3 layoffs at WI Oven, but if our economy doesn't come around, there are no guarantees. We feel that we can "survive" with our home the way it is until thing pick up. We may make little improvements here and there, but there is no hurry and we are happy with it as it is.