"I Don't Think So"

I had an argument with my computer yesterday. Okay, it wasn't just an argument, it was an all out war. What happened? Well, the night before, after I had finished some amazing card designs, and a print design, I decided to log off, say 'nighty night' to Dharma (my PC) and shut her down. Nothing unusual....

The next morning, when I turned my PC on, nothing, nada, zilch, zip. Okay, I can handle this, just a fluke, nothing major. HAHAHAHA

For the next 2-hours I screamed, cried, yelled, cursed and sat there, staring at Dharma, who herself, just sat there, doing nothing! I turned switches off, and on, and off, and on. I unplugged, prayed, paced, thought and then, after realizing that Dharma was not going to give in, I decided to make a deal.

It was Dharma, and not I, who came up with the plan. She would keep my designs and artwork, and in exchange (huh?) I wouldn't have to pay for her 'doctor' bill if I calmed down and helped her.

So for the next EIGHT HOURS, I restored, disconnected, uninstalled, connected, reinstalled, loaded, drank lots of wine, and ultimately withheld from kicking the living life into Dharma, the PC.

Am I still upset, yeah....and no. Sure, I lost several pieces of art & design work. And I lost a few Word documents that were important. But in the end, it comes down to my own laziness and stupidity. I should have saved my work to disk....I should have known better.

It's going to be a bit before I have all my programs, bookmarks, and myself in general, organized and ready to go. But I'm looking at it this way, it's not a bad start to the new year....it's a fresh start!

Be back soon....

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Yay!!!

My print, "Backlit", is in an Etsy treasury today. Yippee! What a nice way to start the weekend!!

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Acrylic Painting Tips

Here's an article with great little tips on acrylic painting. I've always had an avid interest in acrylic paints, but I sometimes have trouble working with this medium. If you're like me, than perhaps you'll also find this article very informative - the tips are easy to understand and very direct.

Happy Monday everyone, enjoy your week!!

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Incentive!!

I've had several people ask me how I stay focused on my work. First off, it's hard to keep on track when you work from a home studio. There are plenty of distractions, many of which "call out to you" just because you're home and you're the boss....laundry, pups, family, magazines, gardening, etc. BUT, anyone working from home needs to treat your work just as you would if you worked for someone else. One way to help stay focused, make a 'to do' list and then reward yourself when you get something accomplished. Such as: complete a task, take a break and enjoy a hot cocoa & magazine article. Or go for a walk & enjoy nature. When you come back to work, your list will be shorter and you'll be more energized & ready to finish your tasks.

Have a great weekend everyone!!

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Great Little Read....

A Twitter peep (Cafe Handmade) posted a link today to an interview article on their blog. The article is about a very creative woman (Rose) from the online ArtFire shop "Walk in The Woods".

Rose is an artist & crafter, an herbalist & healer and a teacher. She's in love with art & nature....she's basically a woman after my own heart. Read her interview here, or visit Rose at her blog and her shop.

Have a great Thursday everyone!!

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New Shop, Now Open....

I just branched off of my Lady Bluebell Studio | Etsy shop and opened a new store on Etsy called Designs by Donna M | Etsy (the co-ordinating blog will soon follow).

At this newest shop you will find a unique selection of my designs....cards, home decor, jewelry and more. Currently I have six cute, original, handmade Valentine's Day cards available for purchase. Stop by and take a peek.

Happy Tuesday everyone, hope 2010 will keep all of you safe, healthy, happy and successful!!

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