8.11.2006

August - Ernest Gaines

I can't sleep. :( *sniffle* I'm reaaaaally not feeling well and can't get comfortable. SO, instead even attempting to go to fall into deep slumber, I've decided to finally write about my last month of work. The August Issue.... which I delightfully refer to as... the abomination.

I'll be quite honest with you... July was hell (do I end up saying that every month?). Each time one of our sales staff popped into our office, both Susan and I had the same expression as the poor burrow that just got paired with the 300 lb man, wanting to tour the Grand Canyon. The result of all this unpleasant glances between coworkers is this...

Current Issue
Click on the Magazine Cover and it will automatically open a
new browser window and you will be able to view the entire issue.


There are some great articles and pictures, including the obvious cover story (pg 11) and a style shoot that focuses on the sexy backside of women's clothing (pg 16). The focus of this issue is culture & cuisine. There are recipies offered by some of the best chefs in Louisiana (pg 26). Three culinary masterpieces are showcased, including one served by Chef John Folse, complete with custom invitations (pg 24). Ever wanted to see the cake that looks like Tiger Stadium? We had one made for us (pg 25).

For storytelling purposes... and well I might do this for now on because it might be easier... I shall put within my blogs examples of my work for the month.

First... the normal... (mostly) non-problematic ads.

Quarter Block Ads
Accent Travel Ad 8-06 Frock Candy Ad 8-06 Rural Life Museum Ad 8-06 Subscription Ad 8-06

1/2 Vertical Ads
Louisiana Lagniappe Ad 8-06 K&KShop  Ad 8-06

Web Skyscraper Ads
HemlineSkyscraper Ad Sizzle List Skyscraper Ad

... now for the... "OMG if they change one more thing" ads.

First up. I Love Shoes. They really didn't have a direction, or any clue, of what they wanted for their ad this month. So I got the... "oh just do something colorful and cute" line. The result of such direction was this:

I Love Shoes 1 Ad 8-06

Stock photography of a random shoe on some sort of tapestry. Not gonna work though... because it's this kind of shoe and they don't have that kind of shoe even though that kind of shoe can't even be identified because there's nothing that says on the shoe that it's this kind of shoe. *shrugs* okay... well "We love the colors, so can you do something with the same colors, no shoe, cute and colorful". Got it. Done. Now, lets open door number 2.

I Love Shoes 2 Ad 8-06

I liked it. I love Fruit Loops/Fruit roll-ups/Lifesavers Candy... and I guess I like anything that involves those colors that is edible. BUT, it's not going to work. The reason - never really clear on that. *shrugs* here comes more ambiguious instructions. "do something with the same colors, maybe a shoe or cloth or pattern... you know... cute and colorful". Swing open door number 3.

I Love Shoes 3 Ad 8-06

I had found a picture of a cute tapestry with the same colors after much searching. Surely this was it. Surely the madness was overwith.

"ehhhhhh... I think we're gonna go with the first one"

Great. *throws a shoe*


... but wait there's more. As there was to be further nitpicking. In chronological order of their creation... Versions 1, 2, 3, 4, & 5.

Sanctuary Gifts Ad 8-06 v1 Sanctuary Gifts Ad 8-06 v2 Sanctuary Gifts Ad 8-06 v3
Sanctuary Gifts Ad 8-06 v4 Sanctuary Gifts Ad 8-06 v5

Can anyone guess how big of a headache I had? Oh well, I guess it could be worse... I could have someone give me step-by-step instructions on how to navigate a font menu to select the option for Small Caps... thus insulting my education, 20 something years of experience, and well... general knowledge of a computer... all at the same time, right Susan?

ARTWORK!!!

Hey everyone, as most of you know I am an artist, fine and otherwise. I've been working on getting a lot of my art online for quite a long time, and it's finally ready for you guys to view. I hope you enjoy viewing it all, it has taken a lot of work to get it all together and posted online somewhere. I have permanent links on my profile in the About Me Section for each category. So check back from time to time. As soon as I move into my house, I plan on getting back into my work.

Click on each image to open up a new browser and view examples of my work in that category. Once the page opens, you can click on the thumbnails if you see something that interest you, to see a larger image. I am NOT trying to sell my work, just share it.


B&W Photography Banner


Color Photography Banner


Oil Paintings Banner


Acrylic Paintings Banner


Watercolor Paintings Banner


Printmaking Banner


Sculpture Banner


Digital Art Banner


Drawings Banner


Graphic Design Banner


Love,
Cynthia

7.24.2006

Home Sweet Home

I'm about to break about 20 hearts in a single sentence.

Chad and I are finally moving in together.

A house has been bought, just a few more steps (closing on the 8th) and it's the place I'll call home for hopefully many good years to come. Not many people can say that barely a year out of school they are capable of buying a house. I'm very proud of how far we've come. Yesterday made 7 years since the day he asked me to be his girlfriend as he was dropping me off at my first job. A committment made to each other under the golden arches, that has seen many trials. Thankfully, we've been able to overcome each and every one. I am more happy now than I have ever been before. Now before the questions start rolling in, no there still isn't a date and probably won't be for a while, I'll keep you informed though if the situation changes.

Now about the house. The basics: 3 Bedroom, 2 Bath. Just under 1600 Sq ft Living Area sitting on a large shaded corner lot in a very nice family neighborhood in Central. Brand new flooring, mostly wood but some ceramic tile, throughout. Every room has been updated/remodeled, such as new appliances in the kitchen and fresh paint on every wall. Large backyard with an above ground pool & privacy fence. We plan on getting a dog that wouldn't mind running around a bit, I've always adored collies (yes like Lassie) & golden retrievers. Of course, if Chad says no to that... I can always petition for the otters or maybe a dolphin to go in the pool. :D I've always wanted an otter pond.

So how about a tour. Starting with the outside.

Fir Avenue 1
Fir Avenue 2
Fir Avenue
Fir Avenue
Fir Avenue
Fir Avenue


The Living Room

Fir Avenue 5
Fir <br>Avenue 3
Fir Avenue


Kitchen & Dining Room

Fir Avenue 4
Fir AvenueFir Avenue
Fir AvenueFir Avenue

Front Bathroom & Bedrooms

Fir AvenueFir Avenue

Fir AvenueFir Avenue
Fir Avenue

Master Bed & Bath

Fir AvenueFir Avenue
Fir Avenue

Fir Avenue 7Fir Avenue 6

Lovely... isn't it.