Pictures and Quotes

I have several Pin Boards devoted to quotes and what I call "truths". These are just random musings and observations of others that speak to me. Some are funny, some are sad, some are inspiring, and some are just me.

I'm gearing up to work on some collages and want to incorporate some of these quotes into them. I also found a great website that has alot of cool art (A Man With A Past).  I played around with some in Photoshop and, for a first round, they came out pretty neat. My plans are to use these as the backdrop of the collage and embellish them with various media. I may need to use a different program though because I can't figure out how to change the font but I like them all the same.

This is for my dear friend Denise (HUGS)!  I think it looks like us, don't you D?

This is one of my all time favorite sayings. Love it!

This is just so sweet. The words and picture seemed to fit nicely.

My absolute favorite! This is my son Zack and his daughter Kylie. It is such a beautiful quote (from Robert Munsch) and a beautiful picture. I think I may just print this out as is, frame it, and give to Zack for a belated birthday gift. Brings a tear to my eye.

I'll post my collage work as I progress. Happy Crafting!

Dr. Seuss Words To Live By

I love Dr. Seuss. His messages are so clear and full of wisdom but delivered in a way that is not preachy.  I found this on Pinterest and just had to share here.

[Via: 30 Dr. Seuss Quotes to Live By]

Not sure what this was originally (a poster? bookmark?)  In any case, it's wonderful. Words to live by!

Happy New Year!

Happy New Year!  It seems like 2011 was a year that alot of people were ready to see end. I'm not sure why: We all had our own personal reasons and all I know can say is Good Riddance!.  Here's hoping that 2012 is filled with good things for all of us. We deserve that.

I don't like to make resolutions (way too easily broken) but I do have several things I'd like to work on this year. I want to continue to expand my creativity, both in crafting and writing. I plan to use this blog to share my amazingness (yes, I am confident)! I hope you enjoy this journey and I encourage you to share the wonderful things that you are doing. There's plenty of room here on Random Bits of Goodness for us all!

I am ready and open to new and exciting changes. We live our lives and have to decide how we want to do that. I'm a Sociologist and I've always seen change in that perspective. Change is not bad, it just means that something isn't working and alterations are necessary. That's where I'm at. I need to make alterations. Let the changes begin!

The picture below is of some paper cranes I made last year for the Paper Cranes for Japan Project. Mythology says if you make 1,000 paper cranes for someone they will have a wish granted. I'm not sure that I will make 1,000, but I've got a couple hundred so far and probably need another 200 hundred or so. I want to make an art installation in my craft room that has the cranes flying out of a hanging birdhouse. (Did you see the Next Great Artist? One of the contestents did this on that show). This will definately be a work in progress and I will post pictures.

Children in the Techno Age

This video exemplifies what I've observed about how children born within the last few years will expect media to work. I am both amazed and saddened; our current "babies" (less than 4) will be so amazingly tech savvy. I think that is awesome. But, on the other hand, it is encumbant on us to educate them of the "old ways" as well.

Pat Roberson's Marital Advice

While I appreciate the stress Alzheimer's puts on the family, I'm not sure how (or why) Mr. Moral Minority, Pat Robertson, can give this kind of marital advice. If you believe that marriage is "til death do us part", how could you possibly council someone to divorce their spouse because they have Alzheimer's?

Pat Robertsons Marital Advice

I find it fascinating that someone who professes to being a Christian and "upholding Christian values" would identify this as a solution. Oh the hypocrisy!

Changes for the New Year

The new year is heralding in changes for me and this blog in particular. I started the blog last year with the intention of using it to convey info to friends and family. Unfortunately, I found it difficult to keep up with (I'm basically lazy). In 2010 I am changing the function and purpose of the blog and, hopefully, it will be of greater value.

Anyone who knows me well knows that I'm feeling rather lost and in need of a new direction. I earned my Ph.D. several years ago - no easy task - and while that was a great accomplishment, that was my last big dream. I believe you have to vision a goal in order to make it happen and, alas, I haven't been able to hone in on a goal for the last 3 years or so. I'm doing okay - adjunct teaching and consulting - but feel I'm just getting by. There's no passion or driving purpose to my life at this point.

I want to use this blog to help me in several ways. First, the blog will serve as a online journal of sorts. It will enable me to gather my thoughts and explore directions. Since I spend hours of my day online, this seems like a good use of the medium. Secondly, I want to learn more about the art of blogging. Since I am a fan of many, many sites, I'd like to learn more about how to create an interesting and successful blog. Finally, by creating an online mechanism I'm somewhat accountable to others who may come across my blog. I seem to work best if I get feedback from others. Please feel free to post comments/suggestions. Part of my life challenge at this point is that I'm really isolated - which is not good for me - or anyone else for that matter. I want to change that.

So that's just a little bit about me and my repurposing of this blog. There is much more to come and future posts will delve more into the details of who I am and who I want to be. I just want to make sure to get this first entry of 2010 in since I'll be traveling for the next 2 days and unable to post.

If you are reading this, thanks for your time and attention. I look forward to conducting this journey with you!