At the beach after work

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At the beach after work
Originally uploaded by lessherger

I don’t usually do much after work, Getting up at 5 am and getting home around 4:30pm and driving on 128? Sucks. But today almost home C called me from the beach wanting me to drive there. I almost said no, but then realized that I had nothing better to do than fall asleep on the couch. So, I went brought a couple of sodas and endured: ants, annoying lady screaming at her kid, and the wannabe bad ass kids talking about sex and getting drunk all thew while being obnoxious about he whole thing.

I also noticed that the posted time for allowing dogs on the beach is now 7:30pm rather than last year’s 7pm. Sigh too bad my dogs LOVE the beach and don’t poo all over the place, it’s one of the few places we can let Ruby run free. It almost makes me want to participate in town politics. Like I said almost. I’d rather be able to have my dogs on the beach and pay more for a park guard than not have my dog on the beach. As is my taxes are outrageous.

Book Review Monday: Caffeine for the Creative Mind by Stefan Mamaw and Wendy Lee Oldfield

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This book is an inspirational type of book. The subtitle is 250 exercises to wake up your brain. It is just that: a bunch of ideas to spark creativity and the thought process.There are numerous ways to light that spark- art exercises, writing exercises, thought exercises among other creativity revving exercises.

It's a great little book if your planning a class or need to get your engine running. The great thing about this book is that it's focused on exercises specifically for the artist rather than the graphic designer. Many of the exercises also make excellent journaling prompts and get creative day dreams running.

I give this book 4/5 binder needles and 1 paint covered thumb up.

If you're stuck in a rut this is a great book to pick up and check out, even if you only thumb through it at your local B&N.

Book Review Monday: The Decorated Journal: Gwen Diehn

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Gwen Diehn is another one of those authors that I’ll like just about anything they put out for me to read. This TDJ is no exception  to this rule. Her books are usually a good mix of instruction and inspiration, and this one is no different.

There are fantastic images throughout. This books differs from some of her other books in that there is very little bookbinding instruction, it’s mostly about making and creating an art journal.

If you keep a text only journal this would be a great book to pick up for idea and inspiration.

It’s got loads of ideas and material, how to use them to begin art journaling. One thing that I really like is the Diehn cautions a beginning journaler from buying every material and option out there, the keeping it simple and really learning your material will allow the artist to create a more evocative journal than using every material and option available. I like that, I like that A LOT!

Even for a more advances art journaler this books is a great inspiration. It’s jam packed and I find I can open it to any page and find a little inspiration.

The great things about Diehn is that she doesn’t rely on gimmick nor premade "stuff". So her books never read like an advertisement for a product or company. She suggests simple materials used well for fantastic results.

I give this books 5/5 binder’s needles and 2 enthusiastic paint covered thumbs up.

You can get it here on amazon.