Despite output, there's still input.

Based on lack of posts, one might think I have been locked in solitary or my brain has stopped learning. Not so. I just lost steam for a while, and I'm not promising I'll get it back soon. But I am acknowledging I need to get off my butt and making more out of my time this summer. 

(skip the next two paragraphs for a shorter & more meaningful read.)

I've been working for the Alpena Newspaper now for two weeks. I take photos for them. It blew at first, but I'm getting use to the cameras they have, which are Nikons like mine, but have different settings and different types of lenses. Also, I am trying to get more in the mindset of "Photojournalism" and out of the "Art" mindset. A few other struggles, if you are interested: 1 there isn't much going on in Alpena to photograph, less so on bad weather days 2 i feel like a creeper when i drive around peering out my windows for something to photograph 3 sometimes it takes a lot of courage to ask folks if i can take photos of them.

I haven't really accomplished much else since being home. I made a purse (see post below) I bought more fabric yesterday to make two more purses-I couldn't pick and there was a sale and I had a coupon, so I figured I'll make two and sell one maybe. I got some books prepared to sell online, but UPS was closed for the weekend, so it'll wait til tuesday. I've started cleaning out my bedroom and sorting my numerous belongings, but it's a daunting task.

I'm rambling.

Change is a part of life. I welcome it, and every so often reflect on how I have changed. I want to know that my changes are for the better, and if they aren't, I set out a path to better myself. [recent bad changes: laziness, gluttony]

In some of my younger years I was very stubborn in my ways. I wanted to make my own mistakes and learn everything on my own. I did things the tough way and taught myself some lessons. I've learned now to listen to others and take advise given to me. At random times in life I find elders giving me life advise and I listen carefully, remember and take into account.

Life is a struggle. Help from others is now welcomed. 

I've also learned to welcome the bad as much as the good. I think I've become an optimist. In some ways like the ones extremely portrayed on screen. When life gets tough, when I am loaded down with homework, stress, illness, breakup, hard work, penniless and the like I actually have the thought, "This is life, I am living, and I like it. I wouldn't have it any other way." See, I know that even if life is looking horrible now, it will look up, if not soon then eventually. The bad times will be in my past and life will be more pleasant again.

The lesson: I am happy.

In tough times and in smoother waters, I love life. I live. I am in control of my life. I wish this upon you.

-Roz

My first purse

I made a purse for my friend for her birthday. I used a pattern and learned a lot! In the past I've made a number of things but always with the help of my mom in sewing and measuring and pretty much I just sat there and watched her and sewed what she told me to sew. This time I did it all on my own. And I'm really proud of how it turned out. Next week I plan on getting more fabric and making one for myself.

It's not meant to be reversible, but I guess it works with the blue on the outside too.

There are a few things that I could have done better, but I don't have the experience and I didn't have the time. I did quite well on the darts, pleats, edge stitching, measuring and cutting and assembling. But some of my stitch lines are not perfectly straight, hey, I'm human. And my slip stitching is very amateur. That had a lot to do with the lack of time, and some to do with my skill level.

If you would like me to make you something, I might have some time this summer to make stuff, but I would charge you the cost of the materials and a little for labor. I'd like to think that after I make my own purse I'll make another one just to sell, but we'll see.