inspire me monday

Be silly. Be honest. Be kind.

~Ralph Waldo Emerson~

I think that just about sums it up.

Have a great week.

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i heart macro

This was my pumpkin from Halloween (yes, you read that right). I had this brilliant idea to test out the Punkin-Chunkin theory. So, after Halloween I stashed the firm, round, pretty pumpkin in the shrubs (yes, our shrubs), waiting for the perfect opportunity and ideal condition - whatever that is.

We found the pumpkin this past weekend.

It took a pitchfork and several trips to clean it out.

I blamed it on the kids.

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LOVE last weeks shot from Through the Lens: RAD Photography.

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It's time for "I Heart Macro" slash "I Heart Close Ups: Up Close Photography for Macro Makers and the Camerologically Challenged". Join me by blogging your up close/macro picture of the week. Grab the button* to show that you're participating and link up here. Then be sure to visit other participants and spread the macro love.

<a href="http://www.waterstonejewelry.blogspot.com"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5024/5613077984_956a8186b6_m.jpg" width="240" height="169" alt="studio waterstone" /></a>

*Instructions for grabbing a button*

Copy the code shown above. Go to your blogger and instead of using the "compose" tab, click on the "edit html" tab. Paste the code you've just copied. Then switch back to the "compose" tab and you'll magically see the button! Finish your post, publish and you are done. Easy peasy.

P.S. If Linky Tools isn't cooperating with you, just contact me directly with your link, email, and name and I'd be happy to see if I can add it.

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sketchbook - more on logo design

If you've followed along this week here and here, you may be happy to see that I've (tentatively) arrived at a new logo design - I think. This has the word actually drawn out as so many suggested and it also means that I'll stop bothering you with my wobbly decision-making processes. So, here 'tis, the (tentatively) final product. At least for now.

Of course, now I'm thinking that I should also sketch "waterstone". Sheesh.

What's on tap for today?

I'm still trying to dig into, around, and out of my dilapidated studio. Pray for me.

How about you? Weekend plans?

Take a picture and join me tomorrow for

"I Heart Macro" slash "I Heart Close Ups: Up Close Photography for Macro Makers and the Camerologically Challenged"

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my sketchbook - logos, design & books

But first...

I am now on Mockingjay, book three of The Hunger Games trilogy. REALLY enjoying it.

At this rate, I'll be finishing soon. Any book recommendations?

first attempt - meh

Two new choices using the watercolor sketch shown above. I like both better than the first.

I'm sure there will be many more before I make a final decision.

Opinions are welcome. Please.

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logos, blogs, cats, and dogs

Oh my. Yesterday was a fog for me. I had to take Jeff to the airport at four a.m. something and the rest of the day was a blur. But while he was home and in his genius way, he suggested that it's a great time to work on my logo, website, spring designs and focus, blog, content, etc. - you get the picture. (It doesn't hurt being married to a marketing fella)

I have a few questions for you. Don't hold back as I'm not fishing for compliments here - constructive criticism is always a good thing.

This was my first attempt at a new logo. I'm thinking that I want to sketch some sort of flower/plant/leaf myself and substitute for the current one. I love simplicity and clean lines - no fancy here. What do you think?

We took lots of animal pics this weekend. They're such willing subjects.

Here's another question...

Time to refocus. I'm enjoying the injection of art into my blog but am beginning to feel that, without the bags and leather at the moment and with the addition of Sunday's "I Heart Macro" feature, things are a little mish-mashed. No real focus. Red flag. So here's where you come in...

What topics do you most love to read about?

Is the current layout aesthetically pleasing and easy to maneuver?

Is there something that you don't like? Such as a feature, design, something about the content, ease of use or...

Photos of goofy pets? No, seriously.

Thanks for your time and help and opinions. They do mean the world to me.

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