Slater By Design

Inside the Recruiter's Head: What He's Really Asking You During the Interview

2012-01-16T07:09:00.000-05:00

Inside the Recruiter's Head: What He's Really Asking You During the Interview

Social Intelligence...a definition

2012-01-04T09:43:00.001-05:00

This is an interesting comment on social intelligence. After reading the link above you'll see several divergent views...is there or isn't there something TO this area of intelligence?

"The Prototype of Social Intelligence
Although social intelligence has proved difficult for psychometricians to operationalize, it does appear to play a major role in people's naive, intuitive concepts of intelligence. Following up on earlier work by Rosch (1978), Cantor (Cantor & Mischel, 1979; Cantor, Smith, French, & Mezzich, 1980), and Neisser (1979), Sternberg and his colleagues asked subjects to list the behaviors which they considered characteristic of intelligence, academic intelligence, everyday intelligence, and unintelligence; two additional groups of subjects rated each of 250 behaviors from the first list in terms of how "characteristic" each was of the ideal person possessing each of the three forms of intelligence (Sternberg, Conway, Ketron, & Bernstein, 1981). Factor analysis of ratings provided by laypeople yielded a factor of "social competence" in each context. Prototypical behaviors reflecting social competence were:

Accepts others for what they are;
Admits mistakes;
Displays interest in the world at large;
Is on time for appointments;
Has social conscience;
Thinks before speaking and doing;
Displays curiosity;
Does not make snap judgments;
Makes fair judgments;
Assesses well the relevance of information to a problem at hand;
Is sensitive to other people's needs and desires;
Is frank and honest with self and others; and
Displays interest in the immediate environment.

Interestingly, a separate dimension of social competence did not consistently emerge in ratings made by a group of experts on intelligence. Rather, the experts' dimensions focused on verbal intelligence and problem-solving ability, with social competence expressly emerging only in the ratings of the ideal "practically intelligent" person. Perhaps these experts shared Wechsler's (1939) dismissive view of social intellience"

From the link above...

Growing Intelligence..social intelligence?

2012-01-02T10:06:00.001-05:00

The reading link focuses on increasing intelligence. Always an area of interest, this morning, however my first thought goes to social intelligence specifically. What exactly is social intelligence? Is it the ability to get along or go along? Is there really such a thing as social intelligence?

In my past human resource career, and to some extent in my current instructor life, it quickly became apparent the ability to work well with others is a critical component to overall success in a career and life. Some seem to come by working well with others naturally while others seem naturally abrasive in their approach to life.

What causes the differences? Different upbringing? Different life experiences? Different genes? Probably all of the above, but what can we do to change the naturally abrasive to the naturally nice? And do we want to?

In preparing students for a graphic design career, this IS critical. It can make the difference between getting a client, maintaining a client relationship, getting a job and maintaining a career.

So...let's do some research.What is social intelligence, do we need it, how do we get it?

Generation Me by Jean M. Twenge, Ph.D.

2011-09-10T11:37:00.001-04:00

First, this seems to be a good read...her subtitle, "Why Today's Young Americans Are More Confident, Assertive, Entitled- and More Miserable Than Ever Before."

Discussion question after Chapter 1...the discussion question was posed by http://stevebussey.blogspot.com

(those of you who know me, know that I'm not necessarilty fond of the remainder of his posts.)

1. This chapter presents a convincing thesis: that we are in the midst of a revolution of what
are considered acceptable social rules which define this generation as being radically
different to the cultural ethos of previous decades (p.20). The new rule: do things your way -
self-interest supercedes the expectations of those around you - or "I don't care what anyone
else thinks, I'm doing things my way." Does this mindset foster or pervert the quest for
authentic community?

My thoughts...No…if we are to believe that in order to give to anyone else, we must be giving FROM a place of comfort, joy and satisfaction…hence you do need to take care of yourself/personal needs first. A personal mantra, this has been followed as I’ve cared for children, family and friends. Community comes from a collection of individuals with needs of their own. How do we give back if we have nothing or little to give? And what is authentic community anyway?

What are your thoughts?

Taste of Tomorrow _ 2011

2011-03-27T08:35:00.000-04:00

More lessons from Frida....

2011-03-12T10:36:00.000-05:00

Most of you who know me know Frida (my dog and constant companion for the last 11 years) is very ill. She has cancer with numerous tumors through-out her body. We (her doc and I) made the decision that chemo or other extraordinary measures to extend her life would not enhance her quality of life and so we are in the period of waiting and decline.

When we can, Frida and I spend the day together (like today) just hanging out, working on home-based projects, watching TV or listening to music together. I thought today, as we were sharing a breakfast burrito that I'd like another picture of her (although I have hundreds.)

As you can see, Frida made her wishes understood! After the first picture, she very carefully stood up, turned around and put her back end to the lenses :)

Ok...so do we want painful moments of our life recorded as we're living them? Do we want a photo taken when we first get out of bed? Do we want a candid shot as we lay dying?

I'm sorry, Frida...what will I ever do without your wisdom and companionship.

Gallery Talk - Bauhaus Images

2011-02-08T16:54:00.000-05:00

Muskegon Community College gallery show feature three photographers...myself, LeeAnn Frame and David Myers. Here is the accompanying movie...

Branding

2011-01-03T15:13:00.005-05:00

What is branding? Why is it important? How do you do it?

For a new graphic designer entering the job market, branding can mean a difference between getting a job...or not. It can mean you get the work you like to do...or not. Creating a brand for you or your business can mean you have a good understanding of your own strengths, interests and goals...or not.

As we look at the process of creating a brand, we'll begin developing YOUR brand as well...and in the process develop a visual identity system for your use in promoting you and your portfolio :)

First the definition...click on the link
http://www.businessdictionary.com/definition/branding.html
Read it...be ready to discuss in our first class meeting.

Link to portfolio...

2010-12-31T12:09:00.002-05:00

Trip to Germany

2010-07-06T08:28:00.000-04:00

Meanness in relationships

2010-04-27T07:27:00.000-04:00

Mean behavior has no place in my (or anyone's life.) However, I continue to see it in class and in the world in general. As long as I see it, I'll continue to comment on it since I find it so abhorrent!

Enclosed is a link to an article about dealing with mean behavior. My opinion...what goes around, comes around. Let's all practice behavior that we'd like coming to us ;)

Keep it Simple Silly...

2010-04-22T07:35:00.000-04:00

I thought this was a great example of less is more in a logo...what do you think?

And last portfolio student...but of course, not least!

2010-04-12T18:59:00.003-04:00

Portfolio Students

2010-04-12T18:59:00.000-04:00

More Portfolio Students...

2010-04-12T18:57:00.002-04:00

Portfolio Students

2010-04-12T18:53:00.001-04:00

2010-04-12T18:30:00.000-04:00

More portfolio students

2010-04-12T18:27:00.000-04:00

I love these pictures!

Graphic Design Portfolio Class

2010-04-12T18:03:00.001-04:00

Here are two of my students that are in my portfolio class. They are currently developing their blog or website as a course requirement. The images shown are ones they designed to go on a postcard inviting significant others and local business and community members to see their portfolios! What talent!! What...in a minute a couple of others will be added.

Creativity abroad

2010-02-09T04:37:00.000-05:00

Click on the link to read about of living in a foreign country and increased creativity! Since I plan on retiring and painting in Mexico, this looks good to me!

On creativity in our educational system...or not

2010-01-29T07:36:00.002-05:00

In my quest to learn more about creativity, I came across this TED talk done by Ken Robinson at the 2006 TED convention. It is as relevant today...in fact I instantly thought of four students as he was describing the dancer.

Watch it...it's worth it!

Creativity

2010-01-24T12:31:00.001-05:00

Fast Company article...October, 2008. Click on Creativity...change is good AND according to Fast Company can lead to enhanced creative thinking....check it out.

Creativity

2010-01-23T13:00:00.006-05:00

A challenge from a good friend and co-worker has resulted in the topic for my blog over the next few months. Since not taking classes this semester, my free time is not so limited. With time on my hands and a “Why don’t you?” from my good friend Maria, the blog topic Creativity was born. She and I have been talking about team teaching a course on creativity for some time. Creativity is integral to both our lives (and to all others in my opinion.) For a graphic designer the ability to create on demand to solve a client’s design problem is a necessary component of our jobs. As an instructor, creativity is essential to developing interesting, learning experiences and course materials. Creativity in business operations has been a valuable commodity for years. As a team facilitator and trainer for a Fortune 100 company years ago, we were reading and training from the likes of, A Whack on the Side of the Head: How You Can Be More Creative and A Kick in the Seat of the Pants both by Roger von Oech. The intent? To teach, learn and develop creativity in a business environment and capitalize on our company’s creative genius.

So, exactly what is creativity? The next few blogs will be written on creativity…what is it, how do we get it, why do we want it, if we had it once how do we get it back? Does everyone get some? Why is it easier for one (to get it) than others? Is it quantifiable? Can it be taught? Can it be learned? And the list goes on.

Let’s begin by doing a brief survey…bloggers, tweeters, fb’s respond! What does the word creativity mean to you? Is it a noun, a verb, an adjective? What is it and do you have it?

Here is what it means to me…
The ability to think without borders
The courage to act on or to develop, design, and innovate based on this thinking and new ideas
The strength to accept resulting criticism and learn from it
The resilience to go back and start over…again, and again and again

And do I think I have it? Sometimes. And why the cows? I ran across an interesting website while doing some research for this blog...click on creativity title...take a look.

Thinking about type...a great Abbott and Costello

2010-01-21T07:09:00.003-05:00

For all of us designers that like to see type in action...here's one that's kind of funny, too. Click on the above Thinking about Type to see a great Abbott and Costello on type.
The first couple of sessions in typography (GRD 140 - Intro to Type) were spent discussing and practicing using expressive typography. Giving a voice to our written words. In this clip, the designer has attempted to visually display A&C's witty banter. With dancing type and turning the sound off, we still get a pretty good sense of the emotion going into the conversation. You think?

Now, without sound, without visuals...what do you see and hear with this 1961 ad created by George Lois?

Geez....the wonder of type!

Decision making by critical incident theory...

2010-01-12T07:53:00.001-05:00

Huge decision...whether or not to take personal classes this semester...is made. I've toyed with the idea of taking a break last semester, in fact took only one class. Signed up for two this semester...what was I thinking?

Which brings me to making decisions...I know all the right ways...making pros/cons list, mindmapping, sourcing the experts, etc. And which method did I choose? Well, it's called critical incident theory (anyway that's what I call it.)

As mentioned, I've mulled over taking a break but was really trying to get to a milestone (Masters + 30 hours) and I'm currently at MA +25 so it is really within reach. MA + 30 gets me to a new pay level (in addition to a lot of great learning.) Signed up for classes, did the first week's worth of homework and got it in ON TIME and reasonably well done. That I think is a kicker...I don't have time to do it REALLY well. And I hate that. But anyway, was even starting to live with that issue, when I woke up yesterday morning with blurry eyes and couldn't focus on the computer screen! Yikes! I panicked! What? Without my eyes focusing where will I be? In a nursing home...walking with a seeing eye dog...very thick lenses on my glasses...no driver's license...can't get to work...lose my job....lose my income...lose my house...and with THAT train of thought, the decision was made.

And that's what I call a critical incident theory!

First homework assignment..Design this quote!

2010-01-07T19:34:00.001-05:00

“I fill up a place, which may be better…when I have made it empty.” —William Shakespeare

Need to show this quote visually...with type only...no decorative faces. First step is to analyze the meaning...hmmm...how about these?

1) Death by suicide?
2) I have overstayed my welcome...anywhere...it's time to leave!
3) Choices in design...shapes versus spaces...maybe I need more open space in this design.
4) I take a spot in a line (any line) that would be better filled by someone else.
5) Environmentally...leave little behind when you go...small footprint.
6) Gas tank...fill 'er up...drive it out (opposite of 5.)

Well...at least they're a start...I'll let you know how it goes. Now I need to do some thumbs and roughs!

THAI Rooster...

2010-01-05T12:51:00.000-05:00

Here it is...not so happy with it but have run out of allotted time...my own classes start this week so I'm on to other priorities.

Speaking of which, I'm going to try to continue blogging, but it is one of those things that when I'm in a time crunch I eliminate! And the crunch is coming...

What to write about when there's nothing to write about...

2010-01-03T10:19:00.000-05:00

The problem of keeping a blog going, is coming to terms with writing something daily. Almost a journal...a public journal...of my activities and thoughts. I've written and erased two different topics today...one on composition (needed to do more thought in preparation than I wanted to this am) one on procrastination (procrastinated until I bored myself on the topic) and finally this one...a nonsensical blab on blogging.

Then I got a brilliant idea...one of the items on my list of to do's (procrastinating by lists is a fav habit of mine) is a pastel of a Thailand rooster...I've promised my Thai traveling buddies for the last three years this artwork! Maybe if I commit to finishing this thing in public, I'll finally do it! So here it is...in process...I'll let you know tomorrow how it goes! I'm going to paint!

I love this time of year!

2010-01-02T10:27:00.003-05:00

Steven Heller has a great article in December's AIGA about the origins of Santa Claus. Since my grandchildren are becoming very aware of the old bearded gent, I found this article (a reminder to all of us who have studied advertising design history) interesting and thought-provoking. He takes us through a quick history of the popular icons of Christmas and their origins.

Thought all might find interesting where some of our current customs originated. Click on I love...and check it out!

Peace!

New Colors...New Year

2009-12-31T08:23:00.001-05:00

Well, Pantone announces turquoise as the color for 2010! It's been MY color for years, and why?

It's the color of water that you want to immerse yourself in, right? I look at turquoise and I see warmth and comfort. I see sunny California days and warm Mexican nights. I feel as though a blanket of warmth has enveloped me...like a cat snoozing in the sun, I'm almost immediately relaxed.

Wow...the power of color! Click on the "New Colors...New Year" and find out what Pantone has to say about my favorite color.

New Year...

2009-12-30T10:14:00.002-05:00

Here it is, the start of a new year is on the horizon...and what lessons have been learned?

1) Suicide hurts. A dear friend and father to two of my nephews chose to end his life this year. I always felt he had the right (that we all have that right.) If living is more painful than the alternative, then we, as thinking adults should have the right to make this choice. That said, I've seen the impact on his family and I'm sorry he chose that road. If I ever consider 'ending it all' please give me the strength to look into the eyes of my friends and family and ask for their help and understanding before making the decision. If I see someone else in that dilemma, please let me know the right words to comfort and guide.

2) MS is a horrible disease. It debilitates and takes away an individual's choices one by one, time after time, until all are gone.

3) Friends and family are lifesavers...depend on them, be dependable for them.

4) Education is addicting...once you get a good taste, you can never get enough.

5) Aging can be beneficial...helps prioritize life events.

Long Term Motivation

2009-01-25T10:02:00.002-05:00

The Dalai Lama talks about cyclic existence in conjunction with the morality of individual liberation...this seems to be the key to attaining the first step toward a more meaningful life. We need to work to be free of an existence (cyclic) that is driven by temporary distractions and short term thinking.

He goes on to say, to be free of this short term thinking and reactive actions, we need to better understand what causes it. The four areas to understand include:

1) true suffering
2) true sources of suffering
3) true cessations of suffering and its sources
4) true paths for actualizing true cessations

Hmmm...I'll start on the first...true suffering, next time. Til then...

Peace!
Nancy

The Ten Nonvirtures

2009-01-18T09:01:00.002-05:00

And help I got...the Dalai Lama speaks about the ten nonvirtures in the next paragraph. By being aware of and abandoning these, we can then start on the path of "doing no harm."

These nonvirtues include the physical...killing, stealing and sexual misconduct...the verbal...lying, divisive talk, harsh speech and senseless chatter...the mental...covetousness, harmful intent and wrong views.

He goes on to say, "Since motivation precedes and drives actions, controlling it is the best way to prevent impulsive and possibly abusive physical and verbal actions." Hmmm...the key word for me here is impulsive... reflect more and react less.

As I was contemplating what to write about this morning, here are some pictures of winter in West Michigan. Beautiful, isn't it!

At least do no harm..

2009-01-10T08:05:00.002-05:00

The Dalai Lama's book identifies the main principle of Buddhist morality...to help others...and if you can't do that...at least do no harm.

My first thought was, "what the heck does that mean?" Does it mean help an older person across the street if you see one? Or how about the homeless guy you just saw leave the shelter...offer them a room? Or how about other species...mosquitoes? Offer them an arm when they are hungry? I read on, "...is mainly practiced by refraining from physical and verbal actions that cause harm." He identifies this as the "morality of individual liberation."

Ok...I'm going to try it this week...refrain from physical and verbal actions that cause harm. Dang, I've already messed that one up! I missed my hair appt. today because I didn't want to wake up my grandchild and drag him to the beauty shop when he was so blissfully sleeping. Wait...so I refrained from causing him harm...and in doing so, did harm to my hairdresser! Aaarrrgh...help!

A continuation

2009-01-06T07:22:00.002-05:00

In Buddha's life, according to the Dahli Lama's book I'm currently studying, there were three stages that brought him to enlightenment.

1) Morality
2) Concentrated meditation
3) Wisdom

Each stage takes a significant amount of time to develop and must be undertaken in order. Any progress on this particular road depends on the development of morality as it's base.

Hmmm...so what is morality? "The main principle of Buddhist morality is to help others and, if that is not possible, at least to do no harm," the Dahli Lama wrote. He goes on to explain this is practiced by refraining from physical and verbal actions that cause harm.

I like this guy! I am starting to feel at home here...I'll cover more later in the week. Again, trying to do this daily, but sometimes, life just gets in the way.

And if they can do it...why can't we?

2009-01-04T13:28:00.001-05:00

New Year - Old Me

2009-01-04T11:35:00.002-05:00

I've always been introspective. Am I the person I should be? Do I try hard enough? Am I good enough? Am I smart enough...healthy enough...kind enough...philanthropic enough? So normally resolutions are simply reiterations of fifty odd years past, made with the intent of improving upon myself...as probably most of us 'insecure' types do.

This year will be different! ;) Things I am doing as we speak...starting a heart healthy diet and setting a docs appointment to have my blood pressure checked, which I already know is too high. I'm getting that in order this year! Setting a 'learning objective' for each day...I'll never be smart enough, but I'll never quit trying! A daily exercise regime...this year I'll quit looking in mirrors when I walk by and wonder who the heck that old chubby lady is! And, a regular reading from a book I've tried to get through many times before, "How to Practice The Way to a Meaningful Life," by His Holiness, the Dalai Lama. Each time I blog, I will attempt to make some sense of what he says and how it relates to my life and how I live it...how I hope to live it!

I've held a curious fascination for Eastern philosophies since reading some of
DeePak Chopra's books during the mid-nineties. This interest reawakened during my trip to Thailand last spring and then again with the Dalai Lama's book.

In the introduction, Dalai says (or is interpreted as saying,)

"...but more dangerous than guns or bombs are hatred, lack of compassion, and lack of respect for the rights of others. As long as hatred dwells in the human mind, real peace is impossible. We must do everything we can to stop war, and to rid the world of nuclear weapons."

So, many of us know that...how do we do it? He goes on to say the we are all one in the same. Even though we come from different backgrounds, political structures, religious beliefs...we are all the same. So we all must come to the following...

"practice of compassion and love-a genuine sense of brotherhood and sisterhood-is the universal religion. It doesn't matter whether you are Buddhist, or Christian, Moslem or Hindu, or whether you practice religion at all. What matters is your feeling of oneness with humankind."

Once we realize we are the same, one we understand we all have similar hopes and fears, once we realize that without compassion, calm and insight that he prescribes to, we face angry reactions with deadly consequences. So...that's what we'll do over the next year. Cultivate compassion, calm and insight...here goes...

Birthday Girl - Aubrey!

2008-11-25T07:47:00.001-05:00

Exercising your brain...

2008-11-25T06:47:00.005-05:00

Hmmm...as I contemplate going back to school I'm also contemplating how this aged brain is going to compete with all the younger, firmer specimens in my class...came across this as a result of looking for brain exercises...what do you think?

It's a cold Sunday

2008-11-23T07:49:00.002-05:00

Cold, overcast, pink skies...the kind of day that freezes nose hairs. Hmmm...and why AM I in Michigan? Playing Mexican music with the furnace on high does not take me to a warm beach. Recent car repairs puts the kibosh on a warm week-end escape...that along with the anticipation of additional college loans makes my balance sheet look very unbalanced and fewer trips on the horizon.

Ok, so I'm bucking up...breathing deep, going for a cold walk with Frida. I'm sure things will look better when I'm back...

For the love of chocolate

2008-11-08T10:56:00.003-05:00

Can you tell we're related?

Civil War in the family

2008-11-08T10:19:00.003-05:00

Well...what an interesting outcome. The elections are over, our candidate won by a landslide. Proposals I thought critical were passed. My local candidates won too. But now, at what cost? What price did I personally pay for the outcome of this election?

First, the benefits...my immediate family and I were one voice in this election outcome. We were united in our beliefs...and I am proud of the choices we made. There is hope for change...economically, internationally, domestically and socially. As I listened to both of Obama's speeches...the night of the election results and his first press conference, I was awed. Logical, thoughtful, hopeful and inspiring...words of a great leader yet to be tested...and based on what I have seen and heard thus far, he will pass the test if we support him.

Next, the challenges...my not-so-immediate family chose the opposite camp. The differences and our conversations about those differences were emotionally charged. We forgot to focus on the process...forgot to focus on the issues. Some very personal disparaging remarks were exchanged...some in jest...some seriously.

Finally, do I want to mend those relationships? Do I want to step back to where we were before the election? How important is this relationship? How important is it to understand diverse points of view? Family or not?

I applaud appreciation for differences. I applaud tolerance and acceptance of others' religious and social beliefs. I applaud open-minded and spirited debate...then why is this one so difficult for me to accept? Maybe because I expect more from them. I expect them to see clearly the right (my?) way.

Hmmm...guess somebody needs to start 'walking the talk' and accept them for who they are, no not just accept, appreciate! This will be a hard one.

Sex in the City

2008-09-30T10:08:00.003-04:00

Well, well, well...last night after a long day at work, I decided to 'treat myself' to a movie and a beer. Hmmm...I bought Sex and the City, EXTENDED VERSION. And it was a treat! Now my question....what about Sex in the Country!

A birthday greeting! Makes getting a year older worth it!!

2008-09-29T23:42:00.004-04:00

Sorrowful Time - Please help me out

2008-09-28T12:42:00.003-04:00

My friend of thirty years called this morning to tell me her daughter, Tammy, a beautiful, bright woman committed suicide yesterday. This daughter, the one that shared my birthday, would have been forty-something tomorrow. She was a mom, daughter, granddaughter, stepdaughter, cousin, sister, friend and wife.

We knew she was in emotional as well as physical pain these past couple years and her mom, my friend, tried tirelessly to help her. Financially, emotionally, physically...whatever it took, Linda was there. This while working full-time and most times overtime to meet her own financial obligations. All the while helping to take care of her sick, ninety-year-old mom and stroke-victim husband (he's in a nursing home).

So please help me out here...take a minute and pay homage to this woman. Say a prayer, light a candle, make a wish on a star that her life be a bit easier for her. She's heading toward the funeral home now to make arrangements for Tammy's services. Please give her strength...let her remember Tammy's light, laugh, spunk and love. Let her see and hold Tammy in her grandchildren...let Tammy's kids see her in their grandma's eyes and feel her love in their grandma's hugs.

Women and their relationships

2008-09-21T09:11:00.008-04:00

Last night some friends (all women) went out to eat and to see the movie, Women. Critics weren't too fond of it...

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=94421361

And I have to admit there were a couple of times I wondered if I snored...but all in all I really enjoyed it. Not because it relaxed me to the point of snoring, but because it's great to see women as supportive friends and not displayed as rivals or lovers (there were also both of these.) Which brings me to another point...

Toward the end of the movie, a friend asked about the number of gay/lesbian people there were on staff. Which has really gotten me thinking about women and relationships..whether straight, homosexual or 'just' friends. Although I didn't say so at the time...didn't say anything...other than respond to who I thought might be gay or not, it did give me a bit of a 'start'. Was she subtly asking about me? Because I'm alone...happily, have mostly women friends, aggressively support women's right to choose in more ways than abortion, and outspoken about the pitfalls of men/women relationships...hmmm. Am I protesting too much? Do I know my own sexual orientation?

Whew...I thought alot about this, and yes I can happily say I do know myself. I do prefer men. My knees tremble, my stomach churns, my body quivers (I think I'm sharing too much...I hope my kids don't read this) at the touch/thought/sight of an appealing man. I'm old but not dead and I don't believe sexual orientation changes after the age of 55, 56, 57...ok,ok...so I'll be 59 this year!

What does happen at this age, though, for me anyway, is that I have become a bit more selective. I don't go to bars and meet men...I will not and never did consider a relationship with a married man...Internet blind dates didn't work for me...Social gatherings are normally a bust...either I can't seem to get myself there or I'm uncomfortable enough that I leave early...

So maybe for me, life as it is now is life as it will be! And I'm fine with that...oh and by the way, the friends that started this conversation with myself...thank you I appreciate and value your friendships!! ;)

Elephant Painting

2008-09-20T07:57:00.003-04:00

You know, I watched a bear dancing on a friend's blog post recently. So of course, since I can't think of anything else to write about this week, here's my version of our talented animal friends.

The picture was taken at an elephant village in Thailand last spring. I hope he is having as much fun as I do when I draw and paint. However, the point of the post (other than mimicking Maria's since I had no other good ideas) was to remind all those drawing students out there...drawing and painting are LEARNED skills. As much as we (who DO draw and paint regularly) would like to think it's a talent, it's simply the old formula of hard work and practice = success. Some start out at it better than others (like any sport or skill), however, with learning to see, learning to draw what you see and practice, practice, practice...you'll be drawing painting right along with this guy...and probably much, much better, by the way!

Las Vegas in August

2008-09-07T06:37:00.004-04:00

Well, as a final fling before school started, my sister Tricia, Melissa, Nick and Dillon and I all met in Las Vegas for a week's worth of relaxation (riiight).

Tricia and I met on a Sunday evening at the airport in Vegas, she from northern California and me from Michigan. We rented a car, went to the Monte Carlo and immediately ate...we were both starving, money was no object, and good thing as the steaks cost us well over $150...yikes!

We drove to Hoover Dam, Boulder City, Grand Canyon, Red Hills north of Las Vegas, Lake Las Vegas, Laughlin, Nevada and the Colorado River to site-see. The countryside is beautiful. We played the slots of course, did very little winning, but had a lot of fun. My sis has the gambling 'mojo' I unfortunately, don't.

Melissa and family met us mid-week so we had Dillon a couple of nights, went to the pool and swam one day. We saw the dolphins, white tigers and lions at the Mirage. I took a quick trip to the art gallery at the Bellagio to see some great American artists work on display...Georgia O'Keefe was one and they had some really nice paintings. On Chip's (my sis's husband's recommendation) we went to the Great Outdoors and saw wonderful aquariums...one salt water..one fresh water fish. I was really disappointed as none of those pics turned out ;(

So great end of summer trip...next year I think I'll try Elderhostel...anyone want to come along?

2008-08-31T09:07:00.003-04:00

Well, last night I thought I was going to see a film which turned out to be a concert SPONSORED by the film festival people. Four of us, Erin (new art instructor), Joan (freelance designer), Maria (math instructor), and me (graphic design instructor) met at Fricano's in Muskegon and then went to the film turned concert event...description following;

Rock The Boat
Four Finger Five and the USS LST 393, in conjunction with The Muskegon Film Festival, are pleased to announce the Rock The Boat Fundraiser; a fundraiser to benefit The USS LST 393 and The Muskegon Film Festival. Join Four Finger Five for a night of Boat Rocking Entertainment on the deck of the legendary Navy ship The LST 393 located at the Mart Dock in Downtown Muskegon. Rock to the music of Four Finger Five while a VJ spins a montage of short films from MODERNCINE. Music, movies, a killer sunset and a couple of great causes. The event is for 21 and over. Tickets are available at the door for $8 per person. In addition to the fundraising event, a special raffle will be held to benefit the Family of Troy Vanderstelt, a Real Estate Agent of Muskegon who was brutally murdered at his office. Please help remember and honor a special friend. All proceeds from the raffle will be donated to The Family of Troy Vanderstelt Educational Fund. For more information about Rock The Boat or the Family of Troy Vanderstelt Educational Fund Raffle, please call 231-727-0805 www.muskegonfilmfestival.com

The video is a brief (thank goodness...I need a class on shooting videos) screenview of some of the breakdancers that exhibited their talents prior to the concert.

Back to School

2008-08-28T07:01:00.003-04:00

Second day of faculty seminar days and I'm anxious to get to the lab! Classes start on next Tuesday and we've got a lot of new things going on! Creative Suite 3...already loaded on all the lab computers (Indesign,Photoshop and Illustrator). New Blackboard features that allow all classes to be included immediately. We can simply use it to upload our syllabi and course documents or we can get easily not use it at all..our choice.

I've built this avatar...hopefully shown below. But each time I try to add her, it totally messes up the layout! Maria, where are you NOW?

Get a Voki now!

Women of Courage

2008-08-27T06:13:00.000-04:00

Last night's dinner, Women's Equality, reminded me of a group of women I saw this spring in Thailand. The focus of the speaker and the evening in general was courageous women. The speaker, Megan Raphael is one of the authors of The Courage Code. Her topic was the feminine face of courage, the quieter side of courage...the side women usually display.

Although we all have plenty of examples of courageous women in our lives here in the US, I was especially drawn to these Thai woman living in Longneck Karen Village. Their livelihood and to some extent, the village's, depended on their willingness to keep their collars on. Our guide indicated the women thought it an honor to wear and it was perceived as a token of beauty, but I wonder. The perception, according to our guide, that the neck muscles are destroyed is false...it simply (simply?) lowers the shoulders after years of wearing. They can and do take it off whenever they choose. An older woman also had brass rings on her knees and legs. This is a family tradition and we met three (maybe four) generations of collared women. They seemed to quietly celebrate this badge of courage.

But here and now? The quieter side of courage? Listen to one of our sisters in childbirth, protecting her young, mourning the loss of a child, speaking out for family, her beliefs, her rights...there's no whispering going on here! I'm proud of the outspoken women I've met over the years. I embrace their strength and congratulate them on their willingness to stand up and be heard. Maybe one day, Longneck Karen Village will find another shoulder to lean on...

2008-08-26T08:06:00.000-04:00

Well, now that I've started, I'm going crazy! Last week-end, before I left for Vegas, the kids, grandkids and I all went to Leon Sr's cabin for the day. I just finished my final design for the theater, my homework was started (not done) I hadn't packed and was leaving the following morning for a week's vacation in Vegas and surrounding area...but how could I pass this up??

Who Am I?

2008-08-26T06:31:00.000-04:00

Well here it goes...my first foray into serious blogging. I can't imagine who might be interested in my thoughts, activities, and general goings on...but I have to try it! My friend Maria...a serious blogger and great techie...has not steered me wrong thus far, so it is on her recommendation that I begin this process.

I have three great interests in my life...family, travel and work. So the majority of my stuff will definitely be about one of these.

Here is a link that introduces me and some of my art and design in more detail...

http://web.mac.com/sandoval_slater/iWeb/Site/Welcome.html