Decision making by critical incident theory...

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!

“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...

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...

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!

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

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...

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.