Finally! I've sort of figured it out

Adobe Photoshop Elements that it.



Having the internet/phone cable issues we've had really had me "off" the computer in one sense but "on" it in another. I've had Photoshop for about 1.5 years. I bought it 1) because the photo editing program on the 'new' computer which is now 2 years old was less than satisfactory and 2) I had visions of doing all sorts of wonderful things with the bazillion photo's I take.



In reality, I did use it. But the basic elements of it: cropping, minor level or contrast adjustments - and most of them with the Auto feature. Additionally - it's hard to manage a bazillion pictures and I'm woefully behind. Don't even ask about photobooks or scrapbooks. DON'T! I will ignore you.



So, considering I had just taken about 300+ pic's in Hawaii of my niece & nephews as well as some of my own girlies recently, I thought I'd drag out my Elements book again and see what I could see. Well, while answering basic questions, I find the accompanying tutorial 1) woefully inadequate as was the prior photo program I had and 2) it's in black & white. "Hello Adobe Photoshop People?" I need to see the changes, not imagine them in a black & white world.



Using a program like this requires new vocabulary as well: gradient map, render, burn, dodge, etc... I also use a PC so there's a little bit 'o work in trying to get to everything you want to get to. I've seen my bro-in-law in action with Photoshop on his Mac - much more intuitive (could be his artsy brain too? Considering I'm an accountant trying to be creative?)



So I had a lot of time to experiment and go to other websites (considering the tutorial was not as helpful as say, Pioneer Woman's helpful hints on Photography) and play, play, play. I also thoroughly cleaned the house. Except for the guest room.



I can now take this thoroughly nice pic of my nephew T:

And turn it into, what I think anyway, is an even nicer, more vibrant pic for his mom to cherish forever:

And sweet baby X looks fine here:

But doesn't this just put a bigger smile on your face?

I have oodles of pic's and even "painted" a few lightly and can't wait to hear how Deb thinks they turned out.

So that's what I've been doing - besides watching the triplets next door. Those baby lambs are so precious.

Speaking of baby lambs, my heart is heavy for a friend who is hurting over her own two lambs (children) right now for various reasons (health and safety). It's not my place to go into specifics here. Two passages come to mind today:

"For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Neither are your ways My ways, declares the Lord. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, So are My ways higher than your ways, and My thoughts higher than your thoughts." Isaiah 55:8-9 I think of this when trying to understand "Why?"

"The LORD is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in green pastures,
he leads me beside quiet waters, he restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness
for his name's sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever. " Psalm 23

God is so many things - may He be their Protector and Healer this week.