I subscribe to Smashing Magazine’s RSS Feed and today they posted a wonderful free set of Photshop Brushes.

I havent taken time in ages to do anything in PS outside of work related projects until today. These brushes tempted me to play for a bit.

I was surprised when  a grunge brush loaded with a warm yellow created crumpled paper on my black background. The new pretty swirlys brushes from Smashing placed on another layer with overlay blend mode made them crumple along with the paper. In the lower right the brush I used reminded me of a Japanese Chrysanthemum. While fiddling for a while, I decided this was definitely discarded wrapping paper that a wonderful gift had been lovingly wrapped in. Notice up at the top left, the gift giver wrote on the paper "love".

I titled this "What’s Left of Love" click on the pic to see the larger version.

Foodscapes: Amazing Food Art by Carl Warner

As much as I didnt want to change, I had to find a more affordable place to get my hair done. Graydon suggested I try his Elizabeth, she cuts his hair for $20 at a Fantastic Sams type place and he’s very happy with her. I decided what the hell, I’ll give her a try. Well, Graydon was right (Isn’t he always?), she did a terrific  job! I really was impressed, and instead of a $75 cut, it was $20.

Additionally, I have found a talented colorist to touch up my "regrowth" every 5 weeks. My sweet Graydon has partnered with L’Oreal and he keeps me blonde. Today was his greatest challenge to date when I requested highlights in addition to my touch-up. He was awesome, I swear, between him and Elizabeth I look just as good if not better than before (see above photo *grin*). Graydon + Elizabeth for color/cut/highlights $42, Dianna $180. Life is good in La Verne.

My Ipod is so old! I bought it 3 years ago at the Apple Store online, (refurb, it was old even then) for $49. I haven’t used it much.

Yesterday I bought my very first download from the iTunes store, Adam Lambert’s studio version of Mad World. Awesome song! He’s an amazing singer.

Speaking of iPods, Toms on his 3rd one. I’m still on my first. For being a computer nerd, I’m not very techy. I have no real desire to upgrade my iPod, I have no desire for an iPhone or cool Blackberry, I have a 19.99 no bells or whistles Trackphone I will activate as soon as my 2 year contract with Verizon expires in May. If I was rich, I’d buy a Jitterbug (dont laugh). They have them at CVS for $99 and they are so cool…Huge keypad, Huge display. That’s all I want. I don’t text. I type emails all day, why do I want to text? If I have something to say to someone I’ll call them.

Speaking of texting, Ive been getting text spam. Scripture! Somebody wants to make sure I make my way to heaven via texting? Bless their heart. They must really love to text.

When I look at these  photos I realize…

• Why God created menopause; No longer do I have the patience or energy to mother a young boy.

• Tom, with all his challenges, was a well behaved child.

• Why are some things so damn funny when it’s not your problem?