NewHardware, New Software, New Beginnings....

 So, I had to buy a new laptop. Well, maybe not HAD. But it was definitel y time for an upgrade. The Toshiba Satellite I'd gotten in 2006 had all its keys worn off, plus it ran constantly, with the hard drive making these wierd clunking sounds.  Yikes!

 About 6 months ago I picked up a Wacom tablet from a Kid on Craigslist for -$25. Kind of clunky, but it piqued my interest. I started researching tablet PC's then, hoping I could find something with a pressure sensitive screen, that I could actually afford. I saw a friend's ipad  while I was on vacation, but I  couldn't get past the fact it wouldn't play FLASH for all that $! Then, I experimented with a Nook color.  Got a used one off Craigslist, and rooted it to an Android operating system with a little help from a friend.  Totally love it! But it's not robust enough for art-at least not any SERIOUS art. For reading, checking emails, and generally goofing off online, it's awesome! Fits in my purse and everything... but, I digress.

 I had work lined up that was going to require teleconferencing capabilities beyond what any of my machines could do  so I thought it was probably time to take the plunge. Enter the Lenovo X220 Tablet PC! This thing is VERY cool! A laptop or a tablet as you need it; just flip the screen around and you're set. Sadly, the new gig fell through, but this thing is So neat I can't even feel guilty about spending the money.

 There's a learning curve to figuring this out, I'm finding out. My art's probably going to look real primitive as I'm gaining proficiency,but I don't care. Full steam ahead! Or, at least as much steam as I have to offer!  Look for my art here, on www.thegildedshackle.com  or on DeviantArt.com.  My handle is "evermancer."

Julie and Julia ain't got nothin'...

Visiting with my friends Jim and Tara in California this weekend, and last night they made "boef bourguignon" right out of Julia Child's "Mastering the Art of French Cooking."  My first and only exposure to this recipe and that book was from the movie "Julie and Julia" and the book that I read later because I liked the movie so much.

I don't normally use words like "sublime" unless someone's paying me to, but... wow!  I didn't take a picture, but I should have.  The subtle layering of flavors is almost impossible to describe.  TOTALLY impossible today, the the fibro-flare I've got going, but that was one of the best dinners I've ever had in my whole life.

It's funny- I've always considered myself a good cook.  But the more I see the more I realize how much there is for me to learn.

Anyone know where to get a really good bottle of balsamic vinegar?  ;)

Zombietime!

Here's a souvenir of the morning I spent with my nephew a couple days ago.  He's been playing the computer game "Plants vs. Zombies" a lot, and wanted me to draw him a zombie of his own.  


I figured all zombies should have ties with smiley faces on 'em.  Seriously!