Everyone uses words every day to do many things. We talk, sing, yell, question, answer, and just plain babble on using words. At their core, words let us not just communicate but also really connect with each other. It is amazing on a visceral level that I can read thoughts written down hundreds or even thousands of years ago! I will never forget the chills up and down my spine looking at Egyptian hieroglyphics. You could easily picture someone writing and drawing them just the other day. Words are my passion, and I enjoy ongoing editing and writing courses. Reading a book or watching a class where an expert explains how they succeed is an excellent way to improve your own skills. But, ever since I discovered this word during an art class over 20 years ago, it has remained my favorite:

Chiaroscuro

The official definition is: “Use of strong contrasts between light and dark, usually bold contrasts affecting a whole composition in art.” I love that this word sounds beautiful, feels good when you say it, and the concept expressed is stunning. Shadows coming through leaves, the sun on the water, shadow puppets, or even contrasting emotional overtones can all be explained with this word!

For reference, my least favorite word of all time is: drawer. Just ugh…. blah one-dimensional with a cloying mouth feel. Ick.

Update: I finally did upgrade my ipad Mini – and I do love the Apple Pencil even more than I thought I would! Good news was that because my device was in such good condition I got top dollar for it when I sold it! The buyer actually asked me if the iPad was ever used – and I showed them the case and threw it in for free. Buyer was thrilled.

*If Otterbox made a case for humans, I would buy it. If you have a portable electronic device that is not in an Otterbox or Lifeproof case….change this immediately!

Previous News about Otterbox:

My first smart cell phone was an Android. I loved it. All my information was with me all the time, and I could check basic email and even see the weather forecast. Then phones began to be more interesting. Several iterations of Palm phones and I fell in love with having an operating system that was just easy to use and also could handle documents. LG’s, HTC, Samsungs I loved them all. I never felt the need to move to iPhones when I was madly happy with my Samsung Note4.

But, about 2 years ago I needed a phone that would actually fit into a pocket instead of needing a bulky belt clip. So, I switched. To the iPhone SE 64 GB. The world kept turning, and I loved it. The way I could easily move pictures and information from my phone to my iPad was awesome. I was already doing most of my writing for work on my iPad with a Bluetooth keyboard and the Google Docs app. Now I could also access information and pics from my phone, and they were just magically there on my iPad as well.

Having regular OS updates was also great. With my Androids, the frequency of updates and even the version of Android depended on what brand of phone I was using. I was never comfortable with that. The last few iOS updates are changing my view.

I adore my iPhone XsMax – yes, I went back to the giant screen, and now I am doing a lot of work-related activities on my phone because it is just easy. I love the multi-touch function. I love the fact that I don’t have to put on my glasses to turn off my alarm. I love that with the BestBuy sale and my credits I was able to get ALL the memory. 512 GB makes me a very happy downloading fiend!! I love the large battery life. I just love the phone. Headphone jack, don’t miss it at all which surprised me. Notch, don’t really care about that either.

But, with all of the continued bugs present in each iOS update, I am not sure if I will stay with Apple for my next phone. I find it puzzling how the quality control has failed so consistently. The process is broken, and Apple needs to fix it.

The rise of cloud storage and programs like Google Docs means that moving from one platform to another is not actually all that difficult anymore. My photos, documents, and information are in several clouds so that is not a consideration anymore. I’m committed to this phone for the next 2-3 years due to the financial investment and the fact that I love it. But, when I am ready to move forward, I will again be looking at Android devices. The Google Pixel looks pretty good as well. But for now, I am holding off on updating my iPad and iPhone with the latest iOS until I can be sure that it won’t make my devices explode.

My love of penguins is now vindicated! At work last week, we were all told to watch a great commercial and make everything we do similarly heartfelt and sincere!

Here is the link to what one of the greatest commercials ever!

http://www.johnlewis.com/christmas-advert-2014-montys-christmas

I may never be able to move to the UK, as I would only ever want to shop at John Lewis.

Hold everything. I was planning on writing about identity, finding and defining your purpose yadda yadda yadda – but realized there is a much more important topic.

SHARK WEEK is coming!! Yes, once again for a full week, Discovery channel is going to be airing non-stop awesome sharkiness.

Fair warning to everyone beginning Sun August 10th.…my plasma TV and I have plans. VERY IMPORTANT PLANS.

As an added bonus Sharknado 2 is set to be released at the end of July on the SyFy channel. Life is awesome.

To help you prepare, here is a link to a streaming shark tank aquarium: http://www.ustream.tv/channel/18508227

#sharkweek, #allthesharks

Posted with Blogsy