Cameras vs. Smartphones...

Whether you realize it or no, I love to take pictures, having received my first camera (a Kodak Instamatic X-15) in 1966.  In 1981 I "upgraded" to a Canon T-70 SLR, as well as getting several lenses to go with it.  I now use a Kodak EasyShare Z740, which I would love to eventually replace with a more up-to-date digital SLR camera.

I just read an article concerning the dilemma camera manufacturers may be facing in the future.  The author, Devin Coldewey of NBC News, wrote that though we were taking more pictures, there seemed to be a decline in the sales of cameras, particularly the "point-and-shoot" type.  Though I had never really thought about it, Mr. Coldewey makes a very valid point...why would you want to spend oodles of money for a camera when your phone has a built-in camera with the capability of sharing that photo with friends and family via such venues as texting and social media.  With a "regular" camera, you incur not only the expense of the camera, but the cost of having your photographs developed.  Add to that cost, the price of storage containers such as photo albums and scrapbooks.

Mr. Coldewey went on to write that camera manufacturers will need to step up their innovations in order to stay viable, such as adding a way to "connect" with others which he states Canon is playing around with.  It seems, according to the article, that Canon, Nikon, and others will  have to do major upgrades in order to survive.

I personally cannot imagine cameras going completely extinct.  Why?  Think about this...would you want your special events (weddings, family portraits, etc.) taken with a cellphone?  I certainly would not!  What do you do if you want to develop those pictures on your cellphone for a scrapbook or to frame?  I have to admit that I'm not aware of the kiosks at such places as the drugstore, Walmart, and Target are capable of having a cellphone hooked up to them. 

As for me, I love my cameras, even though I do take photos with my cellphone.  I will continue to use one for as long as possible.

  

(Note:  If you would like to read the article yourself, click here.)

Hi -Yo Silver!

My son and I went to see The Lone Ranger at the cinema yesterday.  With Johnny Depp playing the part of Tonto, "sidekick" to Armie Hammer's John Reid, I went not knowing exactly what to expect other than I knew I would probably enjoy myself.  

I wasn't very thrilled with how wimpy they made Mr. Hammer's role during the beginning of the movie, but things progressed, he began to grow on me.  Mr. Depp's Tonto was as someone said, "A pirate on a horse."  And they are so right.  

For me personally, my favorite part of the movie was when "William Tell Overture" began to play as the action started to really kick in.  I so wanted to jump and cheer.  However, my son told me to be quiet because we were not the only people in the theater.  haha

I do recommend you see the movie.  I give it 3 1/2 stars.

Origami Owl party ending soon...

My Origami Owl catalog party will be ending in a few days, so hurry over today and check out all the great items they have to offer.  There are so many ways to express yourself with their lockets and tags, which also make great gifts.  Please visit the link below and place your order today.  (PS…any size order, no matter how small or large will be greatly appreciated!)

Ordering Instructions:

1. Go to http://www.hollyyoung.origamiowl.com/

2. At the top of the page, click on "Sign Into My Account"

3. Towards the bottom you will see "Create a Customer Account" which you will need to click to set up an account

4. Fill out all of your information. If you do not have an email, you can make one up to continue. ex: jsmith@aol.com

5. Click on the "Continue Shopping" button

6. You will now be able to shop away!

7. When you are ready to check out, click on the "View Shopping Bag" at the top of the page.

8. Click on "Continue Checkout" and you will have an option to print out your order

9. Fill out Billing/Shipping info. You can choose your own shipment method

10. IMPORTANT: Jewelry Bar Information - for me to receive hostess credit you will need to assign your order to my party.

Click on the drop down box and assign your order to:
(160751) Sharon's Catalog Party

11. Fill out payment method and click on place order now.

You are done!

Please fill free to contact me if you have any questions.

Create a Living Locket today!

There are so many ways you can create a Living Locket with Origami Owl.  Instead of a mother’s ring, put those birthstones in a locket.  Show off your favorite school team with initials and school colors.  Make a locket of all your favorite hobbies.  The list can go on and on.  Besides lockets, you can also “tag” yourself.  Combine 2 or more tags to create a saying. 

These lockets and tags make great gifts.  Please visit the link in the previous posting below and place your order today.

You're invited to my Origami Owl catalog party...

 I am hosting a catalog party featuring the great jewelry of Origami Owl.  Visit today and start telling your story with jewelry.  Origami Owl living lockets make a great gift too.  Please feel free to invite your friends to my party.

Visit http://www.hollyyoung.origamiowl.com today (party ends June 23, 2013).

Origami Owl was started by a 14-year-old entrepreneur three years ago who wanted to save up enough money to buy herself a car.  Today the company has far surpassed her wildest imagination.

  
Ordering Instructions:

1. Visit http://www.hollyyoung.origamiowl.com/

2. At the top of the page, click on Sign Into My Account.

3. Towards the bottom you will see Create A Customer Account which you will need to click to set up an account.

4. Fill out all of your information. If you do not have an email, you can make one up to continue. ex: jsmith@aol.com.

5. Click on the Continue Shopping button.

6. You will now be able to shop away!

7. When you are ready to check out, click on the View Shopping Bag at the top of the page.

8. Click on Continue Checkout and you will will have an option to print out your order.

9. Fill out Billing/Shipping info. You can choose your own shipment method.

10. IMPORTANT: Jewelry Bar Information - for me to receive hostess credit you will need to assign your order to my party.

Click on the drop down box and assign your order to:
(160751) Sharon's Catalog Party

11. Fill out payment method and click on place order now.

You are done!

Please fill free to contact me if you have any questions, and thank you in advance.

 

Bucket List Update...

I had previously posted about some of the things that were in the works around here for 2013.  Some of them included finishing lessons on web designing, learning Adobe Photoshop, getting back into photography,  setting up my sewing room, and buying an embroidery machine.  The following is the current status of my bucket list.

Web Design Lessons:  Finally received the Dreamweaver software needed to finish my course.

Adobe Photoshop: On hold until the aforementioned classes are done.

Photography: Have been to 1 convention this year, with 2 more to go.

Sewing Room:  Garage is finished; however, hubby is in process of putting epoxy on the floors.  As soon as that is done, I will be able to set up my room.

Greeting Cards:  This endeavor will be embarked upon after web designing classes are done, and everything has been set up in the new room.

Embroidery Machine:  Ordered today and should arrive Friday.  Since I'm a beginner, I thought I would start out with a simple machine, the PE500 by Brother.  If I have any luck, I hope to eventually "upgrade" to a machine that will do more. 

Surprise! Surprise!

As was posted yesterday, my birthday started out with a "pity party" as I had been told my kids would not be able to go out with the hubby and me to celebrate.  Late in the afternoon, I had a funny feeling things were just not up to par as my son says he's going to a 6:00 pm movie and I knew there were no movies starting at that time that he wanted to see.  As it turns out, my daughter threw me a surprise birthday party last night.  I was truly blown away by the number of people there because I had believed the only people who would show up for a party for me would be my mother and two sisters.  I was truly touched by the fact that both my nieces were among the attendees.  The gifts I received from my family were so awesome. 

I believe the only down side to the event was the speed of the service.  I was told everyone got there around 6:00 and immediately placed their orders; the hubby & I arrived around 6:30.  The food didn't arrive until sometime after 8:00.  That was WAY too long to have to wait on your order.  It seems there was a dance going on in another part of the restaurant, as well as several smaller parties, and the chef was apparently overwhelmed by the amount of people last night.  People all around us who came in later than we did were getting their orders with no problems; therefore, I have no idea why it took so long for ours to arrive.  I am of the thought that some type of compensation should have been given to us.

I am truly honored by the love and thoughtfulness my daughter showed me last night. When she was still living at home, she and I clashed alot over even the smallest of things, which I am sure all mothers and daughters do.  "Too many hens in the chicken coop."  She is also very much "Daddy's girl."  However, since she has moved out, and especially since she is a mother herself, we have gotten closer over the last 5+ years.  She has always had a kind heart, and has truly blossomed into a wonderful woman and mother.  I am exceedingly proud of her.

Thank you, Bethany, for my special night!  I am so proud of you, and am privileged to be your mother.