Here’s what’s up:

Thing 1.) We moved!  Yuppers.  Although we loved our little community next to the sea, we were getting seriously  tired of the hassles that come with residing in a 90+ year old desperately-needed-to-be-renovated house,  with a basement.  About 200 yards from the water.  Yup, that’s right.  Basements + water = ewwww! So, we sold out for more square footage and better school districts, and although we were **sooo** nervous about whether or not we had made the right decision, I can happily report that after a few nights in our new digs, we feel like we’re in house Heaven.  I’m really enjoying our new little community, and since we’re still only about 10 minutes from the beach, all is good in my gotta-be-near-a-body-of-water world.  There is a beautiful little lake about a block away which nurtures my need for nature, and  we’re no longer having to lurk down into our gloomy basement every time it rains in fear of rising flood waters.

Thing 2.) The crazy travel stuff continues.  Although we’ve toned down our globe-trotting ways a little bit this year (after a final count, we took 17 trips in 2009) the hubster has had to be away quite a bit for work lately, and as a stay-home-mom/Photographer/Graphic Designer (which someone told me I officially am now that I’ve launched a few successful products, but I’m still struggling with that title) there is only so much I can manage all by me lonesome.  So, sessions have been on a mini-hiatus for the first quarter of this year.  I’m resuming a regular shooting schedule in April, and will likely have some things to share between now and then.  As for my availabilty goes,  April is pretty much full at this point, but I should have some openings in May.

Well, I better wrap up this update.  Especially since I’m staring at dozens of unopened boxes as we speak.  And a lot of blank wall space.  Which I am just dying to hang pretty things on.  But, as Ray reminds me (left-brainers!) there are priorities to be tended to first.  Like putting up shower curtains and finding the trash bags.  So, until we can stop saying things like “Hon, have you seen my laptop?”  followed by “I think it’s in  the upstairs bathroom next to the blender…” my days will be spent sorting, organizing, and experiencing those “here it is!” revelations that only come with moving.

So, stay tuned.  I promise more pics soon, as soon as I’m able to spend some time with my camera.  And, as soon as I find it. – PB

I’ve mentioned Jodi at MCP actions a few times on this blog in the past, and honestly, whenever I get the big “why don’t you do actions?” question (which I get all the time) she is a big part of the reason.  She is the queen of actions, hands down, and every time I think of a special idea for an action, she’s already come up with it.   Although there are a few others that I use and love, Jodi’s are just soooo good, and you all know this isn’t the first time I’ve raved about her on my blog.  Well, she’s done it again.

I helped trial her latest release,  “Finish it” last week, and I’m in love.  Her “Blog-it-Boards” totally revolutionized the way I blog, but I think I like “Finish it” even more.    I love pressing ONE button and having my pictures automatically resized, sharpened for the web, and (AND!) and she even figured out how to (somehow?) add a side or bottom bar (which, btw is completely color customizable) that you can automatically insert your logo into.  Yup!  Couldn’t be easier.  And since I’m a ginormous fan of anything that saves me a litle cyber-time, I can see these puppies becoming an automatic add-into my workflow.  I’m starting to think she may have super-powers. The only problem is that I  am (once again!!) stripped of yet another excuse to be a slow blogger.   Here are a few pics I edited with them.  Pressed one (maybe two…) buttons total, including logo insertion (okay, maybe I had to press a third button to auto insert the logo…) and the results are extremely perfect.

The above was created using her build it color block right.  And I counted, I had to press 3 buttons.  Easy, peezy.

The below was created using her build it color block bottom.  You can auto-select any color from the picture for the bottom bar, and add (or remove) an image stroke (I left it on here for demo-purposes) if you choose to.

If I invest in a digital product these days, it has to either significantly add an artistic value to my work overall, or it has to be a major, major time-saver.  There is no question that “Finish-it” is a time-saver, but it also adds an aspect of prettiness to my blog, that quite frankly, I was struggling to find the time to incorporate with each post.  So, Yay for Jodi – she has definitely done it again.  I am going to try to see if she can write an action that cleans my house and makes dinner.  I’m pretty confident that if it possible, she could do it.

****In Other News****

Congratulations to the New Orleans Saints!  It was the first time I’d ever routed against my husband in a Superbowl game.  Not because I’m some little wallflower of a wife, but because  I (a.)  Just don’t watch enough football to know what’s always going on and  (b.) CERTAINLY don’t watch enough football to be able to formulate an actual argument as to why I’m rooting for the other team.  But this time, it was easy.  We have always loved the city of New Orleans, and prior to Katrina, made it a ritual to visit every year at Christmas.  Like the rest of the world, in 2005 we watched as she was brutally ravaged and ripped apart.  We were living in Shreveport, Louisiana at the time, and through our church we had the opportunity to befriend a number of evacuees, most of whom we still keep in touch with.  I can hardly recall the details of all they endured without becoming emotional, so I certainly won’t itemize their horrors on this blog.   However, I will say that if ever a team or a city deserved triumph, it is the Saints.  And for once, I can confidently defend my reasons to Ray.  Because honestly, they don’t have anything at all to do with football. 

****One more thing****

I’ve posted a 30% off coupon code on my Facebook fan page  for Kaleidoscope.  Hurry, though..it’s only good through tomorrow morning.  Make sure to fan me in order to hear about additional discounts & freebies throughout 2010.  That’s all for now!  Enjoy your week, and for those of you who get annoyed because you find something amazing to buy every time you stop by my blog, well I apologize.  That trend isn’t going anywhere anytime soon.  Enjoy! - PB

So, that being said, it is slightly miraculous that I was actually able to create a Facebook Fan Page.  Finally.  Which, actually really wasn’t that hard in retrospect, but in reality, I struggled folks. For well over an hour.  So I’d really appreciate it if you became a fan.  Plus, for all of my Kaleidoscope clients, I’m going to post some cool offers and specials for 2010 that you will ONLY see on Facebook! 

*** New topic:  Self-Exploration***

Right Brained or Left Brained?  Which are you?  It’s really a fun and insightful little exercise to find out where your strengths are and how your brain works.   Plus, figuring out what makes human beings tick has always been a little fascination/hobby to me. 

So, Ray & I recently took this nifty little quiz to find out more about our hemispheres.   It was no surprise to me that he was very left-brain dominant (organized, efficient, very detail-oriented) , and I pretty much knew going in that I was a rightie (spontaneous, creative, visual) but I was a little bit floored at what the overall test results revealed how truly unbalanced I am.  Here they are:

Per the above quizzical interview, I am 100% right-brained.  Wow.  Wow, wow.  18 out of 18.  So much makes sense now!  There is now actual, internet-quiz-generated PROOF as to why I’m simply not wired to return the salad forks to the salad fork slot vs. the dinner fork slot in our silverware drawer!   Evidence!  Finally.

Anyhoooo, we really did have a blast learning and playing around with the whole hemisphere concept, so I thought I’d share it with you all.  If you take the quiz, let me know what you are!  Are you a rightie, a leftie, or one of those wonderfully rare perfectly balanced brains in-between?  Do you think there is any validity to the results?  Does your hemispheric dominance play into your every day life?  I’d love to hear what you all have to share so shoot me an email or leave me a comment below.  Happy hemispheric hunting! – PB

This one comes from Stacy Hayward of Stacy’s Creations Photography and it is gorgeous!  She sent me a sweet email thanking me for creating such “awesome textures” and was kind enough to attach this great B&A.  She used some of the textures from my Gallery Collection to edit these.

These next two come from Leesa Moore of   Expressions Photography.  She has the following sweet words to share:  “Patti, I just wanted to drop by and say how much I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the gallery set!!!  I did an autumn shoot for a young couple at my church and your gallery set has completely transformed the photos from blah to AMAZING. There were leaves and grasses but their colors weren’t so great…..adding a few overlays just put that extra pop into the images. Thank you so much! You are truly talented!”  

Leesa, you did an amazing  job!!  Thanks again.  This fun share was sent in by Christy McKay Peake who writes:  “Just wanted to let you know that I’m in love with your textures!!  I purchased the Gallery and Lite Flare last week and I’m addicted!    I finally have photos that have the “look” I want.   I am overjoyed!  I never take photos of anything but people, but I took a photo of some flowers this morning just so I could play with the textures. LOL  I attached a photo – using Pool 1 and Clouds Softer.  Thank you again!  I can’t wait to purchase more!”   

Thank YOU Christy!  And finally, this unique share comes from Penny Maggio who says “Your texture collection is wonderful and very fun to work with. The possibilities are endless!”   She sent in this totally amazing architectural photo using some of the overlays from Lite Flare.   I just love it because it is so unique, and although I haven’t thought of incorporating my Lite Flares into architectural work before, this pic just may inspire me to do so.

In addition to the shares above, I wanted to share some of the beautiful testimonials Kaleidoscope clients have been sending me.  Here you go….

*Kind Words*

“I Just wanted to say that this was the BEST money I have spent all year! I was going to buy the XXXXX textures from XXXXXXXX…and I am glad I held off! You did an amazing job!! Thank you!! I will be buying the rest next week!!! Have a wonderful day! ”   – Elizabeth

“I LOOOOOVE your textures and use them all the time!!! I’ve been telling all my photog friends about them.” – Susanne

“I have been a graphic designer for almost 10 years, and I’ve never seen anything like your light set.  It is truly ingenious.  Thanks for creating, and I can’t wait to see what you do next!”  – Pauline

“I love your textures, but a big part of me wants to keep them to myself!  I can’t though.  I’ve been telling everyone.  Gallery Collection is my favorite.”  – Melissa

“Wow.  The Gallery Collection is just amazing.  Your prices are great too.  I absolutely love and use everything I’ve purchased from you.  Thanks again!”  – Josephine

“I just wanted to write in to thank you again for assisting me with my download problems.  You were so quick to respond, cheerful, and professional.  I love the Dream Collection, and am so happy that your set is the first set I purchased.” – Barbara

“I am LOVING your site! I just got my first DSLR last week and am having a blast learning to use it! It’s definitely more difficult than it seems but sites like yours are so helpful. And I love your gallery! Can’t wait to have time to poke around in there a bit.” – Brittany

 “I absolutely could not edit without your textures and I’m thrilled to work with your new collection. The intensity of the colors are stunning and offer enhancements that are so unique to my photographs. Your hard work has paid off…you have a fan for life in me! ” – Christy

“Wow! I love all of the textures….. Amazing!!! impossible to pick a fav, but if I had to . Gallery collection would win. I want the whole kit an caboodle.”  – Linda

“WOW! WOW!! Absolutely stunning what you can do with this. This has to be my favorite…I love this most as it gives so much warmth and hope to the pictures. My friend (WAYOUTNUMBERED) does such fabulous work with the help of your products that it has given me inspiration. I am so excited to see what’s next!!”  - Ann

“Patti, I just have to say that your textures have helped inspire me to take my business in a new direction next year.  They are fabulous and I cannot say enough wonderful things about them.  You are a creative genius and I LOVE everything I have ever gotten from you.  You rock!!”  – Evie

Posts like this remind me that I have the coolest clients in the world.  Happy New Year everyone, and thanks for continuing to make Kaleidoscope a success!  Hugs, PB

After asking Ray if he knew what Boxing day was (he didn’t) we pulled out our new iphone’s and googled it.  Right there at the game.  We felt so hip.  So, on the spot, we decided to do our part to promote international customs throughout the United States.  Guess what we came up with?

It’s a Happy Boxing Day sale!!!  If  that’s what you all say.  Of course, you don’t have to celebrate Boxing Day to take advantage of this discount.  It’s for everyone.  And it will run through the end of the year.  So, Happy Boxing Week if there is such a thing.

Just use the discount code: boxing (clever, huh?) upon checkout to receive 30% off your entire order. Of course, as always, if you’ve purchased at full price within the last 5 days just email me and I’ll happily make an adjustment.  But I have to receive your email before the end of the year (when this offer expires), and you’ll have to wait a few days for me to get back home from my own little holiday.  Tis’ the Season!

PS – If I’m accidentally abusing any terminilogy associated with Boxing Day, it is simply meant in a satirical manner….not to disgrace any sacred traditons regarding it’s long-lived customary practices and beloved spiritual meanings.  Please, take no offense.  Hugs – PB

The first couple nights of this little routine were met with great resistance.  By all.  But we were committed to see it through, so our nightly little quiet hour is now known as “Family Time.”  Not exactly an original concept, but seriously, it has been so nice.

Now, nobody resists, especially our biggest original critic: our 3 year old ZLB.  The last two nights, after bath-time, he has been hollering through the house “It’s FAMRWY TIIIIIMMMMMEEE!!!! – Daddy, No EFPN (ESPN), Mommy, No Pweter (computer), I tuwning off Dowa (Dora) and we are Famry.”   He is now sooooooo into it.

 Seriously, seriously, sweet.

So, last night during “Famry Twime” he wanted to play with the Baby Jesus.  This is what we came up with.  And of course we also read him a very special, ancient story.

Very. Special.

And finally, from our family to yours….Merry, Merry Christmas.   I hope you have a wonderful time, regardless of how you celebrate, and I also hope you can find a little silence tonight to reflect on how lovely life is.  Love & Hugs – PB

*First of all – the baby part.* 

I have two older brothers.  I love them dearly.  Even despite the years of teasing, taunting, and basic  run-of-the-mill sibling induced angst, I still love them.  My former post featured the beloved offspring of my eldest brother, and this post is dedicated to the newest member of our family, my middle brother’s  little miracle, who to us is affectionately known as “Baby Alex.”

A year ago, during our annual Thanksgiving trek to Texas, we were told that my brother & his wife wouldn’t be able to have any little ones of their own.  This was heartbreaking news for our whole family.   Well, as we all know, sometimes Doctors can be wrong.  Early this year, my brother called me up to share the happy news  that they were miraculously expecting Baby Alex.  So, this year’s trip to Texas was much different.  I had the pleasure of meeting, greeting, and photographing my new adorable nephew during his first days in this life.  And here he is:

I’ve saved the best of the best pics for their combo baby announcement/Christmas card.  However, do stay tuned…as this is certainly not the last you’ve seen of Baby Alex.

*Secondly, the cell phone part. *

If, for any reason, you have tried to call me within the last couple of weeks – please call back.  I’m not ignoring you, I promise.  It’s not you, it’s me, and my uncanny ability to loose cell phones.  However, due to my early New Year’s Resolution, I have decided to make a change for the better in that department.   Change, partially ignighted, by Skippy.

Skippy, aka the snarky/tech-savvy cell phone store representative, got a big kick out of my inability to distinguish between regular cell phone service and 3G service on our recent phone-shopping visit.  Yup, folks – that’s right.  That’s how much of a dinosaur I am when it comes to cellular technology.  I’ve just never been that into it.  Weird, I know.

 However, thanks to Skippy’s snazzy product demonstration, the hubster and I are now proud new owners of  iPhones! Yay!   Pretty wild.  Especially for me, the anti-techy.  I was required though, to make a pretty steep promise to my husband (and oddly, to Skippy as well….who was a bit over-invested at this point..) that I would learn all about how to use it, I would be diligent about keeping up with it, that I would embrace being “connected” and that  I would make peace with the cellular technology Gods, who up until now, I have pretty much despised.  So, here we go.  I am reachable once again, and at same number as before.  If, however, you happen to call within the next day or so, do have some mercy on me.  I may not pick up right away simply because I don’t know how to yet.

I’ll have a few more shots to share between now and the end of the year, but not a ton.  I’m seriously relishing in the decision we made a couple years back – as a family – that I would not work during the month of December.  To all you other photogs out there who are tearing your hair during the last minute rush before Christmas, you may want to consider taking a little holida-hiatus down the road.  I know, I know….turning down business can be painful, but it is SOOO worth it to have the extra family time to do all the fun little Christmas things that are totally priceless.  So for now, I hope you all can also enjoy a  little bit of the Peace on Earth I have found during this truly wonderful time of year.   Hugs, PB

…and that’s not the only thing we have in common, darlin’.  Thanks for the laughs! – PB

Speaking of the blogosphere, Kaleidoscope  has been seriously making the rounds.  Check out what sweet Gina has to say at PropInsanity  then cruise on over to I Heart Faces to check out their awesome “Fix – it – Fridays” shares.   Tons. Of. Fun.

Something else cool that I’ve learned is that Kaleidoscopeproducts are compatible with Corel Paint Shop Pro.  Yup, yup, yup – also true.   This was reported to me by a few awesome current clients who wanted to try them out.  Although I don’t use Paint Shop myself, I’ve got someone working on a tutorial specifically geared towards PSP users.  Look for it in the rockin’ new year.

Well,  I’m (finally) all caught up on my (work) email, so if you’ve sent me something, and I haven’t responded, for some reason I just didn’t get it.  Or, you’ve got one of those spam filter things on that won’t let me email you back (Fabiana!)

For my awesome family & friends, I’m working through the 100 plus unanswered emails in my personal inbox.  Bear with me ,  as it is the holiday season.  I’m opting to spend time baking cookies with my little love bug in lieu of drafting elaborate responses to Tiger Woods jokes or Holiday forwards.   I know you understand.

Finally.  Photos.  Majorly overdue.  These highlight my favorite tiny dancer in the world.  She’s grown up far too fast for her Aunt Patti to bear.

All of these were edited using textures from my Gallery Collection and Dream Collection.  Also, I adjusted the curves a little, but that’s it.  I’m pleased with the way that they turned out, and I love that her skin doesn’t look all contrasty. 

More soon.  Promise, promise, cross-my-heart. – PB

Thing 1.)  Thank you to everyone who has purchased, blogged about, commented about, and sent me the world’s *sweetest* emails regarding  The Gallery Collection, and it’s other Kaleidoscope cohorts:  The Light Set, Lite Flare, and The Dream Collection, over the past two weeks.   I’m beyond overwhelmed with the amazing reception my digital babies have received, and I truly cannot thank you enough!

Thing 2.)  Tis’ the season!  Due to popular demand, I’m extending 30% off your entire cart total for one more week.  Use the coupon code: blog and enjoy!

Thing 3.)  Kaleidoscope has been receiving some seriously rave reviews on boards, in chat rooms, and via the dozens of emails I receive daily from happy clients, for which I am so grateful.  If you’ve emailed me, you know that I truly try to answer every single email I get because I love them and they totally make my day, so keep’em coming!  I also would like to hear from you if you’re interested in doing a short testimonial about Kaleidoscope.  I’m trying to go back through all my emails and contact those of you who have already said such lovely things, but I’d like to hear from the rest of you too!  Just shoot me a quick one or two liner (or longer if you want) anytime at patti@pattibrownphotography.com or leave something in the comments area letting me know I can use your kind words.    Of course, if you have any questions regarding the products, you can always contact me about that as well!

As always, thanks so much for taking a minute to check out my little corner of the cyber-world.  Now, I’ve got some gifts to wrap, some cocoa to sip, and some tinsel to toss around…..so until next time, I hope you all are continuing to enjoy this season of color, beauty, light & love! – PB