Monday, June 24, 2013

There's a hammer in my back pocket!

At least a year and a half of my life is gone...let me explain.  Photography is a passion since retirement. I spend an enormous amount of time on it.

Because my laptop computer is ancient (9 years old) it is unable to store the photographs taken with my new camera.  Each photo that I don't delete right away, is saved as a RAW file, and a corresponding JPEG file.  In addition I process most of the RAW files to create a second JPEG and sometimes a TIFF file with edits.  Lots and lots of memory is necessary for storage.

To get around the memory issue of my ancient laptop, a year ago I purchased an external hard drive (XHD) for storing all of these huge photo files.  This XHD has lots and lots of memory. I have moved all photos previously on my laptop prior to January 1, 2013, as well as all the RAW and TIFF files to the XHD.

The sad news is the XHD has just crashed and burned. The good news is I download many photos I like to Flickr so all is not lost. Nevertheless I'm going through the grieving process.

Step 1. Denial and Isolation
Day one: My first reaction when discovering my XHD would not load like normal is to deny the reality of the situation.  I'll simply forget about it not working tonight, and try again tomorrow morning. 

Step 2. Anger
Day two: Upon discovering the XHD would not work on my laptop, or sweetie's laptop came intense emotion.  I'm angry!  I didn't do anything different! Why did this happen to me?

Step 3. Bargaining  I need to regain control
* I'll try a different power cord
* I'll send an email to the manufacturer asking for help
* I'll order a new adapter - surely that will make it work

Step 4.  Depression 
Day three: Manufacturer response indicates the XHD is "toast".  It is under warranty so they'll replace it - but what about all the photographs?  Data restoration isn't covered in the warranty.   I'm so sad...perhaps I need a hug.

Step 5. Acceptance  Not there yet!

Sweetie is still looking into the issue but I've got a hammer in my back pocket ready to smash the device to smithereens!  The “ancient” laptop will be next as soon as the new one arrives - it is on order.

Thursday, June 13, 2013

Craft Class III

The final three projects at the Craft Class were all very interesting...here they are:

String Design:  Embroidery Floss stiffened with a mixture of glue and water; wrapped around stick pins; more glue and lots of glitter then just let it dry. It will be hanging on my Christmas Tree.


Whirley Gig:  I really enjoyed this project.  It took two sessions and still wasn't finished, but didn't take long to finish at home.  Plastic canvas; wire; cord and BEADS!   This one is hanging in my living room.


I made another one to hang by my back door - red/white/blue.  I also made a green/white one but didn't take a picture - that one is by my front door.


Iris folding cards:  These two were made after I got home from class as birthday cards. Of all the cards we made during class, this one is my favorite.


The craft class is now on summer break.  Our instructor is not returning in the fall so we are not sure if there will even be a craft class - but if there is, I'll be there!