Susan Ewart

16 hours ago, Rene Marker said:

Do you have an account set up on their website? All of your keys are available there. Every product I have purchased since 2008 shows up on the list.

I checked my account and under the purchases where all my purchases with the download link and keys(it looks like the email I got).   Same result as before, a pop up saying:  Keys are expired, contact support at corel.  that's where I went wrong.  I should have used the keys not where I found them, but with the link Carole gave us.  It all worked well with my  "expired" keys.  both PSP 2022 and 2023 (both Ultimate) are now loaded on the new rebuild.  It will be some time before I get to setting it all up, but it's loaded and registered.  And I bookmarked that page so I know where to go in the future.  

10 minutes ago, Sue Thomas said:

Susan, I'm chuffed to bits that you have made an insect hotel, and thrilled that  my passion for  the world of insects is rubbing off on you. What you need to remember is that insects are generally shy, and  fear humans and their  predators far more than you will ever fear them. it's only when they  are crushed or threatened, that they will with sting, bite or whatever.   Humans have a lot to answer for  with regard to introducing species  for the their own purpose, as they  really do upset the delicate  balance of nature.  I have failed to eradicate the  House Sparrow, but succeeded with the  Starlings, which take  nesting sight that belong to native woodpeckers, such as the Northern Flickers, and  the Downy/Hairy  sapsuckers.  

I have learned to stay still when they are around me as opposed to my usual freak out with flailing arms.  I've learned a lot from you, which I thank you.  The natural world is very interesting and is probably the best therapy I can get.  Well, retail therapy IS a close second ?. ...and insects, well it's a worthwhile work-in-progress. 

20 minutes ago, Sue Thomas said:

Never fear, that's the beauty of PSP, you can always change the photo.  As katydids are also large and a  beautiful foliage green, and will blend in perfectly with the colour scheme you used.  The true katydid is the famed singer of Katy did, Katy didn't.  They are also called Longhorn Grasshoppers.  I have several species of them here, all of which I have macro shots of. I'm sure there will be an opportunity for  you to use a Katydid in  a project.   It  really wasn't my intention to put a spanner in the works with my initial comment, as I did think it was a lovely photo of foliage, and then got the 2 insects mixed up.   

I enjoyed our rounds in this post of the forum.  and I've learned things too. Art that leads to conversation, very cool.

1 hour ago, Sue Thomas said:

 

 

When I look at nature I always take into consideration the  positive side first.  Praying Mantises are beneficial insects to humans only outside of it's native habitat.  Hence introducing them into parts of the world where they are invasive, as the native creatures aren't aware  of how predatory they are,  and can do untold damage to  the fine balance of  the eco system.  They are also an important food source for other creatures, such as birds.  Can they hurt humans,  I would say  no, or very unlikely.  As they don't have venom or a stinger. A bee/wasp with a stinger is far more dangerous to humans than a praying Mantis.  

Very true.  I've been stung when stepping on a nest twice in my life.  I have a healthy (or maybe UNhealthy) fear of stinging bee/wasps. It's like the starlings in the lower mainland, they are invasive.  You are a champion of the bug world and slowly I am being converted.  To the point that I made a bug hotel and and ant spa, well a place for the ants that the birds use to dirt bath in or have the ant spa treatment.  If I did come across a 1.5 foot tall Praying Mantis I'd be the one praying for my life. 

2 hours ago, Ann Seeber said:

@Susan Ewart Here's the official data from National Geographic in this image.

18" LONG!  YIKES!  or....put a collar on it and call it "Spot".  the big take away for me;  A 1.5 foot tall CARNIVORE!  this is stuff of nightmares.

18 minutes ago, Sue Thomas said:

Nor would I.  I should have looked harder at the picture.  It  proved my point of not knowing anything about them.   Other than they are not native to Canada or the UK.  They were introduced into North America  on the east coast, and then into BC on the west coast to control  insects.  There are native and introduced species in the US.

See... they really are evil bugs.  They are masters of disguise, I lived most of my life on the West coast and never saw one.....for that, I'm eternally grateful.  thanks for taking the time to do some research, now I know just which areas to avoid.  I can imagine if I was walking along and saw a "stick" move I'd jump out of my skin. 

3 hours ago, Rene Marker said:

Do you have an account set up on their website? All of your keys are available there. Every product I have purchased since 2008 shows up on the list.

thank you.  Yes I do.  I will look at that.  I should poke around there and get more familiar with it. 

2 hours ago, Julie Magerka said:

Years ago I was learning python; it made my head explode. I kept at it for some time, and then just gave up. Not my thing, obviously.

Actually Julie, I am the least technical person I know...and know at least 3 people!  I bet you'd do way better than you think.  I was thinking after the first and second lesson I might not get this and was not feeling confident with the 3rd.  But when I sat down and follow both the written and video tutorials it was actually better than the first two.  Not sure if it's because I am getting used to the odd words/language or not, it just seemed less daunting.  I just read the lesson for lesson 4 and it seems very doable.  And now I'm feel much more hopeful and learning to not think to far ahead.  If I dont understand something right now, it might covered in the coming lessons (as was the case with the results of one of the tests we did as homework, soon as a started reading the lesson the explanation was right there).  I think this really could be a doable course for anyone. 

2 hours ago, Cassel said:

I think there is a big difference between "Learning Python" and "Learning to script using Python". In the scripting course, only "useful" stuff is taught, while in learning Python, unless you are a programmer, a lot of things are totally unrelated to PSP and scripting (I tried that too). So hopefully, nobody's head will explode! LOL

Too late. (I'm just kidding).

7 hours ago, Ann Seeber said:

I wouldn't call a preying mantis a stick insect. They walk, jump and fly short distances. The females are renowned for eating the male after copulation. A neighbor boy brought in a cocoon on a stick and ended up with hundreds on his enclosed porch. Of course, they eat each other as their first meal. I'm surprised they're not prevalent in your area as they are very common here in NY. Lately there has been an influx of an "invasive" giant version that is not as benign as our native one. They are known to "prey" on hummingbirds so I watch to keep them away from my feeders. 

Yikes Ann!  They are mutant bugs.  They are freaky.  I have never seen one, not even in a zoo.  Of course we might even have them here, they are masters of subterfuge (SP?).  See, they are evil....mutant evil bugs!  kidding, it's really cool you get to see them.  I must ask (with toes curling upward) how big are the invasive ones. 

24 minutes ago, Cassel said:

Yes, you are allowed to install PSP on two different computers, as long as you are not using them both at the same time (whatever that means). I do have most versions on my desktop and on my laptop. I usually use the desktop, but occasionally, I will be away with only my laptop or sometimes, I will want to test something to see if it is PSP or the computer environment doing something odd.

9 minutes ago, Rene Marker said:

I've had many different versions of PSP installed on both a desktop and a laptop at the same time. I don't have as many versions as Carole but every version I have had has been on both and it has never been a problem. Like Carole I mainly use the desktop but for a few years I would go to scrapbook retreats with my laptop so it was needed to be installed. Never been an issue. I think at one time I had a version installed on a desktop and 2 different laptops since I had gotten a new laptop and wanted to make sure everything was working OK.

Thank you both.  I think I wondered because I had bought 2023 and waited 6 months before downloading and the keys they originally sent me expired so I had to contact them for new keys.  I couldnt find the page where you can enter your keys to download, and when I did find something and try i ended up having to contact them, they had to verify my purchase and then send the new download email to me.  I thought I would have to do the same again, and I want to put 2022 on and wondered if I would have to jump through hoops like I did with 2023.  Otherwise, in the past (2020) I had loaded 2019, 2020 on both my desktop and laptop with just using the original key and the page on their website.  

1 hour ago, Cassel said:

For some people, that update has been difficult. So far, an option that has worked (after similar failures like you have), is to completely uninstall PSP2023 using the normal Add/Remove program from Windows. Since you do have a license, you can re-download the installation file HERE and start the installation fresh.\

I know it is annoying but Update 2 is really fixing a lot of issues AND adds some improvements too.

Another note but regarding istallation: Hubby is building a new computer with all programs to be installed from scratch (years of Windows and MSOffice upgrades we think it's getting buggy in other stuff we do).  Do you know if I can install my PSP 2022 and 2023 (both Ultimate) onto the new computer and still have it on the one I'm using now, until we know the new one is working well with no bugs? 

On 8/20/2023 at 1:12 AM, Jenifer Lyn said:

OOoo Nice. Canada!
I have always wanted to go there.
I am a southern gal, Texas is where I call home.

What a lovely DIY, Susan!
I love the colors and those webbed flowers are to die for!
So truly unique. I have always loved looking at spider webs, certainly a work of art.
The quote you put on it is as precious too.

Sunflowers (they get out of control here if you let them.. They seed so quickly).
Symbolizes: Adoration, Loyalty and Longevity (such a lovely flower indeed).
The little secrets that I can share:
▫ Potassium & Phosphorus encourage huge blooms and it takes very little, as sunflowers don't naturally need fertilizer (though love rich soil).
(Some argue that they need something like Miracle-Gro or other all purpose plant food for big blooms, I have never used them on mine).
▫ Try to place them in places with full sun. (some say 6-8 hours per day, but my best blooms are in full Texas sun)
▫ Sunflowers need a lot of water to germinate, but require very little during the growing season. (I think this is one of the best secrets).
▫ Deadhead the flowers just a bit under the flower, usually to the nearest stem.  Not cutting too much stem as they will reproduce mere inches away.
( Once you start getting the blooms, this will encourage a lot of blooms during the season)

Do your plants show any bulbs at all?
Perhaps they have not started yet?
If you planted them via seeds, they could take up to 4 months to begin budding.
Good luck! I hope they will thrive for you soon!   ?

Whew, sorry I'm late in answering this post.  I'm taking the scripting course and I think my head imploded at the new language I'm trying to learn.  Here I thought I understood English, but it appears I dont.  haha.  Thank you for your suggestions.  I did deadhead my other flowers and I will do so...with a very tall ladder...on the mutant sunflower.  2 are mutants and almost taller than the peak of the garage and 2 are smaller.  Among them are some other "mutant" plants that are huge but came with mystery mix in the package and are yet to grace the yard with flowers.  I wonder what they will look like.  I have some Zinnia and Cosmos that have made many flowers and I did them from seed early in June (as I did with all of them).  May is unpredictable and can be very warm or very cold and snowy...and the snow in the backyard is just finishing melting in May.  Next year I will start seeds inside and thin them like it says in the instructions.  it rather looks like a jungle in the space in the back yard.  I did lots in pots too, that way I can move them to get the sun or the background I needed.  Sadly, the neighbours cut 2 very large trees down and I lost all the lovely shade that works great to have black background with the flower in the sun.  It's being a challenge as my two trees arent filled in enough, so there is some dappled areas in the photos.  sometimes if the stems are strong enough I'll shoot them in my studio under constant light so I can control the light and background.  but mother nature is a better lighting artist than me and has better, stronger equipment in her arsenal, so I employ her when I can.  I have yet to learn how to use bulbs in planting but will try next year.  

45 minutes ago, Julie Magerka said:

Love those pix! You're getting the hang of that new camera, I think.

Sloooowly.  I just made myself use it.  Still much to learn, but it can wait.  I can shoot and change setting easily now and that's the important part.  Still need to tweak some user set up to stop some annoying things from happening.  Nice to see you back.  I was wondering where you were.

44 minutes ago, Julie Magerka said:

I'm finally getting back in the game. I kept looking at this challenge and had the hardest time to make something work. Too many bits for my taste, but good for me to try.

I did not cadge any pix from Sue T (who is back for a while, I see - nice!) only picked them up online from Pixabay. Some insects are more "lovable" to me than others, but I would never hurt one or use any sprays. I kill only mosquitoes. Everything else gets trapped in a bug catcher and taken outside, even if my skin crawls to do it. Shiver.

I just played with this, threw a bunch of colours and arrangements of layers around, and this is what I got. I'm not delighted, but I just wanted to DO IT!

I have been watching all the amazing layouts and creative work going on. So much good stuff, and so uplifting to see. And some new names and faces too. That's great.

 

This has nice balance with the two arrows and of course always dynamic is diagonal lines leading you to the payoff in either direction (my eye tends to to go up rather than down), each end has a crawly payoff.  I like those spring colors.  Nice to see you back in the saddle.  

What are the odds of this happening.  It gives me goosebumps.  A wonderful story.  

I have been with people who are visiting me (they are from out of town) and they bump into people from their town, not just once, but a couple times.  I very rarely bump into people from my own town, let alone, if I was in another town.  

31 minutes ago, Jenifer Lyn said:

Thank you so much, Susan! ❥
I have been sharing  the art I have created for so long.
I finally listened to a few dear ones & decided to take the leap! 

Those are some of my favorites as well!
Vintage, a must indeed! 
Thank you for sharing with me!

Best of luck, cant wait to see what you make.  Also, I love clocks, clock faces, the numbers the hands etc.

On 8/19/2023 at 7:08 AM, Jenifer Lyn said:

What Are Your Favorite Elements

Those you collect, or those you make for yourself.
Alphabets, flowers, papers etc.
I am beginning a new journey in opening a little shop for Scrapbook Supplies,
Greeting Cards, Invitations, Announcements etc.
I will also be sharing via my Blog as well as Blog Trains.

I would love to know what it is that others enjoy collecting.
I would rather make more of the most popular of items,
then a tiny bit of everything tied up in one bundle.

Thank you in advance for any feedback you wish to share.
Have a beautiful day!
•✿•

How exciting Jenifer! Congratulations.  I love buttons.  i dont know why, since I cant sew at all.  I love old keys, vintage stuff.  Old cameras (I have a fairly good size collection, yet to be photographed.  I like flowers too, but recently I have being photographing flowers in my studio for extraction.  Oh, ribbons too and bows.  I'm sure i'll think of other stuff.  I'll post if I do.  

45 minutes ago, Mary Solaas said:

Before I go to the Travel Challenge Workshop, I finished my work with Lab 11 Mod 6. Stitched Shape, Double Scallop Rectangle (I really wanted to make one as a circle, but wasn't able to manage it), surfboard (I did 3).  All done.  I used the title from one of the Vector Workshop layouts, the sun sticker from another lab.  The background water paper was one I made in my Chattanooga album.  The picture was taken by Laurie.

Wow! that double scallop is really nice.

36 minutes ago, Lynda DiGregor said:

Playing with the vintage polaroid frame. We are staying in an RV park until our house is finished and this is a sweet dog that belongs to Kim, a fellow camper.

That's so sweet!  Contrats on the house.

9 minutes ago, Suzy said:

Ooooh! I see. I misread what you said about the .jpg. Ok. I will look into this after the Q&A.

Personally, if I were running the PSP show, I would have file compatibility listed under Preferences. And it would be for all instances of save and save as, unless manually overridden by using “save copy as” and then “options”.

I had this problem with 2022 when I first got it.  It was set to save my .pspimage files as x8.  x8 doesnt have the ability to save the text in a selection.  Change it where Carole said to change it to X8-2021 and you will have no more problems.  Some scripts will sometimes turn it back to x8.  So if you get  that message, first thing to do is check the compatibility.  I learned the hard way and had only a flattened layout because I eventually saved in jpg before I knew to save as psd format.  I routinely check before saving now, especially if I've used scripts.  the one I know that does it is the Open (a photo) and make it a copy.  I forget the name.  

This is fabulous.  right up my alley.  CF Spark was made for you.  I was fairly new at the time, Annie was still posting.  I was in awe of her layouts...as I was with pretty much everyones layouts.  

Here is my take on the DIY.  I should have called this Pink Power (or rather...Magenta Power in my book).  I went outside one morning and this stem was all wrapped up in spiders nest.  It looked like it was holding it together.  I've learned these are Cosmos.  I grew some in pots which turned out to be a good thing.  Then i can move them around for photos.  I have some in my tiny flower bed too.  Please dont think I actually know how to grow flowers.  This is a first for me.  I put a lot of stuff in the flower bed.  The packages all said to THIN THEM OUT, when the seeds come up.  I thought NO WAY, what if I thin them out and ones left dont survive.  Well, it looks like a jungle, the little LBJs (little brown birds) love it.  I also tried growing sunflower.  the package said 6-7 feet tall...mine is reaching about 9 feet and still no flower.  It's a mutant.  Here's the details on the supplies

• Font: I love Myself (Creative Fabrica)
• Paper for Scallop strip: DiHiller PSSep20 Paper 6
• Paper for bottom straight strip:  Espy Background 2C (Espinoza
• Paper for  top strip: cpjess-campout wood paid paper 08
• All papers from Digital Scrapbook
• Photos:  mine
• PSP techniques/tools etc: graidents, bevels, texture (from Effects>Texture Effects>Texture and Texture from the Materials Palette), lowered opacity. 

I like the DIY challenges.  They are hard but it's nice to come up with a plan and make it different than everyone else's (that's quite hard when there is a lot of layouts).  

4 hours ago, Jenifer Lyn said:

Hi Susan!

I live on a farm indeed. I love it.
I sure bet you miss it at times, there is nothing like it.
Most acreage is used for agriculture (wheat this year) and 
a handful of horses and cattle closer to the homestead.
I also have a vegetable garden and many fruit tress.

I love to make my own jams and pickles.
Then of course the pickled okra! Yummy!

I am just over an hour away from the big city,
so when I have to go for groceries, appointments, etc.
I make a full day of it so that I can stay afloat for a month or two.
The cities are just getting too large for my taste anymore.

Where do you live now?


 

I am in a small city in Alberta, Canada.  Close to a bigger city.  Lots of rural areas close by though if I need a country fix.  I'm not a fan of the big cities either.  Where are you in the world?

22 minutes ago, Jenifer Lyn said:

They are.. I used to see them in swarms here on the property.
But have noticed a decline in the amount the last year or so.
But in their place, I have been seeing more hummingbirds. 
So the trade off is nice! = )`

It's a good trade off.  But dragonflies are special arent they?  Do you have a big property.  I used to live on various farms (horse), but have lived in the suburbs for 20+ years now.  I still miss living in the country.  Hopefully we can see your layouts of your property and  critters you get to see.