A New Semester

I am two weeks into the new semester.  Two art classes this time, Digital Design and 3-D Design.  I am really going to learn the ins and outs of Adobe Photoshop and also my DSLR Camera.  I have already learned about Camera Raw which was a totally foreign term to me.  I cannot use the auto setting on my camera now, but have to manually adjust my settings and then fix it in Photoshop.  I was getting frustrated because I cannot find enough light and we cannot use flash because it takes away from the shadows.  Then the light lit up above my head and BAZINGA-I can make it brighter in Photoshop.  I just have to wrap my mind around this and hope I become fast, because auto just does the thinking for you. 

The project for 3-D design that is due on Monday is taking a design and on the 2-D paper and cutting with an exacto knife and folding to make the design 3 Dimensional.  I will share pictures of that tomorrow.

This little bear is probably 16 years old.  As always in the process of organizing, cleaning and purging I found him.  My Mom made a whole bunch of these to sell somewhere and of course she let us choose a favorite.  I can see why I took this little guy as his fabric had little red hearts.  When I found him one of his arms were loose and bow tie was in disarray.  I fixed his arm and gave him a new bow tie.  The bathroom always has bright lights and I liked the reflection in the faucets.  It still wasn't bright enough so I adjusted it in photoshop.  He makes me smile. 

I love this plaque that was given to me by my niece and nephew brought from either England or Scotland.  I really enjoy things that are pottery and painted.  It is sitting where you can see it when you come in the front door. 

I made it brighter and used a filter to achieve the look I wanted.

New Recipe-Chicken Spinach Parmesan

This is the picture from the book, even though I had some spinach I didn't use it.  I wanted the family to eat it. This recipe was very tasty and so fast.  It was a great recipe to use for after work.

The recipe is for one chicken breast so just increase it by how many chicken breasts you have.  .

Chicken-spinach Parm

1 T. Olive Oil

1 boneless, skinless chicken breast

1 T. Italian-seasoned bread crumbs

1 tsp Parmesan, grated

Salt and pepper to taste

1 small clove garlic, crushed

1/4 c marinara sauce

3 handfuls baby spinach leaves

Heat the oil in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.

As the oil is heating, pound the chicken to 1/2 inch thickness, then sprinkle with bread crumbs, cheese, salt and pepper, pressing so the crumbs stick.

Place in the pan with the garlic and saute for 2 to 3 minutes per side.

Top with hot marinara.  Add the spinach, turning frequently with tongs until it wilts (about 6 minutes.)

I also made whole wheat penne pasta and put marinara sauce on it too.  I then had some breadsticks and frozen peas.