So I feel like my life is finally going back to normal! It's been almost 2 weeks since my surgery and I'm finally getting back into my old routine. I'm still sore, and there are still things that I find hard to do, particularly bending, walking up/down stairs, sleeping on my back, and sitting normally (heh but that's what my butt cushion is for! mwahaha) but I'm finally feeling like my old self!

And I'm down to taking my pain meds to once a day, and that's just at night so I can sleep ok without worrying about waking up in pain. I'll probably start to get off of that too. Tonight I'm gonna try sleeping in my bed again, I've been sleeping on the couch the last 2 weeks since I can only sleep on my stomach and the couch is harder and supports me more. So yay for all of that!

Second, I've got a photography critique coming up next week, we've been working on portraits and flash and our prints are due Wednesday. So periodically throughout the weekend I'm going to be posting what I have, and I'd really really appreciate some feedback on them. I'm not trying to be a comment whore, I just want feedback and opinions since I'm going to be turning them in. It's so frustrating when I submit something I'm actually proud of and like and would like feedback on, and only 3 people out of the 100 some that watch me comment.

So if you'd like to help me out with these prints feel free to offer me your opinions! They're all photographs of kids, and I submitted the first one yesterday



I hope you all are doing well! Any big plans for the weekend? We're down to 4 weeks of school and then finals and then I'm finished for the year! And then I will be a senior! Even though I have 2 years left ah well, hope you all have a great weekend!

My Newest Work This Month: (internet explorer users right click, choose open in new window, if links don't work)

Photography:





http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/8304835/ Wed, 29 Mar 2006 12:58:26 PST

I figured more people that I know will read this journal than my livejournal so I thought I'd update in here

Surgery was 3 days ago and I'm happy to say that it went really well. It only took about half an hour and my surgeon and all the nurses were really nice. I didn't even have to stay in the hospital that long, we were only there for about 3 hours or maybe a little bit less. The first day was probably the hardest to get through. My first time getting up was absolute torture, it hurt so much that it brought tears to my eyes. Luckily after that it wasn't so bad. Simple things are still kind of hard to do, but as each day goes by I'm feeling a little bit better so I should hopefully be ok for school next week!

Had a few problems with the pain killers that my surgeon prescribed me, I think they were too strong for me or something because everytime I got up I'd get all dizzy and throw up, I haven't eaten that much in the last few days which is probably bad. So we're switching pain killers and hopefully that will help. It might have been the anesthesia too, I have no idea. I just have a really hard time getting comfortable since I can't lay on my back at all, and when you're on your stomach for too long it makes my entire torso just ache and hurt and it's annoying.

But I'm doing well, each day gets a little better and my mom is an absolute blessing. She's taking such good care of me, helping me change the dressings, which have also not been nearly as bad as I thought they would be, and everything. Been watching some movies, lol took me 3 days to get through one b/c i keep falling asleep Then Friday is my followup appointment with my doctor, and if all is going well I'll only have to have the wound packed once a day, if it's healing properly.

But yes! Just thought I'd let you all know that everything went really well and that I'm on the road to recovery! Thanks to everyone who sent me such sweet messages and emails and voicemails and everything, that really means a lot to me

My Newest Work This Month: (internet explorer users right click, choose open in new window, if links don't work)

Photography:



And my first try at a photo manipulation!:






http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/8228228/ Tue, 21 Mar 2006 15:13:57 PST

So! I need some help from all of you html and website genuises out there! In between studying for all of my midterms this week I've been working on a new layout for my little website. I've got everything set except for my textbox table. Depending on your resolution it appears in different spots. A resolution of 1024x768 is how the table should look, and anything higher or lower than that makes it look funny. Everyone that I've asked isn't sure how to fix it, so is there a way to somehow lock the table or anything to keep it in one spot on the layout regardless of the resolution?

this is the layout so far so you all can see what it's doing: [link]

If anyone could help I would appreciate it! Thank you!

My Newest Work This Month: (internet explorer users right click, choose open in new window, if links don't work)

Photography:



And my first try at a photo manipulation!:






http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/7793463/ Fri, 03 Feb 2006 19:06:56 PST

So! I am finally in my first photography class and I'm having a blast!! We've had one project we turned in so far, our photogram project, and the one we're working on now is with pinhole cameras. I have to say, I adore being in the dark room, it's so much fun! We haven't started working with actual film yet, and while I do love my digital camera, being in the dark room makes me feel so much more involved with my photos, it's really neat.

Anyway! Some of my friends wanted to see what I've been doing in my class so I decided to upload some of my pictures into my scraps. lol I know most of you probably don't watch my scraps, which is why I'm posting this journal, in case anyone else wants to take a look at them. They're scraps for now, but I dunno, if you all really like them let me know and maybe I'll make them deviations

Pinhole Camera Thumbs:



Photogram Thumbs:



Let me know what you think, I'd be curious!

My Newest Work This Month: (internet explorer users right click, choose open in new window, if links don't work)

Photography:



And my first try at a photo manipulation!:




http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/7414819/ Sun, 25 Dec 2005 14:43:45 PST

I just wanted to wish you all a merry christmas and happy holidays!!

The day was certainly interesting! Some of it was bad, but most of it was good. My grandma didn't come today and that was really disappointing. She's not been doing well, I don't know, mentally I guess. I think she has a bit of depression or something like that, I'm not sure. But she hasn't been doing anything with our family lately, she doesn't come to anything anymore. She did come to Thanksgiving dinner but she stayed upstairs most of the time. I'm really trying so hard not to be upset by this or not to be angry with her. I mean I don't know what it's like to live with depression so I don't know what she's going through. But she isn't making any effort to get better, she doesn't like her doctor yet won't go see someone else. I don't know, she and I used to be pretty close, yet I feel like I'm losing her, like I don't have her as my grandma anymore and it really upsets me. There's more to it but I think it'd be better not to talk about it too much. It's hard.

But my grandpa did come today, and I feel extremely blessed to have such an amazing family. One of the greatest surprises (well, for me) is that I have my zoom lens now! Originally I was just going to get a bunch of money from everyone and then order my lens whenever I was able to. But a few weeks ago my dad asked to see a picture of what I wanted, and at the time I got annoyed b/c I thought he was just checking up on me to make sure I was spending my money well. Turns out he went ahead and ordered the lens so I could have it sooner! lol, I still have to pay them back a ton of money (which I almost have so it's all good) but it was such a surprise! It's a 70-300mm zoom and it's huge! Heh here's a picture of my new baby. It's at full zoom with my hand as comparison:



One of the most amazing things that happened today, too, is that my cousin proposed to his girlfriend! They've been together for 4 years and it was so beautiful! He didn't do anything elaborate or anything, but he got down on one knee and it was so amazing to actually see it and be a part of it, I had no idea it was happening! As soon as he got on his knee I started to cry (hah big surprise there ). I'm just so happy for them, and she's a great girl. But just think, if I was this emotional at someone else's proposal, I can't imagine how I'll be at my own some day! LOL

heh ok I think I'm done rambling. If you actually read all that then props to you and thank you! How was everyone else's Christmas? I hope that you all had a wonderful holiday!!!

My Newest Work This Month: (internet explorer users right click, choose open in new window, if links don't work)

Photography:



And my first try at a photo manipulation!:






~DawnFire84 http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/7365951/ http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/7365951/ Tue, 20 Dec 2005 17:05:08 PST

So today my dad and I went down to Canton to have lunch with my Grandma. After lunch we went down to this little art gallery. My grandma had met the owner a few months ago (she's friends with practically everyone!) and she mentioned to him that I was really interested in photography, so he told her to bring me down sometime so he could see my portfolio. Well first the gallery is so neat, there was all kinds of art there: photography, paintings, pottery, sculptures, jewelry, tons of stuff! I was really impressed by some of the things I saw there. And then I got to talk to him more and show him some of my work. He gave me such great advice, about how no matter how my professors try to make me do and adopt the styles that they want, I need to stay true to myself and express my own voice in my work. I thought that was really good advice, because it's true, it's so easy to lose your own voice in your art when you have someone telling you what to do and how to do it all the time.

He told me that I have a very Romantic and poetic style, which I found funny because that pretty much sums me up in a nutshell But he told me that I have a really good eye, especially since I've never had any classes or training. And the best part is, he said he would be really interested in selling some of my pieces in his gallery! The next exhibit starts in March, and he offered to meet with me sometime before then to kind of guide me through the process and explain to me how this all works.

This is so exciting to me! I mean, even if none of my work sells, to see it hanging on the wall in a gallery with my name on it would be absolutely amazing. And just the fact that he's interested in it blows my mind. lol, I'm sure you all know by now that I'm extremely hard on myself and don't really think it's that great. But this is a bit of a confidence booster, it makes me happy So yeah that's how my day was! How's everyone else doing?

My Newest Work This Month: (internet explorer users right click, choose open in new window, if links don't work)

Photography:



And my first try at a photo manipulation!:






http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/7317855/ Thu, 15 Dec 2005 11:13:10 PST

So I'm finally done with my first semester at Akron! Well, technically I'm not, I still have to go in tomorrow for a 10 minute meeting with one of my professors, but as far as the work, the projects, and the studying goes, I'm done! And boy am I excited! It's been a long semester that was really difficult at times, but I met a lot of really great people and learned a lot, but I'm glad it's done! And now I get a month off to relax and maybe focus more on my photography and just have fun. Well, I still have work to do, but at least no homework.

And a completely different subject, but Winter and I are officially no longer friends! I really really really hate driving in the snow. I was driving home today right when the worst of it was hitting us, so the salt trucks and plows hadn't gotten out yet, and it got so icy and slippery! And the only way to get home after the highway is to drive country roads where there are tons of hills and if you slide the only place to go is in a ditch. I was almost home today after my final and I was going down a hilly country road at like literally 10 miles per hour, and I saw a car in a ditch on the side of the road, and all of a sudden my car just starts sliding off into the ditch to the right. Luckily I was barely even moving (except for what the ice was making my car do) so I didn't go in the ditch, but I'm just like 'what the heck!?' the guy in the truck in front of me that was already in the ditch gave my car a little push (since I was stuck). He said the same thing happened to him, his car just started drifting off to the right and he landed in the ditch. It's kinda scary though, no matter how slowly you're going, when your car just slides and there's not much you can do to stop it.

I think I also just need to get used to driving in the snow again. Last year I dormed so I didn't have a car and hardly got to drive period, let alone in the snow. So I just need to adjust to the snow and how my car handles it. lol, my little nissan isn't so good in it though

Anyway! Enough of my rambling! Christmas is only a week and a half away! I still have a lot of my shopping left to do....ok, all of it, but I just adore Christmas! Anyone have any fun plans for the holidays?

My Newest Work This Month: (internet explorer users right click, choose open in new window, if links don't work)

Photography:



And my first try at a photo manipulation!:






http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/7287199/ Sun, 11 Dec 2005 21:52:43 PST

ok well i'm in a really crappy mood right now and I need some place to rant and get stuff off my chest, and since my friends from my old college read my xanga this is where it'll have to be. I'll probably delete this soon anyway, I just need to rant, it usually helps!

I'm just feeling really disconnected with my college friends lately. I feel like I'm the only one who ever tries to stay in touch with them. And I mean, I know that they're just as busy as I am and that people just grow apart, but I feel like I'm the only one that ever emails them or IM's them or calls them or does anything to try to stay in touch and it just hurts. I just feel like I don't matter anymore. Like two of them went to the one girls house this weekend, and she seriously only lives at the most 20 minutes from me (I only know b/c I saw her away message) and I just can't help but wonder why they couldn't have asked me to go along too. It wouldn't be hard for me to drive 20 minutes, if at least just to go get coffee or something. I haven't seen them since October and I miss them. But I've tried making plans to get together with them but they either never respond or something comes up (which I can understand b/c hey life gets busy).

I don't know, maybe I'm just feeling worn out and stressed from all the final projects that were due last week and then having finals this week, but I just feel really sad right now, and I hate it. I'm confused about so many things and it's driving me nuts! lol, I give myself such a big headache sometimes

ok, well those of you that have finals this week, good luck on those!!!

My Newest Work This Month: (internet explorer users right click, choose open in new window, if links don't work)

Photography:



And my first try at a photo manipulation!:






http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/7200752/ Sat, 03 Dec 2005 11:10:28 PST

hi all! Ok I need to ask your opinion about something. About a week or so ago I posted a poll asking about a prints account and if anyone might be interested in buying prints. This is kind of what that's about but with some added things. I've had a few notes and a few people asking me whether or not I might buy a prints account to sell some of my pictures. I've been rather hesitant about this because I know that there's still a lot of room for improvement in my work and I'm not sure if it's up to the level of being sold yet, and then I'm just not sure if it would be worth the money because I have no idea how many people would actually be interested.

But then last night I was approached by one of my old high school friends (he's a few years older than me) who is starting a small web based business selling photography prints (and they offer the option to frame and mat them as well). He asked me if I might be interested in selling some of my pieces. Well this rather shocked me to say the least! lolol. I have a lot of questions I'd like to ask him about his business still, but I wanted to hear everyone's opinions about this.

So I guess my question is, if I did do this (or did open a prints account someday) would anyone be interested in buying anything? And if so, which pictures would you possibly be interested in? And this isn't a 'set in stone' type of thing. If you're interested that doesn't mean you have to buy anything, I'm really just curious. And don't worry about hurting my feelings, I appreciate honest answers. If you answered in the poll you don't need to worry about letting me know again, unless you want to of course But if you aren't comfortable leaving a message in my journal, the poll is still up if you'd like to go leave your vote, it's completely anonymous.

Ok guys, thanks very much, and good luck to anyone who has finals coming up!!

My Newest Work This Month: (internet explorer users right click, choose open in new window, if links don't work)

Photography:



And my first try at a photo manipulation!:






http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/7157119/ Sun, 27 Nov 2005 10:38:11 PST

ok this is more of a question really, but after I clear my messages in my little message center area, there's always something left over, even though I've cleared everything. It's usually journals, though today it was favorites, and when I click on them they go away immediately. I've started calling them phantom messages because they aren't really there But anyway, I was just wondering if anyone else was having the same problem or if it was just me. It's starting to get a bit annoying!!

My Newest Work This Month: (internet explorer users right click, choose open in new window, if links don't work)

Photography:



And my first try at a photo manipulation!:






~DawnFire84 http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/7126420/ http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/7126420/ Wed, 23 Nov 2005 19:22:45 PST

I just wanted to wish everyone a happy Thanksgiving! Anyone have any fun plans for tomorrow? We're going up to my aunt and uncle's house like we do every year, it's a lot of fun And it snowed a bunch today too, and then friday we're putting up our Christmas tree! I just love this time of year, it always makes me feel so happy and warm.

Anyway, I hope you all have a wonderful time with your families, and eat lots of turkey!!



http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/7001210/ Wed, 09 Nov 2005 15:26:59 PST

Ok, I'm just wondering if any of you post at any other art sites. I've been kind of frustrated with deviantart lately and I'm looking for another place where I can also display my pictures. The biggest frustration I have right now is the lack of feedback. I've been submitting quite a few pictures the last month or so (well, at least more than normal for me ) and I've been rather pleased with them for the most part, but I haven't received as much feedback as I would like. Now I'm not trying to be some kind of comment whore or anything like that. However, I can't learn or grow or get any better if I don't get the constructive criticism or feedback. And that's what I really want to do, I want to grow. I have 85 or so watchers but I haven't even heard from some of you in a year or more. Some people I never even hear from. I'm not trying to guilt anyone into commenting or anything like that at all, and I'm not saying that all of my pieces need to be commented on. I know I don't comment on everything that comes into my inbox, it's unrealistic to even think that someone will always comment on everything. I've just been rather frustrated I guess.

So I'm just wondering if there are any other sites that anyone would recommend? I'm not leaving deviantart, just looking for another place to post. Thanks!



~DawnFire84 http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/6866480/ http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/6866480/ Tue, 25 Oct 2005 17:14:46 PDT

hah, the ever wonderful ~BakaBokken has tagged me! lol I've been watching this thing go around and didn't think it would make it to me, but guess it did! So 20 random/useless facts, eh? I'll take a shot at it! Though I'm warning ya all, I'm a rather boring person so these won't be that interesting!

1. I am distantly related to Benjamin Franklin...lol, no one ever believes me when I tell them that, but why would I lie about something weird like that?

2. I am ridiculously afraid of bees...it's almost like a phobia of mine. Even if one is a few feet from me I freak out. Got attacked by a bee on Sunday at the gas station too... 2 people came up to me and asked me if I was ok -_-

3. I absolutely adore the sky and everything about it, clouds, stars, the moon, sunset/sunrise, the colors, everything!

4. I'm not supposed to be eating chocolate and drinking pop anymore because I have kidney stones, but I do it anyway! (shhhhh)

5. When I was in second grade my family and I got to be the models in some kind of family magazine to advertise this picnic blanket thing....I don't really remember it but I do know that it was cool being in a magazine!

6. I have a bit of a self confidence problem, mainly with my work, but I'm trying to get over that!

7. Even though I'm probably one of the biggest hopeless romantics you'll ever meet, I hate Valentines Day!

8. I am horrible at any and all sports. I always get hurt. I've been hit with just about every ball imagineable, soccer balls, tennis balls, footballs, broke my thumb playing basketball...I'm quite dangerous!

9. I love to travel but I'm scared to death of flying...ironic, huh?

10. I absolutely adore kids, I love hearing what they have to say and I love their imaginations and just being around them. I want to have a huge family!

11. I saw a shooting star for the first time back in the summer...it was beautiful!

12. I've never been to another country before...well, only Canada but it was at Niagara Falls and you could see the US border from the hotel so I don't really count that

13. I am extremely shy around guys, particularly those that I find attractive. Don't know why, I need to not be like that!

14. I sang in my school's choirs for 7 years, took voice lessons for 4, and was in the 12 person jazz choir my senior year...I miss singing a lot!

15. My grandfather died of cancer quite a few years ago, but even so I still miss him a lot and wish he was here to give me art advice

16. I am a huuuuge perfectionist! With my school work, art, everything I do I'm picky about it. lol, also something I need to work on.

17. I'm a huuuge sap and a big baby! I cry at everything, stories, movies, tv shows, I'm a big baby! Though most of you know that already

18. drawing drapery is very hard for me! (if anyone knows any good tutorials let me know!)

19. I always try my hardest to treat people with the kindness and respect that I would want to be treated with, but sometimes it's very hard to do!

20. I am not a TH!!!! hehehe ok so that won't make sense to everyone, but just take my word for it, I'm not!

hmmmm ok, gotta tag someone now! I'm going to tag and Have fun!



http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/6713273/ Sat, 08 Oct 2005 17:55:58 PDT

lol, this will be a short journal but I haven't updated it in forever so I thought I would! I hit 5,000 page views a few days ago and I just wanted to say thank you everyone! A huge thanks to all of my watchers and friends, to those that like my work and comment and it and those that just view it! Thanks everyone for your support, it means so much to me!

And woo hoo, I'm 21 today! lol, I don't really drink so the number isn't really a huge deal No one has ever really made a huge deal out of my birthday so it's kind of just another regular day, but thanks to everyone for wishing me a happy birthday and all, I appreciate it!

So yeah that's it for this journal! Life isn't that exciting right now so I don't have anything interesting to update it with, lol. Until next time!



... ]]> ~DawnFire84 http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/6291195/ http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/6291195/ Sun, 21 Aug 2005 19:38:38 PDT
Honestly I don't really know why I'm writing this. I guess just because I want to get it off my chest and kind of rant, but I'm not looking for pity or anything. It just makes me feel unhappy with myself, like I'm different and don't really fit in anywhere and that I'm abnormal or something. I just feel kind of crappy and unhappy tonight ]]> ~DawnFire84 http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/6084489/ http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/6084489/ Sun, 31 Jul 2005 10:19:26 PDT jark , one of the co-creators and founders of this site, has resigned, been fired, been forced to quit, been demoted (take your pick, I'm not entirely sure which is correct) and there's quite an uproar about this. And this to me seems incredibly wrong - how is one of the creators of this site demoted!? That just doesn't sit well with me at all. I've read a lot of speculations and a lot of things that have been pretty vague, so I'm just wondering what on earth is going on? Or has the community of DeviantArt really been so uninformed? Many people have even begun to protest this situation by putting their art galleries into storage (which doesn't delete them, only hides them from public view) and some of said that they won't submit any more art for the time being until we get some more information.

I know that there are already a bazillion journals and forum topics about this, and I'm not sure where I stand. Honestly I'm just confused as to what's going on.

What has me shocked as well is that it seems that other staff members are dropping like flies. It seems that 8 staff members are now resigning, and I find that very alarming. Here's a good link that talks about this more:

[link] and [link]

as well as

[link]

[link] [link] and [link]

So I'm just wondering if anyone can shed some light on this? What all is going on? I know that many people have subscriptions and bought them for others, and many have a prints account where DA makes a lot of money when those prints sell...I think we as a community deserve to know what's going on. ]]> ~DawnFire84 http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/6061478/ http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/6061478/ Thu, 28 Jul 2005 20:07:50 PDT Ok, I'm having a problem with Windows Movie Maker 2. Whenever I drag a clip into the timeline and try to preview it, the preview screen stays black. I can still hear the audio, but none of the pictures show up. It's the same with everything I put in, even if it's a movie clip or a still image. This didn't always happen. In fact, the same clips that I'm using now worked a few months ago. The clips are all either .avi or .wmv, which should all be compatible with the software. Can anyone try to help me fix this? I've tried doing a system restore and then I also uninstalled the service pack 2 and reinstalled it, and neither of them worked.

Or does anyone know of a good free program that I can use to make amvs? I can't afford to buy one, which was why wmm2 worked so well ]]> ~DawnFire84 http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/5884419/ http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/5884419/ Sat, 09 Jul 2005 09:15:41 PDT
Some blood work, tests, and 4 hours later, the doctor told me that I have kidney stones. The one already passed, which was what was causing me so much pain and since it passed it was why I was feeling better, but I guess there's still another one in my kidney. So that means I'm going to have to go through this pain again, though who knows when it'll start moving. It could be weeks or years! Unfortunately this also means that I'll be having this problem for the rest of my life too. It's kind of sad that the first time I had a kidney stone I was only 16! That's way too young for this kind of problem!

But I'm on some medicine now, and I'm not supposed to drink pop or anything like that anymore, but really I'm just glad that I finally know what the problem has been. It took 4 years to figure out, but I'm glad to at least know! ]]> ~DawnFire84 http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/5861080/ http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/5861080/ Wed, 06 Jul 2005 21:09:06 PDT

I'm to the point again where I'm so sick of people and trying to belong and wanting to fit in. I don't have many close friends from home, but earlier in the year I talked to a few of them a lot (though mostly through emails since I was away at school). The past month or so, they won't give me the time of day. The one, who I was probably closest with back in high school, would still talk to me, but only when the others aren't around. This is so stupid, I feel like I'm back in high school again or something and I'm just so sick of wanting to be accepted and wanting to feel like I belong somewhere.

I've been sick the last few days too, have a fever tonight and am taking a sick day from work tomorrow, so maybe I'm just cranky because I don't feel good. I'm just sick of it all though.

Anyway!! how was everyone's 4th of July? Did you all see fireworks and have barbeques and all that good stuff? Tell me about it! ]]> ~DawnFire84 http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/5239886/ http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/5239886/ Sun, 01 May 2005 16:14:14 PDT
Mood: Happy!
Listening to: 'First Love'
Reading: Neverwhere

I'm about to enter one of the most stressful and emotional weeks this year, and I'm kind of freaking out about it. I have finals this week, and then I have to say good bye. I'm transferring to a new school next year, and that means saying good bye to my friends, who mean more to me than I could ever express. I've been thinking about how I have to leave in just 4 short days and I started to get really upset again, so I decided to make a list of the simple things in life that make me smile. Sometimes it's the simple things in life that matter the most. And ya know what? Making this list did help me feel better. Here's my list:

The first snowfall of the year, slow dancing in the rain, a first kiss, finding a four leaf clover, a child's laughter, the smell of rain, the sound of crunching leaves, falling in love for the first time- and then the last time knowing that this person is the one, friendships that last a lifetime, wishing on a star, catching snowflakes on your tongue, warm fires, hugs, cool drinks on warm summer days, watching a sunset, catching fireflies, getting flowers, spending time with someone you love

That's my list for now, and I'm sure if I spent more time on it I could come up with a bunch of things! Feel free to share the things that make you smile, I'd love to hear them

]]> ~DawnFire84 http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/5167454/ http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/5167454/ Sat, 23 Apr 2005 12:50:36 PDT
Mood: Happy!
Listening to: 'First Love'
Reading: Neverwhere

Well, I now have my new camera! It was delivered on Thursday, but they wouldn't deliver it to my box address here at school so it was shipped to my house. Luckily my mom offered to bring it down to me today, so now I have it! lol, I feel like a little child on Christmas morning, I'm so excited It's so neat, though as of now I still don't really know how to use it. I'll have to read all of the instructions it came with (and if anyone knows a lot about digital cameras and has any advice, let me know!) Unfortunately, it didn't come with a flashcard, so I'll have to buy one of those. Which sucks b/c those aren't that cheap either and I'm pretty broke now! But I wouldn't really have been able to take any 'real' shots until I'm done with school, so that's ok I guess. But still I'm very excited!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I need to buy a zoom lens for it too. Do any of you have any recommendations? (the camera is a canon 20d) I'm not going to worry about price, b/c I want to invest in a really good zoom lens.

Well, I just thought I'd share my news! I know that I haven't posted anything in forever, but hopefully (once I do get a flashcard) I can start posting some things again. Thank you all for being patient with me and for still watching me

]]> ~DawnFire84 http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/5001905/ http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/5001905/ Mon, 04 Apr 2005 20:35:07 PDT
Reading: The Bloody Chamber- very disturbing book for class

Well, first of all, I'd just like to take this moment to say....no I am not dead!! lol, someone sent me a message asking me if I was all right since I haven't uploaded anything since October. I'm perfectly fine, stressed, but fine! Thanks for your concern though I've never gone this long between submitting my pictures, but then again I've never had such a crazy schedule either! But hopefully with summer coming up and all, I'll be able to take some shots and submit more! Exactly one month today I'll be on summer break!

Anyway, the point of this journal is to say that I'm sooooo excited because I'm getting ready to buy my camera. The kit that I want has been out of stock for over a month and I'm sick of waiting for it, so I'm thisclose to buying another kit. Same camera (canon 20d) but just with a slightly different lens. But I just know that when I do buy it, the kit that I want will come back in stock. That's how stuff like that works for me!
But if it's not in by the end of this week I'm buying the other one!

Question of the Week:

If you could have any wish come true, what would it be? ]]> ~DawnFire84 http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/4726195/ http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/4726195/ Fri, 04 Mar 2005 09:42:30 PST
Reading: Dracula (for class)

After my last class today, spring break officially starts! Though it's still absolutely freezing here, so it kinda sucks that break is so early. But my friends and I are driving up to new york and canada for a few days. Florida is too far away, and I've never been to Canada before so I'm excited! lol, now I can officially say I've been out of the country, even if it is only an hour into Canada. I'm a dork, I know!

But I'm bringing my camera with me, so hopefully I can get some nice shots of the falls. It's been such a long time since I last posted anything, so sorry about that. I've just been so busy lately, I haven't even picked up my camera in I don't even know how long.

And I'm also pretty sure that I'm gonna buy my new camera over break. I'm probably going to get the Canon 20d...I'm excited!

So...if I don't talk to any of you before I leave, take care and I'll be back monday night!

]]> ~DawnFire84 http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/4623061/ http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/4623061/ Sat, 19 Feb 2005 15:39:52 PST
Reading: Dracula (for class)

I just recently got Photoshop 7.0, and I was just wondering if anyone knew of any really good (yet really simple) tutorials that can explain to me how to get some neat effects on my pictures. If you know of anything, I'd really appreciate it if you could tell me! Thanks!

]]> ~DawnFire84 http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/4617965/ http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/4617965/ Fri, 18 Feb 2005 21:10:32 PST
Listening to: Open Arms by Journey
Reading: Dracula (for class)

Ok, this is kind of last minute. I'm in this art class and I'm supposed to do this painting that has different perspectives and stuff. My problem has nothing to do with the perspectives, it's that the idea that i want to do is hard b/c I'm not that great at drawing.

What I want to do is a 'dare to be different' idea. All i need help with is finding some shape or object or animal or something like that (that's not too hard to draw). What I want is for the shapes to be like the same kind of animal or whatever (with slight differences) and then all of their shadows are going to be the same except for one of them (or something along those lines) but I just need some suggestions as to what these objects could be. Any advice?

]]> ~DawnFire84 http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/4572093/ http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/4572093/ Sun, 13 Feb 2005 17:19:47 PST
Listening to: Open Arms by Journey
Reading: Dracula (for class)

well...almost anyway!

So tell me, what do you all have planned for Valentine's Day? I'm a nosey and curious person, so I thought I'd ask!

Me, no plans unfortunately. Actually, I don't even like Valentine's Day very much, which is especially weird considering the fact that I'm one of the biggest hopeless romantics you'll ever meet. I probably don't like it just b/c I never have a 'valentine', and the one time I did have a boyfriend for V-Day, we broke up the next day. So it wasn't that great!

But I'd love to hear your stories if anyone would like to share. What do you all have planned for such a romantic day?

]]> ~DawnFire84 http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/4482692/ http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/4482692/ Wed, 02 Feb 2005 18:34:22 PST
Listening to: Open Arms by Journey
Reading: Dracula (for class)

Well today was an interesting day! My school had a blood drive today and I decided I wanted to give blood. I've never given blood before. I always told myself that I really should do it, since it could really help someone out, but I hate needles and was always too scared to do it. Well today I finally did it! I'm very proud of myself

I was really really really nervous though. It didn't hurt as bad as I thought it would, and I felt fine right afterwards. Until a few minutes passed and I stood up and walked away.

I seriously almost passed out, it was not fun! My body started to get really hot and started to tingle, and I got really nauseated (sp?) and everything kind of started fading and looking black. I really thought I was going to throw up, but thankfully I didn't. Luckily one of my friends was with me and she was able to help me lay down on the ground and she got some wet towels to put on my head. And then the nurses came and carried me behind this curtain to lay down. Needless to say I caused quite a scene I had to stay like that for about an hour b/c my dizziness wouldn't go away. I'm not sure I'll be donating blood again anytime soonn

Anyway, I just felt like posting a journal entry since I haven't done so in a while, and it'd be great if you'd all respond to the poll that I posted a few days ago because I'm curious!

]]> ~DawnFire84 http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/4281013/ http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/4281013/ Sun, 09 Jan 2005 19:52:03 PST
Ok, I know I've asked for a lot of help before, but now I really need some advice!

I am definitely getting a digital camera, but I need advice as to what kind and what would be best. I have close to $1,600 to spend, and I want to make a good investment. If anyone has any advice, please let me know!

]]> ~DawnFire84 http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/3919842/ http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/3919842/ Thu, 25 Nov 2004 19:57:37 PST

I also need to apologize (again) b/c I'm a horrible watcher. I haven't commented on anyone's art in forever and I'm so sorry! I'll try to get caught up with that over my little thanksgiving break from school, though I can't get it all done.

I've been having some family issues that have been keeping my thoughts busy, school and work are a pain in the butt, and then I've been having health problems again too. My side has been hurting again and then I keep getting sharp pains in my chest. I should probably get it checked out, but I absolutely hate doctors/hospitals so I dunno.

But anyway, I do apologize for my lack of commenting. I haven't stopped b/c I'm sick of everyone's work. You're all amazingly talented people and I'll try to get caught up as fast as I can!

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday!! ]]> ~DawnFire84 http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/3590185/ http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/3590185/ Thu, 14 Oct 2004 16:10:31 PDT I sent it in a little under 2 weeks ago and it's finally back! It's got a new hard drive now, so I'll have to replace everything which is going to be annoying but I'm just glad it's stopped making those noises. Seriously though, I am way too addicted to my computer. It's gotta be unhealthy!


Hm, I need someone to yell at me too. There's this guy that I'm kinda interested in at school, but I can't get the courage to talk to him. He plays in the band for an organization called FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes) so I see him there. He sat behind me on tuesday but I just could not turn around and talk to him, it's so annoying! I think I have issues too, this kinda stuff freaks me out but I don't know what I'm afraid of (won't go into that though, it'd be too long!) So i need some advice for how to actually go up to him and start a conversation. I know, I'm pathetic, but I need help! ]]> ~DawnFire84 http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/3540162/ http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/3540162/ Fri, 08 Oct 2004 06:21:31 PDT

There's not much else that's new to report. My computer is being fixed right now (i'm on my room mate's computer) and I'm missing it very much! They better hurry up and fix it, and it better be fixed this time! If it is the hard drive, it shouldn't take that long to replace, right? Oh well, hopefully it gets here soon! ]]> ~DawnFire84 http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/3461844/ http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/3461844/ Mon, 27 Sep 2004 21:21:03 PDT
Ok, I'm in need of some help! A few weeks ago, my computer started making these really weird clicking noises. It almost sounded like something was grinding in there or something (it's really hard to explain) So I talked with a few people from gateway and after a few experiments, I figured it was my hard drive (especially since it only made the noise when the hard drive light was on and running). So I sent it to gateway to have them look at it and I got it back on Friday. Everything seemed ok, but today I heard the noises again. Shouldn't they have fixed everything? Should I just dismiss these noises and assume that they won't hurt my computer since they're still here?

This all started after I left my computer running for about a week to download some things (and I'm never doing that again!) so could that be the problem? Should I just get a new hard drive?

If anyone has any advice I would really appreciate it!!!

Since I have less than 2 weeks left of my subscription ( Man did that go by fast!) I'm going to try to do a few last deviant features. So here's one!

Meet *dtobi

Now this guy has talent! I'm not even sure how I got to know him, I stumbled across his work somehow though and boy am I glad I did! He has a lot of architecture shots, and I've never really been too fond of shots like that, but his work changes all that! He's able to take ordinary buildings and make the angles and perspectives so creative and unique that it just draws my attention. He's also got some other really beautiful and creative shots too, so I strongly encourage that you check out his work!

]]> ~DawnFire84 http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/3453154/ http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/3453154/ Sun, 26 Sep 2004 18:23:16 PDT
Ok, I'm finally getting around to commenting on all of the stuff that's been filling up my message box for the last few months. I'm really sorry for taking so long to comment. I wasn't able to comment on everything unfortunately, but I did comment on everything that I really liked! But I'm going to comment on most everything that comes my way (I'm going to try anyway) and I'll probably set aside one day to do that. You probably won't see anything new from me for a little while still, though with fall quickly approaching I'm sure I'll get outside at least a little to take some pictures. I'm also getting more courage to try some more self portraits, so we'll see!

I am officially changing my major now, though I still don't know what I'm changing it too. I've been meeting with a career counselor the past few weeks and she's helping me narrow down what I might be good at and have an interest in doing. I took a test that advised me to stay away from business jobs and jobs that require a lot of math and science. It said that I should look into more artsy jobs, children related jobs, or anything where I can help people.

So that's just a very quick recap of everything, and I'm gonna be better about replying now that my life has settled down a little bit!

Since I have less than 2 weeks left of my subscription ( Man did that go by fast!) I'm going to try to do a few last deviant features. So here's one!

Meet *dtobi

Now this guy has talent! I'm not even sure how I got to know him, I stumbled across his work somehow though and boy am I glad I did! He has a lot of architecture shots, and I've never really been too fond of shots like that, but his work changes all that! He's able to take ordinary buildings and make the angles and perspectives so creative and unique that it just draws my attention. He's also got some other really beautiful and creative shots too, so I strongly encourage that you check out his work!

]]> ~DawnFire84 http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/3249573/ http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/3249573/ Mon, 30 Aug 2004 19:07:27 PDT
Well, I'm back in school. And I'm not sure well it's going. It is only the second day being here, but I just feel very unhappy. I don't really know why either though. It's great seeing all my friends again and stuff, but I dunno. I think I'm also just very worried about my major. I was sitting through some of my education classes today, and the more I think about it the more I'm not sure that I really want to be a teacher. I still love being around kids and all, but I'm not sure that I want to teach. Which scares the heck out of me because I don't know what else to do with my life. I wish that there was just one thing that I was really good at that I could possibly spend the rest of my life doing. *sigh* I just don't know. I don't know what's triggered this sad mood of mine.

But with that note, I'm not sure how much I'm going to be on here anymore. I feel so terrible for not getting around to everyone's deviations that are still piled up in my message box. I feel really bad, I'm so sorry I can't promise how much I'm going to comment for the next few weeks either. I'll still stop in every now and then though, but there won't be any new work from me for a while. Well, I guess I'll see ya all whenever then!

Oh yeah, now that I'm back at school I want to try making my own little personal website. I need help though. I found a small site where they let you use layouts and such, I just don't know how to get that on the internet. Does anyone know how to upload that stuff somewhere where I can host a site (like geocities and stuff) or does it not work like that?

]]> ~DawnFire84 http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/3205176/ http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/3205176/ Tue, 24 Aug 2004 19:34:40 PDT
Well it seems like forever since I've last done anything here! But I am still alive! I feel so bad with how far behind I've fallen with everyone's deviations, journals, and comments. Sorry about that!

I mainly haven't been around b/c I've been crazy busy with work (though my last day was last friday thank god!) and then I ended up getting really sick (I swear I've been sick more times this summer from the kids than I was all year!) I almost passed out at work because of it last week, which was kinda scary because nothing like that has ever happened before. I was with the 2's by myself and they were crazy, I was running a fever and sweating a lot and I just got really dizzy and light headed and everything started getting all fuzzy and I just kinda collapsed on my knees. But I'm finally all better now!

I go back to school on Sunday too. I'm ready to see all my friends again, but I'm definitely not ready to do all that reading and paper writing! Blah! I'm not really sure how much new stuff you'll all be seeing from me for the time being. Because of work I've had no time to go take pictures and then with school starting I'm not going to have time either. I still have some old stuff that I can post, but it won't be very much or very frequent.

I will try my hardest to stay on top of commenting. I'm going to try my best to get caught up with everyone's deviations right now. I've got a lot of them in my message box, so I'm sorry if I accidently skip over something. Anyway, I hope you're all doing well!

]]> ~DawnFire84 http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/3068483/ http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/3068483/ Sat, 07 Aug 2004 18:20:17 PDT
Mood: sleepy!

Featured Deviant:~Naninha

Meet Ana everyone! Some of you may already know her, and for those of you who don't you should check out her gallery!

I met Ana a little under a year ago on a message board and we've become good friends. Seriously, she is one of the nicest people that you will ever meet! She's always full of kind things to say and offers so much encouragment. She's a great friend and is always there to offer advice and help when ya need it! She's got a wide range of artwork in her gallery, like photography, paintings, poetry, and more!

Here are some examples of her work:



My Ramblings:

Ok, I need some more digital camera help! I'm definitely going to buy myself a digital camera. When I buy it is another story, but I'm definitely going to get one some day. I'm looking into the Canon EOS Digital Rebel and I have a few questions for you experts out there. My main question is, what all do I need to make sure I buy when buying a digi cam? I found this website where I can buy the camera from, and they have different offers for this camera. Each offer comes with different things and the prices vary depending on what the kit comes with.

The first one is $879.95 and includes [link] (I'm just gonna link to it b/c it'll take up less room)

The Second one is $979.95 and includes [link]

The third one is $1,059.95 and includes [link]

There's an obvious price difference, and the cheaper one would definitely be preferred, but I'm just not sure what all I need to make sure I have when I do buy this someday. The money thing makes me kinda frustrated b/c so far with work, I'm about $200 shy of being able to afford the cheapest one. But then all that money has to go pay for school...blah! Any... ]]> ~DawnFire84 http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/2990953/ http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/2990953/ Wed, 28 Jul 2004 20:12:04 PDT
Mood: blah!
Listening to: Remember When It Rained

Featured Deviant:~Naninha

Meet Ana everyone! Some of you may already know her, and for those of you who don't you should check out her gallery!

I met Ana a little under a year ago on a message board and we've become good friends. Seriously, she is one of the nicest people that you will ever meet! She's always full of kind things to say and offers so much encouragment. She's a great friend and is always there to offer advice and help when ya need it! She's got a wide range of artwork in her gallery, like photography, paintings, poetry, and more!

Here are some examples of her work:



My Ramblings:

I can not tell you guys how frustrated I've been since I've started this job (a month and a half ago, possibly more). I work at a daycare, and it's just not as much fun as I thought it would be. The kids just don't listen. At least not to me. I have no clue why either. My supervisor said they did that to everyone and that if I was in each room for about 2 weeks consistently they would listen more. Problem is that I'm what they call a 'floater' and I just go from room to room whenever I'm needed. I have no set classroom and no set schedule. And the kids are brats. I've been kicked, pinched, hit, and biten (though all the teachers suffer from that!). But seriously I just don't know what to do. I've never had a problem with kids before, I love to work with them and am pretty good with them. I don't know what's changed. I'm losing my voice again now, b/c one kid got me sick again and then I keep having to raise my voice to them b/c they're being so bad.

I'm really thinking about changing my major too (it's education right now). I just don't know if I want to teach anymore after the way this summer has gone. It's SO discouraging for me. Only problem is that I have no clue what I'd change it too. I don't know what else I want to do with my life. And that has me stumped. It's not like I have any great talents that I can fall back on to make a living for myself.

I also want to apologize to everyone for taking so long to... ]]> ~DawnFire84 http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/2905438/ http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/2905438/ Sat, 17 Jul 2004 22:41:13 PDT
Mood: surprised!
Listening to: Remember When It Rained

Featured Deviant: ~Espirito (she's still the same featured deviant since it wasn't up very long)

Everyone, meet ~Espirito ! I found her through the random deviant feature and I thought that she had a really great gallery. If you like charcol drawings, then you should definitely check her out! Her charcol portraits and drawings are beautifully done and look really great. She also has some beautiful sunset photography, and I think she has a lot of potential to be a good photographer. If you like the follow thumbnails of her work then I definitely encourage you to take a look at her gallery.



My Ramblings

Well I had quite a nice surprise today! I went to get my pictures developed today (thank god for one hour developing!) and I usually have them put on to a cd so I can upload them to the internet since I don't have a scanner.

When they put pictures on to a cd they have to look at each one individually, so when I went back later to pick them up the guy working there told me that they really liked one of my pictures and were wondering if they could use it for a new banner that they're making. Well of course I said yes! I'm a little surprised at the picture they want to use, I don't particularly like it that much but whatever! (i'll be posting it later so you all can see). This has never happened to me before; I don't really think I'm that good at photography so it was a very pleasant surprise hearing that someone wanted to use my picture! I get to keep it when they're done with it too ^_^

Don't forget to check out my latest stuff! [link]

There's more coming so stay tuned!



~DawnFire84 http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/2896324/ http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/2896324/ Fri, 16 Jul 2004 11:37:15 PDT
Mood: happy
Listening to: Enya

Featured Deviant: ~Espirito

Everyone, meet ~Espirito ! I found her through the random deviant feature and I thought that she had a really great gallery. If you like charcol drawings, then you should definitely check her out! Her charcol portraits and drawings are beautifully done and look really great. She also has some beautiful sunset photography, and I think she has a lot of potential to be a good photographer. If you like the follow thumbnails of her work then I definitely encourage you to take a look at her gallery.



My Ramblings

Well work has been getting a lot better recently. I'm starting to get used to things a lot more and then I'm getting to know the kids more too. I think it's also helped that I've been working with the two year olds more also (the 3's and 4's can be really hard to handle!). They can be so adorable sometimes. Like yesterday when I was leaving, 5 or 6 of them just started swarming me giving me big hugs and trying to get on my lap. It was so sweet. Then they have this toy lawn mower and some of them pretend like their pulling on a cord to get it started up (older lawn mowers have cords like that that you pull to get the engine started), it's just so cute. But then sometimes work can be hell so it just kinda depends!

I just found out last night that someone that I'm close to has been having problems with drugs again. He was having problems a few months ago but his family got him help and thought he was ok. Unfortunately they were wrong. I'm not going to go into too much detail since it's kind of a personal matter and I don't think the family would appreciate me telling a lot of people, but I just ask that you keep him in your thoughts and prayers (if you believe in prayer and such). He and his family really could use some strength and encouragement.

Ok, that's it from me! Oh and also, I'm finding it to be a little hard finding someone to feature with each journal entry, so I might just start featuring some of my watchers too. I'm too busy with work to find a new deviant each week and... ]]> ~DawnFire84 http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/2803867/ http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/2803867/ Mon, 05 Jul 2004 08:23:58 PDT
Mood: happy!
Listening to: The Mummers' Dance by Loreena Mckennitt

Wow! Ok, there is an awesome person on this site that has just bought me a 3 month subscription! her name is * Vera-Yevtushenko and I can not thank you enough! My previous journal entry asking questions about subscriptions was not to guilt someone into buying one for me at all just so you all realize that, but I think this is an incredibly kind and selfless thing that she has done and I am so thankful. Though she doesn't know me at all and didn't even know I existed before today, she still bought this for me as an act of kindness. I find this so admirable and so generous.

SO! I encourage you all to check her things out because she does have a beautiful gallery and she's one of those people that make this site so great.

Here are some examples of her things:



So while I've already said this a million times...thank you

A little side note: can anyone tell me how to post other people's avatars that link back to them?

Edit: I've decided that I think I'm going to start featuring deviants who have good work but have been overlooked and haven't received many pageviews (it still annoys me how there are good people that don't receive attention, and I don't think DA helps that. Notice how they only post favorite works, post the popular deviants, and the featured deviant is always someone that's already popular). I've seen other deviants featuring their friends or other popular deviants and I want to try this but with a little twist. So each week (or whenever I update my journal, won't be longer than a week though) I'm going to feature someone that I believe has nice work (can be any form of art too- drawing, photography, painting etc.) but has less than oh say 300-400 page views. If anyone has any suggestions please let me know, since the site is so big and I'm busy with work, but I'm going to try to do this!

]]> ~DawnFire84 http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/2797731/ http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/2797731/ Sat, 03 Jul 2004 20:35:27 PDT ]]> ~DawnFire84 http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/2739546/ http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/2739546/ Sat, 26 Jun 2004 08:25:03 PDT
I won't lie and say that I wasn't somewhat disappointed by the lack of responses to my newest pictures (the waterfall series and 'all that i loved is gone'). I've got a lot of other pictures to submit, and a whole other roll of film that needs to be developed, but this kind of makes me not want to submit any other pictures because really what's the point when no one will give you their opinion of it?

I guess I'm just saying that I miss you all, and that I hope you'll come back! ]]> ~DawnFire84 http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/2734844/ http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/2734844/ Fri, 25 Jun 2004 16:37:07 PDT
Sorry this journal is kinda pointless, I'll be deleting it as soon as someone can help me. Thanks! ]]> ~DawnFire84 http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/2707825/ http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/2707825/ Sun, 20 Jun 2004 22:19:49 PDT
I just reached my 1,000th page view today! I'm sooooo excited! I never really thought it would get that high, especially with the slow start that I had at the beginning.

But thank you so much to everyone that's commented on my work, and thank you to my watchers! Especially those of you that actually comment fairly regularly...you have no idea how much that means to me. Without you guys, I really wouldn't be anywhere. It's thanks to those comments that I'm able to learn and grow. lol, ok, I feel like I'm giving some kind of acceptance speech or something so I'm gonna stop now But thank you everyone!

And a bit of news, you can be expecting some new pictures from me soon, hopefully by the end of the week! I finished 2 rolls of film (well, I'm almost done with the second) so there's got to be at least a few pictures that came out ok that I can post! (And definitely a new dev ID). Now I just gotta develop them. So be looking for those soon

Thanks again! ]]> ~DawnFire84 http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/2661130/ http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/2661130/ Mon, 14 Jun 2004 18:42:13 PDT
A little side note, but does it really really bug anyone else when people will fav one of your works but won't leave a comment? I really am not trying to complain, because I am deeply grateful for those favorites, it lets me know that people like my work. But you'd think that if someone liked something enough to fav it, they'd at least leave a comment saying that they liked it, right? I find comments much more rewarding than favs too, in that it lets the person express their views, opinions, and advice about the piece. That's just been happening a lot, and again I'm not trying to whine about it, but it just kinda bugged me.

Oh yeah, and does anyone know anything about making a website? I've been kind of wanting to make a personal website, but I have no clue how. I don't know where to host it (it'd have to be somewhere free) and really I have no clue how to design one! If anyone has any tips let me know! Thanks! ]]> ~DawnFire84 http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/2583755/ http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/2583755/ Fri, 04 Jun 2004 17:01:18 PDT There might be a few stray flowers here and there but I really do need to branch away from them and expose myself to new things. I need to grow!

It's kind of hard to do around here, because there is absolutely nothing worth taking a picture of (no mountains, no cool buildings, no hills or rivers or anything) but I guess that's where my imagination will have to come in!

Last weekend my dad and I drove about an hour to a small waterfall called Brandywine Falls and I took some shots of that, so hopefully they'll turn out ok. I also tried doing some self portraits (mainly b/c I need a new id) and I got those back and they're ok. lol, they're a bit, i dunno, 'sexier' (as my friend put it) than I wanted them to be. Oh well I guess. So maybe I'll post some of those. So! That's where I'm at right now, I'm going to try to do new things and we'll see where that takes me!

Lately I've also been getting really down on myself for not being a better photographer and poet. I compare myself to everyone else's work and put myself down and it's so unhealthy. So I've come to the conclusion that somewhere out there, there is always going to be someone that is better than you at something. And it works the other way around too. There's nothing you can really do about that except to try to do your personal best and learn and grow from experience and mistakes. ]]> ~DawnFire84 http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/2493078/ http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/2493078/ Sun, 23 May 2004 19:26:12 PDT
Money has been frustrating me so much lately. I've really been wanting a good digital camera but they're so expensive (then you add on the lenses and filters you can get)! I've got college tuition to pay for, I need to buy a car, and so many other things I need. It really sucks! A good camera is thousands of dollars, and I'm wondering how all of you afford it? What kind of cameras do you use? I would really love a digital cam because I think it would be so nice to actually see a shot right away. Then you can determine if it's good and save it or you can try again and delete it. With a film camera, you have to wait until it's developed and then there are only so many exposures on a roll. It's a pain. I've also really been wanting to try doing some self portraits, but I'm not even going to bother with my camera. It's too hard having to get myself in the right position while keeping the focus sharp. Such a pain! But anyway, I was just wondering, for all you photographers out there, what kind of digital cameras do you use? How much were they? Do you recommend digital instead of film? I'm really curious to hear your answers! ]]> ~DawnFire84 http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/2430076/ http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/2430076/ Fri, 14 May 2004 19:37:37 PDT
I've been trying to find a summer job this week but haven't had much luck. I started looking back over spring break but none of those places ever got back to me. And actually the manager of the place that I really wanted to work at said he never even saw my application, and the job has been filled, which makes me so angry! I don't mind so much that I didn't get the job, but I would have at least liked the chance for it! I've been trying to find jobs at daycares or something like that b/c I'm an education major, but I've even been rethinking my major. That in itself is stressing me out so much. I know that I want to work with kids and be around them, but sometimes I just question how great of a teacher I'll be. Maybe it's just a lack of confidence in myself or a fear of the unknown, but it has me so stressed. If I change my major that means I just wasted a year at college and then I really have no clue what else I'd do with my life. But we'll see I guess.

It's hard because really all I want to do is get married and have a family. I've already decided that I'm going to be a stay at home mom (unless we really really need the money), but I can't focus on that right now because I am only 19. Which kind of brings me to another point...guys. Seriously I am so insanely frustrated with them right now. I'm honestly beginning to question whether there are any 'good' guys left in this world. I went out with one guy a few nights ago, and later found out that the only reason he wanted to go out with me was b/c he wanted to sleep with me. That disgusts me so much. I've had problems with guys in the past too, and I don't know, sometimes I really wonder if I'll ever find the kind of guy that I'm looking for.

Then earlier this week my grandma had a heart attack. It was a mild one, and she's ok, but man it was scary. It was so weird too because we just saw her on Sunday and then Tuesday night it happened. I'm just so thankful that she's ok. The doctors found 3 blockages, and 2 of them were 80% blocked. We're all just so glad that she's ok!

Well, enough babbling, I doubt that anyone will even read all of that Ranting really does help! ]]> ~DawnFire84 http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/2340467/ http://DawnFire84.deviantart.com/journal/2340467/ Sat, 01 May 2004 21:34:23 PDT
I'm also so shocked b/c I've had nearly 100 page views in one day! I went to bed last night with a little bit under 500 and now I'm over 600! I have no idea how that's happening, but hey I'm not complaining! I want to thank all of my watchers who have been commenting on my work, and others who have been commenting as well. You have no idea how much it means to me Thanks everyone!

Ok, well wish me luck and pray that I make it through this week alive! ]]> ~DawnFire84