Quite possibly the sanest thought I've had this week is to add this book to my lengthy wish list at Amazon.com.

        From what part within the deep recesses of MY mind did I get the idea that Adobe Photoshop and I could peacefully co-exist.  The reader's Digest Condensed version of, 'My Life With PS" is this:  It's flat doing me in!!!  Why did I agree to take this class now?  What deep, enlightening lesson is the universe trying to convey to me now?

       When discussing this course with my academic advisor I was informed that it has a 'high learning curve'....but not to worry....I'll learn it quickly.  She must have thought she was  talking to my twin? - or my clone? - for anyone who really knows me, also knows that I DON'T DO COMPUTERS.  Consequently, I should stay far, far away from anything with a high learning curve - what a term!

       Anything with a high learning curve should be reserved for other people - I'm not  like other people...not even close!  What I'm experiencing with this Photoshop class is equivalent to walking up Machu Picchu - backward and blindfolded!  If I should reach the top, what I will have found will not be the "Lost Land of the Incas', but rather the 'Lost Land of the Incompetent Photoshop Wanna Be's'.

       So, what was I thinking?  Being the eternal optimist, I really and truly thought that if anyone else on this planet could do this, then so could I!

       What am I thinking now?  I'm still optimistic, but guarded.   I've corresponded quite a bit with my instructor - these class assignments appear more relevant to graphic design majors - of which I am NOT!!!  If she is able to relate any of this to furniture placement, architecture and color schemes, then I'll be willing to go head and play along.

       My over riding thought?  My hat is SO off to ALL  who read this and are proficient with any aspect of Photoshop.  Do each of you have any idea what an accomplishment  you have achieved!!!

   With deep admiration I humbly bow to each of you.  And hope join all you over achievers in the near future!

I'm NOT a shopper - I'm not one to buy things unless I (or someone else) really, really wants or needs them.

And it took me a while to convince myself that buying a drawing tablet would be something I could use or want or need....oh how uninformed and naive I was!

This little jewel is GREAT!  So great that, I can actually say that Photoshop and I may, in fact, be able to peacefully co-exist.....maybe!  

And oh what a tumultuous love - hate relationship this has been!  When I first opened Photoshop, it was love at first sight...I was completely swept of my feet!  As a future designer and wanting to capture and visualize my creative ideas on such a creative medium, I felt as though I had indeed found Heaven on earth!  But, as I got to know PS better, it's dark side (it's very high learning curve) surfaced and love quickly turned to hate.  Naturally, my initial reaction was to call it names as I perceived it be selfish and unwilling to share it's technology with me.  And....I'm guessing it thought I was...uh...slow. ;-)   At those times I suppose it felt sorry for me and would allow me to complete a simple project.  As a result I would be so elated!   Hate was once again replaced with love.  Even if only temporary, it was enough to keep me interested.   I began to anticipate the next task and would delve into it full of enthusiasm and optimism.....only to be followed by the pangs of betrayal while trying to learn a new color concept or layering technique.

Those of you that have had to put up with my lamenting about difficult PS is to learn...thank you kindly for your patience.....I now have a whole new attitude!  Photoshop is not the one with the problem.  It has a multidimensional personality, a multitude of skills and is capable of performing tasks that a one-dimensional mind (like mine), is not even able to fathom.   It's not IT'S fault! :-)  I just need to get out more!!!

So rather than continue fighting with it or dumping it, I've decided to seek outside professional help.  This is where the drawing tablet comes in.  What it offers is the best of both worlds.  I can draw and be creative while it (Photoshop) does what it likes to do -  rasterizing pixels and channeling layers.
 
A  win-win situation!