Vital Imagery Blog

Regardless of how simple it may be to alter an illustration, it can't be done without image editing software. Yet, for people starting in small business, or for everyday people working on everyday projects, it's not always economically feasible, or even worthwhile, to purchase expensive software.

Don't despair, however. There are many online alternatives to costly programs.

Individual needs and abilities are varied, so what works for one may not be what another wants.  Good thing life is about choice.  And when it comes to finding software to meet your needs there's plenty of that. 

I decided to do a little searching and see what options  I could turn up. Happily I discovered a website that did most of the work for me, offering choices galore.   mashable.com 35 Free Graphics Programs  provided links to, and information about, a number of possibilities.

Here is the Coles Notes version of what Graphics Toolbox had to say:

For people in search of a manipulation program tha…

I love an uncluttered life. Yet, despite a Libra's inclination towards organization, I have not thrown myself into the scrapbooking craze, sorting photos and creating albums for each and every significant occasion in my life. 

While collecting photographic memories may be an interest of mine, compiling them into unique mementos apparently isn't.  It's not that I don't love the finished product; I guess I'm just not devoted enough to the hobby to find the time.

That said, I have indulged in a little artistic sorting  having made a scrapbook a few years ago. A special friend had passed away suddenly.  She was very close to our then, quite young, grandson, so the scrapbook was intended to help him remember. It was also therapeutic for me. And being so emotionally involved in the project kept me focused.

One of the aspects of the craft I most enjoyed was finding backgrounds and elements online to enhance my project. Though in this particular case it was generally a…

"Many people look forward to the New Year for a new start on old habits."  –Anonymous

For more than three decades we have gathered together with good friends on Dec. 31 to ring in the new year. During a portion of those occasions some of the discussion has centred around our New Year's resolutions.   Of late, however,  this topic isn't even mentioned. Perhaps we've concluded there's enough disappointment in the world, we certainly don't need to set our selves up to fail.

But then I wonder. While we may have often fallen back into old habits within days of making our resolutions, we have obviously at some point realized success. We boast a 100% smoke-free room when we gather.  There is talk of going to gyms and of evening walks, of having lost weight, of eating better, of spending more quality time with people we love.

American author and journalist Hal Borland has said: "Year's end is neither an end nor a beginning but a going on, with all the …