Database Progress

So here are a few screen shots of the database so far.  Input welcome.  I can't think of everything folks and your input is what will make it better.  This will be a FREE database to whom ever wants it.

 

Main Screen

 

Website integrated

 

 Notes: Individual entries let you track incoming and outgoing.

 

I have one place on the main screen for inserting a scanned image of the letter.  I will have a place for a letter per note entry when done.  The "where did I get this pan-pal from" is editable and adds the entry for future use.  And yes I know I got the site wrong for good mail day.  Already fixed.

Like I said, this is basically an open source database.  You give a good suggestion and I will see if it makes sense to add it.

Derrick

Do you make your own postcards?

Some of you have received some of my home made cards before (or incoming).  Some folks have asked me what I use and how do I print them.

The paper is 100lb stock.  I get it from my local paper store.  They are even nice enough to quarter them for me.  So they end up just shy of  a 4x6.  I have found clip art from everywhere but mainly have utilized Dover Publications clip art as they are EPS and TIFF files that allow for resizing.

For the applications used I bounce between Photoshop and Illustrator.  However there are free alternatives to each of these programs.

For Illustrator try Inkscape

For Photoshop try GIMP or Seashots  Seashots is a Mac only app while GIMP is cross platform.

Between the 2 of these you should be covered.

If you are quartering a 8.5 x 11 you are going to end up with an off size paper that is still quite OK for postcards.  Beware the bleed.  What this means is beware the edges of your print.  Not all printers will do a true edge to edge print and will end up cutting off your image.

My current project (almost finished) is my upcoming holiday cards.  I decided to do from scratch this year and am still playing around with the designs.

What I've gathered for this project.

Clip art (EPS) from CanStockPhoto.  I tried some of the images from Etsy but found the scans I received lacking.  Just not good enough for resizing and generally messing with as they were JPG images.

The Postcard graphic is just full of all kinds of wonderful.  Each word is an individual graphic and can be individually manipulated to your liking.

Fonts: just the ones included with Illustrator for me which included some scripting fonts.  But if you are looking for a GREAT source for FREE commercial use fonts go check out Font Squirrel.

This was all done in Illustrator.  If you would like a template for your usage, let me know.  This template is for a 2 up on 8.5 x 11.

Here is the project so far.

I'm toying with sending these off to a printer and having them done right.  I am getting pretty good results but having some trouble with the registration.  At this point I think I'm at the mercy of the printer feed intake :)

Now for the printers listing.

I have sent off for samples from all of these folks.  However there is one company that is offering a free 20 cards for shipping with YOUR design.  I should have them next week and will share when they come in.

4by6 (free offer)
Modern Postcard
Vista Print (they do offer a free sample of your design to try them out)
MOO (I know there are some of the other bloggers who use these folks and I will try them for some stickers I am working on)
UPrinting
Stickeryou (looks as they could print just about anything you can want in vinyl)

Printers at home.  I am using a plain laser printer.  HP 1102w.  It seems to handle the card stock I'm putting through it well.  A straight path printer (in the front out the back) is your best option if available as it's not bending the paper.

Well that's all for today.  Hope this helps some of you out in your DIY postcard projects.

Organization and Falling Behind (and forthcoming giveaway info)

So, by now I'm sure you've all read the goings on over here at Casa Dodson.

For a little update, doing well.  lost 85 pounds since this whole process started in June.  Just hit the 3 month post surgery date this week. Feeling MUCH better with more energy.

So what does this have to do with the subject of this post.  LOTS.  When this all started in late may, my mind was very much elsewhere.  As I am coming out of the funk of all of this and getting back to doing things I enjoy.  Like listening to the Tigers game while I write this.  GO TIGERS.

Recently at work, I have been working on some FileMaker work getting my house in order there as well.  I doing that, I started working on a database for my mail as well while I am playing catch-up.

I have tried keeping a paper log.  Always forgot to put the entry in and resorted to "the pile" on need to respond and stuff in a bag to get to.  I keep EVERY letter/postcard I receive.  The goal going forward is to respond to everything within 2 weeks if possible (I'm still on a very strict follow-up schedule with the docs).

So in that vein I have created a database that allows for multiple addresses per person, an extensive note section (single entries dated), website (if they have a blog, you can view from in the database), Google Maps (again from within the database), containers for your/their correspondence (scan and hold in the database).

I would like to know how YOU folks track the in/out going of your correspondence.  I tried the LWA forms.  I have created some very nice log pages of my own (available to ANYONE that wants the file to print for your usage).  When I am DONE tweeking the database I will make it available as well as a stand-alone app to run on your computer.  So if you would like to be a part of a correspondence address/letter/postcard tracker/logger.  Chime in.  Inquiring minds want to know. 

To the folks who have written me and wonder is this guy a flake?  Nope.  Just getting life back in order.  I have everyone's stuff and am slowly working through it.  You may get a PC to start.  If you want a nice long letter respond.  Gotta start somewhere right.

Now to the good stuff. see had to read through the crap to get here.  I am coming up on my second anniversary for this blog.  To celebrate I have been "gathering" some special items for the giveaway(s) that are going to take place in December.

Some of the items are as follows:

Field Notes colors (I have a bunch) America the Beautiful, Tradesman, Lager and Ale
From Kickstarter - The NOCK Co. Pen Cases - I ordered the whole lot.  I will be parting with the ones I cannot find a use for.  The Delivery wil be when I get them.

From Kickstater - Rainbow Pencils

From Kickstater - Kreate-a-lope  (C6 envelopes - for a5 paper both the envi and liner templates)

Kickstarter - The Wrylon Robotics Field Guides (3 books GREAT artwork)

J. Herbin -  Wooden Collectors dip Pen set

J Herbin Box Set - 'A la Perle des Encres'

A truly excellent combination of old world expertise, this gift set is a timeless piece for any writing enthusiast. It is presented in a lovely wood box and contains 1 nib holder, 5 different stainless steel nibs and 1 bottle of ink.
For the traditionalist, the Brause (Made in Germany) Stainless steel nibs are among the world's finest for a dip-pen writing experience. This set has 5 different types - Iserlohn 50, Brause Cito-Fein Iserlohn, Brause No. 361 Iserlohn, Brause No. 85 Iserlohn, Brause No. 65 Iserlohn.
They are complemented by 30ml of Violet J Herbin Ink (Made in France) and a nib holder.

Specifications:

• CONTENTS: 1 Wood Box / 1 Nib Holder / 1 Bottle of Ink / 5 Nibs
• SIZE: Box is 245mm x 85mm x 57mm / Nib Holder is 200mm long /Ink Bottle has 30ml
• MATERIALS: Wood Box / Stainless Steel Nibs
• SOURCE: Nibs Made in Germany / Box, Ink, Holder Made in France

I am trying to figure out the specifics of the giveaways.  YES you will have to do something per item and if you've ever read my stuff for the giveaways before, there will be tings yous gotta do.  Not just post a reply to the post (that would be way to easy)

So keep an eye out.  good things coming and please post your organizing tips.

Join AA.. Or how to Drink Locally

The fine folks over at Field Notes Brand have announced their 20th (wow) seasonal printing.  Just in time for October Fest?

I placed my order this morning.  They come in 2 flavors. Ales and Lagers.

 

They have the traditional info about the particular subject of the season (your choice of intoxication this time). and come with coasters in each three pack.

 

While I rarely drink, I really like the color scheme here.  Bonus (wish I was a subscriber here) the subscribers also get a carrier with their incoming sets.

 

Reminder.  DON'T WAIT.  The last release sold out in a week.  SEVEN DAYS folks!

I will be giving away a set of these sometime next week (after I receive my stock).  So if you would like a chance to win your choice of Ale or Lager stay tuned.  

Derrick

Kickstarter or Helping dreams come true

How many of you have heard of Kickstarter?

1, 2, 5, ok a few of you have heard of Kickstarter.  Now  How many of you have actually pledged some of your hard earned coins to some neat projects on there?

The next couple of posts I am doing will be to some of the ones I have been a part of and some of them are still available, if that's your thing.

The thing I love about Kickstarter is you have a chance at getting really cool products as well as helping someone fulfill their dreams of taking an idea and making it a reality.  I don't think I have been burned yet on the quality of what I have backed.

Some of you received "unique" holiday cards from me last year.  This was from a Kickstarter project.

So with that the first up is a notebook.  I know, I know..  BORING!! Right?  Nay, Nay I say.

I received an email a few weeks ago before the launch of this project to give my feedback on the design and to peruse their website.

The product? Baron Fig. (click on logo for link to the project)

Some of you know of my deep dark lust for all things good with paper.  A nut for anything Letterpress.  But for me I REALLY LIKE my Field Notes Brand note/memo books.  Not so much a fan of the Moleskine books as the quality is spotty at best.  Don't get me wrong.  They are a fine notebook.  But the paper quality book to book of the same type is just not to my liking.  For a brand hyping itself on Hemmingway as a historical marker and having the book made in China with cheap paper.  Not my cup of tea.

Other favs are Doane Paper.  If you haven't tried it, do yourself a favor and order some.  You won't regret it. 

Now where was I?  Oh yea, Kickstarter..  So I was checking out the book on their web page and noticed something right off that had me all a twitter.  IT LAYS FLAT OPEN!

Without you putting something on it to hold it in place.  When was the last time you had a book open flat while you write in it?

Here are some of the specs on the books from the Kickstarter page.

I have pledged for a set of the books and if you are into good quality design and utility I would urge you to do the same.    Here is the link to the project if you are so inclined.

It's beginning to look a lot like... something

Well hello kiddies,

I'm back at work full time (week two) and feeling much better.  Nice to be able to eat semi real food again.

An interesting thing happened on the way to the gastrointestinal system.  The amounts are amazingly slimmer.  I have learned that certain pasta and corn tortillas are no bueno for meo.  While I have yet to get to the point of what they call "dumping syndrome", I sure have felt things not so wonderful.

Life changes right?  or as I like to call it "Lots of Pain for No Gain".  Catchy huh?

I have gotten to the point to where I will soon HAVE to go shopping for lack of clothing.  Everything is falling off my ass.  Literally!

So mail and writing.  I have managed to get a few out.  One swap and one to a friend.  While the spirit is willing the actual putting my butt in a seat and doing it is lacking as by the time I'm ready to get there, my body is telling me "sleep, it's a good thing".

September is going to be a turn around.  We are getting out this weekend and heading to the coast.  Point Reyes Station and surrounding areas are calling my name.  While it's Labor Day weekend it's also this guys B-Day on Sat. 

So off the the Farmers Market (doing a LOT of this lately).  Be careful watching all of those food documentaries.  They will scare the toxic sugar laden poop right out of you.  Because of the things I have been reading/watching we are now purchasing as much as the budget will allow.  The trip to Point Reyes will be a two-fer.  GOOD meat (beef and chicken) and lots of organic veggies.  Kaylee is getting into it and that's a good thing.  Garden next year.  A bit to late to get that going for this go round.

So how many of you folk grow something edible?  Do you partake in the local foods?  Do you buy seasonally or the garbage they serve up in the produce section of the local supermarket (not judging)?

I also have been procuring goodies for the end of the year (2nd Anniversary) giveaway for the blog.  So far looking good.

More soon.

D

So where did he go??

This is a little note as to where is Waldo.

I had to take a bit of a pause due to medical reasons.  On July 8 I went in for what was supposed to be a minor surgery.  5 hours on the table later, that did not appear to be the case.

So what happened.  In mid May I went to the hospital.  I think Kim was about to wring my neck after my refusal to have an ambulance show up in front of my house and insisted on driving to the fire station up the road.  I was walking around the house in a it of a daze with no apparent direction.  My chest felt a bit tight. Ki had her mother come over to watch Kaylee as we went over the the fire house.

When I got there I told the paramedic what was happening and they took my blood pressure.  200/110.  I looked at him and said "well, there's a cause and effect"  This is where they start pumping me full of nitro pills and Derrick gets a bus ride to the hospital.  Side note - If you already have a headache, Nitro pills will not make it better.

2 days and a battery of tests all come back clean.  BUT, I get this lovely bit of info on the way out.
"Mr. Dodson, everything came back clean but we did see a mass in your abdomen that we would like you to follow up with your Primary Physician".  OK, I'm HERE, IN THE HOSPITAL!!  You found something and you want me to follow up on it?

I hit up my primary the next day.  Ordered a CT with contrast (another fun one) and I get a CD of the scan on the way out to take home.  Souvenirs.  When I get home, I look at the images.  While I'm not a Radiologist, I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express the day before.  That wasn't supposed to be there.  That "mass" that they found was the size of a medium brick.  No kidding.  On to the biopsy round.  This came back cancer free.  The CT however cannot pinpoint the feed point or attachment to/not any other objects.

Surgeon time!  Great guy.  Trust him with my life (literally).  Schedule the date July 8.

Surgery day.  I get there and he decides that he would like an angiogram to find the source of the Nile and plug it as well as get an idea what it is attached to if possible.  It's attatched/feeding from the liver.  At this point all I can think of is the donation scene from The Meaning Of Life.  "May we have your Liver?"  The Surgeon gives me the options and possibilities of what may/could happen.

After the angiogram (not recommended) You can't move your leg.  Why? because the went up through the groin and put a plug there they prefer not to pop out.  So I head up to recovery and within 15 minutes I'm heading to the OR for fun time.  I get in there and inform them that this go round they are going to have to move me to the table.  I'm not exactly what you would call svelte.

I'm on the table and then I'm in my room (MAGIC).  I wake up around 8pm.  I went in around 12pm.

Doc comes in while I'm semi coherent to inform me that all went well, but.  He had to take the tip of my liver, repair a gaping hernia and reroute my plumbing (gastric bypass).  Oops.  Well I guess the svelte thing will be coming whether I want it or not.  Seems the "mass" had attached itself pretty well and this was the best option.  And honestly probably better for my health in the long run.  I have already lost (3 weeks out) 30lbs. My diet though has been basically anything you can mush up.  Healthy choices though right.

Following surgery, I was in the hospital for 4 days.  I was awake MAYBE 1 full hour a day.  This total lack of energy has followed my for the last 2 weeks and I am just now starting to get my strength back to at least get this done.

To those of you I owe some letters to.  Bear with, they are coming.  To a special someone who has sent me some get well letters and cards, you have NO IDEA how much they have meant to me.  I am eternally grateful.

So with that, I am heading back to bed.  The last of the bandages came off yesterday, but I am still weak and sore.  I head back to work next week to half days for a few weeks while I attempt to regain some strength.  Walking, while needed is my enemy right now.  100 yards seems like a marathon at the moment.  This to shall pass.

Writing soon.

Derrick