September 30, 2011 In business, communication, design, social media By Patricia Saxton

“The Big Three” in Website Building

Designers, programmers, end-users ~ what’s your favorite web platform? WordPress? Joomla? Drupal?

This topic may make some of your eyes glaze over, but for those of you interested in the new, ever-changing, made-easier and more-manageable world of website building (as opposed to the old, more static world of straight html, java script, etc.), I found this nifty chart back in July, and thought it might be useful/interesting for the visual learners out there who haven’t yet stumbled upon it. (That was quite the long opening sentence, eh?  Sorry if I lost you…)

If you’ve read this far, you probably already know that it’s pretty much an absolute must that any modern website be prepared in a CMS platform. (CMS = Content Management System… which provides user access to the content of your site, in human terms, instead of learning the dreaded code yourself or going back to your programmer for every word change.) The question is, which one?


Personally, I’m a huge fan of WordPress (yup, it’s not just for blogging), but Joomla and Drupal are respected giants in the field.

As a designer, not a programmer (see “Why I Don’t Paint Trucks, etc…”), I can maneuver my way nicely around WordPress. For seriously heavy-duty customization all 3 are viable options though, so I often leave the “which one” decision to my gifted web programming partners.

If you (as designer, programmer, or user) use these platforms, we’d love to hear about your experience… thumbs up, thumbs down, and maybe a little bit of why. For the rest of you, maybe this chart (courtesy Devious Media) will spur movement on that new or upgraded website you’ve been putting off.

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September 29, 2011 In inspiration, intelligence, philosophy By Patricia Saxton

The Suggestion Box

I love this idea. I wish I’d thought of it, but credit goes to Grace, one of the great gals I share lanes with at the pool.

The local facility we use was renovated over the summer. New entrance way, new locker rooms, new weight room ~ pretty much the whole shebang. It’s not a fancy place like some of the more glorified gyms around, but it serves its purpose well.

This morning was the first time I’d been back since the renovation. Of course we girls were mostly interested in the locker rooms ~ and we weren’t let down. They did a bang-up job. Roomy lockers, private showers with a nice built-in ledge for shampoos, and easy to use water turner-onners (right, so I made up a new word, okay?) with hot, hot water. Great little cubbies to hold your towel, too. Nice job.

Grace, Marlene and I were happy campers. But apparently there were complainers. No hair dryers, lockers too tall, or too short or too wide. Luckily I missed all that. However, Grace had the best idea ….

In the “Suggestion Box”, instead of putting what’s wrong, we’re going to slip in some notes about what’s right. Instead of what we don’t like, we’ll write down what we DO like.

I thought that was brilliant. Doesn’t mean you never mention areas for improvement ~ when there’s an actual suggestion box you assume it really is meant for suggestions. But I imagine how nice it’ll be for someone to come across a few notes of unsolicited “thanks” in there.

Appreciation in unexpected places. Makes me smile just thinking about it.

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September 27, 2011 In art, creativity, philosophy By Patricia Saxton

Why I Don’t Paint Trucks, Write Computer Code or Eat Fig Newtons

Back when I was fresh out of college and not yet sure what I was going to do with my life, my eldest brother had a serious jeep-racing hobby. He had a bright yellow jeep, and asked me to paint Disney’s Pluto on the back end, along with the words “Old Yeller”. I thought that was a fun idea and it made for a great conversation piece at the races. Everybody loved that old jeep with Pluto-on-wheels emblazoned on the back.

But that exercise taught me that I wasn’t a truck painter. I didn’t have the right tools, it probably took me a lot longer than necessary, and I didn’t want to invest in tools for something that most likely would not be part of my artistic future. (Sometimes you just know these things.)

So, some years later when I was well into my graphic design business and designed a logo for a Rose company, I made sure they had a professional car/truck painter paint it on their truck. (and it looked fantastic, I must say ~ wish I had a picture of that.)

As for computer code … sure they get kids out of school designing web code AND cool posters, but it’s a very different set of tools used, and I’m not convinced it makes for excellence in either arena.

Not saying one can’t be both right and left brained, but I guarantee that most programmers will admit their design skills leave much to be desired. And I know for a fact that a good designer’s time is much better spent on what they do best. That’s why I don’t do code.

In a moment of madness some time ago, I did contemplate the idea of learning how to code, but, thankfully, came to my senses. Why not leave that to the pro’s, right there along with truck painting? Same goes for adding electrical engineering and brain surgery to my repertoire.

Which leads us to Fig Newtons. Truth of the matter is, I like them about as much as a screen of java script. That’s why I don’t eat them and am quite content to leave them for the figgy-snack professionals.

And the moral of the story is this: It’s intrinsically healthy to expand our skill sets and mental vistas, but at the end of the day, we’re better serving up things we do well, feel passionate about and know we can deliver. Oh, and that life is short, so why waste any of it chewing on Fig Newtons.

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September 26, 2011 In appreciation, art, communication, creativity, design, inspiration By Patricia Saxton

A Plethora of P’s / #39: Piano

proactively punctuating life with the plausible, powerful possibilities of positive thought presented through a plethora of “P’s”.

– ♥ –

“No other acoustic instrument can match the piano’s expressive range, and no electric instrument can match its mystery.” ~ Kenneth Miller

Billy Joel comes to mind. Stevie Wonder. George Winston. Herbie Hancock. Oscar Peterson. Ray Charles. Jerry Lee Lewis. Joni Mitchell. Regina Spektor. Scott Joplin. Bach. Beethoven. Haydn. Mozart. Tchaikovsky.

I admit I’m biased towards the piano. And I know it can probably be said for any musical instrument… but under the right hands (and heart & soul) pianos can be delicate, thunderous, funky, bright, rough, elegant ~ and everything in between.

Like a changing sky, her moods are endless; her range of emotion vast and deep as an ocean. Tickle her, and she sings with delight.

And if we match her up with a guitar and some conga drums… a bit of heaven just might appear.

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September 25, 2011 In art, books & stuff, branding, creativity, design, illustration, inspiration, photography By Patricia Saxton

“where in the world is peace?”… on the road

Last week it accompanied guitars, appreciated art, traveled to the airport, made friends with strangers and posed with a sports model (sort of). Thanks peace ambassadors! Where to next…?

on the road again ...

"Aesop's Fables" sculpture at MIT

9/11 art exhibit, jersey city

us airways baggage check

sharing a moment of peace with strangers (strangers no more!)

from the city of brotherly love


(All “where in the world is peace?” images are being compiled on a special “where in the world is peace?” page, here. Totes, mugs and things are available here. Send your own pictures to 52weeksofpeace@gmail.com or join our FaceBook page and post them there. Let”s see where peace goes!)

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September 23, 2011 In appreciation, art, fine art By Patricia Saxton

9/11 Exhibit: An evening of community

Thanks to all the photographers at the opening reception of “Afterwards & Forwards: A Ten-year 9/11 Reflective Art Exhibit”, I’ve gathered a sampling to share. The event was indeed very special, with a lively, eclectic crowd ~ and a lot of heart.

Artists are a sensitive lot, who generally pour their more serious selves into their work…. so there’s a great sense of camaraderie when they find themselves in the same room; an invigorating coming together happens.

And over time, I’m getting to know some of them better. Charming Raul, effervescent Duda, gentle Midori. And of course, the incomparable Jose, interjecting his marvelous intellect right and left and showering magnanimous support upon others. And conversational, thoughtful Nick who has thoroughly convinced himself that my daughter is going to go to FIT. And the contagious energy of people-loving Robert…

They’re a vibrant, smart and fun mesh of talent and brains and backgrounds that’s absolutely refreshing. No pretense. Just an appreciation for art, and history, and humanity.

The NJCU 9/11 opening reception as a whole shared that essence of appreciation ~ as the artists, their work, the guests, the press, the professors, the town officials (heck, even the caterers) unconsciously formed an impromptu, cohesive community.

All were honoring a horrific event, yet paying tribute in the most uplifting, thoughtful manner. There was no somberness to the occasion; hope itself was present in the room.  And I’m truly proud to have shared those walls.

Although next time, it was decided … we would serve pumpkin pie.

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September 21, 2011 In art, music, painting By Patricia Saxton

Art & Music / International Day of Peace

Because it’s the official “International Day of Peace”, and I seem to have a thing for peace, I thought I’d share some peacefulness with you … in the form of one of my paintings, and in the form of music, by my brother. It won’t save the world from its madness, but fitting some gentleness into one’s day sure can’t hurt. So take a moment, some nice deep breaths, and enjoy.

(click arrow to hear music)

……………….

First established in 1981, September 21 is designated as an annual day of non-violence and cease-fire. The UN invites all nations and people to honor a cessation of hostilities during the Day, and to otherwise commemorate the Day through education and public awareness on issues related to peace.

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September 19, 2011 In appreciation, art, communication, creativity, design, inspiration By Patricia Saxton

A Plethora of P’s / #38: Polite

proactively punctuating life with the plausible, powerful possibilities of positive thought presented through a plethora of “P’s”.

– ♥ –

Life is not so short but that there is always time for courtesy.  ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson

There are few words that take the friction out of life so easily as a warmly spoken please or thank you. The simplest of gestures can create a ripple of kindness ~ a cheerful greeting, holding a door, paying attention, lending a hand ~ they’re contagious, one polite deed leading to another, like flowering vines spreading out, taking root, weaving a sweetness into life.

How easy to affect the quality of a day! Acts of politeness take the bitter out, and soothe this challenging, sometimes beastly, business of being human.

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September 16, 2011 In art, books & stuff, branding, creativity, design, illustration, inspiration, photography By Patricia Saxton

“where in the world is peace?”… north, south and west

This week one of our “52 Weeks of Peace” totes showed up in Boston, on 9/11. More from the southwest too, and one at a high point on the Appalachian Trail. (Even a North Carolina pup got into the spirit ~ sans official tote bag, mug or journal, but he’s worth making an exception to the rule!)

Where to next… ?

(By the way, all “where in the world is peace?” images are being compiled on a special “where in the world is peace?” page, here. Totes, mugs and things are available here. Send your own pictures to 52weeksofpeace@gmail.com or join our FaceBook page and post them there. Let”s see where peace goes!)

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September 13, 2011 In art, creativity By Patricia Saxton

International Chocolate Day

Some of you may not see this post until tomorrow, but today, a lovely, sunny September 13th, is International Chocolate Day ~ and I cannot let this important date pass without acknowledgement. I actually have a whole post (or two…) lined up about this Food of the Gods, which will have to wait. Right now, it’s deadline-ville over here, but you can rest assured that chocolate will be honored at some point in my day. I hope it will be celebrated in yours as well.

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