When Life Hands You Lemons, Make Green Tea Lemonade With Mint.

by | Jul 27, 2025 | 0 comments

Warning: Heavy Sarcasm Ahead (Especially at Microsoft’s Expense)
If you’re a hardcore Windows fan-girl, grab a helmet.

Have you read The Internet is Made of Demons?  Yeah… if that’s true, my computer is 100% possessed.

This beast didn’t even start life as a “normal” desktop. It was literally the guts of a lottery terminal. (I wish I was joking.) Windows 11 took one look at my hardware and said, “Absolutely not,” so I’ve been happily coasting along on Windows 10. But now that Win10’s support is on its last legs, I’ve been out here like some wannabe hacker, trying every shady workaround I can find to sneak past Microsoft’s hardware checks. Everyone online swears they “know a guy” who pulled it off. Spoiler: nothing works.

And maybe – just maybe – my pure rage opened a portal for the demons.

First, my audio started freezing during calls. Friends swore it was “just a driver.” Tried everything. Nada. Then my video joined the party. Next, random USB ports started flaking out like they were auditioning for a horror movie. Suddenly, I’m sitting here wondering if an upgrade to Windows 11 would fix it. (Why? Why would I even think that? Like Microsoft suddenly wants to save me?)

No, I’m not buying new hardware just to appease the MS gods.

You should know: this thing has 14 USB ports. Fourteen. Do I use them all? Absolutely not. But I went from two measly ports on my laptop to this glorious buffet of connectivity, and I’m not giving it up. It’s rocking 32 gigs of RAM and has always been a solid little workhorse… until, you know, the possession.

So, I pulled a bold move: I swapped the motherboard with another one just like it and went full-on Linux. Yep, I jumped ship. I’ve used Linux before, but I missed PaintShop Pro too much to stick with it. But now? I’m running Linux Mint with Cinnamon, and thanks to ChatGPT’s hand-holding, I even set up a virtual Windows machine so I can use PSP.

Linux has come a long way since the old Red Hat days (shout-out to anyone who remembers that chaos). It’s smooth, pretty, and – so far – I’m not looking back. Well, except for one thing: headsets.

Turns out, my fancy SteelSeries Arctis 5 USB headset and my bone-conduction Shokz OpenCom2 (both amazing on Windows) decided they hate Linux. After many, many hours of cursing at forums and trying every workaround, I finally learned:

“Both mics don’t work in Linux because their advanced USB audio drivers aren’t fully supported. They’ll show up as headphones, but the mic isn’t recognised.”

Translation: buy a new headset or get creative.

So yeah, I’m dropping cash – not for Microsoft’s ransom, but because my gear doesn’t vibe with Linux. Worth it. And honestly? If you’re still on Windows 10 and wondering what to do next, try Linux. It might surprise you.

Until next time friends…

 

Is Your Everyday Life Interfering with Your Art?

by | Jul 8, 2024 | 0 comments

I almost fell in.....

Some days, it’s tough to start anything, even just writing the first sentence. I know what I want to say, but getting it out is a struggle. You know those days.

For the past six months, I’ve been working to build an online Fiberarts Community with all the bells and whistles. It’s been fun learning new things and designing online experiences, but I’ve been neglecting the real world. It’s been over a month since I’ve picked up my paint brushes and several weeks since I’ve spent more than half an hour knitting. My real-life art has been overtaken by the digital life I’m building. I now see this is a classic example of not balancing life and work.

I recently spent 8 days at my MIL’s and thought I had everything set up to work, but of course, there were tech glitches. I managed to get some work done, but it had been so long since I spent an afternoon knitting, and Lake Huron was just meters away. So, I decided to take a break. Between tech issues, spotty internet, two dogs, a lake, and my knitting, it was an easy choice.

Committing to Change!

I was actually there to help my MIL after a heart scare (she’s doing well now). I just helped with things around the house and cooked meals, nothing more than I do at home. It was nice to spend time with her. In the afternoons, I’d sit and knit, which was glorious! I had planned to go to the lake every day, but various mattresses took a toll on my back. I still enjoyed the view and took a few nice trips to let the dogs play in the water.

As a person with A.D.D., I need to find a way to schedule my time so that all aspects of my life are in balance. Here are some techniques that might help:

  1. Time Blocking: Allocate specific blocks of time for different activities, such as work, art, and relaxation. Stick to these blocks to ensure you give attention to all areas of your life.
  2. Prioritizing Tasks: List your tasks in order of importance and tackle them one by one. This can help prevent feeling overwhelmed and ensure that you make progress on your most important projects.
  3. Setting Alarms and Reminders: Use alarms and reminders to keep you on track throughout the day. This can help manage transitions between activities and ensure you don’t lose track of time.
  4. Breaks and Downtime: Schedule regular breaks to rest and recharge. Short, frequent breaks can improve focus and productivity.
  5. Combining Activities: Find ways to combine activities you enjoy with those you need to do. For example, listen to a podcast while knitting or take a walk while brainstorming ideas.

This experience has given me some insight into the importance of balancing life and work. It’s easy to get caught up in projects and let them consume all our time, but it’s crucial to step back and reconnect with the real world. Taking breaks, enjoying hobbies, and spending time with loved ones are essential for our well-being and creativity. Moving forward, I’m committed to finding a better balance and making time for the things that bring joy and relaxation into my life.

Until next time friends…

Learning to Use Sharing Tools in the Fiberarts Community

by | Apr 25, 2024 | 0 comments

Learn how to share:

Cameras

Screens

Google Docs

Websites

Files

The Fiberarts Community is open and ready for you! Sign up for the Beyond the Skein newsletter to get all the details about our Grand Opening.

Check out  tutorial #1 on the Fiberarts Community page—it’ll guide you into the space and show you how to navigate from room to room.

Let’s dive into using those cool tools I mentioned! By the end of this post, you’ll be able to Use the Circle Cam and the Presenter Cam. You’ll be sharing your screen, Google Docs,and files like a pro with your fellow Fiberartists.

How to Use Your Camera

Using the Circle Cam is a breeze! When you first entered the space, you were likely prompted to use your camera. While not everyone chooses to activate it, if you want to use it, simply click on the “Circle Cam” button located in the toolbar at the bottom of the screen.

If you’d like to turn off your circle cam just click on the button again. Easy peasy.

I’m really excited about the “Presentation Cam”! It’s such a useful tool. Recently, a friend and I used it in the Whisperspace to work out a new stitch together. It was fantastic—I could see her work and she could see mine, which helped us figure it out in no time! I think you’ll find this feature incredibly handy.

 

To use the Presentation Cam, simply click on the circle labelled “Cam.” Once it opens, you can resize it by dragging a corner. To move the cam window, place your cursor in the centre until the four-arrow icon appears, then drag the window to your desired location on the screen.

To deactivate the presenter cam, simply click on the “Cam” button once more.

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Screen Sharing

Sharing your screen allows you to collaborate directly on the same pattern, demonstrate chart-making, show how to use an app, or share anything else you want your friends to see. Simply click on the circle that says “SHARE” to the right of your Cam. Then click on “Share Your Screen”.

Please be aware: Your toolbar will have fewer items than mine, as I am the administrator. 

Next, click on “Select window or screen.” A drop-down menu will appear, showing all the screens or apps available to you. For example, if you want to share a picture you’re working on in PaintShop Pro, just click on that option.

Voila! You’re now sharing your screen. To resize the window, just click and drag the double arrow, indicated by the pink arrow, to your preferred size. If you need to move the window, simply click on it and drag it to your desired location.

To stop sharing your screen, click the “Share” circle once more, and it will deactivate.

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Sharing Google docs

To share your Google documents, just click on the “Share” circle like before. When the menu appears, select “Boards and Apps,” which is indicated by the pink arrow.

Please remember: before you can share Google Docs, spreadsheets, and other files, they need to be set to public sharing. Log into your google docs account, click on the document you want to share. You can adjust the visibility settings by clicking on the “Share” button in your Google Docs as shown by the pink arrow.

A small window will pop up. Below your name and email address you will see the “General” heading with a drop down menu below. Click on the menu and choose “Anyone with the link”. You’ve just set your document to pubic but only people with the link can see it. (This can easily be reversed by logging into google docs and using the “Share” button.

Simply click on the “Copy Link” button and then the blue “Close” button to exit this window.

Return to the Virtual Knitgroup and click on “Docs” as indicated by the pink arrow. You can also share “Slides”, “Sheets” and “Forms”

Next, insert your Google Doc link into the field marked by the pink arrow and click “Open Docs.”

Pretty cool, isn’t it? Now everyone can see your document. You can resize it by using the circle with two arrows located in the lower right of your window.

If you need to move the window around the screen, just drag and drop it using the four arrows indicated by the pink arrow on the dark grey bar at the bottom of the window.

One of my favorite features when sharing documents is the ability to view them in full screen! Simply click on the double arrows marked by the pink arrow to expand the document.

Below is the view you’ll get in full screen mode. The chat box appears on the right, and if you scroll down, you’ll see the room beneath the document. It’s a straightforward way to see everything clearly and follow along.

To exit full screen mode, just click on the small circle with a box inside, marked by the pink arrow, and the view will revert back to the smaller screen within the room.

To stop sharing your google doc, click on the “Share” circle to turn it off.

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Sharing Websites

The ability to share a fully interactive website offers numerous benefits. For instance, imagine shopping online with a fellow fiberartist, selecting materials for a project you’re both working on. The potential uses for this feature are truly limitless!

To share your website, just click on the “Share” circle like before. When the menu appears, select “Boards & Apps” which is indicated by the pink arrow.

Next, scroll down a little and click on “Custom URL” as indicated by the pink arrow.

Paste or type the website URL into the box.

And there you are, sharing a fully interactive website. Have fun!

To stop sharing your website, click on the “Share” circle to turn it off or the little red “x” at the top right of the window.

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Sharing Files

Deciding whether to allow file sharing required some thought. On one hand, we could create a shareable library; on the other, there were copyright concerns to consider.

Here’s the plan: I’ve enabled file sharing in each room for now, but I ask that you adhere to a few simple guidelines:

  1. Please delete any files you’ve shared before exiting the room.
  2. Original work can be posted in the Main Knitgroup room to create a sharable library. If you are the original designer, or if you reference the pattern and include your own insights or modifications, please rename your file starting with “00-“, such as “00-filename.”

To share your files, just click on the “Share” circle like before. When the menu appears, select “Files,” which is shown by the pink arrow.

To add a file, click on the white box marked with an X, as shown by the pink arrow.

Choose which file you want to upload and click, “Open” as shown by the pink arrow.

To delete your files, simply click on the white box that contains an X as shown by the pink arrow.

To close the file sharing window simply click the “X” at the top right of the window as shown by the pink arrow.

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I think we are all going to have some fun!! 

Until next time friends…

Out with the Old, In with the BS: My Podcast Gets a Makeover!

by | Mar 23, 2024 | 0 comments

Hey friends!

I’ve been making some tweaks to the podcast lately, and you might be wondering why. Here’s the thing: sometimes getting caught up in the “perfect brand” can take the fun out of creating something awesome.

Remember how excited I was to launch the “Creative Journey Podcast”? It felt like the right name at the time, capturing that whole path-to-creativity vibe. I even made cool graphics and everything!

But here’s the funny part: I totally forgot to Google the name first. ‍Turns out, there are a ton of podcasts named “Creative Journey” (whoops!). Luckily, I caught it early on. Lesson learned!

So, the podcast now has a brand new name – “Beyond the Skein” (or BS for short, if you’re feeling chill). I’m super pumped about it, and I can’t wait to keep creating great content for you all!

I’ve got even more exciting projects brewing in the background – stay tuned to see what hatches next!

Until next time friends…

Beyond Yarn and Brushes: Why Discord is the Perfect Hub for Your FiberArts & Arts Community

by | Feb 21, 2024 | 0 comments

Imagine a vibrant online space where creativity flows freely, inspiration sparks with every message, and collaboration thrives regardless of location. This isn’t a fantasy – it’s the reality offered by Discord, the rising star of online communities. But why is Discord the perfect platform for fiberartists, visual artists, and anyone passionate about the arts? Buckle up, because we’re about to unravel the threads that make Discord stand out:

1. Stitch Together a Global Community: Forget geographical limitations! Discord transcends borders, connecting fiber artists and art enthusiasts from across the globe. Imagine sharing project tips with a fellow knitter in Australia, discussing color palettes with a painter in Italy, or brainstorming ideas with a sculptor in Brazil – all in real-time!

2. Beyond Text: A Tapestry of Expression: Discord isn’t just about typed words. Share your latest masterpiece as a high-resolution image, showcase your intricate crochet project in a video, or even livestream your painting process, offering a glimpse into your creative journey. Visual inspiration abounds!

3. Channels: Organized Threads of Conversation: Gone are the days of information overload. Discord’s channel system lets you create dedicated spaces for specific topics, techniques, or even different art forms. Need help with a tricky crochet stitch? Join the #crochet-help channel. Feeling inspired by a specific artist? Dive into the #artist-spotlight channel.

4. Voice Chat: The Cozy Craft Corner: Craving the camaraderie of an in-person craft group? Discord’s voice chat feature brings the warmth of real-time conversation online. Hop on a voice channel, discuss your latest projects, offer feedback, and share laughter – all without leaving your craft room.

5. Events & Workshops: Unfurl a World of Learning: Organize online workshops, host live Q&A sessions with guest artists, or even schedule virtual critique sessions. Discord’s event features and screen-sharing capabilities make it the perfect platform to elevate your community’s learning experience.

6. Bots: The Helpful Hands in Your Online Studio: Imagine having a tireless assistant who can schedule events, remind you of deadlines, or even play relaxing music while you work. Discord bots can do all that and more, adding a layer of automation and convenience to your community.

7. A Canvas for Self-Expression: Personalize your Discord experience! Choose a server icon that reflects you and even create unique emojis to add a touch of fun and personality.

Discord is more than just a chat platform; it’s a vibrant tapestry woven with the threads of shared passion, connection, and creativity. So, gather your fellow artists, grab your virtual needles and brushes, and step into the world of Discord – add me, Artemisnorth, as a friend and visit my server, it’s time to weave something truly extraordinary!

Not sure how to get started on Discord? I’ve got you covered! Check out my upcoming series:  “Beginner’s Guide to Using Discord”, specifically tailored for the total Newbie.

Knitting Through Darkness: My Journey of Hope

by | Jan 20, 2024 | 0 comments

The past week has been quite challenging for me. I’ve been struggling with feelings of profound sadness, akin to a heavy darkness that stubbornly lingers in the depths of my soul. I’ve been battling what feels like the most intense depression I’ve ever experienced. It’s been tough, but I’m gradually starting to feel a bit more hopeful, like I can almost catch a glimpse of brighter days ahead.

I decided to take a break today from rebuilding my blog. Instead, I chose to relax and focus on knitting socks for my grandson, whose birthday is just around the corner. Although I made some progress, I wasn’t really in the right headspace. However, a few hours spent video chatting with a close friend turned out to be incredibly uplifting. We shared our frustrations about life and dove into an array of odd and interesting topics – the kind of conversation that’s truly therapeutic.

For dinner, I had a simple salad but found it hard to focus on anything. Thankfully, I found a delightful distraction in TikTok. Despite mixed opinions about the platform, I personally find it captivating. It suits my A.D.D. mind perfectly, offering a diverse mix of content that’s endlessly entertaining. While scrolling, I came across a woman demonstrating how to crochet Irish Lace, and it was love at first sight. I was eager to see what else she had to share.

And then, it hit me when I heard her say, “Tell Your Story…..” It resonated with me deeply. She’s definitely someone I feel a connection with.

@rebekahhaascrochet

#rebekahhaascrochet #mentalhealth #crocheting #crochetersoftiktok #artist #adhd #yarn #crochet #anxious #tellyourstory

♬ Meadow – Adrian Berenguer

I hope you go and show her some love. She’s lovely and so skilled. Maybe she will inspire you to tell your story.

Until next time friends…