Teaching an Old Dog New Tricks

For years now I've kicked and screamed and swore I'd never use anything other than Lightroom when editing. "It takes away too much from the natural world." Yea, seriously. Now I realize how much I've been limiting myself creatively and branched out to begin learning how to use Gimp. It's amazing what's possible using free software and free Youtube tutorials! Of course, I started by working with something near and dear to me; doggos!

After wondering what I could do to satiate my newly growing skills, I decided to try out combining astrology and pets. The result was pretty darn cool! Seriously, check these out:

I branched out a little more and began using beautiful natural scenery as well. I admit I'm a little biased on the breed I chose! I mean come on, how could you not love a face like this?

Jett the rescue mutt!

Naturally, I veered towards created images in his likeness. The result was pretty neat, too!

After creating a few designs, I sought a way to share them with others. Cue Redbubble! I add my work, and they do the rest. It's a fantastic way to share designs in a variety of ways. Now my designs are available on all sorts of products from clothing to phone and tablet cases, to mugs, stickers, prints and even bed comforters! Pretty cool, eh?

Here's a link to even more work: 

As a teacher, I'm constantly looking for ways to help supplement my income, so this was a no-brainer for me. I've only just started creating and growing the designs, so breed requests are highly encouraged! If you choose to support I cannot thank you enough! 

Gimp Download Link

If you're interested in the product, I'll save you a step by providing the link here!

Click here to download Gimp

Introduction

Here it is, my first post!

I've finally decided to begin my blogging journey, and what better way to start than introducing myself? My name is Jess Horner and I'm 27-years young. I am a teacher, nature and wildlife enthusiast, dog (and all other pets) lover, a motorsports driver, a hobbyist photographer, a fantasy nerd, a mediocre at best cook, and an avid dreamer. Through this blog, I hope to inspire and be inspired in all facets of my life.

Profession

I have been teaching special education (severe learning and language disabilities) for four years now. To say I love my job would be an understatement. I teach a group of second, third and fourth-grade students who I come to love as my own. My students are so amazing and unique in their own ways and I am truly blessed to be a part of their lives for as long as I am. I work with three paraprofessionals who are like family to me. Through this blog I hope to network and provide second-hand experience to other teachers, specialists and parents. I've linked my Teachers Pay Teachers account to the blog to begin sharing great resources. There's not much there just yet, but there will be! I, personally, have been extremely grateful for so many resources on there!

In addition to my day to day, I also lead my school's Technology Committee. I have a high interest in ed-tech, especially when it comes to assistive devices and augmentative communication devices for students with special needs. This year we became Future Ready Certified (which was a TON of work!). This was especially fantastic because our school is a Title I school, meaning we are below a certain socio-economic level. My interest in ed-tech has become so strong that I've even begun going back to school for my Master's in Learning & Technology through Western Governor's University. As an aside, for anyone considering them I HIGHLY recommend them. I've had nothing but positive experiences during my first semester and the price can't be beaten!

I linked my Twitter (which I solely use for my professional life) to the blog to show some of the cool things we do in class!t

Hobbies

These are the topics I mostly plan to write about, so I've decided to introduce them as well!

Nature

Originally I planned to be the female, American Steve Irwin. I genuinely cried for days when he passed on. Unfortunately (but forunately) the stars didn't align and I am where I am today. Given the opportunity, I would live in the middle of the forest in a tiny log cabin with a tiny farm surrounded by the things I love most. I grew up in a small town in South Jersey and for those familiar with the pine barrens, I affectionately call myself a "piney". Being in the woods is in my very DNA. I spent countless hours romping through unchartered territory of the NJ pines with my dog, Kali. Kali girl is waiting over the rainbow bridge for me to come romp in the woods again, but until then I enjoy the endless memories we made together.

Kali, my childhood companion.

Though some may call my childhood unconventional, I'm grateful for every moment of it. When I moved out of the pines I was desperate to find something to fill that void, often going through small bouts of depression as a result. Eventually, I became hooked on hiking as a way to get my fix. In the warmer weather it's not uncommon to find me with a fishing pole. 

Jett and I traversing the Black River County Park (Gorge Trail) in NJ.

Most of my photography comes from those hikes and small adventures. I will be sharing and posting photos of past and present adventures here, and making pieces of those experiences available through my Redbubble site! You can also find galleries shared in the "Gallery" section of the blog. 

Fantasy Nerdism

Ok, I am officially publicly admitting that I am a HUGE nerd. I greatly enjoy fantasy series, especially ones set in Middle Ages.  I can get completely immersed in other worlds through reading and gaming alike. Game of Thrones, Lord of the Rings, Farseer, and (of course) Potter....Witcher, Skyrim...just to name a few worlds that have captivated me completely. When it comes to gaming, I prefer single player, story rich RPG's. Seriously, Witcher 3 blew my mind! I added a "Currently Reading" widget to the home page. Right now it's "Ship of Magic" by Robin Hobb. I couldn't get enough of the Farseer Trilogy and had to keep going! I'll throw up a review once I'm finished!

Cooking

So, my kitchen is decked out in Harry Potter decor. Though that doesn't make my cooking magical, I do try to do a lot of experimenting! Admittedly, I used to loathe the idea of cooking. I am still on unsteady ground with it. For some reason, though, I find myself trying new recipes multiple times a week. It may have something to do with my significant other's love for good food. Love makes us do crazy things 😉. I tend to veer towards flavor-packed meals, mostly vegetarian but we do have meat maybe once a week or so, so those will be mixed in as well! In the future, I would like to post recipe walkthroughs and reviews.

Breakfast this morning was pancakes and leftovers from last night's "Rösti Casserole with Baked Eggs"!

Motorsports

That feeling when you get your FTD! Really missing the warm autocross weather on this cold, rainy day. #GE3KSPDMotorsports | #FiestaST

A post shared by Jess (@ladyge3kspd) on Feb 12, 2017 at 8:30am PST

I'm often questioned about my career choice and my hobby choice, financially anyway. I admit I probably didn't think that one through, but I'm still pretty happy with both. For stress relief, I autocross my 2015 Fiesta ST. Long story short, I love the sport and I love my car. My instagram is filled with posts just about my car.  It's off season right now to give my tires a chance to cool, but when April rolls around it's game on! For now, click on the photo for a fun article about my first season of autocross...

Photo by: Scott Terrace

Wrap Up

Thanks for sticking around this far! I hope the introduction has explained a little about who I am and where I plan to take this blog. I am excited to get learn, share and be inspired!

Ciao!

Jess