For quite sometime I have maintained four sites worth of my photographs, Flickr, Photobucket, Picasa and SmugMug. All worthwhile online applications, but in the end i had to defect to SmugMug. I think what sold me on the site was the level of customization one has in designing the galleries. The tools for organizing the pictures far exceed that of Flickr, and the usability is much more intuitive. Flickr has some nice animation, but try to figure out how to rearrange your galleries you might be there for a while.

I knew there were applications for migrating photos from one site to another, though I imagined it was going to still be a bit of a nightmare, not so. There is this little plug-in called SmuggLr works like a charm, simply install and run Firefox, and before you know it your photos from where ever else they lived are moved in full resolution over to SmugMug. Not only is it a seamless transition data wise it will keep the groups and names of all the galleries at the previous location in tact.

Now that all my photographs that live online are in one place i need t go through and reorganize and retire some, and continue to update as much as possible. This weekend should prove to have many new pictures, stay tuned!

Posted by sha at 07:14 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Lately I have been going through all my work, in an attempt to see where I have been and where I want to go. I have been working on a computer in some kind of capacity now for over ten years and well—there is a lot there! So many photos, after all that is where it all started, with a photograph. From there I just gravitated to working in PhotoShop creating, anything—collages, logos, web pages, posters, postcards, business cards; trying everything out graphically.

Through all my experience and exploration, I have found that web design is my passion. I have always wanted to move beyond just the design and to develop the backend that makes that design come alive. Hence, learning HTML, XHTML, and CSS has been so natural to me. I love what can be accomplished visually and functionally with a single file of code. I have known for some time now I really want to take it further and learn even more web technologies, JavaScript, PHP, CMS, everything. Web design and development provide me with constant challenges and very rewarding results.

One thing that is very obvious to me as I look through all my work is that I love to design in blue; I guess it is my signature color! As I continue to go through my breadth of work I will add pieces I like to the Vault.

Posted by sha at 05:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

It has been a busy summer, we have attended a lot of shows and just recently the ArtBeats Festival in Somerville. It was literally five minutes from my apartment.

What a great day it was. There were lots of hand crafted arts, good food, music made on a typewriter, and performance artists; painted entirely in silver(yeah, they were very cool!). What was really nice about this event was it was unexpected. I had no idea this was happening nor that it is a yearly event, so when we walked out the door to go elsewhere, we only needed to walk minutes to a plethora of entertainment.

I want to highlight one particular vendor that i was just really impressed with and actually hope to purchase one of her pieces soon. The company is called Parrish Relics, located in Stoneham, MA. It is all handcrafted jewelry inspired by designs of the Early Ages and the like. It is simpley beautiful, be sure to check it out!

Of course i took many photos, which you can check out here. What was nice about this for me, is it was a chance to just take very random photos of objects, but people as well; which i am trying to work on. I love to people watch and are really trying to work towards a more photojournalistic approach to taking pictures. It also had been a while since i had taken any pics, so this really gave me the inspiration i needed.

So, up next on the calendar is Social D in Hapmton Beach, NH! Out of all the shows i have been to this year, this is the one i am most looking forward to. I have seen them twice before just last fall in Boston and they were amazing, so i know Mike Ness and the boys will not disappoint! Check back next week for an update of the show.

Posted by sha at 01:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

So when i lived out in Northborough, we use to go and feed feral cat colonies on the weekends, a simple effort that can make a huge difference. That also happens to be how we ended up having 7 cats! Well, 2 of them we adopted from a shelter, we then rescued 5 kittens that we intended to foster and put up for adoption you can see that did not happen.

Anyhow, since i have been in the city for about a year now i have only been involved with one rescue (although quite momentous!) and was yearning to start doing some more direct volunteer work. Through the power of networking, i have come across a wonderful group, The Charles River Alleycats. They were looking for an extra feeder for one of the colonies in Cambridge, and since i live right near by i was only too happy to start helping out. Though for now it is only one day, i am very happy to be aligned with another wonderful shelter.

I continue to work on The MetroWest Humane Society's website and i love it, i just want to continue to do as much as i can for the animals- and i know there is so much more work to be done!

Posted by sha at 02:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Well, it took me only 2 weeks to kill my phone! Yep dropped it in the toilet, dont ask. I am currently letting it dry out and see what happens, it might come back, but probably not--so it was fun while it lasted.

On a much brighter note, this week has lots in store, working on designing my next tattoo, (i prefer them to piercings though i do love my labret), TOOL on Thursday night(sweet!) and then the Sox on Friday night(very sweet!) and it is Friday the 13th, cant get much better then that!

Posted by sha at 09:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This was a really great weekend, did 4 things on Saturday that just made me so happy, and got to do them with Gary, which it made all so much better! First on Saturday we finally went bowling. The bowling alley is literally 2 minutes from my apt, in fact i can look out my kitchen window and see it ha-ha. It was so much fun! I have wanted to bowl for so long now, and have not done so in about 12 years. I lost pretty badly, but it really did not matter, too much fun was to be had. We are now on the search for an amateur bowling league.

(I do need to back up just a minute and mention prior to going out for the day/night with Gary i took myself to a much anticipated reflexology appointment. I had not been in probably six months or so, and it was long overdue! While I am at a good place in my life, house sold, having alot of fun with friends and family, i am finding it has been hard to let go of the past and find peace with all. I am having trouble closing the book on a chapter in my life that was a learning experiece but that included much pain and has brought up alot of issues for me that i never thought i would have to deal with again. I suppose you are never really finished with your issues/demons, but more so how you deal with them as they show up in mysterious forms.) Okay now back to the fun...

After that we headed over to the Burren for a couple of beers, my personal favorite Sea Dog Blueberry Wheat-yum! After that we headed back for a quick nap, and then we were off to see Mark Nelson play at TT’s. It was great, got to hang out and talk for a few with Mark; he is such a great person and his music is amazing, truly feeds my soul! There were several other bands playing after him, but they could not measure up, so we headed out around the corner to the Middle East for some Indian food; Gary’s first time. It was so good, and once we were full we headed home.

Actually Sunday was pretty good too, we got up early before it got too sticky and went for a about a 2 mile walk down the bike path that starts right behind the Davis Sq T Stop, it was really nice, I will be biking that soon! Then we were off to breakfast at our new favorite little diner, the Rosebud. The rest of the day was doing work and getting chores done for the week. All in all, a really wonderful weekend!

Posted by sha at 08:46 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

This weekend has been perfection! The weather could not have been any nicer; warm, sunny, pleasant smells of budding life. I finally got my bike fixed up and took the first ride of the season! It was just as i remembered from this time last year, a sense of freedom, wonder, and reflection as i rode through the streets of Cambridge.

It has been a time of change for me once again. Learning more about myself and the people around me. It has been a hard time. I have been trying very hard to let go of things i can not change or fix, and open myself up to some wonderful things ahead.

So, with the weekend coming to a close, and making it home safely (yep, my bike ride would not be complete if i did not almost get into an accident) i am going to get some work in.

Posted by sha at 08:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Happy Spring all! it has been about a year since i have written on this blog for the site. I have been quite busy living and working. I have been part of some really neat projects, which i promise to write about more soon.

I have updated the site some. When i went to go and look at doing a complete new design i worked out a few ideas only to realize that i actually like the structure of the site for now, and did not really want something new (which really means i did not have the time to do it). I suppose when i do have more time, I would like to look at some new ideas for the structure of the site as well as write all new content for it. For now, i will try to keep the journal more up to date, as well as all current projects.

In light of the recent, and very tragic events, it is hard to write about my work or life so i just wanted to say hi, that Wicklow Designs is still here and we look forward to working on new projects throughout the year.

-Shannon

Posted by sha at 09:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I have been going through immense changes the last several months, i am not sure what the cause was, or should i say the catalyst, could it be i hit a milestone in my life (turning 35 freaked me out a bit) or i just suddenly woke up from the fog i had been sleeping in, but after today's conversation with my brother i knew there was no turning back. I think i had tricked myself into thinking that since i had made the first move, that i could now just sit back and see what move played out next. I now know i need to be more proactive then ever. I need to get to the next phase, which will be the most difficult, but once i can get through that i am fairly certain i can make it through the rest.

to be continued....

Posted by sha at 08:19 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Happy 10th Birthday Justy! Be sure to take a look at some pics of Justin when he was a wee one :)

Love,
Auntie Shannon

Posted by sha at 11:24 AM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I generally dont buy myself gifts...but there has been a ring that i have had my eye for quite some time.

When i was younger i had the traditional Claddagh ring, and loved it. Recently, as i was looking into some Irish jewerly i came across this very new and distinive look, the Icon collection. I fell in love with the thick band and bold cut outs of the symbols of love, friendship and loyalty.

I purchased the ring from this lovely little shop in West Boylston, Wexford House- Irish Imports. It really felt like i had stepped into a shop right in Ireland. All of their pieces were beautiful, and of course authentic. So, if you are ever in the area i strongly suggest you stop in!

Posted by sha at 08:01 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Our little Ty-Ty turns 13! I can hardly believe he is a teenager already. I remember when he was just a little peanut! He has grown into a wonderful young man, who is a wonderful son, brother, grandson, newphew and friend. Happy Birthday Tyler!

Be sure to take a look at some of Ty's baby pics.

Love, Auntie Shannon

Posted by sha at 07:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Last night I went to the Variety Show, put on by Tyler's class- to benefit the Worcester County Food Bank. Ty was a natural on stage! He played the Unknown Comic in a skit of the Gong Show. Despite having an awesome delivery and very funny jokes, he was gonged-but so was the Elvis impersonator :)

Ted, Joy, Justin and I all took pictures and video of Ty's debut, but he had a paper bag on most the time, since that is the costume of the unknown comic- but he did take it off at the end of the show- so we managed to get some pics of the handsome young actor.

It was a great night- all the kids did a great job- and Ty just shined! I always love to see him and Justin having fun and doing the things they love to do- I was so happy to be there.

Be sure to visit the gallery to see the photos from the night.

Posted by sha at 07:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Yesterday i went to Justin's hockeygame. It was nice to see Ted, Joy and Tyler- and what a game! It was one of those nail bitters ,the other team was scoring often, looked like Shrewsbury wouldn't get ahead or even tie...but then the Bird made his shot! It was beautiful-he just slammed it right into the goal- and we all went crazy!That tied up the game, and then in the final minutes, Shrews bury scored again, giving us the win. It was just an awesome game- and Justin was amazing to watch. So young, and so talented on the ice! He and Ty are amazing young boys- it always very cool to be part of their lives. I am so glad i went to the game!

Joy and i were so bummed, we both forgot out cameras- i really have to remember to have one with me!

Posted by sha at 07:21 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Yesterday was my first time trying reflexology- and all i can say is it was an amazing experience, one i wish i had tried so long ago. I met with a friend of Todd's, Madeline who studies many holistic practices, and in essence is a healer. She provides many services, and one of them being reflexology. She practices out of her home, where she has converted part of her downstairs into this very comfy, safe area. After talking for a brief time, she had me lay in this is chair that flipped back so i could lay down, with my feet stretched out. As she begun to massage my feet she could tell so many things, none of which i had told her. She could tell i had a headache, that my breathing was labored( from asthma), and that my neck was out of alignment- oh and that i was very stressed out- what a surprise!

As she began to work different pressure points in my feet, i started to immediately feel relaxed, but alive and full of energy at the same time. She talked to me about many different things, none of which i could remember, it was almost as if i had just floated away. She probably massaged both my feet for about an hour- one i wished would never have ended. There is much more detail to this, i have simplified so much, but i think the most important thing to reveal is that i have never felt this good- and it stayed with me well after i left her home. I went on with the rest of my day, so relaxed, but so happy and alive, it was amazing. I made sure to drink my water, as Madeline suggested that i drink plenty of water to remove the toxins that she worked out of my body. And so i went home fully intending to take a nap, as i felt so sleepy- yet i had energy to burn, so i went to my nephew Justin's hockey game, which was awesome!

My next session with Madeline is in a week and i can hardly wait. And for anyone who encounters a lot of stress in their life, i strongly suggest giving reflexology a try- it is so much better then a massage.

Posted by sha at 06:02 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

Happy 40th Birthday! Be sure to click on the image to see a special family photo.

Love,
shan

Posted by sha at 06:36 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Well, another year has begun- and we actually made it to see the ball drop- well some of us did anyways.
We wish all friends and family a very happy and healthy New Year.

Posted by sha at 12:11 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)