Squares
Another way to trick your left brain to stop telling you, you can’t create art is to draw in squares. Today’s exercise broke sketching down into bite-size chunks. I drew twelve drawings. Even though they are small, I practiced observing, looking for contours, and determining what could fit in the box. Finally, I went through twelve drawings.
And the exciting part is that they look good when they are all on one page. Another tip to break down sketching.
Thanks to the Sketchbook Skool art class.
Shoe Map
This exercise focused on breaking down you’re drawing into seeing your subject’s contour. I just focused on the edges. By ONLY looking at your subject (the shoe), you let your eyes slowly observe, focus, and follow the contours. While your eyes concentrate on the outline, your hand is mapping your journey. It is genuinely following your eyes. No looking at the page, just focused on the subject’s contour.
Interesting how closely the sketch map resembles the shoe.
Another Mug Shot
I enjoy my morning coffee. And as I enjoy sketching in the morning, my morning coffee mug is a great subject. Another Disney mug.
Upside Down
Today I drew upside down.
With the theme of breaking down my sketching skill development into small components, I explored why it is easier to sketch abstract items vs. real things. For example, it was daunting to see a man sitting as the object I needed to draw, but turning it upside down and focusing on the ABCs of drawing made it more accessible.
I’m happy with the results and found it much easier to focus on the lines, curves, and angles rather than a mouth, eyes, and arms. I knew what it was, but psychologically it was much more manageable.
Disney Mug
Hello, going strong with my sketch a day for 365 days. I’m really enjoying the process.
Man’s Best Friend – Stuckey
Using the techniques I have learning and practiced, I drew my dog. I started with the outline, observing the landmarks of Stuckey’s body and the relationship of the lines and angles. I Then filled in the other details and tried to use circles, lines, and cross-hatching to show her fur.
As a side note when I drew this picture I didn’t know that we were gong to have to put Stuckey to sleep later that day. It was the right thing to do but still doesn’t make it any easier. RIP Stuckey.
Small Building Blocks - Abstracts
Breaking down any task into its components helps you develop. It is no different with sketching. Today I built upon the elements of drawing, the five ABCs to copy abstract designs.
I wasn’t trying to draw a portrait or a landscape but rather build my skills and confidence by focusing on lines, circles, and angles—small building blocks.
The two blocks on top are my copies of the abstracts.
Easter Island
Today’s sketch is my interpretation of the famous Easter Island statues. The lesson focused on observing the contours of your subject. Slowly and meticulously follow the subject’s contours and let your hand map out what your brain sees.
Start with the outside contours and keep getting increasingly granular as you draw each detail. As you focus on what you see, this is where change takes place. Examine what you see and adjust. There is always more to see.
Elements of Drawing – Yogurt Container
Today’s lesson was about breaking down sketching and observation into the ABCs. Break what you see into straight lines, curves, angles, circles, and dots. I put this concept to work on my morning breakfast, yogurt.
I hope you are enjoying my sketching skills journey.
Coaster Art
Today’s art was of a coaster sitting on my desk. The theme was why it is good to start drawing and sketching with ink. You can’t erase, and there is a permanence to what you are drawing. The key takeaway is that you can learn from what you are sketching. I’m enjoying the process, and hopefully, you are too!
Let me know in the comments if there is a skill or passion that you are starting to develop or are returning to.
Gatorade Bottle
Here is day two of my sketching skill journey. After my lesson, I drew the Gatorade bottle sitting on the counter. I am enjoying the journey and look forward to seeing my progression. No matter what, I enjoy the process of sketching.
I hope this inspires you to take on a new skill or pick up an old interest. You are never too old to challenge yourself.
Art and Sketching
I am developing an art skill, drawing. To this point, I have no sketching or drawing talent. Hopefully, this will inspire you to create a creative outlet and talent.
I came across Danny Gregory from Sketchbook Skool on YouTube. Danny has a wonderful way of demystifying art and sketching. He builds your sketching and art skills by focusing on increasing your confidence and a positive inner voice vs. the technical drawing skills/techniques.
To sketch better, you need to sketch.
I am taking his course How to Draw Without Talent, A self-directed course that'll get you drawing in 26 easy, fun steps. I have phased the 26 videos into daily chunks. Danny also takes you through technical discussions and drills during the course.
Each video works on your confidence, repetition, or a specific sketching skill. If there isn't a particular assignment, I pick something to sketch.
I aim to draw and post something for the next 365 days.
Consistency and Self Discipline
Sketching every day and the accountability of posting online drive improvement.
Patience and consistency are essential for improvement and transformation regardless of the skill. Works for everything from public speaking to running and sketching. I'm using self-discipline to bring consistency and improvement to my sketching.
Here is my first sketch – My Left Hand
Danny considers this a benchmark drawing.
It is where I am now and provides a benchmark for me to build on.
The key is that I am not striving for perfection, just using self-discipline, consistency, and deliberate practice to develop and improve my drawing skills—no burst or bust, as Ryan Holiday states. In "Tiny Habits," BJ Fogg indicates, "Consistency helps scale your habits/behaviors from small to large."
What creative outlet can you develop through consistency?
Big Green Egg vs. Natural Gas Grill
Your Big Green Egg / Kamado-style grill is not just for low and slow cooking. Take advantage of your investment to grill. I can tell you it is almost as fast as a natural gas grill (and I think it tastes better).
I Grilled up bratwurst for my son and me on the BGE and ran a little test. I started our natural gas built-in grill while I started the coals to compare start-up times. (Pics)
My wife typically cooks on the natural gas grill and adds the food when the dome temperature is in the High range. The Gas grill and the BGE were at temperature for adding food at approximately 18 minutes.
The total cook time for the bratwurst from Grill blazer to hot off the grill was 33:03:82. With the outside temps at 28 degrees, a bit of wind, but thankfully sunny.
Bratwurst on the Big Green Egg
I started with fresh coals and filled the Big Green Egg basket up to the middle of the fire ring. Then, using the Grill Gun from Grillblazer, fired the coals for approximately 60 seconds.
I also added my ThermPro thermometer probe on the grate to measure the cooking temperature.
You may or may not know that the temperature between the dome thermometer and the cooking/grate level will vary. This is because the temperature can vary as much as 30 degrees.
I like to measure and track both.
Within 18 min the grill was up to temperature for the frozen brats. Added four frozen brauts, set my timer for 7 minutes for the turn, and closed the dome.
I flipped brauts at 7 minutes, which turned out to be too long. A bit dark on the first turn.
Set the timer for 6 minutes for the final cook. I added the buns to the grill to get toasted buns with one minute to go. Unfortunately, I only left them on for a minute with the grill closed; I learned that they should have been on a bit longer – probably 2 minutes to toast and get some grill marks.
Removed brauts, added them to the bun, and added XXX cheese and barbeque sauce. They tasted great with some popcorners chips.
Lessons Learned:
Cooking time is about the same for the big green egg and the natural gas grill.
I need to watch the first flip time and not rely on the Natural gas cooking times.
I need to grill the buns a bit longer – maybe 1:30 to 2:00 vs. the 1:00.
I was a bit gun shy based on the dark first turn of the brauts.
After the Cook:
I open the bottom vent entirely, remove the top cap and let the grill go inferno mode for 10 – 15 min to self-clean. I set a timer so I don’t forget and then shut it completely off after 15 min.
It does an excellent job of getting most of the cooking residue off, and I’m ready for my next cook.
Let us know in the comments below what your secrets are for awesome bratwurst on the big green egg.
Mastering Backyard Grilling and Barbecue
2022 is the year I improve my grilling and barbecue skills. I have a good bit of money invested in a natural gas and Kamado-style grill. Now is the time I fully maximize these investments.
You have trusted jdhayes.com as your source for music, the RC Hobby, Book Reviews, and general lifestyle thoughts; now, you can add grilling and barbeque to the content.
Here in 2022, JDHayes.com will focus on my journey to mastering my grilling and barbeque skills. I will share content on:
BBQ Skills, definitions, and explanations to get you started
BBQ Accessories
How to BBQ Right
BBQ Tips
BBQ Supplies
Backyard Grill
Backyard BBQ
I hope you join me on this journey and let’s work together to improve and master our backyard grilling and barbeque skills.
How to Read A Book - Mortimer J Adler
I just finished up Mortimer Adler’s How to Read A Book. I give this a 4 out of 5. Here is the summary and my three take-aways
Book: How to Read A Book - The classic guide to intelligent reading
Author: Mortimer J. Adler and Charles Van Doren
Pages 336
Read: 2021
Publication date: 1940 and 1972
Three Take-Aways / Actions:
Have an intentional reading plan for each book
Understand the author’s point and clearly articulate that point. Answer the question What does this mean for me?
Remain open to the author’s ideas while I am reading. Remember that I can’t fully understand a book if I refuse to hear what the author is saying
Have you read this book? Share your thoughts and key take-aways in the comment.
What Areas Are You Interested In Learning About
What are you interested in learning about or reading about on jdhayes.com? I want to create the content and share experiences you are interested in. This quick survey will help me focus jdhayes.com on what you are interested in. Thanks in advance for sharing your thoughts.
Keeping your Anticipation from tipping over into Disappointment
We all need something to look forward to.
I was going down to Disney’s Food and Wine Festival for the first time in over two years. Walt Disney World is an escape for me, and this trip was really needed.
My anticipation for the trip was enormous and building.
I hadn’t seen my brother and his family since being down in Orlando when my mother passed away. It has been over two years. I was also looking forward to relaxing and enjoying time with my wife. I escape my daily grind with Disney.
Planning, planning, planning drives up my excitement. It’s funny how the Walt Disney World arch is the image I see as a positive gateway.
Was my growing anticipation setting me up for disappointment? What about the build-up is too much, and then is a letdown once I get there? How can I live in the moment and just enjoy the experience? All these thoughts are running through my mind.
A bit of background on anticipation
Anticipation for me is the positive side of looking forward to something great. I am not talking about negative anticipation or getting into anticipatory anxiety. Where you are spiraling to what COULD go or be wrong.
Do I always exaggerate the positive or negative? Does your mind automatically exaggerate the positive? Although I can see situations where it also magnifies the negative. This is his back to self-talk? Both positive and negative. I hope the spontaneity does not go away from Disney.
Anticipation is a good thing.
Always have one thing to look forward to that you can use to get through challenging times / or a demanding experience. Anticipation can be a stepping stone to hope.
Steven Handel wrote an excellent post on anticipation, “The Power of Anticipation: Why We All Need Something to Look Forward To,” and cites a study that suggested gambles can curb their impulses and choose long-term gratification over short-term gratification when asked to think about a future experience.
Here are some questions I have, and frankly, I don’t know the answers:
Does your general dispositive impact what type of anticipation you have? Do you tend towards anticipation or dread?
Is there a situation where you move towards positive because the mind is looking for something positive? It is a case where are your preference for positivity comes through?
Do you think it gets back to the need for certainty? This can be especially important when you are looking forward to something you have previously done.
How can I ensure that your anticipation is positive and that it doesn’t lead to disappointment?
Here are seven ideas that you do to improve the chances that your anticipation turns into a good experience, not into dread:
Get clarity on what you are anticipating – what exactly am I looking forward to, and why? Are you looking for a chance to unwind, experience a new thrill? Be clear. What is your anticipation bug?
Set reasonable expectations of what your Anticipation bug is and how the event/decision can satisfy it. Right after clarity, define how this event, experience is going to fulfill that anticipation bug. This should help highlight any significant gaps – the event can or can’t reasonably satisfy your anticipation bug – a first red flag of potential disappointment.
What specifically about the future action/event is going to satisfy your anticipation bug? This helps ensure that what you are doing is going to tie into your anticipation. If it doesn’t connect, you really have no chance.
When you are during doing what you were anticipating or experiencing what you were expecting, think back to the anticipation bug; are you explicitly doing what you were anticipating?
At the moment – think back to the anticipation bug – is it doing that?
Then – are you trying to satisfy that bug? Get clarity at the moment – is the event quenching your anticipation bug? Is it providing other unanticipated benefits, joy?
And finally, are you going too far or trying too hard to enjoy it to gain pleasure?
In my mind, it all comes down to being aware. Are you aware of what you are anticipating and then intention or mindful of what you are experiencing during it?
How do you handle anticipation? Let us know in the comments below.
Foxelli Carbon Fiber Trekking Pole Review
Trekking poles are not just for older hikers. Everyone can benefit from using them. I picked up a pair of Foxelli Carbon fiber trekking poles, and here are my initial thoughts.
I used the Foxelli Carbon fiber trekking poles for the first time on my shake-down hike at Archers Fork. (LINK to the post) https://www.foxelli.com/products/carbon-fiber-trekking-poles-hog1
Specs:
Price (As of October 2021. - $71.97
Published weight is 7 oz per pole
Height Range: 25 inches to 55 inches
Overall, they are excellent trekking poles, and I highly recommend them.
This was my first time using trekking poles, and I found them invaluable as I navigated the ascents and descents on the trail with a 35+ pound pack. I didn’t have any footing issues, and they helped me on some trickly areas with wet leaves covering rocks.
They are carbon fiber, so they are light. The flip locks were easy to adjust, and with the demarcations on each section, it was easy to set the poles consistently. I added the small baskets on as it comes with snow baskets and pavement walkers along with rubber covers to protect the tips. All of this comes with a carrying case. They also included a fanny pack.
I found the poles to be extremely stiff and didn’t notice any vibrations or flexing. Nice and solid. The flip closure tension clips were easy to adjust and held tight. I had no instances where the pole sections collapsed or moved. None.
The cork handles were excellent, and my hands felt great all day for both days, and I didn’t feel the need to wear gloves. The grip straps are fully adjustable. Just an excellent trekking pole.
I really recommend these poles and couldn’t be happier with my purchase.
Do you have any experience with the Foxelli Carbon fiber trekking poles? Or the Foxelli brand? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.
Backpacking Shake Down Trip Lessons Learned
Here are the lessons learned from my first backpacking trip in over 15 years.
Location: Archers Fork Loop in Southeast Ohio for two days, one night. We were on the trail around 11:30 am and completed the loop counterclockwise.
Saturday
Duration 3:44:40
Distance 7.0
Hiking Calories 1,907
Total Daily Calories 3,729
Elevation gain: 896
Elevation loss 1,132
Average Pace: 17:19 min
Breaks: Lunch for about 41:47
Sunday
Duration 3:06:25
Distance 6.77
Hiking Calories 1,569
Total Daily Calories 3,216
Elevation gain: 1,309
Elevation loss 1,076
Average Pace: 17:58
Breaks: 16:38 Water / Snacks
Fitness:
The sustained back-to-back days were hard for me. Towards the end of Sunday, the tree cover was sparse, and it heated up, so I was a bit drained.
I need to work on my leg strength for hills both up and down.
Forget about dropping ounces out of my pack – I need to drop bodyweight. Get down into the 190s for my ideal weight.
Hydration / Nutrition:
I need to drink more water – first time with the water bladder and didn’t drink as much water as I thought. I see this as an issue with water bladders as you can’t see how much water you have consumed.
I was getting in the routine of taking regular drinks but needed to get used to taking more water.
I had enough food for the trail on Saturday – the sandwich was good, the payday bars were excellent, and the trail mix added the right calories for the day – I didn’t feel undernourished.
I took too many snacks for the time I was on trail as we finished by lunch on Sunday.
Two oatmeal containers for breakfast were a lot – needed more water with the oatmeal – 150 mg of water. The banana chips I added to didn’t hydrate.
The Ucan was an excellent addition to the morning nutrition.
My estimated daily calorie burn was pretty accurate for the entire day.
The nutrition plan seemed to work – I didn’t each as many snacks as I thought I would.
Gear:
I tried to use one of the dehydrated meal bags as a reusable bag for hydrating my meals in freezer bags.
It didn’t work. It wasn’t big enough.
I need to make a koozie for the food or keep the meals in the original packaging.
The tent needs to be replaced – too heavy, but I like the room. – a two-person will do the trick.
I need to bag and secure my food – I was anxious about not hanging my food and maybe a good dry bag – I have one I use for kayaking that may work, although it is a bit heavy.
I need a little bag to hook onto the rope to swing over the tree to hand up.
Next, I need to look at upgrading my sleeping bag.
I need to upgrade my cooking system – the MSR WhisperLite stove is heavy with fuel. In addition, I need to investigate a canister stove.
Bring my plate that would have made eating much better – dump the freezer bag into the dish to eat.
I need a dirty water bag with a bigger opening, not the screw opening of the Sawyer bags I currently have.
The Smart water bottle is hard to fill up from a top standpoint.
Didn’t use the Nalgene bottle at all.
I didn’t encounter any ticks, so the spray worked – or at least it didn’t not work.
Look into the pump filter for ease of getting water when there is no moving water.
Summary
Areas for improvement, but I enjoyed the experience. Nice to get to camp, enjoy the campfire and relax. Getting away from the city lights, cell coverage, and just enjoying the outdoors was awesome. I am looking forward to the next trip.