Fitness Ramblings Day 12

This is kind of a personal mental purging.  Read on if you wish.  You've been warned! (~.^)

So I'm sitting here staring at my video editor, quite amused at the vidclips I've stuck in it.  The first thing I should have noticed when using the GoPro Hero3 camera, was how fishy the lens was.  Well, okay, I did notice, but I didn't care.  The amazing amount of view I can get with the camera is pretty fantastic!  And when I need to shoot a workout video, you can at least see what I'm doing with my feet.

My feet... (((raucous laughter)))

I'm cracking up just thinking about it.  If the video has anything to say about them, it would say that those feet are tiny lil' thangs!  Tis not true, I say.  The vid would also mention that my midsection is my biggest part.  (~.^)  I dare say there is one other area that can take claim to being the largest.  Jus' sayin'.

Just for my own future reference, this is what I mean...

By the way, the vid I'm working on will likely be ready to go in a day or so.  I hope to finish most of it tonight.  No guarantees.  (^.^)v

Anyhow, this leads me to wonder if I've misrepresented my starting point in all this.  I suppose it's possible others will see my videos and think it must be difficult balancing on those tiny lil' feet!  But perhaps, it's just me reaching a point of concern about what others must see.  This way of thinking blooms into a whole mess of feelings I've been avoiding.

A thing that happens when one starts a new journey, one unintentionally gets to revisit the journeys of old.  At least for me, anyway.

I've figured out some nasty stuff about myself over the years.  One such item, I tend to avoid feeling uncomfortable, when at all possible.  Emotionally, that is.  I uncover this truth each time I change my diet.  And now it has happened with my most recent attempt at getting back into shape.

A friend of mine who does videos about weight loss and juice feasting mentioned something similar to what I'm going through.  He said that along with the physical detox comes the emotional one.  And sometimes it's pretty powerful stuff.  Now, I've not yet done a full-fledged juice feast, but I have become vegetarian over the past couple of years.  Let me tell ya, the emotional detox is pretty real!  I'm noticing it now, since I've re-started my workout program.  It's almost enough to make a gal quit.  But I won't.  Not this time.

When a person adopts any kind of fitness program, if they don't keep at it, any progress made will eventually be lost.  I know this from personal experience.  You pretty much have to change your lifestyle.  If you don't, it's back to square one with you!

(sigh) ~~deep cleansing breath~~

I feel a little better now.  I'll check back in later, just in case the blue cloud of self-doubt considers another over-head hover session.  Gah~~

(^.^)v  

         

How to Make Animated GIFs From Video

The other day, a viewer requested a tutorial on making animated GIFs from video, using Photoshop Elements.  I've been wanting to do a video about this for a while, now seems like a pretty good time!
So here is what I've come up with using the older Photoshop Elements 7.0, as well as, a handy little free program called CamStudio.  I hope you like it!

My FitVlog Day 9 Update & Cycling Allen, Texas

Well, it's Day 9 of my fitness journey.

There isn't much to report.  Except,  I didn't gain a pound over the holiday week.  Pretty amazing, considering the amount of sweetage (sugary cakey stuff) that sat around smelling, well, sweet!!  And somehow, I managed to lose a couple o' pounds.  Not too shabby.  Now I've got to keep it up and then some!

Today, a bike ride happened.  Because it was just plain gorgeous outside and I had lots of energy to burn.  So here's a vid of my short update and some cycling around Allen, Texas.
Enjoy!

 

Create Animated GIFs With Fading Images Using GIMP! FREE!

Recently, a viewer wondered how to use Gimp (a free image editing software) to create animated GIFs with fading images.  In a previous tutorial, I had shown how to create one using Photoshop Elements 7.0.  The steps involved are somewhat similar, no matter which software is used.

The video above is my newest fading animated GIF tutorial, using one of the best pieces of free image editing software, GIMP!

Enjoy! (^.^)v  

My FitVlog Day 1

And so it begins...
My journey to humility...
Enjoy!

To learn more about TurboFire and other workout programs I'll be using, please visit my website.
http://www.beachbodycoach.com/sdchan
As an Independent Beachbody Coach, I can answer any questions you may have about Beachbody products and help you find a program that fits your needs.  If you just need a little motivation, I'm here to help with that, too!    

Fitness and Things

Health and fitness have always important to me, though one wouldn't know it after seeing my recent habits.  I've got some work to do.  The plan is to document the journey in videos, to help me stay accountable.
And maybe others can find a bit of inspiration in them.
Hey!  Maybe we can motivate each other!  \(^.^)/

Now I just need to pick a day to start!

Stay tuned!  (^.^)v        

 

End of the Sleepies

There's that moment when you just know it's time to go.

For me, it happened tonight.  After a long simmering doubt about my decision to work the night shift, I finally called it quits.  Rather unceremoniously, at that.  I simply didn't go to work.  I know, I know.  Not the best way to announce a resignation.  But if you knew the conditions I worked under, you'd understand.

It'll take me a few days to recover.  To get back on schedule, reconnect with those who rise with the sun.  After which, I'll resume the making of videos, get back to my workout plan and write more.  Oh, and there's that photography thing!  I look forward to all of this with great zeal.

Maybe the only regret I should have is that I'll likely be deemed "un-hireable" by the company I worked for, in the event I should apply for work there in the future.  This is actually my safety-net, as it were.  It'll keep me from making the same mistake.  It'll help me focus on what I really should be doing.  This is good for all concerned.

Tonight, I'm shaking off the grogginess and refocusing my eyes.

There is ice outside.  Plenty of it.  I'll close this post with a pic or two.  Enjoy~~

  

The Mask and the Moon

Recently, I started doing something I swore I'd never do again.

I've taken on a job, which is actually a good thing.  However, this job happens to be on the graveyard shift.

The last time I worked nights, about 12 years ago, I said it would truly be the last time.  Each time I tried working when the stars came out, I felt an erosion of connection between those in my family whose waking hours are spent squinting in sunlight.  Oh, and then there is the zombie-like feeling of constant sleep-deprivation.

It's surprising I'm able to string these words together.  But then, the sun still sleeps and I'm wide awake right now.  Come daybreak, and all of this will abruptly melt into sparkling puddles of gibberish!  

Still, the night shift has its benefits, to be sure.  Particularly for those with night-owl tendencies, such as myself.  I feel most creative at night.  When at home, that is.  Somewhere along the way I said to myself, I'm awake anyway, why not get a job... get paid...  
Sort of an idiotic, or perhaps delusional, thing to tell myself.  Creating things for yourself in the moonlight is a bit different from going to a job of someone else's creation.  Well, idiotic, except for the "getting paid" part.  Ha!

I do appreciate that I've found a job.  Interestingly, it's with the same company I thought I'd never work for again.  When one goes looking for night jobs, one can't be too picky, I suppose.  And I need to work nights, because my schedule has to blend with everyone else's in the house.  This seems to be the only way.

And so...

When the moon rises in its enormous distortion and the stars sparkle as though it's for the last time, I put on my mask and venture out to complete mind-numbing tasks for money.  Some of those who work with me have a similar story.  And whilst they feel comfort in sharing their entire life with me and all those around them, it is doubtful many, if any, will know who I truly am.  Some things are sacred.  I'm simply more of an observer anyway.  They seem fine with just the basics and appreciate my ear.  Of course, as with many workplaces, there are a catty few who'd have me choose sides.  They'll quickly find that I'm not one to join cliques.  I prefer to hover around the edges, being kind to the kind.

Do you ever have moments when you are chatting with people and mentally mark it as somehow important, or special, the conversation being had?  There are times, whilst sitting amongst certain peoples, it strikes me.  Particularly with people who are transient.  Those from other countries, or those who plan to travel elsewhere to pursue other jobs.  The feeling is different.  The conversation, completely different than those who've been with the same company for 20-some-odd years, in the same town...  Priorities differ.  Interests.  Just a thing I've noticed.

I suppose I should keep up with this blog.  It could be the thing that reminds me of my true identity, else it be lost in the haze of blurred and sleep-filled eyes.  I should do a video on this!  On occasion, one needs to be reminded of why they do what they do.  That there is a bit of purpose to it.  If not, it's time to look elsewhere...  Which reminds me to keep my eyes open...  always~~~^*^        

                   

Allen High School Sinfonia Orchestra Fall Concert 2013

Well hello there!

Thought I'd dust off the blog this lovely October and post something pretty.  

This is the recent fall concert of the Allen High School Sinfonia Orchestra (Allen, Texas), of which my daughter is a member.  This is her senior year, so I will celebrate these last few concerts with a touch of sadness.  My goodness how she's grown into such a skilled violinist!  I couldn't be more proud!

Enjoy~~

Cycling the Suburban Maze--Testing GoPro Hero3

Recently, we acquired the GoPro Hero3 black edition after winning the daily GoPro Everything We Make Sweepstakes.  If you're curious about GoPro, check out their website gopro.com.  There's a link to the contest info at the bottom of the page.

After sorting through all the wondrous things GoPro sent us, I felt it was time to test the little camera by taking it on my morning bike ride.  This video is the maiden voyage, as it were.  I'm sure I'll find other more fascinating things to do with the Hero3 in the future!

Enjoy~~ (^.^)v

How to Make Animated GIFs Using GIMP (FREE!)

In the comments on a previous tutorial, someone recently asked where to get Photoshop Elements 7.0 software to make animated GIFs.  While Photoshop Elements 7.0 is likely still available for purchase, I realize some may not want to purchase it just to make animated GIFs.

When I first became interested in making animated graphics for websites many years ago, I found GIMP.  It's very similar to Photoshop (in some ways, better!) but it's FREE!  Well, I guess that counts as one of the ways it's better!  haha!  So, I put together this tutorial in case others may want an alternative to costly software.

Until next time~~ (^.^)v  

Fade to Black Nails and Miscellaneous Update

As a fun experiment, I created this gradient nail polish look using a beautiful shimmery blue OPI nail laquer over a black base.  Clearly I don't have the best nails for this look, as they are a bit short!  haha!  Even so, the potential for something interesting is there.  And, it could make for a quick tutorial!  We'll see.  No matter, the kiddos said these nails are like a sunset and that they're "cool lookin'"!  What more need be said?  Haha!  To create the gradient, I painted my nails black, then (with a makeup sponge) sponged on the blue very lightly mid-nail, gradually applying more layers of blue as I worked up to the tip of the nail.  On top of that, I applied a special effects clear polish that has little flecks of transparent blue glitter in it.  To seal the whole thing, a clear topcoat.

In the meantime, I've been attempting to clean out some vid files from the laptop.  It's getting somewhat cluttered in here.  Some of the YouTube vids may go onto DVDs or onto an external drive.  Time consuming this task is.  But, if more vids are to get made, I'll need the space.

Soon, very soon, there are plans to start working out again.  It's been a while!  Due to illness (and chaos) I've gotten out of shape and need to get to it!

Yesterday, I made an attempt to ease back into action by biking and taking a brisk walk.  Unfortunately, during the adventure, I discovered my bike's condition is slightly poorer than my own when a gear failed, cracked and fell to the street.

  
A minor setback.  (o.O)

Until next time~~  (^.^)v
 





    

Palmolive Soft Touch Review!

As promised, here is my review of the Palmolive soft touch dish soap I received complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes.

Of the two versions I was given, Vitamin E and Coconut Butter, I tried the Vitamin E.  I chose this one probably because it is pink, which made me think it would have the best fragrance.  Although, after further inspection, I found both versions to have a lovely delicate scent.  Which seems to be the case with all other Palmolive dish soaps I've tried, making Palmolive one of my favorite brands.  Yes, fragrance is kind of a big deal with me!  haha!

So how well does it work in cleaning dishes?

Quite well, actually!  I didn't need much of the Palmolive soft touch to get even greasy dishes and plasticware clean.  It rinsed off nicely, leaving no residue.  With the Ajax brand dish soap I used previously, I needed quite a bit more product to get similar results and had difficulty getting the dishes completely rinsed.

Is it really gentle on the hands?

Yes!  With other products I've used, I would need to slather on the hand lotion after washing dishes.  The products were simply too drying.  But, after using Palmolive soft touch, my hands felt remarkably soft.  The skin wasn't tight or itchy.  I didn't need the hand lotion afterwards.  It was so good, I put some in my bathroom soap dispenser.  It's a great hand soap, too!

Overall, I think Palmolive soft touch dish soap is a wonderful product.  What impressed me most about it is though the consistency is thick, creamy and soft, it cuts through grease and food particles on dishes and rinses completely clean after.  It surprised me, because I thought there was no way something that felt so gentle and slippery could have the strength to take the grease off of plastic without leaving a trace.  But it does!  And the scent, while not overpowering, is quite pleasant.  I'm spoiled!  haha!

Thanks Influenster for giving me the opportunity to try Palmolive soft touch Vitamin E.  What a fantastic product!

      

Fun Purple Makeup Look--Another StarCat70 Tutorial! (^.^)v

Summer is a good time to experiment with fun makeup looks using bright colors.

In this tutorial, I use a vivid purple with a bit of what looks like a denim blue.  To create a little more interest, I apply a small amount of a pretty purple glitter liner .  It looks much more sparkly in real life so one doesn't need much.

This video is supposed to be in HD, though it seems for now it appears in 480p.  Still, I think the quality will suffice.

I suppose no more be said.  Enjoy the video!  (^.^)v

Here It Is--My Short Little A-Kon24 Vid!

Finally!  After much face-squinching and nothing but trouble with the old editing software, I've finished the A-Kon video.  Of course, the new Vegas Movie Studio 12 helped a great deal!  That, and my decision to scrap most of the video I had of the convention.

Yes, what you see here is at least 2 times shorter than the original video I had put together.  Most of the footage was simply too shaky.  Not fun to watch at all.  And no amount of stabilizing in the editor helped.  I hope what's left is enough to get some idea of the big event in Dallas.

I mentioned before, we weren't supposed to be in Dallas that Saturday.  As luck would have it, a friend of the family had a spare hotel room and offered it to us.  We went, sans convention badges, planning only to roam the halls of the Hilton Anatole, which is the new venue for A-Kon.  I think we were lost the whole time!  Still, it was an adventure.

Enjoy!    
(^.^)v

Miscellaneous Thoughts on Vid Editing and A-Kon 24

Okay, so I'm deep in vid-editing mode.

Just a little tip, to myself, and everyone who likes to shoot video.  Tis much, much easier to record nice and smooth video with a tripod.  Or, if you're walking around, a fancy piece of stabilizing equipment might do.  It's much more difficult to stabilize that vid in editing software.  Particularly, if you've got loads of it!  I'll say a similar thing about photography.  Much better to take the time to get a decent shot than it is to try and "fix" a pic later.  Just sayin'.  With the understanding that there are of course, on occasion, happy accidents.

This is not one such occasion.

Let me start from the beginning...

I wasn't supposed to be attending A-Kon 24 this year.  There was no badge in my hands.  But, a good friend of ours had an extra hotel room to offer us, and thought we might enjoy being in the atmosphere of the anime convention.  Indeed!  This offer could not be refused.  The room was lovely, by the way.

Hilton Anatole Dallas, Texas

Hilton Anatole Dallas, Texas

With vid-cam in hand, we walked the grounds and filmed what we saw.  No fancy equipment.  Lots of video.  Very bad video.  Nauseating video in desperate need of stabilization.  Gah!

At this moment, I'm switching back and forth between this blog and video editing software, selecting clips to fix as I go.

Another note to self:
If the software fails to render video 4 times, attempting to render a fifth time, I dunno, probably won't work!

Vegas Movie Studio 10.0 Error Screen

There were phantom memory issues with Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10.0.  Others spoke of this problem, one that seems to be hit and miss.  Sometimes you get the error, sometimes you don't.  It seems there is no real resolution for it, other than to upgrade to a newer version Movie Studio.  Which I did (Shhh!...some of us don't know about this little expenditure).  I'm operating Movie Studio Platinum 12 now.  So far, so good!

If all goes well, I may soon have an A-Kon vid to post!  Though a shorter version of the original.  If only I'd had my DSLR camera with me, I might have some such item of quality to post.  Egad.  Another notable thing.

More on this later...    

 

How to Make a Simple Wire Wrapped Bead Ring

Not too long ago, I showed how to make a simple wire rose ring. In the vid, I showed an example of a similar ring with a bead in it. Some viewers were curious how to make one of those. So, here's the vid showing how to do it!
Enjoy! (^.^)v

The Goings On

All sorts of plans have been made to do stuff.  Sometimes, a well-placed virus or some such item of yuck slams the brakes en route to plan completion.  As it were.

So, to keep my YouTube subscribers up to date, and to thank them for sticking with me, I made a video.  

Yep, I'm still here and recently recovering from a variety of illnesses.  Again.  Haha!  I laugh, when not coughing my face off,  because it's completely ridiculous how frequently ill I've been.  But, it could be worse.

Here is said video...  

Upcoming Review! Influenster VoxBox: Palmolive Soft Touch

I've got a new Influenster VoxBox review coming up!

First of all, I received these products complimentary from Influenster for testing purposes!

I'm going to be trying out Palmolive Soft Touch dish liquid. I've already tested the pink Vitamin E one a bit. I must say, I'm impressed with the soft feel of the product and that you don't need much to get loads of suds! Also, it did a great job removing oily residue from my skillets. I'll test it further to find out how well my hands hold up, because the product is supposed to keep hands soft. This product may be perfect for use in a hand soap dispenser. We'll see!

In the coming days, I'll post my final review of both versions of the Palmolive Soft Touch I received.

Stay tuned!

Spring Cleaning, As It Were

MoonFlowers ©shaunachan2013

Springtime is naturally energizing.

The chatter of the birds in the morning wakes me early, making me feel a bit lazy, if I don't get a move on and do something... anything!  And so, I've begun to rethink and re-imagine the plans I've made before.  Haha!  That's how it goes.  Lots of thinking, little action~~~

There are loads of clutter about the house.  Sometimes it overwhelms.  It happens because the entire family is full of creative energy.  Leaving bits of art and unfinished projects on shelves and desks to collect dust, whilst new projects are in the works.  Camera gear gets shifted from one desk to another.  Lenses, battery chargers.  Sometimes even a tripod, or light and background stands line the floorboards waiting for the next impromptu photoshoot.  Then, there are the laptops jam-packed full of unfinished digital works of art.  Mostly mine, I admit.  And the toys, some created out of old boxes and packages with faces drawn on them.  What a mess! some might think. 

If this house seems cluttered, I can only imagine how the thoughts in my mind would be perceived.  Perhaps it would be as if there are dark corners with electrical cables running this way and that, resembling something out of the Matrix.  Snapping, buzzing, humming electrical sounds.  The ozone-plasma smell.  After tripping over the technical stuff, expanses of vegetation with amazing varieties of plant and animal life might be stumbled upon.  And surely there is a sky full of galaxies, space craft containing  creatures of unknown origin.  The air would be filled with a cacophony of sounds, music, animals, nature.  Probably thunderstorms and rain, too.  Ideas about photos I'd like to take, videos I want to shoot and edit, jewelry I wish I could make.  Costume plans and thoughts of starting to sew again.  That dress form I want to get.  What about the environment?  How can I   help others?  I know there must be thoughts about awesome biking trails and mountains with the big trees I hope to someday see.  Near those, there must be an ocean, a beach with interesting things found amongst the grains of sand and pebbles.  Little and big footprints.  Toes of the children sifting the sand.  The kiddos' laughter echoing with the waves.  Mechanical pieces of this and that fit somewhere into this multidimensional landscape.  Broken bits I've thought to either fix or transform.  Magical things I wonder or daydream about.  All of this, even more,  and the numbers, too!  How much things cost.  Budget, budget... the budget!

Sigh...

So what I've done is a little spring cleaning, as it were.  Just a start.  Though I know there is no need to straighten much of the physical clutter, until maybe summer (...it ends up un-straight on a daily basis anyhow).  Instead a little digital maintenance is the order of the day.  I managed to delete some videos from my original YouTube channel, shifting many of them to another YouTube channel.  This, because I've other plans for StarCat70 --family videos and school concerts don't seem to fit there.  This adjustment has been on the back-burner for quite some time now, as I couldn't decide in which direction I wanted to go with the videos I've been making.  It was a little painful losing all those video views after the deletion.  Still, I think it's best I make the sacrifice now.  

It is difficult, I've noticed, to fit all the living that can be done into such a short time.  This may be the cause of my ADD, both technical and otherwise. 

Glancing around the room, mentally sorting through the clutter, I'm drawn to a plastic container of clear and frosted glass pebble-looking "gems".  A hatching of new ideas begins~~~

The Glass Pebbles ©shaunachan2013

Keep the wonder about you, no matter your years~~~

                           

Then Came the Rain . . .

A day after enjoying a warm humid breeze and the songs of various birds, a cold rain came.  Lovely, still.

So, of course, I thought to capture it with my handy Zoom H2.  It does have fresh batteries after all.  Besides, who doesn't enjoy hearing the snapping rain as falls from a rooftop? (^.~)v

Backyard Ambience

If only I'd taken a current pic of the day, this post would be complete.

As it was, though, I sat in occasional rays of sunshine in a backyard full of living things.  One of those creatures, a lone mockingbird sitting at the very tippy top of the crepe myrtle proudly singing his song.  There were loads of grackles, too.  Soft coos of doves blended in the background.  All this sound with a steady stream of traffic in the distance,  among a few other things.

A cacophony, it would seem.  But for me--the surrounding voices, warm breeze pushing gray fluff across the sky, the sun piercing through the gaps--quite peaceful~~

This is what I heard...

Backyard sounds I recorded using Zoom H2.
Note:  Sound player may not be visible in all browsers.  Works in Google Chrome.

GIF With Fading Images Tutorial & Other Interesting Tidbits

Not too long ago, a viewer asked how to make a GIF with images that fade into one another.  I think I've addressed it in this video.  Though I'm sure there are a few more ways the same result can be achieved.  It's been a while since I've made a fading GIF, so I may be a tad rusty.  In any case, I hope someone finds this tutorial useful.

As for the length of time it has taken me to post a video or to blog about anything at all . . .
Well, it's been one interesting start of a year, let's say!

I had high hopes this year.  With plans to start some new projects early on.  Sadly, illness and a few other surprises have put a kink in my scheme and knocked me off path.  (~.~)

No worries.  Back on track I go.

In the works are videos about the crazy workout I just started.  ~Oh my!~  Yes, I finished TurboFire and loved it.  I was on my 2nd or 3rd? round of it, when I decided to mix it up a bit.

The new workout is called Insanity.  Did I say this already?  Its name is quite fitting.  'Cause you pretty much have to be CRAZY to do this workout!  Which, I suppose, suits me fine. ha!  Now, if you think you're up for the challenge, you can find Insanity through my website:  www.beachbodycoach.com/SDCHAN
Browse my page, click on the Shop and find it there or just click this graphic!
      

Pretty much, I dare you!  hahaha!
Just kiddin'. I wouldn't want to be responsible for anyone getting hurt.  That being said, here's my Disclaimer:

If you should try any workout program that I recommend on this site, do so at your own risk!  I should probably add, see a doctor before doing the programs I mention on this site.  Make sure you can handle it.  Especially, Insanity.  Holy cow!  

More on this at a later date.

Okay, I'll move on.

I also hope to do more videos about the simple jewelry I've made.  It seems many of you are interested in how to make your own.  I'll be sure to put a few more jewelry tutorials out there.

Oh!  And animation tutorials!  I can't forget those, because they are some of my favorite.  Those videos are also the most time-consuming.  I'll do my best!

It's going to be a busy year.  Let's all make it a great one! \(^.^)/

Until next time~~^*^

 

 

How to Use Chroma Key in Vegas Movie Studio

For some reason, this short tutorial took days to complete!  That would be the reason you don't see many like it on my channel.  Still, I enjoy doing these kinds of videos and plan to do more in the future.

The tutorial shows how to use the chroma keyer plugin found in Vegas Movie Studio HD Platinum 10.0.  At least, the way I use it.  Ha!

I don't have a chroma green backdrop, so I decided to create a simple animation and give it a green background.  Sort of a green screen simulation.

 I created the animation using Anime Studio Pro, which is a whole different tutorial in itself.  Yep, I've already made a tutorial for that one.

Here's the link to a 3-part series I did explaining switch layers, and whatnot, in Anime Studio Pro 6:
Switch Layer Tutorial

Okay, moving on to chroma keying.

Here's what it looks like after chroma keying.

This image contains 4 layers.  The girl animation, a photo of a tree, some clouds and a photo of the moon.  In that order.  The chroma key plugin was applied to the girl animation background, and then to the sky in the tree photo.  I could have used video in the layers instead of photos if I wanted.  Which would be pretty cool, too!  There are so many options.  I did manage to animate the moon using track motion.

My face in the sky was cut out with the Cookie Cutter plugin.  I changed the border of it to blue and chroma keyed that, too.  I was told the result was creepy ... not nearly as creepy as the junk that would have shown up in the background.  Haha!  Oh, the possibilities!

  

One thing to note, when applying any type of effect to media in Vegas, one needs to understand which option to choose between Media FX and Video Event FX.  My understanding is that selecting Media FX applies the chosen effect to the clip in every instance in which it appears, including in the Project Media bin.  If Video Event FX is chosen, only in that instance is the desired effect applied.  So, using Media FX  helps to save time if the media will be used repeatedly throughout the entire work.

I tried to keep the tutorial as simple as possible.  But, of course, there are a few slightly more complex elements I threw in toward the end.  I briefly brush over how to animate the moon, but didn't go into detail.  I may need to make another tutorial!

Until next time~~