Created by Human Hands Badge Plus 5 Analog Planning Tools
At present, I have my windows open for some much-needed fresh air. It’s an odd thing to do in February and I wonder how our mild winter will affect gardens and farms. I don’t know much, if anything, about gardening—my thumbs tend to be ink-stained rather than green—but I slowly changing that again this year. There’s something beautiful about tending plants that no app can replace, and as I learn more about conservation I recognize how challenging wildlife preservation and restoration are. Not only is patience and long-term planning requirements, but so are education, advocacy, and a slow way of living.
I took a day off recently to indulge in winter self-care and had an interesting conversation that stuck with me. After learning I’m a writer, the person asked me if I was scared about AI. Past MeTM would have waxed non-poetically about the parallels between the adoption of new technology and the Industrial Revolution. (Oh, Dostoevsky, how you stick in my craw.) Except, I’m no longer Past MeTM. Or rather: I’m not inclined to speculate at this time.
I did, however, respond to their question. Am I afraid? No. Cautious? Absolutely.
Present MeTM, however, feels that it’s in my best interest to disclose to you, as the recipient of my creations, whether or not I am using AI generators professionally as a writer, artist, etc. At present, I am not and I have no plans to use AI generators for my writing or my art in the future. For works I self-publish, I’ll be adding a badge when possible to make it clear my words, art, patterns, classes, etc. are created by me for you.
The circular badge’s text reads: 100% Organic Art + Made By Human Hands. The interior image is of a stick figure artist, dice, and books. If you would like to use this badge for yourself, I created a black-and-white version, too.
Multiple apps have also recently released AI-related assistants and that feature has been rolled out so fast I’m learning as I go. As an example, I did use Canva, their templates, and the graphics in their accessible catalog to create the badge I presented you with in this newsletter, but didn’t use their Magic AI tool suite. My understanding, then, is that Canva’s tool is optional.
Though AI assistants are not the same as AI generators, I’m not sure if and how they affect me at this time for writing and art. AI technology is, however, changing photography. As time allows, I’m trying to continue learning the bits and bobs on my Canon, because my camera has a closed-loop system called Deep Learning AF* I can access, but that’s only if… Well, I need to mine for a lot of words at the moment, so it’s lower on my To Do list.
5 Analog Planning Tools
On the apps front, last time I shared some online word count and hourly trackers with you. Today, I wanted to share some analog ideas to help you track and plan along with options to purchase and save money. Overall, I’ve had fantastic luck with the Honey app **. Honey is a browser-based app that partners with retailers and you can earn cash back and get access to coupons you typically wouldn’t on your purchases.
Several eTailers offer Valentine’s Day-related sales, so if you’re hoping to update your tools it’s a great time to check out some budget-friendly options.
1. Knock Knock - Available direct, Barnes and Noble, and Amazon. I absolutely, hands down, love their selection of notepads like the Get Your Sh*t Together pad. My favorite is the weekly To-Do pad which allows me to set up what I need to do for the week, but they have other pads which are snarky or organized differently, too. A listicle lover’s dream! Sign up for their newsletter and get 20% off your first order.
2. Clever Fox - Available direct, Target, and Amazon. The Clever Fox planners are beautifully-bound and offer a lot of interior options for your tracking needs. They are more expensive than a lot of annual planners, however, and you'd need to purchase two for the year if you grab that option. If you buy direct, take 10% off your first order when you sign up for their newsletter.
3. Get Stuff Done - Available through Amazon. Not to be confused with Getting Things Done (Seriously, GTD is a philosophical school of productivity that has its own brand!) the Get Stuff Done system incorporates prioritization, monthly and weekly overviews, as well as an undated option. It’s an affordable option—for only $20, you get nuts-and-bolts visibility on a daily basis for the entire year.
5. Rocketbook Reusable Journals - Available direct and through Amazon. Everyone and their grandmother’s cousin’s boyfriend’s dog’s goldfish has recommended this suite of reusable journals, planners, and notebooks. It’s a hybrid planner professed to be the best blend of analog and digital technology, allowing you to write, scan, store in the cloud, erase, and repeat. I haven’t acquired this particular journal to understand if it’s as wonderful as the reviews profess—especially since I am a pen snob. These products do require use of the Pilot FriXion Pens. How do they work? Read this article. Take 15% off your first order when you purchase direct, pens excluded.
5. Panda Planner - Available direct, Amazon, and a partnership with Rocketbook. This particular planner was a little too mushy for my tastes (e.g. I personally don’t prefer the emotion-journalling prompts in my work planner) but, like Clever Fox, they are gorgeous, beautifully-bound, and come in a variety of options. Similar to Clever Fox, the Panda Planner also has some shorter-term options, so make sure you check the dates covered before you purchase. Currently, the Panda Planner site is offering 10% off when you sign up for their sweepstakes.
That’s all I have time for today, unfortunately. In the future, I am going to attempt to send out my newsletter every Thursday! I’ve got some great topics planned, and love writing to you.
On that note, I hope you’re faring well and finding time for your own little piece of joy. As always, if you have tools or apps to recommend, send ‘em my way. Cheers!
* AF? That… Took me a second, but this does not me As F&*!. It means AutoFocus.
** The link to the Honey app and Amazon are affiliate links. I get a little kick-back when you sign up or make a purchase. This organic artist needs to eat, yo.