Happy Holidays 2013 - the Year of RWD

2013 will go down in my personal history as the year of Responsive Web Design. RWD, as it's often called, isn't so much a thing as a technique - it's the approach of building websites to look great and function properly across a wide range of mobile devices as well as desktop computers. As times painful (very!) and at other times liberating, RWD has turned the web dev community upside down in that now we are building websites that dynamically scale (no small feat!) and have amazing, mobile device features such as optimized menus, fonts, and even things like location awareness. Your website has left the building, it's riding around in someone's pocket now and that brings amazing possibilities. This year I've voraciously been learning how to use HTML5, CSS and Javascript to build mobile friendly websites and apps. I'm planning to offer app development services in 2014.

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I've also continued to work on developing my dream project of offering online website how-to's and training for my clients. There's so much you can do online yourself and most people just need a little help with the details. My dream is to offer short How To videos that walk people through all of the basics of running their own website. Stay tuned! This year I also finally got in the swing of doing a more regular email newsletter - which has been met with a lot of positive feedback and some extra sales. 
One of the highlights of my personal life this year was a rejuventaing trip to Yosemite during which we climbed Half Dome! I also have been raising my puppy Mochi to be a fine little dog (god willing!) and have continued with some big home improvement projects including finishing (at last!) our back yard xeriscaping. I spent much of the month of October enjoying a special gift to myself - time to paint in the real world. I had an art show for Pixel Lava Unplugged on November 1st that was well attended and great fun.
I like to catch Garrison Keilor's Writer's Almanac every day (8pm on KPBS here in San Diego) and he closes each segment with the following, which I think is an apt summary of my past year as well as a warm thought for 2014: "Be well, do good work, and keep in touch".
 Joyous holiday wishes to you and your loved ones  ~ Ame & Mochi, Pixel Lava Interactive

Jacquie Lawson Edwardian Advent Calendar (the BEST! And all new for 2013)

Star Wars Snowflakes (so awesome!)

❄ Snowflake Hex Code (a little something for the REAL geeks)

Google's Santa Tracker (doesn't hold a candle to Jacquie Lawson but still a fun place to explore)

Festive ways to automate your holidays from IFTT (If This Then That)

No fireplace, no problem! Cutting edge fireplaces on YouTube (some better than others)

See my other Holiday Greetings for more, classic holiday delights.