Here comes another essay about what excites me visually. This time it’s not about 3D or pop-up cards, but about a 2D image sent via my Gmail.

I recently discovered that Gmail had the capability to send images in the message content of an email. This means that when a person opens my email, he or she sees an image right away, instead of having to click on “view.”

I can size the image to fit the computer’s email screen by modifying the number of its pixels. Then I drag the image directly from my desktop into the “compose section” of my email.

If you use Gmail (and why wouldn’t you?), here is the way to get your messages in pictures: (1) click on the “options” wheel in the upper right-hand corner of your screen, (2) click on “LABS,” (3) scroll down to “Inserting Images” and click on “enable,” (4) scroll down to the very bottom of the screen and click on “save changes.”

Okay. Why does this excite me so much?

• Because it is right there in your face when you open my email. It may be the closest thing to a pop-up email.

• Because I can now design an image with a message on it, using Picasa collages (one of my favorite programs ever), and then send it in an email. No more plain emails need to be sent. I can add an “appropriate” picture along with a message. How fun!!

A birthday email — with a real 7-layer cake image!
A Happy Thanksgiving email — next to a funny turkey image.
A condolence email — next to a corsage of roses
An invitation email — with a photo of the host and hostess

How about an in-your-face essay? I’ll ask the editor who publishes my online essays if he can “do pictures.” Meanwhile, I’m off to Google Images to find a picture to place on an anniversary picture-message email for some friends.

Mr. Ebsen may be contacted at robertebsen@hotmail.com