21 Weeks In

• I had an impromptu conversation with a client/friend today: he came over to pick up something I had designed for him, and when I asked him how he was he said "too much to do". Is this not the resounding cry going around the world? Too much! Everything is out there and we want to say Yes, Yes and Yes. And then it's too much. Say No, to one thing this week. Dare you.

• I cozied up a little closer to my "real" and authentic writing voice this past weekend. It felt like me in the words. I could almost see myself standing amongst the letters.

• Rain happened yesterday. In very late May. It was kind of a dreamy day. Sweaters back on. Socks. Big gray clouds and more water from the sky before the rain season ends.

• I really and truly GOT that when I am feeling irritated, it's because I've taken on too much and a) things are out of balance or b) I was handed more than I signed up for and need to speak up, speak up, speak up. I mean, I really really got it. Whew. That's such a relief, after all these years.

• And have you checked out all the books that are coming out all over the place the past few months?
  
  • Carmen Torbus' The Artist Unique
  • Sarah Ahearn Bellemare's Painted Pages
  • Misty Mawn's Unfurling
  • Jenn Lee's The Right Brain Business Plan
  • Lisa Occhipinti's The Repurposed Library
  • Mary Beth Shaw's Flavor for Mixed Media
  • Darlene McElroy's Surface Treatment Workshop
  • Did I forget anything/anyone?

• My cat is in love with my husband's pheremones. Right at this moment she has thrown herself onto his sweaty backpack and is rolling all over it rubbing her face on it. She's wrapped both of her front legs through the shoulder straps, and is rolling, rolling, rolling. She makes me laugh SO hard when she does this.

• If I could feel as comfortable with my canvases in that messy ugly stage as I seem to do with the state of our house (messy all the time) I might be much more prolific.

• Oh, and I finally accepted my invitation to Pinterest, and everyone, it's lovely. Not a time suck (at least not so far) just moments here and there over the course of the week, to mark the things that I am in love with, and that I want to remember for later.

• Something I learned this week: you really can take metaphor too far.

• Peonies, even when long past their beauty date, smell so very lovely, and hold a totally different kind of beauty.

Comments

[Shelley Lane Kommers]

ah.. your pinterest is lovely, Liz! found several wonderful new artists in your arts section. now you have me thinking about joining up...

[Carrie#K]

That peony is, indeed lovely.

Repurposing books, while eco-friendly always seem vaguely cannibalistic to me.

[Swirly]

Reading this made me so happy.

[niya sisk]

So hilarious - your cat.

Love reading your posts, they calm me down somehow.

[Cynthia at Coffee On The Patio]

Thanks so much for the book list. I just downloaded The Right Brain Business Plan to my iPad and have book marked several of the others.

I bought a bouquet of peonies yesterday. I just love them. Off to check out your Pinterest.

Cynthia
http://coffeeonthepatio.com
http://www.cynthiasblog.com

[Kristen]

ooo new books to add to my good reads "to read" list! your cat is hilarious. i'm so happy to have read your article over on creative everday, it was really lovely. and pinterest, i love it and you found me on it :) i don't find it to be a time suck at all. i cleaned up all my ugly text bookmarks online and made them into pretty picture bookmarks so much more visual and lovely on pinterest. all my best, kristen