Missing that caffeine magic

This tin poster (a birthday gift from Sam years ago) is in my kitchen, and makes me smile.



As I sit here trying to come up with some witty, colorful illustrations, I realize how much I rely on caffeine to fuel my creative urges. And because I have to limit my caffeine, my lack of "energy" is definitely affecting my creative urges. Which is obvious, because I'm busy blogging instead of drawing. I'm not sure how to get into the zone and be all hyped up about what I'm working on without chemical intervention. It's quite frustrating, and I find myself procrastinating or getting distracted by other things (blogging, tv, the pets, housework) just to avoid having to be imaginitive and innovative.

How does one get past this block? I know I've blogged about it before, but it seems even more difficult now. And I don't have the luxury of time to wait for inspiration to hit, so what is one to do? This has been a problem for me as a freelance creative person, and it's always something I struggle with. I wonder what the solution is, and how to get into the correct frame of mind to do what I need to do (and WANT to do, dammit). I know deadlines can be quite convincing, but I don't want to fall into that trap again and again. And since I'm working with a few new clients, I want to make a good impression.

So...what to do? Any suggestions from those who have to be "on" for certain projects?

Gone, but not forgotten

I've been on a bit of a short hiatus from blogging lately—not intentionally, but there it is. I've just been unusually busy during the last few weeks, and too exhausted to even open up my laptop, much less think about blogging or photography or anything. I've finished up a freelance project and I'm feeling a bit rested after spending a weekend at my in-laws' farm, so I'm hoping to get back into things during the next several days. I've got lots of pix to post from visits to the farm, the zoo, etc...once I get them uploaded to my computer, that is.

Thanks to all of you who continue to support me and my blogs, and wait for my next post to show up. Hope you are all having a great summer, and relaxing as much as possible.

Happy blogiversary to reverie!

Today is the one year anniversary of this blog. Wow, time sure has flown! Lots has happened during that time, too. I've gotten married, been laid off, have had deaths in the family, and have welcomed little ones as well. I hope to continue posting to this blog for at least the next year, if not much, much longer, and sharing little bits of what makes me "me" with all of you (boring sometimes, yes, but that's life).

Hope you've enjoyed following me along on my journey. Things can only continue to change and grow from here!

Slow day

Hey, everyone, how are you? I've been feeling really, really tired and sluggish for the last few days, so I've been a bit absent from my posting duties. To remedy my stupor, I've taken the laptop outside to work on my freelance project (and maybe squeeze in a little blogging and surfing). I figured I should enjoy the beautiful weather before the rains come AGAIN tomorrow, and get some usage out of my lonely patio furniture, which hasn't seen many sunny days lately.



And we're also in the middle of painting the dining room/kitchen floors (robin's egg blue, so very lovely!), so avoiding the fumes has been a big motivator for going outside. The doggies are keeping me company and getting some fresh air too. Hopefully I'll be back to my energetic self tomorrow.



And thanks for all of you who expressed your concern and good wishes regarding Dollie. She did indeed come home, albeit a bit late (a day and half later), which is really unusual for her, hence my freaking out. In true cat fashion, she simply strolled up to Pete in the backyard and acted like nothing had happened (he grabbed her quickly so she couldn't change her mind). I was thrilled to have her back, and she's up to her old antics again, running around like a maniac and climbing on every surface imaginable.

Thanks

I appreciate all the caring thoughts regarding the death in my family. We're still waiting to hear when the funeral/memorial service will be, so we're all sort of in limbo. Until then, I'm going to sneak in some blogging when I have time.

(P.S. I'm off to do a tiny bit of proofreading for someone, so I'll be back later tonight.)

Out in the yard

Sorry for the lack of cruising other blogs during the last few days. I've been working up a sweat in the yard, raking and sweeping and tidying things up. I wrote several posts ahead of time, which is why they're so nicely appearing every day for your reading pleasure.

It's supposed to rain all day today, so I might be forced indoors to clean, decorate, and blog. How horrible! :)

Happy Easter

I'm going to start blogging again. Yes, I know I've said this before, but my life was quite chaotic and I was a bit adrift. Not that I'm not now, but I feel ready to blog again. I miss it :)

Meanwhile, have a great Easter!

(Image from shoptoit.com.)

It was so quiet...

...that yes, you COULD hear a pin drop around here this weekend. It's funny, because I'm usually pretty busy during the week and don't have much time to blog or do other fun stuff on the computer. But when the weekend comes, I love nothing more than to catch up on what everyone else is doing. Funny thing is, no one is around on the weekends, and I always wonder why. I know some people have trips or parties planned, or just can't get to a computer (many people can only blog at work). But what about the others?

For me, it's a time to catch up, to play with my cameras, to surf the 'net and (now) update my Facebook profile. I want to get into some good discussions, find some cool new blogs, and email back and forth with my blogging buddies. But no one's home. Hey, where'd everybody go???

I think I can hear some crickets chirping too, it's so quiet...

Ah well, back to whatever I was doing. I'll see you all around on Monday!

P.S. In case you were wondering—which you probably weren't—my posts appear at 4:30 a.m. or thereabouts most days because I write and schedule them ahead of time. This way they appear first thing in the morning, and everyone can take a look throughout the day. I like being able to see what people say and get emails about comments while I'm at work or running errands (yes, I'm attached rather firmly to my iPhone, if you haven't noticed). Sometimes I add posts later in the day, as they come to me or as needed, but mainly I'm very fond of scheduling.

(Photo credit unknown)