Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Back in the Studio.....

I know, I know - it's been over a week since I've posted and probably over a month since I've posted something substantial - and I'm not alone.

I don't know what it is - "it" seems to be affecting not only me, but LOTS of YOU, as well. I'm burned out. I don't know if it's just a lack of "blogworthy" material, or if we're in a creative funk, or we're suffering from spring fever - or a combination of all three + more!

I know I have been inundated with work (the real estate business in North Carolina is really picking up - yeah!), doctors appointments, we've have had a house guest, and to top it off - we've been working like maniacs out in the yard getting everything ready (the garden, the landscaping beds, the hill in the back, fertilizing, trimming, on and on) for the growing season. By the time the work is done - I'm too wiped out to even think about painting, or drawing, or sewing. No energy, no inspiration, no ambition - NOTHING, NADA, ZIP!

To lift my spirits - my love surprised me with an unbelievably extravagant present -- a Kindle 2. Oh yeah! Talk about a happy girl - I can now carry around 1,500 of my favorite books in a hand-held device that weighs 10.2 ounces and is 1/3" thick. I can request a book and receive it within 60 seconds while floating on a raft in the Atlantic, sitting on the hood of my Jeep in the mountains, or - in the carpool line while waiting for Sabrina. How COOL IS THAT?! I've been waiting for this to come out for over a year. Ever since I heard of the Kindle 1 I've wanted it. Blaise, being the wise soul that he is said, "never buy the FIRST generation of ANYTHING!" And I'm so glad I waited for Kindle 2 . It's the best invention since grilled cheese - yeah, that's right I said grilled cheese (I'm from Ohio, remember?) I bought my dad one for Christmas - and he absolutely loves his too. (and trust me - THAT is one hard man to please!) Oh, and did I mention - if I'm driving - Kindle 2 can READ TO ME! Holy Cow!

Anyway, yes I have been neglectful of my blog, yes I have been busy, but YES I am going back to the studio this week and have been squirreling away ideas on napkins, torn pieces of paper, the backs of envelopes, etc. That's a good sign!

Whatcha' working on???

13 comments:

Katiejane said...

I'm glad you located your muse. Mine is still AWOL. This Kindle sounds great. I assume you still have to pay market price for books, right? But still, it would be a handy thing for trips.

Cathie said...

Nope - NY Times Best Sellers are only $9.99, classics like Wuthering Heights, Charles Dickens, Jane Austen - FREE ! Yep, that's right - FREE. It's unbelievable. Also, the Gutenburg Project offers a gazillion free e-books (of a classic nature.)

3rdEyeMuse said...

I think we all hit these brick walls every now and again ... usually daily life throws in its monkey wrenches and the exhaustion that accompanies it is enough to take down an elephant ... I choose to view these non-craft-productive periods as time to refill & refuel. Can't wait to see what you get into next ... and congrats on your fun new toy!

Mary Welsh Hubbard said...

I agree Cathie! The Kindle 2 is the best thing EVER! I love it.

Creations From The Soul said...

The kindle sounds so cool, my mom has been going on and on about it and wanted to know if it would read to her, so you answered that LOL that is really a wonderful little gadget indeed! I got to get her one.
I know for me sometimes living in Ny, where it is usually cold and grey for the most part because you really can't go outdoors so much without freezing contributes to my Blahs and not feeling creative. When I lived in Florida, it was wonderful because I never felt blah and I sold my art by the beach, so where you live, I think plays a part in creativity and happiness. Sometimes life just happens so I try to go with it. Sometimes just a big cup of hot chocolate makes me feel creative and happy, some days not so much LOL Thanks also my dear lady, for all your comments to me, they made me smile:) So lets get crafy and try to make some beautiful art soon :)

~debbie turner altman said...

Okay, so it's not just me. I think all the focus with M4 did it to me. My blog is a step-child. What little art I've done since M4 is 3 ATC's. How sad is that? Of course hubby built me two new bookcases that are having issues with the number of books I have and my studio looks like it BLEW up! That might be part of it...lol Just know you are NOT alone. Gotta check out that Kindle 2 as I love books on tape when I travel. Didn't know it would read to me! Hope to see you and S at the next meeting!

Anonymous said...

My husband has a kindle and loves it, but I think I am still too traditional. I like to hold and smell my books, but as they say...never say never.

Sometimes life dictates how we live i.e. gardening, etc. When you enter your creative space it will be waiting for you with fresh ideas.

Cathie said...

Oh yes indeed - AND you can pick whether you want a male voice, or female voice. Sabrina and I decided we liked the man's voice better. Kindle2 is no longer known as Kindle, it's known as "Alfonso!"

Jeanne Turner McBrayer said...

Kindle sounds like something I might have to have!

Pursuing Art... said...

I don't know what "it" is either! Life just gets in the way at times. It seems like the longer I'm away from creating...the more I want to get back to it. I'm really glad to know I'm not the only one that writes or sketches ideas on napkins, torn pieces of paper, backs of envelopes...any scrap piece that may be near at the time! LOL!

Oh, you Kindle pusher you!!! Oops...*Alfonso* pusher you!!! So... his voice is nicer than hers, eh? hmmmmmmmmmm...XOXO~me ;-)

P.S. Nope, all I see is a solid black edge on the right and I scrolled all the way down...no pictures, no profile, no Gizmo!? :(

Oh, catching up on BJP at the moment!

Brigitte said...

A ebook - that's it what I would like for birthday-present! I am waiting until somebody will give it to me! Hello from Germany, Brigitte

Unknown said...

Hi Dear, what a wonderful present and invention, wow!
And you are so right, many of us seem to have contracted the Nonblogbug, or something like that, spring demanding other activities:) Looking forward to what you have been doing with your new supplies...
I'm working on bigger format watercolours and the children's book and yesterday attended a woodcutting workshop which was nice...
just wanted to say a little hello, XOXOXO to Sabrina and Guizmo too (AND the other lovely dog!)
love
Andrea

Teresa said...

We have talked A LOT about getting a Kindle. My hubby especially. He will have one sooner or later for sure. As for me, I still kind of like to hold a book but man they would be handy. I will have one as well someday.
I have some items ready to blog on but like you have just been busy doing other things. Then this true blast of winter hit. We will have lots of yard work to do now. Hopefully none of the falling branches did roof damage.
Read on my dear and keep us posted on how much you love Alfonso.

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