Valerean

After so many (too many) DNFs it was a pleasure to read a properly-written book, which is absolutely Dear Old Dead by Jane Haddam. I actually took my time reading it because the writing, the story, the characters, the detective and basically every other element of the story were so good. At a charity, church-supported Harlem health center, saintly director and surgeon extraordinaire Dr. Michael Pride is not having a great night. After being arrested on a vice charge for frequenting a notorious gay sex club and having his image splashed all over the papers (keep in mind this novel was published 32 years ago in 1994), Michael is trying to clean up surgically the mess created by an ongoing gang war. Then he receives news that his wealthiest media mogul patron is waiting for him in his office, and goes to face the music -- only to find the mogul dying of strychnine poisoning. It doesn't help that basically everyone at the health center wants the mogul dead, and the poison used...

Last week we stopped by our local no-kill cat shelter with our daughter to make a donation and to visit with the kitties. She attracts all animals and volunteers at a shelter at home, so this was fun for her. I have a hard time not falling in love, as I did with this delicate little princess. She wouldn't hold still for a photo for long but she has sky blue eyes. Just like they do my girl, the cats all love my guy. He won't admit it but he loves visiting the shelter, too. There was one cat named Pepper who was not adoptable, likely for medical reasons, who stayed beside me the whole time I was in her room. She looked pretty banged up and had lost half of her tail. That always breaks my heart, but it's also the reason we go to visit regularly. Some of the kitties have to stay at the shelter as their forever home, and they need as much attention and affection as they can get while they live out their best lives there. If you are able to help out the n...

I've heard countless artists from all corners of the creative world complain about becoming stuck or paralyzed and being unable to produce anything. I'm practically plagued with inspiration; I've never suffered from writer's block, and if a non-writing creative project doesn't work out I go to the next one. My philosophy at this age is "Life is too short. Move on." Not everyone has my mindset, and I get that. Self-doubt is almost as contagious and unpleasant as cyclosporiasis. The creative life is often like walking a tightrope, well, forever. If you struggle with being stuck, try one of my approaches: Aside setting: I want to put this first because to me this really is the most important skill a creator can develop, as long as they don't abuse it. Set things aside. It's okay to do that; sometimes things don't work out. Sometimes the project takes so long it's exhausting you. If you are struggling every single day, and you hat...

While we were out and about on my birthday we stopped at Rockledge Gardens , which is one of the loveliest garden centers I've ever seen. Along with countless plants for purchase, there are all sorts of outbuildings where you can buy gifts, food and fresh vegetables in season. They have amazing landscaping ideas, too. Here's a wall made of pallet wood for displaying potted plants. Isn't that pretty? It's quite a trek covering the center's five acres, but worth every minute. Highly recommended if you're every within driving distance.

My birthday turned out better than I expected; I spent the day with my guy and our daughter in Cocoa Beach, where I stopped by Knit & Stitch and invested in a little Noro and Juniper Moon yarns. My guy gave me a set of lavender and vanilla relaxation products from Bath & Body Works (not pictured) which I'm already using and are amazing. Kat gave these gorgeous silver, abalone and koa wood earrings from Na Hoku. I also stopped by Hello Again Books and splurged on a stack for reading during my vacation. We then went to an Asian buffet and ruined our diets. Honestly, being with my family and having fun in one of my favorite places in Florida made the day perfect. :) I should also mention that my friend B gave me two more books for my birthday, so I have lots of reading to look forward to this month. Thanks, everyone.

I'm officially on vacation! I really worked a lot of overtime to earn three weeks off, too. What do I have planned? Last night I slept 8-1/2 hours catching up after many, many sleepless nights. My guy even walked the dogs for me this morning so I could get in a couple extra hours. This is why he's wonderful. Let's see, other than going along with whatever the family has planned for on my birthday, I'd like to wrap up some projects, like the liner I'm crocheting for this art yarn woven basket I made in June. Still need to get started on the July tote for my calendar project. I want to start using my new project diary to record what I'm doing with, well, everything. I need to replace the missing buttons on my heavy jacket so I can wear that this coming winter. I'd also like to finish this short story, which I'm writing just for pleasure. Not sure if I will, but there's no deadline involved. Mostly I'd like to stop expe...