Tag: painting

Catching Up

by eileentroemel, posted in Life

Over the weekend, I got three manuscripts edited and worked on two other manuscripts.  Ken and Vicki did all the errands on Saturday.  Sunday we went out to breakfast.  We have a couple of places we like but wanted to try other places.  So we went somewhere other than our favorites.

The food looked and tasted good but all three of us had unpleasant stomach issues after going to this place.  We will not be returning to that place for a Sunday meal again.

Saturday, I spent a couple hours at Natureland.  I can’t hike anymore which makes me exceedingly sad as it’s such a nice park.  I sat in my car and edited while the beauty of the place helped me cope with a few things.  I parked in an end stall in order to be out of the way and in the shade.  The tree closest to it seemed to reach down to try to tease me.

It was productive for me to be there.  I turned my phone down.  I worked on editing.  I watched the lake and the trees.  I watched the people come and go.  I wrote two scenes (by hand which means I need to type them up).

Sunday Vicki and I worked on food prep for the week.  I cut up a bunch of stuff for her for lunches and supper tonight.  I made pudding for Ken and Vicki.  We got a lot of stuff done.

Surprisingly, we sold the snare drum which has been on Facebook.  I thought we were going to sell Vicki’s table and chairs but unfortunately the guy never showed.  When I messaged him, he said he couldn’t get a van.  It would have been nice if he had let me know.

We still have a few things to sell and they are listed on Facebook.  I’ll see how they go.

Every weekend we’re working on things in the house.  Ken’s been painting our bedroom.  We picked a color and they went to get.  I thought it was darker but didn’t say anything.  Ken got two walls done and had to go back for more paint.  When they mixed the color, it was different.  There was a bit of back and forth.  It was decided whoever mixed the first gallon did it wrong.  So they got the new gallon for free.  They talked about leaving one of the walls the darker color and painting the other three walls the lighter color.  I’m good with that.

Vicki’s been working on getting her space more organized.  She’s been painting, building shelves (book and bedside table) and a desk.  She’s been working on organizing her books, getting lists made, and making it portable so she can have lists so she knows what she needs to purchase.

I’ve got several crochet projects I need to work on but the writing has been pushing me.  I’ve finished a number of things.  I have a meeting with my artist to see about covers and other things.  I’m hoping to finish several projects and get them published soon.

I’ve been getting journals from all sorts of places.  I took one of them and made it into my writing to do list sort of.  On one page I outlined what I’ve got the projects I’m working on.  I’ve been losing track of what stage I’m at for different projects.  This means I’m doing work twice when I shouldn’t have to.  Hopefully this will help me keep better track of where I am for the projects.  It will also prompt me to work on different aspects of the projects like writing the synopsis and so on.

In the journal I think I’m going to work on pages for marketing things as well.  Maybe take a page per book and write where I’ve sent requests for book reviews.  I have a hard time tracking this which again leads to a duplication of work.

I feel like I’ve been so busy, I hardly have time to breath.  I know it’s good because I keep going but there are times I want to just take a moment.  I guess that’s why I went to Natureland – to take a moment.  Even though I was editing, it changed my perspective.

Are We Caught Up?

by eileentroemel, posted in Crochet and crafting, Life, Writing

We’ve been so busy.  A few projects have gotten done around the house.  Ken and Vicki painted the garage door and our front door.  They are now a lovely purple.  I LOVE how they turned out.  We still have to do the back door but of course we ran out of time.

We also got our new appliances delivered.  Yes, we know stainless is in but we prefer the black and I think they look great in our kitchen with the yellow walls.  The dishwasher still needs to be installed but that will be next month!  I cannot wait!!!

I’m still recovering from my surgery.  I still get tired too easily but it’s getting better.  I didn’t have a lot of pain but every now and again, I’ll touch my nose and it will twinge.  It’s not really a hurt but more a sensitivity to being touched.

This last weekend we accomplished nothing other than to go to the ALA (library) conference with Vicki.  She got to talk to a lot of vendors, librarians.  We got a massive number of books for her job.  Ken and I got a large number as well.  On top of the lovely books, I spoke to some amazing people.  One was a children’s book publisher who expressed an interest in my children’s book (once I get it completed).  I have her card and hopefully I can make a connection.  I also spoke to and gave a card to a reviewer.  Interestingly, I stopped to speak to a vendor and we got to chatting.  He asked what I do – i.e. why I am at this conference.  I had on my tag I was an author.  He asked about what I write and took my card.  Now we will see if he purchases.  I realized I need to get more general cards – something which promotes my writing, editing, and publishing.

I have two days off now.  I’m in need of them.  The conference was fun but exhausting.  I’ve been spending my nights working on crochet things – currently I’m crocheting around all the fleece I have to make it into different things.  I have several I’m making up for the rummage sale.  I also got another set of potholders done.

I’m working on reading a book for review.  I’m not sure how I feel about it yet.  I’ve decided I’m going to take a book to work and read during my lunch hours.  My to read list has gotten excessive and I miss reading.

I got my purse sent off to the publisher.  I’m excited to see it in the magazine.  I hope they like it.  I know I do.  It will be wonderful to get another publishing credit under my belt.  This weekend I’m hoping we can get through some of our to do lists.  All three of us have this long long list of things to get done.  We’re making progress but our weekends are so busy.

I’ve been experiencing some serious crankiness over not physically being able to get things done.  I know what needs to get done, but I can’t physically do it myself and the other people in my house are working on other things.  It’s making anxious because there are aspects of the tasks I can do – i.e. sit and sort through things but when I physically try to shift things, or work on it, I can’t.  My legs hurt, my joints hurt. It is frustrating me I can’t get more done.  I was getting cranky at those in my house – even though it isn’t their fault – but now I’m recognizing what I’m doing, I’m attempting to do what I can.  I’ve started a list and I’m getting someone in to help me do the things which are top of my priority list.  The other people in my house all have their own lists which are as important as my list.  I keep reminding myself in the end we’ll have a more organized space.

Today I’m working on some computer stuff where I need to be at my computer but then I’m going to go write.  I’ve already updated my budget, sales for the last two months and other reports I do to keep track of my writing stuff.

I need to write my pagan blog and work on my web page.  Once I’m done with these tasks (and hopefully in the process I don’t find more tasks) I am hoping to go write.  I need to be off my legs and give them a chance to rest.  I’m either going to write or I’ll watch some tv and crochet – with the dozens of projects I have going it won’t be hard to pick one or ten to work on.

The plan for the today and tomorrow – rest and recover from the last three days.  My legs are swollen and painful which is what happens when I spend too much time doing and not resting.  It will pass and in the meantime I’ll be busy doing things I’m able to do.  The more I accomplish the less stressed I am about the things I can’t accomplish.

I would think things would slow down a bit but they aren’t.  Our a/c was giving us grief so we had the HVAC people come look at it.  In the process they discovered our furnace was broken to the point where it is dangerous to turn it on.  Anyone who knows me knows I can run my a/c or furnace any time depending on my temperature.  Our furnace had been red tagged – meaning we cannot use it at all.  The HVAC guy turned off the gas so it doesn’t even turn on accidently.  In all this drama, I’m starting to have a panic attack about the costs of the work.  To fix the a/c it cost us nearly $200.  When he told us about the furnace, it’s only seven years old, I started to freak out.  However, it’s under warrantee so no cost to us (thankfully).  But it still needs to get fixed.  They are coming in on July 5 to fix it.  Since I had to take off, I asked someone to come over on that day to help me with a few projects.  The guy who is installing our dishwasher is coming on July 8.  We have a ton of stuff to get done between now and then.

I’m hoping for a cooler weekend so I can get out in the garage and sort through some things which we have to decide if we want to keep or get rid of.  I think Vicki has stuff she needs to sort out there as well so hopefully we can get it done in a couple of hours.  Then I’ll move on to other projects.  There are so many right now, the problem will be more in deciding which one than to find a project.

It is the Fourth of July weekend so I think Vicki has plans but I doubt Ken and I will do much more than hang out at home.  If I can get the sorting done in the garage, I will likely need to sit with my feet up.  This means crochet or writing time depending on who is around and what’s going on in the house.  Either way at least I’ll be productive.

New Grandbaby

by eileentroemel, posted in Life

My middle daughter adopted a new kitten on Thursday!  She is an adorable six month old kitten.  Sasha, her older sister now, is not happy with the new addition to the family.

Vicki is dealing with a lot of changes.  She has a new energetic kitten who is into everything and has few manners.  She has an older kitten (Sasha is always a kitten) who is unhappy with the new addition.  She is juggling the affections of two demanding kittens.

Ava – the new kitten – is sweet, active, and playful.  She seems to be fascinated with Sasha and wants to play.  She is high energy which is quite the change for Vicki as Sasha was two when she got her.

It’s been a few days of pictures and drama with the new kitten in the house.  Sasha has been grumbly at Vicki which makes Vicki unhappy.  It’s been fun listening to their adventures.  Today for the first time the two cats touched noses without hissing at each other.

Saturday my niece came out to paint.  We spent the afternoon on our deck painting.  I did three paintings which I think turned out all right.  It was wonderful being out on the deck.  Ken worked in the yard and chatted with us.  She and I worked on painting.  It’s funny, I did the sunset one with the water and had no idea what else I wanted to do with it but after I did a second painting I went back to it and knew exactly what I planned to do.  I think of the three it’s my favorite.

Last night I watched Big Bang Theory and crocheted a little.  I was very cold so ended up cuddled under my electric blanket.  I didn’t get as much done with crocheting as I wanted to but I was so cold I couldn’t hold the crochet hook.  It’s been a good weekend.  I think the cats are adjusting and I had some good times with painting and crocheting.

Balancing Act

by eileentroemel, posted in Crochet and crafting, Life, Writing

My searches in Wayfarer 8 are done.  Now I have to do a read through before I print for an edit.  I’ve also gotten about 15,000 words into Wayfarer 10.

My middle daughter sent me a blog from one of her favorite authors about how to handle being stuck in a story.  It was interesting and gave me some ideas for the Defenders series.  I’m hoping it will help me move forward with the story.  It’s ironic, I started this story in 2010 and couldn’t get it down on paper fast enough.  I saw the whole story at the time.  I still do.  My problem is getting from the point I’m at to the next step.  Once I figure out how I move forward, the scenes all but write themselves.  I think I’m just getting hung up on the transitions.

Last night Ken went to bed very early so I watched a Midsomer Murder episode and worked on another ruffle scarf.  I wasn’t quite done with it when the episode was done but I finished and moved on to writing.

Work has been busy.  I’ve gotten a lot done in this week.  It certainly makes the days go faster.  It also feels good to get stuff accomplished.  I love crossing things off my to do list.

Tonight will probably be more of the same.  Saturday I’m going to Madison with my sister to do a painting thing.  I’ll see how it turns out.  I’m not great at painting but I enjoy it so much I keep working at it.

I’m going to a place I’ve never been.  I’m concerned about being comfortable and able to get around in there.  There’s always this what if they aren’t handicap friendly or my scooter will cause more problems or…. the list goes on.  I’m taking it on faith I’ll be able to get in and be comfortable.  I’ll see how it goes.

In My Head

by eileentroemel, posted in Crochet and crafting, Life, Writing

My mind has been scattered over a variety of projects and I want to work on all of them at once.  The problem with this is I can’t focus on anything.

The solution – at least this time – is for me to do a little of several things.  Last night I wrote for a while but after a conversation with one of my daughters, I put away the writing and watched an episode of Midsomer Murders.

Tonight I came home, spent time with Ken, watched another episode of Midsomer Murders and crocheted a ruffle scarf.  In an hour and half I watched the show and finished a scarf.  When I’m done with this blog, I’ll be switching over to writing on a novel.

I’m not getting the hours and hours of writing in but I am getting some crocheting, writing, and relaxing done all in one short night.  I’ve got this crazy list scrolling in my head.  I’ve got ideas for painting, crocheting, writing, and I want to work on all of them.  Of course I’m one person and can’t do six things at once so I have to pick.

As I’m finishing things, that to do list in my head ticks these things off and for a little while at least it quiets my crazy need to DO something.

At the same time, I’m in my head.  I can see scenes I want to get written; see projects I want to crochet, see pictures I want to paint, and so on.  The more in my head I get, the less I accomplish so I’m jumping out of my own mind (yeah even I’m scared to be in my head sometimes) and just doing what feels best.  Tonight it was a ruffle scarf while I watched a tv show before I work on my novel.  Who knows where my crazy brain will take me tomorrow.  See why my head scares me?

Creative Gene?

by eileentroemel, posted in Life

My daughters have a new etsy shop (http://www.etsy.com/shop/StephanieRoseCustom?ref=shop_sugg).  Skull Scarf
Most of my family are creative in one way or another.  I have a niece who is an amazing artist, another niece who makes amazing jewelry, a sister who knits and quilts, and so many others (if I list them all it will take forever and I’ll probably still forget someone).  More than this generation though, my great grandfather painted carriages.  He was so good he was one of the few people locally who did gold leafing on carriages.  My grandmothers were both very creative in the handcrafts. 

I read (skimmed really) an article that talked about fears being a genetic memory.  My question is for all the big scientists out there – can creativeness have a genetic component?  All of my daughters are good with color and composition.  My youngest daughter oozes with talent with her painting, sewing, crocheting.  My middle daughter crafts a dozens of ways – making amazing ornaments, wreaths, and so much more.  My oldest daughter draws beautifully and her counted cross stitch projects are incredible.  Obviously with my crafting skills and Beth’s crafting skills (family friend) they were raised with crafting days.  I just wonder if it is more than that. 
It also makes me wonder if work ethic / entrepreneurial endeavors are also genetic.  I have my editing business on the side, Vicki has her Simply Natural by Vicki products, and Stephanie and Virginia are working together to build Stephanie’s sewing / crafting business.  I know my father and grandfather had a gun selling business as well as my dad sold seed corn.  My grandparents ran a shoe store.  We descend from farmers mostly (but then who doesn’t really). 
The question becomes is this nurture?  Did I learn about working hard and trying different business because my parents worked hard and then I passed it down to my daughters?  Or is there a genetic component?  That might be interesting to find out. 

Think about it.  My great grandfather ran his business for painting carriages.  If it is genetic memory or a gene then has it been passed down in my family alone it has manifested in a variety of ways and there are tons of cousins and half cousins.  This is the great grandfather who had a dozen kids.  I wonder if talent can be traced back through the generations to an original talent? 
Nature or nurture for crafting and creativeness?  I don’t know but I do love crocheting and benefiting from my family’s creativeness as well.

Nature or nurture for crafting and creativeness?  I don’t know but I do love crocheting and benefiting from my family’s creativeness.