Checking my Mood at the Door

Today, my mood is best expressed by Albina.

She really is brilliant. And I own an original McPhail! All mine -- "Good Girls Go to Heaven ... Bad Girls Go Everywhere." And bad girls ... yeah.

I think all of my moods are best expressed by Albina (check out her other stuff on that site -- it's all pretty amazing).

This sucks -- I can't sing. I don't write music. I don't paint. I am a piss-poor stamper. I play piano (badly and infrequently). I don't even get poetry (except Adam Duritz's -- and oh yeah -- that Shakespeare guy). I don't dance anymore -- haven't (even alone) for a long time.

So I guess I write. Do I have to? Does it have to make sense? Why can I do this cool shit in Academia, but not when I want to write that book. I think my biggest problem is that which inspires me -- oh don't get me wrong -- I have "the book" in my head. Albina pesters me every time we talk to get that book out of my head and onto paper where it belongs. Funny -- I can't mention certain names to her but she still thinks I must write the book. Nah -- I'd have to kill off the lead character for personal catharsis and that just ain't right. I don't wish death, harm or pain -- just peace and happiness -- like Albina's painting above. And I want that "Girl with Book" series -- if I have to take out student loans to get them, I will. What's another few thousand dollars between friends?

Karma train? "We" will be having a little chat about that one.

So the new Jasper Fforde is out -- I missed it. Been out for months, dammit. And Harry Potter on my birthday this summer -- happy b-day to me! And I send Jeff an e-mail tonight -- the new Beowulf movie has finally finished shooting. I don't think there is a release date yet. Very cool indie project (it looks like it anyway). I think the link is http://www.beowulf-movie.com.

I have to finish my tea and go to bed. Chamomile to sleep. I have my Jasmine Becca brought me from England to wake up. The Monk's Blend late afternoon and the Mauritius in the early evening. For fun on the way to school sometimes -- Mango Breakfast tea that Cat and Shane brought back from their honeymoon. And then -- my beloved Earl Grey. He's dead too, right? Terribly ugly, though. Don't need a pic of him.

I sent Rob some of the Mauritius tea I love so much -- got him hooked before they sent him back to Iraq. I also sent him a few books to read -- had to slip 100 Years in for him and then the first two Jasper Fforde/Thursday Next series. Some baby wipes, some baby powder, soap, toothpaste and a card I made for him (badly). I miss him. I did talk to his mom this week -- she called me to let me know that she had heard from him and he is well (for those who keep asking). Jack is also recovering very well -- he says the only pain he's in is "healing pain" and that it isn't bad like his hip replacement. DJ is back at work and recovering handsomely (in all senses of the word that I may or may not have spelled right).

Brett is no worse for the wear -- lol, sorry, honey. Not sharing. I'll keep your secret if you keep mine.

I'd best sip my tea and try to settle in.