Yesterday was the first day of school and my house is so quiet. No tv or video games, no tennis balls bouncing against the wall, no visiting friends or kids out on the street for the dogs to bark at. It's not just my house either... every house on my street is quiet. Even the toddlers in the house behind us are quieter with their school aged siblings gone. There are a lot of kids in my neighborhood so after the noise and chaos of summer the quiet is a bit unsettling.
I'm trying to make this week a new beginning for me too. I started working through The Artist's Way with a group of people online and I'm setting aside three hours a day to write. Really write, not just blog. I want to continue working on the book I started last year but I'm also going to do some writing for a few local businesses. I think I snagged my first client the other day. A landscape company that my neighbor is starting. He has a very organized business plan, a year to build his business before he retires from the Army, and he has money set aside for advertising. I'm looking forward to working with him.
I want to thank everyone who had such kind and supportive things to say in the last couple of weeks while I was trying to climb out of my depression. I'm feeling better and I'm trying to keep myself focused and busy enough that I don't have time to feel bad. I have also recognized that one of the problems I'm having is that I have been avoiding conflict for a few years and that has gradually changed me. I didn't realize how much I had changed until last week when a fairly good natured political discussion, with a friend who I have always butted heads with over political issues, left me positively shaken and feeling ill. This isn't me. I have always loved a good political debate. But the volatility of having a child with problems can cause you to tiptoe around the small stuff for fear of stepping on a landmine and after a few years of tiptoeing it can become a habit. So I think I need to try to break the habit. This doesn't mean I'm going to start stomping and pontificating but I think I need to push myself to be a bit more open and honest.
So... here's an opinion. I watched the Republican Party convention last night and I think that Mitt Romney is a hateful and scary man who needs to get his facts straight. "Is government spending - excluding inflation - liberal or conservative if it doubles since 1980? It's liberal! " Um... yeah.. Mitt, considering the fact that Republicans have been in office for all but 8 years of this 28 year time line maybe what we really need to do is stop calling things liberal or conservative and vote for something different. Oh.. and John McCain has been in Washington voting for these "liberal" increases for 26 of those years.
And here's another opinion. It took me days to figure out who Sarah Palin reminded me of... and then I watched her speech last night.
I admire a woman who can give a speech that will compare and contrast her views with that of her opponent without giggling and ridicule. Sarah Palin didn't do that. Mean girls don't get my vote.
But she does have adorable children.
4 comments:
Wow! A lot to comment on, Gina!
First of all, congrats on doing The Artist's Way! It is a fabulous writing program and really stimulates the creativity. I think it is wonderful timing with the other writing projects you have lining up. Man, you come back from a depression with a vengeance! :)
As for the Republican Convention...it has been scaring me. Sarah Palin is very clever and is a good "performer." Democrats have got to get out in droves to work for Obama's campaign and ensure he gets in office. The good news is that Sarah Palin's speech motivated so many Democrats to donate to Obama that since her speech last night, his campaign has rung in $1 million. OH...dear..I'm ranting.
And yes, her children are very cute.
I'm glad that you're coming out of the dumps; and what an exciting writing project!!! Sounds like things are really turning around for you!
I know my opinion doesn't count, being a Canuck and all, but I find the Palin nomination to be just too contrived. But then this is politics, so why should it be surprising.
That is the cutest video though... she does indeed have lovely kids.
JCK, I wouldn't say I come back with a vengence. I actually come back from a depression the same way I go in... denying that anything is happening. You should see me in crisis mode. Actually I should really write a post about that. Oh the stories I could tell. LOL I am excited about doing The Artist's Way with a group. Hopefully we will be able to keep each other on task.
The Republican Convention is scaring the hell out of me. I alternate between wanting to scream and wanting to cry. I just can't understand how so many people can believe what they are saying... people who are my friends! (or were... who knows how long I'll keep them if I don't keep my mouth shut.)
Karen, I think we would be better off as a country if we did worry a bit more about what the rest of the world is thinking. Personally I agree with your assessment although contrived is a nicer word than I could think of.
Hey Gina -- Glad you're feeling better. I've been doing a hormonal rampage, myself. Tantruming hormones, dark moods, anger. This morning is much better.
I love my Artist's Way book. The online group sounds like a great idea, inspiring.
Have you read that Kilkinney letter about Palin? She does sound like a Mean Girl. http://www.andrys.com/palin-kilkenny.html
Have a good Monday! :)
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