Devon Ellington's Blog, page 44
February 15, 2024
Thurs. Feb. 15, 2024: It’s Still Winter
image courtesy of Larisa Koshkina via pixabay.comThursday, February 15, 2024
Waxing Moon
Sunny and cold
You can read the latest on the garden over on Gratitude and Growth.
I can finally share some good news: My full-length play, FALL FOREVER, is going to be part of Glimmer Globe Theatre’s NEXT reading series at the Fenimore Art Museum in Cooperstown, NY in April. I will post more information as I receive it.
This play was born in a workshop hosted by the Williamstown Theatre Festival in June of 2022. I found out about it through Word X Word, and it was hosted by one of the WXW poets and theatre educators. I came out of that workshop with the seeds for seven different plays.
FALL FOREVER was the one that pulled hardest, and I wrote the first draft last April during the Dramatist Guild’s END OF PLAY program. It was given a virtual reading as part of that program in early May. With what I learned from that, and from some notes by friends, it went through several more drafts, and I started submitting it for readings last autumn. I also used pages from it as part of my application to join Nightwood’s Creatryx unit last year.
And now it’s going to get another reading. What I learn from this, in April, will allow me to do another set (or sets) of revisions, and then, hopefully, it will be in shape for further development/production.
I’m looking forward to it. I’m still not satisfied with the ending, and I’m worried that the final moment is saccharine instead of satisfying. I may rewrite during rehearsals; in any case, seeing/hearing it will give me a lot of necessary information for the next steps.
I knew about this in late January, but they asked us not to go public with it until they put out their official announcement and the audition information. Since I loathe vague posts – whenever someone says, “I have good news and can’t share it yet” I just want to bitch slap them – I walked my talk and shut the hell up publicly until I could actually talk about it.
Today’s serial episode is from LEGERDEMAIN:
Episode 164: The Man in the Room
Another dead body. Another portal.
I’ve been having a lot of trouble with the laptop. When my grant funds come through, one of the first things I’m going to do is get a backup laptop and send this one back in for repair. Fingers crossed it holds out that long. I really RESENT having to shell out the cash for a backup computer, but they’re built to fail.
On top of that, Word updated and has a new default font which I HATE. The directions to set something else as default don’t work. So I guess I’ll just do it manually, every time I have a new document. Blech.
Wrote two episodes of THE VICIOUS CRITIC, which flowed well. Wrote an episode of Legerdemain, which flowed okay. Worked on a workshop proposal, which is going to take more work than I expected, but I’ll keep plugging away at it in bits until it’s done.
Adjusted the writing/business plan for the serials. It’s a little different for each serial, because the serials are different, but because Amazon basically picks a random number for the serial pot every month and then makes up new parameters to divide it up amongst the authors, it’s getting less and less viable. So I adjust.
Had more paperwork for the CSA, but I think this is the last of it. First pickup is June 4th. I’ll detail my CSA adventures over on Gratitude and Growth rather than here.
Did some reading for the Scholastic contest. I have some questions that I will gather together for the administrator and send off today.
I had a few exchanges with the owner of the liquor store that closed, suggesting resources that could help him re-open in a new location. Don’t know if he’ll actually follow through, but at least I shared the information.
Tarot circle was great. I had turned up in another member’s dream last night, and portions of our dream had intersected, which is kind of weird, but not surprising, considering the group. We had a great time. On the way there, I’d stopped at Wild Oats for coffee and one of my favorite wines.
A couple of small coverages came in for today. I’m under what I’d hoped for this pay period, which is frustrating.
I’m putting together an LOI for a potential new client. The pay’s a little under what I’d like, but it offers the flexibility I need at the moment, so I figured it’s worth a pitch.
On today’s agenda: meditation, two more episodes of THE VICIOUS CRITIC, getting two episodes of LEGERDEMAIN up. I’ll see how much time I have in the writing portion of my day after that, and then decide on which project to focus the attention. In the afternoon, I have some coverages and Scholastic reading to do. Then, again, I’ll see where I am, timewise, and what needs doing. I hope to finish a book for review, so I can get those two reviews out tomorrow and get in another assignment, so that I can invoice next week.
Hope you have a great day!
February 14, 2024
Wed. Feb. 14, 2024: Twists and Turns
image courtesy of Clker-Free-Vector-Images via pixabay.comWednesday, February 14, 2024
Waxing Moon
Ash Wednesday (for those who celebrate)
Valentine’s Day (for those who celebrate)
Snowy and cold
All that fuss, all the notifications about what was going to be shut down on Tuesday, because of the massive storm.
By the time I got up on Tuesday morning, nary a flake.
People were just looking at each other and shrugging, then grinning because we had a snow day without snow. Some cancellations were un-cancelled, and people were out and about. I felt a mixture of frustration and gratitude.
It didn’t start snowing until 2:30 in the afternoon, and then it was only a few half-hearted flakes moseying around. We got a couple of inches overnight, but nothing major. My friends, further south, were slammed.
Two serial episodes go live today. The first is from ANGEL HUNT:
Episode 111: Banishing the Demon
The boys give the demon a proper sendoff.
The second is from DEADLY DRAMATICS:
Episode 61: Answered Questions
The murderer confesses to Nina.
There’s a massive grant application opening next month. I’m getting an idea for it, inspired by something unusual, and I’m wondering if I can pull off the application. Seriously considering attending the grant information session. A few years ago, I applied for this, but I only heard about the grant the day before the deadline, so it was not where it needed to be. However, I had some good conversations with the funders, who liked my overall work and voice, so I think I can apply what I learned there to this. It’s probably worth the virtual hour to spend learning about what they’re looking for.
Got out two play submissions.
I had mentally prepared for lots of snow and no power and different ways of working on Tuesday, so it was hard to get my head back into the game of what things really were.
Wrote two episodes of THE VICIOUS CRITIC, which took longer than it should have, because I had to stop and research details/layout of the Morgan Library. I’ve visited it, but needed to cross check some information. I finally dropped the first body in Episode 16, later than I usually do a body drop, but it makes sense for this particular story.
Did the promotion rounds for yesterday’s episode of LEGERDEMAIN.
Turned around four small coverages and a score sheet, did an hour’s worth of reading for the contest, and started reading the next book for review.
Between the Super Bowl and Mardi Gras, I have no doubt we will see another COVID surge in the next couple of weeks, so I’m being extra careful.
Found out that my favorite local liquor store, where I did most of my purchases, shut abruptly on Monday night, when the sale of the plaza was finalized. I hope they find a place in which to relocate (that’s not too far from me). The other close store is skeezy with very little parking, and another store further away is also skeezy. I’m actually more worried about their employees than where I’ll buy wine. There’s always a place to find liquor. I mean, the food co-op sells it, but it’s more expensive. But those employees are just thrown out with nothing.
Went to bed ridiculously early and slept for eight hours. Which still meant I was wide awake ridiculously early this morning. We had a little bit of snow overnight, but nothing major.
On today’s agenda: writing, contest reading, hoping more script coverage comes in. I have to pick up coffee and wine at some point during the day, probably on my way to tarot circle this afternoon. I’d like to get some editing done on CAST IRON MURDER, too. It keeps falling off the schedule, and I need to get it out the door sooner rather than later. I need to do some filing/sorting of various projects that have stacked around the desk, too. I’m also waiting for some information that I need before I can move forward on a project, and the person on the other end keeps dropping the ball. And it’s not something from which I can withdraw. I want to work on the workshop proposals, too, and get them out the door. I’m blocking off most of August for a project, but there’s plenty of other time I can fit in workshops!
Have a good one.
February 13, 2024
Tues. Feb. 13, 2024: Pancakes in the Snow
image courtesy of -Rita-
und 
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via pixabay.comTuesday, February 13, 2024
Waxing Moon
Fat Tuesday
Snowing
I’m scheduling this to post in case the power goes out here over night/tomorrow morning.
Pancakes!
I hope you had a great weekend. If you missed the article on the GDR site yesterday, you can read it here.
Somebody pointed out to me that tomorrow is both Ash Wednesday and Valentine’s Day, which is kind of depressing, don’t you think? Not the best meeting of dates.
Today’s serial episode is from LEGERDEMAIN:
Episode 163: The Sixth Singer
The Quintet tries to describe the man who posed as their sixth member.
On Friday, I had to delete Dropbox, because it wasn’t letting me change any settings, and instead of letting me upload camera photos to where I wanted them, it poached them all and then wouldn’t let me move them. So buh-bye Dropbox.
I had paperwork for the CSA (so much paperwork lately).
This week, the focus is on THE VICIOUOS CRITIC, which is always fun, and easy to slip back into. I still hope to do a few LIGHTHOUSE LADY episodes, so that I can meet my April deadline for that to be ready.
Of course, it would have been helpful if I’d finished out the week on Friday writing some more on LIGHTHOUSE LADY, but I did not.
I did, however, get to the grocery store and the library, and got all of that handled. I did some meal planning for the week.
I was having trouble concentrating creatively (a good bit of that that whole week, I’m afraid). I didn’t have coverages (just score sheets, which I did yesterday). I didn’t feel I could give contest reading the attention it deserved. So I did research reading instead.
I read Arthur E. Waterman’s critical study of Susan Glaspell (she is one of my favorite playwrights). I found it condescending and misogynist. To say it irked me is an understatement. I wish there was a recent biography of her written. I’m tired of so much of the writing about her only being in relation to her two husbands. I want to know what SHE was like. Of course, all those years I lived IN NYC, I should have gotten my ass over to the Berg Collection and gone through her papers. Believe me, I’ve kicked myself more than once about it. But I ordered some other library materials. I HAVE material on her, including copies of some of her plays and novels I’ve collected over the years. I even have some of them here, rather than in storage. So I should start there.
I kind of having a feeling that she intersected with some of my Playland Painters at some point. I’m not sure why I have that sense, or where it came from or if it’s just wishful thinking. But there’s a shadow of a memory pulling somewhere.
While I was grumbling about this patronizing study, ideas for two plays dropped into my head, so we’ll see if I can make either of them work.
I started to read a novel by an author whose work I usually love, but she wrote this one in present tense, so nope. Back to the library it goes. I read another novel, that had come highly recommended. It was layered and twisty, but I figured it out around page 30 and was impatient for the characters to catch up. Not as impressed by it as those who recommended it.
Cooked haddock for dinner, very simply sauteed in butter, salt, pepper, and Old Bay Seasoning, then set on a bed of sauteed onion and baby spinach, dotted with a little lemon. It was yummy.
I had brought some Paczki donuts at Big Y. I’d never even heard of them before we moved here, but they are a Big Deal here, since these Polish donuts only come around once a year, for Fat Tuesday. Last year, I bought a big box, and was not that impressed; plus, they went stale quickly. This year, I just bought two, freshly made, and we ate them on Friday night for dessert. Much better.
Slept pretty well and woke up early on Saturday, which was Chinese Lunar New Year (year of the Wood Dragon, this go round). One of the great thing about working on so many shows with largely Asian casts is that I was included in their celebrations. Chinese Lunar New Year became a favorite, and I still maintain some traditions my friends and colleagues taught me, such as wearing red and preparing long noodles in sauce for longevity. I’ll watch the lion dance online. I did not have my act together this year about the red envelopes.
Sat down and wrote the first draft of “The Voices” which is a 10-minute play, and one of the plays that about Susan Glaspell the day before inspired. It was nice to get the entire draft down.
Did a rewrite of “Inspired By” which brings it up to 15 pages, but I think that’s the sweet spot for that particular play. Read over what I have on THE WOMEN ON THE BRIDGE and wrote about a page more. Read over what I have on FROZEN AT THE PALACE THEATRE and am trying to figure out how to structure the upcoming scenes.
Took the critical biography of Susan Glaspell off my shelf (written by a woman who spent 10 years researching) and it gave me a much stronger overall sense of her and her work. There are unconnected dots that may, in historical accuracy, remain unconnected, but which I may connect in a fictional project to serve an overall story. I’m not yet sure what that story is yet, but I can feel something trying to take shape.
To celebrate Chinese Lunar New Year, I made chicken Lo Mein from scratch (yes, I know, Americanized Chinese food, not traditional Chinese food, but I like it, and long noodles for long life). For dinner, I did Moosewood’s Indian stuffed eggplant, which I really like, but is time-intensive for all the chopping and layering of flavors.
Dreamed about working on a show where the stage crew kept cutting off the backstage crossover, making it more and more difficult to do the show. There are so many meanings I could plant in that!
But I felt like I’d put in a full day by the time I woke up.
The prediction went from a “coating” of snow today to 6-10 inches to possibly a foot by the time I woke up on Sunday. I keep reminding myself that yes, this is February, it’s supposed to be nasty.
Baked biscuits (the American kind). Ran out to pick up a prescription for my mom at the pharmacy and put gas in the car.
Had a pre-storm headache, which made me hope the storm was coming through faster, but not while I had to be out and about that afternoon.
Did another revision on both “The Voices” and “Inspired By.” I still have some more enlarging, especially of the climactic beat, in “The Voices” and then I’ll have to cut it back to keep it within 10 pages. I need to build a couple more beats into “Inspired By” to give it a better dynamic. Fortunately, that play doesn’t need to be within a specific page count.
Dashed out to pick up a prescription for my mom and put gas in the car. Came back and did a few things. Headed out to the Clark.
It was the broadcast of the National Theatre’s production of GOOD, starring David Tennant, Elliot Levy, and Sharon Small. Tennant played the central character, the professor who considers himself a “good” person, but gets pulled further and further into the inhumanity of Nazi Germany, and manages to justify it to himself. Elliot Levy and Sharon Small played all the other roles. It was amazing. They were all outstanding, but Sharon Small’s work was absolutely breathtaking. The precision of each character and the way she could flick on and off between them: the protagonist’s mother, his wife, his mistress, his friend in the SS, a variety of other roles – her work was spectacular. I’ve seen her in plenty of television work (she was Barabra Havers in the LYNLEY mysteries) and always liked her work. But this was stunningly wonderful.
The play itself is very relevant to what’s going on now. I could go on and on about those meanings, and point out where this is relevant across multiple countries, not just the US. But the bottom line is that people need to stop killing each other. Humans need to stop pretending those they kill are “other” in order to justify killing.
Came home to find the Dipsy Doodles on either side of me in the parking lot had been in and out while I was gone, parked badly, and there was barely room for my car between them. But I squeezed it in, and I don’t care if they have trouble getting into their own cars. It’s not that difficult to park in your own effing spot.
Heated up some leftovers, thought about the play a lot, and read a bit. I didn’t bother to watch the Super Bowl – football’s not my sport, although I’m glad it gives so many people pleasure. It was a close game that went into overtime, so people could really have fun. I did follow the posts on Bluesky, which was, overall, a hoot (yes, playing on all the owl posts that showed up there, too). I am irritated at the right-wing religious crap commercials that were allowed to run. And I roll my eyes at all the fuss over Taylor Swift and her football boyfriend. It’s not my business (or most people’s business) who she dates, and the amount of crap she has to put up with all the time for being a professional woman and a human living her life is ridiculous.
Dreamed I was working a show overnight from Sunday into Monday, which meant I woke up exhausted. I need to dream of restful things so I wake up, you know, RESTED.
Monday, I had to renew my Boston Public Library e-card. I also had more paperwork to do for the CSA. But now that’s all done (I think) and from June 4- mid October, we get fresh veggies every week. I had some information on another project that had to be sorted out.
Wrote two episodes of THE VICIOUS CRITIC, which flowed well. Did the episode videos for the three serials for the week, which I hadn’t done on Friday, and got them uploaded and scheduled. Set up a ZOOM call for Friday with a Nightwood colleague who’s going to the Edinburgh Fringe.
Turned around some score sheets, grabbed a script for today, asked for my next review assignments, read for the contest, and drafted an episode of LEGERDEMAIN. Not a bad day, workwise. Worked on some proposal information. Looked at a residency for which I’d love to apply, but it’s for someone earlier in their career than I am.
Any evening news is just going to have to wait until tomorrow’s post (provide there’s power), because I’m signing off (on Monday night), scheduling this, and prepping for the storm!
February 12, 2024
Mon. Feb. 12, 2024: Intent for the Week – Navigate The Storm
image courtesy of ivabalk via pixabay.comWe’re getting in another snow storm, starting tonight, that could dump up to a foot of snow on us.
I keep reminding myself that it’s February — this is what’s supposed to happen in New England.
But it means reconfiguring my week, and being flexible. There’s a lot that needs to be dealt with this week.
I need to “flow with the snow” so to speak.
What’s your intent for the week?
February 9, 2024
Fri. Feb. 9, 2024: At the Page
image courtesy of Karolina Grabowska via pixabay.comFriday, February 9, 2024
New Moon
Partly cloudy and warmer
Definitely ready for the new moon!
Today’s serial episode is from ANGEL HUNT:
Episode 110: Tracking the Demon of Gaul
Lianna has more faith in the boys’ natural abilities to track the demon than Gaston does.
Tomorrow’s serial episode is from DEADLY DRAMATICS:
Episode 60: The Story Behind the Story
The true, and much darker, story behind the tapestry comes to light.
There are so many things I keep forgetting to mention.
One is that Bluesky is now open to anyone; no more codes needed. Let’s hope it doesn’t destroy the platform. There’s a bit of newcomer chaos right now, and the block button is my friend. And for some reason, I’ve been getting an influx of new followers on Mastodon. Which is interesting, considering I was close to giving up on that platform.
Meditation was good. Worked on the newsletter for March. Adding bits and pieces over the quarter makes putting together the actual newsletter easier. We’ll see if the within platform switch actually worked. I might send it out a week or so early in March, just to see.
Drafted two episodes of LIGHTHOUSE LADY. I’m getting back to the outline now, so maybe today’s work will be smoother sailing. Revised, edited, polished, uploaded, and scheduled two episodes of LEGERDEMAIN. Turned around a small coverage. Read contest entries. Signed up for a CSA for a local farm just up the street over the border into Adams. I know the farmers, I know their produce, and it’s something to look forward to from June to October. Every Tuesday, I’ll pop up the street and pick up my little box of vegetables and herbs.
I did not get the 10-hour temp gig; they went with someone younger and more corporate. Which is fine. But there hasn’t been much script coverage this past week, which means I’m below where I need to be for this pay period. But I’m getting out proposals and LOIs, so I’m in the process of course correction.
The mail-in ballots for the presidential primary arrived. We will fill them out this weekend, and I will drop them off at City Hall sometime next week. The seeds from Botanical Interests arrived. I sorted them, and now I have to add them to the sorted seed packets, pick up some more potting soil, and start seeding pretty much every time there’s a planting day. If a decent percentage come up, we will have a flowery and colorful summer.
On today’s agenda: two episodes of THE LIGHTHOUSE LADY, a grocery run, a library run, creating and scheduling the videos for next week’s serial episodes, a couple of score sheets, and more contest reading. If I have the time and energy, I’d like to get some work done on CAST IRON MURDER, finish up some proposals, and work on outlines for a couple of novellas. Yesterday, I started playing with a flash fiction idea; I might work with that a little, or I might wait and work on it over the weekend, when I can dedicate a block of unpressured time to it. I know the character, the catalyst, the theme, but I’m not sure about the structure yet.
I’m going to do the stuffed eggplant tomorrow. It’s supposed to be a mild but rainy day, and the recipe is a bit time intensive, so I figured tomorrow night was a good choice for it.
Tomorrow, mostly household chores. Drafting LEGERDEMAIN episodes. Maybe working on CAST IRON MURDER. Some contest reading. Sunday, I’ll draft some more LEGERDEMAIN and work on poetry in the morning/early afternoon. Later in the day, I’m going to see the recording of David Tennant in the National Theatre’s production of GOOD over at the Clark.
Have a great weekend, and we’ll catch up next week!
February 8, 2024
Thurs. Feb. 8, 2024: Bit of a Roller Coaster Day
image courtesy of pnat via pixbay,comThursday, February 8, 2024
Dark Moon
Clear and cold
The latest on the garden is over on Gratitude and Growth.
Today’s serial episode is from LEGERDEMAIN:
Episode 162: Interviewing the Questing Quintet
Five singers met at the Adventure-Sum Inn and created the quintet. So who is the mysterious sixth man in a matching jacket?
This episode was so much fun to write, with this singing group that happened to find each other staying at the Adventure-Sum Inn, that they will get their own novella. I’ve been working on the outline. I haven’t figured out how to pull off what I want to do structurally with it, and am playing with possibilities.
Yesterday morning, I had a bunch of admin that had to get out the door early. Then, instead of writing, I checked a list of submission calls, and found two that I wanted to enter. I had to check a few details on the full-length, and when I re-read it and realized it fit, I sent it off. Sent off another one-act, too.
Looking at my roster of stage plays, I need to add in some full-lengths, and maybe a couple more ten-minute plays, but also a couple of 40-minute plays. I have two full-lengths begun: THE WOMEN ON THE BRIDGE and FROZEN AT THE PALACE THEATRE. I have a feeling finishing WOMEN will be the project I do for this year’s END OF PLAY program. Some of the other seeds of plays that were planted in the Williamstown playwrighting workshop a couple of years ago have the possibility of growing into decent one acts. Plus, I have “Inspired By” which needs a rewrite, and “After Arden” which could also use a rewrite. The former will probably run around 20-40 minutes. The latter, I don’t want to go beyond 10.
I missed the submission deadline for the one- and two-minute plays, but that doesn’t mean I can’t write them and keep them in my back pocket and/or adapt them for radio.
Speaking of radio. I need to get some radio plays into the mix again, and I need to do a tracking sheet for the radio plays the way I do for the stage plays: page count/running time, character breakdown, etc. I started working on that spreadsheet, but it’s very time intensive.
Signed up for another A4A workshop in late March, which I’m looking forward to attending via ZOOM.
By then, it was time to head out for errands: post office, pick up at a store of a bunch of items, pharmacy, library. Of course, as soon as I got home the pharmacy decided they had a second prescription ready for pickup.
Turned around a script coverage. Read for the contest.
Finally got a chance to go back to tarot circle. It was great. I was so happy to be there. We have such in-depth conversations. Turns out some of the store regulars are also in the artist cohort, which will be fun.
Home to find out, once again, someone appropriated my parking space. This Wild West of parking has to stop. My parking space is part of my lease agreement. It wasn’t an issue until last year, when Dipsy Doodle downstairs started disrespecting other people’s slots. I’ve been nice and diplomatic for a year, and it did no good. No more nice. I managed to get my slot back this morning, but I shouldn’t have to be back in the slot by 4 PM every day, nor should I have to worry every time I go out and run an errand.
I’d put dinner in the crockpot earlier in the day – chicken penne with sun dried tomatoes and spinach. Pretty good.
The women in the CIA book I’ve been reading reached the 9/11 stage, which is not something I should have read before trying to sleep.
On today’s agenda: meditation (which I need – badly). Writing LIGHTHOUSE LADY. Revising, editing, polishing, uploading, and scheduling LEGERDEMAIN. A small coverage came in (not enough work has come in this week). Contest reading. I’m invited to a kirtan chant event tonight; I’m trying to decide if the parking lot stress is worth it.
I am so ready for a new moon tomorrow!
February 7, 2024
Wed. Feb. 7, 2024: Stretching Mentally and Physically
image courtesy of pexels from pixabay.comWednesday, February 7, 2024
Day Before Dark Moon
Clear and cold
I hope you’re having a lovely week! The day before the dark moon is usually my lowest energy day of the month, but I need to have a productive day, so too bad for me.
Over on Ink-Dipped Advice, I talk about when tools cost time instead of saving it. You can read the piece here.
We have two serial episodes going live today. The first is from ANGEL HUNT:
Episode 109: Ritual Preparations
Lianna and Gaston convince the boys to honor the demon and send him away in peace, since they are unable to take care of him.
The second is from DEADLY DRAMATICS:
Episode 59: Nina Uses the Key
Nina won’t stop until she knows the truth.
I had trouble settling down and getting to work yesterday. My brain just didn’t want to settle in to the writing. I was very annoyed with myself. But I finally dug in and wrote two episodes of THE LIGHTHOUSE LADY. It took longer than it should have.
I dealt with some email and admin stuff, and had an initial conversation with the cohort leader for the Capacity Building program, which was good. Some of my Nightwood colleagues had good news to share, too: one is having her play read at a festival in Toronto, the other is headed to Edinburgh Fringe this year! Yay!
One of the wonderful and scary things about the capacity building grant is that it is the next step, building on last year’s work and opportunities, and it is very much up to me to step up and follow through on things.
In the afternoon, I turned around a short coverage, and then spent an hour reading for the second contest. I finished one category completely and started the second (I have five categories).
I’m worrying that I’m taking too much time with the serials, and not spending enough time on other writing. I believe in the stories themselves, but I have my doubts that Kindle Vella is the right outlet, with the way they’ve changed the payment structure. At the same time, the changes are sweeping out a lot of the unreliable serial authors – the ones who can’t keep up, or just stop posting, and the like. So maybe some of it is just hanging in there. The best thing to do is keep on keeping on, for the moment, but make sure I build in room to work on other projects, and then look at the monthly stats over the next few months and adjust.
Gentle yoga was great; yoga for fitness was challenging, which I guess is a good thing. One of our regulars did the whole fitness session masked, because members of her family are ill with strep and the flu, and she didn’t want to put us at risk. So when people whine that they “can’t” work out masked, they’re full of it. As usual, she outworked all of us!
By the end of the fitness class, I am very aware of being the oldest in class, especially since the people who rotate through and try it (apart from the core group that keeps showing up) is getting younger and younger. It’s not necessarily a bad thing; I just notice it.
Came home, made dinner, was tired and sore on the couch.
Dreamed I was at a writer’s conference, but they demanded we fix the elevators. I said no, they needed to hire professionals. Dreaming about elevators is supposedly about improvements in one’s life. Bringing in professionals might have something to do with the coaching we get as part of the capacity building program? Who knows?
I’m a little sore this morning, but it’s not too bad. On today’s agenda: more LIGHTHOUSE LADY, maybe some other writing, some errands, script coverage, contest reading, and, hopefully, tarot circle. I miss it and want to get back to it. I have to do some admin, too, and get some paperwork out the door. I’d like to work on the proposals. There are two I’d like to send out early next week.
Having lots of issues with the computer. I’m going to need to send it in soon for repair.
The Chewy order is supposed to arrive today, and the seeds on Saturday. I might pick up some more potting soil today when I am out and about.
Have a good one!
February 6, 2024
Tues. Feb. 6, 2024: A Few Rays of Sunshine
image courtesy of Rudy and Peter Skitterians via pixabay.comTuesday, February 6, 2024
Waning Moon
Partly Sunny and cold
Hope you had a great weekend.
Friday was more of “interesting times.” I went over to get the tire patched, but it was too wrecked to be patched, and the other back tire was in bad shape, so I wound up buying two tires. Not an expense I particularly wanted right now.
After that, I went to the grocery store, the library, the post office, and the liquor store. Came home, put everything away, and was completely burned out.
I still have some more paperwork to do for the capacity building program, especially in my goals for the project, so I worked on that a bit.
I read a nonfiction book that came highly recommended, and all I could think was, why did anyone pay this person to write this? Completely annoying.
Did some planting, which I will detail in Thursday’s Gratitude and Growth post.
Mostly just felt entirely burned out and exhausted. Managed to have a pretty good Imbolc ritual, in spite of it.
Slept pretty well into Saturday, although still felt exhausted. Tried to figure out how to structure the weekend so I could get a few things done (especially around the house), but also heal some of the burnout.
I spent an hour reading for the contest for which I volunteered. I did the graphics for next week’s Legerdemain episodes.
I had a bunch of ideas for REP, of all things. Typical that that is happening when it is not the week for that serial. I’ve done some research for the “science” part of the science fiction elements, so that it, you know, actually falls into the genre properly. I fell very far short of my goals on LEGERDEMAIN last week, but too bad for me. I had other stresses. And I’m still in a good place with it, although I’m struggling with a subplot. The characters don’t have the chemistry they should have for this arc to work.
I did some reading for pleasure. I did a little more planting. It was sunny, which was nice, although I spent a good portion of the afternoon being a cat mattress for Charlotte. I caught up on some email. I did some meal planning, and I also planned the month’s Ink-Dipped Advice columns.
I created a twist on colcannon. Using red cabbage instead of green, and sautéing it with carrots and leeks, and creating an Asian-inspired seasoning sauce, I used that as the bottom layer, and the mashed potatoes over it. Skipped the cheese, because I didn’t think it would go well with the Asian flavorings. It turned out really well.
Strange dreams about working in Iceland Saturday into Sunday. Sunday, at least, was sunny. I had a leisurely morning of reading, making breakfast, and making the list for the big grocery shop. I kept feeling like there was plenty I “should” be doing, but I also knew I needed to rest, or else I’d pay for it this week.
Finished reading a book Sunday morning that was fun, not brilliant, but I’m willing to spend the time needed to read the second book in the series with them. Did some puttering. Did this week’s serial episodes and uploaded them to TikTok. Found out last Friday’s ANGEL HUNT video was taken down for “violating community guidelines.” I asked them to be specific on the how. It’s my material, it’s not graphically violent or sexual. I credit the audio. I bet it’s the same person who whined to my moderator on Mastodon, now trying to get me banned from TikTok because I make a living writing and they don’t. Whatever.
Went to the yoga philosophy session, where we discussed the niyamas.
Home, spent a few hours reading and working on poetry. “I Will Be Different” is in pretty good shape now. I want to take another look at the one I wrote for the conversation event about book burning/bodily autonomy, and rework that a little.
Did the grocery list for the big shop.
Worked on the A4A goal sheet.
Started reading a book about women in the CIA, which actually feeds into a subplot for LEGERDEMAIN. I know, sounds weird, but it does.
Dreamed I was in a hotel (which has appeared in other dreams). Switched rooms, then went downstairs to join a cocktail party in progress. Good appetizers. No idea what that means. But I felt like I’d put in a full day by the time I woke up.
I got this week’s Ink-Dipped Advice column up and scheduled, and made good progress on the one for the 3rd week of the month. Sent off the rest of my Capacity Building cohort paperwork.
Wrote two episodes of THE LIGTHHOUSE LADY.
Headed off to the grocery store for the big grocery shop, got everything hauled home and put away. Caught up on some admin, email, and social media. Put in a Chewy order. Bought a ticket for a show I want to see on Sunday. Had a conversation about an upcoming project in spring. Pitched for a quick-turnaround temp gig that pays well enough to be worth the quick turnaround. Did some small coverages, and an hour of reading on the contest.
I thought I had unsubscribed from all the Substack newsletters since I deleted my account, but some of them still keep turning up, and then I manually unsubscribe. Those who are just ignoring Substack’s policies and hoping it all blows over because they don’t think it’s a big deal or won’t affect them make me shake my head. Well, they’ve made their decisions. I make mine.
I kept thinking about things I “should” do, but, with the sun out, I wanted to be like the cats and just bask in it and take a nap.
Made turkey meatloaf for dinner. Yummy.
Read in the evening and was cat furniture. I’ll be glad to get their regular food delivered this week. I’ve had to give them different food (their usual was out of stock, so I picked up what I could at the grocery store). This other food has sugar in it, and they’re like toddlers on a sugar high, then crash. Definitely brings to mind “you are what you eat.”
Up early this morning. It was gloriously quiet.
Hauled my rear end over to the laundromat. It’s been too long since I did laundry, and there was a lot to catch up on. But it’s done, and I’ll fold it later this morning.
On today’s agenda: LIGHTHOUSE LADY, maybe some other writing, if I can fit it in. Working on a couple of proposals I want to send out next week. Folding laundry. Script coverage. Reading for the contest. 2 hours of yoga. Whatever else needs to be dealt with during the day.
Have a good one!
February 5, 2024
Mon. Feb. 5, 2024: Intent for the Week — Emerge. . .Slowly
image courtesy of Samantha Lachs via pixabay.comI spent most of January in hermit mode, for a variety of reasons.
This week, it’s time to emerge, slowly, and start going out and about again. Too much too soon and I will retreat again; building slowly is a better choice.
There’s A LOT of work that needs to get done this week, but also things that get me out of the house, and hopefully they will balance out.
What’s your intent for the week?
February 2, 2024
Fri. Feb. 2, 2024: Imbolc and Plans
image courtesy of Reinhard via pixabay.comFriday, February 2, 2024
Waning Moon
Rainy/snowy and cold
Imbolc
Blessed Imbolc! May what is stirring under the surface grow in joy and beauty.
The Goals, Dreams, and Resolution post about January’s “Got Done” list is here, if you’re interested. After I posted, I realized that I hadn’t added in all the client work! So, I went back and added that in. I felt like I hadn’t gotten anything done in January, but in reality, I did a good deal, as yesterday’s examination of what the stats meant proved.
I have some exciting news! I am part of the Assests4Artists 2024 Capacity Building Grant Program for Northern Berkshire Artists! It’s a six-month program from yesterday through July for expanding work, creative and artistic support, skill building, and advice from top professionals in the field. And a grant! I spent a good part of yesterday afternoon filling out paperwork.
Today’s serial episode is from ANGEL HUNT:
Episode 108: Lachlan’s Comfort
Lachlan takes a shaken Lianna home and keeps her grounded against more astral flights
Tomorrow’s serial episode is from DEADLY DRAMATICS:
Episode 58: Breaking into the Office After Hours
Nina finds the sought-after key which has cost multiple lives, and decides to snoop in the office.
I put up a new post on the Devon Ellington Work site about the serials. You can see it here.
Worked on the overall plan for February. Pushing so hard on the serials made me see where I need to be a little more realistic in those expectations, especially in the time: money ratio.
I’m experimenting with not being on one of the social media platforms I usually frequent for the month, because it’s not driving enough traffic to my other sites. I enjoy it, to a point, but if it’s not supporting my work as well as being a place to hang out, I can’t afford, in a very real sense, the time there. There are two platforms that I plan to spend less time on; this month I’m backing off of one and seeing how that affects the overall picture; next month I will either re-engage and step back from the other, or just step back from both and see how that affects things.
My first quarter this year is all about experiments. Experiments with intention behind them, not just throwing spaghetti at the wall.
I drafted two episodes of LEGERDEMAIN, one of which completely surprised me (for the right reasons). I revised, edited, polished, uploaded and scheduled two previously written episodes, and did the loglines. That gets me into early March.
Did the A4A paperwork. Ordered seeds from Botanical Interests. Did some score sheets and small coverages. Dealt with some admin on a project. I was about to start the judging for the second contest when we were asked to pause due to technical difficulties. Found out I didn’t land a particular gig, which is actually a good thing, because it would conflict with projects that have come through, and I might have had to turn it down anyway.
I realized, in a panic, that I will have to be out and about and on large scale ZOOM calls, which means I need to be dressed in a more stylish way than the writing clothes I wear around the house. I started berating myself yet again for all the clothes I got rid of before the last move, and then I stopped myself. First of all, I’m older. My body and my style are different than when I arrived at my previous location. And the kinds of clothes I needed there are different from what I need here. Am I sad I got rid of some of the great vintage pieces from NY? Yes. But they didn’t fit well and didn’t make me feel good about myself, so keeping them was detrimental. I HAVE plenty of clothes. Mentally flipping through my closet, I figured out what will wear to two of the big events I have coming up this spring. Will I keep my eyes open for certain pieces that I would like to add to the wardrobe this spring? Yes. I even have a good idea of what I’m looking for, and a variety of places to stop by until I find them within my budget. But I have plenty, and if I take some time, I can put together a good look and add unique jewelry and I’m good to go. As I’m looking for new pieces, I know what colors I like (and look good on me) and which ones to avoid. The big thing I will invest in this spring are a few pairs of comfortable flat shoes. I’m barefoot most of the time in the house, and, much as I love cute shoes, few shoes are comfortable anymore. I wore out my favorite pair of comfortable, stylish flats last summer. I have a couple of others, but they’re wearing out, so spring will be time to go shoe shopping. Last summer (or was it the summer before?), I got new Timberland sneakers. This year, it will be more professional-looking shoes.
Thanks to Ipsy, I have plenty of makeup, and I don’t look or feel good if I’m too made up anyway. I might need to invest in a light foundation or more tinted moisturizer, but overall, that’s all set.
What’s on today’s agenda? Writing some more LEGERDEMAIN. Getting my tire patched and then running errands (grocery store, library, post office, hardware store, liquor store). Planting – it’s Imbolc and a planting day! Making next week’s episode videos. Setting up some appointments for next week. Maybe some script coverage.
What’s on the weekend agenda? I need to rest and putter a bit on Saturday. My body and brain need rest. Maybe do some writing or editing, maybe not. Work on contest entries (the paid contest). Sunday, I have a yoga philosophy session midday at the studio, and then I have a block of time set aside for poetry.
Next week will be busy, but a good busy (I think, I hope, I intend). The serial focus switches to THE LIGHTHOUSE LADY during the week, with more LEGERDEMAIN next weekend. Over the course of next week, I will be in conversations on several projects, and we’ll see how that shakes out. I’d like to get some more proposals out for spring and summer, and finalize (or not) a potential project for August.
Have a great weekend, and I’ll catch you on the other side.
