I spent a little time painting in Photoshop and listening to music on the plane. 12.5 hours is a long time in the air. Copyright 2011 Totsymae
I totally forgot to celebrate or acknowledge one year of blogging. Two days ago, that is. So, what have I accomplished besides running my mouth here? Well, let me see:
I spent six weeks in Taiwan. Got real tired of the dirt and pollution and took my ass back to the states. Since I’d never been there, I figure me seeing some other part of the world is an accomplishment, don’t you?
I finally got me a Nook. It was a gift, so it’s not like I accomplished getting it myself but if you wanna count the fact that I hinted around a million times that I wanted one, well, I must’ve run it in the ground and my son and now, daughter-in law, whom I’ll call Mr and Mrs Soldier Boy, got it for me.
I’ve finished a book of flash fiction. I’m a little unsettled right now, which I won’t go into, but I’m wanting to put the work out there once I get the cover design done up. If I’m able, I’ll try to upload and let you vote on which is the best look for me. Maybe I’ll pick a name from a hat and the lucky winner will get an abaya sent off to them to sport around. (wink, wink)
I’m halfway done with my book of short stories. I don’t know if that’s an accomplishment or not. I’ve had so many interruptions but I aim to finish it within a couple of months. Shit, I’m getting on my own nerves in not finishing yet.
I got to travel to Saudi Arabia. I know it’s strict over here and all but I get to see it all for myself. I feel lucky and unlucky at the same time. Though, for the sake of mental health, I’ll focus on the lucky.
I figured out how to restructure my novel. I’d been having some major issues with backstory stuff and now that I’ve figured it out, I can settle down to write, once I’m settled down, that is. Shit does happen in life and right now, I’m dealing with a hunka shit, folks. That’s just the way it is. In the end though, I know it’s gonna be all good.
I learned how to say my head is hurting in Arabic and thank you in Chinese. Not that my head is hurting. Though it’s big, it feels just fine. Because I’m starting a little newsletter/journal over here, I asked one of the Sudanese ladies to give folk like me Arabic lessons in the newsletter. And, because I’m a graphic designer, the newsletter will be interactive with audio and videos. Anyhow, I asked her to teach me that ’cause folk need basic communication skills in Arabic when they go to a doctor. Not that I plan to be going to no doctor over here. Please, pray that I don’t get sick over here, folks. Lordy, mercy! And too, I won’t be saying thank you in Chinese over here but I know how to say it in case I need to.
I got myself a tan. Not that I needed one but I got it over here in this hot place. It’s getting hotter too and I ain’t figured out a hiding place yet.
I explored new ways to express myself artistically. Well, I don’t sing and dance but you know what I’m saying if you’ve been hanging out with me for a good while.
I met the U.S. Ambassador of Saudi Arabia and got in arms length with the prince. Being at that little brunch made me kinda homesick but I’m all good now. At least, as all good as can be expected being over this way.
And I have to thank all you good folks for sticking around. Much appreciation to you.
I'm an artist who's writing,mothering, blogging and doing a few other things under the sun. I buy toilet paper 99.9% of every trip I make to the grocery store. I'm a people watcher, so I know you're here but drop me a line anyway.
Congrats, Totsy! You’ve accomplished SO MUCH in a year.
I need to get some of your work ethic.
You think so? I feel like I’m lagging behind in my writing. I hope being here helps me get the discipline I need to finish my novel, at least.
What an amazing year with more to come. I’ll look forward to reading your books.
I think the flash fiction, because the stories are so short, helped me feel like I’d completed something. I’m anxious for the novel. Would be glad to transfer it from my mind to your hands.
(((((Congrats, Tots!))))
What an exciting life you live <3
WOW! Can't wait to hear more more more.. Xxx
Thank you.
I don’t know about exciting. Would be nice to get inside one of these palaces over here to see up close and personal how wealthy folk living.
Congratulations on one year of blogging. Sounds like you’ve got a lot of busy.
Somewhat busy. I’m sure I could manage my time better. I struggle with that but getting better, I hope.
Quite a year for you. Well done and congratulations….Keep blogging.
Thanks. And for hanging out with me.
Congratulations on your one year of blogging.
Thanks.
What a list of accomplishments! So much to smile about and be happy to take up. Congrats on being able to make this list and on your one year of blogging.
Thank you. I hope to have an even bigger smile in another year.:-)
Well done, Tots. You deserve an A !
PS. Sniggered about the big head thing again. Sorry.
Thanks.
Don’t be sorry. I still catch myself looking at it from time to time. I figure I’m stuck with it.
You’ve been busy! Looking forward to the books.
Thank you. Once I’m physically and mentally settled, the writing will be my focus. I’m sure with the big move you just had, you know all about that.
Totsy, Wednesdays are now guest posts for artist and poets on my blog. I would like you to participate. Please send a painting, picture of you and brief bio. To see what I mean see posts 5/9, 5/16, 5/23 and today. Send as jpegs. Hope you will join in the fun. I really like this painting of today.
Most certainly will do. Thanks for the invitation. Will try to shoot you an email this evening.
You’ve crammed a lifetime into a year, Totsy, and that’s a fact. I love your sense of adventure and your sense of humor. It gets you through some tough times, I’m know. I’m very excited about upcoming books from you! Keep the faith, Girl. You’ll do this last bit and be home again. Don’t go to India next though. I don’t think my heart could take it!
No, I won’t be heading to India. Matter of fact, there are a lotta folk from India over here. Our driver’s been here 19 years. Don’t seem real happy about it either.
You know how to live babe. Keep goin’ and givin’ the rest of us tips on how to be awesome. Meanwhile I’ll be killin ants in the backyard and thinkin of you.
xoxo Congrats!
Thank you.
Maybe we all should be as diligent as ants.
‘Woman in the Mirror’ . . . superb! cheers catchul8r molly
Yep, that’s me.
What an amazing year!
I would always blame photoshop when I would try to draw, but I guess after seeing your stuff…..it’s me.
I’m no good at painting with Photoshop really. It’s fun dabbling
in it though.
I’m tired just erading it !
or even reading it !!
Wasn’t much as I’d hoped but a year from now, I can make comparisons to see whether one really does get better with age.
.. I haven’t !
Well, give yourself credit for being honest about it. The truth is a bigger deal than we think when it comes to admitting it to ourselves, you know. I can say that I’m listening to that little voice a lot more, with time. When I’m not running my mouth, that is.
I love that picture, and I’m really impressed with how much you’ve accomplished in a year.
Thanks, Laura.
You accomplished in one year more than some people accomplished in their life- time! What a year!
I don’t know about that. I do have my moments of busyness though. Yet, I could do better also.
Congratulations!!!
Thanks, Nikky. Hope you’re doing well.
So, Totsy, what exactly is your profession–spy, teacher, Peace Corp volunteer? When will we learn what you’re doing there?
I wish I could tell you I was a spy but then, if I did, I wouldn’t be too good at it with blowing my cover and all.
Awesome list, Totsy! Wow. And Happy Blirthday. Apparently May 2011 was the time to start a glob!
Telepathy?
You’re right! Add that to the list!
I am so excited for all your writing accomplishments,Tots. I want to be at least 3/4 finished with the first book in my allegorical fairytale series, some of which you are reading on my blog when I reach my own one year of blogging point in late September. I have an artist now to work with on illustrations. I will be FINALLY working in Paintshop and saving to my new flash drive this month. So glad you are back from Saudi. Georgia missed you!
You’re not 3/4 finished already? You’ve got so much published on your blog already. Whatchu doing, Granbee? Rewriting the Bible or something?
Denada. And I appreciate reading your candid posts about your adventures, and your artistic inclinations.
Thanks. Reading other blogs has been inspiring as well. Bloggers are pretty cool folks, aren’t we?
You’re welcome.
Indeed. I like the bloggers who are passionate and not afraid to speak their minds in a non threatening manner. It’s a skill I am learning.
Wow, Tots, what a year you’ve had! I’m so glad to have hung out with you and to be still hanging out with you. You are an inspiration!
Congratulations on the newsletter, on the initiative to have English speakers know enough Arabic to help them out, on your book, your short stories, keeping us entertained and all you’ve accomplished this year. Please give yourself a pat on the back. You done good, Tots!