I’m thankful for little things today. After last week’s Coke spilled on the keyboard fiasco I had to go back to using the old HP laptop with the fan that never shuts up. I’m very thankful I had it to fall back on while I wait for my new computer to arrive. (Yes, they can clean and probably keep the old laptop running but I will not trust that it won’t burn something out after the episode so hubby is taking my old one and I’m getting a new one.)
But laptops are still heavy to haul around, especially when traveling, and I get nervous taking all my data away from home so I also bought a littlle netbook. I’m thankful for it today and I know I will grow more thankful for it over time.
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| From LJ |
It’s a Samsung NC10-14GB 10.2 inch and weighs in at mere 2.8 pounds with a 6 cell battery. The goal is to leave the main laptop in the office at the end of the workday and use the netbook at night on the couch when I’m blogging and emailing and stuff.
And speaking of offices, now that I am spending more time in mine there was some tweaking to be done there. I am thankful for my new shelves that are finally up. (I bought the materials 9 months ago. Sigh.)
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| From LJ |
The top shelf is just what I wanted for plants and bits of inspiration and some of my writing and reading figurines. The shelf below hides a room air conditioner and is long enough for four big baskets. And if you’re nosy like me and you want to look closer at what’s on the shelf, you can see a bigger pic here.
And most of all today I am thankful for people like Bobbi Miller who help me recognize that I am on the right path with my blog and let me know. Bobbi made a comment in this post of mine that took me to her website where I found this page with some words about me.
"Reading her LiveJournal is like taking a class in inspiration, persistence, and motivation, even as we follow the adventures of a dog named Cassie."
I read that yesterday, just when I really needed to hear it. I’ve been going through some thoughts about blogs, well about my blog in specific, still trying to figure out where I fit into the kidlitosphere. The balancing act is hard for all of us. Not enough time to read, respond or even post as much as we might like. At my level (as in "not famous") one never really knows if blogging is reaching people so I am really thankful to hear when it does.
Hmmm, I wonder if you’re asking the right question. Instead of trying to find your niche in the “kidlitosphere,” I invite you to consider the ways in which your beautiful, honest and endearing entries/experiences are suitable for a broader writing community. I don’t write YA/MG/PBs, but they certainly appeal to me….
And oh my goodness, my office is so messy, especially compared to yours. I’m breaking one of the Ten Commandments right here and now: COVETING that organized office space!
Well I like how you think because writing at large apppeals to me….not just kidlit. Thank you for reminding me of that.
And please, there is nothing to covet. I didn’t show the rest of the room. The desks are a mess and the floor is soon to be covered with everything from my antique file cabinet as it has to go to the restoration guy for repair work.
You must know how everybear in my house is admiring that teddy beside the new laptop! Squee! Also impressed with your neat, organized shelf and desk area.
And I agree with Bobbi’s praise of your blog, and Melodye’s comment about wider appeal outside of kidlit. 🙂 But I see where you’re coming from, wondering where your blog might “fit.” I often feel like I’m blogging in a vacuum, with no discernible effect or impact on anyone, anywhere. It’s almost like a constant battle to either follow your bliss or try to impress the masses who’ve flocked to the next popular thing (an impossible endeavor).
That’s Simon. And he always gets to play with the good stuff first. The only reasons the shelf is neat and organized is because I just put it up. The rest of the office that I did not show is a disaster. 🙂
Thanks for the kind words on my blog. It is hard to figure out where we fit. I never seemed to do very well following the masses. I’m always late. So I am really going to try and focus more on the writer’s journey, I think. So hard….
Of names, bears, and bright blue objects . . .
It’s a computer for a teddy bear! It matches my new car, so I reeeeeeeally think it belongs IN my new car . . . ahem.
Speaking of names, I need a name for my new car too. Maybe we should ask the universe?
Your office looks great.
Liz
Re: Of names, bears, and bright blue objects . . .
Thanks, Liz! Sorry, it matches my car too. It stays. 😉
Think of how much your blog enhances the kidlit world, Susan. Your blog is so encouraging and full of helpful inspiration.
Thank you, Vivian. I’m never quite sure if I am actually enhancing things or not. I don’t think I talk enough about different books….okay, I hardly ever talk about different books, and that seems to be the basis for so many of the really successful kidlit blogs.
It makes a HUGE difference to enjoy your work space. Once I had a dedicated and comfy ‘office’ (I share it with the guest room), I cranked on my writing.
Yep, environment is everything. Mine is almost there. Very, very close.