Wednesday, July 17, 2013

The DMV Declared me a Blonde

I needed to renew my license this month but with all the Jefferson County satellites closed, the thought of standing in line for more hours than the 2 hour limit on the parking meter did not appeal  to me.

Fortunately, there is an option – thank you Google.  Unlike car tags that have to be purchased in the county of residence, a driver’s license has no such county designation, so I went to Shelby County’s office in the Inverness Corners Shopping Center.  It’s on the corner of Hwy 280 and Valleydale Rd.   100_4064

My Mom and I arrived at 10:30 Monday morning and were both out by 11:00.  With only one smiling, polite and very efficient clerk, it was a piece of cake.  The line moved quickly and efficiently.

The lady at the desk asked me if everything was the same, then looked up and said “except your hair.  Think we need to change that to blonde?”
facebook perle 3
  “Actually, I’m about 75 to 80 % white now, and I’ve been lightening it to blend with those shiny white roots.  I am so tired of dying it my natural jet black only to see roots in a week.”

Looking at me, she smiled, cocked her head and said, “looks blonde to me.” I nodded.   She typed it in, hit print, said sign here and it was official.  The Alabama DMV declared me a blonde.


Thursday, July 11, 2013

Whew! Ever bite off more than you can chew?

I just realized I haven't posted since May.  Appears I've bit off more than I can chew.  E-book, painting, queries challenge (Victoria still dragging out decision), blogging, etc.  And to be honest, I'm having too much fun being 'retired'.  There's lots to do in Birmingham and many are free (see below for my list)*, and I'm meeting a whole other group of friends.

The book is in final draft and may yet slide from the July 15 date to August pub date.

I have 8 small paintings in various stages of completion.

It is appears that Blogging was the first to go and I didn't even notice.  After posting every day last year on a dare, I've lost my momentum.

Today, I had to stop and address my poor blog.and decide on posts for the next month or so.  All the advice out there says find a niche, but I've decided that I'm not a niche writer.  I go on sprees such as the crazy haiku binge last year and early this.  I'll probably still add poems to my posts, as I met so many great poets out through for my simul-posts on my Wordpress Blog.

It started as an experiment.  Blogger allows me to advertise on its free service.  WordPress does not.  However, I garnered far more followers on WordPress and don't know why.  So, I cannot neglect either. I probably won't post everyday, but try to settle into a schedule of sorts.  Suggestions welcome.

Thanks.
Perle

7/11  Gallery 1930
7/12  Edge of Chaos Art Show
7/13 PepperPlace Farmers Market
7/18 See Jane Write Magazine Launch
7/22 Green Feng Shui with Katie Rogers

and so much more, but gotta run.  Later.



Friday, May 3, 2013

A little work, a little play

I'm free of the work-a-day Dilbert Word for just over a month now.  I'd like to say I've gotten a whole lot done, but I can't lie that large.  I've been playing alot. There's so much to do in Birmingham in April, the art shows, Saturday market at PepperPlace, Sunday patio parties at Daniel Day Gallery, Magic City Art Connection and Corks n Chefs at Linn Park, etc.  May won't be much better with the Crawfish Boil, Do Dah Days, more art openings, Sloss Brewfest and more...

However

  1. The e-book on Journaling, newly titled after checking Google Adwords, is in its final edits.  The ebook software to which I have free upgrades for life just got updated to be more msword friendly with spellcheck and has cover templates and more.  So the timing is perfect. Hoping to upload to Amazon July 15, 2013.
     
  2. Paintings number about 7 in various stages from wash to 3 layers.
  3. Freelance writing is slow.  Still no decision from Victoria Magazine, but the want it just don't know what issue (pays on publication).  Meanwhile Mridu Khullar Relph, long-time freelance writer has thrown down the gauntlet to anyone that wants to join her in sending out at least 1 query per day for the 30 days of May.  I've taken the challenge - I need something to keep me accountable for my vision of a successful 2013.  
More Later.

Monday, April 1, 2013

A is for the Adventure I Embark Upon This Day.


A is for the Adventure I Embark Upon This Day. 
(I missed the deadline for the April Blogging from A to Z Challenge, but I'm doing it anyhow.)

I’ve not blogged consistently for a while.  But I’m gearing up and beginning again.  I’m embarking on a new adventure.  I’ve bid adieu to Dilbert's world; claimed my entitlement which I am ‘entitled’ to; and I’m looking to the moment and the future. 

At 5, I thought 60 was old. Now, at 64, not so much. I am sometimes utterly amazed that I’ve been on this planet so long. Lately, I’ve been pondering the next 3rd of my life. Yes, I think I’ll make it to ninety-something, but not as some dottie, but rather some doughty, old lady.

Surprising to me, I’ve become a woman of a certain age, and I’m still here.  So I'm asking, now what? I want to explore where I am; how I got here, and where I’m going as I enter the next third of my life.  I’ve lots of projects in process ready to launch mid to late April.

What better day than All Fools' Day to begin, after all

Fools Rush In Where Angels…   (from 2012 Blogging from A-Z Challenge)

edges rough worn thin
mind that races rushes in
angels watch in awe

not quite sure they saw
halos doffed no wind for wings
grounded and unsure

© 6.23.12