In a While, Crocodile

May was a whale that swallowed me whole. It was a busy, wonderful month, but I feel like I'm still trying to catch up from it. You know, before July begins.

In the immortal words of Governor Schwarzenegger, "I'll be back."

In the mean time, sleep well and dream of large women. (Name that movie.)

See you on the flip side, peeps.

So You Wanna Be a Copywriter?

I've had a couple of inquiries recently about my job, how I got it, and how to go about finding writing work. Here's my story and my advice. 

I began copywriting in fall 2006. I found my job via monster.com. I listed my resumé with them and then was notified of an opening at Mrs. Fields Gifts. I had been working full time in an unrelated field and had been looking/hoping for writing work for about 6 months before the job opening popped up. I got an interview, which I thought went really well, although I knew they were worried about my lack of copywriting experience. (In lieu of a copywriting portfolio, I took in several pieces of my creative writing.) But, since we had good chemistry, I was asked to write some sample copy for them.

I took the assignment and gave it my best shot. I turned it into them and then heard nothing. I figured I had lost the chance at that job to someone with more experience. In the mean time, I kept working at my other job, watched for job postings, and tried not to give up hope. Then, out of the blue, and days before I was expecting an offer from another non-writing job that I didn't really want but was prepared to take, I got a phone call from my contact at Mrs. Fields. "Are you ready to start writing for us?" he asked. And then I peed my pants.

All along the way, I asked for advice from my brother John, who started out his career as a copywriter. At his suggestion, I constantly checked craigslist and other local job listings and kept my ears open for opportunities. I also made up business cards and sent them to small businesses that I frequented, knew well as a customer, and was confident that I could represent their brand in copy. I wrote them each a personal letter, telling them that I was a loyal customer and also a copywriter, and would be happy to have their business if they ever had need. Now, to be honest, none of those letters turned into a job, but the exercise was good, I think. It made me put myself "out there" in a confident way (even though I was completely intimidated). Writing lesson #234: Pretending to be confident is almost the same thing as being confident.

All the other jobs I've picked up have come from craigslist or from contacts I've made with other people in the industry. So, get connected; make friends with other writers and people in the creative fields. Bookmark craigslist and check it every day. It allows you to do a very narrow search of your area and posts a wide range of jobs. And finally, make sure all your friends and family know that you're looking for copywriting work. Let them be your eyes and ears as well. 

Now, for my advice. When it comes to beginning a career as a copywriter, I think there are a few questions you should ask yourself to see if it's a good fit:

Do you write every day? Like all jobs, writing is work. Before you choose it as a career, I recommend practicing at it. A lot. If it's something you already choose to do every day and enjoy (even writing an email gives you satisfaction), you're a great candidate in my opinion. If writing is something you only do when the creative mood strikes, you may run into some frustration. There isn't a lot of room for writer's block when you're on the clock. You should be well practiced at your trade. By the way, blogging is a great way to practice your writing. 

Are you going to work freelance? I was completely reluctant to become a freelancer. I was very used to my steady, same-dollar-amount-every-time paycheck that arrived regularly and was accompanied by health benefits and a retirement program. However, after consulting with other copywriters I knew and trusted, I realized that, for me, freelance was the smarter way to go. Here's why: I could work from home, potentially earn more money (hourly vs. salary), and also pick up other work that came around. The downside of freelance is that it sometimes feels like feast or famine in workload (and therefore paycheck). And, speaking of paychecks, they can be hard to track down at times. Paydays become an exercise in the art of guestimation. But, overall, freelancing has worked out great for me and my family.

Do you need to earn a steady income with writing? When you're starting out, the more flexibility you have in this area, the better. When I started writing professionally, I was the primary breadwinner for our family. I had a mortgage, two kids, and a husband who still had a couple more years of grad school. In other words, I had no flexibility in this area. I needed a steady income. I realize that I completely lucked out at getting such a major, steady client. I don't think this happens very often. But I do believe in the adage that necessity is the mother of invention. If you have to earn a certain amount of money (and you don't have a rich uncle to rely on), you'll probably find a way to do so!

Do you need to have employer benefits (health care, dental, etc.)? Thankfully, we get our benefits through my husband's job. They are expensive to purchase on your own as a self-employed freelancer. You'll need to calculate that cost into your budget and freelancing rate. And remember, if you're a freelancer, that means you are responsible to save part of your check for taxes. Meet with an accountant earlier rather than later to calculate your withholdings. 

Do you work well with deadlines? Like I said, there's not a lot of room for writer's block. The copywriter is one of many important cogs in the creative wheel, so you've got to keep up and do your part. You have to become indispensable, as trusty as the family labrador. Especially if you work from home. You have to turn your work in on time; you just have to. 

Are you good at taking direction? Copywriting is about translating a message, idea, or campaign into a specific voice and style that represents a brand. You have to listen and comprehend well. If you're lucky like me, you'll get to work long-term with some of your clients, and you'll get better and better at understanding exactly what they want. If you're unclear, always ask questions and, if it's a shorter piece of copy, give them a few options to work with.

Is your ego a removable part? I don't like this. This is too weak. This is too strong. This isn't the message we're going after. This isn't directive enough. This is confusing. I don't know what this means. I hate this. Not funny. Change this. Delete that. These are the kind of comments you're going to get about your work. You cannot be defensive about your writing. It's not about you. It's about getting it right. Don't let your ego stand in the way of getting it right. Even if you disagree with the direction you're being asked to go, remember the golden rule of business: the customer is always right. Your client is the customer. Make them happy. 

Are you extremely flexible with your time? My job offers me incredible flexibility, and in return, I offer my job incredible flexibility. I'm willing to work early mornings, late nights, late-late nights, weekends and even holidays if that's what it takes to get the job done. I rarely take a vacation without taking some work with me. But honestly, I'm happy to do so. Because in return, I am able to do a lot of things I couldn't do if I were at a 9-5 job. I see it very much as a two-way street.

If you have kids, are they good kids? Working from home is wonderful in most ways, but definitely presents some challenges, especially if you have kids. I've always tried to get most of my work done when the kids are gone to school or asleep, but there are times when I have to work while they are home. Thankfully, my kids are very good at keeping themselves occupied or entertained if I'm working. They only interrupt if there's something urgent I need to see on iCarly. I try to reward them with fun time if I have to require a lot of their patience. For example, "I'm going to work until 2:30, then we'll go to the pool." It gives us all an incentive to work together to git 'er done. My kids are amazing. I could not do this job if they weren't.

Did I miss anything? If you have any more questions, feel free to email me. tiffany(at)wouldbewritersguild(dot)com

4-Layer Burritos, Summer Homes, and Holiday Music

• Yesterday I wore a red and white striped top with a blue polka-dot skirt.
• Ryan asked me if I was going to sing the national anthem at church.
• And then he called me Maria.
• Because my tan is getting a little out of control.
• I was not offended because I looked adorable--patriotic and tan.
• And he knew it.
• Plus, I love Mexicans.
• And Mexican food.
• As evidenced by my diet.
• My new love at Taco Bell is the 7-layer burrito, fresco style with no rice.
• If you're into math, it's technically only a 4-layer burrito.
• But I am not that into math.
• I am, however, really into that burrito.
• I have it several times per week.
• You know what else I'm not that into right now?
• All the Christmas music playing on my computer.
• What the?
• Sometimes my iTunes is so annoying.
• You know what else is annoying?
• How much the Real Housewives of New York fought this season.
• There was a lot of fighting.
• Fighting was the new backstabbing.
• Silly housewives.
• Ryan is very judgmental of my Housewives subscription.
• Because he is really into high-brow shows like Sports Center.
• (Aaron Neville is singing the Christmas Song now.)
• I am still waiting for the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City.
• It would be a priceless addition to the franchise.
• Don't you agree?
• (Another Christmas song.)
• In other news, it's very warm these days.
• And I am ecstatic.
• Except at night when I can't sleep.
• Because we're too cheap to run our inefficient air conditioner.
• So, last week we decided to build a summer home.
• A getaway from the heat and humidity.
• But, again, we're cheap.
• So, we built the summer home in our basement.
• It's not really a "summer home" we built in our basement as much as a "one-room summer cottage."
• And it's not really a "one-room summer cottage" as much as it is an "unused exercise room."
• That was already built.
• But you get the idea.
• The basement is at least 15 degrees cooler than our bedroom.
• Which is exactly what we were looking for in a summer home.
• Sometimes the thing you are searching for is right under your nose.
• Or your home office.
• We bought a mattress at a closeout warehouse and stuck it in there.
• We got a great deal on the mattress, more than 50% off, because it had a stain in the corner.
• The guy promised that it was a water stain.
• I said that at more than 50% off, it was my favorite stain in the world.
• Best looking stain I ever saw, in fact.
• (Seriously, another Christmas song!)
• It's time for me to go.
• May your days be merry and bright.

Father's Day Giveaway Winner!

Congratulations to Andria, who said:

"My dad, when asking if we could do something for him, always says "couldya" as in one word. We've all started saying it the same way."

Thanks to everyone who shared such funny stories. There are a lot of embarrassing fathers out there, and we sure do love them!

Your Questions, Answered

Oopsie!  I've been ignoring my questions on Formspring lately.

Question: Can you define yourself in 25 words or less?

Answer: No.

Real answer: I am a work-in-progress, glass-half-full, people-pleasing, laugher, eater, mother, wife, writer, sister, penny-in-the-fountain wisher, and lover of hyphenated words. (Is that less than 25?)

Question: Pros and cons to short and long curly hair?

Answer: Oh dear, prepare yourself with some strong caffeine, I'm about to write about my hair. I've spent the last two years growing my curly hair out. I had been sporting short curly hair for more than a decade and decided that at 31 years-old, this was my last window to grow my hair out. I envisioned that I would spend the remainder of my thirties with long, (artificially) golden locks. (And then I will mark my fortieth birthday with a short haircut and the purchase of several pair of mom jeans.) So I started growing it out. For what purpose? Perhaps to be able to answer this question.

The pros of long, curly hair are that when the stars align and the Hair Gods are pleased with the sacrifices made, a mane of long curly hair can be kind of spectacular and lovely. (Think Felicity and Carrie Bradshaw.) However, the reality is that the Hair Gods are extremely fickle and harder to please than a Jewish mother-in-law, which brings me to the cons of curly hair: most days my hair looks a little meh. (Think various, un-named muppets.) Plus, long hair (curly or straight) is hot in the summer. Most days I am sporting the loose, french twist with a spray of curls at the top, which sounds way more attractive than it actually is.

Now, for short curly hair. The pros are that you get a lot more good hair days, it is easier to straighten, and it's ever so sassy. Plus, you use a lot less product. The cons? Hmmmm. Crap, I can't think of any. This explains my secret desire to whack my hair off again.

Alright, I'm done writing about my hair. If you are still reading this, pat yourself on the back because you deserve it, Champ.

Question: Do you get depressed?

Answer: No and yes. I have definitely felt depressed at times in my life, but I don't think I have ever suffered clinical, long-term depression. My lowest lows were during times of great stress and also postpartum. I have been through some tough crap, trust me. I'm remembering one time in my life in particular right now. Christian was a baby, Ryan was in graduate school, and I had taken a second job on top of my full time job to keep us afloat. I was a mess inside and out. I felt like I was failing in every single area of my life and also felt guilty for bringing a baby into the world, only to spend most of my days away from him. I was definitely on the roller coaster of postpartum hormones and first-time-mother insecurities. I had occasional? frequent? thoughts that my family would be better off without me.

Another unfortunate thing going on in my head was a fear of leaning on Ryan. He had suffered from depression in the past and I was fearful that if I leaned on him, we might both topple over. It was faulty thinking, and I regret it.

Here's another thing about me: I have a hard time recognizing that I need help, and an even harder time asking for it. I don't remember the exact circumstances, but one day I was taking a drive with my dear friend Angie, and I opened up to her. Sort of an emotional vomit all over the front seat of her little white Honda. That was a big moment for me. And she responded with kindness and concern. She was willing to help me get help if I needed it, or give me a shoulder to cry on it if that would fit the bill. I felt immediate relief. (Did I ever thank you properly, Angie? Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!) Everything was going to be alright, she told me. My unhappiness was temporary, she assured me. It was everything she said that made me feel better, but it was also the sweet relief of having someone shoulder my burden. And it meant the world to me.

If you need help, it's okay to ask for it. That's a message for all of us, myself included.

Question: Did (or do) you hope to have a third child?

Answer: Sometimes I have, and sometimes I haven't. Sometimes I do, and sometimes I don't. That's the truth. Ryan tells me that one of the most grownup things we can do in life is accept our ambivalence about things. Look at me, all grownup.

Alright, that's enough for now, isn't it? Thanks for asking your questions.  I'll be posting soon about another question that's popped up a couple of times in my inbox about how I got my job and how to go about finding freelance writing work.

Until then, happy weekend!

Retraction

Me: Remember a few days ago when I said that I was going to try and lose five pounds before our vacation?

Ryan: Yep.

Me: Well, what I actually meant to say is that I'm going to try and gain five pounds before our vacation. And, so far I am right on track. It's really looking like I'm going to make it.

Scenes From the Beach

We spent a perfect day on the beach last week when my mom and sisters were visiting. The only thing I love more than my family and the beach is sitting at the beach with my family.

Regarding My Recent Absences

Dear Blogging Attendance Office,

Please excuse my recent absence. I was busy attending to some very important activities with some very important people.

It was like chicken soup for me and my soul sisters, who happen to be my real sisters (and mom). I will return to regular blog posting as soon as I stop staring at this beloved photo.

Most sincerely,
Tiffany

Embarrass Your Dad for Free Cookies

Summer has unofficially started, the fireflies have started to appear, and I have the beginnings of a tan. In other words, I'm in the mood to celebrate. Let's have a giveaway, shall we? Mrs. Fields Gifts wants to giveaway a Father's Day gift to you. I tried to convince them to give it to me, but they insisted that it go to you. Oh well. I tried.

This gift is called Dad's Trio Tray. Three boxes, chock full of bakery fresh goodies, spell out DAD. Or, if you're a smart aleck (like everyone in my family), you might spell out ADD or DDA. It's really up to you.

How do you enter to win? Leave a comment. Tell me something silly about your dad. 

For example, if I were entering this giveaway, I would tell the story about how my dad, a good religious man, recently left a message on my sister-in-law's voicemail that began as a congratulations on her and my brother's anniversary. He was driving and talking and somehow got a little distracted and his well-wishing started transforming into one of his daily prayers, and he began to close his thoughts in the Lord's name, amen. On his daughter-in-law's voicemail. He caught himself as the words rolled off his tongue and than abruptly, awkwardly ended the call. It was hilarious and priceless and made me love my dad that much more.

Too bad I can't enter the giveaway, because I love that story. It deserves to win something.

You can also enter another Father's Day giveaway going on at Mrs. Fields Secrets blog.

Comments will be accepted until midnight, June 13. A winner will be chosen randomly.

Love for Millie

My brother Jesse, the musician, wrote a beautiful song for some friends of his whose little daughter, Millie, is battling leukemia.

Jesse wrote about the song on his blog. He said, "I had been wanting to do something special for their family, and had toyed with the idea of recording a song for her. I tried to think of the message I would want [my daughter] to hear if she were in the same situation."

You should listen to the song here, and then you should send up some happy thoughts and prayers for Millie. Then you should hug your kids.

MILLIE

Close your eyes, think of what you'll be
And everywhere you'll go and what you'll see.
A cowgirl on the range, or an astronaut in space,
Or a mommy with a babe, or all of these.

Millie Millie no matter what you do
We'll be right by your side
To share it all with you.
Millie Millie look around you'll see
Nothing but faith and hope from friends and family.
You're gonna fight fight fight 'till the sun goes down
Fight fight fight for the whole year round
You're gone smile and hope and believe.

What is red if we have no green?
The blue without the orange means nothing.
The shadows violet haze
Cast from the burning golden rays.
How can you pick a favorite one
From all you've seen?

Millie Millie you'll always have a friend
Someone to pick you up and dust you off again.
Millie Millie look around you'll see
Nothing but faith and hope from friends and family.

(Chorus)

Tilt your head, look up to the sky
And in the starry night you'll see a satellite.
And you can touch it with your eyes,
And you can wish inside your heart,
And it will be your shooting star every night.

I Miss Them More Than They Miss Me

Confession: I miss some of my favorite eating places in Utah as much as I miss some of my favorite people in Utah. I know that sounds shallow, but if you understood how much I love food, you'd know that was a sincere and lavish compliment to the people I love there.

Another confession: I had a secret desire to eat at all of my favorite places in the 55 hours I spent there last week. I guess I knew it wasn't practical, but still--I had hope. In a perfect world, I would have eaten my favorite dishes at the following places and then rolled on to the plane, blissfully bountifully bloated.

One of my first stops would be Cafe Trio and I would order the Garlic Chicken Pizza. And a house salad. And the Spaghetti Pomodoro. And I would draw on the paper tablecloth with my pen while I waited.

At Greek Souvlaki, I would order the Chicken Pita with white and red sauce, along with their divine lemon rice and a big Diet Dr. Pepper.

I would have made my way to Thai Siam for a lunch special with yellow curry. Or green curry. Or Massaman curry. Or all three. Because, you know, I'm only in town for a little bit.

I would only order water to drink at Tsunami, because I would need room in my tummy for the 21 Sunshine Rolls I would order. One for every month I've been gone. It's symbolic. I don't expect you to understand.

I would cleanse my palate with some Split Pea Soup from The Soup Kitchen and 24 breadsticks.

I'd make my way to Thaifoon and have some Mango Chicken and some Evil Jungle Princess.

At Morelia, I would nibble my pebble ice and wait anxiously for my Chile Verde and Bean Burrito. And I would savor the pickled beet garnish on the plate and eat yours if you don't want it.

I would sit in a vinyl booth at El Farol and order a giant platter of Bean Dip, because it's the best. And then I would order a pint of refried beans to carry on to the plane with me.

I didn't think I would miss Spaghetti Factory, but I do. I would order a Manager's Special--half meat sauce and half myzthra cheese.

How could I leave without a trip to Ab's drive thru for a Blackberry Banana shake? I couldn't. And while I'm at it, I'd order some onion rings. With fry sauce.

And then I would wonder if the fry sauce at Arctic Circle still tastes the same, so I would have to find out for myself. With a large side of fries.

I would end things on a light note and visit Yogurt Stop. I would concoct Christian's favorite and fill my cup with vanilla yogurt topped with hot fudge, cookie dough, Oreos, and Andes mints. (Srsly.) (Although, rumor has it that I'm going to have a new favorite yogurt place in town.)

If you live in Utah, will you please eat at one or all of these places? And tell them it's from me? Please, oh, please?

Proud Parenting

Yesterday I met with Max's teacher for parent-teacher conference. One of the highlights of the visit was going through some of his papers. One assignment was to write a "How To" paper. The other kids in the class wrote "How To Make a Peanut Butter Sandwich" or "How To Ride a Bike" or "How to Make Your Bed."

Max's paper?

How To Take People Down
First you hug them. 
Senc you shak a lot. 
Third you lean left or right. 
Forth then thair down.

I didn't know what to say, and for a moment I was lost in my thoughts. I couldn't believe it. I mean, you teach and teach and teach your kids, but you never really expect that they'll listen. And then they go and surprise you this way. I was beaming with pride.

To the parents of the world, I say, the kids are listening. They can be taught!

Utah, I Sure Do Love Ya and Appreciatecha

I snuck into Salt Lake late Thursday night and back out Sunday morning. I picked up my rental car at the airport and the employee asked me what I was in town for. I quickly replied, "Work and family," and then kicked myself for not saying, "Business and pleasure," because it sounds so much cooler. Especially with a british accent.

Some (or none?) of you know that I work as a freelance copywriter, and my biggest (sometimes only) client is Mrs. Fields. I have been working with Mrs. Fields for three, almost four, years and I find them to be a great company to work with, especially when I open my front door and UPS is dropping off yet another shipment of cookies. Anyway, I write their gift catalog, their business catalogs, and also their blog.

Friday afternoon, I took part in an event held at Mrs. Fields Gifts. They invited a handful of local bloggers to come and tour the 158,000 square foot bakery and gifting facility. Luckily, not one blogger got lost in that giant space.

The tour is pretty spectacular. It's pretty much just like Willy Wonka's factory, minus all the unfortunate accidents. And Oompa Loompas.

In fact, if you live in or around the Salt Lake Valley, you should take a free tour. It's very cool. And the smell? Well, you can just imagine.

After the event, I got to spend some quality time with both Ryan's and my family and a couple of friends. There wasn't enough time to see everyone, so if I didn't see you, please forgive. Maybe next time?

I got back Sunday evening, just in time to miss Utah's May 24th snowfall. Good timing! As I lifted off the ground nestled between two strangers, I hope you heard me whisper (or Twitter) in the words of my dad, "Sure do love ya and appreciatecha!" Because I do.

How To Write a Random Blog Post

• It's simple really.
• You start with bullet points and a mind that can't settle on one idea.
• You don't have to use bullet points.
• (Especially if you are anti-violence.)
• Next, you type out something, like announcing the condition of your socks today.
• The thought about your sock condition--holey--will remind you of something else.
• Like, where did the phrase "holey moley" come from?
• And then, admit that you're not sure you spelled either of those words right.
• This thought is a dead end, so don't pursue it.
• Glance around the room and let your eyes rest on something.
• Talk about that item.
• Do you like it?
• Does it remind you of a memory about your sister?
• Does it remind you of a meal you ate two months ago that gave you diarrhea?
• If yes, then you should talk about it here.
• Diarrhea is always a popular inclusion in random blog posts.
• Keeps things fluid, you know?
• That's another thing--play on words when possible.
• But don't be cheesey.
• It's a fine line.
• Admit that you're not sure "cheesey" is spelled correctly.
• That's another good point--loosely weave your random thoughts together like that.
• Then start a new topic.
• But avoid religion and politics.
• Because you've already shared your thoughts on those subjects in the 4,876 emails you forward.
• Just kidding.
• Actually, avoid three topics: religion, politics, and email forwarding practices.
• You'll thank me later for that one.
• You're about two-thirds of the way through now.
• It's a good time for you to reveal something personal.
• You're comfortable enough now, so open up and say something.
• Like, how meeting new people scares the bujeebers out of you.
• (And you could deflect the vulnerability there by pointing out that you were going to write "bujeezus" but weren't sure if it was a swear word.)
• Don't run away from the vulnerability though.
• Expound at least one or more thoughts on the subject.
• Writing is all about vulnerability.
• And we all want to know that you have irrational fears like the rest of us.
• Most new people are nice.
• See? That wasn't so bad.
• Let's wrap things up with a funny thought, perhaps an image.
• For instance, you could describe the booger that's been dancing inside your nose with every exhale.
• And your tactics for removing it discreetly.
• You could point out that it's silly how much we try to hide boogers, and farts too.
• Everybody has boogers.
• Everybody has farts.
• But we love to pretend that we don't.
• You're just about done.
• You've covered the four main random points: diarrhea, boogers, farts, and vulnerability.
• Congratulations.
• You've just written a random blog post.
• And wasted part of your day that you'll never have back.

All in a Day's Work

We made homemade noodles for dinner. They weren't perfect, but they were delicious. The kids slurped up every last one on their plates. I overate, but that's to be expected. Homemade carbs are my kryptonite. Store-bought carbs are my addiction, and Amish carbs are my Nirvana. (Just in case you're keeping score at home.)

Max came home from school announcing that he was going to write a book and have it published. He made it sound so easy. He got out paper and crayons and began his memoir on the kitchen floor. He was really prolific for about twenty minutes and I made a mental note to plop myself in the same spot the next time I'm struck with writer's block.

Earlier in the day, I wrangled Ryan into taking a walk with me. He was outside talking on the phone. I did sign language, two little walking fingers, inviting him to come along. He preferred to change his clothes and have lunch first, but I was determined to walk right then, so walk we did. At the end of the walk, when he was sweaty in his nice clothes, he pointed out that sometimes I get an idea in my head and there's no changing it. And that character trait? Well, he said, it can be kind of aggravating.

I had an idea in my head that he was wrong about that, but I didn't argue it for long because I started getting a new idea in my head that he was probably right. The only thing I enjoy more than having a plan is sticking to the plan. Even if I don't actually like the plan, I still have a yearning to stick to it. Right then I made a new plan to stop sticking to arbitrary plans.

Time out. I love the word arbitrary. If I had a daughter I would name her Arbitrary.

Time in.

I chipped away at more work, writing another catalog, and rewarding myself along the way for small accomplishments. My rewards were: eating a cookie, peeing, changing the load of laundry, showering, and snapping a photo to determine if my necklace was working with my shirt.

After dinner, I was back at my computer--plink, plink, plink, silence, silence, silence, plink, silence, plink--when Ryan walked in wearing his shorts and walking shoes. He asked if I wanted to take another walk. I actually had a plan to finish the paragraph I was working on, but I got up and went for a walk anyway because I'm all about sticking to my new plan to be flexible. When we got back, the paragraph was waiting right where I left it.

Plink, plink, plink, silence, silence. Plink.

The kids are in bed now. The dog is asleep at my feet. I rewarded myself for another completed catalog page with a few minutes to blog. I was hoping to be done with the catalog by now, but I'm not. Perhaps I need a crayon and a few minutes on the kitchen floor.