12. Manifesting an Army of Kittens
The Case of the Procrastinating Painter
Hello, friend! Hope you’ve had a great week! We checked in with Nostradamus, who confirmed that there are wonderful things heading your way! Good for you! Also, Nostradamus says “Hi!”.
This week I’ve been playing my own Art Prompt Bingo, and having a blast creating characters and splashing some paint around!
Fishbird Catch of the Week
We post twice a week on Fishbird Central. This week’s catch included:
It’s time to pick the books we’ll be reading for August 2024! Woo hoo! This year is flying by, and nothing slows down the brain and the timepieces like reading! (In a good way.) Also, nobody fact check that with “science”. Our Fishbird Central Book Club pick for August is - ‘Small Mercies’ by Dennis Lehane! (Amazon affiliate link) - a jaw-dropping thriller! Read along with us and let us know your thoughts! Everyone’s welcome to read our book club pick, and it’s freeeeeeeeee!
Check out the post here - Monthly TBR - August 2024!
Ned Kelly Awards - Best Aussie Crime Fiction Winners!
Aussie authors pen some of the best crime fiction out there! In this post we go right to the source and check out the winners of the Ned Kelly Awards for Best Aussie Crime Fiction, spanning from 1996 through to 2023! The 2024 shortlists will be out in August and we can’t wait! Stay tuned to see who’s nominated this year!
Check out the post here - Ned Kelly Awards - Best Crime Fiction Winners!
Terry, the Grasshopper of Doom
I’m not sure if you know this about me, but I’m not yet independently wealthy and am still working a 9-5 to fund my art supplies, mountains of books and the impulse to head off into the mountains every week. I know right! It’s down-right criminal!
Anyway, with a normal amount of other life stuff to juggle, this week I hit a wall. I wasn’t able to meet my self-imposed deadlines for creating articles and posts for my site, and also keep up a creative art habit.
When this happens, my first impulse is usually to set everything on fire and give up. But I’m told that’s rarely the best path to success. The ‘Grasshopper of Doom’ who sits on my right shoulder (Terry), tends to wail in despair rather than comfort. He’s not as helpful as he thinks. If anyone knows how to get a better grasshopper, I’d be all ears btw.
I’ve found what helps me to recalibrate and pull myself up by my proverbial bootstraps, is to drill down as to why I’m attempting to show up in the first place.
Is it to make a lot of money, and eventually write a best-seller with Stephen King while surrounded by an army of super-intelligent kittens? Yes.
But mostly it’s because I find it fun. I love having a creative outlet and a reason to accumulate piles of books. I love hearing that other people get a kick out of my art, and have stayed in accommodation that I’ve recommended.
I do really want those kittens, though.
In summary, we all have days where we just need to lie on the floor, drink too much cola and pretend we have no obligations. Just remember that your own Grasshopper of Doom gets a bonus whenever you’re sad for too long, and he’ll use those funds to buy the kittens right out from under your nose. So be happier. For the kittens.
Quick Fire Wrap Up
Currently Reading: ‘The Gathering’ by C.J. Tudor (Amazon affiliate link). It’s a crime thriller with vampires! Hoping to sink my teeth into this one before the month ends, so I can tick it off my July TBR!
Currently Watching: ‘Doctor Who - Season 15’ (Amazon affiliate link). We love Tom Baker’s Dr Who, and treated ourselves to the Blu-Ray. Whovians now and forever.
Currently Wondering: If I’d accomplish more Fishbird Central work in a cafe rather than at home, or if I’d do less work but eat more scones. Scones count as work, right?
Wishes for the Week
Wishing you a wonderful week ahead, friend!
You’re the wind beneath my wings. You’ve got this.
Stay cool, punks.
“Cry into a pool of cola if you must, but when you’re ready - a puddle of kittens are waiting to mobilise on your signal.” - Ariana Grande (probably)
Jen x