I’ve been absent from the blogging world. We all take a break from time to time for this or that reason. Then there’s always that other thing—absolute mind-numbing brain freeze where nothing, nada, no idea is in there.
I suppose part of the reason for my absence has been that other thing.
Mama told me there’d be days like these. Or, in my case weeks.
THIS
When that happens, I’ll usually do something creative, anything to clear the cobwebs, fill that blank space with something. I’ve written something and it looks like THIS:
Character Sketch — Scrivener making it happen.
This character sketch helped me write a chapter that I inserted between two chapters I’d already written. I was excited to write this one. And, it gave me an idea for another chapter set in Arizona or Colorado. I’ve not decided where this other character should live.
Let me ask you…if you wanted to introduce a character who made art out of bottles and branches and other “organic” material, read Angel Tarot cards and considered herself an old soul with a sketchy past, where would you think she’d live?
THAT
I also repurposed a foot stool and painted some things that I found at a couple of antique/flea market stores. Of course, I didn’t take any before pictures so you’ll have to take my word for it.
This was a crappy old foot stool. Now it’s a cool foot stool.
An oriental dude and lady purchased from two different places. One was all white, the other a yucky beige, black and red. Now they’ve found each other and they’re bright, glossy orange. Zen.
What’s a home without a couple of Foo Dogs? These are mine. My blue Foos.
(Formerly an ugly brown and dull greenish color). I put little cushions on their blue foo feet.
I’m working on a painting and this is what I have so far:
Obviously, there’s work to be done. Or I could just call it, “Blue.” Brigitte’s blue series. I’ll let you know when my exhibit is.
OTHER THINGS
My good bloggy bud, Audra sent me a postcard. Look at it.
A friendship that spans many bridges. And postcards.
It’s cool and we’ve both been there. She and I go wayyyyy back in the blogging community. She’s wonderful. Thank you, Audra.
Then Lily (because I won the prize in her contest!) mailed me, all the way from Canada, a groovy mix CD. She included old and new and the song, Sweet Jane by Lou Reed (one of my all-time favorites) and some Wallflowers and my dude, Tom Petty. She also included a lovely note that read “I tried to make you a mix that would suit your soul.” Don’t you love people who write things like that? It does, it did. Thank you Lily.
When’s the last time someone made you a mix tape, er CD? Lily’s lovely card and my very own special mix CD.
Ooh ooVoo!
When I lived near Manhattan, I used to take the train in and meet with two of my wonderful, talented writerly friends. Carly and Brinda. We had our first ooVoo session. It was fun. I recommend you visit their blog and if you have some people you’d like to meet with from somewhere else, you can. All the way up to 12 people for free! How cool is that? You may have snow out your window and someone else, surf and sand. Or desert or mountains. You get the idea.
I’ve been spending a lot of time alone doing some things I’ve been meaning to do for a very long time. That can be a good thing. There’s nothing to lose or nothing to prove, right? It can either enlighten you or make you crazy. I think I’m always somewhere in the middle anyway.
I’m proclaiming this 80’s Tuesday and it’s about having fun all by yourself. This guy was considered a little freaky back in the day and couldn’t we all use a little freaky every once in awhile? Enjoy, dance.
What’s your Tuesday 80’s song? How’s your this, that and the other things going?
Photo creds: Woman head (without modifications), Confused (without modifications).
Brigitte's Banter 
I am being freaky right now and dancing with myself–something I have got used to since my hubbie has not danced for 30 or so years–love the stool and orange is my favourite colour–have terrible headache so if this does not make sense at least I have an excuse this time
Posted by on thehomefrontandbeyond | March 11, 2014, 10:28 amWell, I hope the dancing improves your headache, Lou! Thats not good and you always make sense. Thank you!
Posted by Brigitte | March 11, 2014, 11:09 amI’ve never had a mix anything….so cool to know people still care enough to make them for someone else! As far as where would your character live, my first thought is New Orleans, followed by Portland or the Boulder area or Asheville, NC. Portland and Boulder are a little expensive, so, if you choose Boulder, set her up in Lyons. It’s very funky and welcoming to artists. Asheville is inexpensive, and, is also seen as funky. New Orleans still has areas where an artist can afford to live, the atmosphere remains open to the occult, and it has heavy tourist traffic. It also has a huge crime rate.
I vote Asheville.
Posted by Addie | March 11, 2014, 10:53 amAll those places are funky and artsy, Addie. Thanks. Ive been to Asheville and I love it. A big art community there and many people from up North migrate there because of the season change. This character is a free spirit so she needs some wide open spaces. Hope things are great in your world.
Posted by Brigitte | March 11, 2014, 11:11 amBrigitte, I’m digging your projects! Especially your “Blue” painting. It’s always great fun to see the process in action. And the objects of beauty! What colors did you use? Bravo! T. (Inspired by your 1980s Tuesday theme, I’m now listening to Dead or Alive’s “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record).” Perfect song for running.)
Posted by Theadora Brack | March 11, 2014, 12:04 pmHi T! How are you and hows Paris?? Thanks so much. Dont you love to create something? Glad you like them. I used Exotic Sea Blue for the Foo Dogs (Valspar high gloss) and Island Orange for the couple (Valspar, high gloss). The blue painting is a mixture of colors combined with some gesso.
I LOVE that songthats a great 80s tune. Stay groovy and great to see you.
Posted by Brigitte | March 11, 2014, 12:29 pmExotic Sea Blue Valspar high gloss? Jotting it down now. More project posts, please. Thanks for the inspiration!
Signed,
Copy Cat Brack
Posted by Theadora Brack | March 11, 2014, 12:34 pmI’ve heard that’s the highest form of flattery (copy cat) so thanks, T. 😀
Posted by Brigitte | March 11, 2014, 12:45 pmI’m glad to see that even with the temporary brain freeze in terms of blogging, your creativity in terms of other things has still been in full swing. That footstool looks fabulous. As do those repainted statues. As you know, I’m coming off my post-performance high and my school term is ending soon. To which I say, hallelujah. Much as I enjoy learning, this term has been a doozy. Glad to see you back on the blogosphere Brigitte, you’ve been sorely missed.
Posted by lillianccc | March 11, 2014, 12:19 pmHey Lillian, why thank you. How did that recital go? I bet you were great. Does your brain ache from all that learning? Ah, but it will be worth it. Thank you, Lillian, its nice to be back.
Posted by Brigitte | March 11, 2014, 12:34 pmThe bench is FAB!!! I need your help at my house. The character could live in New Mexico. Audra and Lily are good people. I vote for the Thompson Twins. AND I can’t find your email address. Could you email me magitch1@comcast.net. I need some professional advice!
Glad you’re back! Did you and Audra plan your returns together?
xo
Posted by Maggie O'C | March 11, 2014, 1:04 pmWell, thank you, Maggie girl. Im leaning toward NM or Arizona. Oh, the Thompson Twins! Ill email you. We didnt plan it, but Id like to think great minds think alike, ya know?
Posted by Brigitte | March 11, 2014, 1:53 pmMy favorite: the two blue foo.As for where the person should live, I think Mendocino County on the northern California coast might be appropriate. BTW– welcome back to blogging Brigitte. –Curt
Posted by Curt Mekemson | March 11, 2014, 1:07 pmI love the blue foos too, Curt! Thank you. Hmmm, Northern CAbeen there, lot of wide open spaces thatta way. And good to be back and as always, thank you for stopping by, Curt.
Posted by Brigitte | March 11, 2014, 1:55 pmYoure pretty amazing Brigitte. I’m very impressed and amazed at your creativity.
You’re a very bright spot in my world. Still reigning Queen of Kindness here–
I loved Lily’s cd too. Very thoughtful that chic. Her card was coolio.
Good to see you!! I’ve missed you
Posted by unfetteredbs | March 11, 2014, 1:44 pmHey chickie, right back at you. And thank you. I keep saying Im going to open up a shop and sell some old stuff redone because I lose all track of time when Im doing that. Missed you back. Now, weve just got to wipe that tired blankness away and get on with things. You make me smile.
Posted by Brigitte | March 11, 2014, 1:56 pmGetting on with things ….. You said it. Smile back lady
Posted by unfetteredbs | March 11, 2014, 2:09 pmI LOVE that footstool! Beautiful!
As for where your new-agey character should live, I’m not sure, but it might be interesting to put her in the least likely setting. One where she encounters a community very different from her. But she forges ahead nonetheless, putting up with their stares and whispers. 🙂
Posted by Carrie Rubin | March 11, 2014, 1:49 pmThanks, Carrie. It was pretty crappy looking before that. I always get impatient and never take the time to make before pictures. Grrr.
I didnt think of that. I believe shes going to be married to a Native American whos wealthy and owns some kind of ranchplus, he drives a big rig which suits the character because shes kind of a loner. This character is my protagonists sister and a person that shes always admired.
BTW, Im almost finished with your awesome book. Youre a very talented writer. I normally dont care for science fiction but you write in such a way that it just blends seamlessly and realistically. I really like Sydney.
Posted by Brigitte | March 11, 2014, 2:23 pmThanks, Brigitte! So nice to hear! The ironic thing is, I don’t really read science fiction, and I don’t plan on writing any more of it. I just wanted a different spin on the overdone outbreak-theme. Glad you’re enjoying it. 🙂
Posted by Carrie Rubin | March 11, 2014, 3:04 pmEven though you haven’t been blogging, I’d say you’ve been really busy and creative! It’s hard to find a balance and a break is sometimes just what you need. I think you’re character would live in a funky studio apartment, close to coffee shops. But if she’s a teenager, then she I suppose she would live with her family in a house in the suburbs.
Posted by Amy Reese | March 11, 2014, 4:31 pmBeing creative, creating is always good for the soul. This is a different character from the sketch. She is the older sister of my protagonist. A woman in her late forties, early fifties but she’s a hippie. For some reason I keep thinking of her in the Midwest. Thanks Amy–always great to see you and read your input.
Posted by Brigitte | March 11, 2014, 4:43 pmOh gee, sorry about that! I’d say go with your instinct. You don’t see many hippies out in the Midwest, so that would be intriguing. Great to see you, too.
Posted by Amy Reese | March 11, 2014, 4:46 pmNo worries. I probably wasn’t clear. I guess I think of CO having hippie types and New Mexico seems very artsy. Remember the movie Boys on the Side? that’s how I picture it until Braking Bad kind of took the artsy thing away. Ha!
Sent from Brigitte’s iPad
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Posted by Brigitte | March 11, 2014, 4:51 pmI should have said the West. I’m a dip. I think of CO being kind of in the middle and being west. I’m very geographically challenged. Geez!!!
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Posted by Brigitte | March 11, 2014, 4:53 pmThat’s ok! I used to live in Colorado. I could see her living there, especially in Boulder. That would be a good place for her.
Posted by Amy Reese | March 11, 2014, 7:32 pmLove your creativity! You are blessed to have so many talents. I love your painted foo dogs and that lovely oriental couple. Such a cool idea! So glad you liked your mix too! 😀
I think my 80’s tune for today would be “Shake It Up” by The Cars
Posted by Lily | March 11, 2014, 6:13 pmThanks, Lilywhat a sweet thing to say. I do love my mix and wow, The CarsLOVE THEM.
Posted by Brigitte | March 11, 2014, 6:18 pmI love the foot stool! Somehow I’m not surprised that you have great design style – maybe your taste in music gave me a clue.
I think your character would live in Florida. Definitely. It’s funny, I just heard about Scrivener for the first time this week on Carrie’s blog. It looks like fun.
My Tuesday 80’s song (for no good reason) was the first A cappella song to hit #1.
Posted by Noted in Nashville | March 11, 2014, 6:18 pmAw thanks, Anita. Yeah, Scrivener is complicated but the more you get into it, the more you can use it. I remember Dont Worry Be Happy! Loved it then. Love it now. Thanks, Anita.
Posted by Brigitte | March 11, 2014, 6:21 pmI feel you, Brig. I go through these periods where I don’t want to write anything and just want to MAKE stuff. (In fact, right after I get done typing this comment I’m off to do some hair ribbon crafting for my gal.) But your footstool looks awesome; love that combination of orange and blue. You have a great eye! Oh, and my two cents: the character you described that you need a home for? I immediately thought New Orleans 😉
Posted by The Waiting | March 11, 2014, 8:38 pmYou’ll have to share it with everyone, Em. I was inspired by Houzz. Do you have that app? The turquoise and orange theme seemed fresh and positive to me. Thank you! New Orleans…definitely some new age, spiritual and artistic flavor there. The same could be said for Memphis. 😉
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Posted by Brigitte | March 11, 2014, 9:16 pmI love your creativity, Brig. Great color choices! The foot stool is fabulous. I’m happy to hear you are writing character sketches, too. It encourages me to stay focused on my creative projects. Unfortunately ( or fortunately) they are as varied as yours. Yikes!
Posted by Sue J | March 11, 2014, 9:00 pmSue, my friend–thank you! I swear I get into moods sometimes where I have several projects at once. But I love doing them. I seriously need to focus on one thing at a time, but where’s the fun in that?
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Posted by Brigitte | March 11, 2014, 9:22 pmNo fun at all !!! 🙂
Posted by Sue J | March 11, 2014, 9:56 pmHa, Brigitte! That oovoo meeting was a nightmare for me! 🙂 But I’m so excited to give it another shot now that my modem has been replaced (and I’ve slept for more than 45 min!). I can relate to your need to have many creative outlets — so good for the soul. From learning to play guitar to drawing, I constantly need to be doing something. I even spent one winter obsessed with loom knitting. If I had known you then, you might have found yourself the owner of a wool scarf that was slightly too long and too narrow.
Also — I love the character sketch of Jane/Isis, and I love how she worked her way into Maddie’s (and my) world.
Happy Tuesday! And my suggestions for where your character should reside: Asheville, NC or Woodstock, NY
Posted by Carly | March 11, 2014, 9:16 pmIt was soooooo funny when you would freeze and wave your hand in front of the camera! I didn’t know you played the guitar–how can I not know this?? And I wish I’d know you too when you knitting. I would’ve proudly wore a Carly original. Woodstock! I hadn’t thought of that and I’ve been there! See you late March, woman and bring your guitar.
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Posted by Brigitte | March 11, 2014, 9:26 pmHey Brig, good to know that even though you have not been in the mood to Monday muse, you have been creating. I love the foot stool. It looks like something I’d glimpse in a design magazine. When I read your character study, the place that instantly came to mind is San Francisco, or at least the Bay Area. Although I have a post I’d like to write, I’ve had such a busy week, I have not had the time to focus and write and may not write anything new this week. Between my day job, my exercise regime, cooking for my special diet and of course, making time for my friends, it’s a struggle to do everything and get to sleep at a normal hour. I need a day that is 36 hours long.
Posted by lameadventures | March 11, 2014, 11:08 pmHi V, thanks. Everyone seems to really love the foot stool. Ive had that thing for two decades at least. San Fran sounds is an artsy place, huh? Thank you. I miss that rush-rush, I really do sometimes. Maybe thats why Ive been in a creating frenzy lately. That and Ive got guests coming for a few days. Thatll kick me into gear as well. Well, since weve sprung forward maybe your days will at least SEEM longer.
Posted by Brigitte | March 12, 2014, 9:07 amI’m really impressed by your stool, the statues, your blue wall — inspiring!
At your mention of “80s Tuesday,” I thought, let’s see… It’s ‘Til Tuesday for me — “Voices Carry!” I heard this in a Rite Aid a couple of months ago and boy did it transport me back.
Other than that, my ‘this, that and the other’ are just as they need to be…ahhhh… Just for today, that is — hahaha!
Posted by Sandee | March 12, 2014, 1:25 amHey Sandee! Thank you. I bet youve got a creative spirit as well. Your apartment looks cool from what Ive seen of it. Wow, that song does take me back too. I listen to an 80s station sometimes. Theres some really good songs (and some really bad ones), but still it was the 80s. Im glad things are good with you. Thats a good way to look at life actuallyeverything is as it should be.
Posted by Brigitte | March 12, 2014, 9:09 amI knew this would be a good post, Brigitte, no matter what you may have thought! I was thinking along pedestrian lines for your character, coming up with obvious places like San Francisco or Sedona. Carrie was thinking far more outside the box than I was. 😉
The footstool looks beautiful, and I’d bet your painting as-is could easily hang in a modern art exhibit. Now, though, my head is filled with visions of ’80s videos on MTV. Of course, today’s generation might be surprised to learn the station actually showed videos in its early years….
(And you know I’m really happy to see that Scrivener screen shot. 😉 )
Posted by jmmcdowell | March 13, 2014, 2:34 pmHi J, Sedona would also be a great spot I think. Glad you enjoyed the post. I need to start remaking and making more foot stools! ha! Ive completed the painting. Maybe Ill show it in its completion in another post. Oh boy, MTVI remember those videos!
Yep, the Scrivener, it is a love/hate thing but once you start using it, its more about the love. ;).
Thanks, J and hope youre having a great week.
Posted by Brigitte | March 13, 2014, 2:58 pmI saw your character walking a beach, Brigitte. An east coast beach, somewhere in the mid-Atlantic states, not too far South, not New Englandy, just kind of in the middle. I saw the breeze blowing her long hair back from her face and her gauzy skirts fluttering just below her knees. Love your projects! I’m almost ready to crawl out from under my rock 😉 xoxoM
Posted by Margarita | March 18, 2014, 4:01 pmHey, M! Now that’s a wonderfully vivid image and description–thank you, my friend! I hope life is treating you well and I know what you mean, I keep peeking out from under my own rock–enough to post and create now and again. Here’s to hitting our stride again. So nice to see you. xxoo
Posted by Brigitte | March 18, 2014, 10:10 pmIm testing my blog per WP instructions.
Posted by Brigitte | March 18, 2014, 10:24 pm