I watch the ripples change their size
But never leave the stream
Of warm impermanence
And so the days float through my eyes
But still the days seem the same
And these children that you spit on
As they try to change their worlds
Are immune to your consultations
They're quite aware of what they're goin' through

Friday, June 12, 2009

This sow's ear just isn't cooperating...

So, now not only do I sometimes have to scan in photos from a newspaper article to use in a high-quality print form (in case you don't know, newspaper photos are some of the lowest resolution images you'll ever see, sometimes even "web graphics" are better), I now have to scan in color copies of newspapers (see Analog Copy Degradation). Must... restrain... fist... of death.

Yesterday was busy, busy, busy, but for no real particular reason. The little things opened wide their leviathanian mouths and gorged themselves on all my time. And this weekend doesn't look much different. I should do photos of the work we're doing outside. This weekend will involve stone work (which I need to pick up some more on the way home tonight).

After a healthy start on Monday, the writing has only dribbled out since then. Late meetings on Monday and Tuesday, along with some other stuff I can't talk about yet (and not in the good ZOMG News! kind of way, mostly in the soul sucking kind of way) pretty much sapped me out of energy this week. And now, since I've committed myself to applying to Viable Paradise, I'm a little freaked out at it. The goblins are howling and gibbering in the back of my head. I haven't had them for a long time. Add in the whole "this may break the bank" front brain thinking and it's a triple psychic-whammy.

Hopefully I can work like mad tonight, and then tomorrow, so I have Sunday to write like crazy. It's past noon and I haven't even checked the weather outside yet.

So, how's the digital TV signal conversion going for everybody?

2 comments:

Dr. Phil (Physics) said...

Calm, calm... let the zen flow through you...

I think that part of the success of Viable Paradise and the Clarions and other workshops is that they do wreck budgets and schedules. It's part of the buy-in you need to make it worthwhile.

When I found out about Clarion, I figured no way. Money plus six weeks of time? Yet a year later an opportunity presented itself, and I said -- yeah, I can do this.

Dr. Phil

Steve Buchheit said...

Must remember to breathe. In, out, OMG I've got too much to do, I can't stick around breathing all over the place. :)

I've done various buy-ins for my current career. I've been told of various stupid ones, so I'm always wary of them. VP is below the threshold for an older guy like me. I know of some people who give up their jobs to go to Clarion, but as the major bread winner that's a difficult choice for me. VP is possible. If I were younger, the choice would be different.

As it is now, there's a lot more to lose in the equation. Coming from where I've been, that wall is too high for me. Earlier it wouldn't have been too far to fall. And for the potential payoff (see average advance and payment for short story) it isn't worth the risk. VP is doable. The risk to payoff is acceptable.

And just to be clear about all this. I'm not even accepted, haven't even turned in the application, and I'm already freaking about the cost.

For me, the fear of going back to where I was is a driving force, it's what give me energy after working the two jobs to try writing.