gray morning

it's a gray morning and the office is quiet. i have no idea what my workload looks like because I am too busy staring out the window watching the sky. my muse is pitching a fit, cursing me out, trying to get a rise out of me. we are not on speaking terms at the moment despite her complaints. her expectations are unrelenting and the needle on my motivation is on empty. why, you ask. ideas float around the ether above my head, swirling around, tempting me, taunting me but when it's time to pin the words down on paper i find them slipping away like mercury. it's like waking up from a vivid dream, as soon as you start thinking about the details, the story escapes out the open window, never to be heard from again. my muse cries and cries wanting attention and all i do is drink wine and smoke the evening away. she threatens to leave and i shrug my shoulders and tell her, "so leave." she undresses instead and stays the night. i am neglectful, she will leave eventually and the story will wither on the vine. it's only a matter of time.




All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2017 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

Lewis Capaldi - Lost On You

I listened to this song and then couldn't stop listening to it. Enjoy~



All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2017 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

summer showers

staring out the window, watching the sky. clouds move in sweeping arcs. rain comes down in blinding sheets. don't care what comes out of your mouth today. don't care what sounds you have uttered before. open wide, point upward, fill yourself up. tell all the travelers i'm dead. turn around, listen to the noise, escape unscathed once more. when you think of love, do you think of me? thunder moves through unrepentant. you're the reason why i feel at all. striking light across my eyes. you unfold sideways waiting for a reply that won't come anymore.


All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2017 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

an unanswered call

I used to be better about keeping up with this web log. Lately, it's been relegated to the bottom of my to-do list...you remember, that same list that I was going to tear up. Part of it has been my day job has been keeping me busy so the last thing I want to do at night is get on a computer. Another part of it has been this blog was always supposed to be about the creative process, yes some personal tidbits would fall in but for the most part it was about creativity.  Since I have NOT been working creatively, well let's just say I have less to write about.

I have been actively reading...I just finished The Glass Castle by Jeanette Walls. It was an interesting read because she told her story in a matter-of-fact way. Her background as a reporter helped create some distance so that her story never felt self-pitying. And there was a couple of heartbreaking moments that resonated long after I closed the book. Well worth the read. 

I haven't started reading a new book yet. I have quite a few of them piled up by my bedside. My brain won't turn off long enough to take on a new book. The grey matter has been beating down my door trying to get me to work on something of my own. And for some reason, I keep ignoring the call. It reminds me of this fact: "the universe will throw pebbles to get your attention, and if you don't answer the call it will throw rocks, and if you don't answer the call it will throw bricks, etc, etc."  Where is that from? Probably Oprah. Well the whole damn sky is about to rip open and I'm still navel gazing, pulling the old ostrich maneuver, unable to muster a good god damn to make anything happen. Why?

There is no good reason, only lame excuses and why bore you with those. My muse is dancing on the sidelines asking me to come play and I am picking at the peeling wallpaper replying, "I don't wanna." Bah! Even I get a bit impatient with myself. 
Peace,
L~


All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2017 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

080117 16:36:00

I'm in a sulky mood today and I've had too much caffeine. Which makes me want to throw a temper tantrum. You know the kind where you throw yourself on the floor, kicking and screaming. Is it over a specific reason?  Not necessarily.  Just feeling frustrated down to my bones.  I am overworked and on slow days like today I have a difficult time standing still.

I went onto Goodreads, which is a great resource when looking for decent book recommendations, and I read a number of excerpts and story arc blurbs...bah! And I saw the long list of titles by an author or two and think to myself, "where do they find the time?" Good lord, I've been working on Indigo for 7 years...and I'm ready to throw the whole project into a shredder. * head in hands *

Note to self: do not drink iced coffee after 3 pm EVER. I feel like a LIVE WIRE! I don't usually drink coffee but someone showed me how to use the espresso machine...so I made myself an iced coffee with a shot of espresso. Now my face feels like it's going to crack off.

I'm currently reading The Glass Castle by Jeannette Walls. The writing is strong so I'm enjoying this memoire. I know it's supposed to come out in movie form soon but I think I'll skip the movie.


All for now,
L~



All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2017 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

Elle King - Can't Be Loved

Just because...

L~



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Learning How to Lose You

I heard this song and couldn't stop listening to it.  Enjoy. L~

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pointy knives

i spent the evening writing. a shoddy paragraph and a healthy journal entry. i've needed some downtime to bitch and whine on the page. i can feel my patience waning lately. i've spent a lot of time giving of myself and not doing enough to replenish my spirit. my muse is sulky and in quite a mood so i am doing my best to give her a chance (and some much needed space) to throw her temper tantrum. after a couple of hours she's finally subdued in the corner. still sulking but at least no longer coming at me with daggers. her knives are pointy. in the meantime, i've been listening to ben howard, city and colour, pearl & the beard, james bay, bon iver, the lumineers and daughter to keep me company while i try to extrapolate some coherent thoughts onto the page. i think i'm done for the night tho'. squeezed dry. tomorrow i will try for another shitty first draft.


All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2017 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

9:09 pm

woke up on the other side of okay.
tiny orchid on a ledge, burnt leaves
and dried roots. warm air skims in
lazy circles leaving me drowsy.
storm clouds gather in the distance.
she howls into a mic diving into a fall.
firecrackers echo in the streets.
a soul burning with wildfire
as the night sky lights up.

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2017 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

mediocrity

i never wanted an ordinary life. i wanted more. i hungered for more. the problem with more is that what i have, at any given moment, is never enough. a face reflected in a window. i thought it was ambition, striving to be better than common mediocrity. perhaps it's just snobbery. perhaps i think i am better than...but that's a lie. sitting under the living room fan listening to city and colour play in the background, i am hungry. not for food. for more. i feel it down to the bones in my jaw. an ache. a void so deep it makes me wince...it creates a sharp pain that reminds me that what i'm doing is not enough. heat does not mix well with bone-crushing disappointment in one self.

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2017 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

Let It Matter - Johnnyswim

It's Thursday, right before a holiday weekend. I'm taking several days off from the day job. I'm in a weird mood. Anxious. Restless. Wanting...something. The sky outside is filled with heavy clouds and it looks like it will thunderstorm later today. Could that be it? Electric current in the air. Hmm. I feel on the verge of a full blown migraine. It's been over three weeks since my last migraine.  I think this is the longest I've gone without one in the past two years.
Let's see, it's been a week since I've sat down to work on my writing. Perhaps that's where the restlessness is coming from. My muse is calling me and I've been ignoring her for far too long. There are slivers of story ideas trying to make their way to the surface and I've been snoozing. The alarm clock keeps going off in the background and I am having a hard time waking up enough to allow those slivers onto a page. What a waste.


Jumping subjects...I've been listening to the duo Johnnyswim and their sound is quite beautiful. This video is an acoustic version of LET IT MATTER and I can't stop listening to it. Her voice is delicious with a soulful, bluesy flavor.  Enjoy~ L

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2017 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

More Words

Quick hits....the last couple of weeks I've gone to see a few movies:

1. Alien:Covenant-This movie made me nostalgic for the original movies. As much as I love Michael Fassbender...the movie was just meh.  Sorely disappointing. Made me miss Sigourney Weaver in a big way.  May just rent the first Alien movie to remind me of why I love Space Alien movies. *sigh*
2. My Cousin Rachel-I love period movies and I was really looking forward to seeing this film adapted from Daphne Du Maurier's novel. After seeing the actual film, there was so much wrong with the story line that I spent twenty minutes breaking down all the flaws. Rachel Weisz was quite stark and beautiful in her acting so she made it a little better. But Sam Clafin as Philip was just unbearable.  
3. Wonder Woman- I was really looking forward to this movie and I will admit it's better than most of the DC franchise. However, I wanted MORE from the film. I wanted some depth and for me it just skimmed the surface. I know fans of this film really LOVE it, just wish I did too.
4. Guardians of the Galaxy v2 - It was okay.  Decent sequel. But at this point, I'm just over the summer blockbusters and they've barely begun.  Not a good sign at all.  

That's all I have for tonight.  

Peace,

L~

  

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2017 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

For The Love...

I've been remiss in putting up entries the past couple of weeks. Let's see, what excuse might I try tonight? Actually no need for excuses. I've been spending time with family, friends, and trying to take care of myself in the process. I've started a new food plan to hopefully help me with my migraine condition. After one week on a very restrictive diet, I've started to notice small changes. They feel like small wins each day. There is a long list of "no" foods.  No grains, no beans, no corn, no tomatoes, no peppers, no dairy, no tofu etc, etc etc.  The list is long and despite my best efforts, I'm still not following it 100% quite yet.  I am doing it stages to acclimate. I hope by month's end, I can finally have a month without ONE migraine. Let's see how it goes.
Tonight, I rolled out my yoga mat and had a long slow yoga session. Yum. I am getting over a chest cold and despite the occasional cough...it felt good to unwind. I've been trying to get some time on the yoga mat every other day. I spend too many hours at a desk and need time to stretch my creaky body. I know this was a small entry but I've hit my wall and it's time for bed.
More words later...L~
  
All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2017 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

Edvin Cobaj - The Hub

A co-worker of mine has a son, Edvin, who is a creative soul.  She shared some of his work with me and it made me smile down to my very toes. He's young and he's doing it for the sheer love of doing art. I have to share it because that's what we creatives do for one another. Pass it forward. Share. Send it out to a wider audience. Enjoy!  :-)  Peace, L~



All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2017 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

Sunday - I will become what I deserve

I woke up with a raging headache this morning. It's not a migraine (thank goodness) but I'm trying to figure out if I should I venture out into the world or if I'm going to stay in my little shell today. Tomorrow it's back to work and I'm having a hard time facing that reality.

The last couple of months I've been looking for a tiny (bookshelf) radio system that can play CDs. I have loads of CDs that I'm no longer uploading into my crappy laptops. I found one that was perfect. I ordered it, played one and a half CD and then it stopped working. That's right, one CD and then with the next CD the spinning mechanism of the machine became louder than the music playing.  It paused on its own and stopped working altogether.  USA made product.  Of course, it's a piece of s***t.  I sent it back.

The next thing I ordered was a speaker. My bright idea was I could hook up my external CD drive  to it, plug in and play.  Brilliant right? I took out the speaker from the box and read the poorly written instruction (China made product). I discovered it doesn't have it's own power supply (nothing to plug in). It's on a 5v lithium battery so it doesn't have enough juice to power the external CD drive.  Argh! Foiled again.

At this point, I may go really old school and buy a car radio that plays CDs and hook that up to speakers.  Haha!

The whole point of this exercise was to get a small radio that I could play my CDs by my bedside. That's all I wanted. I may go back and see if I can find an alarm clock radio that plays CDs.  The problem with that option is the speaker quality is usually pretty tinny. Nothing ruins a song more than bad speakers.

The dream for me is to have a wireless sound system that plays in every room. High end sound system like Bang & Olufsen or even Bose. Imagine what Christina Aguilera's song Bound to You would sound like out of those speakers. * sigh * I won't do it until I own my apartment.  There is just no point going through the expense for a place that I will probably leave in the next year.  Bah!

As I sit here writing this blog entry, I'm trying to figure out if I'm going out. I'm on the fence. If I go out, I don't want to spend any cash.  But if I go out, cash will be spent.  hmmm...this how I teeter from one decision to another.  I'm going to make my bed, sort my laundry and then make a decision. Wish me luck. L~

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2017 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

Police - Every Breath You Take

Old school baby!! 

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2017 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

U2 - With or Without You

I'm going old-school with today's blog entry. This song popped up on my music list and it made me stop what I was doing to take a moment to listen to it. I love this song.  It reminds me of high school proms and late night drives singing at the top of my lungs. It took me back and I thought, let's just share and put it back out in the world.  Enjoy! L~

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2017 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

1000 True Fans by Kevin Kelly (animated by Cole Webb)

My sister Vick sent me this video and it made me smile. She shared this with me because she knows I get a bit despondent from time to time over the state of my creative life. 

Creative life?  

What creative life? 

These past two weeks have been filled to the brim with my day job. Leaving very little head space for writing.  In fact, I've run myself ragged and have been in bed with a head cold most of the weekend. Booo.  Saturday it was pouring cats and dogs so I had an excuse to hide under my duvet (not venture out into the world) and allow myself time to recover. This coming week promises to be yet another busy week filled with 11 hour days. This kind of schedule is brutal because at the end of the day all I want to do is crash. 

When I do have a moment to myself, I am listening to the Senate hearings or watching news on the political landscape both here in the US and in Europe.  Eesh. No wonder I've been blocking out the world with music. No wonder most of my blog updates have been music related. Because at the end of the day music is the only thing that helps me get out of bed and face the day.  * sigh * There's that despondency I mentioned earlier.  I better sign off now before I get REALLY maudlin.  Peace, L~

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2017 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

Josh Pyke - Punch in the Heart ft. Katy Steele

i heard this song this week and thought it was a new song, only to discover it came out in 2011. how cool to find it now.... enjoy! L~

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2017 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

Lauren Duski - Somewhere in my Broken Heart

i will admit that i watch The Voice. Guilty pleasure. Shhh don't tell anyone.  When Lauren Duski sang this song, it moved me to tears. i've been listening to it on heavy rotation ever since.

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2017 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

Luis Fonsi - Despacito ft. Daddy Yankee

I heard this song for the first time a couple of weeks ago and I have it on heavy rotation.  There is a newer version with Justin Bieber on it but BAH! the original is much better.  It's going to be a great summer song. :-)

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2017 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

You+Me - Love Gone Wrong

It was a busy weekend but I feel like I've stretched my arms and embraced life for a change.  Not stayed hidden beneath my duvet waiting for the pain to wash away. I had my sisters and nieces over for some dinner. It was chaos but i also listened to my nieces go on and on about songs, musicals, and hair color and anime and movies.  It felt like one long run-on sentence which was a sweet change. I worry over them at times but i tried to just be present as they talked and just listened to them. One of my nieces loves to sing and i heard her singing a song that she used in one of her theater auditions. She's got a sweet tone to her voice. Bless. After they left, the apartment still held a lot of their rambunctious energy so i listened to some low key music.  I came across this one by You plus Me and had to put it up here.  I love alicia moore's voice so it's no surprise that i've included this song. I know this is a few years old but hell...good is good! Enjoy! L~

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2017 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

Wednesday - Which Way Out

I am out of sorts today. Woke up an hour late this cloudy morning. My train inched along. An hour late for work. A barrage of incoming requests. Usually, I welcome the work. Today, not so much. Listening to music to block the chatter around me. Not enough. A storm is brewing within. I want to go home and hide under my duvet. That's right, the old ostrich maneuver. I just can't seem to get much traction today. Keep forgetting to breathe. Gasping and grasping makes me ineffective. Since I can't hide under the covers...I am hiding in plain sight listening to music. Propels me out of my chattering brain. No wallowing allowed

I heard this song earlier and it made me stop in my tracks and listen...really listen to the lyrics. This song is definitely worth the listen. Enjoy. L~


All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2017 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

Gary Clark Jr. - Our Love & Lorde - Liability

It's April 14th and the weather has been sunny and mild most of the week. Spring is finally in the air. I'm hoping we can enjoy it for a little while before we hit 90 degree weather. I love the Spring, I feel like my body starts to wake up from its hibernating state. I tend to look for the sunniest spots whenever I have to be indoors and in a meeting. I take more breaks from the computer to sit outside in the sun by Citi's plaza. Just have to time it when there is down time.

It's been very busy at my day job which is good, it makes the day go by faster, but I'm suffering from a bit of spring fever. I want to go away and travel for a bit. Sit on a beach somewhere, drink copious amounts of margaritas with a healthy dose of tequila in it and find a good book that's either a fast, fun read or that's elegant with language. I think that's why I let my friend talk me into another holiday in Italy again this year.  I thought for sure I was going to save a little cash and try to book a trip to Paris instead. There is always next year. Someone used this expression "champagne problems".  She was referring to work, I am referring to: "Poor me. I'm going to Italy again to one of my favorite spots.  Boohoo." Haha. That just made me laugh. I love Sorrento, it's a sleepy little town by the water, where I can unplug from my life, where I can read or write for long stretches of time, where the slow pace of town seeps into my bone marrow. Truly lovely. It's not going to happen until the Fall but at least I can daydream a little about it.

I think I'm using up most of my vacation time with that trip. Eesh. Americans! It will be another two years before I earn another 5 more days of vacation. Bah! Can we say it again? "champagne problems." I'm grateful for the steady work, the ability to pay my bills, food and shelter...what more does a girl need in this new paradigm.

I was reading an article in the New York Times Magazine about the singer Lorde: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/04/12/magazine/the-return-of-lorde.html

I really like her music because I really like her lyrics. Yes, I am that person who actually listens to the words in a song. She's definitely a poet at heart and I find her view of the world interesting and compelling. I've attached the audio of Liability:



Because of Lorde, I've been on the hunt for new music. Something low and soulful. Songs that break me open. I've hit up my favorite artists first to see what new music they've put out into the world recently. I'm a little tired of the overproduced/synthesized sounds/songs that are on the charts that have no soul, no heart. *shrug* I've had Nina Simone and Gary Clark Jr. on heavy rotation.  Check out Gary Clark Jr.'s Our Love:

Enjoy! Let the music wash over you.
Peace-
L~


All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2017 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

Avicci-Feeling Good (featuring Audra Mae)

I just heard this Avicii version of Feeling Good sung by Audra Mae.  As some of you may know, I am a die-hard Nina Simone fan and I've heard other renditions of this song and thought "nope, no way".  But this version with this singer gave me chills.  Take a listen and tell me if I'm lying.  Enjoy and have a feel good day.  Ha!  L~



All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2016 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

Rihanna - Love on the Brain

who can resist a little love on the brain? love a good wailing song....enjoy! L~

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2017 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

Lauryn Hill - Killing Me Softly

I'm about to kick it old school right here, right now.  Stand back, my Brooklyn is coming out...this song has been floating around me for the past couple of days.  I've been humming it everywhere I go. As much as I love Roberta Flack's version...Lauryn Hill's version shreds me up, tears me to pieces and makes my soul sing.  Anyway, enjoy a live performance by Lauryn Hill back in 1999. Peace~

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2017 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

11:30 am

I've taken some time off from my day job so I can focus on my writing. It's only a couple of days but I've escaped from the city and I'm hanging out upstate with my friend Tony. It's been a quiet retreat where I can take deep breaths, spend time writing, and eat lots of yummy healthy food. Well potato chips being the exception to the rule.

I watched the movie Arrival last night. What a fantastic movie!! It was one I wanted to watch earlier in the year but I didn't get a chance to see it. It's a smart, nuanced movie that might be too much for those who are expecting a shoot-at-the-aliens type of movie. Excellent, so glad I watched it with friends.

Also had a little kitty therapy surrounded by several cats who wanted attention from this friendly guest. Plus watching over Tony's two dogs...they crack me up, they are so freakin' cute.  Anyway, surrounded by so many animals has helped.  

I've also been adding to my novel 800-1,500 words at each stretch.  My first night here, I accompanied Tony to his mediation group and hung out in a waiting area writing while he counseled someone. The plan was to write for an hour and then join the meditation group. I don't know where the time went but I looked up and 2.5 hours had gone by in a flash. I had 1,500 words of fresh material to add to the novel. * happy sigh *

That's where I'm at. It's Sunday, I've spent my morning writing.  It's been a tough go today but I sat at my desk and just showed up. That's half the battle really.  I wrote up 747 new words but I don't really like it very much.  May have to go back and trash that section.  It's fine. It's just words. Tonight we are going over to play some board games with a group of friends...and if that doesn't happen then maybe watch a couple of episodes of WestWorld.  Just got into this show this weekend.

All for now.
L~

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2017 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

4:43 am

I am up very early...4:43 am to be exact. Had a hell of a migraine yesterday.  I'm feeling right as rain now more or less after knocking myself out with meds.  Usually I feel like a zombie, hollowed-out and unable to piece together a coherent thought.  Not today, I cranked up my laptop and started listening to some of my favorite artists: Jack White, James Bay, Ben Howard.  They are keeping me company while I write this entry out.

I went to my writing group yesterday. Didn't present work but was inspired by one of my fellow writers. Her mystery novel is coming along. She presented one chapter but it was spot on.  hoorah. we like to see that.  I need a hot shower, a strong cup of black tea and some quiet time to work on my novel. Yes, my novel is calling...better go answer it.

7:56 am
I managed 1,876 words in the last three hours.  Didn't know I had it in me but apparently this story is writing itself. My muse  had a lot to say and I was just making sure I tried to get as much of it down as possible. Anyway, after two cups of tea, it's time for some breakfast and then a shower.  My growling stomach is refusing to wait for me to take a shower first.

Peace,
L~

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2017 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

Jack White - Love Interrupted

I know I've shared this video before but who can resist a Jack White song?  Not me, that's for sure. 

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2017 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

Ben Howard - I Forget Where We Were

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James Bay - Let It Go

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2017 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

Kaleo - Way Down We Go

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2017 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

6:29 - 7:48 pm - Sunday night

I had a productive weekend.  Managed to pack a few more boxes. Worked on the second half of a chapter. Read two chapters of Elizabeth Gilbert's Big Magic. My sister Vick gave me a copy and it's tickling my funny bone. Glad my sister insisted I read it.

I've been purging those bits and pieces that have accumulated in my apartment. Letting go of odds and ends.  Especially those things that haven't seen the light of day since I moved in a year and a half ago. There are a few canvas paintings that have been rolled up and stashed away that I'd like to have stretched and framed. Just need to find a place that will do it cheaply but nicely. Someone mentioned Michael's to me ...may have to check it out and see if that's possible

The next task is to go thru the paper files and throw away all the excess. As a writer, paper and books are the things that accumulate the fastest for me. It'll be good to let go of old projects that have had their day in the sun. It's time, it's time to let go and just shred the lot (more or less).

Even now I think about my friend Tony and how during one of his purges he threw out all his journals/artists journals. He regretted that move for years. I just need to slow down and try not to throw things out in an impulsive way. * deep breath *  My plan is to pack 2 or 3 boxes every night to get it done. I was going to try to push through and break down another bookshelf but my energy is flagging and I have to be at work at 7 am tomorrow.  So instead, I thought a blog entry was in order while watching the Super Bowl...go Falcons!!

Last but certainly not least...Daily Show's Trevor Noah is making some serious commentary on Trump's nominations.  I just saw his take on Betsy DeVos Trump's pick for Secretary of Education:

I laughed, I couldn't help it but I was also really crying on the inside because this administration is going to take us all the way back to the Stone Age.  I am so glad there are a few smart souls who can ask the tough questions,  Elizabeth Warren at the DeVos Senate Hearing:

I'm scared to see what Trump is going to do next but it's also making me very aware that I need to dig in and do my creative work. No more excuses.

With love,
L~

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2017 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

8:40 pm

It's strange how quickly the days go sometimes. They seem to be racing by. Time expanding and contracting. I spent the day writing. Working on Indigo. I have to submit an excerpt by next Saturday to my writing group. Gah! 5,000 words heading out tomorrow night. Just need to run through the two chapters and see if it makes sense. Tweak it and keep going.  See where this story takes me. Tomorrow I'll also need to spend some time packing. Goodness...wish me luck.

L~

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2017 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.

1:04 am - Sunday morning

It's 22 days into January and its been a difficult month. Tooth infection/tooth extraction, trying to find a new apartment, needing to move, packing, and its not over yet.  Still need to land an apt, still need sign a lease, still need to finish packing and round and round it goes and where it stops nobody knows. I tried out for a transfer at work and the idea was nixed by the higher ups. Okay, that one stung a bit and I took it personally.

They say the universe never gives you more than you can handle but gah it's definitely testing my limits. I've packed 14 boxes so far and 12 of them were for books and media. I've barely made a dent with the rest of the apartment. I thought writing this entry would help me unwind but I think its having the opposite effect.

Usually, my organizing brain handles the logistics of a move pretty well..the packing, the organizing, moving from task to task until things get done. A veritable workhorse. I seem to be doing things much slower these days. Things seem to be NOT falling into place like they usually do.  Perhaps I'm being impatient.

All for now...time for some sleep.
L~

All artwork, photos, and text © Copyright 2008-2017 Liliana Almendarez unless indicated otherwise. All Rights Reserved. Any downloading, copying or use of images on this website is strictly prohibited without express written consent by Liliana Almendarez.