| Site Owner: | nebulopathy |
| Site Name: | Nebulopathy |
| Site URL: | https://nebulopathy.blogspot.com/ |
| Articles Posted: | 468 |
| Bio: | I am a former veterinarian who has found that writing code leaves fewer scars than wrangling cats. This blog has pretty much anything that strikes me as funny. |
Day 29: Bad Magic Posted on Feb 29, 2024, 4:02 pm
It was supposed to be a glowing magic effect, but it turned into a free-for-all with the airbrush. But Thingadailies is now a wrap!
Day 28: Northern Lights Posted on Feb 28, 2024, 7:02 pm
Today's tutorial was on creating northern lights in a night sky.
Day 27: Everything is Better with Glitter Posted on Feb 27, 2024, 9:02 pm
Finishing up with the cat & dragon image. Everything deserves to sparkle!
Day 26: Needs More Dragon Posted on Feb 26, 2024, 11:02 pm
I was supposed to add a butterfly, but where's the fun in that? Clearly the image needed a dragon!
Day 25: Needs More Fur Posted on Feb 25, 2024, 6:02 pm
When in doubt, use the smudge tool to make the kitten fuzzier.
Day 24: Time for Something Lighter Posted on Feb 24, 2024, 5:02 pm
Kittens. It's always time for kittens!
Day 24: Let's Finish This Posted on Feb 23, 2024, 3:02 pm
I got tired of working on an image that was all shadows, so I finished things up. I'm mostly happy with how it turned out. Tomorrow, I'll pick another image to work on that isn't all shades of black.
Day 22: The Wall Posted on Feb 22, 2024, 7:02 pm
The gate now has a wall on either side. Things are moving along.
Day 21: The Gate Posted on Feb 21, 2024, 7:02 pm
Found a gate, made an arch, added some spooky fog. Things are progressing!
Day 20: Switching Gears Posted on Feb 20, 2024, 5:02 pm
I begin my attempt to replicate a crappy AI-generated book cover. This ought to be funny.
Day 19: Works for Me! Posted on Feb 19, 2024, 5:02 pm
I finished the tutorial and declared my image good. Now I have to figure out what to do for the rest of the month...
Day 18: Rock On! Posted on Feb 18, 2024, 4:02 pm
Added some rock steps and then lost my ability to follow directions.
Day 17: Birds! Posted on Feb 17, 2024, 9:02 pm
Just what it says on the label. Now there are birds.
Day 16: Tone Down the Man Posted on Feb 16, 2024, 6:02 pm
Today the man moved into the shadows. Tomorrow, birds!
Day 15: How to Turn a Man's Head Posted on Feb 15, 2024, 6:02 pm
And I mean that literally. Also, he was brought to face the buffalo. Very exciting stuff.
Day 14: He Needs a Bigger Staff Posted on Feb 14, 2024, 9:02 pm
More painful learning occurred today. Also, I almost refrained from making a bunch of jokes. But not quite.
Day 13: How to Get a Man Posted on Feb 13, 2024, 9:02 pm
Today, we get a man, isolate him, and then chop his arm off. Just in time for Valentine's Day!
Actually, the Bridge Goes Over There Posted on Feb 12, 2024, 10:02 pm
Today was an exercise in fixing things I did yesterday. And then fixing them again. But I'm getting faster at it.
Day 11: Burn the Bridge Posted on Feb 11, 2024, 7:02 pm
Today we added a bridge and handwaved it so it's close to the tutorial. Sure, part of a cliff is occupying the same space, but there's no perfectionism holding me back!
Day 10: Leaf it Alone Posted on Feb 10, 2024, 9:02 pm
We added leaves to the tree. Definitely a low effort on my part day.
Day 9: A Tree Appears Posted on Feb 9, 2024, 4:02 pm
Today we add a tree to the clifftop. More importantly, I have a foster cat!
Day 8: Sunlight and Shadows Posted on Feb 8, 2024, 5:02 pm
Changing the light on the rocks we added yesterday. Tomorrow, we add a tree!
Day 7: Add the Cliff Posted on Feb 7, 2024, 6:02 pm
Airbrushed a little fog in and then added a cliff. Things are looking good!
Day 6: Let There Be Light Posted on Feb 6, 2024, 5:02 pm
Today, we change the direction of light hitting the forest. How cool is that? Also, a little artistic talent would really help around now.
Day 5: Clearing the Fog Posted on Feb 5, 2024, 5:02 pm
Today we bring in a foggy forest. And I try to warp ivy so it sits on the buffalo's head. Standards are slipping.
Day 4: The Jungle Toupee Posted on Feb 4, 2024, 3:02 pm
Quote of the day: "Sure, that's fine."
Day 3: Grassing the Buffalo Posted on Feb 3, 2024, 5:02 pm
The buffalo now has a bunch of grass on its head. And I learned how to use the clone tool.
Day 2: The Buffalo Strikes Back! Posted on Feb 2, 2024, 5:02 pm
Honestly, I'm a bit surprised it took this long for things to go off the rails. But I think I have set myself up for day three.
Thingadailies Begins! Posted on Feb 1, 2024, 5:02 pm
This year, I'm following along on a Photoshop tutorial/speedrun. Come along on my journey as I pretend to know what I'm doing. It will be funny.
Bigger Idiots Than Me Posted on Jan 1, 2024, 9:01 pm
My pep talk for 2024. Plus a foster kitten / best dog picture!
Unrealistic Expectations Posted on Dec 31, 2023, 11:12 pm
Do I ever learn? Not really. Plus a picture of the best dog in the world!
Infrastructure Posted on Dec 30, 2023, 9:12 pm
Random pictures of infrastructure items. Plus a picture of my dog, who is the best dog.
Just One Coyote, But Up Close and Personal Posted on Dec 29, 2023, 11:12 pm
Sadly, no coyote picture — I was more worry about driving it away than getting a photo. But it was a nice healthy coyote! Plus a foster kitten picture!
Coyotes Posted on Dec 28, 2023, 8:12 pm
Another riverbed walk this morning. Plus a foster kitten picture!
Wandering the Neighborhood Posted on Dec 27, 2023, 9:12 pm
Some pictures from my temporary neighborhood. Plus a foster kitten picture!
Road Trip! Posted on Dec 27, 2023, 12:12 am
Lots of driving! Plus a foster kitten picture!
Worth It Posted on Dec 26, 2023, 12:12 am
Sure, group texts are irritating, but what if you can annoy other people more than they can annoy you? Plus a picture of foster kittens!
An Adult Lives Here Posted on Dec 24, 2023, 11:12 pm
The house is clean enough for the pet sitter to enter and I finished one whole day early! Plus a group shot of foster kittens!
Bring Back the Guillotine Posted on Dec 24, 2023, 1:12 am
In general, I am against the death penalty. But I'm willing to make an exception for billionaires and the executives of Wells Fargo. Plus a foster kitten picture!
The Chelsea Detective Posted on Dec 22, 2023, 9:12 pm
Have you watched The Chelsea Detective yet? I've really enjoyed it. Plus a foster kitten picture!
Did You Lock the Editor in the Closet? Posted on Dec 21, 2023, 10:12 pm
I get a little ranty about a mystery series I'm reading that should have been better. Plus a foster kitten picture!
Walking in the Dark Posted on Dec 20, 2023, 8:12 pm
The solstice is almost here, but in the meantime, it's just dark all the time. I have a product recommendation to keep you safe and a picture of the fluffiest jerk to ever grace my house.
What Could Possibly Go Wrong? Posted on Dec 19, 2023, 9:12 pm
My dog may need to travel with me for the holiday festivities. I'm not sure how that will go. Plus foster kittens picture!
Very Very Frightening Posted on Dec 18, 2023, 6:12 pm
The dog had a rough night. And it wasn't just him. Plus a foster kitten picture!
Broken Posted on Dec 17, 2023, 10:12 pm
Today's philosophical question: Deal with broken appliances like an adult or just live with them not quite working? I think we all know my answer here. Plus a foster kitten picture!
Release Day Posted on Dec 16, 2023, 10:12 pm
Oh, hey, I have a new book out today. And, as usual, I've done a *stellar* job on the marketing. With foster kitten picture!
Rendering Posted on Dec 15, 2023, 7:12 pm
Finalizing covers. Though with the ebooks, nothing is ever final, so that takes the pressure off. Plus a foster kitten picture!
Routine Posted on Dec 14, 2023, 10:12 pm
Some people can set up a routine and live by that. Not me. With a puppy picture today!
Judging Chai Posted on Dec 13, 2023, 8:12 pm
In which I try to manufacture controversy in my choice of hot drink. Plus a foster kitten picture!
Marketing 2023 Posted on Dec 12, 2023, 10:12 pm
The current state of my pathetic marketing attempts. Plus a foster kitten picture!
Steps Posted on Dec 11, 2023, 9:12 pm
My walking desk setup. Plus a foster kitten picture!
Famous Posted on Dec 11, 2023, 12:12 am
In which I sound like an idiot. Plus a foster kitten picture!
Bookstagram Posted on Dec 10, 2023, 12:12 am
I don't understand Instagram, but I'm going to make an effort to figure it out so I can get some better book recommendations. At least it isn't TikTok.
Arcadia Posted on Dec 9, 2023, 1:12 am
A few notes about an interesting novel structure in a book I listened to recently. Plus a foster kitten picture!
Chilling Posted on Dec 7, 2023, 8:12 pm
It's been a quiet day. But there's still a foster kitten picture!
Drama Posted on Dec 6, 2023, 8:12 pm
There is always drama at the shelter. Even today when they technically weren't even open when I got there. Plus a foster kitten picture!
Easy Posted on Dec 5, 2023, 9:12 pm
Reminder to self: there's really no reason to make things harder than they need to be. Plus a foster kitten picture!
Monster of the Week Posted on Dec 4, 2023, 9:12 pm
Sorry, not talking about novels this time. I'm talking about a style of television show. Plus a foster kitten picture!
Glitter Makes Everything Better Posted on Dec 3, 2023, 5:12 pm
Acrylic paint pouring, but with *glitter*! For people like me with short attention spans and no talent. Ooh, shiny! Also, a picture of a foster kitten.
Serials Posted on Dec 2, 2023, 8:12 pm
The guy with a carton of eggs, random musing about serialized fiction, and a friendly foster kitten.
It's Holidailies 2023 Time! Posted on Dec 1, 2023, 9:12 pm
It's my first annual "welcome to the blog" post. Plus foster kitten picture.
Webcomic: Day 28 Posted on Feb 28, 2023, 11:02 pm
THE END!
Webcomic: Day 27 Posted on Feb 27, 2023, 10:02 pm
One more day!
Webcomic: Day 26 Posted on Feb 26, 2023, 10:02 pm
Ian gets angry, and I celebrate the coming end to the month.
Webcomic: Day 25 Posted on Feb 25, 2023, 10:02 pm
Drama! (Only three more days of this silliness!)
Webcomic: Day 24 Posted on Feb 24, 2023, 10:02 pm
Today's webcomic includes one of the funniest/creepiest outtakes of the bunch.
Webcomic: Day 23 Posted on Feb 23, 2023, 10:02 pm
Aw, they're so concerned about each other. (Nobody point out that we haven't seen the stupid magic object in the last two days. I got tired of trying to make it look like Ian was holding it, and now I'm not sure where it is.)
Webcomic: Day 22 Posted on Feb 22, 2023, 11:02 pm
Okay, I just looked it up, and you DON'T get muzzle flash when a suppressor is used, so my whole comic today is completely unrealistic. I'll have to add more magic to fix that.
Webcomic: Day 21 Posted on Feb 21, 2023, 10:02 pm
Things are heading toward a conclusion!
Webcomic: Day 20 Posted on Feb 20, 2023, 11:02 pm
There's no sneaking out of the castle now!
Webcomic: Day 19 Posted on Feb 19, 2023, 10:02 pm
He got the cheesy magic cylinder out of the box!
Webcomic: Day 18 Posted on Feb 19, 2023, 12:02 am
A walk outside... and another attempt to kill Ian.
Webcomic: Day 17 Posted on Feb 17, 2023, 10:02 pm
A new scene that I made on my own (with pieces taken from other scenes, but still...)
Webcomic: Day 16 Posted on Feb 16, 2023, 10:02 pm
The high mage continues to do bad things. And I *almost* got the lighting right!
Webcomic: Day 15 Posted on Feb 15, 2023, 8:02 pm
Nope, today was not the day I figured out lighting. I probably *ought* to learn that in the next two weeks.
Webcomic: Day 14 Posted on Feb 15, 2023, 12:02 am
Hey, we're halfway through!
Webcomic: Day 13 Posted on Feb 14, 2023, 12:02 am
More things happen in dimly lit scenes. Poison!
Webcomic: Day 12 Posted on Feb 12, 2023, 10:02 pm
A new character is introduced! And he's wearing new clothes!
Webcomic: Day 11 Posted on Feb 11, 2023, 11:02 pm
New scene! New weird expressions! New lighting! Same terrible quality!
Webcomic: Day 10 Posted on Feb 10, 2023, 11:02 pm
More lighting mistakes. I don't know if I'm getting any better, but I'm certainly finding new ways to screw things up!
Webcomic: Day 9 Posted on Feb 9, 2023, 9:02 pm
They get to the workshop where the Chest of Andage awaits! Also, there are lights now.
Webcomic: Day 8 Posted on Feb 8, 2023, 10:02 pm
Magic! Not *quite* what I'd hoped for, but it will have to do.
Webcomic: Day 7 Posted on Feb 7, 2023, 11:02 pm
Ian says goodbye to his dog and worries he won't ever see her again. Also, I used a bunch of *very natural* poses to add the dance party in the outtakes section.
Webcomic: Day 6 Posted on Feb 6, 2023, 8:02 pm
Different scenery! Characters that move around a little more! Pants!
Webcomic: Day 5 Posted on Feb 6, 2023, 1:02 am
Honestly, this whole series has become worth it just for the horrifying outtakes.
Untitled Webcomic: Day 4 Posted on Feb 5, 2023, 12:02 am
The learning curve continues to be a near-vertical line, but I persevere.
Untitled Webcomic: Day 3 Posted on Feb 3, 2023, 10:02 pm
Still horrifyingly bad, but now there's a dog, so it's 100% improved. Also, I added a section with outtakes, so there's that.
Untitled Webcomic: Day 2 Posted on Feb 2, 2023, 9:02 pm
The images have gone from overexposed to underexposed, but there's a definite improvement. However, that might have taken it from hilariously bad to just bad.
Untitled Web Comic: Day 1 Posted on Feb 2, 2023, 1:02 am
This webcomic is all an exercise to force me to learn 3D modeling. I expected the early days to be terrible, and WOW, I did not disappoint! :)
Unlikeable Posted on Dec 30, 2022, 9:12 pm
The drive back home went a little better because I made a better audiobook choice...
Next Time... Posted on Dec 30, 2022, 1:12 am
Cooking a meal for seventeen people in a tiny kitchen is a challenge. Mostly because of the people wandering through to get ice out of the freezer.
Advice Posted on Dec 28, 2022, 6:12 pm
Holiday time is time for everyone to explain how the others should have done things during the year. It's funny in small doses.
Riddle Posted on Dec 27, 2022, 12:12 pm
There are always weird things about hotel rooms that make you wonder.
As Far as the Eye Can See Posted on Dec 26, 2022, 12:12 pm
I just got here yesterday and I'm itching to leave...
End of an Era Posted on Dec 26, 2022, 12:12 am
The last of my vet school bottle babies is gone. Guido will be missed.
Not a Place to Live Posted on Dec 24, 2022, 4:12 pm
I actually don't need to go back to my childhood home to remember why I don't want to live there. Southern California — where the car is king!
Being Social Posted on Dec 23, 2022, 9:12 pm
Stuff about Mastodon, a social media venue not owned by a petulant man-child.
The Last Write-in Posted on Dec 22, 2022, 8:12 pm
No more write-ins until January! Maybe I'll get one of those puffy vests to help keep me warm...
Another Three Minutes Posted on Dec 21, 2022, 4:12 pm
Another task that I've been avoiding for many years has been checked off the list.
Schrödinger's Novel Posted on Dec 20, 2022, 11:12 pm
Once the first draft is done, you never know if the whole thing is great or a complete disaster until you read it over.
Garrigue Posted on Dec 19, 2022, 10:12 pm
I learned a new word today, and in looking it up fell into another rabbit hole.
It's Not My Fault Posted on Dec 18, 2022, 8:12 pm
Maybe there's a reason my baked goods are always a disaster (other than I'm terrible at following directions — that's still true).
Tabs Posted on Dec 17, 2022, 10:12 pm
I describe the most common workflow used by people around me, one that no productivity coach has claimed yet.
I'm a Pro at Crastinating Posted on Dec 16, 2022, 11:12 pm
My newsletter needs to go out tomorrow morning, so I finally sat down and put it together. Then I looked at how long it really took me. Ha!
Solitaire Posted on Dec 16, 2022, 2:12 am
My definition of what qualifies as "working" might not be standard. Plus, three of my books are currently FREE on Smashwords — if you're curious, links are in the post!
Pose Posted on Dec 14, 2022, 5:12 pm
Why is the 3D program so weird about women? Hm. Might as well ask why I have to resort to using the 3D program in the first place...
Art in Progress Posted on Dec 13, 2022, 3:12 pm
The sculpture is progressing...
Three Minutes Posted on Dec 12, 2022, 3:12 pm
For two years I've been ignoring the faucet handle that falls off if you look at it funny...
Patronage Posted on Dec 11, 2022, 3:12 pm
Blathering about Patreon and the short story I need to write. Plus a picture of a dog tired of posing for pictures.
Unlabeled Posted on Dec 10, 2022, 9:12 pm
A little mixup in the freezer...
It Was a Dark and Stormy Afternoon Posted on Dec 9, 2022, 5:12 pm
Just some random updates as I wait for the storm to roll through.
Habits Posted on Dec 8, 2022, 12:12 pm
I'm trying to develop good habits instead of playing whack-a-mole with the bad ones.
Organic Matter Posted on Dec 7, 2022, 6:12 pm
I took a walk through my town's cemetery this afternoon.
An Adult Lives Here, I swear Posted on Dec 6, 2022, 8:12 pm
I haven't really had anyone in the house for three years. Might be time to clean...
Look What You've Done! I'm Melting! Posted on Dec 5, 2022, 7:12 pm
I have a PhD in bathing cats at this point. Here are some tips. (Number one: Don't do it unless you really have to.)
Ready to Sculpt Posted on Dec 4, 2022, 4:12 pm
A new thing to have fun and fail at!
Lemontina Posted on Dec 3, 2022, 4:12 pm
The woeful little foster kitten we call Lemontina.
Empathy, My A** Posted on Dec 2, 2022, 6:12 pm
In which I make fun of myself and my personality traits. But also, there's a picture of a friendly neighborhood cat.
Welcome to December! Posted on Dec 1, 2022, 4:12 pm
About me, my pets, and my Holidailies plan. Spoiler: it's not so much "planning" as putting my foot on the gas and hoping I don't run into anything important.
Cover Art (Day 28) Posted on Feb 28, 2022, 5:02 pm
One last attempt to make this newsletter magnet cover!
Cover Art (Day 27) Posted on Feb 27, 2022, 6:02 pm
In which I see if adding typography can save me from my lack of photoshop skills...
Cover Art (Day 26) Posted on Feb 26, 2022, 6:02 pm
Made the image taller. And purple!
Cover Art (Day 25) Posted on Feb 25, 2022, 3:02 pm
Switching gears again to work on the cover for a different short story. Not sure this is going to work... There's a reason cover designers get paid good money!
Cover Art (Day 24) Posted on Feb 24, 2022, 3:02 pm
Typography changes to the story cover. I've decided it's close enough, which is another way of saying that this is hard work and I want to do something more fun. Look! A squirrel!
Cover Art (Day 23) Posted on Feb 23, 2022, 4:02 pm
First pass at typography for the reader magnet. I left lots of stuff to fix tomorrow.
Cover Art (Day 22) Posted on Feb 22, 2022, 5:02 pm
Switched to making a cover for a newsletter magnet that takes place between books 1&2 of a different series. Do I have the skill to pull this off? (Uh, probably not, but it will be better than what I currently have.)
Cover Art (Day 21) Posted on Feb 21, 2022, 7:02 pm
I edited the sales copy from yesterday. Perfect? No. Better? I think so.
Cover Art (Day 20) Posted on Feb 20, 2022, 9:02 pm
I'm cheating and working on the sales copy for a different book tonight. But the sales copy has to go on the back cover, so is it really cheating?
Cover Art (Day 19) Posted on Feb 20, 2022, 2:02 am
In which I try to pretend I can tell the difference between gold and yellow. But hey, now that I can emboss, there's no stopping me!
Cover Art (Day 18) Posted on Feb 18, 2022, 3:02 pm
I found bevel and emboss!
Cover Art (Day 17) Posted on Feb 17, 2022, 8:02 pm
Switched the text from white to gold and... Maybe? Somehow I need to come up with 11 more improvements to the cover.
Cover Art (Day 16) Posted on Feb 16, 2022, 6:02 pm
I made a bunch of terrible font changes. Definitely not things I'm planning to keep, but I may go in this direction again.
Cover Art (Day 15) Posted on Feb 15, 2022, 9:02 pm
Today I ran my ship aground at the RGB vs CMYK color space shoals.
Cover Art (Day 14) Posted on Feb 15, 2022, 2:02 am
Switched gears to put some finishing touches on a different book cover...
Cover Art (Day 13) Posted on Feb 13, 2022, 5:02 pm
The paperback spread!
Cover Art (Day 12) Posted on Feb 12, 2022, 4:02 pm
But how does it look in black & white?
Cover Art (Day 11) Posted on Feb 11, 2022, 5:02 pm
Minor font tweaking. I think I'm ready to focus on the spine and back cover now.
Cover Art (Day 10) Posted on Feb 11, 2022, 12:02 am
Had to go back and rework the image a little, plus I made another font change. Eighteen more tweaks until the month is over!
Cover Art (Day 9) Posted on Feb 9, 2022, 9:02 pm
Typography makes everything better! (Unless it doesn't...)
Cover Art (Day 8) Posted on Feb 8, 2022, 11:02 pm
It's the old "two steps forward, one step back" thing. Or in this case, one WTF and one "let's just change the background color again".
Cover Art (Day 7) Posted on Feb 7, 2022, 9:02 pm
More fun messing with backgrounds. Is it getting closer? Um... Maybe?
Cover Art (Day 6) Posted on Feb 6, 2022, 5:02 pm
I've moved forward to messing up the background. Yes, I can make it worse!
Cover Art (Day 5) Posted on Feb 5, 2022, 9:02 pm
I asked for help (WHAT?!) and found out how to get a raised image. I can feel the power! Nothing can stop me now!
Cover Art (Day 4) Posted on Feb 4, 2022, 8:02 pm
Messing about with the logo. I don't think this one works, but it was an interesting attempt.
Cover Art (Day 3) Posted on Feb 3, 2022, 9:02 pm
Trying to figure out how to add some things...
Cover Art (Day 2) Posted on Feb 2, 2022, 8:02 pm
Most just working out the size of the picture here plus some twaddle about what direction the eye should be drawn in.
Cover Art (Day 1) Posted on Feb 1, 2022, 6:02 pm
I talk about my Thingadailies theme and show what I'm starting with.
Merchandise Posted on Jan 1, 2022, 12:01 pm
Crassly commercial thoughts to start off the new year. But also a way to pull in new readers, so it's not all bad.
Tada! Posted on Dec 31, 2021, 8:12 pm
I'm a work in progress. What can I say?
Theme Posted on Dec 30, 2021, 5:12 pm
Hey, it's forty years late, but I think I finally figured out what they were trying to teach me!
Fuyu! Posted on Dec 29, 2021, 8:12 pm
You're never too old to learn important information about persimmons.
Casting Off Posted on Dec 29, 2021, 2:12 am
Story of the day from the family gathering.
Texting Posted on Dec 27, 2021, 7:12 pm
What would you think if you got a text of a nearby landmark (and nothing else) from an unknown number?
Routines Posted on Dec 26, 2021, 11:12 pm
How can something that was a fun part of the routine when it used to be weekly now be a chore when I go once a month?
Maybe Nobody Has Any Taste Posted on Dec 25, 2021, 8:12 pm
Results of a marketing test. Guess which image won!
The Cake is a Lie Posted on Dec 24, 2021, 7:12 pm
Just testing to see if I've magically grown up at 53. (Spoiler alert: No.)
Unaffiliated Posted on Dec 23, 2021, 10:12 pm
When your affiliate account gets shut down because you don't have enough qualifying purchases...
Shop Talk Posted on Dec 22, 2021, 5:12 pm
I had a book promotion yesterday. This is an explanation of how it worked and how it did. (Bottom line: maybe okay? I don't know yet.)
Missed Me! Posted on Dec 21, 2021, 3:12 pm
I did not adopt a dog yesterday. Sometimes it's a struggle.
Testing Posted on Dec 20, 2021, 5:12 pm
Oh yeah, I probably should have planned for this a little better...
The Scrawl Posted on Dec 19, 2021, 6:12 pm
A glimpse into the notebook where I scribble whatever needs to be written down at the moment.
All the Examples Must Be the Same Posted on Dec 18, 2021, 9:12 pm
What do you do when all the presentations at the writing conference reference the same two books and you think they're both boring?
Art Posted on Dec 17, 2021, 6:12 pm
How bad can I make ad images? Well, let me show you... But there's also a picture of Guido the cat with his new friend Jorts.
Drafted Posted on Dec 16, 2021, 5:12 pm
Finally got that rough draft out of the way. Now what?
Highs and Lows Posted on Dec 15, 2021, 4:12 pm
I'm going to finish the first draft of this stupid book soon.
It's Like Electing the Pope Posted on Dec 14, 2021, 7:12 pm
White smoke vs black smoke
Does the Date Count If It Was in the Freezer? Posted on Dec 13, 2021, 8:12 pm
First attempt at cooking with the new air fryer. So far, so good!
Middle Grade Falafel Posted on Dec 12, 2021, 10:12 pm
More adventures in ignoring the dates on food!
Electricity Posted on Dec 11, 2021, 11:12 pm
Musing about above-ground wires and wind.
Podcasts Posted on Dec 10, 2021, 9:12 pm
I'm always on the lookout for new things to listen to!
Let's Not Be Exclusive, Okay? Posted on Dec 9, 2021, 9:12 pm
More writing business stuff — why are all my books not in Kindle Unlimited? There's a great reason.
A Rose by the Same Name Gets a Lot of Google Alerts Posted on Dec 8, 2021, 10:12 pm
My name is more common than everyone expects. I blame my peasant farmer ancestors.
1000 Words Isn't Always Enough Posted on Dec 7, 2021, 10:12 pm
Some days I struggle to hit even the lowest bar of accessibility, but let he who can decipher these pictures cast the first stone.
Feral Rice Posted on Dec 6, 2021, 6:12 pm
When's the last time *you* checked the expiration dates of everything in your pantry?
Can I Get Any More Ridiculous? Posted on Dec 5, 2021, 9:12 pm
I have to write back cover copy for the silly space alien erotica novel. Am I having a sexistential crisis?
No Comma Posted on Dec 4, 2021, 10:12 pm
People spend money to buy books I've written. Luckily, nobody cares much about my comma usage. (Except some of my critique partners.)
Waiting Posted on Dec 3, 2021, 5:12 pm
A waiting room is just a remote office, right?
The Game of Peel Posted on Dec 2, 2021, 8:12 pm
A game of blood and potatoes...
It's Holidailies Time! Posted on Dec 1, 2021, 3:12 pm
A quick recap of my year plus a plan for Holidailies. Or maybe not so much a plan as a threat. It depends on how you take it. But there's a pet photo, so it's all good.
Space Kitten #28 Posted on Feb 28, 2021, 9:02 pm
The final space kitten!
Space Kitten #27 Posted on Feb 27, 2021, 6:02 pm
It's not just a kitten in space, it's an animated kitten in space. Ooh, aah.
Space Kitten #26 Posted on Feb 26, 2021, 9:02 pm
Kittens always have such grace and poise...
Space Kitten #25 Posted on Feb 25, 2021, 9:02 pm
I've hit the sweet spot where I can quickly commit whatever graphical crime I've dreamed up.
Space Kitten #24 Posted on Feb 24, 2021, 9:02 pm
One small kitten, three planets, and a supernova.
Space Kitten #23 Posted on Feb 23, 2021, 9:02 pm
Colors? I got your colors, right here!
Space Kittens #22 Posted on Feb 22, 2021, 9:02 pm
I think the highlight of this picture is that there are three, count 'em, three kittens in space.
Space Kitten #21 Posted on Feb 21, 2021, 8:02 pm
Another attempt to put a cat face on the moon. This was not any more successful. Still. It's a thing.
Space Kitten #20 Posted on Feb 20, 2021, 9:02 pm
It's the moon! It's a kitten! It's a work of art!
Space Kitten #19 Posted on Feb 19, 2021, 10:02 pm
Kitten & metal sheep. Because, that's why.
Space Kitten #18 Posted on Feb 18, 2021, 8:02 pm
I swear the kitten on the left looked more judgmental the more changes I made...
Space Kitten #17 Posted on Feb 17, 2021, 9:02 pm
My boss called today to ask if I was on drugs. This probably won't be the picture that convinces him otherwise.
Space Kitten #16 Posted on Feb 16, 2021, 9:02 pm
When kittens play dice with the universe...
Space Kitten #15 Posted on Feb 16, 2021, 12:02 am
Not a huge success. That happens sometimes.
Space Kitten #14 Posted on Feb 14, 2021, 8:02 pm
It's a kitten on a lava planet. Because why wouldn't it be?
Space Kitten #13 Posted on Feb 13, 2021, 6:02 pm
All I can say is that professional artists are in no danger of losing their jobs to me... It's a kitten in a flying saucer.
Space Kitten #12 Posted on Feb 12, 2021, 9:02 pm
The origin of the solar system.
Space Kitten #11 Posted on Feb 11, 2021, 8:02 pm
Whirling stars with a kitten on top.
Space Kitten #10 Posted on Feb 10, 2021, 9:02 pm
One kitten, three planets -- who will win?
Space Kitten #9 Posted on Feb 9, 2021, 10:02 pm
Two sparkling kittens and a different kind of planet in space!
Space Kitten #8 Posted on Feb 8, 2021, 9:02 pm
Another space kitten, or... y'know, something.
Space Kitten #7 Posted on Feb 7, 2021, 10:02 pm
Kittens can travel through portals, right?
Space Kitten #6 Posted on Feb 6, 2021, 11:02 pm
This is one of my favorites because I really do not have a refined artistic palate.
Space Kitten #5 Posted on Feb 5, 2021, 9:02 pm
Cats would absolutely play with planets if they could.
Space Kitten #4 Posted on Feb 4, 2021, 10:02 pm
Playing with the magic selection tool and making a mask of the black fur of a tuxedo cat. Carmen is the lovely kitten model today.
Space Kitten #3 Posted on Feb 3, 2021, 9:02 pm
Two kittens named after a sea chanty, and another named after crime. But as planets.
Space Kitten #2 Posted on Feb 2, 2021, 9:02 pm
In which I discover the lava setting...
Space Kitten #1 Posted on Feb 1, 2021, 10:02 pm
The first of the 2021 space kittens!
Meditation Posted on Jan 1, 2021, 5:01 pm
Thoughts on being a horrible gardener, and what I get out of it. Hope you all remain safe and healthy in this new year!
File This in the Category of Huh? Posted on Dec 31, 2020, 8:12 pm
In which I try to understand why my novella has one rank in the "Cozy Animal Mystery" category and a very different rank in "Cozy Animal Mysteries". (It's actually not that complicated, just a little weird.) Plus obligatory dog picture!
Goals Posted on Dec 30, 2020, 6:12 pm
My goals for the upcoming year, written down purely so I can look back at them and laugh. Plus a gratuitous dog picture.
Drama Posted on Dec 29, 2020, 10:12 pm
Stuff about Facebook groups, and a picture of one of my birds since birds really are the originally drama queens.
Hammered Posted on Dec 28, 2020, 9:12 pm
Surely if it's good enough for that old white dude they made me read in school (Hemingway? I realize that description doesn't narrow it down *at all* since I was in high school in the 1980s and we only read old dead white dudes which is why this country is the way it is today), it must be fine if I write while drinking, too! But at least there are cat and dog pictures!
Podcasting Posted on Dec 27, 2020, 5:12 pm
No, I'm not doing a podcast. But learning about *how* to podcast seems like a good way to procrastinate.
Winter Walk Posted on Dec 26, 2020, 7:12 pm
Photography tip: for that extra pop of color, always have poop bags tied to your dog leashes.
I Am My Own Co-author Posted on Dec 25, 2020, 2:12 pm
Amazon is so excited about my new novella that it has decided to make me my own co-author. (Or possibly there's just a glitch.) Plus the daily gratuitous dog picture!
Stollen Day Posted on Dec 24, 2020, 9:12 pm
I spent the day messing about while uploading the cozy mystery novella to all the places it needed to go, and then I made a loaf of stollen.
Bad Blurbitude Posted on Dec 23, 2020, 8:12 pm
The cozy mystery is all ready to go EXCEPT I need to write a blurb that will make people want to read it. I love this novella, so that should be easy, right? Ha ha ha! <sob>...
Mind Your Fingers Posted on Dec 22, 2020, 9:12 pm
An outtake from yesterday's dog photo shoot. And I try to convince my boss that he should throw out the retractable leash he just bought.
Holiday Decorations Posted on Dec 21, 2020, 8:12 pm
Time for the traditional holiday decorations, but which I mean trying to get the elf hat to stay on top of the dogs' heads long enough to get a photo.
Is it Bigfoot or Gin and Tonic? Posted on Dec 20, 2020, 10:12 pm
Scraping the bottom of the barrel for things to talk about here, but there's a grainy low-light photo that might be proof that the semi-ferals that live in my house do exist! Or possibly it's Nessy and Bigfoot hanging out on a cat tree. You decide!
Splat Posted on Dec 19, 2020, 3:12 pm
Went for a run this morning, for the first time in a long time. You can imagine how well it went.
For Whom The Prompt Trolls Posted on Dec 18, 2020, 10:12 pm
The random prompt generator was just being mean to me. But there's also a picture of one of my birds.
Cross Talk Posted on Dec 17, 2020, 8:12 pm
In which I justify my purchase of three book covers in a genre I hadn't really been prioritizing, and in which I only needed one cover. It's all okay though!
Technical Debt Posted on Dec 16, 2020, 9:12 pm
One of my favorite things is to delete old data. No dog pictures, but there is a gratuitous cat picture!
Too Annoying Posted on Dec 15, 2020, 9:12 pm
More about author newsletters, which I feel I'm too annoying to send out with any regularity. But there's a picture of the dogs from sunnier times, so that makes up for part of it, right?
A Story About Snow Posted on Dec 14, 2020, 9:12 pm
The prompt said to write about snow, so I did just the opposite.
Unhappy Dogs Posted on Dec 13, 2020, 7:12 pm
Not only is it raining today, there was no popcorn at 3:30. Obviously this is all my fault. Just ask the dogs.
Popcorn Drop Posted on Dec 12, 2020, 7:12 pm
I made popcorn two afternoons in one week, and the dogs took that as a sign that every afternoon at 3:30PM they need to remind me that it's time for popcorn. They're good like that.
Coping Strategies Posted on Dec 11, 2020, 9:12 pm
A random list of some things that have helped me cope this year. Plus silly dog pictures.
Newsletters Posted on Dec 10, 2020, 9:12 pm
More do-as-I-say-not-as-I-do info about independent publishing, this time regarding newsletters.
Special Diet Posted on Dec 9, 2020, 10:12 pm
Ripley's much-needed special diet necessitated an extra trip to the veterinary hospital where everyone is triply overworked and now heading into the traditionally terrible December. Be kind to your vet staff!
And if someone could convince Ripley that plastic is not included in the special diet, that would be great...
The Ad Divide Posted on Dec 8, 2020, 10:12 pm
In which I laugh at my results from Amazon ads for my book, and then try to explain how it's supposed to work.
Strong Like Bear Posted on Dec 7, 2020, 9:12 pm
"I don't want to be strong, like man who look pretty; I want to be strong, like bitch that fight bears in the forest."
Rest Day Posted on Dec 6, 2020, 8:12 pm
I think my motivation fell off the track somewhere, but at least I took the dogs for a walk in a nice place today.
Toasty Posted on Dec 5, 2020, 9:12 pm
If I have to spend all my time inside, I might as well be comfortable. Bonus picture of the little dog who doesn't look like her legs were assembled incorrectly.
Pros and Cons of Independent Publishing Posted on Dec 4, 2020, 9:12 pm
In which I go on and on about the good and bad parts of independent publishing. Mostly I wrote this one so I can look back at it in a few years and laugh about how naive I was then.
Oblivious Posted on Dec 3, 2020, 9:12 pm
I know I said I was going to have a hard time coming up with topics this year, but y'all didn't have to arrange gunfire in front of my house. Besides, I forgot to pay attention...
NaNoWriMo WrapUp Posted on Dec 2, 2020, 10:12 pm
Info on how National Novel Writing Month went for me, plus a bonus picture of the dog who looks like he may have been assembled incorrectly.
Holidailies Returns! Posted on Dec 1, 2020, 9:12 pm
It's the getting-to-know-you post. Plus pictures. Plus agility with the big dog is back on hold again...
New Year Posted on Jan 1, 2020, 9:01 pm
Working on a jigsaw puzzle is productive, right?
Puzzle Posted on Jan 1, 2020, 12:01 am
I'm attempting another puzzle. Let's hope this one has a lot less interference from the little people.
Home Posted on Dec 30, 2019, 10:12 pm
There really is no place like home. Also, driving 500 miles while eating cookies and fries is certainly one way to end the year.
Tools Posted on Dec 29, 2019, 11:12 pm
I still have all my fingers, but I should point out that I haven't plugged anything in yet.
Tripod Mod Posted on Dec 29, 2019, 12:12 am
Everyone in my family owns tripods meant for old-style cameras. Using them to hold a phone requires a bit of effort.
Pot Pie Day Posted on Dec 28, 2019, 2:12 am
How can I have such a hard time with pastry dough? I swear it gets worse every time I try.
Pizza and Tornados Posted on Dec 27, 2019, 1:12 am
Pizza night! Tornado warnings! Teasing K-Poo!
Internet By Carrier Pigeon Posted on Dec 26, 2019, 12:12 am
Santa did not bring fast internet to Orange County.
The Cleanest Day of the Year Posted on Dec 24, 2019, 10:12 pm
Prepping for the yearly holiday pilgrimage.
Bags of Holiday Cheer Posted on Dec 23, 2019, 9:12 pm
In which I bring my own brand of holiday cheer to the local business...
Don't Tread on Ripley Posted on Dec 22, 2019, 9:12 pm
Used the new treadmill! Almost milled the cat!
Solstice Posted on Dec 22, 2019, 12:12 am
I got almost nothing accomplished today, but it was the shortest day of the year so that makes sense, right?
The First Step of Meal Prep Posted on Dec 20, 2019, 10:12 pm
I hardly ever cook for other people, mostly because I have a difficult time restraining my forces of chaos in the kitchen. But I offered to cook dinner for the family when I'm visiting, and now I'm trying to figure out what to make.
Super Observant Posted on Dec 20, 2019, 1:12 am
Wearing matching shoes is apparently beneath me. Not "matching my outfit" matching, but "matching each other" matching. What can I say? It was dark and I wasn't awake.
Rain Non-Runner Posted on Dec 18, 2019, 10:12 pm
While walking along in desert sand, you suddenly look down and see a tortoise crawling toward you. You reach down and...wait, no, you're at home and that's a cat stalking toward you. You're definitely not a replicant.
Expectations Posted on Dec 17, 2019, 8:12 pm
I'm about to give up on a book, not because it's bad, but because it doesn't meet my expectations.
Time For Random Pictures Posted on Dec 16, 2019, 11:12 pm
The title pretty much covers it. Pictures don't get too much more random than this.
Dominosteine Posted on Dec 15, 2019, 10:12 pm
Mary Berry and Paul Hollywood would flee in terror at the result, but I made these darn cookies.
Wet Junk in the Trunk Posted on Dec 15, 2019, 12:12 am
I swear my life is just one whole series of "oops, probably shouldn't have done that" after another.
Mighty Persimmon Hunter Posted on Dec 13, 2019, 10:12 pm
The big dog doesn't really guard or alert (except to the presence of other dogs), but he would be prize-winning persimmon hunter if that was actually an occupation that generated prizes. And only if he was allowed to eat anything he found.
Rescheduled Posted on Dec 12, 2019, 11:12 pm
There's nothing like sitting around waiting for something to be delivered only to find out that the tracker says that you requested the delivery to be rescheduled for a week from now... Luckily there is a cute cat picture to make up for the rant.
The Last Half Mile Posted on Dec 11, 2019, 10:12 pm
The rain might be starting to get to me.
Running Between Raindrops Posted on Dec 10, 2019, 11:12 pm
Agility night -- what's a little rain?
Neighborhood Snobbery Posted on Dec 9, 2019, 10:12 pm
I nearly missed luminary night. And I'm not sure that was entirely a mistake.
Or I Could Take a Nap Instead Posted on Dec 8, 2019, 10:12 pm
I had a list of things to do today that wasn't all that ambitious. Oh well.
Yearly Exercise Binge Posted on Dec 8, 2019, 12:12 am
It's December, so it must be time to buy another piece of exercise equipment!
Poltergeists Posted on Dec 6, 2019, 11:12 pm
Either the house is haunted, or Bathtub Gin and Tonic are playing in the night.
Effing Scooter Posted on Dec 5, 2019, 11:12 pm
Scooter may be gone, but the things he peed on will last forever.
Revenge is a Dish Best Served with Cat Gifs Posted on Dec 4, 2019, 10:12 pm
In which I (gently!) torture my boss.
I Leave You Alone For Two Minutes... Posted on Dec 3, 2019, 10:12 pm
If I had a child CPS would have been called. Luckily, when your dog cuts himself while unattended in the yard, nobody calls the police.
Pumpkin and Peanut Butter Posted on Dec 2, 2019, 10:12 pm
Holiday baking, but for dogs because dogs are usually more deserving than people and I can't make treats for cats.
NaNoWriMo 2019, or I'm *How* Far Behind? Posted on Dec 1, 2019, 6:12 pm
National Novel Writing Month was going to be easy this year. I prepared! I had an outline! I had *character names*! And then life happened. But I did claw my way back, so at least there's that.
Supernova Posted on Feb 28, 2019, 9:02 pm
Is it gravel? Is it something in outer space? And is this a duplicate entry?
Leaf Imprint Posted on Feb 27, 2019, 10:02 pm
More fun with the wave tool and gradients. A stepping stone I made for last year's Thingadailies gets a little magical.
Moss Posted on Feb 26, 2019, 11:02 pm
A little bit of moss in an impressionist style.
Odd Bark Posted on Feb 25, 2019, 10:02 pm
Not the bark of a dog, but the bark of a tree. And then I got going with filters and color maps and now it's certainly something else.
Nature Flare Posted on Feb 24, 2019, 7:02 pm
Into every Thingadailies a little WTF must fall. Consider it as having fallen.
Cat Mosaic Posted on Feb 23, 2019, 10:02 pm
The new cat shelves (which will never be hung on the walls) with cats in place, with a mosaic filter on the image.
Weaving Pavement Posted on Feb 23, 2019, 12:02 am
Turning pavement into cloth. Not quite straw into gold, but fun nonetheless.
Clouds Posted on Feb 21, 2019, 9:02 pm
In three weeks I have managed to level up to the mid-nineties in my photo manipulations. The cats are floating on clouds. Really.
Cuddle Buddies Posted on Feb 20, 2019, 11:02 pm
I like this one. It looks even better when enlarged.
Leopard Posted on Feb 19, 2019, 9:02 pm
I definitely did change this leopard's spots.
Blue Lou Posted on Feb 18, 2019, 10:02 pm
I have my first request! Louise the cat in blue. Unless the request was for a different color. You get what you pay for.
Gradients and Masks Posted on Feb 17, 2019, 5:02 pm
The Tour of Bad Taste continues!
Big Dog Watercolor Posted on Feb 16, 2019, 2:02 pm
More fun with filters!
The Root of Cubism Posted on Feb 15, 2019, 10:02 pm
This is exciting -- the filters make up for lots of shortcomings!
Glass Tiles Posted on Feb 14, 2019, 8:02 pm
Just a simple glass tiles filter...
Laser Eyes Posted on Feb 13, 2019, 10:02 pm
Another image. I found the filter menu!
Magic Road Posted on Feb 12, 2019, 9:02 pm
It's not as Lisa Frank-esque as most of them have been, but I'm a bit pressed for time tonight. I fully expect weirdness to return tomorrow.
Big Foot Posted on Feb 11, 2019, 10:02 pm
It's a dog foot on drugs.
Pastels Posted on Feb 10, 2019, 8:02 pm
I was going to do something complicated, but (and this should surprise nobody) I gave up on that and did this.
Full of Stars Posted on Feb 9, 2019, 7:02 pm
Just a fun image of Ripley.
Warped Posted on Feb 8, 2019, 10:02 pm
Played with the warp tool on an image with Guido sleeping. It's definitely more subtle than some of the images I've made this month...
The Big Dog Pops Out Posted on Feb 7, 2019, 10:02 pm
My kingdom for a working mouse! But also, the big dog gets to pop out of the frame.
Rainbow Ripley Posted on Feb 6, 2019, 10:02 pm
I can't say I'm actually improving any of these images, but I sure am changing them!
Gradient Posted on Feb 5, 2019, 8:02 pm
Found the gradient tool, plus a bonus support exchange.
Texture Hodgepodge Posted on Feb 4, 2019, 9:02 pm
Playing with combining different pictures with textures. Not a huge success in itself, but it does suggest some possibilities... Also, the little dog's head is in there somewhere.
Changing Coats Posted on Feb 3, 2019, 1:02 pm
I made Guido-You-Bastard purple. I'm not sure why I would want to do that, but I've done it.
Desaturation Posted on Feb 2, 2019, 8:02 pm
Playing with photo editing software again. But pictures of the dogs!
Thingadailies #1 Posted on Feb 1, 2019, 10:02 pm
I'm going to play with photo editing software this month. It's about the process not the result. (So consider yourself warned...)
New Year Posted on Jan 1, 2019, 9:01 pm
Woohoo! We made it to the new year and the end of another Holidailies!
The Return Posted on Dec 31, 2018, 11:12 pm
I came back yesterday, but the return wasn't complete until today when the rest of Team Chaos arrived.
Home again, home again, jiggety-jog Posted on Dec 30, 2018, 11:12 pm
Back in my own home, yay!
The Royal Mycological Society of the Great County of Orange Posted on Dec 30, 2018, 12:12 am
Turns out a mycological society is not a bunch of Victorian steampunk cosplayers -- less fun guys, more fungi.
Peggy and the Swingers Posted on Dec 29, 2018, 12:12 am
Because what better dinner conversation is there than describing that time you accidentally crashed a swingers' meetup?
Stollen Again Posted on Dec 28, 2018, 2:12 am
The stollen recipe that we used yesterday, with footnotes from my mother.
Stollen and More Posted on Dec 26, 2018, 11:12 pm
K-Poo and I made stollen. Also, I complain. (Yeah, that last sentence could describe the previous 25 entries as well.)
I Don't Love L.A. Posted on Dec 26, 2018, 12:12 am
Seriously though, at what point am I allowed to declare myself a shut-in and stop traveling anywhere at all?
Silent Night Posted on Dec 25, 2018, 12:12 am
How do people deal without the chaos of the full house pack?
The Key Posted on Dec 24, 2018, 12:12 am
I have to find one little thing before I go on vacation...
Solstice Posted on Dec 23, 2018, 2:12 am
Solstice celebration, plus photos of my animals being tortured with an origami crown.
I Dare You Posted on Dec 21, 2018, 10:12 pm
Then he dared me to do it.
I mean... he's my older brother. He dared me. I had to do it.
(I feel I should point out this story is from today.)
Paint Posted on Dec 20, 2018, 9:12 pm
His name is Effing Scooter. I think that pretty much says it all.
End of the Year Posted on Dec 20, 2018, 12:12 am
Will 2018 ever end? I have my doubts.
Do They Have The Shut-in Special? Posted on Dec 18, 2018, 9:12 pm
I'm just tired of driving. Which is a problem since I live in California.
Is Pork Vegetarian? How About Beef? Posted on Dec 18, 2018, 12:12 am
Usually when we go out for phở I order the closest thing to vegetarian that they have, ask them to leave out the meat, and then pretend that there are just some really strangely textured mushrooms in the broth (which is totally vegetable based at least as far as I know!). Yeah, if I was vegetarian for religious reasons I'd definitely be going to that religion's version of the Bad Place.
This Again? Posted on Dec 16, 2018, 9:12 pm
The big dog and I have started running again. One of us is really out of shape.
I Can Only Solve Crimes In Britain Posted on Dec 16, 2018, 12:12 am
Nothing says the holiday season like a rant about what's wrong with American television, am I right?
How Does Anything Ever Get Done Here? Posted on Dec 14, 2018, 11:12 pm
Sitting on the couch to get some work done on my laptop seemed like such a simple idea. In practice, not so much...
Mad at the Meringues Posted on Dec 14, 2018, 1:12 am
The test batch of springerles was not a complete disaster, and getting a bunch of writers together and adding sugar gets you many silly puns and other plays on words.
Can I Just Walk Everywhere From Now On? Posted on Dec 12, 2018, 10:12 pm
In which I am not enjoying the rental behemoth.
Mush Is A Four Letter Word Posted on Dec 11, 2018, 9:12 pm
I'm ready to hibernate through the winter. Unfortunately we have agility this evening...
At Least I Have a Good Dental Plan Posted on Dec 10, 2018, 11:12 pm
In which I prepare to face my nemesis.
The Feathered Four Posted on Dec 9, 2018, 3:12 pm
The big dog and I went for a run. We saw turkeys! It was fab.
Random Pet Post Posted on Dec 8, 2018, 9:12 pm
If you really don't like posts about cats and dogs, this is the one to miss!
The Big Dog Weight Loss Plan Posted on Dec 7, 2018, 10:12 pm
It got cold and the big dog dropped three pounds. I did not. I'm going to try his method, though I draw the line at standing on the couch and barking at people walking by
Speaking of My Boss Posted on Dec 6, 2018, 10:12 pm
I get along well with my boss, which is good because otherwise we would drive each other crazy. Here are some of the ways I torture him.
He Ain't Heavy Posted on Dec 6, 2018, 12:12 am
In which I marvel at the fact that I haven't been fired, and also complain about my brother leaving the company.
Books You Need In Your Life Posted on Dec 5, 2018, 12:12 am
Some books I've read and loved this year. Plus a picture of the big dog because we all need more animal pictures in our lives.
The Most Monday of Mondays Posted on Dec 3, 2018, 10:12 pm
At least there's a cat picture.
Lighting Posted on Dec 3, 2018, 12:12 am
In which I start another art project and justify the money my parents spent to send me to college to be an engineer.
Downtown Dogs Posted on Dec 1, 2018, 10:12 pm
In which Theresa drops the little dog off for her annual bath, wanders around downtown, takes some pictures of the big dog, and generally has a lazy day.
TGIO Posted on Feb 28, 2018, 11:02 pm
Next year will definitely be an inside activity...
On Fire! Posted on Feb 25, 2018, 10:02 pm
Seriously, I should be getting endorsements and stuff at this point!)\
Maybe They Won't Look Better In The Daylight After All Posted on Feb 24, 2018, 9:02 pm
Perhaps they would look better if I added a soundtrack instead?
Artisan Posted on Feb 23, 2018, 12:02 am
Or else there is an army of three-year-olds pushing tiles into wet concrete somewhere. (Also possible.)
No Pineapple, No Cake Posted on Feb 21, 2018, 12:02 am
I think we may have reached the nadir, mostly because I'm not sure if it's possible to sink any lower. Only time will tell...
Simplicity Posted on Feb 19, 2018, 11:02 pm
It's basic. Um, I mean even _more_ basic than most of the others. Mondays are like that sometimes.
The Everything Bagel Posted on Feb 18, 2018, 8:02 pm
Just throw everything together, mix, and voila! A blog post!
RAWR-schach Posted on Feb 15, 2018, 11:02 pm
Trust me, this one doesn't even make sense to me. And that's saying something.
Technicolor Vomit Crumbles Of Death Posted on Feb 15, 2018, 12:02 am
Is it a death metal band or my latest project? Maybe it's both!
Poetry! Posted on Feb 14, 2018, 12:02 am
It's Fat Tuesday. I ate a Klondike Bar and made another stepping stone.
No Jazz Hands Today Posted on Feb 13, 2018, 12:02 am
Hey, not everything can be a winner. (Or, as K-Poo once famously said "It can't be all jazz hands all the time!")
Subproject Posted on Feb 12, 2018, 12:02 am
And this is all totally not because it's so much easier to mix a very small amount of concrete!
Recap Posted on Feb 10, 2018, 7:02 pm
Things I've learned so far. Mostly it's a list of mistakes that I've made. Still, some of them are sort of interesting.
Nekkid Posted on Feb 7, 2018, 11:02 pm
Have I mentioned how much I love my neighbors?
Whimsy Posted on Feb 7, 2018, 12:02 am
Practical, no, but it's got whimsy up the wahoo...
You Can Do It! Posted on Feb 5, 2018, 9:02 pm
And I quote: "Ladies, don't wait for him, you can do it!"
Guide To The Garden Posted on Feb 4, 2018, 9:02 pm
Today's stepping stone is all about truth in advertising, which is another way to say that my yard is pretty much a disaster and I'm about to reclassify the weeds as "desired" plants.
Concrete Is Supposed To Harden, Right? Posted on Feb 3, 2018, 8:02 pm
As the proud owner of many "Most Improved" awards, I'm a firm believer in failing early and often!
Probably Belongs In Quarantine Posted on Feb 2, 2018, 9:02 pm
Today I experimented with coloring the concrete and ended up with something that... let's just hope it looks better when it's finished curing
Step On It! Posted on Feb 1, 2018, 10:02 pm
I'm making a path across my lawn, one hideous stepping stone at a time. It's going to be awesome! (Yeah, I have no idea what I'm doing.)
How to Drive Writers Crazy (In Three Easy Steps!) Posted on Dec 31, 2017, 10:12 pm
We made it to the end, Holidaily-ers! I am being tormented by a literary agent. Alas, not me personally, but still...
Back To Winter Posted on Dec 30, 2017, 11:12 pm
My brain is fried from driving all day so... you get what you pay for?
Never Play Scrabble Against Someone Who Has Memorized All The Two Letter Words Posted on Dec 29, 2017, 11:12 pm
I worked on losing today. I was successful. Is that a win or a loss? Also, the stollen recipe is here so I can find it later.
Resolutions Posted on Dec 29, 2017, 1:12 am
My plan for the year is to screw everything up. Sounds like a winner!
I Want A Recount Posted on Dec 28, 2017, 12:12 am
Clearly I need to learn how to fake a fall in order to gain standing in the sibling rivalry race!
Productive? Posted on Dec 27, 2017, 1:12 am
My brother is definitely ahead of me in the favorite child competition today...
Why I Hate Touch Screens (aka, What is that smell?) Posted on Dec 26, 2017, 1:12 am
Once again, I miss my poor little Civic...
The Five Stages of Housecleaning for the Petsitter Posted on Dec 24, 2017, 8:12 pm
4. Depression
Do you know how many places four cats can throw up hairballs in a year?
But Will It Be Brittle? Posted on Dec 23, 2017, 9:12 pm
Peanut Brittle (if I'm lucky) or possibly a sad soft mess. It occurs to me that I could make a bunch of lewd jokes here, but I'm just going to continue keeping it classy...
How... Interesting... Posted on Dec 22, 2017, 10:12 pm
Website design. It's a skill. I lack that skill. Of course I just realized that anyone who has looked at my blog probably already knows this. So... maybe read this one just for the picture of Scooter?
G.O.A.T. Posted on Dec 21, 2017, 11:12 pm
A superhero origin story. Or possibly a supervillain origin story. You decide. Also, a bonus picture of the superlemon that is taking over my tree.
Squirrel! Posted on Dec 20, 2017, 11:12 pm
Squirrels, both literal and metaphorical. The great mystery of why they suddenly appeared still remains.
There IS Room At The Inn Posted on Dec 19, 2017, 10:12 pm
I have a new kitchen faucet (and valves), the dogs have a home for the holidays, and I need to set up my author website. (I'm still working on saying that last part with a straight face...)
I Wasn't Kidding Posted on Dec 18, 2017, 11:12 pm
I'm just going to claim that all the little pieces of styrofoam are my attempt to decorate for the holiday. Also, it's a month with at least 28 days so we're reorganizing at work. Morale is so good that in the most recent round of layoffs someone had a sign in his cubicle that said "Pick Me! Pick Me!".
Like Herpes... Posted on Dec 18, 2017, 1:12 am
Styrofoam. It's the gift that keeps giving. Dammit.
It's a Nyet-i, Because They Really Don't Exist Posted on Dec 16, 2017, 11:12 pm
One of the gnomes gets his own hat and I fail right at the start of a home repair. But really, if you're going to fail, it's good to fail before you mess something up.
The Importance of Not Knowing Posted on Dec 15, 2017, 10:12 pm
Sometimes it's freeing to not know what's behind a big door. Also, these people do repairs like I do.
When The Sun Don't Shine... Posted on Dec 14, 2017, 11:12 pm
Purling is not my friend, but I took a picture of my birthday present!
The Great Communicator Posted on Dec 14, 2017, 12:12 am
It seemed like such a simple thing. And then six engineers and "collaborative tools" got involved...
How To Be Bad At Baking Posted on Dec 13, 2017, 12:12 am
In case you're a good baker and would like to learn how to fail at it, let me help you learn!
Sick Day Posted on Dec 11, 2017, 10:12 pm
What do you do after spending the rest of the day sleeping? Learn how to write a good query letter, of course!
Best Ever! Posted on Dec 10, 2017, 10:12 pm
I'm going to go out on a limb here and claim that these are the best knitted Yeti lawn ornament Christmas and Hanukkah hats around!
Don't Ask Posted on Dec 10, 2017, 1:12 am
This time I was sort of hoping we wouldn't have that conversation because "knitting hats for my Yeti lawn ornament" makes me sound kind of weird.
Distractions Posted on Dec 8, 2017, 11:12 pm
I might have run a little off the rails... but maybe I'll just start knitting hats for my lawn Yeti. It's probably better than drinking.
Forests of Christmas Past Posted on Dec 7, 2017, 10:12 pm
Who needs a perfect tree? Certainly not my family when I was growing up. Also, pictures of me annoying my animals with a hat. They are not really amused.
The Latest Conference I Didn't Attend Posted on Dec 6, 2017, 11:12 pm
I like to think of my career as if it were a crash test dummy. I just ran it into another wall.
Is It Time To Go Yet? How About Now? Now? Posted on Dec 6, 2017, 12:12 am
Tuesday is agility night. This is exciting if you are a dog in my house. Very exciting. Very annoyingly exciting. Argh, just leave me alone, it isn't time to go yet!
Maybe Just Stick To The 'Three Rights Make A Left' Rule Posted on Dec 4, 2017, 10:12 pm
I saw my future the other day. I might need a chauffeur.
The End of Civic-isation Posted on Dec 3, 2017, 10:12 pm
I had to get a new car this year. I should have just bought two back in 2002 so I'd have a spare.
Plod By Plod Posted on Dec 2, 2017, 7:12 pm
Deep philosophical thoughts about running and writing and how I define success in both. Also a lovely picture of the big dog so it's well worth clicking through just for that.
Digital Graffiti Posted on Dec 1, 2017, 10:12 pm
How better to vandalize the workplace than through words? I probably won't get fired, even if someone notices, right?
Death Walks A Dog: Chapter Twenty-Eight Posted on Mar 1, 2017, 12:03 pm
The End. Woohoo!
Death Walks A Dog: Chapter Twenty-Seven Posted on Feb 28, 2017, 12:02 am
At this point, this cozy is like a SpaceX rocket -- one way or another things are going to end tomorrow!
Death Walks A Dog: Chapter Twenty-Six Posted on Feb 27, 2017, 12:02 am
In which having a gun to her head really screws up their dinner plans...
Death Walks A Dog: Chapter Twenty-Five Posted on Feb 26, 2017, 1:02 am
And Lo!, on day twenty-five a wandering plot appears!
Death Walks A Dog: Chapter Twenty-Four Posted on Feb 25, 2017, 1:02 am
Preparations for a big night, plus a picture of butter. (My blog is the place to be!)
Death Walks A Dog: Chapter Twenty-Three Posted on Feb 24, 2017, 1:02 am
Tea and advice.
Death Walks A Dog: Chapter Twenty-Two Posted on Feb 23, 2017, 12:02 am
Chocolate, brooding, and swingers, oh my!
Death Walks A Dog: Chapter Twenty-One Posted on Feb 22, 2017, 1:02 am
Son of a gun!
Death Walks A Dog: Chapter Twenty Posted on Feb 21, 2017, 1:02 am
Headaches, comfort food, and declarations of love!
Death Walks A Dog: Chapter Nineteen Posted on Feb 20, 2017, 1:02 am
A memorial to remember.
Death Walks A Dog: Chapter Eighteen Posted on Feb 19, 2017, 1:02 am
Political aspirations, and another clue!
Death Walks A Dog: Chapter Seventeen Posted on Feb 18, 2017, 12:02 am
The reverend sticks by his story.
Death Walks A Dog: Chapter Sixteen Posted on Feb 17, 2017, 1:02 am
Somebody took the money and somebody ran...
Death Walks A Dog: Chapter Fifteen Posted on Feb 16, 2017, 1:02 am
A box that doesn't hold Christmas ornaments...
Death Walks A Dog: Chapter Fourteen Posted on Feb 15, 2017, 1:02 am
Pineapples. Just because.
Death Walks A Dog: Chapter Thirteen Posted on Feb 13, 2017, 11:02 pm
A break-in and a Chihuahua named Chewy.
Death Walks A Dog: Chapter Twelve Posted on Feb 13, 2017, 1:02 am
Remember Geraldo Rivera unlocking the mystery of Al Capone's vault? This is just as exciting!
Death Walks A Dog: Chapter Eleven Posted on Feb 12, 2017, 1:02 am
When you have lemons, make... blackmail?
Death Walks A Dog: Chapter Ten Posted on Feb 10, 2017, 11:02 pm
Maybe the reverend has something! And there are references to two different sports!
Death Walks A Dog: Chapter Nine Posted on Feb 10, 2017, 12:02 am
Pizza! And the truth comes out... just not about the victim.
Death Walks A Dog: Chapter Eight Posted on Feb 8, 2017, 11:02 pm
The dead woman had a son, and the chapters keep getting shorter. Those two facts aren't actually related. If you want to make your own changes to the plot, leave a comment!
Death Walks A Dog: Chapter Seven Posted on Feb 8, 2017, 12:02 am
What goes up must come down. Also, what goes in must come out...
Death Walks A Dog: Chapter Six Posted on Feb 6, 2017, 11:02 pm
Guess who's coming for dinner!
Death Walks A Dog: Chapter Five Posted on Feb 5, 2017, 9:02 pm
Secrets at the dog park...
Death Walks A Dog: Chapter Four Posted on Feb 5, 2017, 1:02 am
Why didn't the Reverend get out of bed, and just who was the dead woman anyhow?
Death Walks A Dog: Chapter Three Posted on Feb 4, 2017, 1:02 am
Whodunnit? Not the mayor!
Death Walks A Dog: Chapter Two Posted on Feb 3, 2017, 12:02 am
Down with the patriarchy! And oops, she just cleaned up a crime scene.
Death Walks A Dog: Chapter One Posted on Feb 2, 2017, 12:02 am
The first chapter of a cozy. Audience participation is encouraged!
Star Flower Posted on Feb 29, 2016, 11:02 pm
We've survived another month! Congratulations everyone!
The Test Mosaic Posted on Feb 28, 2016, 10:02 pm
I finally did it! And it... didn't completely suck?
Another Garden Thing Posted on Feb 27, 2016, 10:02 pm
Another raised bed in the garden. And let's all hope that the new plants are very very drought tolerant.
Starry Star Posted on Feb 27, 2016, 12:02 am
A star with instructions by Dr. Google plus a penitent cat and yet another remodeling anecdote.
Shiny Star Posted on Feb 25, 2016, 11:02 pm
A picture of the cat sans cat. A picture of the bathroom minus everything that one expects in a bathroom. And one star to rule them all.
Kirigami Star Posted on Feb 24, 2016, 10:02 pm
Really, I should just tear the paper apart with my teeth. My skill is worse than a left-handed kindergartener forced to use the regular scissors.
A Rainbow Star In A Dichromatic World Posted on Feb 24, 2016, 12:02 am
It's a rainbow star. Sort of. I swear this time it wasn't my fault that I didn't follow the directions. Really.
Crimson Star and Crispy Wires Posted on Feb 23, 2016, 1:02 am
Will I ever get to the mosaic? Maybe not. But in the meantime, here's a crimson star and yet another reason my internet has gone out.
Procrastination Posted on Feb 22, 2016, 1:02 am
Didn't quite get around to the mosaic today. Tomorrow is another day.
Mixing It Up Posted on Feb 21, 2016, 1:02 am
Half of one, half of another, nothing to write home about.
Is That The Sound Of Trumpets? Posted on Feb 20, 2016, 1:02 am
The dreaded sixteen point star! And it even has the correct number of points. You will be awed and amazed. Maybe.
Propeller Posted on Feb 18, 2016, 11:02 pm
Yet another star by the seat of my pants. Perhaps I should go back to the instruction book.
Clashing Star Posted on Feb 17, 2016, 12:02 am
Orange and purple -- do they go together? I think they didn't when I was younger, but times change.
Chaos Star Posted on Feb 15, 2016, 10:02 pm
I decided I don't follow instructions well, so I threw them out completely.
A Garden Thing Posted on Feb 13, 2016, 6:02 pm
I replanted a raised bed. And also made another attempt to take a decent picture of the little dog. One was more successful than the other.
Tulips Posted on Feb 13, 2016, 12:02 am
Not much to look at, but at least it was quick and easy!
The Ten... Uh, Make That Nine Point Star Posted on Feb 12, 2016, 1:02 am
My perfectionist nature has yet to emerge. Oh well.
Pinwheel! Posted on Feb 11, 2016, 12:02 am
Pinwheel origami star, plus bonus pictures of all four cats stealing the only available seating. And paste eating, lots of paste eating...
Two-Layer Star Posted on Feb 10, 2016, 1:02 am
Seven layer dip. No wait, just a two-layer star. Damn.
Red Rose Posted on Feb 9, 2016, 12:02 am
So easy a child could make it. Or a person drinking. I'll drink to that!
Stars Don't Fall So Much As Get Chewed Up Posted on Feb 8, 2016, 12:02 am
Another one bites the dust, but the new one makes up for it.
Disco Star Posted on Feb 7, 2016, 2:02 am
It doesn't glitter. But there's a bonus cat picture in a blatant attempt to pander to the taste of the Internet.
Such a Square Posted on Feb 6, 2016, 2:02 am
It's a star! It's a square! It's another example of why I shouldn't be allowed to touch a camera!
Even Stars Die Posted on Feb 5, 2016, 1:02 am
One star dies (and yes, this is why we can't have nice things), another is born. Also, I tracked down a music video image because I'm just that dedicated to bad jokes.
The Donut Star (Like the Death Star, Only Crumbier) Posted on Feb 4, 2016, 1:02 am
Today's origami star has a hole in the middle. Just like my head.
It's Full of Stars! Posted on Feb 3, 2016, 1:02 am
In which I make it through the second easy papercraft item. Also, a diet of chips and salsa and cookies is starting to get old.
The Ancient Art of Making Cat Toys Posted on Feb 2, 2016, 2:02 am
In which I make my first "origami suncatcher", which I don't think is really origami, and is currently not in the sun...
The Best Part About Leaving Posted on Dec 31, 2015, 10:12 pm
Home again. The cats are pleased (at least until they notice that the all-you-can-eat buffet has been shut down).
Textures Posted on Dec 31, 2015, 12:12 am
In which I marvel that so many patterns and textures can be combined...
The Things She Carried Posted on Dec 30, 2015, 12:12 am
I don't remember Jane Austen's heroines having one bag just for power cords when traveling, but maybe they were in one of the chests.
Survival Gear Posted on Dec 29, 2015, 1:12 am
Necessities during family gatherings...
It Wasn't Me Posted on Dec 28, 2015, 1:12 am
I know I've eaten a bunch of cookies, but I'm not the reason the first step going up to my room has cracked...
Look Up! Posted on Dec 27, 2015, 2:12 am
In which I try to figure out how many smoke alarms have been installed and removed in this room. If you're bored enough to read this one, let me know what you think they all are...
Challenges Posted on Dec 26, 2015, 1:12 am
As if blogging from the iPad isn't enough of a challenge...
Christmas Eve Cookies Posted on Dec 24, 2015, 11:12 pm
In which I send the dog away to the orphanage and make cookies that _taste_ okay...
If You Value Your Life... Stay Away From Midsomer Posted on Dec 24, 2015, 12:12 am
In which I fear that all television detectives would be fired for poor performance. Plus bonus cat pictures!
Someday I Shall Aim For Merely Pathetic! Posted on Dec 23, 2015, 12:12 am
In which I show some of the outtakes, which really are worse than the pictures I normally show. I know that's hard to believe, but it's true.
A Picture Perfect Evening Posted on Dec 22, 2015, 12:12 am
New and improved, now with fewer words. Plus a picture of the completely totally gosh it's got to be legit massage parlor at the end of my street.
Ansel Adams In Training Posted on Dec 21, 2015, 12:12 am
In which I resolve to get better at taking pictures and firmly establish the baseline.
Just Speak English, Dammit! Posted on Dec 20, 2015, 1:12 am
In which I learn something about Australia and cheese. And maybe flan.
Science! Posted on Dec 19, 2015, 12:12 am
In which I complain about the poor safety standards employed by scientists studying zombies.
Keeping the Pro in Procrastination Posted on Dec 18, 2015, 12:12 am
In which I remember everything that I was supposed to do today now that it is safely past the time that I could do them...
It's Alive! Posted on Dec 17, 2015, 12:12 am
In which I rejoice in the fact that exercising has not yet killed me.
Do Zombies Dream Of Cephalic Peeps? Posted on Dec 16, 2015, 12:12 am
In which I get sidetracked by the physiology of zombies.
You Can Just Take Your Jingle And Shove It! Posted on Dec 15, 2015, 12:12 am
In which I tilt at the holiday music windmill. The little dog will be playing the part of Sancho Panza when it hits the big screen.
Great Bags Of Fire! Posted on Dec 13, 2015, 11:12 pm
In which neighborhood luminary night almost got a whole lot more exciting...
Where Should I Put This? Posted on Dec 13, 2015, 1:12 am
In which my brain decides to map out pathways as one-way streets. But I can still remember all the lyrics to every song I listened to in the 80s!
Feeling A Little Tropical Posted on Dec 12, 2015, 1:12 am
In which I spend the morning wrangling cats in order to get some heat...
Day Had Dawned Cold And Gray... Posted on Dec 11, 2015, 12:12 am
In which the cats try to murder the dog, and I try to claim that I'm freezing to death just because I had to put on a sweatshirt.
Four Cat Night Posted on Dec 10, 2015, 12:12 am
In which I find out that the neighbors thought my failing furnace sound was an alien landing.
The Home Ownership Blues (and Purples!) Posted on Dec 8, 2015, 11:12 pm
In which I complain about home ownership and feel sorry for my designer who has to deal with my terrible taste in decorations. Also, my dog continues to be a jerk.
The Players In Agility Posted on Dec 8, 2015, 12:12 am
In which my little dog continues to be a jerk so it's good that I love her anyhow...
How Much Is That Puppy In The Yard Next Door? Posted on Dec 6, 2015, 9:12 pm
In which I kidnap the puppy from next door and play with him and then send him back all muddy.
Zombies, Wait For Me! Posted on Dec 5, 2015, 11:12 pm
In which I sit around. Plus bonus floofy cat picture!
Can I Plead Insanity? Posted on Dec 4, 2015, 11:12 pm
It's a grocery shopping trip gone horribly wrong because clearly I've gone insane.
Novel Poetry Posted on Dec 3, 2015, 9:12 pm
In which I give you terrible limericks about my 2015 NaNoWriMo novel. Hey, at least I'm not forcing you to read the whole thing!
Secret Cat Scrolls Posted on Dec 2, 2015, 3:12 pm
A partially-burned secret document taken from the cats showing the early morning bed evacuation plan...
Exercise Indulgences Posted on Dec 1, 2015, 12:12 am
Buying exercise equipment ought to magically make me in better shape, right? Right?