Stop Not Doing Stuff!

Hey people. That's what I'm yelling at myself today, but because of fun plans with a couple art pals, "real work" (actual welding) will start tomorrow I guess.

We creatives have a method when we feel depleted and tapped-out. We say we're "filling the well." It's kind of like doing math in your head, kind of like keeping the goose that lays the golden eggs alive. To the outside world you may look bogged down in inertia, but at times like this, your main job is to collect ideas and let your brain run it's self-check.

So yesterday here was pretty much the only outward sign of productivity-- new hangers. Take that laundry! Yes, it was a mighty blow I struck against disorganization and un-hung-up clothing the world over. ~wipes sweat from brow~

In my head though-- a whole bunch of amazing crap was going on. For one thing (stop smirking Katie) I guess I have a new obsession... You guys, I'm like, getting this, almost for sure. Dan's on board and everything.

Check out the original ad from the early 70's-- Sure it can't go over 50 mph, but it can carry 450 lbs I guess, and just LOOK at it you guys-- it's so cool! Plus-- it's almost like they jumped into some time machine and already knew about my unlikely gun incident last weekend. Not to mention-- her outfit looks amazingly like Tina's. Now I guess I'll have to get my own bad-ass jumpsuit to ride around town in. It's going to take a lot of practice to ride standing on the seat like this though, shooting off a gun... (Just kidding. About the gun.)

Here's the original ad copy:

"Remember her sister? The Trail 55? This kid is the Trail 90 and she packs 30% more oomph. Load her with 450 pounds. She’ll make out better over the rough terrain than anyone in the business. The big push comes from the OHV single cylinder 4 stroke engine. She’ll climb over 50% incline if you feel so inclined. And deliver 160 miles per gallon. The Trail 90 comes with an automatic clutch, extra hand brake and the only standard equipment spark arrestor approved by the USDA forest service. If you like the athletic type try the new Honda Trail 90. Price? $330 plus a modest set-up charge. Contact your local Honda dealer for more information. "

Check out the rad helmet I could get--

Or this "Speed Racery" one!

160 miles per gallon people. Just think of how many trips to Target and Cub I could get in on a tank of gas! So anyway-- that's fun.

I also looked at tons of metal sculptures on line (more filling the well). When I do this I'm not looking at stuff and going, "Yeah, I could make something like that." It's just that as I look new ideas kind of take shape, or threaten to-- unformed almost-ideas begin floating through the goo. It's kind of like your brain becomes a lava lamp.

Another exercise is being open. (This goes with Sue-point-oh too.) If I get an idea, play the "what if?" game all the way out. So when I had an idea of a side business running a concession stand, that led to a whole bunch of ruminating about menus, start-up costs, environmental impact, partnerships, investigating expenses, etc etc.

Let's just say I'm not running out and buying a booth anytime soon. But I do really like the idea of a micro business-- super lean, super simple. I could see having a little soup-of-the-day delivery route on my new motorcycle or something. "The souper- cycle?" Then again-- I'd rather just do art, and maybe start writing again eventually.

Also-- I know I haven't mentioned Penny much lately, but that's because it's been really wet. I unfortunately let myself get REALLY out of shape in the last month. I rode a few days ago and the trail totally kicked my BUTT! Somehow I've back slid a tiny bit. I'm better than I was last year, but-- not feeling very zippy or confident right now.

This doesn't mean I'm getting less interested in riding though. I think it's really important for me to keep doing it and learning, and challenging myself. This is super mental for me as well as physical. It is physically very demanding, but I work through a lot of fear to get to the fun, but when I get there, it's such a great feeling of accomplishment and, well, joy.

That's pretty big.