A fellow creative is selling her beautiful handmade books online...check it out!
ButterflyGrace Creations

My kitchen---mid-reno (trust me, you don't want to see the before picture!)


I've been a little busy lately. I think the above picture explains it all. Doing a few work projects, but no more new ones until 2008. The break has been nice.

But a little...unnerving. It's hard for me not to work so hard. To realize there is more to life than work. So I've been working on my kitchen. Yes, it's work, but it's not work.

I hope that this year, over this holiday break, you take a little time out. Even if not to relax completely, I hope you take time to not work. Even if it's a little uncomfortable. Or a little unsettling.

Much like a kitchen with no faucet.
Cabinets with no doors.
Holes in walls with no covers.
A floor half ripped up.
Pipes missing.
Connections disconnected.
Walls untiled.

Renovate yourself a little--take a break. Even if things get a little messy!

This is the postcard I sent my clients this year. Super super simple. It maybe cost about 40 cents per card--if that.

It says "Somebody doesn't have to check her list twice:

Nice clients
Fun projects
Great pay

(And all of them are checked off!) Then there's a cute message wishing happy holidays to them!


Gotta give those kids a little somethin' ya know?
Hee hee.




How did you thank your clients this year?

Courtesy

Swiped this list below from Deb Ng at http://www.freelancewritinggigs.com. A huge congrats to her for getting on this prestigious list!

Here’s are the Top 10 Blogs for Writers for 2007/2008:

1. Copyblogger, by Brian Clark: Holding the number-one spot for the second year running, this site excels at teaching the art of writing.
2. Freelance Writing Jobs, by Deborah Ng: For writers eeking new work, this site is your sole destination and maintains a top spot in our contest from last year.
3. The Renegade Writer, by Linda Formichelli and Dianna Burell: Are you a freelance journalist looking for inspiration? Look no further.
4. Web Content Writer Tips, by James Chartrand and Harrison McLeod: With a focus on making more money as a writer, this blog is full of helpful how-to articles.
5. Web Writing Info, by Courtney Ramirez: This excellent blog looks at social networking and emerging web-based opportunities for writers.
6. The Golden Pencil, by Anne Wayman: Wayman, a second-year winner, examines how to go for the gold as a freelance writer.
7. Catalystblogger, by Jennifer Williamson: Williamson writes about the pains and trials writers face.
8. Freelance Parent, by Lorna Doone Brewer and Tamara Berry: Two moms provide excellent perspective on writing with a dash of parenting.
9. Write from Home, by Amy Derby: Derby provides fresh commentary and advice on writing.
10. Copywriter Underground, by Tom Chandler: This site, a second-year winner, provides regular doses of inspiration for copywriters.
    

One of the things I've been thinking about lately is whether or not what I do for a living matters. I realize copywriting isn't necessariily a helping career. I know that I could probably go volunteer to get that sense of worth out of helping someone. But my career is more of a life dream than just a job, so I want it to help people. I want it to mean something.

Sometimes as a freelancer, it's easy to get introspective. It may be because I have more time to think with the slowdown in my work from the holidays. Maybe it's me assessing where I want my business to go. I'm not sure. But I am feeling vulnerable today. Wondering if any of this makes a difference. I guess the useful blogger would give you tips on how to cope with this sort of thing. I'm just being real. I guess that's half the appeal of my CSE "movement." It's real. It's about emotion. (And boy I've got plenty of those!)

I think it's inevitable that creatives will feel this way sooner or later. Especially when you get your business more established, you kind of have a moment to think. I think "Wow, I made it happen. Now what?"

I'm working on the now what. I know that I want to discover more meaning in my career. And in my life overall. I guess that's what the end of the year is there for.

What does your career mean?

From Keri Smith



Everyone thinks it's just soooo easy---working from home, that is. That's why I am loving what this chick has to say about assessing if you should work at home.