I'm always on the hunt for fantabulous creativity communities. Lately there are so many great finds, such as Freelance Switch and Startup Nation. Leo Babauta's blog, Zen Habits, is wonderful as well.

Add to the mix The Switchboards!

Courtesy of: http://3191.visualblogging.com/

Today's question is interesting: Am I too driven?

I was talking with a friend who complained about his/her job a lot. This person knows that he or she is stuck in a rut. In the past, I've tried to pick him/her up...offer suggestions and try to motivate him or her. Then after this discussion, I realized that this isn't the only friend I have who is like this.

Let me say that I love my friends and while I wonder if I need to be around more positive, driven people, I would never end friendships over this. But I do need to change my approach and stop saving, or trying to save, people.

It got me to thinking about how driven I am. I would never stay stuck in a rut. I make things happen. And it's true what my positive, driven friends say: Not all people are courageous enough to live like I do. So, am I too driven?

My answer is no. Overall, no.

While I do overextend myself sometimes, I have a lot of drive. And I'm proud of it. It's only very visible when I am around people who are unmotivated, have closed minds and stay stagnant.

This is quite a breakthrough for me. For months, years even, friends have said how motivated I am. And how extraordinary I am. I haven't seen it until just now...just today.

Music is a huge part of my productivity, and my life. It is what keeps me company, besides the cat, on a day like today when I don't really want to write but the job demands that I get to it.

So here's what I'm listening to:
Paolo Nutini--Last Request
Landon Pigg--Last Stop
Maroon 5--Won't Go Home Without You
Ivy--Ocean City Girl

(You can play the songs by clicking on the title!)


What are YOU listening to?

In the wise words of the logo guru Jeff Fisher, "Toot, Toot!"

That's right, a CSE contributor has published a book. Congrats to Jeff on this huge accomplishment!

To find out more about the book, visit Amazon!

I received such a kind note from the author of the book above, Lisa Clark. What a cool girl!

It got me to thinking how nice it is to hear feedback about the book. Not to massage my ego or anything, really. But to know if I'm making a difference or not, ya know? I mean, that was the whole goal of writing this book--to help people. I wonder if I am making a difference.

Have you read it? What do you think?

Also, if you've read the book, please offer a review at Amazon! I'd love to hear what you have to say!

Kelly Angard's Art

It's a hard post to write when you want to have a positive blog about creative self-employment. But I'd rather it be a truthful blog. So with that, I'll just say it: Sometimes clients suck.

I'm talking about those customers that drain you. That don't know how to choose their words and be polite. Even the ones that don't ask if you can take on a project, but rather tell you what has to be done and put unrealistic time frames on you. And yes, I'm talking about the ones who do all that, don't pay on time but still expect you to keep a happy face and deliver everything perfectly. It's a topic that begs discussion: How can you stay sane in the face of clients you'd rather not work with when you need their business?

So...any bites?

Penny Dullaghan

Penelope's image above was the perfect inspiration to write a post. Cool air from a much-needed rain come through the window. Brandi Carlile singing "These days we go to waste like wine/That's turned to turpentine." Cat in the window.

Things are returning to normal after a hectic move. And I'm happy. I can get back to work and focus.

I did an interview with Pat at Womens Radio today. (It will be up in about 2 weeks!) What an inspiring woman! She also uses Audio Acrobat, a great service to do podcasts that I am so loving and going to get when I finally get a podcast ready. One of these days.

One thing at a time. One day at a time.
It works.
It works to help me relax.

But seems all the overwhelming things can never get done when I think of how slow I have to pace myself to stay sane. But I must pace myself.

And I have to be OK with that.

Settling into a new house is never easy. It's exciting but it's also difficult.

Especially when you rely on the Internet for work and you don't have it. That's when you get to scenically tour the neighborhood in hopes for an unsecured wifi network.

Well, that's what I've been doing.

Other than that, home ownership is wonderful. I am also told I was in the Star Ledger of New Jersey, the state's largest paper. They did a write up on CSE, and I'm eager to get my hands on it.

Not much else going on. Lots to unpack and struggling very hard to still maintain a business despite uncomfortable circumstances like no internet, a messy office, a desk that's too high and ugly white walls. So much to do. So much to do. But I've got to pace myself, and that's always been a struggle for me.

More to come:)