Today I became the crazy woman who shovels snow in her pajamas and winter coat. The scary thing is I couldn't have cared less what anyone thought! Still, I hope my lifestyle doesn't turn too Grey Gardens.
Tonight I'm unabashedly indulging my superficial self by watching Coyote Ugly and surfing Match.com. Woo hoo! Years ago when I was producing MSN's Dating & Personals channel, I flew to Texas to meet with the bigwigs at Match.com. They were smart and eager to partner with Microsoft. In those days it was pretty heady showing up as Microsoft and it definitely was a blast to travel! I traveled a lot for Microsoft, worked with exciting and famous folks, had tremendous fun and burned out BIGTIME. My honeymoon was combined with a business trip to New York City to produce a live online music show with Luscious Jackson. Bryon and I went to the original Coyote Ugly Saloon which was actually a letdown (no dancers on the bar) except we heard the week before a famous male celebrity got into a fistfight there. We stayed in two swanky hotels: the Soho Grand and the Ritz-Carlton across from Central Park. In those years I stayed at the Soho Grand so often it became a second home. That hotel was featured in another movie (Made) I watched today. Lots of blasts from the past today, but y'know, good memories are really nice. Now I get to make new memories in this new phase of life!
These days not much is happening in my life and I am profoundly grateful. Occasionally I worry about my creative emptiness and lack of motivation, but mostly I accept where I am. I couldn't -- wouldn't -- force myself to be any other way. One reason I chose Spokane is because I can afford to live here comfortably without working my ass off. I couldn't -- wouldn't -- return to a demanding fast-paced lifestyle without sacrificing my health and sanity again. That's not an option. So hurray for rest, simple needs, quiet days and superficiality!
Your start to this post, "...the crazy woman who shovels snow in her pajamas and winter coat", reminded me of the lady in my neighborhood who was trying to clear the gutter in front of her sidewalk so that the melting snow would flow down instead of pooling. This was on Saturday, and it was about 1 pm. She was in pajamas and her robe.
The funny thing was, she glared at me as I drove by, as if I were some sort of peeping Tom for looking at her. I just grinned. After all, how seriously can you take someone in a bathrobe and pajamas when they are hacking away at ice in front of their house?
At least, Carla, you had sense enough to wear your winter coat! (grinning, again)
Posted by: Rick | Wednesday, January 09, 2008 at 12:36 AM
amen to a quiet life, carla! move at your soul's pace... xx
Posted by: claire | Wednesday, January 09, 2008 at 12:19 PM
I sure have missed coming by! I'm glad to be back. The last few months in 2007 were just crazy and exhausting leaving me little time to blog. I relate to that expression "creative emptiness". I just keep putting my creative intentions out there and hope that 2008 will bring some new opportunities. Happy New Year and have fun on that Match thing :)
Posted by: Jane | Wednesday, January 09, 2008 at 12:44 PM
You are so my inspiration! I am transitioning this year from my second career as a massage therapist, to a full time artist and writer, and simple living girl! Slower pace, less expenses from all the things that come with living in a big city, and alot of time to relax and live.
Thank you for living our loud as you do. Reading your journey has been wonderful motivation for me!
Blessings,
e
Posted by: Lunarmusings | Wednesday, January 09, 2008 at 07:57 PM
Why does it make you a crazy lady to shovel snow in PJs? No, I'm really asking, cuz' I do it all the time and it never occurred to me that it was out of the ordinary. We're not talkin' lace teddys or anything like that, are we?
Posted by: Deborah | Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 06:17 AM
I really relate to this post. I try to remind myself that as humbling as this life (now) can be, it's a helluva lot better than what came with the previous one...
Posted by: Marilyn | Thursday, January 10, 2008 at 08:09 PM
oh honey, i've been the crazy woman who shovels snow in her pajamas for years :) cheers for quiet days, rest, simple needs and superficiality ... and um yes my heart did skip a beat just a little over luscious jackson, tee hee ... have a fabulous weekend!!
Posted by: daisies | Friday, January 11, 2008 at 05:20 PM
Three cheers for SLOW. :) K
Posted by: Kikipotamus the Hobo | Sunday, January 13, 2008 at 08:14 AM