The DMV Declared me a Blonde

I needed to renew my license this month but with all the Jefferson County satellites closed, the thought of standing in line for more hours than the 2 hour limit on the parking meter did not appeal  to me.

Fortunately, there is an option – thank you Google.  Unlike car tags that have to be purchased in the county of residence, a driver’s license has no such county designation, so I went to Shelby County’s office in the Inverness Corners Shopping Center.  It’s on the corner of Hwy 280 and Valleydale Rd.   100_4064

My Mom and I arrived at 10:30 Monday morning and were both out by 11:00.  With only one smiling, polite and very efficient clerk, it was a piece of cake.  The line moved quickly and efficiently.

The lady at the desk asked me if everything was the same, then looked up and said “except your hair.  Think we need to change that to blonde?”

facebook perle 3  “Actually, I’m about 75 to 80 % white now, and I’ve been lightening it to blend with those shiny white roots.  I am so tired of dying it my natural jet black only to see roots in a week.”

Looking at me, she smiled, cocked her head and said, “looks blonde to me.” I nodded.   She typed it in, hit print, said sign here and it was official.  The Alabama DMV declared me a blonde.

A little work, a little play

I’m free of the work-a-day Dilbert Word for just over a month now.  I’d like to say I’ve gotten a whole lot done, but I can’t lie that large.  I’ve been playing alot. There’s so much to do in Birmingham in April, the art shows, Saturday market at PepperPlace, Sunday patio parties at Daniel Day Gallery, Magic City Art Connection and Corks n Chefs at Linn Park, etc.  May won’t be much better with the Crawfish Boil, Do Dah Days, more art openings, Sloss Brewfest and more…

However

  1. The e-book on Journaling, newly titled after checking Google Adwords, is in its final edits.  The ebook software to which I have free upgrades for life just got updated to be more msword friendly with spellcheck and has cover templates and more.  So the timing is perfect. Hoping to upload to Amazon July 15, 2013.
  2. Paintings number about 7 in various stages from wash to 3 layers.paintings in progress 1
  3. Freelance writing is slow.  Still no decision from Victoria Magazine, but the want it just don’t know what issue (pays on publication).  Meanwhile Mridu Khullar Relph, long-time freelance writer has thrown down the gauntlet to anyone that wants to join her in sending out at least 1 query per day for the 30 days of May.  I’ve taken the challenge – I need something to keep me accountable for my vision of a successful 2013.
More Later.

I’m ready to dust off a few dreams

dreams ride the wind through
windows I’ve thrown wide open
no pillow needed100_1484

I feel that time is running out and it’s now or never to dust off a few dreams and follow them.

So, I turned in my notice today.  I’m retiring from the day job come  March 30.

I only go in 4 days a week, but it’s a stressful 4 days for me now.  Maybe it’s age, but I think it’s more than that.  I feel caged in – It’s like spring fever, but for a whole year now.

Whatever the reason, it’s the job not my coworkers.  They’re good, sweet, ethical, hardworking folks.  It is I.  I have to move on for me and for no other reason.

My entitlement (and I am entitled to it) is more than enough to cover monthly bills. My income from all my sidelines will be gravy.

I’m working at various income streams. Beyond the e-books, the first of which will launch end of this month, there’s my painting and freelance work.

I used to sell my art regularly.  Having lost ev100_1490erything in the fire, though, I’ve had to buy supplies and start from scratch.  I’ve started on a series of colored pieces for now in various media.  I’ll need at least 3 or 4 to pitch to galleries and a least a dozen to hang a show.

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