While still slimy from crawling out of the river at birth,
I was branded. 
It seared my flesh and I am owned. 
Shackled and positioned like Atlas,   
Here I hold the heavy world.

© JODI ANDERSON. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.

(I apologize for updating the timestamp.  It was an accident.)

For years, I have been torn between two blogging styles ... everyday life stuff and photos/poetry.  I have tried to make them work together and, to some extent, I have succeeded.  After all, I generally include at least one photo when I blog.  The poetry, however, is a different story.  I feel weird including it alongside the mundane bits of my life and the dribble, like it doesn't belong.  (It doesn't, even if it IS intertwined, an actual part of my life.)   

So, I'm going to adjust the forthcoming content here a bit ... It will only include large size photos and poetry, similar to what I have done in the distant past.  (I will also post the EXACT SAME CONTENT at my other photo and poetry blog, Daybook.  (THIS is the feed for that site, if you'd like to add it to your RSS reader.)  I will be adding photo project updates, as well as poetry, to www.jodianderson.com.  Soon. 

As for the mundane stuff?  I was posting it simutaneously here and at my other soNOTcool blog, but now the everday stuff will ONLY be there.  I would REALLY like it if you followed me there, if you enjoy reading about my life or whatever; It would mean a lot to me.  (If you wish to subscribe with your RSS reader, THIS is the feed.  You can also sign up for an email subscription at the site.)

(On a related note, over the next few days (weeks?), I will be posting 20 of my favorite, previously-written poems at Daybook.  After that, I will focus on new work only.)

(Addendum:  I will continue to visit everyone's blogs, and I hope to post regularly.  I'll probably update my pulse as well.)

H.P. Lovecraft and August Derleth were friends who never met, and they were also literary contemporaries. 

X reads Lovecraft, who wrote of horrors from the abyss, while at Derleth Park, where Derleth himself trekked the banks and wrote of the river.  And, of horrors from the abyss. 

An aside:  August Derleth is often referred to as the person who wrote about the Wisconsin River more than any other writer in history ... a feat I have been determined to top.

It's true.  My thoughts on blogging change on a daily basis as well as the directions that I plan to go, or don't really plan ... as the case may be, AND, in addition, the topics that I want to address don't get addressed, but only put on a bulleted, mental list and then I don't remember where I was going with any of this.  Or, that. 

And, no, that isn't supposed to make any sense.  If you're confused, you're not alone. 

Another confusing thing?  Finding and driving my new car. 

Last month, I made the VERY PAINFUL decision to trade in the Saab (LOVE.) for something that the dog could actually ride in without me freaking out every time she gets in the back seat. 

So, good-bye Saab-9-3-fast-low-fast-road-hugging-fast-sweet-fast-loveofmylife-fast car.  

=

Hello, Subaru Outback.  

I'm sorry that I squeal your tires all the time, but I'm just not quite used to your mom-like sensibilities.  

Also, Subaru Outback, X is sorry that she can't remember what you look like and automatically gravitates toward the nearest, dark-colored Saab/BMW/Audi in the parking lot. 

Old habits die hard.  Or, not at all. 

=

Still throwing out old paperwork, filling boxes with things for charity, vacuuming dusty corners.  Actually, I'm not really onto that third item yet. 

I'll get there. 

This is a corner in my office/studio, which is a room that really doesn't get used like it once did, which would be before I received my own laptop.  I have both a bulletin board and an (empty) inspiration wire in there.  I bought a bunch of IKEA drawers and shelves earlier this year, like in the winter, and still haven't filled them up with any of my collections. 

I'm working towards that.   

(To see the photo with NOTES!, click HERE.)

Yesterday, I began the (two-day? three day?) process of clearing out garbage and packing up items for charity.  Needing to get out of the house for a bit, I wandered about the yard and looked at the hollyhocks.  I will soon be drying the seed pods (from the rain!) and packaging the seeds for next year and to send to those of you who requested some. 

I should have plenty if anyone wants to add their name to the list. 

Today, I'm working around the house, cleaning and redecorating.  The iPod dock is booming with the sounds of CocoRosie, Portishead, and The Knife.  The rain is falling outside. 

For the last few years, I've been saving links and photos that inspire me.  I went through all of them today, and was surprised by how many no longer appeal to me.  That said, here are a few links that still inspire me ...

• Modular gardens at Desire To Inspire
• Vintage-style doors at Apartment Therapy Chicago
• Blake Dollahite's house construction and reconstruction HERE and HERE and HERE.  Please also check out Blake's website, Rural Theory.
• A past post of mine with some great links HERE.

Side note:  I hate it when people rip photos from the internet, and then post them without copyright info.  THAT STATED, I do not know where I lifted these photos from last year.  If you recognize one and can tell me who to credit, please do.  If the photo is yours and you'd like it removed, just let me know, please.  And, thank you. 

I was surprised by the interest in my deep cleaning ambitions, yet I shouldn't be as I do truly enjoy reading about the mundane exploits of others as well ... menus, routine, balancing lives, gardening, keeping house, joy and beauty in everyday things. 

I started out as a very ambitious and successful housekeeper.  Right from the beginning, people commented that my house was immaculate.  For instance, when X was a toddler, she played with the old-school Polly Pockets, which are quite a bit smaller than today's version.  Never, ever was a piece misplaced or lost until years later when my control over material things slacked.  Nothing lost.  Nothing askew.  Every toy in its place, even with a toddler.  I was proud of that. 

(Side note:  She still has all of her Polly Pockets, and once in a while when thrifting, we come across a house or other item that she doesn't have and purchase it for her collection.  She hasn't played with them in ten years, but is as nostalgic as I when it comes to certain things.  Another side note: She never played with baby dolls or Barbie dolls at all.  I'm sure none of you are surprised.)

Since health issues (and associated pain/stiffness/fatigue) flooded my life, keeping a home has been a lot more difficult.  So is shopping, sending birthday cards, remembering things that I need to do, planning/executing meals, and focusing on how much I truly enjoy most things domestic. 

I say most things because I will always choose walking on hot coals over ironing or cleaning the toilet. 

You know, if given the choice. 

There is no point to this rambling, except that I am nostalgic for the way my home used to be and since I've been feeling a little better lately, there is hope of getting my house in order again one day. 

One day soon.