Floor Time
/flôr tīm/
noun
the 15-60 minute time period spent laying on the floor in the middle of the work day, typically as a relief from the soul-sucking reality of corporate America.
I never once dreamed of becoming a doctor, or a lawyer, or a scientist (barring the very large exception of wanting to be a marine biologist for my entire childhood, then accepting—too late, might I add—that my strengths do not lie in the sciences #womenNOTinstem!). When I was little, I was constantly doodling, humming, or singing loudly in the shower, with printed lyrics to my latest earworm taped to the outside of the shower door—because I absolutely needed to know all the words.
In the back of my mind, I probably always knew I would be an artist, at least in some capacity. I fought it for a long time because I didn’t think it was the “right” path. I didn’t think I’d make enough money. I didn’t think I was good enough. I thought my little illustrations were silly and perhaps a time-suck. I still think that I am borderline-too-type-A to adequately embrace the loosey-goosey-ness1 that is required to be an artist.
Yet here I am. Kicking off year 5 of working for myself and managing to maintain the same financial independence I’ve had since graduating college. I’m not saying this as a brag, but rather as a shocking fact—it still baffles me that I can sustain whatever *gestures* this is.2 I wouldn’t trade this. Despite my annual crisis about career trajectory, my often silly-little-work-tasks, and whether or not I should just call the whole thing off and go back to hell corporate America, I stay doing what I’m doing because I am a little delulu and I might be onto something big. An empire, perhaps. With any luck, a cult? Only time reveals all.
And to think this all started because my friend asked me to make a card for her to give to her grandma on her birthday. “I’ll pay you $10,” she said. It was then that I realized two things: 1) I could maybe make money from art, and 2) I love the way greeting cards make me/others feel, and I love making them. THIS IS A SEGUE ;)
You guessed it, my holiday card flash sale is back for a third year! Being my own boss means that I can choose to launch fun, festive projects like this. On billable hours, no less! Can you believe?!
I launch this flash sale every year because I’m holiday obsessed, snail mail rules, and I love helping you sprinkle holiday cheer far and wide. This year, I’ve created a set of 5 cards that I am very proud of, and they’re food-themed! All the information you need is in this order form, but please reach out if you have any questions.
Something I Thought of in the Shower
How is ChatGPT different from SmarterChild? - Me, having done literally no research and knowing nothing about AI (and let’s keep it that way!)
Something Pretty
I had such a stunning Thanksgiving in the bucolic Catskill Mountains. Ask me about my stay at the new Eastwind - Oliverea Valley, or the coolest Victorian Airbnb that ever existed in Cobleskill, NY.
Something To Laugh About
Here are this week’s gems for you:
For my fellow Yay Areaaaaa kids who can recognize this in a heartbeat. I’m told this is a friend of a friend which makes it even better.
Me and this dad are kindred spirits.
I wish I was at this family’s Thanksgiving.
No actually, I wish I was at THIS family’s Thanksgiving.
Know that I was obsessed with Miley as a kid (still am, probs) so her birthday lives rent-free in my mind and this video warmed my soul, almost as much as the cover of all covers, her Jolene.
Something for Clarice
Hey! This newsletter is free and I intend to keep it that way. That said, if you love it and want to show your appreciation, buy me a coffee :)
By the way…I’m reading this.
I rarely audiobook but I did to hear Michelle Williams brilliantly read Britney’s memoir. It was sad, ya’ll. Most of the stuff we already know because of the media coverage of course, but realizing that this is one of the first times we hear Britney really tell her POV of the conservatorship and the estrangement with her toxic family is such an emotional thing.
Thanks for reading and supporting me and my lil’ business as always. Don’t forget to order your cards before Friday, December 8—I have really limited stock so once they’re gone they’re gone!
Til’ next time, pen pals. Your friend,
Clarice
The official technical term for what we professionals call it in the ~*industry*~
Please note that there have been low points. Freelance work comes in waves you can’t predict. There have been occasions when my credit card debt rolled over to the next month. And the next. I was stressed the whole time and it sucked. I hope to never be in that place again.