I Hate The Waiting!

"I used Grammarly to grammar check this post, because I'm tired of auto-correct making me into a dirty mouth and my cat can't read!


Some time soon I'll know if any of the short stories I've sent out have been accepted and the waiting is driving me nuts! I keep seeing all these contests I could submit them to, but I can't until I know if they've been chosen or not. I can't write new stories for the contests because my proof reader is riding me for a chapter a week from my novel or else. I will admit that he was very patient while I was writing the shorts so I owe it to him. I'm just going arrrrg!
I know I'd have more writing time if I wasn't out taking so many photos and making a pest of myself at the local shelters. I could try not sleeping, but that would only free up about 5 hrs a day and them I'd really go insane.
On the plus side my photography is really taking off! I got some great shots of wonderful animals at the Humane Society of Southern Arizona on Friday, Thank you Sara! I'm going to become a full volunteer so I can take pics anytime and the husband is doing it with me!

Sweet dog smile!

She wants a good home!

He's a real looker!

Look at that grin!

Toothless and lovable!

The sweetest dog I've ever met!

I wanted to take her home so badly!

I'm lined up to take pics for a few more shelters at Petsmart on Saturday! I have a gallery that likes my animal shots and wants 6 by the middle of next month! And to top it all off crazy me I put an ad up on Craigslist to get people to pay me to do what I love!
I also made a strap for my ukulele finally to top things off. You'd think I would be too busy to stress about my story submissions, but it's always in the back of my mind and it rams to the fore when I send a chapter off.
I hope all of you are doing great. Sorry I suck at keeping up on the blogs, I will find a balance and hopefully soon!

Things Are Changing In My Life

Life is moving so fast I can hardly believe it! This year has been one of the busiest and most exciting I've ever had and that's saying a lot since last year I opened and then closed my own salon, started my etsy store, and became a full time writer.
Right now I'm at a crossroads and I actually know which way to go. I've opened a store on Fine Art America and I'm letting my etsy shop peter out on its own. Etsy hasn't made me any income and it has been a bit of a drain. For what I've spent there in the past year I could have paid for 3 years on FFA so it's a good decision for me. Plus FFA has fun contests to enter. Right now I've only got a few photos up, but as soon as I get time my paintings will be going up there too. I'll still be able to sell the originals, but now people on a budget can get a print and I can take them to shows and not have to worry about remembering to take them down when they sell! I can even sell my jewelry on there if I want.
I'm still a full time writer (my head would explode if I didn't write), but now I write later in the day so I can get some shots in first. My whole direction in life has changed and I couldn't be happier. My writing has gone back to being fun again and I'm no longer stressing about getting the rejections. Plus the waiting for the rejections sucks and I'm still waiting for the round that should be here soon.
I have my camera to help me pass the time and life is good.
Here's a few pet shots I've taken, let me know what you think.

Praying Mantis Eating

Praying Mantis Eating, a photo by B.J. Halsey on Flickr.

Heard a cicada making a noise like a scream and went to investigate. This is what I found! It took a while for the praying mantis to eat so I got a ton of photos.
I'd never seen anything like it before and I'm really glad I went to investigate. It was creepy though.

Hidden Friend

P1010056, a photo by B.J. Halsey on Flickr.

Can you find the praying mantis? I love this photo! I didn't even see it until I was looking on the screen at home.