My internet connection continues to make me crazy by NOT WORKING. As I write this, I am hoping that whatever good internet fortune has blessed me for the past few hours will stay put so I can actually upload this new page.

I am only in LA for two days this week, and tomorrow I head up to Solvang for the rest of the week. My favorite kids in the world are on spring break this week, so it’s slumber party time at Chez Swirly tomorrow night. I expect a lot of sugar, silly movies and – call me crazy – but I think glitter might make an appearance as well. One never knows when GIRLS are involved.

There are times that I feel a bit scattered living between two homes. There are certain things I have only in LA and certain things I only have in Solvang. That is usually fine, but during weeks like this, where I will be spending more time up there, I struggle with how much stuff I want to take with me. What if I want to paint this weekend? Or knit? Watch a certain movie or read a certain book? I know I cannot bring everything, and that there will be plenty of times when I will just have to accept that I cannot do certain things at either home simply because I can’t haul bags and boxes and books back and forth every week. I’m trying to simplify my journey back and forth as much as possible, but sometimes that is rather challenging. Instead of wallowing in the frustration, however, I feel thankful that I have so many interests and passions. Boredom is not a word that exists in my vocabulary anymore.

I have not had TV in more than three years now, and it is one of the greatest things I have done for myself. Ironically, I know that if I got cable TV I would watch it all the time, and that is why I refuse to sign up for it. It is kind of a drag that I miss things like the Olympics and programs such as The Daily Show, but I have gotten to the point where I am a tad superstitious. I am afraid that if I get TV, my life will spiral downward, and all the things I now enjoy doing instead of watching TV, such as painting, reading, sketching, watching movies and writing, will get lost in a static haze. I know that is a pretty extreme perspective, but I have been so full of creative energy over the past few years and I feel very protective of that. I believe I must nurture all the parts of my life that are keeping that creative flame in my heart alive and burning.

P.S. I have never played a musical instrument in my life, but this past weekend I decided to learn how to play the cello. My first lesson is Friday. Stay tuned.