Some non-show work and fun, some show prep

I woke up this morning from a fabulous dream about immortals living among us, and went immediately to the computer to write it all down. I think it’ll make a great story/book someday. Ever since I started using my creative muscles more often, starting in 2007 or so, I’ve had ideas come at me way faster than I can use them. I don’t know about other writers and artists, but for me ideas are absolutely not the hardest part about being creative! (That would be discipline!) Even so, it’s a pleasure to be able to start a day the way I did this day, with a grand idea providing an extra shot of energy.

I spent the morning preparing my March email newsletter, which included a foray into survey-writing. I’ve been wanting to develop a laptop case for some time now, but as a desktop user, I’m clueless about what features most laptop users look for. I used SurveyGizmo‘s very cool survey-building tool to create a laptop users survey — please take it if you have a moment! 🙂 — and I’ve been fascinated by the results so far. People have mentioned all kinds of things I hadn’t thought of, and they’ve given surprisingly detailed insights on what they like and don’t like about their current cases. I can see I have my work cut out for me in developing my own design! I’m so enjoying getting input on this survey, I can’t wait to create another one… but I think I’d better wait at least a couple of weeks, lest all my newsletter subscribers get survey fatigue!

In the afternoon, I made a few more sets of binder dividers, then spent some time hanging out with Jenn of Art by Zahrt. We met to exchange business cards (with coupon codes!) for my show and her online orders, but we also just had cookies and talked about crafting and running our businesses (and board games, and healthy eating). It was a pleasure to spend an afternoon this way, so close before my show. I can’t wait to give her beautiful cards out at Craft Happy!

It’s a little strange, going into this show much better prepared than last time. I’m trying not to be complacent, because there’s always more I could do and I shouldn’t just waste these few days. But it’s hard to muster up any kind of frantic urgency when I know I’m doing okay on the prep. I think I just need to keep working, exercising, and eating right, and then enjoy some good downtime after Saturday!