Stay-cation Week

First day of my job (7/27/2017) vs last day of my job (11/ 30/2017) of my notebook. Beginning of a new chapter or plot twist in my life!

#travelersnotebook #speckledfawn #Kodiak #leather #notebook #patina #growth #change #career

Puerto Rico 2016

Sorry for the lack of updates. I really need to get back into being productive with my work. Recently I've been fortunate enough to travel to San Juan, Puerto Rico this past Spring! It was lots of fun and I really enjoyed it. I went with my family and a friend so I wasn't alone. Here's a few glimpses of my travels. 

I had plans to wind down and write or sketch but that didn't happen as much as I had hoped since we were constantly moving more than I expected which was fine. We were there for a week and while it was drizzly and partly sunny, it didn't deter us from enjoying ourselves. I actually appreciated the clouds so I didn't have the opportunity to burn myself before my friend's wedding. 

Her wedding was good! No major mishaps so I'd consider it a success. Most things went according to plan and other than a few minor downsides (cold weather where we had to wear a strapless dress and heels as well as a light rain) it went well. A lot of people didn't speak English so there were people rudely talking during the wedding ceremony and reception speeches. Other than that, I think it was good and I'm so glad it's over. Sorry, no pictures for that since it's a private thing but know that it was successful. Now I can focus on the things I want to do! AKA find a full time job and work on my art and writing.

Now on to the photos!

Pics as we're descending towards Puerto Rico.

Life Update + Traveler's Notebooks

Hey guys! Been a long time! *glances at calendar and gasps* It's been about 4 months since I last blogged!

I want to apologize for it! Lately, I've been doing more reading the last few months and updating my other blog during the end of 2015 but this first quarter of the year has been lacking but I have a good reason for the last few months. Unfortunately I haven't been motivated to read now but I do want to get back into writing/sketching. No good reason why other than I hadn't been feeling like it but once I get started I don't have a problem finishing.

I've been waiting on beta reader feedback and recently (in Feb) received all the expected feedback but now I've been too much of a chicken to go back in to read and revise. All the feedback are reasonable and makes sense, I'm just not motivated to dive in and revise which isn't bad, I'm just procrastinating. While waiting, I wanted to write in February but was only able to get under 6k written which sucks because my goal was 20k. Still, it's progress and better than nothing.

Going to suck it up this month and go through my drafts and feedback when I can. Although, I already know that there is going to be a rehaul of the story including fleshing out characters and world. However, I realized this is going to be a busy month for me and know that it won't be possible. I wanted to do April Campnanowrimo this month but that already went belly up. Instead I decided I'll just read my current drafts and try to outline them if possible so it'll be a bit easier to revise.

Last month I've been asked to be Maid of Honor for a friend but it turns out she wants her wedding in May so technically we have 2 months to plan it.

Yeah, you read that right. 2 months! 

So all the bridal shower/bachlorette, decorations, dresses, etc. Yeah, needs to be done soon. Like yesterday. Fortunately, we have the dresses and some of the stuff done but still have lots to do. I'm glad my friend is pretty laid back about things but that also can be hard when coming to making a decision. I feel like everything is going to be rushed so she won't be able to enjoy anything...Oh well...I'm happy for her and I'm going to do my darndest to make things as easy as possible for her when the day comes. Unfortunately, it looks like it's going to be an all day affair. Like get up at 6am and done at 11pm sort of deal. That is including travel time. *dies* Anyways, enough of that, just wanted to explain why I haven't been as active as I should have been. You can read more in my quarterly newsletters if you're interested.

Just to add some visuals for you, I've been adding to my Traveler's Notebook collection...here are my latest acquisitions. :D I've bought and sold a few but didn't take photos as I knew I wouldn't keep them. My hopes is that I'll bring them with me and write/sketch as I go instead of relying on a computer to type things up and motivate me to sketch on the go more. Personally, I prefer handwriting my novels, I feel like I get a better flow of the story and easier to not go back and edit. Anyways, hoping these babies will get me motivated to write more. They are so pretty and feel amazing. *pets* Do you guys use them? If so, let me know! Share with me your social media so I can stalk follow you!

Alternative Frugal Traveler's Notebook Pt 1: Cover + Sketchbook Binding

I've been wanting a traveler's notebook for awhile but couldn't see myself paying so much for a leather wrapped notebook yet. In addition to the high prices of the traveler's notebook is that I did not care for the large long sizes of the notebooks and I think the 3x5 pocket sizes were a bit too small for me. Instead of making one which I've seen many talented people do I decided to see if I could scavenge one instead. :D Of course my intentions and qualities I'm looking for in a sketchbook/cover would be different from yours and the luck of finding a cover you'd want is usually unpredictable. Each store varies in items so you have to shop around.

Materials for my Scavenged Traveler's Notebook

• Notebook cover - Bought, hand-made, fabric, leather. Whatever you prefer to look at.
• Sketchbook/Notebook Paper - Your favorite type of paper
• Sewing needle
• Waxed thread - I used old tooth floss
• Rubber band - to enclose the book (you can buy elastic as an alternative)