A list completed.

If it seems odd to read "vacuum mattress, box spring, and bed frame" on a to do list, I assure you it feels even more odd to actually accomplish the task. I imagine I am now on a very short list of people on the planet who have gone through with it. I feel pretty good about it; that could also have something to do with the fact that I managed to finish everything on my to-do list today (the bedroom was on tap, and I managed to get everything dusted, all the bedding washed and changed, pillows and comforter fluffed, the aforementioned bed-vacuuming and turning of the mattress, and the floor swept, vacuumed and dry mopped). And it's only 8:00 p.m. Go me.

I've been thinking about the muse today; it's been a while since I've been in her presence. True, my mind has been awfully crowded and cluttered lately, and that certainly doesn't help. As with the rest of the world, I'm concerned about the financial situation, conflicts erupting and stewing across the globe, day-to-day goings-on, what's for dinner, and a million other things that flutter and flit around my head like so many gnats. The muse is happy to talk about those things with me, but she demands that I give her complete attention when she comes around; I have to be willing to drop everything and follow her. Unfortunately, I've been too distracted lately. Maybe this is why she's staying away.

So, I'm going to sign off here, ignore any other housework that needs doing, and pick up my guitar. I really do need to practice for an upcoming studio session, but who knows, maybe just being in the moment, and allowing myself to follow the notes wherever they lead will entice the muse to come around.

Fingers crossed.

The best laid plans...

Folks, this is where the dream of thorough home cleaning meets the reality of daily life. You see, I've been swamped today, and haven't really finished anything on the cleaning list (wait! I did sweep the kitchen floor, which is on the daily list. Seriously, every day).

So, I didn't start until 8:00 p.m. My brilliant boyfriend, the artist Marco, is at art class tonight, and I am free to dust, scrub, and sing all I want. Actually, I've been talking on the phone with my best friend from seventh grade as I was dusting my office, but I will be singing soon enough (and even sang a bit of a Judy Garland number from the fabulous film In the Good Old Summertime to my friend).

This is all to say that I have no concrete list of accomplished things; however, I will continue cleaning the office and the bedroom after I finish writing this. What part will the music play tonight? Well, I've been working with my friend and producer, Brian Slusher of the band Slushco on some recordings, and I have been given the task of coming up with harmonies for a recording session on Friday. Anyone who has ever recorded with me can tell you one thing: harmonies are not where my talents lie. But, soldier on I must, and so I will be donning my iPod, and playing the songs again and again until something comes to me.

Fingers crossed, folks.