One of the good things about being married to a creative is that when you go into your dark moods he understands exactly where you are at and doesn't offer any unhelpful "pick-me-ups," rather, he gives you all the space required to let it run its course.

The flip side of living with a creative, obvs, is that he is also prone to said dark moods-- ah life.

It seems nearly incomprehensible to me that we could have so much of our big life wishes fulfilled and still get cut off at the knees with emotional tailspins*. But that's all part of the ever turning mystery, non? Contentment is an entirely self-created, internal event. External niceties are simply that.

This happy rumination might imply a less than joyous Christmas, but that would be so wrong. We had a lovely holiday with the kick-off of some new traditions. In many respects, we have learned to enter this season of over-expectation on little cat feet and to utterly ignore the overt manipulations of brassy consumerism. And yet, I think the week following Christmas can fall flat no matter how balanced your approach to the holiday.

Right now, it is Friday, after 11 am and I have yet to dig into this MOUNTAIN of work that has been sitting here since last week. The hounds of procrastination, they have me by the throat.

The office is clean-- thanks to an impromptu family visit yesterday. (Yes, I will clean for others but not for myself--) Clean, organized-- the last sleigh load of gifts wrapped and at the ready for our last holiday event on New Year's Day chez T's sister-- and YET, I have not begun to work.

I know what I have to do to break out of the grip of procrastination-- but gahhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh-- I can't seem to do it and the sand is quickly so quickly ebbing out the hourglass.

Instead, I come in here-- to spout snakes and toads-- and to share some pics of the Lean Cuisine,

the Sweet Muffin Stuffin, or as the butterscotch boys like to call her, Mlle Robespierre-- she of the reign of terror.

(That's a strip of cardboard hanging from her mouth--paper towel rolls don't stand a chance against her ferocious attacks.)

But don't you believe them. She is the most wonderful, wonderful spirit. I am so in love with this dog. And, right now-- I'm going to take her outside into the sunshine (I know! Still no snow!! Sorry Denver-- tag, you're it!) for a walk.

Then maybe some lunch. But after that-- I know the evil spell will be broken and I'll be all sleeves rolled up and sitting at my desk cranking out the work.

You believe me, right?

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