Fighting the Lonelies

In my mind this should be a Berenstain Bears story: 'The Berenstain Bears Fight the Lonelies'. Megs and I have been battling this foe for over a year now...the lonelies...

After my very blue, longer then expected winter suckfest, I spent a lot of time reflecting on solutions to fight the lonelies. I still can't say I have any friends here. I know a few people. I have some acquaintances. But I don't think there is anyone I can call up and invite to do something or call when I am having a rough day.

So...I decided a few things I would do to try to meet people. I took a French class, and plan to sign up again in the fall. I started volunteering to teach English as a Second Language classes a couple times a month. And, very recently I found a group of older folks to play string quartets with.

I still am on the hunt for some friends, but for now at least I have increased my social circle, get out of the house, fill my days a little and am getting exposed to new people and places regularly.

I also am trying to fill my day with gardening, yoga, some cooking when motivated and too much internet browsing. I putz with my creative hobbies now and then too. I just made a neat vest out of two thrifted scarves. I think it's pretty neat but still need to wear it out of the house to see how people react.

Any tips for fighting the lonelies? We'd love to hear them in the comments! 

Biggest Concerns of the Moment

Some of my biggest concerns of the moment are income and entertainment. Ideally both go hand in hand. Life is too short to be miserable. I have always enjoyed hobbies that earn some income. I am a cellist and have gotten paid as a studio musician on CD's of bands such as Glint and The Milling Gowns, and as a wedding and event musician. I haven't gotten involved in the (surprisingly) thriving music scene on the rock yet as my cello just arrived a few weeks ago. I need to get back into practicing and meet some musicians.

GOAL: practice cello, meet musicians, play music.

I also am an avid artisan. I have dabbled in many forms of arts and crafts over the years (since as far as my memory goes back) and have always sought ways to make a meager income from my creative efforts. In the past several years I have focused my creativity on textile arts and jewelry making. I have a small business, YazBerry Fashion which supports itself and that is about it. Nice to have a hobby that breaks even. Right now since I am between postal codes, my handmade purses and vintage purses are for sale on Etsy, and my handmade jewelry is available on facebook and in a few local craft and gift shops on the rock.  I am slowly starting to meet other artisans and I would love to host skill share gatherings at my home or another venue. I would also like to be able to more than break even with my artistic talents.

GOAL: meet more artists, host skill shares, maybe even teach classes for small fee, get my jewelry into more shops around the rock. One artist I have met has a simple goal of having his work in 100 stores. If he sells just $20 of product per store per day that is $2000 in a day! A simple thought but it could produce amazing results!

I am constantly seeking internet based opportunities to make some income. I just stumbled across this music review website on craigslist today, slicethepie and it seems you can earn on average $0.16 per song review. I haven't tried withdrawing yet but the website seems legit and since I listen to music almost constantly, and LOVE to hunt down new music, I figure might as well get paid to do something I enjoy!

Two month update: I never put in enough time to see if this actually pays out. Conclusion: not worth my time right now. 

GOAL: continue seeking online opportunities to earn income. I would like to seek editing and writing gigs specifically. Have an opportunity for me? Any tips? Anything you do or can recommend? Let us know!