The Shackled Muse

My apologies for the long long absence! I’ve been hard at work expanding my arty endeavours. I’d love to say that I designed countless jewelry pieces during my offline hours, but sadly that would be a lie. (I made a few though…)

I’ve been reading. Yes, my new book on beading techniques. More than 300 techniques, thats a lot to learn. I’ve been reading Etsy help articles; everything from taking better pictures (they really cant stress that enough…) to top seller advices and tips, to seller blog and blog sites. You name it, I read it. (applying everything I read is a different matter.) I’ve been commenting in a lot of forums to get my name out there. To be seen.

(I’ve also been reading all the Final Notices creditors like to send out when people (me) don’t pay their accounts… So, yeah,  all my online endeavours better be a success!

Its growing, thankfully. I’m $60 richer since signing up at Fiverr. Even though the Fiverr gigs are for, well, a fiver (as in $5) I’ve made some headway off the site. I contacted a potential client on Fiverr with regards to a logo he needs. He was happy enough with my work and we’ve moved negotiations and business off Fiverr, which makes the payment process go so much quicker. Also, its a really good deal. So, THANK YOU FIVERR. On a side note, I signed up at Dealerr aswell, Fiverr’s European rival. All the best will hopefully come from it.

Blog-wise I’ve been expanding too. A new domain has been registered, sadly the site is still empty. Only has a link to my Etsy store. The entire purpose of the new site is to act as my online store. Jewelry, Digital Art, Traditional Art, Hand made stuffs. You name it. Doubt I’ll add my poetry but we’ll see how that goes.

The whole etsy thing made me realize I need a stand alone shop as well. Plus a blog. So this shall solely be the blog from now, but all handmade goodies will be displayed over at The Shackled Muse Studio.

Awesome, right!

I’ve stumbled upon a little gem of a blog. Its called the Joy of Butter. Oh, don’t let the title throw you, its not a blog about butter. To quote the tagline: “The Joy Of Butter: a collection of thoughts about a life complete with food, wine, dance and passion.”

Now if you ask me, those are all the good stuff that make life worthwhile! Just to give you an example, the latest blog entry is all about the tango.

This is not merely a form of dance, its a form of art…

As Brandi says: I am absolutely head over heels in love with this dance. I began taking lessons about three months ago and after the first class I knew I had found something that I could and wanted to devote my time and energy to. For the first time (in a long time) I have found something that takes me out of my head, something that requires precision, presence and concentration. The steps and dance are not only beautiful and powerful but almost become a meditation, you almost enter this trance-like state when you’re fully in the moment. My world has changed.

Also, MUSIC!! Followers of this blog will know how much music means to me. Not pop, not Britney Spears. Real Music. Performed by real artists.

Throughout the ages music has been used to express our feelings, our emotions, whether its sorrow or joy. English is not our universal language. Music is. If you agree with me, then take a look at this article!!

THE JOY OF BUTTER

This is a guest post written by James Richmond, back when he was still owner of The Info Preneur, and back when my original site was still up and running. Sites come and go, people come and go, but the information still applies. Here, he shares his tips for beating writers block

James, over to you.

Writers block or brain melt happens to everyone, even Cheryl will have writers block every now and again. It happens to everyone, but there are some simple steps to lower the frequency of this happening. I have published over 150 posts to my site in 10 weeks and I haven’t yet been stuck for things to write.

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This is me, taking back control of my life. What the fuck have you done lately?

That is my favourite quote in the movie Wanted.

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Its 1:11am at time of writing this article. I’ve just spent about half hour (probably not that long but it felt like 4 hours) pushing my body to unknown limits. Unfortunately, I didn’t keep track of how much I did of what, but activities included core workout, push ups, and some leg exercises. (I’m gonna start keeping track more accurately from tomorrow.) I cant feel my arms, but somehow that has to be a good thing….

This is not an entry about my workout or goal to lose weight (check the Watch Me Melt page, top right of the page, for updates.)

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They say moms are always right. Even though that’s not ALWAYS the case, they do know how to impart some useful advice. Recently The Mom had some inspirational stuffs to impart regarding reassessing one’s goals and taking control of one’s life. (though this little speech was not aimed at me, and The Mom is not aware about half of the stuff keeping me awake at night, I’m gonna take it to heart anyway)

So here follows a soppy little post about how to take stock and start over:

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