Smokey the Magnificent

Gosh, this not going on the Internet has lead me to great virtue. Yesterday I earned myself eight whole points, mostly by being solicitous to the chickens; and today I finally finished painting the sewing room with the help of my small sister. And about time, too. Tomorrow I’ll be able to clear off the kitchen table for the first time in months… although why this matters, I don’t know; it’s not like we eat off it or anything. And in a desperate effort to waste time while not going online I read a book on “eco chic” which has gotten me all riled up about sweatshops. They’re Bad, people.

In terms of my professional life (”Your wot?” Hush.), I am happy to report that I have landed my first cover story. My editor at OHbaby liked my article on communication with babies so much it’s the cover story for the next issue! I am most pleased, even if my nearest and dearest all responded with “Ooh, do you get more money?”, which I do not. I come of a mercenary breed.

Said editor also gave me the go-ahead to write a piece (for an issue due next April, if you don’t mind; no fast food business, this) on maternity clothing throughout the ages. It should be fun to research, especially given my recent interest in historical fashions; and I get to interview the Womama lady, which might be fun. She wants me to include some info on what women have historically worn during birth as well - a question to which I have never devoted as much brain power as it no doubt deserves. Nighties? Queen Victoria wore the same night-shift for all of her nine children, and then one of her daughters wore it during her birth; but other than that, I do not know. Anyway, I have until December to write it.

My bruise has matured to a more sombre and purplish hue, but is still impressive.

Right. Better go have a shower, by which I mean “stand in the bath rinsing paint trays with my foot”, and get to bed. Mainly Music starts tomorrow at 9:30, and given that I was still in bed today at 10 when the church’s most stylish mother turned up for a playdate, I had better get all the head-start I can. In my defense, Helpdesk Man was supposed to beep me this morning to wake me up: and in his defense, the internet was down. Have added “alarm clock” to my wishlist.

My family is really getting into the spirit of philosophical discourse. Dad asked me the other day if I’d rather eat four live fish or face a charging rhinoceros. I went for the rhino. Thoughts?