Dec. 22nd, 2005

qos: (Elphaba Writing  by elphie_chan)
I promised myself and my old friend that this morning I would write the articles I owe him for his work in putting up my lovely new website. Really, I would rather just pay him the $50 an hour, but I don't have that much discretionary cash right now, and it would be ridiculous to not do the fairly simple but tedious work of grinding out two 500-750 word articles on a subject on which I have no interest.

It is especially annoying today, as I have been enjoying scribbling on my mythic themes over the last few days, and I really don't want to have to turn aside from that to do an assignment.

But it's a "cookie snaps" deal.

One of the few incidents I remember from the TV show Fame was Mr. Shorofsky* giving his music students an assignment to write an advertising jingle for Cookie Snaps. Bruno Martelli objected strenuously, asserting that he was an artist not an advertising flunky. Shorofsky loomed over him. "So, you think you're too good for Cookie Snaps, Mr. Martelli?" he growled. "Yes!" was Bruno's immediate answer.

I seem to remember that Shorofsky's point was that an artist might be called on to make a living in other ways beside composing and performing his own work, and that the ability to create in response to specific requirements was a valuable skill for anyone who might need a paycheck one day.

Like Bruno, I would much rather focus on my own work, springing from my own inspiration.

But since my talent and creativity have not made me rich just yet, I'm going to have to write a couple of Cookie Snaps jingles to meet my obligations. And I should be grateful that someone thinks my writing is of good enough quality that he is willing to accept it in barter rather than demand cash on the barrel for his own services.

So now I shall close LJ and get to work.

* Holiday trivia: Albert Hague, who played Mr. Shorofsky in the film and television versions of Fame was an actual composer. His works include the music for How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Thurl Ravenscroft, who sang "You're a Mean One, Mr. Grinch," was also the voice of Tony the Tiger in the Frosted Flakes commercials.

One Down

Dec. 22nd, 2005 12:25 pm
qos: (Elphaba Writing  by elphie_chan)
Article #1 on Massage and Aromatherapy, with a scientific-medical bent, has been sent off and pronounced "perfect" by my friend (who would not hesitate to let me know if it was not up to his expectations).

I am now going to shower, dress, and run some errands (retrieve financial paperwork for mortgage refinance from my workplace, do some Christmas shopping, go grocery shopping).

I've promised to send in Article #2, the "woo-woo" article, by midnight.
qos: (Christmas Cycle)
As I've been listening to the Dar Williams song "The Christians and the Pagans" this season, I've found myself thinking about the LiveJournal community and feeling deep gratitude for the people of many faiths who have become my Friends here. The importance we place on our spiritual journeys is a trait that binds us together far more than the differences in the specifics of our doctrines and practices separate us.


Lyrics under the cut. . .
So the Christians and the Pagans sat together at the table, finding faith and common ground the best that they were able. . . )
Page generated Jul. 25th, 2025 05:32 am
Powered by Dreamwidth Studios