halyna writes

 It's funny how I get most of the things done on days when I don't have to talk to people. Somehow, even sending a couple of messages and emails tends to drain my focus. I assume the distraction comes from replies that pop up in my field of vision. It takes a minute to get back to what I'm doing and sometimes it just gets overwhelming. Monday is coming to an end in less than fifteen minutes, so I figured why not scribble a few words for the blog? Two weeks into the new year. Do I still remember what I'm supposed to be doing? My vector idea works in terms of me actually creating new illustrations. I found an app that works great on my iPad and the stock website seems to accept it just fine. I can't say anything about these files actually selling. The time will tell. My portfolio is infinitely small, so I will be able to get some good statistics after a few more thousands of pictures. As always, I seem to have too many ideas for my own good. However, it feels nice to ...

 I'm already done with my personal planning for the year (very low-key) but at work we're still in between Qs. I want to keep my focus on the important stuff and not let myself spiral. One of my personal goals for the new Q is to be a bit more type-A about my tasks and time management. For starters, I should probably stick to only using one work planner and not scatter my thoughts between notebooks and apps. It's a little complicated since I'm staying at my sister's for the winter. Back at my childhood home, I have my little work area with a corkboard and whiteboard, then an extra whiteboard with a weekly schedule, and all my stationery. I'll get back to using all that once the winter is over. Then, I'll return to the gym when the weather is fair. Can't stand it in the cold. I already have to tolerate the not-perfectly-clean changing rooms. Is that what they call a premium gym? Or was I supposed to get the VIP membership? Where's the guarantee that t...

Sometimes it feels like all I do on weekends and days off is cleaning and cooking. I only have so much energy to spare every day. Coffee doesn't help much, it just makes me shaky for the most part. I'm trying to find ways to have more energy throughout the day. It's all the same things you've heard time and time again. Get enough sleep. Go outside. Exercise. Drink water. Eat proper meals. Am I doing all that? Not really. But the thought is there. Maybe I have too many things on my mind. That's why it's so hard to focus on one thing at a time. I just end up making endless lists and trying to stay afloat. What was that book on priorities? I need to read that.

 So, a long time ago, I used to create vector illustrations for stock websites. I had my little setup, which by now is, in all senses, outdated and no longer as comfortable. And I like my comfort, okay? I've been doing my research and testing different ways to get back to that gig. For the main part, I'm just curious to see how far I can take it. If all is well, I may have a new way of going about my vector stock gig. The problem with vector stocks is that the kind of quality that most websites require you can only really get with Adobe Illustrator. And if you're only doing it once in a blue moon, you're not getting your money's worth for the subscription. An alternative that I'm now testing out is using free vector tools which let you export SVG files. It's not acceptable on Shutterstock, which is a shame because I'm more used to that. However, Adobe Stock allows SVG files. I already submitted my first very lame try and waiting to see if it'll get a...

...the moment I decided to start a new blog, my old one started recovering after a year of not being out of sight in SERP. This means that I can now return to writing proper blog posts there (considering changing it up a bit and maybe expanding topics). This blog can be for my drafting and planning. I think I've mentioned this already. Low-key. More for my own eyes rather than someone else's reading enjoyment. So, the first week of the year! I wrote out my goals for 2024 and came to the conclusion that the only thing I really need to do is unwind, stop stressing over everything, and slow down. Slow living. What does that mean? Do I care enough to research? I'll put it on the list. For my old blog, I've been thinking that I can write not only book reviews and literary musings but add some DIY to that, personal projects and explorations. And, of course, cake recipes. That's why my blog is called Books, Coffee, and Cake. I want to create something that will be able to ...