how derrida helps me write and think and other musings

Recently I started reading some Derrida after a long break. I did not really understand his work very well a few years ago and my brain does not seem any different, so I had fairly low expectations. I just wanted something that would wear out my brain so I could sleep.

Instead of wearing me out right away, I actually understood his work better. I started reading "Cogito and the History of Madness" (from Writing and Difference), a lecture given on Foucault and Descartes. It made more sense than before, and it helped to organize my thoughts or the way my brain was working so that it was easier to think in terms of editing and writing a novel. I noticed that other things I might do, like looking at truly random information on facebook, did not help me think in a linear or helpful way to write better.

art show

Apparently I am in some kind of transition in my art career looking at a shift from smaller group shows and open studios to a stronger focus on getting gallery representation. Taking myself more seriously in a good way but not in a bad, ego way. That has been my main focus in the last few months, working with a life/art coach and attending dozens of gallery openings in the city. My work and feelings have reflected this focus. I have different feelings about open studios and that environment than I did a few months ago. It seems to be a natural or even long-time-coming progression after making and showing art for over ten years. I also get whiny sometimes when things don't go as I want and expect them to go. Internally whiny anyway. So I am trying to do some good things while still trying to sell art. Raising money for the Breast Cancer Fund, for one.

hanging out: important. need more of that, especially with friends.
twitter: good ebook presented by @timoreilly
face book: getting the word out. communication and self-promotion.
filter: just rediscovered this old ohio band.
ayurveda: helping me to be healthier and reminding me of yoga and other spiritual ideas
writing: moving through the editing process of the novel and getting some ideas, maybe good, maybe bad, we won't know...until I try them.
job search: got better today when I started actually doing it again. some leads...
movies: getting ready to watch the girl who leapt through time and re-cycle. watched max payne this week. a terrible movie I enjoyed thoroughly.
buddhism: my meditation practice is good, doing it and feeling nothing much. reading Hardcore Zen which is great. ultraman!
new headphones: needed good earbuds to block out my noisy apt so I can hear music and movies and relax.
web design. alternatives to current designs. my brain + web design = brilliance?
girlfriend: she is awesome and better than ever. need to spend more time with my friends though. busy beavers...