#simplifying schedule

[shreeisspecial]

Minimalist living has become a popular lifestyle choice for many people looking to simplify their lives and focus on what truly matters. At its core, minimalism is about reducing clutter, eliminating excess, and creating space for the essential aspects of life. It’s about intentional living, where each item and activity holds a purpose and adds value. If you’re considering embracing minimalism, this guide will provide you with practical tips and tricks to help you master the art of minimalist living.

[simplified-birds]

Simplified bird #114 - stellar’s sea eagle

( requested by @muthur6000 )

[startstatic]

sketches of various age and quality

[orykorioart]

Little animated doodle practice thingy with chibi Amber :-)

Btw, if folks wanna swing by and drop a little request/suggestion for a simple animated doodle like this (of any character/fandom ive drawn for before) - I wanna try doing some more! No guarantees but I will try to do whichever I think I can :3c (If I cant do an animated doodle I will probably still do a regular sketch)

[saint-hymn]

I had no idea Fallout New Vegas had such an intriguing plot. Or maybe I’m just now interested because it has cTNT, who knows. If you were to ever write or draw more for it I would absolutely be interested! Love complex character dynamics and world-building, even if I don’t know the game.

Q and Wil in that dynamic kind of remind me of that quote about types of devotion, though I’m not 100% sure why.

‘He confesses how long he’s looked for a place of worship, so you put him on his knees. He goes down like he just can’t help himself, and you wonder if angels fall this sweetly. It is an agony of the honeyed kind, the kind that makes guilt look soft.’ Or something like that, might be mixing a writing or three. Point is- gay.

- studying anon

it's the best in the series (I am not biased *at all* obviously) especially with its little DLCs that teach you little things such as how the hardest part of it all is to let go, let go, let go, and begin again (Dead Money), killing people (Old World Blues), we can't expect god do all the work (Honest Hearts), and killing people with rocket launchers (Lonesome Road)

I'd like you to know that I fell to my knees and groveled at the quote; YES, AGONY OF THE HONEYED KIND; it's like- hold on, I don't have much words to offer you this will have to suffice

it's like that; bond from a conscious choice, precarious possession, the courier-employer relationship being a leash-construct for both parties, circling. fnv!Will's loudest motivation for working with fnv!Q is the fact that he can simply kill q at any second, whenever he feels like it, given his free rein to enter and leave q's office as he pleases. The gem of the wasteland, kingdom of armed drones and excessive indulgences under his thumb if he just so chooses to pull the trigger.

q is on the same spot. here's something where almost haunts him:

[pawsitivevibe]

I'm glad I'm not dog showing in the US because I still do not understand how to calculate points. Why is it so complicated? Why are there divisions?? And I only just now discovered that it varies by breed??? Like if you have a Golden Retriever bitch in Vermont for example, you have to beat 9 bitches just to get 2 points. To get a major you'd have to beat 16!

In Canada it's just the same calculation every time. You beat 1 dog you get 1 point. You beat 2-4 you get 2. You beat 5-8 you get 3. You beat 9-11 you get 4. You beat 12+ you get 5. Boom easy.

[hanzioftheday]

April 1st

Today's Hanzi character is 站。

In mandarin pinyin it is pronounced "zhàn" and it means to stand.

The character is made up of two characters. 立 is the root for the meaning, in the oracle bone script you can see how it resembles a person standing.

The second character 占 (pinyin: zhān) is the root for the pronounciation.

[cdroloisms]

I see a lot of Dream x Ponk stuff and it's usually based on getting back at Sam, which is Inch Resting

this can be pretty interesting tbh when people play around with it--i definitely like some stuff ive seen just of them you know painting nails and bitching. it's kinda hard to talk abt otherwise tho just bc they didn't really interact much later on,, fun for Shenanigans but in terms of serious shipping, i dont have much to say ig?

[catgirlkirigiri]

Everyone's favorite sad 12 year old finally got the new ref he deserved <3

[jrueships]

CRYING

LOOK AT ALL THE HAPPY LIL BABIES!! 😭😭 HES SO GOOD WITH THEM

he would make SUCH a good younger ages school teacher

[ourlittlehouseinthecountry]

Lately, I’ve been thinking about how busy life feels — even when we’re at home. The days are full, the to-do lists never end, and sometimes we forget to even take a breath. But I truly believe slow living isn’t about abandoning your responsibilities — it’s about approaching life a little more gently. 💛 I’ve just published a new blog post on this very topic: “Slow Living for Busy People: 5 Gentle Ways to Embrace a Calmer Life.” If you’ve been craving a slower pace, but don’t know where to start, this one’s for you. I’m sharing 5 simple things I’ve found genuinely helpful in creating more ease and presence — even on the busiest days: 🍃 Savor micro-moments of mindfulness 🍃 Create calm mornings the night before 🍃 Set a digital curfew to protect your peace 🍃 Say “no” gently but firmly 🍃 Reconnect with nature and seasonal rhythms It’s full of practical ideas and gentle encouragement — nothing overwhelming or unrealistic. Just small, doable changes that help you slow down and feel more at home in your own life. 💫 You’ll find the full post linked in today’s Stories, and it’s also in the link in my bio (under "New on the Blog"). I’d love to know which tip speaks to you most! 💭 📚 Read it here ➝ ourlittlehouseinthecountry.com/slow-living-for-busy-people 📥 Save this post to revisit anytime you need a reminder to slow down — #slowliving #intentionalliving #simpleliving #mindfulliving #gentleliving #slowlifestyle #liveintentionally #calmliving #mindfulmornings #slowlivingmovement #ourlittlehouseinthecountry #peacefuldays #createcalm #livingwithintention #consciousliving #holisticliving #slowlivingtips #dailyintentionality #slowlivingforbusypeople #intentionalhome #seasonalliving #slowmoments #groundedlife #intentionalmotherhood #simplifyyourlife #intentionalroutines

[productiveandfree]

Elevate Your Freelance Game with Powerful Productivity Secrets

Many freelancers compare their careers to rollercoasters. It is a career of feasts and famines, of thick and thins, and of good and bad times. There are many pros and cons of freelancing, but for many, owning your own business and making your own hours makes it an ideal career.

To succeed, freelancers must refine their workflows and adopt strategies that help them stay organized, productive, and ahead of the competition. With the right approach, freelancers have fulfilling, sustainable career paths — they thrive on their own terms.

Optimize Your Freelance Workflow with Proven Tools and Techniques

Freelancing offers unmatched freedom and creativity, whether you do it part-time or full-time. But remember, if you want to have more ups than downs, use your downtime to find more work and reinvest in your business.

Freelancing requires juggling multiple responsibilities, from sourcing new work to meeting tight deadlines. Needing to wear so many different hats makes organization a top priority. Adopting techniques that simplify administrative tasks and reduce distractions can create a workflow that keeps you focused and efficient.

Streamline Administrative Tasks

Administrative duties can take up valuable time. Tools like HoneyBook or Trello can centralize client communications, invoices, and deadlines, reducing the mental load. Set aside a specific weekly time to handle invoicing, emails, and other repetitive tasks. That way, your energy stays reserved for creative work.

Another practical tip is to use automation tools like Zapier or Calendly. These platforms can sync your calendar with client meetings, automate follow-up emails, and ensure deadlines don’t fall through the cracks.

Minimize Distractions

Distractions are productivity killers. Stick with routines and boundaries like designated work hours and a dedicated workspace to help maintain focus. And even though working in your pajamas might feel relaxing, it’s often better to hop in the shower and put on comfortable clothes. For an added layer of focus, break your work into 30-minute intervals with short breaks in between. This method enhances focus and also prevents burnout.

Set Clear Goals

A solid workflow requires clear, actionable goals. Use project management tools like Asana or Monday.com to break larger projects into smaller, manageable tasks. Categorize these tasks by priority and deadline to tackle them effectively without feeling overwhelmed.

Advanced Time Management for Freelancers

Time management is critical for freelancers balancing multiple clients and projects; it’s key to achieving an optimum work-life balance. While traditional methods work, advanced techniques can help you manage your schedule more efficiently.

Unconventional Time-Blocking

Time-blocking is a popular method, but you can take it a step further by incorporating themed days or task batching. Assign specific days of the week to focus on specific types of work—such as client outreach, creative tasks, or administrative work.

Alternatively, batch similar tasks together. For instance, set aside two hours to respond to emails and schedule meetings rather than scattering these tasks throughout your day. That minimizes mental switching and saves time.

Avoid Task Fatigue

Freelancers often experience task fatigue when juggling multiple deadlines. To combat this, try the Eisenhower Matrix, a method that categorizes tasks based on urgency and importance. Address critical, high-priority work first while delegating or scheduling less pressing tasks for later.

Prevent Scheduling Pitfalls

Build a buffer into your schedule to handle overlapping deadlines effectively. Avoid over-committing by setting realistic timelines and communicating them to your clients upfront. Finally, seek ways to add more time to your personal schedule; don’t hit the snooze button and limit time on social media.

Master Contract Management and Client Relationships

Solid contracts and client relationships are the foundation of freelance success. Streamlining these areas ensures your projects stay organized, professional, and on track.

Simplify Contract Management

Freelancers often need help managing multiple projects, payments, and expectations. Tools like HelloSign or Dubsado make creating, storing, and tracking this information easy. Use templates to save time and read all agreements carefully. They should clearly outline payment terms, deadlines, and deliverables.

Consider pairing contract tools with project tracking software to make your life even easier. For example, the Notion platform allows you to link contracts to specific projects, creating a one-stop hub for everything related to your work.

Strengthen Client Relationships

Maintaining positive client relationships is vital for retaining work and building a strong reputation. Set realistic expectations at the start of a project and provide regular updates on progress. A quick check-in email can go a long way in keeping clients informed and satisfied.

Prioritize this: Create a curated email list to stay connected with potential, current, and past clients. This tactic helps you maintain relationships and keep your services in mind for future projects. Ongoing, open communication keeps you and your clients aligned, preventing misunderstandings and fostering trust.

Leveraging Productivity Strategies = Better Freelancing Outcomes

Freelancers who adopt these productivity strategies often have more time, less stress, and happier clients. Whether automating repetitive tasks, fine-tuning your time management, or simplifying contract management, these methods can transform your workflow.

We know this is a lot, so start small — pick one or two techniques and implement them this week. You’ll notice enormous business success with just a little effort and consistency.

Katie Brenneman

Katie is a passionate writer specializing in time management, marketing, and education-related content. When she isn't writing, you can find her with her nose buried in a book or hiking with her dog, Charlie. To connect with Katie, you can follow her on Twitter.

Share in the comments below: Questions go here

[today-i-am-thinking-about]

how to tell if a cat is mad at you

[reasonsforhope]

"For years, California was slated to undertake the world’s largest dam removal project in order to free the Klamath River to flow as it had done for thousands of years.

Now, as the project nears completion, imagery is percolating out of Klamath showing the waterway’s dramatic transformation, and they are breathtaking to behold.

Pictured: Klamath River flows freely, after Copco-2 dam was removed in California.

Incredibly, the project has been nearly completed on schedule and under budget, and recently concluded with the removal of two dams, Iron Gate and Copco 1. Small “cofferdams” which helped divert water for the main dams’ construction, still need to be removed.

The river, along which salmon and trout had migrated and bred for centuries, can flow freely between Lake Ewauna in Klamath Falls, Oregon, to the Pacific Ocean for the first time since the dams were constructed between 1903 and 1962.

“This is a monumental achievement—not just for the Klamath River but for our entire state, nation, and planet,” Governor Gavin Newsom said in a statement. “By taking down these outdated dams, we are giving salmon and other species a chance to thrive once again, while also restoring an essential lifeline for tribal communities who have long depended on the health of the river.”

“We had a really incredible moment to share with tribes as we watched the final cofferdams be broken,” Ren Brownell, Klamath River Renewal Corp. public information officer, told SFGATE. “So we’ve officially returned the river to its historic channel at all the dam sites. But the work continues.”

Pictured: Iron Gate Dam, before and after.

“The dams that have divided the basin are now gone and the river is free,” Frankie Myers, vice chairman of the Yurok Tribe, said in a tribal news release from late August. “Our sacred duty to our children, our ancestors, and for ourselves, is to take care of the river, and today’s events represent a fulfillment of that obligation.”

The Yurok Tribe has lived along the Klamath River forever, and it was they who led the decades-long campaign to dismantle the dams.

At first the water was turbid, brown, murky, and filled with dead algae—discharges from riverside sediment deposits and reservoir drainage. However, Brownell said the water quality will improve over a short time span as the river normalizes.

“I think in September, we may have some Chinook salmon and steelhead moseying upstream and checking things out for the first time in over 60 years,” said Bob Pagliuco, a marine habitat resource specialist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration in July.

Pictured: JC Boyle Dam, before and after.

“Based on what I’ve seen and what I know these fish can do, I think they will start occupying these habitats immediately. There won’t be any great numbers at first, but within several generations—10 to 15 years—new populations will be established.”

Ironically, a news release from the NOAA states that the simplification of the Klamath River by way of the dams actually made it harder for salmon and steelhead to survive and adapt to climate change.

“When you simplify the habitat as we did with the dams, salmon can’t express the full range of their life-history diversity,” said NOAA Research Fisheries Biologist Tommy Williams.

“The Klamath watershed is very prone to disturbance. The environment throughout the historical range of Pacific salmon and steelhead is very dynamic. We have fires, floods, earthquakes, you name it. These fish not only deal with it well, it’s required for their survival by allowing the expression of the full range of their diversity. It challenges them. Through this, they develop this capacity to deal with environmental changes.”

-via Good News Network, October 9, 2024

[happy2bmyownboss]

I don’t have enough time to get it all done!

How many times have you said this or thought this? How stressful does it feel when you feel this way? Maybe it’s not that you don’t have enough time but maybe you have too much to do, too much to take care of, too many unnecessary obligations. When you have young kids that time can slip by all too quickly and in the blink of an eye your toddler will be towering over you with keys in his hand. I…

[hanzioftheday]

April 10th

Today's Hanzi character of the day is 小

In Mandarin pinyin it is pronounced "xiǎo" and it means small.

This is a common radical used in other characters.

The oracle bone script below was either an ideogram three dots to represent something being small, or it was a pictogram of three grains of sand, which are something small.