That being said, I’ve made a lot of new creations lately! Hopefully, I will be able to post them by tomorrow. There’s just so much to do, I’m falling behind. I feel the little drops of overwhelm start to accumulate over the edge of my Mouse glass. I won’t let myself be engulfed by fearful thoughts of not being able to accomplish what I want, though. My heart is guiding me and I must be patient and diligent with the process of achieving my dreams. It is work.

I recently found so many things that have kept me afloat during those little times I start to feel the doubts rise inside me. These inspirations have mostly come from creators who have done or are doing exactly what it is I want to do…

1. Keri Smith

This particular article made me feel so devoted to my heart’s wants. It’s easy to become distracted when the waves of the world are pulling you underwater or throwing you through violent winds. I’ve read this plenty of times in the past week to keep me afloat.

2. Pikaland Blog

I found #1 amidst the inspiring blog posts on this website. It inspired me to write today. This website is a rare gem for all lovers of quirky arts.

3. Long Showers

When I feel the clan of doubt ninjas creep into my psyche I utilize the quickest and most practical source next to me in order to kill them. My shower. Cleansing yourself can be absolutely religious when you’ve spent the whole day accumulating the dust of your fears.

4. Banana Bread

I made a loaf with my roommate, Nikki, the day before yesterday. Coming home to the smell of banana bread is one of the yummiest feelings you can ever give yourself the pleasure of experiencing. It immediately reminded me of my Mom and that is enough to fill me with enough light to brighten the whole room .

I have turned to these things all week to get me through the triviality of customizing my Mouse blog, attempting to figure out the surprisingly complicated world of owning your own Etsy shop, and figuring out how to create my life the way I want it.

I feel successful. Onto the next creation!

Of course there is a limit to how many treats I should indulge in unless I want to become obese or take the journey to receive the treat for granted. Luckily I want to experience neither so I still find treats exciting.

Here are a few treats I particularly love lately:

This book has been a huge inspiration to me lately and no not only because I finished it (get it?), but also because of Michael Ende’s masterful abilities to paint such delectable imagery that made me feel like I was really inside Fantastica. My heart found a spot for The Neverending Story. I reccommend it for children of all ages.

Hayao Miyazaki films! I’ve been a big fan of My Neighbor Totoro since my toddler days. Recently, I’ve been letting his album A Music Box Heals You lull me to sleep at night. The album features bits of scores from his movies filtered through the gentle twinkling sounds of a music box. Needless to say the man knows magic and I love his work.

Yes, I realize I’m not the only one who is a fan of this film. The soundtrack, however, is what I want to focus on because it excites me so much! For those who thought the choreographed dancing to the masterpiece Jai Ho was lame, well you should rethink that opinion. Even if you still think it was lame after rethinking your opinion, MY opinion is it made me laugh and jump around and that is success.

Penelope Cruz in Vicky Christina Barcelona. I recently realized how much of a fan I am of her work. Her passion for the characters she plays has been pretty consistent in all the work I’ve seen of her. This performance, however, inspired me the most because of how mentally insane Maria Elena was! She was such a mess and I appreciated her work so much because I know she put herself in such pain to make me laugh that hard.

I’m obsessed with this website. I’m even more excited that technology has advanced as far as it has so that I can open up a shop in my bed and sell my handmade things in a place where handmade items are embraced lovingly with practically no elbow grease. This website is amazing and all the craftsmen/craftswomen who sell their creations on it are so inspirational I’m always finding new things that inspire me. Sigh.

I hope the person who owns this dog doesn’t get mad at me for posting the picture they took on my blog, but I think he’s so cute! Recently I’ve been dreaming about these fuzzy puppy faces. I will have one one day. Sigh, again.

And to finish the ultimate list of Eileen treats I must include some kind of dessert. Gelato. Especially if it’s pink. I love gelato. I love gelato.