Just Getting By (With Pics)
I generally try not to write too much about my work life in this blog. But desperate circumstances call for desperate measures, so today is an exception.
Okay, I am not truly desperate. What I AM is at a law conference in Orlando, Florida, studying up about law. (I am a practicing attorney for those who do not know.) The law part is interesting, except that the lectures go on for seven hours each day, and they are held in a huge very self-contained hotel in Orlando, Florida where they charge substantial amounts for internet in the rooms.
It is what many would consider a very nice hotel, and honestly, on one level, I am terrifically grateful that I can be here. But on another level, I also feel very–out of place.
I will not give the example regarding the lecture mentioning a famous painter whose estate generated a famous law suit. (I felt out of place there because I seemed to be one of the very few people who actually just love that painter’s paintings, regardless of monetary value or law suit.)
But here’s something–at the opening reception, everything they served was either meaty or a dessert! Okay, I sound whiny. Just because I don’t eat meat or (very often) dessert– It all looked pretty good. From afar. Not touching anything. Kind of hungry. All by myself.
I am just not a blender-inner, not a networker, not a hale-fellow-well-metter. What I tend to do in these conference situations is stand in a back corner and draw in a little notebook all the time listening intently. (I really do listen.) (I promise, say I, to any clients out there.)
As a result, I am posting today’s output because it really is rather lonely here (in the lobby), (listening to other people congregate), (and still, at 9:42, not certain what to do about dinner.)
Encouragement is encouraged.
P.S – a few of these drawings are for a specific book project–the one with the little girl and her mom and little girl and dog, though these are very preliminary sketches. (If your browser does not show whole pic and you want to see it, please just click on it.)
Tags: dog/girl/ other stuff, donkeys too, in need of encouragement, lonely in Orlando, manicddaily, Merry-ott it isn't, Sally and Seemore drawings
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ManicDDaily 
January 13, 2014 at 11:35 pm
They make you pay for internet? What a rip-off!
I think the meat/sweet thing goes back to some concept of display of largesse. Can’t be seen to be frugal.
January 13, 2014 at 11:47 pm
I love the little dog looking out the window and the conflicted welcome beware message. I would hate to be where you are, totally, so I get it. It’s hard to not eat mainstream(or drink mainstream) in this sort of public situation. As one who has had to watch every mouthful for many years, I’ve sat hungry at the feast a lot. It’s annoying as hell. And seminar instructions are somehow very seldom given by people with the gift of keeping one’s attention; though I’ve been to a few that had wonderful speakers, they were the exception. Maybe tomorrow will be better.
Hang in there, k. I hope you can at least enjoy the sunshine and assorted tropicana–float in a pool or sit in a spa or something! I was really hoping for some pictures of elephants on air mattresses, all kicked back. ;_)
January 14, 2014 at 1:10 am
nice… so enjoying your drawings… and i know that one can feel pretty lonely and out of place on big conferences… was at one in munich a few weeks back and just wished i had someone to talk to or just walk next to me.. cannot believe that such a large and seemingly good hotel has not at least two or three vegetarian dishes…ugh…
January 14, 2014 at 4:31 am
Thanks Claudia. I am sure the hotel does. They had a Opening party that did not and then I just got distracted with catching up on email etc. k.
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January 14, 2014 at 1:15 am
I always feel odd at conferences too and face a delemma over meals what with not eating my fellow animals and accommodating my allergies. I do think sketching is a nice soul-saving activity. You’ve got something there. I’ll keep that in mind for the future.
Always appreciate your lovely drawings, especially elephants. Bravo! 🙂
January 14, 2014 at 2:45 am
Feel for you, k. I too have had similar experiences and it’s miserable. I always struggled to stay awake at such things. Wish I had your talent for drawing.
My copy of 1 Mississippi arrived. I love it – especially the elephants 🙂
January 14, 2014 at 7:02 am
I think it was the 20th century philosopher James Croce who said “No one there/ I really wanted to talk to,” and as a fellow (commercial) traveler I can relate to the idea of loneliness in crowds. I always try to keep an eye open for fellow oddballs, and failing that it’s an opportunity to work on conversational skills because there are a lot of people by themselves and if you fall on your face trying to connect with them it doesn’t matter because they’re flying back to Cleveland, unless (a) you live in Cleveland and/or (b) you both attend the same conference every year…
January 14, 2014 at 8:40 am
hey you are a survivor you know…sucks that they dont consider other lifestyles…i used to put on these conferences all over as a corporate trainer and you have a lot to consider…and even as the trainer you can feel out of place…
January 14, 2014 at 3:11 pm
As it seems your only source right now, I hope your drawing is nourishing you… it has just fortified me. I enjoy the new faces. The first one in a tie, the driving woman and her passenger, the dear donkeys! And, as always your elephants have consistent charm.
January 15, 2014 at 10:22 am
Life happens. What can you do. Take a short walk to a nearby fruit stand or something and get something to eat. It’s hard when the menu doesn’t agree with your diet, but that’s no reason to starve.
January 15, 2014 at 8:04 pm
In this part of Florida, a bit hard to walk anywhere! But I have gotten food, thanks! You are right. It is my own neurosis. k.