Peace and quiet apparently IS too much to ask... (Patreon)

I don't think I can properly convey just how fragile my ability or desire to draw is, right now. It's been over a year since I've drawn anything beyond quick thumbnail sketches, so I'm rusty. But on top of that, I fear interruptions. However much time it takes me to finally sit down and will myself to draw anything, all it takes to end that is the tiniest disruption.

As I type this, I've had enough disruptions in the past couple of hours, that I'm pretty sure it will only continue for the rest of the day. IN THE MIDDLE of sketching this pose for Franken-Daisy - I'd been thinking about how to pose her all weekend - I got a knock on my door. "Can you help me with the printer?"

At the same time, the noise of a Roomba was filling the house. I had to play I.T. guy again not long after that, then got asked if I have spare hangers, and now the noise of the Roomba has been replaced by daytime TV. This isn't going to be a quiet day.

At one point I had to fight back tears. It was finally happening - I was going to draw!  Now all I can think about are the interruptions, and my desire for silence and solitude.

The only quiet place I have, is off of the nearby river. While it's quiet and somewhat isolated, it's not the most comfortable. Aside from Florida's heat and humidity, there are flies, mosquitoes, and other bugs. And I never know when someone else might show up, either to fish, to use the site as a canoe launch, to hang out, or just to wander aimlessly.

So really, I have no place I can 100% rely on for peace and quiet. I haven't for several years, now, which has definitely had its impact.

I've looked into different options. Getting my own place or even just renting a small office would cost money that I don't know that I'll have, from one year to the next. If every year were as lucrative as this past one, then I could absolutely afford an apartment or an office, or both. But I'd also likely have no time or energy to draw. And for all I know, next year could be about as lucrative as working part-time at McDonalds.

One of my cheaper options might be to get a decent-sized tool shed, and convert that into a backyard office. Finishing the inside is where it could get costly, though. And this neighborhood's HOA doesn't allow tool sheds.

I'd even considered getting a small RV, but the HOA doesn't allow those to be parked in driveways for more than 3 days, either. So on top of the cost of the RV, I'd have to pay to store it somewhere.

I could fly back up to Michigan. I'm sure my friend would be happy to have me there, especially now that I'm not working full-time. But beyond locking myself in my room, I don't have a quiet place to work there, either. His dogs crave attention.

So now I'm waiting/hoping for a quiet day, or even just a quiet couple of hours. But even if I get it, there's a 50/50 chance that I'll spend it fighting with art-block.