As I first read these comment prompts, I thought, nothing to smile about yet. *scowl*. But then my chaos cat came to take a nap in my lap, and that made me smile.
I have a plan for a comic to draw today, and I really like the way you are doing your weekly summaries, can I borrow that idea to try?
I am always interested in reading about eating disorders, because I live with a child who has one (that most people haven’t heard of). It is interesting that our minds can flail about for something we can control, while at the same time controlling something as crucial as food intake.
I am glad the cat brought a smile. They are good that way. I hope there were other smiles in the day. It’s a tough question early in the morning anyway! I hope you enjoyed working on your comic today. I think weekly lists can be a great way to reflect. I am sure you will have your own approach. If you aren’t familiar with the “currently list,” you might enjoy the categories it uses, too. It was started by a Kristin…. I think it is @rukristin (I didn’t check it just now) at Instagram. We did the currently list in my group for many years, and I know some people continue to capture that weekly.
Oh, Amy. Oh, Amy. Hugs. Heaviness this week, even in what you've been reading. The sadness of "you" in the daily affirmations makes sense to me, but obviously I don't know all the details. I guess it's good to remember that sadness is not inherently bad, or wrong, and it deserves to be acknowledged. I wonder what would happen if you wore a colorful hat or scarf or pin, with your mostly black, to mirror the colors that are finding their way into your drawings? I, too, wear a lot of black and just yesterday read a piece by another Substack writer who puzzled over why so many people do.
What made me smile most today was to see the sun after days of rain, and my first sip of cream-laden, hot tea. Favorite free forms of self-care: Well, since words are my art, writing is what comes to mind first. But also making something simple and delicious to eat. This recipe caught my eye this morning. I'll try it soon.
Thank you, Elizabeth, and thank you for sharing the recipe. I hope you enjoy it - and the burst of green! I appreciate your words - and I hope you had a good weekend (with not too many ants to shepherd out).
All the feelings you're feeling. Sadness. I associate the word sadness with the word poignant, which carries a more self-loving aspect for me. There's a softness there. There's something delicious and melancholy and wise in that word. I imagine wrapping myself up in the coziest blanket of love and self-soothing when I'm feeling this way. I love this newsletter, Amy. Thank you!
Thank you, Nan. I appreciate this gentle reframing, and I love the phrasing - delicious and melancholy and wise all bundled together. Perfect - and poignant. Thank you.
You are now a part of my Sunday, Amy. I look forward to your newsletter! Thank you!
My favorite form of self care is e-bike riding. I have so much work to do but I need a ride more, heading out in an hour. The affirmation I need this week: Don’t worry, it will all get done - one way or another.
Thank you, AJ. I really appreciate your words, and I love that e-bike riding is your thing. That’s awesome! I hope you had a good ride today - and good weather for it. I love your affirmation for the week.
Too tired these last few days (weeks) to respond properly (meaning only as comprehensively and coherently as I would like). But I see you throwing your astonishing and lovely paper cranes off the darkening edges of things, week after week. And I want you to know that know that you are seen and that this gesture matters. You tell us that you know this, the mattering, but there is doubt between the words. So I am here, briefly to say: Thank you. Yes. More.
ps
My pens have run dry, but I’m planning to re-ink with purples and greys and moody greens.
You have changed your name here. I just noticed (maybe I simply hadn’t noticed since this is the name I think of anyway). Thank you. Your words mean a lot. I appreciate that you see. Your pens should not be dry….yes, fill them with these colors. We run similar palettes. I hope that you are taking care of you - and that you rest!
I love how tender and honest your comics and writing are. I really like your affirmations series and how you discuss your challenges with visualization and how heads look when turned in space. (This is why I almost always draw things either in profile or straight on, angles give me anguish). Backgorund Noise Comics is one of my favorite webcomics, and I read them on Medium. thank you for showing me they are here on Substack as well! And thank you for including me in this week's writers to read section.
Thank you, Jason. I so appreciate these words, and I'm happy to tip you off to another crossover here at Substack. (I read one of your medium pieces that you linked in Notes recently and really enjoyed it.) As for including you.... of course! I'm a big fan of your work, and I really do try and connect people and support the community in ways I can.
Something that made me smile today is seeing your sock critters. I especially love the one in the first panel…colorful, strange, quirky and lovable looking.
As I first read these comment prompts, I thought, nothing to smile about yet. *scowl*. But then my chaos cat came to take a nap in my lap, and that made me smile.
I have a plan for a comic to draw today, and I really like the way you are doing your weekly summaries, can I borrow that idea to try?
I am always interested in reading about eating disorders, because I live with a child who has one (that most people haven’t heard of). It is interesting that our minds can flail about for something we can control, while at the same time controlling something as crucial as food intake.
I am glad the cat brought a smile. They are good that way. I hope there were other smiles in the day. It’s a tough question early in the morning anyway! I hope you enjoyed working on your comic today. I think weekly lists can be a great way to reflect. I am sure you will have your own approach. If you aren’t familiar with the “currently list,” you might enjoy the categories it uses, too. It was started by a Kristin…. I think it is @rukristin (I didn’t check it just now) at Instagram. We did the currently list in my group for many years, and I know some people continue to capture that weekly.
Oh, Amy. Oh, Amy. Hugs. Heaviness this week, even in what you've been reading. The sadness of "you" in the daily affirmations makes sense to me, but obviously I don't know all the details. I guess it's good to remember that sadness is not inherently bad, or wrong, and it deserves to be acknowledged. I wonder what would happen if you wore a colorful hat or scarf or pin, with your mostly black, to mirror the colors that are finding their way into your drawings? I, too, wear a lot of black and just yesterday read a piece by another Substack writer who puzzled over why so many people do.
What made me smile most today was to see the sun after days of rain, and my first sip of cream-laden, hot tea. Favorite free forms of self-care: Well, since words are my art, writing is what comes to mind first. But also making something simple and delicious to eat. This recipe caught my eye this morning. I'll try it soon.
https://www.simplyrecipes.com/smashed-cucumber-dill-salad-recipe-8580243
Thank you, Elizabeth, and thank you for sharing the recipe. I hope you enjoy it - and the burst of green! I appreciate your words - and I hope you had a good weekend (with not too many ants to shepherd out).
All the feelings you're feeling. Sadness. I associate the word sadness with the word poignant, which carries a more self-loving aspect for me. There's a softness there. There's something delicious and melancholy and wise in that word. I imagine wrapping myself up in the coziest blanket of love and self-soothing when I'm feeling this way. I love this newsletter, Amy. Thank you!
Thank you, Nan. I appreciate this gentle reframing, and I love the phrasing - delicious and melancholy and wise all bundled together. Perfect - and poignant. Thank you.
You are now a part of my Sunday, Amy. I look forward to your newsletter! Thank you!
My favorite form of self care is e-bike riding. I have so much work to do but I need a ride more, heading out in an hour. The affirmation I need this week: Don’t worry, it will all get done - one way or another.
Thank you, AJ. I really appreciate your words, and I love that e-bike riding is your thing. That’s awesome! I hope you had a good ride today - and good weather for it. I love your affirmation for the week.
Oh thank you so much for the shout! Your 100 day art is looking so wonderful! I too embrace the slow life!
Thanks so much, Kaly, and, of course! I think you are going to have a great turnout!
Too tired these last few days (weeks) to respond properly (meaning only as comprehensively and coherently as I would like). But I see you throwing your astonishing and lovely paper cranes off the darkening edges of things, week after week. And I want you to know that know that you are seen and that this gesture matters. You tell us that you know this, the mattering, but there is doubt between the words. So I am here, briefly to say: Thank you. Yes. More.
ps
My pens have run dry, but I’m planning to re-ink with purples and greys and moody greens.
You have changed your name here. I just noticed (maybe I simply hadn’t noticed since this is the name I think of anyway). Thank you. Your words mean a lot. I appreciate that you see. Your pens should not be dry….yes, fill them with these colors. We run similar palettes. I hope that you are taking care of you - and that you rest!
I love how tender and honest your comics and writing are. I really like your affirmations series and how you discuss your challenges with visualization and how heads look when turned in space. (This is why I almost always draw things either in profile or straight on, angles give me anguish). Backgorund Noise Comics is one of my favorite webcomics, and I read them on Medium. thank you for showing me they are here on Substack as well! And thank you for including me in this week's writers to read section.
Thank you, Jason. I so appreciate these words, and I'm happy to tip you off to another crossover here at Substack. (I read one of your medium pieces that you linked in Notes recently and really enjoyed it.) As for including you.... of course! I'm a big fan of your work, and I really do try and connect people and support the community in ways I can.
Something that made me smile today is seeing your sock critters. I especially love the one in the first panel…colorful, strange, quirky and lovable looking.
Thanks, Erin! Quirky and lovable, indeed! They are fun because you really can do whatever.
Love your work Amy! Sounds like some heart wrenching reads in there too!