I enjoyed reading this post, and I could relate to so many parts of it.
I am in a funk as well, and I feel like it frequently happens this time of year. I think it used to be triggered by the end of the school year (I went from student to teacher), so the majority of my life has been based on that schedule. Even as a homeschool family, we are still affected to some degree. That sudden loss of routine has always left me feeling adrift and unsettled.
It is harder this year because I was already struggling with anxiety, depression, and extreme burnout before summer started.
As for my illustrated journal, I feel like I am barely skimming the surface of my life. I feel a strong need to get what I am feeling and experiencing out of my head, but it scares me, so I don’t. I think maybe reading some art therapy books might help.
I can picture things easily in my mind, but I get extremely frustrated that my fingers can’t do what my brain tells them to do!! Even though I can see the thing, I still need reference photos or drawings. It might be like needing captions on the tv, even though I can hear the words.
Please don’t take this the wrong way, but while I do find Temple Grandin fascinating, she espouses eugenics, to eliminate the autistics that have higher support needs, and can’t contribute to society in the traditional way (working a job, etc.)
You have inspired me to go back and reread “Syllabus,” and the book about comics is on my wish list. I have a TBR book on my nightstand called, “Stop Overthinking.” I should get to that.
Thank you for commenting, Laura, and I am glad we got to draw together this morning. I understand the kind of routine and seasonal feelings you are talking about. I hope that there is some balance and that you are finding help and support, if you need it. The line about skimming the surface.... I really hear you on that. I think your sketchbook can be a great place to let things out.... and really helpful for that. If the fact that you share your journal is part of the problem, I would suggest taping index cards or papers over parts that you really want to keep private. So don’t censor yourself by not letting things go into your journal (especially if you find that journaling and putting it on paper helps). Instead, “censor” what you share -- which is totally your right! Our journals are personal and private, and it can be hard to share and feel connected without giving others too much access. There are ways. I appreciate the Temple Grandin comment.... I didn’t know that.... and I wasn’t really espousing her. It really was the context in which that podcast came about. But, again, I didn’t know that. That’s really disheartening to read. Her story is fascinating - as is some of her own articulation of her processes. Again - thank you for calling this out.
Now.... Lynda Barry.... yes! Do it! It’s a favorite. A few in my Facebook group started Making Comics together a while back. I feel like I liked that one even more, but I might be wrong. They are very similar. The “quadrant journaling” from Syllabus is something I’ve done on and off and always enjoy. Her books are always a challenge for me precisely because I can’t “just imagine it” .... but I love the whole aesthetic of the books and the challenge itself.
The guitar?!! What a leap in size from the sweet ukulele. (I went the opposite - from trying the guitar in my teens...to a tenor ukulele in my 60s!) I do understand the feeling of wanting to try everything though. What next Amy? The piano :) Happy Sunday to you.
So glad to see your comment, Carol! I was thinking about the ukulele when I wrote this post because it’s been almost exactly four years since I got the ukulele (as part of the “50” that year). The guitar wasn’t planned.... quite by chance. I have someone here with an extra guitar and a willingness to walk me through the basics..... I’m hopeful! (But no piano!) I have a deep soft spot for guitar.... being able to play would be pretty awesome. I hope life is well. Draw with us sometime soon -- and happy birthday next week to your son.
I love my rainbow multicolor pencil! The best ones imho have lead in a rainbow like a color wheel. I can easily jot down the most amazing rainbow shifts to fill corners of my journal. I have some that are like “confetti” color mix and those feel very chaotic.
A rainbow pencil fan! I may find these have a place this year - I love hearing your comments on filling corners, too. (Good tip ablution the “kind” of multi lead to consider.)
Wow! If you haven’t seen Impromptu, you should watch it right away. I can get it for free on Hoopla, through my local library. It’s one of my all-time favorites. I got so caught up in researching rainbow pencils that I almost didn’t get to that part of your post.
My funk is that I really want to do some quilting, and then I feel like I have to write first. The woman for whom I’ve been making a quilt for like three years is coming to visit on Friday, and I’m hoping to have the backing done so that we can layer it. Because of the MS, it’s hard for me to do things like that by myself.
I don’t think I have seen it, Fran! Thank you for the recommendation. I really hope you are/were able to layer the quilt with your friend this week. That is a task better served by multiple hands anyway. I understand the pull to do other things - always a picking and choosing and a balancing.
I wanted to comment on your post earlier this week - but comments are off. I loved the chameleon intro.... and I really loved the magpie imagery. Happy writing.
I enjoyed reading this post, and I could relate to so many parts of it.
I am in a funk as well, and I feel like it frequently happens this time of year. I think it used to be triggered by the end of the school year (I went from student to teacher), so the majority of my life has been based on that schedule. Even as a homeschool family, we are still affected to some degree. That sudden loss of routine has always left me feeling adrift and unsettled.
It is harder this year because I was already struggling with anxiety, depression, and extreme burnout before summer started.
As for my illustrated journal, I feel like I am barely skimming the surface of my life. I feel a strong need to get what I am feeling and experiencing out of my head, but it scares me, so I don’t. I think maybe reading some art therapy books might help.
I can picture things easily in my mind, but I get extremely frustrated that my fingers can’t do what my brain tells them to do!! Even though I can see the thing, I still need reference photos or drawings. It might be like needing captions on the tv, even though I can hear the words.
Please don’t take this the wrong way, but while I do find Temple Grandin fascinating, she espouses eugenics, to eliminate the autistics that have higher support needs, and can’t contribute to society in the traditional way (working a job, etc.)
You have inspired me to go back and reread “Syllabus,” and the book about comics is on my wish list. I have a TBR book on my nightstand called, “Stop Overthinking.” I should get to that.
Thank you for commenting, Laura, and I am glad we got to draw together this morning. I understand the kind of routine and seasonal feelings you are talking about. I hope that there is some balance and that you are finding help and support, if you need it. The line about skimming the surface.... I really hear you on that. I think your sketchbook can be a great place to let things out.... and really helpful for that. If the fact that you share your journal is part of the problem, I would suggest taping index cards or papers over parts that you really want to keep private. So don’t censor yourself by not letting things go into your journal (especially if you find that journaling and putting it on paper helps). Instead, “censor” what you share -- which is totally your right! Our journals are personal and private, and it can be hard to share and feel connected without giving others too much access. There are ways. I appreciate the Temple Grandin comment.... I didn’t know that.... and I wasn’t really espousing her. It really was the context in which that podcast came about. But, again, I didn’t know that. That’s really disheartening to read. Her story is fascinating - as is some of her own articulation of her processes. Again - thank you for calling this out.
Now.... Lynda Barry.... yes! Do it! It’s a favorite. A few in my Facebook group started Making Comics together a while back. I feel like I liked that one even more, but I might be wrong. They are very similar. The “quadrant journaling” from Syllabus is something I’ve done on and off and always enjoy. Her books are always a challenge for me precisely because I can’t “just imagine it” .... but I love the whole aesthetic of the books and the challenge itself.
Have a good week.
The guitar?!! What a leap in size from the sweet ukulele. (I went the opposite - from trying the guitar in my teens...to a tenor ukulele in my 60s!) I do understand the feeling of wanting to try everything though. What next Amy? The piano :) Happy Sunday to you.
So glad to see your comment, Carol! I was thinking about the ukulele when I wrote this post because it’s been almost exactly four years since I got the ukulele (as part of the “50” that year). The guitar wasn’t planned.... quite by chance. I have someone here with an extra guitar and a willingness to walk me through the basics..... I’m hopeful! (But no piano!) I have a deep soft spot for guitar.... being able to play would be pretty awesome. I hope life is well. Draw with us sometime soon -- and happy birthday next week to your son.
I love my rainbow multicolor pencil! The best ones imho have lead in a rainbow like a color wheel. I can easily jot down the most amazing rainbow shifts to fill corners of my journal. I have some that are like “confetti” color mix and those feel very chaotic.
A rainbow pencil fan! I may find these have a place this year - I love hearing your comments on filling corners, too. (Good tip ablution the “kind” of multi lead to consider.)
“About” (autocorrect)
Wow! If you haven’t seen Impromptu, you should watch it right away. I can get it for free on Hoopla, through my local library. It’s one of my all-time favorites. I got so caught up in researching rainbow pencils that I almost didn’t get to that part of your post.
My funk is that I really want to do some quilting, and then I feel like I have to write first. The woman for whom I’ve been making a quilt for like three years is coming to visit on Friday, and I’m hoping to have the backing done so that we can layer it. Because of the MS, it’s hard for me to do things like that by myself.
I don’t think I have seen it, Fran! Thank you for the recommendation. I really hope you are/were able to layer the quilt with your friend this week. That is a task better served by multiple hands anyway. I understand the pull to do other things - always a picking and choosing and a balancing.
I wanted to comment on your post earlier this week - but comments are off. I loved the chameleon intro.... and I really loved the magpie imagery. Happy writing.