Artsnfartsnkris 2026.... has moved to a different newsletter host! It took me a bit to figure out, but I am no longer on Substack and you can find out why here. Thank you for your patience while I learn the intricacies of yet another online platform. This middle-aged analog bitch luddite always appreciate your patience!
Ya’ll, I am feeling good because I am doing yoga again. After a six year hiatus, I'm enjoying the mind and body benefits that come with daily stretching and strength building. It really wasn’t that big of a deal to add some yoga poses to my PT exercises in the morning. I’ve been wary. My pain reached an all time high from 2020-2022, I finally got a diagnosis, and basically stopped doing every joyful movement because my back would no longer allow it. So I am thrilled with this development! I had a feeling when dancing hard at a few shows last year and not being in terrible pain the next days, that my new med was helping and I could dip my toe in again. 2 very enthusiastic & grateful thumbs up! Which I can’t actually do, but I’m getting a shot for my tendonitis tomorrow!
The weather this last month was all over the place. After about 10 days straight of not quite reaching freezing, we got what felt like an early Spring. We narrowly avoided another big snowstorm here NEPA, thank goodness, because the remnants of the last one finally all melted. One of my favorite things in the world is an invigorating walk on a cold winter day, air crisp, no wind, walking along the river with the sun shining off of it. But big chunks is also excellent, as shown here. When it’s particularly slush-y around the ice while churning, I find it quite mesmerizing. It’s like a type of meditation.
In February I attended two workshops, and worked on my February perzine for Patreon, which has been sent out to subscribers. Sign up any time in March to receive it! This issue’s a legal size minizine, where I round up what I got up to in February, including a poster on the back collaged with the media I consumed.
One of the workshops I attended was by the Someday Society for V-day. We made a valentine to ourselves! They had the cutest decor set up. I love celebrations of love, for our partners, friends, or selves! I also got to use a hot glue gun.
I made some new pieces for a group show opening this Friday at Pigeon Post. It’s called Endless Mountains and will feature the work of 7 collage artists. Come to the opening reception, 3/6 from 5:30-8! I’m really excited to see what everyone else made.
This week I am preparing to table at the EPTEP Trans Arts, Crafts & Performance Event at the Ice Box in Bethlehem on Sunday 3/8. There will be a Queer Quoir performing (that you can join for the day!), poets and music, vendors, and much more. What have you been up to? Are you unplugging, opting out, going analog in any ways this year? The news cycle is a lot, humankind is suffering, and frankly I don’t believe we were meant to have access to all the information that’s flung at us day after day. Just here to say that there’s nothing wrong with taking care of yourself, and often that can mean taking space. If you’ve been waiting for permission to do just that, here it is.
Over the weekend, I enjoyed a smooth run of the first public event that I planned with the local nonprofit I’ve been working with. We had a great turnout, everyone had fun and some folks expressed interest in getting involved, so I’d call it a success! Finding rewarding ways and whereabouts to place my efforts has helped my mood so much. It chases away the hopeless, and connects me with other folks who care about the same causes. I’m even finding new talents. Turns out I actually like phone banking! Take it from me, if I can go knock on doors and make cold calls, anybody can. If you can find the time, I think it’s worth taking a step out of your comfort zone. Now is the time.
Now’s also the time for Girl Scout cookies!
My many wishes of safety, peace and warmth as we get closer and closer to the renewal of Spring. I’ve been hearing and seeing more and more birds with each passing day, so I know it’s almost here.
Your friend,
Kris
(they/them)
