Hi, folks, greetings from the other side of a full, and slightly overwhelming, calendar. I had a lot of events, commitments and fun stuff scheduled that all ended up in a lump this Fall. And it all went splendidly. I knew it would, but I heard recently that ADHD folks only recognize time in 2 different ways: now and not now. SO true. And when the not now is bursting at the seams with responsibility possibilities, I’m pretty good at feeling crushed under the pressure of “too much.” Running my own little art business has been a learning process, and I look forward to going into next year with the wisdom I’ve gleaned from the experiences, and overbooking of 2024! (Thanks to my therapist for introducing compartmentalizing. That and a weekly planner helped a lot.)
I am so grateful for all the opportunities and people I’ve met this year. I am so grateful for every Etsy order that comes through! I love reading the names of different towns and cities to where I send my goods. And I am in awe that shops I’ve never been to want to carry my art. That people I don’t even know peruse a store, their eyes landing on one of my zines and think, “I’d like to take this home with me.” So many, many thanks are being sent out to you, dear reader, right now.
I am also very grateful to be on a break. I’m taking time off social media and allowing myself space to rest, to dawdle, to savor (not waste) time, doing my favorite wholesome cold weather activities such as lighting a candle, working on a puzzle, reading a book, or making a stew. Even picking up a pizza and being a good little consumer, using my hard-earned money to buy some nice things for the people I love with a day of shopping, feels like a joy and a privilege lately.
Philly Zine Fest was incredible. It was big, with 150 vendors, and it was A LOT. I stayed put at my table, not even wanting to become more overstimulated looking at other vendors’ wares. My partner periodically explored massive Mitten Hall, digesting what he could in manageable bits, and coming back proudly with the spoils: stacks of zines, posters, and art. The next day I dropped by the Wooden Shoe anarchist bookstore, the first shop to stock my zines, with a few goodies including some limited edition X-rated Zine Kits that feature cut-outs from 70s smut.
Two of my collage pieces, They Found Love In The Garden, and The Truth are currently on exhibition at Pigeon Post’s First Editions group show. Located on Biden St. in Scranton, you can view this exhibit during their open hours: Fri + Sat 10-3. It was my first First Friday opening reception, so seeing my name in vinyl on the wall was a thrill!
The other event I’d like to report was my Zine Scene teen workshop at the Valley Community Library. Many thanks to Fawn for the invitation, I had such a great time with these young artists. It’s such a whirlwind - I was only expecting about half of the participants who showed up. I always love to see what the kids come up with, so I’m glad I snapped some overhead pics to peruse later. I used this Shay Mirk free resource, How To Make A One-Page Zine as handouts to practice folding first. I only took a dozen, so it’s a good thing we had access to a copier, plus extra scissors!
One little girl wrote and illustrated a story about her guinea pigs in her zine, another kid wrote a lovely poem about how special nature and animals are, and maybe we shouldn’t eat them? (After my own heart, I see.) There were affirmation zines, general fun with stickers, and of course Taylor Swift made an appearance in at least one. Does your library have a zine library, or any sort of collage or zine club? You should find out.
Much time in the woods was spent before, during, and after the election. It may have actually been a good thing that I was swamped with work around that time, to be honest. During a particularly restorative hike where I followed a stream, I thought of you all. All the people out there hurting, scared, frustrated and confused, shocked with the results. And I wished I could share my calm. Let it radiate out towards every marginalized person that this administration may harm, as well as those who love and fear for them.
But I can share with you my realization. That just for today, the trees remain, the birds still sing, and the stream doesn’t worry about the future. So I touched the different textures of moss and took my cue from my teachers in nature. We don’t know for sure what the future holds, but just for today, I take it day by day. And in these moments, I am okay. I hope you are okay, too.
Oh, and I also finished a zine I started literal months ago about nuthatches! My Friend The Nuthatch is now listed in my shop. In it, I talk about why this little bird is so special to me. I’ve got some sales going on Etsy, for real real the last of the year. Plus, use promo code KRISTHANX for 25% off anything + everything, valid 11/28 thru 12/1. After a couple of years trying to will myself back into my gratitude journal habit, it seems to have finally stuck again. Having a buddy to trade dailies with helps, for accountability. I’d love to know what you’re feeling thankful for in the comments. And thank you. I am grateful for you being here reading my newsletter.
Wishing you a peaceful week,
(they/them)
PS: My Self-Care For A Beloved Self Zine Lunch workshop recording is available to watch any time here. Here is the slide deck as well with extra resources. Feel free to share with a friend, make a date of it, take an hour for yourself.