Updates, Updates, Updates
So hi again… My last blog post was kind of a bit deep and in the dumps, a reflection of how I was coming back into the radical acceptance mindset once again! Sometimes we have to circle the block a few times until that type of stuff sticks. I am doing okay if you were wondering. It’s just my mind tends to fester a lot, and I get stuck in repetitive shame mindsets, but I am actively working towards checking in with myself and being okay with me again. Also, sometimes it’s really just not that deep… Let’s be real. All that to say, I was a bit overdramatic, perhaps? But I digress, I want to contrast that with somethings that have recently brought joy. I want to discuss maybe implementing some general themes into my blogs so it has a consistent structure I can lean on to help me write more. I am going to test out these topics for sections: what’s on my mind, what I am up to lately, what I am making, what I am baking or cooking, what I am reading and maybe a section for miscellaneous/housekeeping updates.
Without further ado:
What Am I Up To Lately?
I have just been getting ready to visit my family for a good chunk of June. Previously, I spent the month of May focusing on my art and testing out the world of dating in 2026… I am having a decent time with both, I think. I am going to be published soon in a real magazine! Which is going to be so exciting! I was also in two back to back shows this month, which was honestly such an experience, and I really really enjoyed the community of people I met in the process. I am holding out for more of these experiences in the future and relishing the fact that I got to do that! I did that! I am so proud of myself for putting myself out into the world in so many new ways. Looking forward, I am hopefully going to start joining a trans gym, I am waiting for pending art related applications, and I am going to sign up to be a vendor in the autumn, so maybe hold out for a housekeeping update on the art front. I actually got a tarot reading recently that said I was going to have a huge work opportunity come my way, and I am choosing to be delusional about it. Needless to say, though, I need a break. I am excited to just chill with family and not do too much for a bit.
What I Have Been Reading Lately
So I’ve been reading a lot lately, like a freaking lot. This last month, I have read almost five books… Yeah, no, actually four books. Which is still a lot for me! I am usually a two-book-a-month guy; however, my friend and I (shoutout to Shae), we’ve been buddy reading The Raven Boys series (spoilers ahead! Don’t say you weren’t freaking warned), and it’s kind of got me all pumped up. I love reading fantasy-style YA because it’s so far removed from my life that I get so sucked into the escapism of it. Not to mention this particular series is a bunch of teenage boys with a shared special interest and they have powers? Yes, that is right up my alley, as a person who never got the teenage boy experience. Also, I feel so inspired by the character of Noah Czerny and ghost stories in general. I am brainstorming up an idea for a story that has similar plot points to his character arc! Although I want to do more research on ghost stories and the history of ghosts in media. I also just finished Sweet Bean Paste, which was a lovely and tear-inducing read. I was forced! Forced to go get a sweet bean bun because of it. (Side tangent, I was eating a sweet bean bun on my way home and got dive-bombed by crows… I think I by accidentally made crenemies? I am so upset about this.) I also finished The Other Bennet Sister, which was a cute and cozy read, and it was nice to see Mary be vindicated in that way; she really deserved this book. What else did I read? Oh, The Island of Last Things, which wasn’t a great read, actually, it was a terrible bummer of a book… Alas, I am currently reading Mary Oliver’s Dream Work (Yes, I love Wild Geese!!!) and I am reading Life Hacks for Little Aliens, which has been maybe my favourite reading experience this year (I wasn’t expecting it!! But it’s been a lot of fun)!
What am I Making?
What am I making? Hahaha. Well, I am working on some fun Lino patches to hopefully sell (see above image)! I am also working on fostering my artistic style and cherishing it. I have been trying my hardest to explore different options for art, and studies are really important for my creative process, but I think I just need to focus on the style I am actually at ease with, instead of pushing myself. I was so worried about getting pigeonholed that I didn’t realize that it doesn’t really matter that much. Perhaps, it might even be an okay thing? I am also going to take some time out to create a 5-year plan for myself to focus on (stay tuned?). I think I am going to set some realistic goals and try to focus on creating community with my art. So that is where I am at art-wise.
What am I Baking And Cooking?
Well, I have been making this delicious banh mi rice bowl lately, which has sparked my creativity in the kitchen once again. I think my issues with making Vietnamese food from scratch were that I consistently used the wrong ingredients and not enough herbs and lime juice. The herbs are key, for sure. I also just made cinnamon rolls from pizza dough that I rose for a longer duration… It was decent, not amazing or very fluffy, but it got the craving satiated, which is all one can ask for. Also, I finally caved and got myself hash browns so I can make over easy eggs on top of them. This has been a saving grace because previously I was only having smoothies for breakfast and feeling exhausted and hungry around 10am… Which is not the best feeling. I think I am going to try making tuile cookies this week! I will update you if I do.
Updates/Housekeeping
I have an INPRNT shop I am working on: https://www.inprnt.com/artist/gallery/. I am going to start opening up my commissions and do 5 at a time. Email me or check my Kofi for more info. My work is still being sold at Slice of Life; you should check it out. Hm, what else? I think that is it for now.
Thanks for reading. Stay tuned for more!
