I can do this, cartoon transcript
Thing 1 and 2 are armless legless creatures of enormous kindness and integrity.
Thing 1: I can do this
Thing 1 pauses to be in that moment. Then they shake.
Thing 1: Or at least try.
Thing 2: And I’ll be cheering for you regardless
Thing 1 and 2: Adventures!
 

I can do this (comic #800)

If this year has taught me anything, it’s do the thing. Be brave, be persistent, talk to people, take emotional risks, journal (a lot), turn up with integrity and consistency, and do the thing.

And also, wow, cartoon number 800. Talk about turning up again and again. There have been times when I drew a comic every day. Times when I scarcely drew on a month.

Because of visa and then health, I've only ever sold comics at a handful of conventions, but I've loved each and every experience. So I've only ever met a handful of the folks who've read my work. Whether I've met folks or not, my readers are dear to my heart. The folks drawn to my comics are a terrific bunch of people.

My life is nothing like what I thought it would be like in so many ways, but the heart of the intention, the underlying drive is the same. I'm so grateful I have the opportunity to draw comics. Grateful I have opportunities to be heard. I hope I can do my bit to help others be heard, and I have some pretty cool ideas on how to do that that would be premature to share!

Good things,

Liz

I can do this, cartoon transcript

Thing 1 and 2 are armless legless creatures of enormous kindness and integrity.

Thing 1: I can do this

Thing 1 pauses to be in that moment. Then they shake.

Thing 1: Or at least try.

Thing 2: And I’ll be cheering for you regardless

Thing 1 and 2: Adventures!

Bear Facts

Sometimes the creator of the Things is commissioned to make art for other things. This was an illustration for the Norwegian American Weekly’s short story, “Bear Facts.

Chuffles Cover!

I’ve been working on a children’s picture book, Chuffles Misses the Moon. One thing it has revealed to me is that cover design is best left to the professionals! Here’s a thing, part of the work in progress, so much to learn in life. I’m not really happy with the cover, but I do like the heart of the 32 page picture book! I had to share a little taste of it, especially when the comic I had planned for today told me there were some comics that had to come first and I couldn’t quite figure them out in time!

Maggie Sketches

As the writer of the things adjusts to new work the update schedule might get a little rocky. We shall do our best! Here are some more sketches of Maggie. Poor Maggie, she came into the world of the Things and this Liz story arch just took over!!!  

An Open Letter to Boggle the Owl

Boggle the Owl is pretty special. Seeing how Boggle articulated complicated feelings, talked about anxiety, depression and gave comfort is inspiring. It makes me want to make my own comic better all the time. Boggle expressed the wall of anxiety so well, and the comfort that can come when someone sits with you. What Anxiety Feels Like. Boggle is good at unconditional love. And articulating the difference between making and helping. Or the connection between Self Centeredness and Self Hatred. Boggle’s been away for a little while, it can be rough being a sensitive, caring owl. I’m glad they’re back, I’m glad I could write an open letter articulating why we like them. If you haven’t read Boggle, go do it!

Transcript:

Dear Boggle We’re sorry you had a rough year. We like you. We admire you. And you inspire us. We like how open you are. How you listen, love and care. Being vulnerable is a choice, and we admire your courage. We how this year is better. Wherever your wings take you. <3 from the Things Without.

A thank you to our fabulous Airbnb host

The creator of the Things went on a road trip with her dad and sweetheart. We went from Seattle to San Francisco, taking the Redwoods Highway for a goodly length of time and spending a lot of time undulating along the coast on highway one. The scenery was ridiculously beautiful and the beaches were gloriously wild. Once we got to San Francisco we stayed at an airbnb in Inner Richmond near Golden Gate Park. The space was kinda perfect to noodle around in, cook, have our own space without it being too big or too small. Our host downstairs is an amazing horticulturalist who trains Bonsai succulents and is a compost specialist! He also makes shovel faced art and photographs bugs! It’s quite a sight to see.   A letter from the Things to AirBNB host Vernon in Inner Richmond. Dear Vernon, Thank you for your lovely hospitality, we had a great time and thought your garden was amazing. .... seriously this guy does bonsai succulent plants that are out of this world. He doesn't sell his stuff that often, but if you get a chance go grab some!