Jetsunma Tenzin Palmo, a wonderful Tibetan Buddhist, founded Dongyu Gatsal Ling in Himachal Pradesh, India, in 1999, the first nunnery dedicated to supporting nuns who wish to learn and become enlightened rather than be handmaidens of monks. My mum contributed to the founding of the nunnery before her death back in 2001. It’s wonderful to see the progress that’s been made since then.
I was in a bit of struggle town last month and Jetsunma’s words have been very grounding, these words in particular. https://www.youtube.com/@jtenzinpalmo
Thanks to all my patrons and a special big extra thanks to Kate Webb, Erik Owomoyela, Stuart Barrow, Jesse the K, Brian Fies, Jay Hedtke, and Xander Odell.
Good things,
Liz
Tenzin Palmo (comic #805)
TRANSCRIPT:
“Without someone to annoy us, how can we learn to be patient?”
Hi folks, I’ve always loved the wonderful stories I’ve heard about the joy the Things bring to folks. They have certainly brought a lot of joy to me.
And one of the ways drawing this comic has been special to me is that it ended up helping me heal from serious mental trauma. Between 2018 and 2020 I experienced three psychosises… which for me meant delusions, being lost in a scary thriller movie that wouldn’t end.
It really shook me up. The Things have played a huge role in my healing. Being able to take little aspects of my experience and turn them into more universal experiences we can all go through, helped me feel less alone and feel like I still had value to give to the world.
Most of my comics are not inspired by psychosis recovery, life is rich and diverse, but some are.
I’ve created a mini-comic/zine/book, 60 pages long that talks a bit about my experience in a way that I hope that is joyful, normalizing and a good read for anyone.
You can pre-order Ordinary Madness in my store, it’s a $9 instead of $10 for this first week.
It feels like a big, but important step to be open about my experience. Three in a hundred people will experience psychosis in their life and yet it’s still one of the most stigmatized things.
I hope you folks stick around, now that you know a bit more about what happened to me. I’m doing super well these days, I’ve gone through such a healing process and you get to see a little of it in my book.
Welcome to Thingswithout.com. Things Without is a webcomic about creatures who are kind. It stars the Things, they have no arms or legs, but have infinite capacity. The Things are nigh invulnerable physically, but quite soft and squishy emotionally. and have friends who are boots, socks, bunnies and audacious tamarins. When I created them, I didn’t know I had a Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder, but it’s quite interesting to me to see how powerful bendy-ness is part of this comic!
You possibly know my work because of my the comic A Sad:
It’s been many years since I created A Sad and I’m honored and humbled by the stories folks have shared with me about this comic. I love that Things Without has been used as a tool for folks to express their emotional needs. I love that folks can pull this out and say this! This is how I want to be treated when I have a sad. I treasure all the stories I’ve heard and it’s so amazing to think of the secret life the Things have out in the world.
It’s nice to have these reminders that sometimes just being present is enough. Asking what a person needs is often better than diving in with a solution. It’s such an easy habit to fall into, and I need a reminder from my own comics sometimes. Thank you for visiting Things Without, I’m so grateful the Things and all their friends came into my life, they certainly help me when I have a sad.
I hope you enjoy your stay, here are a few cartoons I’m particularly fond of:
Stories featuring Boot. Boot has been through a lot, but still keeps caring.
Bunson Hoppydew is a wonderful little boy bunny who loves dancing, friendship and cake. His lifestyle advice is sometimes a little peculiar, but always brings a smile to my face.
If you have any favorites, I’d love to hear them in the comments.
FYI, comments for most Things Without comics get closed after a few weeks (sometimes a month or two, I’m not always good at remembering, but forgetting to close comments is a way to tell google you’re lame if there’s no activity!), but I’ll keep comments open on this one. Though if you want to license my comics or art, please e-mail me, rather than use the comments section!
Lifeline 13 11 14, is a fantastic general support line in Australia.
The Creator of the Things called Lifeline once, just because she had a really rough day at work. It felt a bit silly to call, she wasn’t in massive crisis, but she reminded herself they said nothing to small and not to self censor yourself out of accessing support. It was nice to be able to talk through some stuff in a confidential anonymous way that respected the privacy of the person she had helped. Calling definitely pushed her comfort zone, but it was also really empowering. She went and got the help that felt best for her needs, not the oughts society tells you (especially the you ought to just deal with it).
We Need to Talk About Mental Health talks about stuff that’s much bigger than sadness. But is a handy resource in these complex and crazy making (literally crazy making) time. I hope it helps folks navigate some of the bigger issues and have a resource to share to make certain conversations easier.
Do you know about Patreon? It’s a place where everyday folks can become patrons of the arts. One of your favorite artists might be there right now, creating exclusive content and supported by a community of patrons. The Patreon that supports the Things is https://www.patreon.com/lizargall
A Sad Things Without Comic Transcript
The Things are delightful soft featured creatures that do not have arms or legs.
Thing 2: I have a sad
Thing 1: Are you looking for solutions or comfort?
Thing 2: I would like to be angry, then sad, then comforted, then adventure for solutions, then giggles
You can now get Things face masks on Redbubble. The 3-layer ones are two layers of cotton plus one layer of synthetic with comfy adjustable ear loops.
I’ve also created a new Boot print for the store, it took me many hours to draw and arrange Boot that many times, but I quite like the sort of cow print look you can get. I think the t-shirt pattern needs a little bit of work, I’m still fiddling about with it, but I’m quite pleased with how it looks on other products. You can now get everything from Boot Socks, Boot Masks, Boot Leggings, Boot Apron or even a Boot Backpack!
One of the things I love about Redbubble is that it has local shipping in many countries. I can send presents to family in Australia and friends in America for a similar cost!
Orycon is hosting a free virtual convention this weekend. There’s loads of things going on, and I’ll be part of three panels on Sunday 15 November hosted by Creation Station.
11 am to 12 noon: Local Food & Bee Sustainability
1 pm to 2 pm: Disaster Prep/Bug-Out Bag Prep
4pm to 5pm: Art from the Heart; doodling your way into comics
This weekend I’ll be part of the First Annual Sirius Mischief Memorial Roller Derby Art Show.
Saturday December 15, 10am-4pm, 19022 Aurora Ave N. Entry is free.
The creators presenting include:
Arkham – Arkham’s Oddities (origami and excentric works).
Betsy Nails (Liz Argall) – Things Without (comics, cards and art prints).
Carmen Dioxide – roller derby and nerd inspirewed jewelry and hair accessories.
Lydia Brewer – Raw Power
MoanWrath – CrochetedQuirks and custom metal stampling
Thrace – Phryne Soaps (handmade soaps, bath bombs, lip balms and body scrubs)
ShaNita Sweets – Peanut brittle, fudge, handcrafted candies and treats. Handmade hats, infinity scarfs, jogging headbands, hair clips and more!
The show is hosting a donation drive for Orion Center for Youth. Bring stuff to support young people experiencing homelessness. New socks ++, items for Hygiene Kits (shampoo, deodorant, soap, brushes, sanitary products etc).
More info on the FB page https://www.facebook.com/events/760200064338166/?ti=ia
1976-2018
You are missed.
http://ratcityrollergirls.com/news/meet-sirius-mischief-coach-of-the-stars/
Based on a photo by Jules Doyle/Axle Adams
Thanks to all my patrons and special big extra thanks to Helen, Dennis, and Ralph, Sandra Fowler, Matthew Noe, Sandra M. Odell and Erik Owomoyela.
17 December at 11:00–15:00
843 Hiawatha Pl S, Seattle, WA 98144-2823, United States
I’ll be selling cards, calendars, stickers, prints and three comics. You can stock up for Christmas with the All Ages comic collection “Hello World”. You will also be able to get my not quite so all ages collection “Songs Dreams and Nightmares” and the anthology “Dreams of Tomorrow”.
Facebook event link https://www.facebook.com/events/375322279567868/
“The roller derby community is filled with talented artists. This is our first event showcasing the art of our talented skaters, and photographers.
Fans can choose from a wide variety of hand-crafted goods and events including original art, jewelry, and much much more!
Our lineup of artists include:
– A.Cup Killer, mixed media
– Betsy Nails, comics
– Dirty Little Secret, ceramics, soaps and body products
– Jo Jo Stiletto, Jo Jo Stiletto Events
– Killer Bee-otch, Winegirl Wines
– Lydia Brewer, RAW Power
– MoanWrath, crocheted items
– Nerd Rage, mixed media
– Sami Automatic, Automatic Designs
– Sirius Mischief, Kick Glass
– Star Struck, personal stylist and shopper
– Teeny Mussolini, block prints
The show is free and fun for the whole family! We look forward to seeing you!”
Australian fans can purchase Hello World from the fabulous independent comic book store Impact Comics. They have done so much to support Australian comics and local artists that I actually prefer it if you purchase from them instead of me directly!
You can now buy my collection, “Hello World” Dragon’s Hoard in Silverdale, WA, USA.
Woohoo! They just told me they have sold two copies already ^_^.
Go grab a copy!
