Bienvenidos!
Guess where I am? Yes, Mex! Punta Mita to be exact.
I forgot what day it was.
I got a rude awakening at dinner last night when my stepmom broached the subject of tomorrow’s newsletter. Gulp! “Tomorrow’s Tuesday?!”
So this newsletter went into creation shortly after that. It’s nothing personal. My commitment to this pub is unwavering, hence no holiday break. Like the contour drawing below, sometimes we must close our eyes, let go, and see what comes out.
While this could have been an introspective end-of-year piece, it’s this instead…
Blinding Beauty
Blind contour drawings make my heart sing—loudly. I draw myself while looking at a photo or in the mirror and not at the paper. The outcome is always perfect.
It’s an act of surrender which results in beautiful chaos every time. When I look down at what I’ve created, I’m tickled. I feel like a real artist.
Here are some from Austin Kleon. No matter who does them, they’re always awesome. Do they delight you the way they do me? You must try it. But first, let go.
Sticky
Stick figures with character. I signed up for a drawing course that I’ve not fully jumped into—yet. I hopped in for a moment this week and here’s what came out:
The course is called Draw in Business, and because I’m a sucker for a pun, the name drew me in for a couple of reasons.
Felfie
Family selfie in Mexico. Good enough is pretty good.
The dress I’m wearing is a woman’s dream and a man’s nightmare. It’s a balloon.🎈An oversized sac that feels like home. (Sorry for generalizing, also for perpetuating gender stereotypes.) She/her!
By the Light of the iPad
I don’t allow iPads at the table. At dinner last night, Grandpa overruled me, then took these photos. She’s stealing your soul.
Drink Up
I haven’t had alcohol since February 15, 2021. I never knew one could go to Mexico without drinking margaritas. It’s possible. I’ve done it twice.
A salted rim, ice, and you think you’re drinking the real thing. Today, I ordered a virgin. The bartender said, “Okay, but that’s basically lemonade with salt.” An absolute buzzkill (without the buzz).
This not-drinking thing is my greatest accomplishment of 2021. It’s not what I thought it would be. The upsides are immeasurable. The downside is a slower social life. What’ll it be?
That’s a Wrap
This newsletter’s over and this year is, too. Both have their shortcomings. Both get serious points for existing at all.
Cheers, dears! You’re so rad. I appreciate you.
The End
Happy New Year. Let’s do this 2022!