The center of the universe
Alternate title: Fill-a-Bag of Magic Stones!
Several weeks ago I tried making my first-ever story comic. I had fun with it until I didn’t — I had a hard time figuring out the text bit. How do I say what I need to say in the limited space available? How much do I need to say in order to convey the story and meaning? Is my handwriting legible for those who aren’t familiar with my messy mashup of print meets cursive?
I struggled to work through these questions, so I abandoned the comic despite spending many hours on it. But then
’s most recent piece — a fantastic comic she also left unfinished for some time — inspired me to come back to it.I’m still figuring out how one makes comics and I don’t really know what I’m doing! And I’m reminding myself that it’s okay. This little comic isn’t perfect, but hopefully, the heart of it comes through.
And now, please enjoy.
Apologies if you could not read my handwriting. I’m working on it.
For kicks and giggles, here are some photos from this experience at the center of the universe.
The toy shop is called Tiny Tim’s Trains & Toys. It should be in a movie honestly.
Fill-a-Bag of Magic Stones! Nearly hidden! Had to squat for some time while I picked out my stones.
THE STONES. Did I partly make the comic because I wanted to draw them? Yes.
Other goings-on in Maryn Land
Social media update
I had Freddy change my Instagram password so I can only log in if he does it for me. I opened Instagram once today! ONCE! Instead of 30+ times in short bursts. It feels a little like freedom.
Minimalist Phone
Relatedly, I went down a rabbit hole about minimalist / anti-smart phones. For a minute, I really wanted to get a Light Phone. Thankfully, Freddy is ever the voice of reason and pointed out that a completely anti-smart phone would not be practical in a smartphone-dependent society. BUT! I found another solution! For Android phones, there’s a launcher app called Minimalist Phone that, well, turns your smartphone into a minimalist phone.
I will shout it from the rooftops: THIS APP HAS FUNDAMENTALLY TRANSFORMED MY RELATIONSHIP WITH MY PHONE. I take credit for doing some good brain work leading up to it (Stolen Focus is excellent), but the app is a complete game-changer thanks to how it strips the phone’s UI of all the shiny, twinkly things that make it near impossible to look away. I love it. So much. I’m sorry for the majority of you who are iPhone users and won’t be able to use it.
Side note: I think it’s a hoot that The Light Phone and Minimalist Phone websites are practically copies of each other. Sneaky branding on someone’s part.
Eras Tour concert film
We finally saw T-Swift in theaters. It was excellent, everything I was hoping for and more, and also really long. People who saw the concert in person — how did you handle the intense stimulation for so many hours?! I don’t think I would have fared well.
How was your week? Could you read my handwriting? How are you feeling in the universe right now? What’s your relationship with your phone like? Have you seen the Eras Tour? I’d love to know!
Until next time,
Maryn (is here)
Oh wow i am determined to find the iPhone equivalent of that app because NEEEEED. Also yes, Eras stimulation is All Too Real. In both the concert and movie, I found myself getting overwhelmingly tired. I’m excited to simply watch in on my couch one day immersed in a cozy blanket with no one around. Doesn’t that sound amazing?
Oh! I loved this in so many ways! Yes, I can read your writing and loved the journey you allowed me to take with you! I still collect things - rocks, sea shells, even children's books from a fun 2nd hand store in Chicago! And I still feel lost, wondering who I am... but I'm finding treasured insights