​I’m sure we’ve all been seeing the “back to school” displays in stores and posts on social media. 

In past years, I’d see them and cringe/laugh knowingly, remembering that my summer was skidding to a sudden halt. I’d resign myself to the oncoming chaos and grit my teeth at the avalanche of work I’d face for 10 months straight. But at least I didn’t have to struggle alone. I had fellow teachers going through it with me, sharing the struggle from the trenches. 

But that’s not happening this year. This year, I’m not going back to school. This year, I’m on my own uncharted path. And that realization has got me feeling some type of way. Kinda twisty and sad. Kinda relieved. Definitely shook. Definitely unsure. 

This is real. I made a “big girl” decision and I’m sitting with my big girl feelings now. I understand that these emotions are normal when facing a big change. Rest assured: I’ll work through those in time, and if I need a stronger outlet, maybe I’ll get myself a pinata when the going gets tough. 

Sanity Corner:
Speaking of big feelings, I’ve been trying to meditate more to help myself keep calm. Lately, I’ve been using a meditation app (Headspace) to do that. 

I appreciate the menu of options for whichever state of mind you find yourself in. I’ve even introduced it to my family to help us pause and have mindful breaks. Since life is so busy, I tend to go for the shorter ones, but they still feel helpful.

Campaign Updates: 
The campaign is in its last few days--what a whirlwind! 

We mentioned earlier that Three Bee Honey will feature guest artists. Here are the talented illustrators featured in your copy of the book. 

As we head toward the finish line, we are pushing ahead to try to reach our second and final stretch goal: $4,500, which will allow us to expand the story. 

What’s in it for you? More world-building, more story, and more of the adventure. 

We know it’s within reach, so spread the word to people you know who would enjoy this book. If you haven’t had a chance to order your book, be sure to do it asap! 

Also, because we met our first goal, those who purchase a physical copy of the book will receive a FREE Three Bee Honey bookmark set! 

This offer expires at 12am on Monday, 8/21 at so don’t miss out! 

Whew…that’s all for now, but I will get in touch again right before the campaign ends to send last minute reminders. Feel free to share this newsletter (or the campaign) to anyone you think would enjoy it. :)

Take care,
Desi 

​Hey friends! The Three Bee Honey Campaign has launched and is already at 82% (!!!!) as of this afternoon. We are blown away by the support and encouragement we’ve received.

^^Jon and me when I pressed the “Launch Campaign” button on Friday morning. Lot’s of nervous energy in the house that day lol. 

Here’s what’s inside the book:

​Our son even stepped in to help us edit the launch video. It was an all-hands-on-deck week, and we are so grateful for his editing skills! Here he is, concentrating on the project:

We will be updating campaign donors with regular updates. And we have some awesome things in store. This week, we have a podcast interview scheduled, and we’re hosting a free Balancing Life vs. Art Workshop for the Kids Comics Unite Community. 

​We'll also preview our sticker sets, prints, and spotlight the amazing guest artists who will be featured in the book. In addition to posting silly memes, we’ll share behind the scenes moments on our TikTok account, so stay tuned! 

 Also, those who purchase a physical copy of the book will receive a FREE Three Bee Honey Print! This offer expires on Sunday (7/23) at 9am PST, so don’t miss out!  

Whew…what a whirlwind! That’s all for now, but I will get in touch again in August with some more updates. We truly appreciate your support! Feel free to share or forward this newsletter (or the campaign link) to anyone you think would enjoy it. :)

Take care,
Desi 

When I was a kid, I always imagined the future would look a lot like the one portrayed in Back to the Future: clean technology in every town, hovering cars buzzing in the sky above, and lots of holograms. 

​What I didn’t envision was a future with droughts, famine, mass extinctions, and rising sea levels. The petty political battles, which have crippled regulatory policies and allowed further desecration of our planet, have been beyond maddening. 

​To be honest, I was starting to lose hope, feeling despair about the future of our planet and of human life as we know it. I tried to push these anxieties out of my mind whenever those thoughts creep in, but at 2 in the morning, it's hard to distract yourself when the existential dread hits. 

What about the kids? I’d wonder. I was scared for what the future has in store for the next generations. It just feels so… unfair. 

Then lo and behold: Congress recently passed the Inflation Reduction Act. Among other investments, it contains measures to fight climate change, the most substantial measures ever in the history of our country.

Now, it's not enough to offset all the damage. It's not perfect, but it's a damn good start and a long overdue one at that. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that this bill will set off a chain of action in other nations and that we continue to build off of this momentum. 

​I’m not a lobbyist or a political insider: I’m merely someone who has been desperate for progress. We are finally seeing it, and this movement gives me an optimism I haven't felt for a very long time. 

I’m hopeful that we can still have a healthy planet so that animals and plants can thrive. I’m hopeful that our kids and grandkids to have a good life with enough food and water. 

​So yeah--even though 2022 doesn’t look much like my childhood fantasies, I’ll settle for this humble bit of progress that feeds my sense of hope for our planet: the only home we have.

I’ll leave you with this important reminder by Chief Seattle: “The Earth does not belong to us; we belong to the Earth.” 

And if you’re still struggling with existential dread, here is a video that I found very helpful. While we absolutely cannot sit back, wait, or become complacent, we have to remember that we are not alone and many smart and talented people are jumping into the fight to save our planet.

​Wherever you are on the political spectrum, I encourage you to pay attention and push for policies that will keep our planet viable for future generations. 
​
Pet Pics:

Current Read: This One Summer by Jillian Tamaki and Mariko Tamaki

I read This One Summer a few years ago, but I wanted to re-read it in my effort to research graphic novels for older audiences. It follows the journey of Rose, a tween only child, living in the summer vacation home her family has visited since she was little. But the trip feels different this year. This time, Rose is caught in the storm of her parent’s constant fighting, and she is witness to the heartbreaking drama unfolding in the lives of other young locals. I loved the quiet beauty of the artwork and the minute details that capture the ups and downs of an unforgettable summer: like a close up of seashells or a bike leaning against a fence, for instance. My oldest son, a middle schooler who is reluctant to sit down and read, read this book in two sittings. I think that is a pretty solid endorsement! 

Writing Update: 
I’ve been working on a few different projects, including some freelancing side gigs. I’m also doing some research on the graphic memoir genre and working on some ideas for that. I’m still brainstorming revision ideas for In the Middle of the Sea. There is so much on my plate that it’s hard to devote a ton of time to one project, so I find myself slowly carving away at each one. 

Garden Update: 
It’s apple season time! Our Gala apples are coming in, and they are crisp and sweet. The kids enjoy slices of these apples with their meals. We just have to make sure to nab these before the squirrels get to them first. 

So I’m curious: what gives you hope these days? Do you have any podcasts, books, speeches, poems, songs, or other media that inspires you and keeps you motivated?

That's all for this month. Until next time! :)

Take care,
Desi