Hey everyone,
This is hard for me to write, But I have to apologise for my absence.
last year some life experiences took a heavy toll on my mental health. I was experiencing a lot of burnout and anxiety. The right thing would have been to notify you that I would be taking a break. Instead I just shut-down and that was wrong of me.
I’ve taken some time to do therapy and help myself on this and reassess how I’m going to move forward. First on the list is addressing my absence and taking responsibility for that.
As part of that change, I’ve decided to release the full pdf version of my magical drinks booklet here for free once it’s done. I’ve got some writing, editing and minor details to finish on it.
I’m also going to work on giving this patreon page some much needed love and updates in how it works.
Thank you all tremendously for your support. It is painful to me that I have to even write this to begin with, but it must be done.
Chat soon, and please look after yourselves.
James x
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A little about this doodle: I drew this a while back when I was at a loss for ideas. I usually draw something like a forgotten sword or a chest of treasure to help warm up my drawing. This one stuck with me.
The sword or worthiness is a classic fantasy trope. In the game Zelda, Attaining the master sword is shift in Link becoming the destined hero. King Arthur affirms his right to be king by drawing the sword that no others can. In some tales, all you need is a "pure heart" whatever that means these days.
But I like to think that it is not the magical parameters of the sword that dictate who can claim it. That really, anyone can draw it. Anyone can be a hero and be worthy if they believe it and acknowledge and accepts themselves, flaws and all.
Wether Link believes this of himself, or simply takes the sword because the master sword is awesome, we may never know. (He's famously tight-lipped.)
I want to be worthy and that belief takes time. But the sword will be waiting for all of us, when we're ready to take it up.