Making healing...fun?

mental healthness the artistart journeyInner childZines

Apr 3

Forever on the quest to heal myself, I often look for ways to indulge my inner child. Currently I'm listening to a lot of music from 20 years ago.

Music has always inspired me, and kept me going despite everything falling apart. Being older now, means I’ve been down this rough patch before (a few times). Certain music albums are absolutely energizing to me during the worst of times. Hatebreed’s “Perseverance” is on my record player and getting me through this.

Times are tough all around for everyone, financially, mentally,, lack of jobs and housing and then there's the big thing I can't mention yet, and now my poor old pup’s breathing is getting labored, sounds like a respiratory thing maybe developing. He seems to be going through a tough time. I cuddle him when I can, and cry lots.

I was inspired to make a zine out of my top favorite song from that Perseverance album. I wanted to illustrate the self titled song. This seems like such a great way to show people what those song lyrics do for my psyche. And maybe it'll help someone else.

I felt empowered. I poured all my sorrow & rage & pain feelings into the art in this zine. 20+ years of the worst things I had to push through. But it also commemorates the amazing results of coming out on the other end- things got easier over time, once I healed the saddest parts of me.

The saddest parts are the ones that need attention the most, and healing asap. The saddest ones are the most self destructive.

Visually though this is everything to me. I love the colors I chose. The one blank spot is where I'll start a write-up of some things, I'm allowing 3 pages of talking about Persevering and Thriving. When I was a teen, I was so in love with zine culture but I was so easily intimidated too. Now I have the self confidence I lacked then. So the zines are pouring forth. I've got lots to share, that hopefully helps a few people out there. Doing things that you were afraid to do when you were younger, helps heal your inner kid. Working compassionately with yourself is key.

I wonder what song I'll illustrate next.

mental healthart projects '24ness the artistInner childZines

vanessa netzel

Dec 12, 2024

Hobbies and varied interests of sorts.

I have TOO MANY INTERESTS. Everything is interesting. I can be surprised by the things that suddenly intrigue me. Currently I’m debating attempting to turn my poinsettia into a bonsai after the holidays. I learned that poinsettia originate from Mexico, and that climate enables them to grow into trees. Poinsettia trees are BEAUTIFUL. But I live in a cold climate. And I don't have a greenhouse. I thought about stunting the plant into a bush. Some say it's hard to do, some say it's easy. I’m debating if I need another project right now.

Nov 18, 2024

Postal strike, goodbye Etsy, hello Ko-fi

There has been so many surprises over the last year, I’m weary of them now. Another surprise is just how much Etsy makes off each sale.

Before the move, I was selling things so rapidly it wasn't easy to keep track of the hidden fees. I’d had my shop for years. I ignored the fees, figured they balanced out in the end. I was selling and paying bills after all, and that was the goal.

I moved locations, eventually reopened my Etsy shop, and had my first sale. One sale meant it was very easy to see how much Etsy took in fees. Every deduction from Etsy was just on that one solitary sale.

Making healing...fun?

Coping with Emotions cheat sheet

Shop update! New Charms!