The Perfect Basic Beanie (for every head) Free pattern!

**Pictures Coming!**
So, I've been knitting for years ---YEARS!--- and hand on my heart, I swear to Bob that I have just this week figured out a simple and easy *perfect* basic beanie pattern. The trouble with me and beanies is I always seem to end up with a much bigger hat than I really want. I mean, a slouchy beanie is cute and definitely in right now, but sometimes a girl needs a little more warmth on her noggin, know what I mean? I'm talking coziness here, people.

All About Anxiety

It's confusing and frustrating, it can really disrupt everyday life, hinder productivity and accountability, and even damage personal relationships. Maybe you've most often encountered it in discussions about medication, specifically medicinal marijuana, or SSRIs like Zoloft, Prozac, or Lexapro (to name just a few of many).

It's more than just stress. It's anxiety.

You know what it is, you've felt it before and maybe you even live with some type of anxiety disorder: general anxiety disorder, social anxiety, panic disorder... Or maybe you don't personally experience anxiety disorder, but you know someone who does.

In today's post, I'm going to write very frankly about anxiety from my own personal perspective and toss in some scientific research about anxiety and medications. I'll also hand out free unsolicited advice about how to deal with anxiety in yourself and in others. I hope some of this is helpful in creating better understanding about anxiety, and I totally absolutely welcome discussion in the comments!

There and Back Again... plus Tips for Road Trips!

We've landed! And by "landed" I mean we drove out from Oregon to California for 12 hours, stayed at my mom's house and watched my baby sister GRADUATE HIGH SCHOOL, and then got back in the car and drove another 10 hours to get home. And now here we are, slowly trying to piece back together our normal, everyday lives... I have been a bit more mindful during this trip, and I've been trying to be more intentional in enjoying these whirlwind jaunts up and down the I-5 corridor. Here are some tips for getting the most *joy* out of sitting in a car for hours.

Here's us, just as we're hitting the road. I don't know why I make that face, but get used to it, because it's basically my preferred way to take selfies. We were only one hour behind on when we had planned to leave and for us, that's great! Which brings us to...

Road Trip Weekend! and On Being an Overplanner (and Steven Universe)

We are on the road this weekend to visit my California family and celebrate my little sister's high school graduation! Also, I've been a little obsessed with Steven Universe lately, so right now I've got this playing in my head:

(p.s. Steven Universe = LIFE)

Hand Drama

Spudge: Life in a Fish Bowl

Introducing Comic Synopsis!

It's safe to say I am a VORACIOUS reader. I go through phases where I pretty much just live inside of books and I spend my spare time doing things like going to work and taking care of my physical body. But, during those times, my world is inside whatever book has captivated me. Other book-lovers will know this: there's nothing like the rush of getting deeply sucked into a book, and nothing like the thrill of racing toward the end mixed with the dread of losing the world you grow to love.

I'm a Grown Up Now

Spudge the Spectacular!

Going Digital: On Art, Comics, and Patreon

It's been a big week. Even though I've been making doodles, and posting web comics to my Tumblr and blog for a while, this is the week I discovered Webtoons, Tapastic, and Patreon. And now my comics-making has gone in a totally different direction.

The Best Advice

Room by Emma Donoghue (review) with Cereal Box Prize bonus: Cute stories about baby Jen!

Room, Emma Donoghue (2010)

*The book discussed and my discussion of it refer to violence and traumatizing situations that may be difficult for some people to read. Spoilers ahead.*

Think about what you knew of the world when you were a really little kid. Do it: just dig deep and think as far back as you can, maybe to one of your earliest memories. There's probably an adorable story back there somewhere about a belief you had formed about the world that, with the advantage of adult hindsight, seems ridiculous now or just totally random.