End of the Year Message

Looks like 2024 is just about over. Every year we say the same things at this time, don't we? I can't believe the year is over. I can't believe it's almost [insert new year]. Etc.

I'm 54 years old. It's very strange when I think about it. I'm a grown ass man with a wife and two kids. I've been married since 1991. My kids are late teens. I've held down the same job for longer than I care to say. I'm incredibly stable. But inside my brain is a bit of a wandering storm, sort of like that monster on Jupiter that scares the shit out of me.

Eh, I won't get into that too much here. It's just me whining about what I've done with my life and what I haven't. But look... we do what we do and we can't change anything we've done. I'm happy with and proud of my life. My mom was proud of me, and that makes me feel great comfort. She often visits me in my dreams. Which is weird, but true.

For example, just the other night I dreamed I was in my front yard naked in the snow at night. I don't remember why. But I could feel my phone vibrating, even though I was naked. I looked around and saw the dim light under the snow. I dug it up and answered. I didn't read the screen because in dreams I can't read or maybe the text isn't legible. But it was my mom. She said, very clearly, "Are you ok?".

Then I woke up. And it was incredibly comforting. I don't believe in supernatural stuff or souls, but I take joy and comfort in memory. I can still remember my mom's face, her voice, the way she walked, everything. And I treasure it when she appears in my dreams.

This has been a mostly good year. Nothing crazy or exceptional, personally. I've been creative, I've been ok. Sure, the planet itself is in a bad way. We elected a fascist again. I don't know what the future looks like. But I'm hopeful. You have to cling to hope and stay positive. It's not to say things aren't bad... but giving up is just not on the menu for me.

Here's some art I did this year. I selected ten drawings I really like. I love you all and I hope you are doing well.