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Erin Gennow's avatar

Once again, your writing and comments in Dear Somebody are completely resonating with me and my current life events. I commend you on creating something from the heart (and with your hands!) purely for the art of creating and connecting. So difficult to do when it seems almost everything this day and age is commoditized and a person is encouraged to make money off of anything and everything they do. Your accordian book is absolutely beautiful! I find projects created from the heart often receive the best reception in the long run. People can (and do) see and feel the heart and soul that is put into a project. Your reference of "Can You Be a Good Mom and a Great Writer" and juggling a million things - yes, one can be both - and I whole heartedly agree with modeling the behavior of being a parent and a working creative. I continue to come across these questions and similar themes in parenting/creating/working. I've discovered, after putting my own career and creative endeavors mostly on hold for 6ish years, that I'm a better parent when I do some creating and working from my heart. It pairs well with getting back to oneself. I feel more replenished, more motivation and more patient in all areas of life including parenting. And, my children (while a bit older than yours) are learning more responsibility at home and trying to do things for themselves more often (as long as it's safe - which we discuss together). I wish I could see your final thesis show in person. Your illustrations are looking fantastic!

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Allison's avatar

Meera, wow. Bravo again. Paste those pages, ye artist! Put yourself together and show us how it's done!

Thank you for spotlighting what Everytown to help parents and citizens concerned, frightened, or even despairing over gun safety! Be Smart For Kids (https://besmartforkids.org/) is the grassroots lobbying version. On their website, you (yes you, reader!) can get materials and training to present to classrooms, civic groups or even your seatmate on an airplane to help remind people how to be SAFE because guns are no good when they're bad for kids. From them, I learned how to Be Smart For Kids.

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