FUNletter: 10 Fun Things!
Funletter? Yes, because I'm packing it with things I find fun, and hope you will too. As an autistic, what I find fun is drastically different. AND THAT'S OK. I'm here to reclaim fun.
1. I drew weird animals
I’ll admit, it’s certainly been a challenging 10+ days. I’ve been sick with a respiratory infection. I’ve stayed in bed most of the time, occasionally grabbing my art journal to scribble and then find animals in my scribbles. Here are a few I came up with:
2. I reminisced about working on my large painting
This giant canvas originally hung on my art therapy studio wall. Whenever I went to my studio, I’d make a mark on the canvas to greet my studio. Last month I took the canvas down and brought it home to turn into a finished painting. You can see where I started in the top right corner. I’m still in process… and no work has happened in December. At least Egon watches over my painting.
3. I published 2 new essays about autism:
4. I delighted over book sales of Grief is a Mess.
I illustrated and wrote Grief is a Mess after my mum died from cancer. That book marked the beginning of the kind of author/illustrator I want to be. It’s also the book I’m the most proud of. It can straight from my heart in a time where I was so broken. It’s actually a humorous look at grief with funny animal cartoons. I’m happy people still find it and read it today.
5. I started reading a new book about autism: Off the Spectrum
I’m only about 50 pages in, but I’m liking it so far.
6. I published 2 new essays about our relationship to the earth:
7. I marveled at Autism Innovation Lab
It’s a launchpad for autism startups. It’s so cool that things like this exist!
8. I pulled together a list of my autism books for holiday readers.
If you’re looking for an autism book to read over the holidays, or gift to someone, here are my books:
Life as a Late-Identified Autistic: Perfect for anyone who wants to understand what autism is and what it looks like in late-identified adults
Being an Autistic Writer: If you’re wanting to start a writing habit or return to the craft, this book will give you the encouragement to do so
For the Autistic Soul Going Through Tough Times: If you’re in a difficult season of life, this book will provide you comfort and ideas of how to make it through.
9. I prepared for my next artist residency
I’m leaving on Sunday for a month-long artist residency in Finland. I’m incredibly excited, and I think my health will be much better by the weekend. If an artist residency sounds like something of your wildest dreams, it may not be as out of reach as you think. Residencies vary in length (weeklong to months long) and some are partially or fully funded. You can find residencies here: https://resartis.org
10. An invitation for the future
While sick, I filled my journal with the things I’d love to do. Since I’m not feeling well, I couldn’t work toward any of my dreams… but there was something extra freeing about that. I could just write and write my dreams without worrying about how I’ll achieve them.
The holidays are a busy time for all of us. You may not be able to work toward your dreams right now either. That’s ok. We all go through different seasons.
In January, I’ll be expanding my art therapy practice and accepting new clients. I’ll be offering 90 minute sessions where we dive deep into topics and do art together. At the conclusion of our meeting, I’ll design more art activities for you to continue on your own time. Clients can choose to meet monthly, bi-weekly, or weekly. I
If you want to feel better in 2026, but aren’t sure how to get there, I’d love to work with you. There’s absolutely nothing you need to do now. But when the holidays settle and you’re ready, I’d love to start together.