Dark Lording for Fun and Profit

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This was my next to last panel at the convention this year. It had a solid moderator and I was able to chat with my fellow panelists about what it takes to create a really solid story antagonist and what that might look like. There were some excellent bits tossed around and I don’t remember many of them very clearly. These are the notes I was working from, so if you’re trying to create a lasting ‘bad guy’ for your game (or story even) hopefully you can find some inspiration.

Panel description:
Having an antagonist is great, but what takes them past the level of mustache-twirling villain, and into the realm of the Big Bad Evil Guy? Panelists will discuss how to build the structure of minions and influence for your BBEG to stand on, so the heroes have to climb in level to reach them before the final showdown.

My notes:

Antagonist is a better term than “Big Bad Evil Guy”. The best antagonists don’t see themselves as the bad guy. How scary was the operative from Serenity? Who did you hate more from the Harry Potter series, Voldemort or Delores Umbridge?

Be creative.Not everyone is a mastermind with 56 plot lines weaving in and out of their minds, but do any little bit you can. Take on something small if you feel like you don’t know where to start. Look at your character and create from there. What do you really know about? Slide some of that into your character, and use that as a starting point.

Crazy example – If you’re a hair stylist, allow your character to wear a hair style that you’d love to see, then leap off from there and make it a quirky part of that character – the character constantly tries to get others to color their hair or braid their beard or something. Those little bits of flavor make a very rich game. Then… grow that.
In the ‘Big City’ there’s a fashion explosion of magical hair styles. Hair stylist becomes the new, hot profession. This proliferates and generates lots of requests to learn at the top school.
Only this so called school is secretly backed by the mind flayer society. They’re creating these techniques to cause hair to fall out and skulls to soften so they don’t get hair in their teeth and their meals are easier to get to.
And they in turn get all the ‘product’ they use from a magical factory / distribution center where the true big boss is running the entire thing.

Your heroes can do the traditional ‘missing person’ quest to get into this OR they can get one of these hair styles. When their hair all falls out they can quest for new hair!

Work with what you know and use it.

Antagonists don’t just stop being ‘bad guys’ when the players aren’t around. Players leave and come back and things have changed. New guards in town, less favorable deals at the potion shop, any sort of thing that might hinder the quest, even just a little.

Example – in a game I run one smaller antagonist cut a deal with the players. The players left that area. When they returned they found the deal was in place, but the small antagonist was now the head of a bureaucratic structure (that he created using charm spells) that was doing tons of shady things, but with an entirely legit staff. His new position changed the leverage point for the players.

In the end, keep notes. Write down a handful of small things and circle back to them when they fit. You don’t have to be a mastermind, you just have to be mindful. Hopefully there are some game masters out there that get a little bump from this!

How Old?

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Given that my birthday was just this past week, this felt relevant. I had a conversation a few weeks ago where a friend told me he was amused at somebody’s placement of older people into any sort of historic time frame. I will admit it was amusing to think that this very young person wasn’t sure if a grandparent of my friend was part of something from the 1800s. There’s always a little humor to saying something like, please be patient with me, I’m from the 1900s. Thing is, I think there’s also something to be said for making a real and tangible connection when something like this comes up.

I get it. These days there are more than a few people who think I’m very old. Half a century? Maybe a little old. Not “history” old though, right? Maybe. There are memes and lists and websites out there that give myriad examples of how our thoughts of what happened and when are wrong. Somebody who was at the play where Lincoln’s assassination happened was interviewed on television.

I thought it was an excellent opportunity missed. We should be trying to explain this on a personal level when the moment is right (and sometimes the humor dictates the education is at another point). I went back and asked my mom about the rough timeline for our family. People I knew. People in your family might fall into the same sort of categorization / time line list. It’s worth it to ask.

My grandmother was born during World War I. She was a child during the roaring 20’s and came of age during the great depression. Her husband went to fight in World War II (around the age of 23). She saw that war, the Korean war, Vietnam, Dessert Storm and Afghanistan wars in her lifetime. Her husband served, her son served and her grandson served in the American military.

She also got to see both the rise and the fall of the Berlin wall. Men traveling to the moon. Innovations in technology that would likely astound people if they were shown the whole stretch of it. A great example – motion pictures didn’t have sound until my gram was 12 years old. When she passed away people were watching movies in full color with sound on a small plastic rectangle they keep in their pockets. The insane level of advancements is genuinely staggering… and yet it was just a lifetime. One person.

My great-great grandfather was born in 1848 in Scotland. He moved to the United States in 1872. The other side of my family was here long before that… but then, how old was the United States as a whole at that point? Speaking of – here’s another fun one. The United States didn’t have 50 states until my mom was 14. That’s not “ancient history”, that’s my mom.

I suppose what I’m getting at here is twofold.

One, study history. It matters. There are too many things going on in our current world that would be helped if people had a sense of the past, were willing to study, learn or even listen to those who know. IF you have a chance to help that sense of history rather than joke, take that chance.

Two, take the time to talk to those folks that have been around for a while. Be inquisitive. Learn about what sorts of things people have gotten into in their lives, what sort of things they’ve seen. The sort of things you could find out might surprise you.

My great, great grandfather heading to town!

Let’s Get Cozy!

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Cozy fantasy is more popular than ever. Why do we love it so much? What makes a story cozy? And is there such a thing as too cozy? We’ll talk favorite tropes and recommend lots of books as we celebrate this warm and fuzzy genre.

I was asked to be the moderator for this panel and happily accepted. Being the moderator means asking the questions and helping to guide the conversation, not (necessarily) giving one’s own answers. I’m going to put the questions here, along with some brief notes on what my answers would have been. Sadly, this panel was not recorded and I kind of wish it had been. My fellow panelists were delightful and had lots of great commentary. The audience was one of the better attended panels I’d seen for the weekend and they were actually really great too. Perhaps it had something to do with the topic itself and the type of person that might be drawn to that? Whatever the case, I did my best to keep the conversation moving along and staying lively. I was quite happy with the whole thing. Probably best of the weekend.

After introductions, How do you define a cozy fantasy?

What are the defining elements? Is it possible to quantify a ‘warm hug’ vibe?

How much conflict is too much conflict? There has to be some to make a story, right?

‘Cozy’ as a sub-genre is generally thought of as a 2020s arrival to the scene ~ are there older stories that fit?

Do we think this ‘cozy’ movement is a direct reaction as a response to the current socio-political environment?

If yes – do you think it will last?

If it doesn’t, will there be any of these works that transcend the movement and have saying power?

Here it is – what is your recommendations list?

So, you’ve indulged. You gave in to your sweet tooth. You’ve consumed all the gooey sweetness you can handle… what do you follow these with (other than many some insulin)?

Those were the questions and the panel easily filled an hour chatting about various aspects of all those things. Given some concern from the folks running the show that only 3 panelists might not be enough, I think it was great.

Coziest picture I have... now I want sweets...

Here are some of my notes on the questions I generated for everyone else.

Cozy really is a feeling. That feeling can be prompted by lower/personal only stakes in a story. No overwhelming things tying the world to the character. That’s not to say there isn’t war or political unrest or danger, just that it’s distant. The story is smaller in scale – often a single location. It’s personal, and often relates to family (found is a particularly common part of that) or a positive romance. Generally the story must have some version of a happy ending. There’s a certain calmness to things, as opposed to the rush and chaos of so many epic stories. It is hard to define that feeling, but it is an important part of this sub-genre.

As for conflict? I once read part of a series where the author specifically set out to create something that had no conflict. The best way to describe it would have been character notes. Nothing happened, we just learned about this person. I say part of a series because she never finished writing or publishing it (to my knowledge). Nothing happened, so nothing happened with it. It just withered in place.

Earlier cozy stories. I wish I had better notes on some of the things others brought up, but my best example was “Howl’s Moving Castle”. I also asked about “The Hobbit”, but the consensus seemed to be that Hobbits themselves were cozy, the story with spiders and dragons and changing the world didn’t actually fit.

As with any literature response to political times, most will fade away and be noted as ‘of their time’, but any truly excellent writing and good story will sustain past the current moment. Only time will really tell for this question.

Skipping ahead – the next thing really can be heavier. I wouldn’t suggest going overboard. Don’t jump directly from a cozy to something like “The Poppy War”. Too jarring and would just not work out well. It would be very easy to just slide into cozy land and stay there, but sometimes you need more than the sweets. Dig up a solid recommendation from a friend and go there next.

And finally – the list of what I felt fit into the category (along with some I found at the con). I’m not going to link them here, other than the first. I’ve read a number of these, but not all of them. I’d be interested to hear if there are any that should be added to this list.

Tea & Treachery at the Infinite Pantry by Jo Miles. They were an excellent panelist – go buy their book!

The rest in no particular order:


Rewitched by Lucy Jane Woods

Wizard’s Guide to Defensive Baking by Ursula Vernon (writing as T. Kingfisher)

The Tea Dragon Society by Katie O’niel

The Honey Witch by Sydney Shields

Dreadful by Caitlin Rozakis

Teller of Small Fortunes by Julie Leong

Emily Wilde’s Encyclopedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett

The House in the Cerulean Sea by TJ Klune

Legends & Lattes by Travis Baldree

The Spell Shop by Sara Beth Durst

The Very Secret Society of Irregular Witches by Sangu Mandanna

A Pslam for the Wild Built by Becky Chambers (Hugo winner)

Witchful Thinking by Celestine Martin

Can’t Spell Treason Without Tea by rebecca Thorne

That Time I Got Drunk and Saved a Demon by Kimberly Lemming

and lastly, for this list – Greenwing & Dart series by Victoria Goddard.

This was the sort of panel I hope to end up on again. Lots of good stuff here – including some books I’m off to read now!

Knights of the Virtual Table

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My first panel “at” the convention was a fully virtual panel. No physical presence at all. I’m glad we were able to present the panel again this year, and do it in this format. It wasn’t a bad panel, but my connection at the hotel was not fantastic. Maybe, if we keep rolling with the virtual format we’ll actually get to a place where we can have some pre-set questions and get some screen sharing time in.

The description:

Come one, come all to the virtual table! In this online age, virtual tabletops have boomed in popularity, revolutionizing play with tools such as dynamic lighting, built-in soundboards, and combat trackers. It has never been easier to find a game, and connect with other players around the world. But with technological ease comes technical difficulties. Come listen to experienced GMs and players discuss the advantages and disadvantages of virtual tabletops versus in-person play!

Panel: Jana S. Brown (mod), Swift Crescendo, Angela Yuriko Smith, ME!

My Notes:

I have been a player and game master for a long time. As happened with so many, when we weren’t able to get together in person in the bad old days, we went online. I just kept it going – it is simultaneously easier and more diverse than many of my previous games. We now post our live play games on my YouTube channel for all to view.

First – COST.

It’s important to understand that playing a virtual game automatically has a cost associated with it. That is a limiting factor right from the start. The simple fact that playing like this demands a computer/phone/tablet (depending) and an internet connection. This is a limit for some people. We’re already here, so we can move ahead with an understanding that your party can get there – but it’s important to remember that starting cost.

Where do you connect?

How do you play? Do you have cameras on and do theater of the mind OR are you audio only while navigating a map in a virtual environment? There are a number of places to play, with various costs associated.

Play Tabletop Games hosts a wide variety of games – with per session costs. There are some that are free, others that cost. I have seen a range from $10 – $50 per session from the top GM lists.

Roll20 – Free to use, subscription for more options (from $50/year to $150/year)

Foundry VTT – One-time $50 payment by the Dungeon Master required

Fantasy Grounds – Free to use, subscription or purchasable license required for DM only (requires a download – and that may change your ability to connect based on your computer)

Owlbear Rodeo – Free to use, paid subscription available ($40/annual or $80/annual)

https://new.tableplop.com/ – Free to use

Tale Spire – digital, graphical – looks like it’s 3D (cost $25 on Steam)

There are TONS of digital tools out there for anything you can imagine. Character sheets, random generators, random everything generators, map tools, audio tools, and a massive list of advice videos about which of those tools are the one you should totally use.

Here are some that I think are important:

Random Name generators – my party always wants to know names. Have a list handy OR grab a random generator.

My go to is Fantasy Name Generators

Maps. I am super visual, and I love using Inkarnate

Those were all the notes I had prepared. In the end the path wound its way hither and yon. If you’re really interested in hearing what my co-panelists had to say you can pop over to good ol’YouTube and check out the whole panel – it was virtual so they recorded it!

56

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It’s my birthday. Not a significant milestone year, nor a fun round number. Just a Wednesday, in my opinion.

Lots of people put out easy content like this to fill blog posts. I really wanted this to be a filler with that kind of “hey, here’s all the grown up stuff I’m doing” or “check out all the hobby stuff!”, but I just don’t feel much like celebrating this year.

This is my first birthday without Beck. My daughter already had to deal with all these feelings, but it’s my first. I know she’s got a small something brewing (or maybe a big something? Dunno – that’s why they’re surprises). I’ve got to go to work, and I don’t even have the option to work from home.

I’m sure there are new aches and pains, some kind of joke about ‘old’ and all that, but there’s a missing element of joy this year. I’ll smile and celebrate, but it’s just not the same.

Happy Birthday to Me I guess. Here’s to 56.

Balticon 60!

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Over the past Memorial Day weekend I was once again invited to be a participant in the annual science fiction convention put on by the Baltimore Science Fiction Society. I’ve been attending for a long time, and I’ve been a panelist for at least a decade, and probably more. Providing a standard “con report” just doesn’t seem to be… fair? True? I’m not sure I can give a point of view that somebody who does not regularly attend conventions would really find usable. I see things that many con goers would not, simply because I am so familiar with how things work. I miss things that a newcomer might crash into just based on experience.

I was having a discussion with another panelist comparing this convention to another that we have both attended in the past. The ‘other’ convention did not fare well in the comparison.

I don’t think that I’ll be going to The Other Con this year, or perhaps again at all. My last trip there was a less than ideal experience. It isn’t worth my time, effort and treasure to go and put myself through a bunch of nonsense for such minimal returns. I have thought The Other Con to be dying for many years. Most of the people I know who used to attend have moved on to other things. They are not moving toward newer, more modern thinking in order to attract a more youthful audience. This will kill them eventually. Of course this death has been long predicted and has yet to come to pass.

In that aspect, I think Balticon is doing the right things. This year seemed to have a more youthful feel to the attendees, and attendance numbers did look stronger (pure speculative observation on my part). There were V-tubers and panels about virtual games. There was still science and art and publishing, along with costuming and music and so many other things – and that was all good in my opinon. There were thriving conversations and lots of camaraderie that I hadn’t seen there for a while.

The Other Con – I think they have a team of people that have not grown, nor changed in many decades. They demand that others bend to their plan, but have no real plan. Panel timing is a great example. Balticon has now given a half hour between panels for moving around and clearing the room. It means (potentially) fewer panels, but it helps all the guests and panelists feel better about things like that.

I try not to rant and rave about things going wrong. Fandom is a small community and, in the end, a volunteer one. I have worked on many a con staff and understand how difficult the behind the scenes world is. That being said, I know The Other Con can do better… and they chose not to. It’s the choice that bothers me more than the problems.

Please don’t get my wrong. I do understand that Balticon has its issues. Yes, I know about things in the past that are the source of bad feelings and enmity toward people there. I can’t say it’s a perfect con and I support my friends that have (much as I have with The Other Con) to just not go there anymore.

My weekend in Baltimore was bittersweet. It was the first time I’d gone to a convention since Beck’s passing. I was able to connect with old friends and discuss all the glorious memories we had made there in the past. There were some new friends and interesting experiences. There were the panels too! Some panels were good, others were disappointing – and one was a complete panel no-show. Terribly disappointing because I really wanted the details from that one.

I’m going to post about each of the panels I was on individually. Hopefully folks will get something good out of my notes. All in all, it was a good weekend. I hope they ask me to participate again next year.

Not My Sci-Fi – Updated!

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This article was originally published in Watch The Skies, the April 2026 edition. This is actually the third time I’ve reviewed and rewritten this list. I suspect these will continue to change in the future.

One of the Watchers asked recently, “if you were going to recommend one book to start somebody off who wants to read science fiction, what would that book be?”

I had actually written a piece about this before but this is a topic that deserves an update. The sheer number of books published during any given month, let alone year, is impossible for an individual to keep up with. Having a solid recommendation from a friend goes a long way. I went hunting and found nothing in my own archive, but I did track down the original eventually.

NOT MY SCI FI – UPDATED

When my mother told me that her book of the month club steadfastly refused to read anything from science fiction, my immediate reaction was to become defensive of my favorite genre. How could any book club worthy of the name deny such a massive portion of today’s literature? Didn’t they realize that science fiction stories are the basis for 4 of the top 5 grossing movies of all time? How could anyone deny such a pervasive part of society, not just literature?

The more I pondered this, the clearer the answer became. Today’s society has attached a stigma to the terminology “science fiction”. Say those two words and the image conjured is that of an overweight middle aged man with an ill fitting 60’s style space uniform, and badly done prosthetic ears, quoting Gene Rodenberry.

“This is not my science fiction!” the voice inside me hollered.

Then it hit me. This is science fiction from my mother’s generation. If it’s what my mother identifies with, then it’s likely the same image is shared among her contemporaries.

Now is my big chance! After stating my personal disbelief, I have been granted an opportunity to defend the faith! I have been challenged to put forth a list of science fiction novels for the next selection of the book club.

I wrote that some years ago and published it in Watch The Skies. I have actually cut off the recommendations I gave them. In the time since then, my recommendations and my personal tastes have grown and changed. I also want to include works that can serve as an introduction for younger folks who are searching for something to read. Inclusion is an important aspect of many parts of genre fiction these days. This list will encompass fantasy and science fiction. The two parts have been paired for so long they have become inseparable.

I have read all of these books, many of them more than once. OK, most of them… fine. All of them, more than once. I’ve included a little of my thought process on each of them. These are all great books to get somebody started in science fiction or fantasy. I recommend all of these works – especially if you know somebody looking for an introduction.

The Hobbit – Tolkien, J.R.R.

This is the novel started it all for me. It is masterfully done. The key here is that it is meant to be read out loud to someone else. That method of delivery can make all the difference. Find an unabridged audio book – that IS reading it! This is a classic and deservedly so. I would also recommend staying as far away from the film adaptations as possible. Those simply failed after the first half hour of film.

Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children – Riggs, Ransom

Digging up odd old photos and creating the stories behind them. This is a paranormal / portal fantasy type book with an easy to access story. Following the main character as he navigates the ins and outs of the abandoned orphanage and all the curious, odd and outright scary images that go along with his travels makes for a great story. There are also a series of wonderful illustrations to supply vivid imagery. This is another work adapted into a film. As with most films, I recommend reading the book first.

The Martian – Weir, Andy

This book is truly science fiction. Take away the science and the story collapses. The parts of this book that ring true are likely because the author studied how the space travel aspects and orbital mechanics of the planets work. Despite having a large amount of that kind of content, it’s a fast and engaging read. This is yet another selection that has had a film adaptation made. Definitely read the book before seeing the film.

Steelheart– Sanderson, Brandon

For the comic book fans and the folks that like all the Marvel Cinematic Universe this is a book you should read. What if normal people are given super powers? What if those people are jerks? How do you fight a super human? I love the way Mr. Sanderson’s work reads. This is an engaging and believable story all the way. Well worth digging into.

The Red : First Light – Nagata, Linda

I will not lie, I envy the way Ms. Nagata writes. This is not the only work of hers I have read. She is an excellent author and this is a thought-provoking book. The story is set in the future where for profit wars and defense industry causes are what soldiers are involved in. This contains a lot of military elements along with the future tech for readers out there looking for some action and some excitement. When you read this, be prepared to finish out the series.

Fart Quest – Reynolds, Aaron

This last work is actually a children’s book. I felt it was important to have something that could fill that need and this book is both fun and a gateway into role playing games. Is the title childish? Of course it is. Meet them where they are, but allow them to want more. The cover illustration is great and so is all the interior artwork. It’s quick, it’s easy and is a great way to get a disinterested kid into reading.

Hopefully you’ll find something worthy on the list that will allow you to connect with somebody over a good book. Happy reading!

60!

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No, not my age. At least not yet.

I have been invited to be a panelist at Balticon 60. I’m very glad I’ve been invited again. I’ve been going to Balticon (the annual science fiction convention put on by the Baltimore Science Fiction Society) since #27. I wasn’t a panelist the entire time.

My very first year at the convention the artist guest of honor was Don Maitz. I had no idea who he was, or what was going on in general really, but I walked into the art show and was blown away. I immediately saw his full size painting _40 Thieves_ and couldn’t get enough. Then there was an author reading something cool to some fans who just happened to catch him in the hallway. Panels, games, and an entire convention of people interested in the same stuff I was! Stunned and happy by the end. I definitely wanted more.

A few years into my convention journey I went to a panel and only one of the actual people who were supposed to be on the panel actually showed up. The single panelist was a bit put out by this and decided to just grab a couple of people from the audience to fill the seats and make the panel go. I got asked to sit on the other side of the table for the first time. I was hooked. It was very cool to be on the “making it go” side of things.

So, here we are some decades later at Balticon #60. I’ve been gifted with the chance to discuss all sorts of things over the years and sit with some amazing creators. 

I’m looking forward to this year, but I also expect this year to be bittersweet. My wife won’t be there for the first time since we started this crazy trip together. I will still get to see my friends (those who are still attending, but that’s another matter) and go to dinner, but it won’t be the same. Admittedly, Beck’s attendance had been limited over the last couple of years as her health struggles kept her away from anything with extended walking times involved. She still made the trip down for dinner. She could still hang with any discussion about whatever bonkers topic we came up with. There was a certain intimacy about our trips – and a shared history. I won’t have that intimacy, nor will I have the shared history anymore.

Will I make new memories? I’m sure of it. It simply won’t be the same. Too much is gone. Nothing could be the same. So I will move forward and attend to my panels. I will discuss myriad topics and share meals. It will certainly be a new kind of adventure.

IF you’re in the area and get to the convention, this will be my schedule:

 Start Time      Duration            Room Name          Session ID                      Title
Fri 7:00 PM    1 Hr          Virtual Panel Room 1       704         Knights of the Virtual Table                     
Sat 7:00 PM    1 Hr          Mount Washington           965         Curling Up with Cozy Fantasy                     
Sun 11:30 AM   1 Hr          St. George                 706         Dark Lording for Fun and Profit                   
Sun 1:00 PM    1 Hr          St. George                 699         Actions and Consequences: DMing THAT Guy 

Peer Review

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I suspect it’s depression. As a friend of mine told me, “It’s not official, but you’ve been through the peer review process”.

Have I been diagnosed? No. Do I intend to go see a doctor and get a pill? Also no. I don’t want to be medicated to be “not sad”. This is not only part of what it means to be alive but also an expected part of life. There has been a recent and dramatic change in my life. I lost my partner, my love, my constant. She is gone and there is absolutely nothing I can do about it.

I have days that are… what most would call “acceptable” I think, and then there are bad days. Are there ‘good’ days? I don’t know. If there are days that are ‘good’ then they are very rare indeed. Certainly not reaching any of the heights I have gone to before.

I start with all this because I suppose I think people expect it? I don’t know.

My site here has been lacking for a while now. It has happened in the past, but never quite like this. I’ve been trying to figure out an analogy that would work, some kind of story that would make a more digestible explanation of what I’ve been working with.

You ever go to the fridge, grab a carton or pitcher of juice and when you pick it up it feels a little lighter than you were expecting? There’s still a little bit of hope, but then you open it up and go to pour what you want into a glass and a dribble just makes the bottom of the glass wet and doesn’t come close to giving you the drink you really wanted? That has been me trying to do anything creative. The carton is empty. Sure, there are glimmers. Tiny moments happen when I think, “Oh – I’ll do that…” and then the energy is gone. There’s nothing there.

My creativity really matters to me. Being able to make art or write or create in some way is important and I’ve just had nothing. I don’t even know if the handful of things I’ve done (simply because I had to) even count. I mean, sure, I’ve made a handful of things, but I certainly don’t like them.

Maybe, just maybe, simply going through the motions and finishing something will help. I’m not sure. No promises. No grand gestures. There is the work, and hopefully I’ll be able to get back to it.

Art is still happening…

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Creativity has been hard to come by of late. I’m still struggling. Some of the work I have done is… stuff I’d rather not claim in fact. I don’t like it, but there were deadlines. I *have* been doing little things as I am inspired.

I’m still running the TTRPG Dungeons & Dragons game. There are still videos being posted and all the fun associated with sharing that story with my friends. It has also given me a framework to hang some of my inspiration on. I think this might be the way to rebuild or repair and restart the creation engine.

I have been working through a particular story line and striving to bring just the right words to the players to evoke images and push imaginations forward. Recently I decided to create a picture of an intricate door to accompany my description.

This is the result:

It is no masterpiece, but it IS complete. The first creative endeavor strictly for my own pleasure in quite a long time. Small steps, moving forward. Art can help, and creating things like this has always been part of me. It’s good to be moving that way again.