If you like this podcast, you can share your support by joining me on Patreon! Access to all of my videos, tutorials, and podcasts for a full year for $108 or just support the podcast for $33 per year! :) Lately: It's warming up, so I've been spending more time outside. I *attempted* to paint this grey lawn furniture as wicker (it got very mixed reviews on Instagram) (pictures and links available on https://www.patreon.com/posts/64002298) I completed improv 101 and all of my classmates and I wrote nice things about each other on sheets of paper. I hung mine above my mirror because I loved it so much. (pictures and links available on https://www.patreon.com/posts/64002298) Things I mentioned: Seaside - the town from "Truman Show" is real and weird. The book "I didn't do the thing today" Things I’ve been loving: - I re-watched this classic clip from Ira Glass about why we want to quit when we think we aren't good enough. - This amazing Victorian inspired forest wall-mural - I spent so much time dreaming of English cottages and the instagram algorithm has me figured out now. I feel very seen because my friend Heather bought this mushroom bowl for me for my birthday: (pictures and links available on https://www.patreon.com/posts/64002298)

If you like this podcast, you can share your support by joining me on Patreon! Access to all of my videos, tutorials, and podcasts for a full year for $108 or just support the podcast for $33 per year! :) Lately: I've been trying to make time for myself every morning to eat mindfully, even if it's junk food, so I've been making/buying/consuming a lot of little treats. Today, I cried and then stress baked some very ugly chocolate cake (not pictured) and some strawberry and red bean mochi to have with tea. Photos and links available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/60815947 I'm also always a little happy when it snows because our house ends up looking like this: Photos and links available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/60815947 And I also have been buying "projects" to do (I mentioned buying a Wacom tablet to draw with, but I also have purchased clay, a bunch of paint for an air compressor, some new gouache paints. I even bought a piece of furniture that had potential that I justified as being my "work tea" station: Photos and links available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/60815947 Things I mentioned: The video on the planner from “Furry Little Peach” I mentioned - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iHtLvrKf9_0 She also just posted a video on resolutions that I liked (it’s mostly for illustrators) https://youtu.be/nRbxVBYcR4s Here's what her journal looks like! Things I’ve been loving: - Obviously tea. Specifically, I've been drinking a ton of Decaf Vanilla Comoro tea because it's soothing, I can keep reheating the same pot of tea all day long (because it's decaf and there's no cut off for when I can stop drinking it. - The Mysterious Benedict Society on Disney Plus! Holy wow, it's pretty. It's also starring Tony Hale (Buster Bluth anyone?) and Kristen Schaal. I did some sketching while watching it the other day, too. Photos and links available on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/60815947 - Mindlessly looking through homes on Zillow. - These amazing "Rocket Girl" photographs.

If you like this podcast, you can share your support by joining me on Patreon! Access to all of my videos, tutorials, and podcasts for a full year for $108 or just support the podcast for $33 per year! :) https://www.patreon.com/nessak Lately: I took instagram off my phone a few days ago so I haven't been taking a lot of personal photos. I have done the following: - Took an "autumn soup making" class alone and loved it. Autumn and all this nice chilly (not cold) weather is definitely my favorite. (photos and links over on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/59166304) - Got my COVID booster shot and spent an entire day lying in bed with a massive headache. - Purchased a Wacom Cintiq because I really desperately want to make more illustrations again soon. - Had the above thanksgiving dinner alone, but watched "Home Alone" with my friend Heather while we texted about the movie while I ate it. Things I mentioned: My Imagen AI Patreon review - https://www.patreon.com/posts/article-review-55417998 Last month's video about burn out and creativity (which felt very reminiscent of my podcasts because we talked so much about feelings - https://www.patreon.com/posts/video-staying-57490753 Things I’ve been loving: - This collection of photos by brian chorski - The absolutely surreal art of Ismail Zaidy (photos and links over on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/59166304) - Rereading Hyperbole and a Half (I have two of Allie Brosh's books and I connected with someone in Costco because I was carrying one around). Her comic about depression is incredible. (and there's a Part 2) - Learning to identify new feelings in my body. I had this whole exercise with my therapist where I told her I felt "numb" and she got out a bunch of "feelings" cards and we went through them one by one and it turned out, I wasn't numb, I was just having feelings that I didn't recognize how they felt in my own body. So now, I use a feelings chart and I love it. - Breakfast. This could be in every podcast newsletter episode, really, because cooking breakfast for myself is dope.

This podcast is brought to you by my lovely Patreons! You can see all the photos, links, and previous posts for $3 on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/posts/55692056 Lately: Sam and I went to Paris and I got to see some incredible Henri Cartier Bresson photographs. <3 https://www.patreon.com/posts/55692056 I was, admittedly, pretty sick most of the time I was there (celiac and anxiety did not do me good) but I still loved seeing some pretty things. I actually did a bit of drawing: https://www.patreon.com/posts/55692056 Things I mentioned: Last week's interview with Sam Hurd on how he stays productive - https://www.patreon.com/posts/10-minute-audio-55177724 My review of Imagen AI - https://www.patreon.com/posts/article-review-55417998 Things I’ve been loving: - I've been reading a book called "Whole Brain Living: The Anatomy of Choice" about a brain scientist who suffered a severe stroke where she lost all use of the left side of her brain. She was a vegetable for about 8 weeks and it took 8 YEARS before her entire brain came back online. Her book is fascinating and it's all about how we have more power over our thoughts than we think. You can see one of her interviews here! - I'm saving a ton of Halloween pins over on Pinterest in case I decide to do the drawing challenge Inktober again! - Honestly.... getting back into my tea B.S. https://www.patreon.com/posts/55692056 It's my self care. I fell out of love with it a little over the summer, but today was a cool day and baby, I am *back.*

Sam Hurd got interviewed on what motivates him on a daily basis. Everything from removing friction to making sure you like what you're doing to experimenting. We've talked about this before, but I am an under-functioner! When I get stressed out or overwhelmed, I shut down. In that exact same situation, Sam's brain goes into overdrive. Since it's SO EASY to jump on the comparison game (especially living in the same house) I thought a conversation about it would be interesting. I need structure, but Sam thrives with a bit of chaos! So I talk with him about what that's like. Sometimes our brains are just different and that's OK! <3

Lately: This podcast is coming to you from Maine! I haven't shared anything publicly, but it's been a nice trip. We've been going to museums and small shops, mostly. pictures & links are available for $3/month on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/posts/53538654 But if I haven't mentioned it before, I LOVE GROCERY STORES. They are my "calm/happy place" and this small town we're in has a good one: pictures & links are available for $3/month on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/posts/53538654 Things I mentioned: FOCUSMATE.COM My email catch up video (catching up on email when I’m overwhelmed!) More on body doubling Video on remote control culling A video on *creative* burnout (which is a little different than just feeling burned out at work, but I'm feeling this, too, so I'm sharing!) pictures & links are available for $3/month on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/posts/53538654 Things I’ve been loving: - "Hate Myself" Dodie -- this music video is beautiful and the song is *so* catchy. - "Doodle Therapy" - a series where two artists real-time draw and talk together for about an hour! - Portland, Maine buildings AND this big pigeon, just being a totally normal pigeon and blending in. pictures & links are available for $3/month on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/posts/53538654

Honestly so tired lately today we'll talk about why I’m considering increasing my fees for sessions because my body cannooottt get up at 4:30 a.m. for these things anymore! Lately: I've been shooting a lot. After this wedding, I got gelato: https://www.patreon.com/posts/52261243 - view images and links on Patreon for $3 per month! I haven't had much personal time at all, but when I don't have anything to do, I can be found lounging/working in my very cozy cottage core dresses (with my pets) https://www.patreon.com/posts/52261243 - view images and links on Patreon for $3 per month! AND! I'm starting to try to go to cafes to work a little bit at a time now. This is me in an actual coffee shop having an actual hard time because I never know if I'm expected to put my mask back on between sips of coffee: https://www.patreon.com/posts/52261243 - view images and links on Patreon for $3 per month! Things I mentioned: Here’s a very math-based article on how to make sure you are CHARGING enough: https://www.patreon.com/posts/are-you-booking-20203030 Citylit classes (some are temporarily online, but they’re mostly in person classes in London!): https://www.citylit.ac.uk Aftershoot for culling: http://aftershoot.co Hotels tonight: https://www.hoteltonight.com Things I’ve been loving: - Do you mind if these are all YouTube links? Because they're gonna be. I did this driving meditation (listening only, not for viewing) on my way to DC after an especially difficult afternoon. - I love Claire Saffitz and her Gourmet Made series. She did one on making homemade gourmet Reese's peanut butter cups that I've watched a few times. I cannot tell you why I have watched it several times, since I will not be making these, but I do love it. https://www.patreon.com/posts/52261243 - view images and links on Patreon for $3 per month! - Lemoncello La Croix. When this came out, I started looking for it and now it's everywhere and I'm still obsessed.

A WARNING ABOUT THIS EPISODE: I'm asking some questions about photographers at workshops being encouraged to share intimate stories and cry. I want us all to question if it's appropriate or helpful (especially if it's done in a way where it's formulaic). This is not to judge those of us that have shared and cried in a group where we wanted to relate about our shared struggles. There might be a grey area between trauma bonding and forming connections over shared experiences. I would say most of my friendships with other trauma survivors might be trauma bonds?? I don't go into the gray area because it's just a 10 minute podcast! I can't help but feel like it's manipulative if it happens at every single one of their workshops and the goal is for *them and their community* to be the reason you feel good again before you leave. I have a lot of feelings about STAN communities that get people to tear themselves down in front of a crowd just to be built back up by the community. I have a lot of feelings I haven't even shared about "girl boss" culture and coaching, BUT you should watch the latest few episodes in season 2 of "Shrill" because it PERFECTLY MIRRORS my ideas on that (It's sort of "I don't know, this feels wrong, is this bad? it's Pro woman... but is it?" conflicted feelings because the community is good but maybe the leadership and messaging is problematic?) Plus, it's a great show. Also, I just finished a book about emotionally immature parents/adults and it has me seeing red flags *everywhere* Lately: I've been taking myself on a lot of picnics. I sit and read and drink tea and don't share my food with anyone and it's nice. Photos and links over at https://www.patreon.com/posts/12-minute-cult-51054525 I have also attempted to take Popcorn on a picnic and he did not like all the "not walking" and "not eating" involved, so he probably won't come with me again. Photos and links over at https://www.patreon.com/posts/12-minute-cult-51054525 I've also been on the hunt for the PERFECT puff sleeve dress. This was a contender (until I got on the waitlist and I don't think they'll ever restock it!) Photos and links over at https://www.patreon.com/posts/12-minute-cult-51054525 Things I mentioned: My website branding: Second Street Creative Frannerd: Illustrator's Youtube Keiko Lynn: Blogger Photos and links over at https://www.patreon.com/posts/12-minute-cult-51054525 Things I’ve been loving: - This Brene Brown talk on why your CRITICS aren't the ones that count. Photos and links over at https://www.patreon.com/posts/12-minute-cult-51054525 - The book "The Midnight Library." It's SUCH a unique storyline. I had a really hard time stopping reading it once I started. I loved it so much that I immediately started his book "How to Stop Time" which is also really unique and wonderful. Sam and I are halfway through the audiobook on a road trip now. - I wore earrings I bought a few years ago (for a couple of hours) and felt very refined. Photos and links over at https://www.patreon.com/posts/12-minute-cult-51054525 - Eating outside. It's such a small window of time where I feel like I get to do this without bugs bothering me or my legs sticking to chairs. I am very happy outdoors.

Guys, It's been SO MUCH! I've honestly been afraid to talk about the eye surgery at length because I didn't want to scare any clients that I still needed to photograph before my surgery. But now that I'm past all of my shoots, I wanted to have a conversation with you about it all! Lately: It's shed-weather again: Photos and links over at https://www.patreon.com/posts/10-minute-how-im-50266192 I've been really enjoying all the spring flowers: Photos and links over at https://www.patreon.com/posts/10-minute-how-im-50266192 Most of my creative-focus lately is on plant life and wildlife: Photos and links over at https://www.patreon.com/posts/10-minute-how-im-50266192 AND! Since I'm having it corrected tomorrow, I wanted to share this. THIS is what my vision looks like through my right eye when I look at my monitor (with my vision corrected with lenses) because of my cataract (I took a lot of time putting this together as a reference for myself - it includes the ghosting!). The images get more "separated" when they're further away. It's called monocular triplopia when you have triple vision in one eye and it is ANNOYING. If you wear glasses - it's kind of like operating as if one of your lenses has fallen out. Photos and links over at https://www.patreon.com/posts/10-minute-how-im-50266192 Things I mentioned: Headspace app - Meditation and Sleep Made Simple - Headspace The finance conversation I had with Sam Hurd - VIDEO (feat: Sam Hurd) How we Start to Save Money as Entrepreneurs (short term vs long term savings) | Nessa Kessinger on Patreon The flatbreads I’m in love with from Daily Harvest - Daily Harvest | One-Step-Prep, Chef-crafted Food Built on Organic Ingredients. Delivered to You. Food that Takes Care of You. Video on how I handle editing outsourcing - Outsourcing My Editing: how I gave up (some) control to get back some time | Nessa Kessinger on Patreon Photos and links over at https://www.patreon.com/posts/10-minute-how-im-50266192 Things I’ve been loving: The scones I made! They’re AMAZING! I used frozen wild blueberries and I'm so happy with how they came out. Gluten Free Strawberry Scones | Let Them Eat Gluten Free Cake Supergirl (it's on Netflix). It's a real rollercoaster for me. It's feminist, but also they do skin smoothing on the older women. Then, in season 5, they change her outfit so she's not wearing a mini skirt anymore (she got PANTS!) but then they gave her bangs?? So many feelings. Planning an unplugged get-away/writers retreat by going through the “unique experiences” filter on Air BnB - Vacation Homes & Condo Rentals - Airbnb - one of the filters is literally “cave.” You could stay in a CAVE! Annndddd being back at full-day weddings: Photos and links over at https://www.patreon.com/posts/10-minute-how-im-50266192

Lately: Pictures and links on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/48380994 I've been getting our home gym together which meant cleaning out a very embarrassingly full guest bedroom that has been designated a storage room for too long! Pictures and links on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/48380994 I haven't been illustrating much, but I have done a few pictures that I love: Pictures and links on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/48380994 Things I mentioned: - My haircut. Only because there is almost nothing new in my life, this is like, front page news for me. Pictures and links on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/48380994 - What getting back to longer wedding days might mean - Last week's Patreon article on outsourcing - https://www.patreon.com/posts/article-lets-and-48149149 Things I’ve been loving: - "Why limit yourself to just one thing?" an article on having two skill-set careers going on simultaneously that really spoke to me. - One of my favorite illustrators, Anoosha Syed, has started a Youtube channel about writing picture books for illustrators and she talks about everything from how she illustrates books to what it's like working with an agent. - I'm on team "all my friends are just Podcasts" now which means I finally bought some Daily Harvest (knowing I don't *love* smoothies). But I'm actually kind of loving it?? I felt full for almost 5 hours after having a smoothing for breakfast which is unheard of. Also they have veggie bowls and freaking tasty flatbreads. Anyway! I'm loving it and I wanted to talk about it because drinking smoothies and feeling full is also "front page news" for me. Pictures and links on Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/posts/48380994