Recent sketchbook doodles

and, I read you a book.

I’ve been drawing more in my sketchbook again. Wonky, quick doodles while I’m in waiting rooms or at the kitchen table, to stop me zoning out on my phone. I got a mini moleskin to go in my purse, and something about it feels accessible in a way a bigger sketchbook hasn’t for years. Journaling feels easier when the page is small. I used to be a very prolific journal-er and skethbook-keeper, they were like giant, multi-media pieces of art. And I’ve felt shame in the last decade for falling back on the practice, and not just shame but a genuine grief. So I’m trying to be easy on myself, not set any goals, not be precious, just draw whatever needs to be drawn.

Here are some bits and pieces, some more recent than others.

An exciting bit of news between these two drawings, is that in March, we bought an acre of property just outside Bellingham with my dad. He’s always dreamed of having a big gardening space, and as much as we love our little house we’ve poured so much into, what we’ve always wanted is more outdoor and storage and studio space.

We’re currently fixing up the small, existing house on the property to rent to friends while we scheme up how to build a dream house in the next few years

!

by Hazel

And, in case you missed it, here’s a video of me reading The Blue House as part of the #ReadThemHome Campaign to End Family Detention and close Dilley Detention Center.

Alright, my childcare has run out so I have to go now. More soon! Trying to ramp this Substack up a bit again!