I wish everyone who is reading this (and everyone else as well), an easy 2024! I think easy will be the keyword for me this year. I’m taking things easy and hope the world will follow suit. This newsletter is a short one.

How Am I Doing?

I’m pretty tired after my trip to the Netherlands. It drained me more than usual, but I can’t really place why. I think I’m just becoming more and more of a hermit, true to my pseudonym. There’s probably something to say about a healthy social life, balance, boundaries and all such, but right now I just want to coccoon by myself for a bit.

2023 is a bit of a blur to me when I try to think back on it. A lot of the previous years were. I think I’m someone who easily lives on autopilot, without taking the time to reflect that often. I hope this newsletter will help me anchor some core memories, and I would say that so far, it did exactly that!

I spent new years at home with my partner. It’s not the first time I’ve spent in Paris, but it is the first time I have a good view on the horizon. I was surprised by the fact that there’s almost no fireworks. I thought we’d be watching a firworks shows by candlelight from our living room, but there was only a few sparks off in the distance. At least we got a good night’s rest. Back in the Netherlands it’s usually a warzone until at least 02:00!

Now I’ll be taking some time to relax and slowly starting up the motor again in the following week. I hope everyone gets the chance to do the same.

What Am I Doing?

I spent most time visiting family and friends and din’t have much time for other stuff. During my trip however, I’ve spent traveling time doodling Clysmoids (the Pokémon ripoff game) in my notebook. I’m not much of a creature designer, or an illustrator in general, but I’ve found myself happily doodling out any stupid idea I had. It takes me back to my childhood days in elementary school, not paying attention to anything and just letting my mind wander. It’s also the same quality drawings to be honest :’)

Absent-mindedly, I must’ve drawn about 50 of them at this point. I’m kind of happy with the results, though! I didn’t have any particular plans with the Clysmoid designs or how I was going to get visuals for them. I think I assumed I would hire a freelancer at some point. Looking at that butterfly with ear wings or that hairy ghost makes me think I might be able to pull it off by myself however. We’ll see…

I also stealth launched another episode of my vlog, in which I talk about Clysmoids. It’s a mess. The camera is blurry because my focus was off, the lighting is weird, and my talking points are chaotic and bordering unintelligble sometimes. 20 minutes is way too long as well, nobody is going to watch the whole thing. But, as I’ve decided to launch it anyway, it can stay there as a testament for the things I need to improve.

Why Am I Doing? (this)

It’s one of those days that I just don’t really know. I don’t have the energy to wax philosphical. And I guess that’s OK! I’m not going to be super inspired or creative or funny or cerebral or smart every week. Sometimes this newsletter will just be an update.

And sometimes a wish! This time, I wish you all an easy start of the year. Smooth sailing. That hardships may be few and far between, and that you have the strength to face them. Cheers!