A cartoon
A thought
I’m just going to leave this here, hopefully it brings you a laugh or a sigh. I’m not even really sure what I am saying…
I am tired and frazzled, and would just like all the madness to sort itself out?
But truely, I know it is going to take intentional collaborative work from all of us. Perhaps on this Thursday, in late-stage-capitalism, just allow me to dream!
I drew this for fun. After I had drawn it, I read a post from a Substack friend that caused me to see it in a slightly different light.
found herself accused of being a conspiracy theorist for speaking her truth.1 When used in that context, “conspiracy theorist” becomes another blunt tool for division and a shutting down of conversation and connection. At this point, anything that stokes division and prevents connection is undesirable. Perhaps L’il Bean and their whimsical conspiracy machine is sucking in all our truths and facilitating beautiful connections despite our different opinions, at the end of the day, we all have so much more in common than what divides us. Susan pointed out that the etymology of the word conspiracy comes from the Latin literally meaning - "to breathe together".2 Now that is rather beautiful!As this post is really just for fun, I thought you might like to see my drawing process. I work digitally between my ipad and a Wacom drawing tablet. I use the program Clip Studio Paint. My ideas mostly start as a word concept I am trying to find a way to draw. I sketch it out before committing with the ink pen and apply colour last. CSP on the ipad has a fun auto setting where it records a timelapse:
Glimmers and sparks*
My glimmers for today are:
Climate Club Queensland’s latest post: It’s been a good news week! The QLD state government passed legislation to reduce Queensland’s emissions by 75% by 2035 - with bipartisan support!
Ripper of a sunset in deep reds and oranges setting over the Brindabellas.
Finding super sourdough rolls at a local bakery - Tinker Tailor in Casey, if you are in Canberra!
Li’l bean is your reminder to pause and ask: What are your glimmers for today?
From your friend and your small, steadfast companion,
*Drawing Li’l Bean helped me navigate out of a period of depression in 2023. A good friend 13, 595km away, helped, too, through a ritual of swapping daily glimmers via text.
A glimmer is a tiny spark of hope, enthusiasm or joy that lifts your heart. By helping me find three glimmers each day, she gently helped me see the joy and beauty already around me.
I’d like to share this practice with you and invite you to reflect on your glimmers for the day when you read this. Think of Li’l Bean as a reminder to notice the glimmers and sparks in your life. We’d love it if you would like to share your glimmers in the comments.
https://www.etymonline.com/word/conspiracy
Thanks Gillian for the inclusion and mention. I love your whimsical conspiracy machine idea. I would use it to suck all the lies and deceptions out of existence…that would make for a very different world. . Your drawings are such fun, good to know how you go about it. 💝