Fall updates, Beetlejuice, dogs, voting, & more!
Greetings.
Welcome to the first Dear Chizuko newsletter.
Some people aren’t huge fans of email and e-newsletters. Honestly though, I love them. I subscribe to way too many. I have my favorites, though I should probably do some Fall cleaning and unsubscribe from a few. I even cried reading a newsletter the other day. (Okay, I’m one of those people who cries at commercials, but still…)
I want to make a good newsletter, whatever that means or looks like for me. For now I just want to keep you informed of what’s happening with me/Dear Chizuko, hopefully without taking up too much of your time. Because I know it is precious. 💚
Current Projects
Snail Mail Club updates.
Big hugs and smooches of gratitude to SMC members. I am humbled by how patient and supportive you are. Thank you!
Fall. I’m still working on the Fall project. Since the Fall card turned into a multi-page zine, it’s taking longer than usual. I’m a slow writer, so that portion in particular took a while. I think I have all the supplies I need.
Currently, I’m working on the illustrations for the zine. I am drawing images individually and then scanning them so that I can plug each one into the zine layout. This way making an error doesn’t mean starting over.
It sounds like a lot of work but I have done the “one error means scrapping the whole thing” method and that is a stressful way to do it.
Winter. I do have an idea for the winter card, but want to finish up Fall first. It’s a lot less ambitious than the zine, so hopefully it will come together quickly.
What is Snail Mail Club? SMC members receive unique handmade cards four times per year that are inspired by the seasons. Additional items are included in every release such as stickers, bookmarks, and other surprises. If you aren’t already a member, you can sign up through Ko-fi HERE!
New journal entries.
I’ve been working on my website and I just published my first journal entries there. One is long and one is short and they are both about the movie Beetlejuice.
School for Ghouls: The Ghost With the Most
Afterlife lessons learned from Beetlejuice. I have been thinking about ghosts a lot lately and this was the result. It’s the most writing I’ve done since I finished my degree. If you read this, it will give you a pretty good idea of how my brain works, because this is how I watch movies. (Yes, it drives my partner, Josh, crazy.)Bite-Sized: Beetlejuice Sketch
Shared a Beetlejuice-themed sketch I did of Pippi and Oski earlier in the year (plus a photo).
Voting.
Colorado automatically mails ballots to registered voters (though we still have the option to vote in person if we choose). I like receiving my ballot early, but I’ve definitely waited until the last minute for some of the previous elections.
I’m determined to not be that person this year so, for several weeks in October, I’ve been spending at least an hour each day gathering information to make my decisions on the various ballot measures, judicial retentions, etc. I would make myself a cup of tea and try to make it as pleasant as possible, but let’s be honest, it was tedious. Grateful to have completed my ballot and turned it in last week.
Luna.
Luna is doing well. I don’t reveal much about all the care she needs due to her anxiety, but it’s a lot. I discuss it a tiny bit in the Fall zine, so you may get to know her a little better once those are complete. (Current title is “My Anxious Rescue Dog is Basically Edward Cullen From the Cinematic Masterpiece Twilight.”)
Just taking her out eats up a lot of time each day, because we have to avoid off-leash or barking dogs and other things that stress her out. I actually drive her to another neighborhood a few times a day. She’s so strong and amazing though. She inspires me every day!
Recent Inspirations.
Films.
The Fall (2006). Watched this film for the first time in a long time. Absolutely gorgeous, especially on the big screen.
Beetlejuice (1988). If you like, you can read my long and short journal posts about Beetlejuice.
Music.
Fall playlist. I’m still enjoying the heck out of the Twilight-themed playlist I made for Fall. If you listen to the tracks in order, each one represents a scene from the film.
It’s Nothing (2024). This new album by Dolores Forever is so fun and catchy and excellent.
Book.
Practical Magic (1995). I know a lot of people don’t care for the book, as it’s significantly different from the movie. However, the original version as written by Alice Hoffman is a favorite of mine. (Blackbird House is another.) I finally purchased my own copy and read it a little every day to celebrate October. (Which might have inspired my idea for the Winter card…)
(Note for the inspirations section - I’m tempted to make an “X out of 5 teardrops” 💧💧💧💧💧 to represent how sad something made me feel, but I’m afraid that leaves out other important movie emotions. Will think on this more for next time)
In conclusion.
I think I’ve already written way too much. Thank you for subscribing and for reading this far. This has been a tough year and I know everyone has a lot going on, but I am so grateful that you are here.
Love,
Becky // Dear Chizuko