Hng so going to bed last night I was pretty strung up. I was stressed, wounded mentally and frustrated. I normally finish projects I start with other people, though sometimes I have issues finishing my own. OnO I have almost never abandoned a project I said I would help on. I never not finished my work. I might be slow sometimes, but if I say I will do it, I'll stay up until it is done. Well, I finally have a project I left incomplete. And never will. (Not Naor I promise)

Earlier events in the day had upset me, yet I went to my weekly meetings with people from Airship 27: Ron Fortier, Todd Jones and James U. If those names sound familiar, Ron is the author if the Green Hornet series, and all three work on Wicked Awesome Tales.

So I was dumb and was so upset I almost didn't go but I did. I have been known to not go when stressed and then I get messages if I'm ok. So I went trying to pretend I was ok. I failed and they asked and I just unloaded on them. In the middle of the Ft Collins Target, DVD section. Just boom, crying and meltdown. Good timing, good place, yes? Some people react poorly to people crying and venting on them. I was so embarrassed to be doing this in front of industry pros with big name titles they worked on. Ron Fortier... I was in front of him and doing this. xnx

I've been meeting with these guys since, uh November once a week every Tuesday and one Saturday every month. I met Ron at Ft Collins Comic Con in Colorado last October and he invited me to the Saturday meetings. Eventually I asked for the Tuesday meetings and they let me join them. They often look at my work and critique it and give me lots of great feedback and advice on comics. I really am lucky to have all three giving me amazing advice.

So after I unloaded, they all simply took turns giving me advice and offered hugs. I'm not a hug person, but those were amazing hugs. Ron even told me to just stay still and let it out, and I felt bad as my face was on his jacket. But it was some of the best moments and worst moments all in one.

I like to show off this strong side, we all do. But it's ok to let go sometimes. Months of stress from family, my 2x-rejected work visa, my lack of funds, lack of insurance, lack of sleep and eating right cause shit food is cheaper. In those moments they were all physically right there I felt so weak I couldn't hold it back anymore. Yet,despite that, they didn't turn their backs. They didn't tell me to toughen up, not in a rude way. They didn't look at me with contempt. They let me meltdown and talk it out. Then gave me hugs and advice.

It is easy to be upset with people who get dramatic. I wasn't trying to be. Forever I'd try to just ask advice. No waterworks. No whining. Just ask advice. This time yesterday was too much. Be patient with people and be kind. You never know who is on the other end. Even in person. You can see them and assume. Don't. Just be kind regardless, treat others as YOU wish to be treated.

So when I woke up this morning I saw Ron had tagged me in a post he made on my wall. (Yes we are friends on FB even):



To have such words said about me from such a pro makes me so happy and came at the right time. Even after yesterday's drama. I feel in a way indebted with everything I'm learning.... for free kinda. His advice is worthwhile and I take it whole heartedly. Him and Todd and James. Both him and Todd are writers, and James is an editor, letterer and artist. So much advice from James about less common things you think about in comics. He gave me his phone number, Todd too! Such helpful awesome people.

Now on another side, I am pleased to announce that two weeks ago, Todd offered me a spot in the next Wicked Awesome Tales which feature stories from Ron and Todd illustrated by other artists. I'll be working on a script from Todd, but I can't say more than that. I'm excited to be offered this epic opportunity to have my name next to these three guys in one book. I'm lucky to know them and their kindness.

So think about the people who seem stressed. Why are they stressed? Do they need something?  Can you help or be there? Have they helped you?

Have you done something good today? I will! I have been tutoring a student close to Denver, CO for about a month or two now. We are going to the Zoo for some education in observation drawing and in animal anatomy. I'll likely be gone most of the day.

I'll update you guys when I get home. Hope your day goes well guys!

-Ahk