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Exploring Creative Horizons: Two Engaging Interviews on Storycomic Presents

This week on Storycomic Presents, I, Barney Smith from storycomic.com, had the opportunity to engage with two remarkable figures in the world of comics and children's literature. Each guest brought their unique creative vision and experiences, making for some truly enriching and insightful discussions.

Episode 328: Diving into the Imaginative World of Mark Bell

In Episode 328, we welcomed Mark Bell, the visionary behind Plague Doctor Press. Our conversation delved into his latest endeavor, "S.P.I.R.I.T. #1-3 Sasquatch Love!", a compelling comic series featured on Kickstarter. This series uniquely combines supernatural elements with a heartwarming narrative, centered around a group of teenage girls on a mission to help a trans-sasquatch reunite with her family.

Mark's passion for creating inclusive and engaging stories shines through in his work. He's committed to bringing fresh, diverse voices to the comic industry. His company, Plague Doctor Press, is also responsible for the publication of "STRANGE RANGER" with artist Yonson Carbonell. This episode offered a glimpse into Mark's journey in the comic world, his inspirations, and his aspirations for Plague Doctor Press.

Episode 329: The Artistic Journey of Cyndi Marko

In Episode 329, we had the pleasure of speaking with Cyndi Marko, an award-winning author and illustrator of children's books. Cyndi is celebrated for her engaging and humorous children's stories, which she both writes and illustrates. Her latest work, "Sloth Sleuth," is a graphic novel mystery perfect for young readers who enjoy engaging narratives and unique characters.

During our conversation, Cyndi shared insights into her creative process, her approach to writing with humor and intention, and her commitment to crafting stories that are enjoyable for children without talking down to them. Her passion for storytelling and her ability to infuse fun into her creations are evident in her work.

Both interviews provided fascinating looks into the creative processes of two distinct artists, offering inspiration and insight to our listeners. Don't forget to check out Mark's "S.P.I.R.I.T. #1-3 Sasquatch Love!" on Kickstarter and learn more about Cyndi's delightful characters and stories at her website.

Patience and Preparations

I wanted to provide you with a quick update on the status of the 'Dadder Jokes' books. We're eagerly awaiting their delivery, and I appreciate your patience during this exciting time.

While we wait, I'm preparing to order the variant covers for those of you who selected this unique option. Each cover is a labor of love, and I can't wait to see them in your hands.

Once you receive your books, I have a small favor to ask: If you enjoy 'Dadder Jokes,' please consider leaving a review on Amazon. Your reviews not only mean the world to me but also help boost the book's visibility on the platform through algorithms.

Additionally, I'd love to keep you all in the loop with my future projects, fun podcast updates, and personal life adventures. If you're interested, I'll be happy to add you to my weekly newsletter list. It's a great way to stay connected and be among the first to hear about exciting new endeavors.

Thank you for your continued support and enthusiasm. Our journey together is far from over, and I can't wait for you to dive into the world of 'Dadder Jokes' once the books arrive.

Review: Indigo Hours: Healing Haiku by Nancy Stone

"Indigo Hours: Healing Haiku" by Nancy Stone is a poignant and beautifully crafted collection of haiku poems, accompanied by original scratchboard drawings. This book is more than just a compilation of poetry; it's a deeply personal journey through the challenges of caregiving, the complexities of Alzheimer's disease, and the resilience of the human spirit.

Nancy Stone, an award-winning painter and book artist, brings her vast experience in art and teaching to this heartfelt project. Her journey as a care partner for her husband, diagnosed with Alzheimer's, transforms into a powerful narrative that resonates with anyone who has faced loss, grief, or the responsibility of caregiving. Her poems are a blend of raw emotion, tender insights, and reflections on nature's metaphors, offering solace and understanding to those dealing with similar experiences.

The simplicity of haiku, combined with the depth of emotion in Stone's words, creates a profound impact. Each poem is a snapshot of a moment, capturing the essence of caregiving and the emotional rollercoaster that accompanies it. The accompanying scratchboard illustrations add another layer of depth, visually representing the themes of light, shadow, and water found in the poems.

As a guest on my show, Nancy's passion, humor, and genuine nature shone through, and these qualities are vividly reflected in her book. "Indigo Hours: Healing Haiku" is not just a collection of poems; it's a journey of love, loss, and ultimately, hope. It breaks down the silence and stigma associated with dementia and Alzheimer's Disease, offering a calming guide for others in similar situations.

This book is a must-read for anyone who has been a caregiver or knows someone battling dementia. It's a testament to the power of love, the strength found in vulnerability, and the beauty that can emerge from life's most challenging moments. Nancy Stone has created a masterpiece that will touch your heart and remind you of the preciousness and complexity of life.

A Week of Milestones and Celebrations

As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, I find myself reflecting on a week filled with both routine tasks and special moments. It's been a mix of the mundane and the memorable, and I'm excited to share these snippets of my life with you.

A Break in the Weather

We've had a brief respite from the cold snap here, which was a perfect opportunity for some outdoor chores. I spent a good part of the week packing up the backyard furniture, preparing for the inevitable winter ahead. There's something bittersweet about this annual ritual. While it signals the end of warm summer days, there's a certain peace in the quiet, bare landscape that follows.

Radio Towers Tour

In my ongoing journey of running a radio station, I had another tour of the radio towers this week. It's always an enlightening experience, especially when accompanied by an engineer. We tested the equipment, and I'm happy to report that everything is functioning well. It's reassuring to know that the station is in good shape, especially as we head into the colder months when maintenance becomes even more crucial.

Celebrating Love

On a personal note, this week was particularly special as it marked my 11th wedding anniversary. To celebrate, my partner and I dined at 'Hen of the Woods' in Waterbury, Vermont. If you ever find yourself in the area, I can't recommend this place enough. The food was exquisite, the ambiance was perfect, and it was a wonderful way to commemorate our journey together. It's moments like these that remind me of the beauty and strength of enduring love.

As I look back on the week, I'm filled with gratitude for these moments of connection – with nature, with technology, and most importantly, with the people I love. Here's to many more years of learning, growing, and celebrating life's simple pleasures.

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