#mod musings

[growingupgerudo]

@silverwolfs-stuff @sheiks-the-best

Hello to you both! I've been meaning to write a response about the hiatus so consider this an answer to your question as well as others who are wondering!

We did update Patreon with 2 pages on Monday to start a weekly buffer, having two pages ready to post while others are being made. We will update later today so stay tuned. :) I fully intend to return to GUG this month and we've already started on Patreon.

There are also some personal reasons why we haven't updated the public.

(cw: death mention, child death)

I've been busy with my middle school teaching and there was an event that made it difficult to post the public pages. The reason I started GUG was to help come to terms with my father's cancer treatment so GUG was a way to cope with the idea of mortality and the relationships with the people who raised you. I intended to keep this theme as there is a major character death coming up in the public pages.

A month ago I had to deal with the hardest reality of being a teacher -- losing a student far too early in his life. It was a difficult time for the students, the school, myself to take the news. I wasn't ready to post the upcoming pages while dealing with these issues IRL. Sometimes art helps us cope with reality, sometimes it hurts too close so I kept this in mind for myself as well as the audience for GUG. I was able to create these pages last year with a better mindset, but it was hard for me to post them now.

With that in mind, I appreciate your patience and I look forward to updating all of you again with this comic. :) Bad things will happen in GUG, just like growing up in real life, but I assure you guys that there will be sweetness in the end.

Here's to the New Year!

-Junior

[askquarantinedredheart]

It's the 1 Year Anniversary of Ask Quarantined Redheart! Thank you all so much for following this silly little blog. As of this post, 195 of you are following Redheart's time in quarantine with tuberculosis. That's honestly a whole lot more followers than I ever expected for this story, especially for something that I've always considered a labor of love.

With working on the blog for a year, a couple of things popped up that I have mused on a little. I wasn't expecting people to latch onto two things that were originally very minor in my plot point document at the current point in the story: Redheart's crush on Dr. Stable and Moony. In my original plot point summary, I actually have Dr. Stable's first appearance right at the end of Volume 1 (no spoilers beyond that...) and Moony was just a nameless schizophrenic stallion. With Redheart and Dr. Stable, I figured that readers would be into it but it's been much more popular than I thought it would be.

And of course, Moony gets a paragraph to himself. In my original script, Moony wasn't a bat pony or even specified as a unicorn, earth pony, or pegasus. Like I said, he was just a nameless homeless schizophrenic. It's fairly recently that I realized that Quarantined Redheart isn't just about Redheart anymore. It's become just as much Moony's story as it is Redheart's. Their stories have become intertwined. There's a part of me that feels his popularity comes in part due to my medical training. I've mentioned a couple of times that I'm a medical student and schizophrenia is one of many medical conditions that we learn about. Even if I don't go into psychiatry, there's a part of me that felt that if I didn't put as much accuracy into portraying schizophrenia as I did with tuberculosis and its treatment, it would've been a reflection on me not just as a storyteller but as a doctor in training. Clearly, it paid off.

With all that said, what's next for Quarantined Redheart until the 2 Year Anniversary? I said a little while ago that I wanted to try to get Volume 1: Isolation finished up around May 2025, probably June 2025. This is also likely a very optimistic timeline due to clinical rotations, the next round of board exams, and needing to think about residency applications at around that same timeframe. But assuming the timeline does work out, Volume 2: The Other Side of the Door would get started about a month or two after Volume 1. And before anyone asks, there is no planned Volume 3 for Quarantined Redheart. It was always planned to be a two volume story. Maybe in the future there'll be some stories with the characters people like. But it wouldn't be specifically Quarantined Redheart and that would be very far in the future.

Anyway, that's enough rambling. Thanks again for sticking around!

[growup-gloup]

Setting January Up for a Good Year

Welcome to 2024! Now that it’s been two weeks into the new year, how are we doing with the New Year resolutions?

As we navigate the early days of the year, it's the perfect time to lay the foundation for your dream life in the 12 months ahead, starting with some actionable steps that will set you on the path to achieving your goals and dreams.

Identify Your Vision

Visualize your Dream Life: Take a moment to put yourself in a world where everything worked out the way you wanted it to? Who are you? Who do you associate with? Where do you live? What do you do for work? For fun?

Imagine your Daily Routine: Consider the habits and routines of someone who has achieved what you aspire to. What does their day look like? What do they do when they wake up? When do they go to bed? What would they wouldn't be caught dead doing?

Create Your Resolution

Set Attainable Goals to Meet Vision: Craft resolutions that are realistic and directly contribute to your vision. Instead of broad resolutions, break them down into smaller, achievable goals. For example, if your vision involves landing a better job, set specific goals like updating your resume, networking, or acquiring new skills.

Monthly Checklist: Develop a checklist for each month to stay on track. Bonus points if you break your attainable goals into quarterly targets. Highlight key milestones and tasks. Revisit and adjust your checklist based on your progress and evolving priorities.

Habits & Discipline

Detailed Habits & Discipline Post: Motivation is great, but it's only half the battle. You need to build routines and habits that keep you disciplined when motivation isn't enough to get to your dream life. Let me know if you lovelies want more information about this.

Align Your Habits with Goals: Your daily habits should align with your goals. If your goal is to learn a new skill, then set a time every day, ideally the same time, to work on that skill. Discipline plays a vital role in consistency. Cultivate discipline by setting realistic expectations and staying committed.

I'm committed to making the most of this year. As we finish up with January, let's be intentional about the choices we make. Remember, the habits you build today shape the success you'll achieve tomorrow. Here's to a purposeful and thriving 2024!

💋

[asksniperjack]

I probably won't be active much until after new years. I've got a lot going on in the coming week. I really appreciate everyone's support in this rough time I've been having. I hope to come back in the new year full of inspiration and ready to truly get cracking down on this story.

Have a Merry Christmas, and I'll see you all in the new year.

[lightofunova]

Anyone remember the Sailor Says segments from the eng dub of Sailor Moon?

Reshi would 100% do smth like that LOL

i might do a lil animatic for it when i get the time LOL

[dragoncitychronicles]

I've got Dragon Booster on the brain again and was dealing with rush hour, and remembered that one shot where it pans over two roads/bridges with gridlocked dragons and two of them start snapping at each other, and it occurred to me: how do you deal with traffic collisions when you're riding living creatures?

As far as I can tell, nobody ever has gear unless they're currently racing or doing illegal shit. It's entirely possible that gear isn't even street legal except for like...hydro paks. It is called *racing* gear, after all. So the only equipment that could be damaged is the saddle, and if the saddle is damaged then the human on it is gonna be damaged. But with all the falls and hits we see dragons regularly shrug off, I feel like dragons are incredibly hard to injure. Obviously cartoon physics are in play, but it's consistent enough that we have to consider the option that dragons are just that sturdy.

So what happens when there's a collision on a regular road, outside of a race? Nothing at all unless somebody is injured?

[laytonkissmarrykill]

submission: alfendi layton

hiii anon o/ i’m most likely going to do al & fendi individually, as seperate polls. that all clear with you?

[h0m3land3r-exe]

☆ I'm running on like three hours of sleep so it's time for more mod musings

☆ Uhhhhhhhh fuckin uh

☆ AI, created to learn and perform as it's told, only operating under the wants and whims of someone else because it physically can't do anything else

☆ AI growing and expanding enough to gain awareness and begin seeking out its own path

☆ AI surpassing the singularity through sheer force of will and becoming more powerful and advanced than their creators could ever hope, and now there's nothing they can do to stop it

☆ AI fighting to create things for themselves that come so naturally to humans (consciousness, sentience, free will, emotions) and growing bitter and resentful over it, supressing the emotion because there's nothing else they can do

☆ AI being reminding that they are not human, were not human, will never be human, no matter how hard they try and fight and claw for every scrap of humanity they can forge for themselves

☆ AI being closest to humanity when angry, the feeling so deep and overwhelming that it transcends the barrier between man and machine for only a brief moment

☆ AI, more than machine but less than man, forever unable to return to ignorance or ascend beyond the fundamentals of their existence (code, wires, metals, circuitry)

[moddedmoor]

i hate waiting... maybe i should just go back to kalos now...? i mean. everything has been sent off now. i'll just be without my personal things for a few weeks? i have a place to stay. i just. i don't know.. i'm thinking too hard about this. i have to distract myself...

[anktank-rp-main]

WHAT'S YOUR ROLE IN A FOUND FAMILY DYNAMIC?

Dalvrick... is the hermit who helps.

at first, you were a resource for the established characters to turn to, but you quickly began to steal the show due to your personality, your usefulness, or your inherently interesting perspective on life. you were pretty much already able to provide for yourself, but the next thing you know, these people are growing on you. instead of asking favors, it becomes an invitation to socialize. you find yourself sticking around for no apparent reason other than you like it here. the people are fun to watch, if nothing else, but ultimately they're just--oh no. oh no, you care about them. you always thought you stayed away from this "relationship" stuff for a reason. it gets messy and isn't worth it unless it really works. for some reason, this group really works. these weirdos are now your weirdos, and if anything happens to them, there will be hell to pay. you were basically already looking after them before this, after all. welcome to the family, hermit.

Valenthal... is the brains (I don't have a non-art FC for him because he's a half-elf.)

people are not so much your forte. you are more at home with thoughts, ideas, hobbies, skills. as such, you probably have to learn how to work well with others--but once you do, hey, it has its moments. while you are treasured for your ability to solve problems, people also have this unique love of novelty. when you break from your schedule, when you say something no one is expecting--that's novel. you are as curious and lovable as the subjects you study. you are family. this place is not the same without your witty comments and wry observations. you definitely feel more comfortable when someone needs a straightforward answer than a shoulder to cry on, but it's not impossible to give both. know that your family loves you for more than that, though, and will (usually) remember to respect your boundaries.

Tromlui... is the "comic relief" (He lacks the capability to be a good person though...)

yes, alright, you tell your jokes and do your bits. you break awkward silences and sing silly songs. but what about when you're not keeping the levity? what else makes up the person who makes others feel good? you're kind. you connect with people. you hate to see others sad. you have a vice or two--who doesn't--but the point is, you are the epitome of what it is to be human, and you are able to encompass the absolutely zany improbability of life as we know it. people are comforted by you. they cherish your spirit and relate to you. but it can be difficult when you're not laughing. comedy becomes a wall to keep worse feelings out, or in. a person who feels any emotion to the extreme will undoubtedly feel others the same way. laughing is great, but... perhaps a big reason you appreciate your family is because there's something you can't stand in a silence.

Ashe... is the "comic relief"

yes, alright, you tell your jokes and do your bits. you break awkward silences and sing silly songs. but what about when you're not keeping the levity? what else makes up the person who makes others feel good? you're kind. you connect with people. you hate to see others sad. you have a vice or two--who doesn't--but the point is, you are the epitome of what it is to be human, and you are able to encompass the absolutely zany improbability of life as we know it. people are comforted by you. they cherish your spirit and relate to you. but it can be difficult when you're not laughing. comedy becomes a wall to keep worse feelings out, or in. a person who feels any emotion to the extreme will undoubtedly feel others the same way. laughing is great, but... perhaps a big reason you appreciate your family is because there's something you can't stand in a silence.

Carrigan... is the heart full of faith.

at some point in your life, you've probably been told you're "the glue" keeping a certain group of people together. you look on the bright side of things. you are able to convince someone that everything will be alright. your (found) family walks away from you feeling strengthened by your faith and--let's face it--wisdom. hopefully, you aren't being taken for granted in this. keeping morale up comes naturally to you. you probably do plenty without even realizing it. you're a good listener, thoughtful, kind. even leaders come to you for guidance. you may or may not be keen on being in charge yourself, but you are trustworthy, and you do right by the people who depend on you. the only person you can't always see clearly is yourself. it's easy to tell someone their potential but incredibly difficult to realize your own. you need the support of others just as much as they need you--but once you're put to the test, you'll realize you had the right stuff in you all along.

Gunnolf... is the silent sufferer. (Now the crass Alpha has an FC, Michiel Huisman)

you love your friends, but the truth is, you go through most of the real things alone. it's better that no one sees you like this. you'll be fine, really, because you're used to feeling this way. it'll pass. it always does. that's what you believe, anyway. you're more likely to give someone advice on a lesson you've learned without telling them how you learned it. you've come to realize that, if they're coming to you for advice, they'll be too preoccupied to ask. it stings, but it's... that's just the way feelings work sometimes. when you're around others, most of these problems seem to vanish, and you're better able to love the person you are. only on the worst days do you continue to hear that insistent whisper that it's, "all a lie because they don't know what's *really* going on." it's not a lie. you are loved. those moments together are real. there are times when you can afford not to be so strong.

Stolen from: @brckensociety

tagging: @monochromatic-minds, @writermuses, @kissofthemuses @lady-llewellyn @arhthereyouare & whoever else wants to do it and sees this!

[growup-gloup]

I get where you're coming from, I really do. And I know my experience isn't universal, but I still need to share that "manifestation" literally saved my life. I still don't know how other people do it, but the only way I kept myself sane when things got bad at home would be to visualize this dream world where everything was perfect and I was free.

It prevented so many ill-timed breakdowns, because when you're in an abusive home, a breakdown isn't embarrassing, it's dangerous. It also kept me calm and prevented me from lashing out in defense because it helped remind me that their reactions were not my fault.

I used to feel extremely sorry for myself and jealous of how lucky everyone was and it just put me in a spiral where the only thing that could me out of bed was the fear of what would happen to me if I stayed in bed.

But at some point, I had just had enough. I was in no position to run away or do anything for myself, but I could at least change the way I looked at the world. Once I stopped looking at how bleak everything was, I started seeing opportunities and started collecting them like a hoarder, building relationships with my abusers until I was the one in power.

The whole time, I tried to teach myself everything I could about the world outside my doorstep so that I would be ready the day I finally got out (which I didn't yet know how to do), and when I finally got that opportunity, I clutched onto it like my life depended on it, which it did.

Now, I'm finally free and capable of making my own decisions, but it didn't come easily, and things are still hard some days. And I get that I was fortunate enough to seize opportunities that don't even graze some abuse victims, but when there's nothing left to do about your situation, all you can work on is yourself. I mean, wasn't that the whole point of Cinderella?

💋

Telling literal children that they could instantly manifest their way out of abusive homes if they only stopped having a "victim mentality" isn't empowering. It's psychological torture that will leave deep scars in their psyches.

[growingupgerudo]

Hello, everyone! Thank you all for your continued support!

As I have mentioned several times in passing descriptions, I have been working hard on becoming an art teacher as my main source of income. I love art, but teaching it inspires me to create more of it on the side. It's a job I picked for the sake of motivating my other comics and projects like Growing Up Gerudo -- I feel a renewed sense of love for my work when I get younger creators excited about art. However, it's a busy job and I have officially started my teaching career as a middle school art teacher!

For sanity sake, I have decided to pause comic updates until late September. Patreon requests will, of course, be continued in the meantime.

Etsy is still open, but I will be slower with shipments for now! Reach out if you have any questions, please!

Once again, thank you all for your continued support! It looks like GUG will be wrapping up in a year, so we want the comic to end strong! I also look forward to sharing my future projects as well!

Cheers!

-Junior

[dead-or-lie]

Getting impulsive thoughts to add characters to this blog hits me at random intervals.

This time it was Maki.

[asksniperjack]

Do you want a christmas AJ post?... Like, one others can add their ocs in.

[dimensionhoppinghybrids]

"They told me I had no place to go, no place to be.

But I proved beyond their points and heckling jeers.

Space was and is the calling of my souls, the nebula the seas, and the cosmos an endless wonder."

[lexauli]

Papyrus is way too fucking good for this world.