The focus of this week has been growth and change. I’ve had to step out of my comfort zone and make some changes that came at kind of a great time because I had been looking at some past events and evaluating what the next step should be and just decided to push myself to do it. The push came because of this: 

March 5th has become a day of reflection for me much like December 16th, and January 24th. No one ever tells you when you’re young how profoundly losing someone affects you. Nothing prepares you for that. As time goes by it doesn’t get easier, it just changes shape…to something less heavy, but not at all less broken. I look back at getting the news…they were gone. Those moments are the most finite you ever feel. Hollow. Now I look at the time passing and I think of it kind of like duct tape binding the pieces together into something new. It never goes away but it can be something uniquely complete. Something that inspires and reminds you to fight fiercely and completely to be yourself…uniquely whole. 

So…let’s talk about Amy. Amy McFadin was one of my biggest advocates, one of my greatest advisors, one of my biggest heroes and one of my dearest teachers. She taught me and so many others to live selflessly with an open heart and to welcome change and opportunity as a chance at a new adventure. She died March 5th, 2007. It is no surprise that she was on my mind so much this week not just while I was sketching and inking but also as I was transitioning into a new job. I keep her initials with me as a reminder every single day to live authentically with kindness and love and to see the good wherever possible. Now I’m looking back with a joy indescribable. How fortunate to have had all those talks with her. Even now that she’s gone I keep her with me at times like this where everything is changing. I remember her words every time I am stuck on something I’m drawing or whenever I lack confidence…”you are stronger than you think. Keep your head up and keep moving.” I will miss her forever but I am so thankful for having known her at all. I know I’m not alone in this. 

This week I’ve included a few sneak peeks at some inks I’ve been working on .

Music friends: the title of this post refers to a song by my favorite band of all time– Queen. You should already know where to find them on all the major music platforms unless you have been living under a rock somewhere but just in case, you can find it Here. And if you haven’t watched Queen Live at Wembly you can find it in it’s entirety on YouTube. You will not regret it. 

Thank you, always for following. Be sure to check back here every Sunday to see what I’ve been working on. Major announcement about the project I’ve been teasing you all on for months coming very soon!  Don’t forget to follow me @valiantzombie for updates in between posts!