16 Comments
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Alexandra's avatar

This is beautiful. I can’t imagine getting any drawing done at all during childcare like that!

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sparklemaia's avatar

oh, I didn't! Kids need (and deserve!) my full attention :) I sketched a little bit in the morning at home and then sketched and inked ALL the rest of it over the course of the following three days, which is why it's posted on February 4th instead of the 1st ;)

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Maia'sMom's avatar

Incredible!

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reynard61's avatar

"Pocket sadness machine".

Well...you're not wrong. This is why I don't use my phone as a news source.

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Jay's avatar

Take whatever time you need! These comics are wonderful and well worth waiting for. Though I can relate to the feeling of being behind your peers, I just want to say that I believe we there is plenty time left for both of us! Keep walking the path at your own pace, and keep creating!! <333

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SarahBot's avatar

Thank you for sharing this - it's so beautiful and it touched my heart. (My favorite bits are "oranges to prevent scurvy," "gwown-up Maia," "SMELBOW," and the Mary Oliver reference- also the fact that Lunchtime Is Soup made me nod knowingly, because I closely associate you and soup.)

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sparklemaia's avatar

Lunchtime Is Soup is like, extremely maiacore

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Eileen Sakai's avatar

I loved this! Thanks for creating this!! It feels like perfect timing for me. I admire your patience and interactions with your little people. You are an amazing human being and very creative.

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Jellie's avatar

hourly comic day always makes me a little sad because I always want to do it and never have the time, and every year feels like by choosing to do other things right now, I'm giving up opportunities I won't get back. your comics are a nice reminder that it's never too late, and that the path of making art will be there for as long as you want it :)

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sparklemaia's avatar

most years I haven't done it!! In 15 years I think I've done it... three times? Last year I did four (4) panels, and only got that many done because we were literally given class time to do them. They take a lot of time, and there are so many other demands on our time! There ARE many paths to doing art, and you do what you can, at your own pace <3

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Eleanor Christopher's avatar

Thank you for letting us join you for a day, you are such a light in this world!

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Mary Beth Cottle's avatar

Wonderful! I so enjoyed reading this, and I think you did a brilliant job of sharing your day! Thank you. I am struggling mightily with these times, and throw in the seasonal stuff- well, life can be tough. You brought me several smiles! Thank you.

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Janet's avatar

I loved sharing your hourly journey of the day! You are so inspirational! And gosh there’s not much better in the world than being with a sleeping baby 🥰

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Erin Violet Taylor's avatar

I'm older than a lot of the folks I go to grad school with, too and can def relate to feeling like things are "too late" -- kind of a brutal feeling. I'm a nanny, too, and really relate to your thoughts about making the world a better place for kids (even just the kids you are for). It's so important! Thanks for sharing some of your day with us!

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Erin Violet Taylor's avatar

also, speaking of grad school, I shared your soup zine with a bunch of folks from my cohort, and numerous people have told me that they use your recipes a lot! you are beloved by a passionate group of boston occupational therapy students (lol). if you ever need occupational therapy for anything.....you know who to hit up. haha.

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sparklemaia's avatar

oh my gosh I love that! I'm so glad my soups are being made and enjoyed!! Thanks for sharing ❤️

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