you are the cause of my euphoria

ID: a sketchy two page comic of my tortoiseshell kittens, Maggie and Bunny.

From off panel, I hold my hands out to Maggie, who leans away

Me: Aw, Maggie doesn't wanna come up?

Maggie: Mother I am not a child.

Me: You're ten months old.

Maggie: I am a warrior.

Bunny pops up from behind her sister.

Bunny: I'm not! I'm baby <3

I scoop Bunny up while Maggie watches in shock and confusion.

Me: Aw, yes you are, Bunny. Who's my sweet baby?

Maggie flops on her back and shows her tummy. She has big blobby tears in her eyes.

Maggie: Mommy??? Betrayal?? You abandon your baby?? Your Darling Girl?? Your little Maggie-Pie?!?

End ID.

{video description: a man standing in front of an abstract painting in-progress.

"One time I told a friend that I enjoy painting, and his response was, 'Oh yeah? Are you any good?'

And I was stymied in the moment, and I just today realized why.

Pretend instead of painting, I had said, 'I really enjoy going on walks.'

And then he had responded, 'Oh, are you a pretty skilled walker?'

What?! That doesn't follow. People go on walks to feel good not to be good. Not everything is about improvement or skill.

If I wanted to be good at painting I'd have to worry about composition, color theory, texture...taking care of my tools instead of just dumping them into a milk jug of water that I never rinse out.

I'm bored just listing that sh*t, let alone doing it.

If I had to be good, I would quit.

I paint because it takes me out of myself. The end result doesn't even really matter.

I'm sure some of you relate. That's why we get along. Thanks for listening, see you tomorrow!"