Sariel Snowings

And he raised his eyebrow at me. We'd been discussing addictive medications a few minutes before, like the Tramadol I finally got from the pain specialist to take once a week or so to give me a break from my chronic pain, so I reassured him that methylpenidate (Ritalin/Concerta) is not addictive (at least not in people with ADHD).

His response? To raise his eyebrow even harder and say "Well it sure SOUNDS like it's addictive!"

And I had to explain to this man - who works in a healthcare related job by the way - that just because medication makes you feel good and helps you, just because you look forward to taking it, that doesn't make it addictive or dangerous. And he wasn't convinced.

The simple fact that I was excited to take a daily pill that has literally changed my life, after decades of fighting to get that medication, made him think I shouldn't be taking it so often. That it must inherently be dangerous.

I'm not even in America, but I'm pretty sure this attitude began there and then spread over here to Europe. This Puritan idea of "if something feels good, you must beware of it. Pleasure is dangerous, it is sinful, it is addiction, it is evil."

I know too many people who subconsciously believe that pleasure = addictive = dangerous = bad. Joy is a slippery slope to hell.

So here is your reminder for today that you don't need to be afraid of feeling good. If something improves your life, use it. Even if it is addictive - learn what that addiction means, whether the addiction is inherently dangerous or not, and whether the benefits outweigh the drawbacks and risks.

My ADHD meds are, in fact, not addictive. But I will take them every day because they make my life orders of magnitude easier. I will enjoy them every time I take them.

My tramadol is addictive. I will still take it. I will keep it on a schedule to avoid becoming addicted, primarily because addiction in this case would mean reduced effectiveness. But I am not afraid of my painkillers. They are life changing.

My new series of furry illustrations inspired by old TV test cards… enjoy!

My new series of furry illustrations inspired by old TV test cards… enjoy!

I was reminiscing about some old artwork I did, and I remembered these pieces I made trying to emulate the 'room' of my three sharkfolk characters, Roberto, Tiago, and Aria, in Animal Crossing, according to each of their personalities and backstories. 🦈✨

Here are the rooms I made in the game so I can draw over them! ✨

This reminded me that I've never talked about or shared anything about the island I made in Animal Crossing, here's the code if you want to dream about the island: DA-0756-3143-1456

I still stand by that intended point. But all that being said, apparently since I made this post there has been a significant mass deletion of transfem/transfeminist bloggers. I think the highest count I’ve seen referenced is 30+. And I absolutely believe that channeling our anger towards this counts as “something more substantial”. I am acutely aware of how few spaces there are both online and offline where trans women can safely speak their minds. I don’t know that this platform has ever truly been one such space, but it’s unacceptable to stand by and allow it to become even more hostile.

Well known for its queer culture, of course we had to celebrate Ancient Greece in this queer history zine! Here's a few previews of the beautiful art. 💙🍇

Help us fund on Kickstarter here!

And I started this year by finishing coloring this art piece! Recipe for how to make a dreamy hammerhead shark guitarist:

✦🦈 Resilient sharks! ✦🌊 Many millions of years! ✦✨ And a little magic!

And voilà, we have our silly Roberto!

Exploring the origins of the Sharkfolk and Roberto's past. Between ancestors, supernatural events, and mysterious human figures, the sea still hides secrets from its own guardian sharks. 🌊🦈✨