I came across this fantastic blog/comic strip this morning by a woman named Nathalie Nourigat. I like the style of her drawing, the expressive quality of her work, and her solid, effortless-seeming grasp on perspective. So many illustrators and comic artists these days just get by with scratchy, ill-conceived artwork, and I thought hers had more weight to it. More skill!
But, more importantly is her pesepective on life. Her message? Travel and LIVE without fear. I know what it is like to do that, in my 20's I fearlessly lived as an exchange student for a year in France and travelled all over Europe, and then joined a punk rock band and fearlessly played every kind of bar, basement show, house party, etc. And went on tours across the country and up and down the west coast. BUT,
as I age I do become more fearful. I have suffered this last year from excruciating back pain that has pretty much limited me to my bed. I am unable to walk very far, or carry anything at all, so it has been an extreme challenge to "handle" it, and to keep living life without fear. I don't know if my actual travel days are over, I pray that they are not, but this comic inspires me nevertheless to just do whatever I can, with joy. :)
It is true that your fears are most often the worst part about an unknown experience. That has been proven to me over and over again. My fear of flying, my fear of moving to Portland, all have proven to not only be ok, but fantastic! For every unfounded fear, there is a hidden gift waiting. Moving from tiny Eugene to big old Portland was amazing. This town is chock full of beauty, art, and natural wonder, and it never ceases to delight me. I used to worry that I was taking my child to a big bad city full of crime and possible terrorism, but once we got here, the opposite was true. I was bringing my child to a place of beauty, opportunity, and whimsical joy.
So enjoy the comic, enjoy the blog, and don't be afraid to get out there and enjoy life!!!! xoxoxoxo DR
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