Thank you very much!

Very nice site!

You Know, Things happen for a reason. Maybe your site and your comments that fateful day , just brought out people's feelings. Which is not a bad thing! When I first read your comments , I felt you added New Orleans almost as an after thought. I was very upset...I have loved and enjoyed your site since the first day I found it. I thought it was very inspirational. I left some comments, but they were un -acknowledged. In a way it is kind of cool that people used your site to unleash???? when i get my own site...bring it onnnnnnn{..}

Keri, I have been a silent admirer of your site for about a year now and I figured now is as good a time as any to tell you that I love your site. I am at a point in my life when I am questioning my truths and perceptions of life in general and of the world. When I'm down I can always count on your words and insight to bring me to a place in my heart where I know that I can go on and know that everything big and small happens for a reason. That it's going to be okay and it is okay to feel whatever I may be feeling because I too am human. Thank you for reminding me of my own humanity and thank you so much for sharing your grace, strength and creativity.

I love Keri's site, too. The comments here are not directed at what Keri wrote. But more re the discussion that followed. This tragedy is bigger than anything in this part of the world, for me, including Sep 11th(and I beleive lack of response and neglect we witnessed is terrorism). The events unfolding, and the number of dead in nursing homes, in attics and in their too poor-to-escape life should be a wake up call to the rest of us who are looking for inspiration, something to make us see the beauty around us. Well, maybe there is not any beauty around us and what we see is only ugliness of human greed unchecked, and selfish, me me me mentality because it is everywhere. Yes, we should celebrate life or we can't go on, but we should also give voice to the sorrow and pain we feel as it is also part of life.
Yes, I will write to every newspaper, but they won't hear me, so I will bring it here. What better time to look at all of this stuff together.
USA is not a great country like someone said. Nation's capital has twice the number of infant mortality as Beijing. The rich have gotten richer while the poor get left behind. So I know this a private blog, but it is also open to me to comment. So as long as we share an open forum, which should be a good thing because it is the only way to see and hear a diff. viewpoint, then we should discuss these issues.

This past week, with so many of my family members from New Orleans, I was initially really afraid not knowing how and where they were. Your blog is one of the places I depend on to restore and refresh and challenge my deepest heart and soul in good and bad times. Thank you!

Hi Keri,

As always, your grace and eloquence speaks volumes.

Just wanted to say how much I enjoy reading your blog, especially when I feel the need to "be quiet inside". Your words always uplift me and remind me to be grateful.

Welcome to Northern CA, and happpy belated anniversary. May you and your husband have many wonderful adventures here, both large and small.

Thank you for your beautiful words.
~ Kim O.

The world loves you Lisa, and you are here for a reason. Do what you have to do in order to conquer your demons, no matter what anyone else says or thinks.
You matter...you are brave...you are bigger than this disease, and you will triumph!
For what it's worth, I admire your bravery, and I send you my support.

I have something I want to share with you. We have never met, but I think something you put on your blog might have just saved my life...

I've been struggling with bulimia for 22 years. I was doing well--going to therapy to deal with the ruin of my past, going to Overeater's Anonymous to find a way to deal with the present--to have a plan and some new coping skills. Last month I had a relapse...and it has become apparent to my therapist and my OA sponsor and me that I need inpatient treatment.

I was questioning whether or not I really needed to do this because we are in no financial condition to afford it not to mention my husband isn't too supportive of the idea (he's still hoping I'm going to SNAP OUT OF IT!). Then I read this Oprah Winfrey quote, and suddenly, it was very clear to me what I--Lisa--need to do--for myself--on my own behalf. I am scared, but I'm also determined because I believe I have the capacity to be a loving, responsible grown-up.

I have always admired your courage...and your willingness to share your struggles as well as your joy with us. I am going to borrow some of that courage--I hold you in my heart, and I hope you will do the same for me. Thank you, Keri.

Dear Keri,
Not quite a year ago, I wandered onto your site for the first time. I remember clearly because it was "One of THOSE Days". This was the day that I recieved my very first illustration rejection, I was having a hard time finding a "real job", it was election day and my car was busted, so I had to walk for miles in the cold rain to go vote, my husband was halfway around the world from me and I just felt like a big depressed loser who was all alone. But your drawings, thoughts and perspective brought me out of my "poor me" funk and inspired me to forge ahead. I immediately made myself a big batch of Good Health Soup, enjoyed it in my favorite mug, and began drawing and brainstorming again (instead of feeling sorry for myself). It brought me joy on a really rough day in my own little corner of the world…thank you…I will never forget it.
Dear Critics,
It takes a truly giving and creative person to share their thought processes, ideas and reflections on a daily basis; chaos or no. This is what I was looking for today...a small escape from the mess, a pure and beautiful thought that would make me all the more glad that I am me and that I have my life. Is this too much to ask? Is this selfish of me? Does this make me insensitive to the plight of the victims who have lost everything? No. I care a great deal. And I think Keri does too. We ALL do. I mean, COME ON PEOPLE!! Do you REALLY think that a person who takes the time to be creative, share ideas on how to appreciate ALL that life has to offer (big and small, good and bad) would be cold and unfeeling in the wake of such devastation? Let’s get real now! Some people look for distraction during seemingly helpless times, others tend to feed on the chaos, and consume the play-by-play news coverage 24/7. Is either of these more helpful or less empathetic than the other? No, of course not, but it is NOT healthy or helpful to slander someone’s character when they have done nothing but offer a harmless alternative to the madness. It is a private process; grief is. It should be respected, not judged!! After all, isn’t THAT what it’s all about anyway? Respect?? Coming together, being supportive and finding a solution?? A creative mind, a fresh idea and a positive outlook is something that should never be discouraged, ESPECIALLY in the wake of tragedy. It is for some, in these moments of reflection and peace, that the world settles down and the answers become clearer, the sun brighter and the healing easier.
Thank you so much for your voice, Keri; and not just in your eloquent response to the critical judgments of others, but for every day that you share your thoughts, joys, and heartaches with us. And don’t let anyone ever discourage you. It is the artists, poets and thinkers that make the rest of the world notice and appreciate all of the little things that make the good, bad, and seemingly inconsequential times worth living to the fullest. Again, thank you so much. You are the best!

rama's right. you are such an amazing model of good faith, hope, truth and love, and i have been inspired by you for years now.

emotions will run high at a time like this, but the world needs people who will steadily remind us that there is so much, still, to be grateful for.

thank you, thank you, thank you! xx c.

29th of August I was walking down a street in Malmö Sweden, on my way into town to meet up with a childhood friend. As I approached the lights at a big crossing I suddenly heard a crash. I looked to the other side of the street and saw a lorry that had stopped. People were shouting and waving their arms about, signaling to the driver to back up. I realised that someone was trapped under the wheels. A woman on a bicycle had been crossing the street as the lorry driver made a turn and he had run over her. As he stepped out of the vehicle I could clearly see his distress, arms wrapped around his head he was crying loudly, shouting "No.No!" I realised that there was more than enough people around and I was not needed. One man was kneeling down beside the woman stroking her back, comforting her, another was on the mobile phoning for an ambulance. I continued on my way down the street, crying openly, unable to contain the chock and the sadness, but I still continued on my way, because I was not needed at the scene of the accident. I met up with my friend, and even though I was in a light state of chock we chatted and drank coffee and had a fairly nice time. I realised that the reason why I felt so much for this one woman whom I would never know was because I had witnessed her death. We can feel for individuals, one fate can grip us to our core, but when the victims are hundreds or thousands they become figures, statistics. Every day people die, and if we were to mourn every one of these fates we'd never get any living done. I think that in the face of tragedy what stands out most clearly is that we owe to those who are no longer here to make the most of our own lives. To live to the fullest of our capacity, to never ever have the audacity to be bored with it all and never take life for granted.

I'm a quiet reader rarely commenting..have followed intensely to all that is said (and commented)....and all I can say (you've said it so well)--precisely--

whether we believe each others opinions is not the point...the point is that we 'feel' for without feeling is when we are doomed.

It's nice to know I'm not the only one with these deep (even contradictory at times) feelings..a type of mulling...sorting out... of course I've hit the guilt stage where I think "I'm so selfish to even have the freedom to think such stuff and 'work out my feelings'...while others are just thinking to survive!"
..but none the less....your blog is unique in this and I ALSO welcome the dialog! or should I say we NEED it!!!

hi keri,

wow, i can't believe the hubbub on your blog! i want to defend you but i don't think you need it. can i thank you instead?

when the twin towers were destroyed, i was working as a kindergarten teacher in oregon. it was a really sad day obviously. looking back on it though, i still remember it as one of the most beautiful days of my life. the parents of my students were mad with fear. most of them came immediately to the school to fetch their children. those of them that didn't leave right away to play in a park or treat their family to a movie, stayed in my classroom all day to build with legos, eat lunch, and nap with their children. i knew that i should be sad but i couldn't help but be happy. there is no accounting for emotions. it was BEAUTIFUL to see how much everyone loved each other that day and how simple pleasures were so deeply appreciated.

in my experience, you do this too. you help people see the good in the world. even the post that some people complained about was a reminder that there is ALWAYS beauty to be found. that is especially important when there is a tragedy. $20.00 will feed some people and a couch will help them out. you've been feeding people's hearts since i met you though. in the long run, that is just as valuable. And more rare in my opinion. thank you, keri.

your fan, rama

James Baldwin Quote
People who shut their eyes to reality simply invite their own
destruction, and anyone who insists on remaining in a state
of innocence long after that innocence is dead turns himself
into a monster.

"Life's not a song
Life isn't bliss
Life is just this
It's living

You'll get along
The pain that you feel
Only will heal
By living
You have to go on living"

--Joss Whedon, BtVS

I think that once you have borne the unbearable in your life, it changes how you react to a stranger's tragedy. There is still sympathy, yes, but you do not think, "How will they ever get through this? I couldn't bear it." because you have gotten through terrible times and have faith that others will as well. You know that something good will (or at least has the potential) for coming out of the bad, although you cannot know what it possibly might be. But you know you yourself are stronger and better for your scars, and so will this person/s improve.

I am not saying those who have not had a personal crisis are lesser people, just that there are differences in how the two types react.

That was a very timely quote. I needed to read that. Can I post it on my blog? Hope you don't mind.

The path to finding oneself is a difficult but fulfilling journey. We may not know each other but I find joy in discovering howothers are on that path and nearing fulfillment. I am currently in limbo, I hope to get to the end of the road soon.

Life indeed goes on, even when life falls apart, as hard as it can be to put it back together. Thank you for being an inspiration. For what it's worth, after reading through some of your old posts just to remind myself what the creative life can be, I have committed myself to putting a piece on the Webcomic Telethon For Hurricane Disaster Relief hosted by Blank Label Comics. Whatever people donate or pledge goes straight to the disaster funds as well as the Red Cross. It isn't much - I live in Southeast Asia, and I'm not even a per se established artist - but maybe it will be some help.

Thank you for being Keri.

You are loved.

And brave.

And inspiring.

Yes.

Thanks for that quote Keri - peace and blessings to you in your new home.

Keri,
I too, love your words and your pictures immensely. You are inspiring and you always come across as very real and very human...an admirable ability! There is no sense of falseness or insincerity about you. Your words always help me to set my day on the right track if I am feeling lost or directionless.

In relation to feeling sympathy, empathy etc. and one's own pain, someone once said to me, or I once read somewhere that..."Even if the person in the hospital bed next to you has just had a leg amputated, it doesn't mean your sprained ankle hurts any less or is less important." Some of the people who reacted so strongly to your words the other day seemed to not realise that every single person is going to feel differently about every single event in the world. That's partly what makes us human isn't it? If everyone was running around feeling devastated, traumatised, hopeless and lost whenever a tragedy occurred, who would be able to go about helping those worst affected with a level head and a clear mind? For some people to feel a little bit of distance is not a bad thing and it doesn't mean they don't care.

I didn't want to get involved in the debate as I am even further away than Canada (down in Australia) but I wanted to say that I don't think you said anything wrong. Maybe the angry people should start emailing me for not writing anything at all about Katrina on my blog...(even though I haven't updated it for months!) ;)

yes, keri, yes. yes to these words you have written, yes.

Keri. I often visit your website for inspiration and color. I think you have created something beautiful here. My advice to those who continue to post negative comments is...1. take a deep breath 2. think "what can I do to help the hurricane victims and stop judging others?" 3. then do so.

dear keri,
i too, think you are a beautiful and honest person. you're recent writings have so many more applications to (at least my) life than just this uncomfortable situation. it is so heartening to for me--as i feel so incredibly lost--to see and learn from someone who has grown so confidently into herself. i think the way you've responded to these people is incredible, and i've been thinking a lot about your notion of life as suffering. lately, my life seems to consist only of suffering, and it's a welcome challenge to look at the same things from a different angle. i know i'm probably not making much sense, but i just want you to know that i look up to you a lot, and i really appreciate your truth and beauty.

thank you for being you. and enjoy as much yolo county summer produce as you can. i love the black prince tomatoes, and the sungolds, the most.

samin*

Keri, I think you're a beautiful person. And very honest. Just so you know.