I hope you like the page. Someone is making a return it seems. ^_^ I apologize for the lateness, everyone. As my friend Bobby Crosby said to me last night, sometimes when you go on hiatus, it’s hard to get back into the swing. Indeed.
This isn’t helped by me finding myself standing at the doorway of that stupid dark room I often find myself in. After a brief time in a warm bright place, it’s not a welcome sight, that door. But it’s there, just the same.
That’s all for right now, I will leave you with the words of a wise old wizard that I’ve known since i was very small…no truer words ever spoken in a movie.
As for you, my galvanized friend, you want
a heart! You don’t know how lucky you are
not to have one. Hearts will never be
practical until they can be made
unbreakable.
~B





August 24th, 2009 at 11:31 am
Great job! We long waited for this!
Barb, you totally rock! Great eyes on that unicorn!
August 24th, 2009 at 11:34 am
Way to go, Barb, the hiatus seems to have done you a world of good. As to that doorway to that dark place, fight it, my friend, you’re far too precious for that.
August 24th, 2009 at 12:21 pm
Sounds like your drawing room needs a little transformation. Introduce some light!
August 24th, 2009 at 12:46 pm
Hey, Barb…know the paneling of that door all too well, myself. But I also know that those who are truly possessed of the will and spirit to overcome (and we all know you are) carry the keys within themselves to lock it away permanently. You are an amazing woman, one of insight, talent, compassion, and wit. You are a treasure to the earth upon which you tread, dear lady. Know that you are never alone; there’s a world of people who’ve walked beside you through your tales and your talents, and we appreciate you more than we can honestly convey. No matter what you may be facing, never allow the lie to be spoken that you are alone. You are anything but…and whatever we might be able to do to gird you up and carry you along until you feel again strong enough to stride forth on your own…you have but to ask.
We love ya, kiddo.
August 24th, 2009 at 12:52 pm
I think having a heart, even if it breaks, is worth it. How else can we comfort those that stand in need of comfort and mourn with those that mourn? Great page! Is that Livvy speaking?
August 24th, 2009 at 2:00 pm
My cure when I see that door? Music.
There’s got to be some tunes that just make you smile – even cheesy ones from the 70s. Burn a CD or two…or three. Pop them in the player and set it on “random”.
What also helps me is the knowledge that the funk is going to be gone in a short time. I also have good friends that help me.
And remember, Barb – YOU has an US.
August 24th, 2009 at 2:07 pm
Great work Barb and as usually it was well worth the wait.
Poor Claudius, it’s good to see that he can grieve the taking of an life even if it was a villain’s life, but then again he and Tychia seems to have a long and complicated past and I’m guessing that it is sinking in now that he from now on will have a Tychia shaped hole in his life until the ending of his life.
August 24th, 2009 at 8:48 pm
This page is beautifully done, Barb, as always!
Please remember, no matter how dark it feels, the light always returns. You aren’t alone, you have people who care for you and love you, respect you and admire you.
August 24th, 2009 at 8:57 pm
I love the wizard of Oz! I’m excited to see what’s next…welcome back! I missed this and you don’t understand my joy to know that I can look forward to this every monday again (I just came back to college…) I hope it’s not too dark of a door. More of a dusky color, I hope
It’s a beautiful page and I can’t wait for more!!!
August 24th, 2009 at 10:54 pm
Ah I remember the concept sketch for this over on your DA site. The finished product is Gorgeous!
And yes I feel you about hiatus’ and how they can ruin motivation. I had exactly that issue on my last hiatus.
And is that who I THINK it is? I hope I hope I hope!
August 25th, 2009 at 12:16 am
If I could temporarily ship a very cuddly but talkative corgi over to you, I’d loan you my Claire for an evening; a corgi burying herself in your elbow and falling asleep all cuddly is a wonderful way to let light into the dark places.
Failing that, however, we’re glad to see you back, one way or another. (And possibly the return of another talkative corgi!)
August 25th, 2009 at 1:29 am
Great page to come back to! ^,^
…It’s been said that it’s darkest before the dawn…
August 25th, 2009 at 2:30 am
The page is beautiful, and worth the wait, as always. ^_^
I especially love the moonlight’s touch on everything, and the clouds. Dig the Amphekeron, too – I’m glad ‘e’s back! ^_^
I hope that door can stay firmly closed, with you on this side of it.
I’d like to echo Xandyr and Joseph, and others – you are valued and appreciated beyond measure, and you are not alone – nor will you be. Turn away from the darkness, and you’ll see that we are each bringing some light to you – as you have brought so much light to each of us.
Be blessed, B!
August 25th, 2009 at 4:45 am
Fantastic comic! Three Thumbs Up!
And late-schmate… I couldn’t even get to it till today because I was in a darkened room of my own yesterday
*hugs*
August 25th, 2009 at 8:42 am
Aaaaand she’s back! Wohoo!
Don’t go in there, though! Don’t use that door, head for the light. Oh, wait… no, don’t do that! Try to locate the nearest exit, or, er… Remain at your seat, and stay calm?
Hang on, do you see any lifebelts? No? Just grab the person closest to you and hold on very tight!
Sorry, I’ve had a looong day at work… But you get the point. I hope you feel better!
August 26th, 2009 at 7:59 am
Just wanted to say a few things:
1) It’s great to have you back Barb! Hope you had a nice, relaxing break.
2) Please don’t listen to anything Bobby Crosby says. I used to read his comics. He’s not a very nice person to his fans. At least from my perspective. Going on a hiatus and being late with comics is one thing. Not updating, leaving your readers in the dark, and not caring are something completely different. Please don’t follow his example. Not that I think you really will, it just worries me that he is giving you that kind of advice.
3) I’m sorry to hear you are going through a rough time. If my assumptions are correct I only have one thing to say: Men are jerks. Not worth our tears.
4) Ah, the Wizard of Oz. The source of all great wisdom in the world. Since we are quoting TWOZ, always remember: “There’s no place like home.” Welcome home Barb!
August 26th, 2009 at 9:16 am
right on, welcome back! summer is a good time to take a break, i think and you certainly deserve one. i echo ‘hey’ on the bobby crosby thing – he’s not one to hold up as a role model and rather is most gifted at alienating fans. so frustrating because i wanted to buy his books, but can’t see it happening now. but who cares about him – xylia’s back – yes! and i am curious and have no idea who the blue speaker is. maybe i should go back and see who’s blue…
August 26th, 2009 at 11:31 am
To Hey and Michelle:
I don’t think Bobby was giving any sort of bad advice. He was commenting, and Barb agreeing, that sometimes when you take a break… it’s hard to get started again. “Get back into the swing of things.” And this is very true.
August 26th, 2009 at 5:30 pm
who is the misteryst houers and why dues need heling did hurt it self by run and treap over a rock and why is it him
August 26th, 2009 at 8:25 pm
Yayy! Xylia’s back! Barb, I LOVE you comic, I watch for it faithfully every week, and I’m glad that you make the time to create it for yourself and for us. Please keep in mind that while the room is always there, there are more people outside, wanting your help and needing to help you, than ever were inside.
August 27th, 2009 at 12:35 am
*hugs Barb*
Glad youre back! And glad you had fun during your holiday. Im sorry you feel like youre in the dark room again. But remember that dark rooms cant stay dark forever. Dawn will come and all you have to do is open the curtains and let that light flow in. Take care hun, youre not alone.
On the page: is that our dear Livy?
Yay!
August 27th, 2009 at 5:13 am
Oh, great page Barb! Can’t wait for the next one…
August 28th, 2009 at 1:25 pm
beautiful page barb, as always!
School is starting back up for me this coming week and I’m starting to feel it, so I might be on a bit of a commenting hiatus, so to speak, for a few weeks until I get back into the swing of balancing work and school and my house. And I’m planning a wedding for next August! So thank goodness I’ve got plenty of time, but man, is that time going to fly.
I’ll be lurking around and commenting when I have more than a couple minutes.
Good luck with everything. ( I know you’re feeling the back-to-school pull with your kids right now along with everything else on your mind. Just don’t forget to breathe. And I’ll try to do the same. ^_^ ) best of luck, barb.
August 28th, 2009 at 1:32 pm
tee hee. i changed my avatar
August 28th, 2009 at 6:48 pm
maybe…