Hi and yes that came to my mind after I went back to read his thread about the stump. 

Laurie

Eric ... A Suggestion... about the start of covid, I was a mess.  I had to limit my T.V. News to once a week if that!!  But one night about 3 years ago, while I was stressing, I decided I needed a way to stress relief and I needed it fast.  I decided I was going to really apply myself and learn to draw or sketch, it was something I wanted to be, an Artist! In a way, I was one. I used to decorate multi layer wedding cakes of drawing out my plans from the  brides needs. When I started out, I was developing a skill or two from several I started to follow on line. To my surprise  they were at my fingertips & freely teaching what they knew.  I bought myself a couple cheap unlined  journals & learned how to repeatedly watch their videos while I worked on one simple drawing an evening. Nothing too fancy, just how to turn simple shapes into a figure, like triangles into a fox.  Even if you just doodle on your hand, you can still learn to draw.  Many combine drawing with painting, @andrea.nelson.art "you do you". You don't have to paint anything, just draw out what they will paint, like the fox. 

Here's a few artists you could look into... on Instagram or fb... 

@andrea.nelson.art

@rebelunicorncrafts

@iamshaneburke

@markliamsmith

@markkistlerlive

What surprised me the most is where I go to the most...

@markkistlerlive  ... he is the author of imagination station if you ever saw that as a kid. He's a "cartoonist". He has several challenges that are easypeasy.  Now, I've just started my 2nd year of a draw every day, a Markkistlerlive challenge. Its so fun to see a couple pencil marks on paper come to life. You don't need much to get started. A couple pencils, a good eraser & a pencil sharpener & to give yourself reason to flop! If you want my fav. Supplies, let me know. These five artists are my go to depending on my need for the day, but learning to draw has been a great way to distress every single day, I will often fall asleep drawing bcuz I draw in bed in the evenings, but I certainly fall asleep easier & longer since distressing this way.  Check them out. They all taught me something new and interesting & the challenge has been great fun for my brain too. 

I remember him as helpful to everyone here on the forum.

He is still helping on this forum. For the huge message he was getting out there about the rectal stump. His post is saving lives as he posted about what happened to him and he was very clear about telling to get that rectal stump removed several times.  People that stumble across this forum or that are searching the rectal stump will see that post and so yes, he is still here and saving lives.  

He is clearly missed here and to all affected I send condolences. He's no longer in pain or suffering. We shall all meet up again on the other side. 

I added that to my bucket list-to put flowers on John’s grave. You’ll probably make it there before I do. ❤️

"Keep her Lit " and keep "Suckin Diesel " and as we say here 

"Ní bheidh a leithéid arís ann – We won’t see his likes again " and John 

May the road rise up to meet you,

May the wind be always at your back,

May the sun shine warm upon your face,

the rains fall soft upon your fields

and until we meet again,

may God hold you in the palm of His hand.

I can’t believe John has been gone for a year. 

I've had a sickening feeling these past few weeks, in part, because I do still think of John often, and know this anniversary is upon us.

I feel like I need to find new ways to manage my stress, so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated. 

I've been working at this for several months, diving back into mindfulness and minimalism. 

There have been several books and audiobooks that I've been listening to, which have motivated me to be more grounded and declutter all aspects of my life.

Just to name a few, in no particular order (these were all borrowed through "Libby", which links to our local library card):

• Goodbye, Things by Fumio Sasaki (audiobook version)
• Digital Minimalism by Cal Newport (I've read the book, but also listened to the audiobook version)
• Outer Order, Inner Calm by Gretchen Rubin (audiobook version).
• Spark Joy by Marie Kondo (audiobook version)
• The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo (audiobook version)
• The Year of Less, Cait Flanders (book version).
• Nowhere for Very Long by Brianna Madia (audiobook version)
• Unstuffed by Ruth Soukup (audiobook version).
• The Happiness Project (book version).
• Eat & Run by Scott Jurek (book version).

There are quite a few more, but all along similar lines.

I also try to get out for walks as often as I can, just to walk and not think.

On a positive note, Liza, your upcoming trip sounds wonderful! I hope you will keep us in the loop about it. Have a great time!

Laurie