Health Happens

You may have noticed I took last week off from writing my newsletter, even though I released a game last week (more on that later), and then took the next few days off streaming. What happened is that on Monday the 9th of January I had an ultrasound of my liver, because my doctor had a suspicion about something. On the 10th I got a text letting me know the scan showed Hepatic Steatosis, and telling me to make a non-urgent appointment. The next date she was available was the 20th.

Hepatic Steatosis is one of those things that could be not a big deal at all, and could be a huge deal, but for me, either way it was extremely emotionally taxing to find out about. Not least because the best known treatment for the condition is weight loss. It’s not a secret I’m fat, and I have a complex relationship to food and exercise because of my disabilities. So I spent the days from the 10th to the 20th in a state of fragility, not sure what the doctor was going to say when I finally got to see her, and not sure if my other concerns would be listened to. Medical fatphobia is rampant, and I didn’t know my doctor well enough to know that she would be understanding of my hesitance to take a “lose weight” diagnosis.

Anyway, things have sort of worked out. I don’t have an advanced stage of the condition, so weight loss isn’t urgent, and the doc listened to my requests to see other specialists.

But yeah, if you’re wondering why I’ve been absent for a while, that’s why. With that on my mind, the idea of focusing on being entertaining and presentable just wasn’t realistic. But! I’m back now!

So let’s talk about that game -

Last week I released The Hermit/The World, a solo journalling game based on Anamnesis by Sam Leigh. The Hermit/The World is a tarot based game about starting a new life after leaving the old one, and is told through the lense of five locations in your new life. Somewhere earthy, somewhere loud, somewhere social, somewhere knowledgeable, and finally your home. The player is encouraged to play the game by going to analogous places in their own life to write their responses, and the suggested locations range from a martial arts gym to the pile of shoes by your front door.

I’ve had this game rattling around in my brain since 2020, so I’m really excited to finally have it out in the world. I’ll be posting the process of creating it on Patreon sometime soon I hope too!

Speaking of Patreon, supporters of every tier there get access to all of my games, so if you were going to buy The Hermit/The World consider instead joining my Patreon and getting it (and all my other games) that way.

I’m looking forward most to hearing about people’s playing of the game, so if you play it, seek me out!

Stream Schedule returns to normal -

It’s been a disrupted couple of weeks, but my stream schedule is back to normal as of yesterday. Tonight, just after I hit send on this newsletter, we’ll be playing Dorfromantik to wind down, then tomorrow we’re back on Mass Effect 2 taking down the Shadow Broker with Liara.

One Last thing

Thank you very much for continuing to support me. I appreciate everyone who does so much as reading this newsletter or following me on social media. Every set of eyes counts, even if you’re not in a position to support my work financially. The only way I can keep doing so much creative work is with your support. So thank you :)

Have a lovely week, and happy Lunar New Year to those celebrating that this weekend!

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