At the risk of a "tap tap is this thing on" update, howdy Porch Beer Drinkers! It's been a long time since an update. I spent a good chunk of the summer taking time off from creative projects and focusing on my mental health. If you ever feel like you have to make the same choice, it's 100% worth it to take care of yourself. Your laptop and audience will be there when ya need them.
What wasn't working on my brain was working on moving to a new apartment. By new, I definitely mean new to me. This duplex was built in 1925 and has all the "old Huntington" charm, like decorative fireplaces, wood floors, and MCM kitchen fixtures. And I have an actual porch for actual porch beers! I love this little place, and it's the first time things have really felt like Home since I moved back.
This Saturday, October 22, I'll be hosting a zine workshop at the Cabell County Public Library. It'll be one part History of Zines 101, one part How to Make a One Page Zine. If you're going to be downtown for Pride, pop in for a bit and make a tiny big gay zine!
I've still got plenty of copies of Porch Beers 4 and Porch Beers 4.5, both online and at the Red Caboose, as well as soon at Wasted Ink Zine Distro. I've also got a scant few copies of issues 1 and 3, which I'm thinking about retiring after the next reprint. I've got a lot of issue 5 written and hope to release it at the beginning of 2023 (if not sooner, still mulling it over in my brain).
I was recently on the podcast Commonplace, hosted by Nathan Thomas. They've curated an amazing show with thoughtful questions and so many talented folks that Huntington and surrounding places have to offer. You can check out my episode here (or on your podcast player of choice) and new episodes drop every Friday. I'll also be on Inside Appalachia soon, and I can let you know when that episode airs.
If you know me, you know how much storytelling is a part of my DNA and ethos. I recently attended the Lost Creek Farm Supper Club, and chef Mike Costello's way with food and words was one of the most effective and succinct nights of storytelling I've witnessed. Every detail, from the small bites to the décor (a shelf of heirloom beans, upon reflection, served a similar purpose to my ancestor altar), was on point. If you are ever blessed with tickets to this event, don't sleep on it.
Finally, I am getting caught up with my Patreon and now feel good about opening it back up again. If you're into these blog entries, you'll be psyched to read my print newsletters and mini zines each month, and it's essentially how to "subscribe" to Porch Beers.
Take care,
Elliott
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