This is just one example of jacy’s amazing artwork. And one of my favorites.
Friend and fellow jackal jacy, as many of you know, has battled cancer and other health issues. She’s run into a bit of a problem and has set out a plan to get herself back on her feet.
Once she has it organized, she’ll be doing an art sale, which John or Betty will front page under our Artists In Our Midst series. She can do custom pet pictures…I’ve seen some of her samples and they are beautiful -, plus she has some beautiful things ready to go. ETA: Link to her Etsy page
If you are an author and need a book cover, I can highly recommend her. You can see samples here. I’ve worked with her on my covers and she’s a breeze to work with, very intuitive
And finally, she has set up a GoFundMe, to help her get caught up.
Since having chemotherapy for ovarian cancer, I’ve had cognitive difficulties. It’s been very hard, because I run my own business and care for my children and my elderly mother alone. Over the past year there was an increase in my problems with fatigue, memory, and organization. An undiagnosed thyroid condition made things worse. I’ve been working hard with doctors and therapists to adjust to the problems with my brain and have developed strategies to make up for those deficits and I have new medication regimens. But while I was getting increasingly sicker I couldn’t take care of everything — including medical expenses and fighting for custody of my youngest child — and I got behind on bills.
Most of all, I think she can use some kind words of support.
Open thread
Elizabelle
Yea! Glad to see this!
Loved Jacy’s work in her etsy shop. Especially the Tarot drawings, and I’m not even into that, specifically. But the art was wonderful and clean lines.
TaMara (HFG)
@Elizabelle: Do you want to post a link to her etsy page, I don’t have it handy.
cain
I am totally in on the pet art! I usually try to immortalize my pets some way. My first two I had their images on ceramic plates and mugs that was hand made by a potter. Unfortunately, the potter is no longer available. But I would still like to have something for poor yellow who also died of cancer. She was good girl. Happy to pay and help raise money.
Elizabelle
@TaMara (HFG):
Link to jacy’s etsy shop.
I’d emailed it to myself because she has some lovely work, and a discount on two purchases. Will definitely be choosing some.
This is a great post, TaMara. Hope we can run it all week until the goal is met. Already over $2,000.
PaulWartenberg
I do need to create a Welcome artwork for my website/blog.
Elizabelle
An even better link for jacy’s etsy shop.
(I’d had the earlier one set to “Tarot.”) She’s got a varied range of subjects.
ETA: Here’s the full selection! But you can figure it out. Just hit “all.”
Better linky: https://www.etsy.com/shop/TheSpectralObelisk
Yarrow
Jacy, you are one of my favorite commenters. Your stories about your ex-husband and The Whore (I think that’s what you called her) were always so funny, even though the situation was so difficult for you. I loved seeing your sense of humor through the very challenging times you faced. I’m sorry you’re dealing with all this now and am sending good thoughts your way.
jacy
Thank you all so much. It means the world to me just not to be sitting alone with this. And anyone who would like a custom pet portrait, I can use any old photograph as a model — and I’m happy to add any special touches, color, background, and add text like a name, quote or poem. You can see some examples on my Etsy page. I love doing art with typography.
I can also do any other type of custom art or typography (also any graphic design). I find it soothing when my brain’s not working right. It seems to focus me and cut the confusion. So I guess there’s a little silver lining to every bad thing.
satby
I’m glad to see this too. I pitched in on the funder, and then found so many great prints at her shop, I had to buy two. And both were the last ones and also in someone else’s cart, so sorry (not sorry) if I beat one of you guys out ?.
satby
And jacy, also talk to an attorney about what can be done to get you some breathing room. Probably a bankruptcy attorney would be best. I should have done that and didn’t, way back when.
jacy
@Elizabelle:
I’m slowly working on doing a complete Tarot deck, but it’s challenging to match a critter to a card. And then I get distracted by something shiny that I want to try. Lately it’s been black cats, maybe because of losing my Spike this summer. I tend to go off on art tangents, so there’s a bunch of different things.
MomSense
@jacy:
I’m so sorry you are going through this. Sending a big hug.
Suzanne
I can’t donate right now, but I will pass the link along to another group I am in, and will likely buy a pet portrait for my MIL.
WaterGirl
@jacy: What Yarrow said. You are not alone.
We are nearly 1/5 of the way to your goal. I can’t donate until I bill my client tomorrow and get the check, but it shouldn’t be too long.
Mary G
Jacy, you have been a fierce mama
bear protecting your cubs from their toxic father and it is so fucking unfair that you have to go through this. I donated a bit and wish it was more, and wish I could wave a magic wand and take all your troubles away.
Adam L Silverman
My post, with fixed formatting (fuck you WordPress) will be back up at 10:30 PM tonight. I don’t want to step on this very important post!
TaMara (HFG)
@Adam L Silverman: Ugh, I was having similar formating issues.
Jeffro
@Adam L Silverman: I was wondering where it went!
WaterGirl
@jacy: My niece (and godchild) lost her once-in-a-lifetime dog a couple of years ago. I have 3 calendar photos, trying to decide between one or all threee – may I ask what you charge for your pet portraits?
Elizabelle
@jacy:
When something is sold out, will you print more?
sgrAstar
Jacy, your work is marvelous. Thanks for putting your beautiful insights into our world.
Svensker
Really really nice artwork. Wow. You are good.
Sorry you are having to go through all this awfulness and bullshit. Can’t send money but am sending cyber hugs and good wishes.
Gretchen
I hope you get all this sorted soon, Jacy. Good luck! I’ll head over to contribute now.
jacy
@WaterGirl:
Well, I’m not sure, because I’ve only done them as gifts — so it’s flexible. I have it up on Etsy at $100, and that includes printing and mailing. But I never know what to charge on anything. So maybe whatever anyone wants to donate, LOL.
jacy
@TaMara (HFG): @Elizabelle:
Everything up on Etsy is supposed to auto-renew when it’s bought, but it’s not working for me. So I’m auto-renewing each listing as it sells. So nothing should really be sold out, it’ll be back up as soon as I check it. :)
Elizabelle
@jacy: Great to know. That gives me some time. Bought one; saw two more I like and would love to have my niece choose a bday gift.
Yutsano
Reporting from the Seattle meet-up! We’ve got eight folks in the big back room. We’ll be raising a drink to Schlemazel soon.
EDIT: and H. E. Wolf just showed up!
WaterGirl
@jacy: What size would they be?
WaterGirl
@Yutsano: Thanks for reporting in. Eight is a good turnout! Raise an extra glass for
meeveryone who can’t be there.TaMara (HFG)
@Yutsano: Don’t forget the photos to post later! We want to see you all.
TaMara (HFG)
I forgot about this one – love it.
Adam L Silverman
@TaMara (HFG): I had to go in and manually remove a bunch of formatting I never put in to begin with.
Elizabelle
@Yutsano: Yea! Great turnout!
A toast to the late great Schlemazel, and a welcome back to the US of Cray Cray to Helen!
Mary Catherine
I just ordered the print featured at the top of this post. So gorgeous. So sorry you are going through this struggle. I hope all of us can help to make things a little easier for you. You are no alone.
jacy
@Yutsano:
I’m patiently waiting for a Baton Rouge or New Orleans meetup!
Elizabelle
I wonder if John and other powers that be would be OK to put a link to Jacy’s etsy shop up on the BJ “masthead.” For a few weeks or months, as she needs.
Her work is beautiful, and it supports one of our own. Plus, make it easy to find for Juice shoppers for all occasions.
Sebastian
Chipped a bit.
I think she mentioned she does commission artwork?
jacy
@WaterGirl:
I can print them any size you would like. I can even do canvas, but it’s hella expensive to print on canvas. My printer handles every conceivable size.
Mary G
I started watching the SAG awards and Patricia Arquette won for something and thanked a bunch of people, then she thanked Robert Mueller for protecting the sovereignty of our country.
WaterGirl
@jacy: Is that Betty Cracker’s pup on your portrait site? It has to be.
jacy
@Sebastian:
yes, I can do commissions. I just need a photograph to work from. I won’t necessarily “match” the photo, but I’ll use it as a model.
Ruckus
@jacy:
We all think that our troubles are the worst but they rarely are. I was treated for cancer 2 yrs ago and the docs think I have Parkinson’s if the last med they gave me didn’t work, which of course it didn’t. They’ve given me three meds to avoid the Parkinson’s stuff, and the results – bad hallucinations, stoned out of my gourd, thoughts of suicide, really aren’t better.
But your story makes mine pale and I’d like to help and will as soon as I can. I’m moving in 2 weeks so I’ve got that going on right now. Things should settle down very shortly after that.
jacy
@WaterGirl:
Yes. When I was practicing doing pets I picked pets of friends to experiment with because I felt like I knew more about their personalities.
NotMax
Site needs a JackalAid tag.
Best I can offer is kind words, jacy. Finances strained to the breaking point, especially as the end of the month approaches all too rapidly.
??? Goku (aka Amerikan Baka) ??
@Yutsano:
I’ve always wondered this: Do you guys address each other by nyms or your real names at these meetups?
WaterGirl
@jacy: I heart Badger.
jacy
@NotMax:
No worries. Kind words help more than you know. When I feel like giving up, I remember them.
WaterGirl
@jacy: Okay, one more question. Let’s say I get a print for my niece but I want a copy for myself. Does that cost a whole $100 or is it a different price for multiple prints?
Elizabelle
@Ruckus: Good luck with your move. May it be copacetic.
NotMax
@Goku (aka Amerikan Baka)
Per the bylaws, how much to divulge is entirely up to each individual.
??? Goku (aka Amerikan Baka) ??
@jacy:
So sorry to hear that you’ve gone through the hell that you have. I wish I could order something from you as it looks fantastic! You’re very talented. I’m more or less flat broke at the moment, however. Keep on keeping on. I hope 2019 is an awesome year for you!
Gammyjill
I just kicked $250 your way because I know how lucky I’ve been lately and that means I have to help others. Good luck to you. And I’ll go to your Etsy store.
John Cole
I’m in.
Elizabelle
@NotMax: Depends on whether they’ve signed the BJ NDA too.
AndoChronic
The fuck? https://www.cnn.com/2019/01/27/us/florida-grenade-evacuation/index.html
NotMax
@Elizabelle
Heh.
First rule of the NDA club is….
:)
WaterGirl
@jacy: It’s never just one more question! How would I initiate the process of you doing one or more prints for me for my niece? I took photos of the calendar pages from my phone – do you think that would be good enough to work with, or would it be better to get original photos from my niece?
Closing the computer for the evening. I will check to see if there is a reply in the morning. thanks so much
??? Goku (aka Amerikan Baka) ??
@NotMax:
I just thought it would funny to call somebody “poleaxedbyboatwork” for example. I’d personally be okay with going by my first name.
Frankensteinbeck
I’m glad the community here is helping you, Jacy. I saw your tweet, and it pained me that I’m not in a position to help anybody right now. In a month or two I may at least be in a place to throw you some business, but I’m still trying to get my rights – and money – back right now. Thank you all for helping an old friend.
cain
if John is willing you sell a Tunch portrait for the rest of us :)
Elizabelle
Jacy’s over $3,000! She’s 25% to her goal, and it’s just the first day! And a Sunday at that!
jacy
@WaterGirl: Oh, no — once the art is done, additional prints would just be a small charge to cover the cost of printing and shipping and a bit more.
jacy
@WaterGirl:
I can work with anything. (Well, almost anything. I imagine there must be something I can’t work with). You would just need to email me photos (JPEG) and give me any instructions. Favorite color, and items or imagery you want included, a quote — whatever. And then I would get to work and send you a draft of the artwork. Once you okay it, I’ll print the final print(s) and mail them to you.
Steve in the ATL
I’m in as well. Is this where I use the hashtag #MeToo? I can never remember these things.
I love that raspberry beret picture!
Glidwrith
Donated!
Sab
jacy,
I said this a few posts back. Your nym is our link to your website. If you don’t post we cannot find you. I was thinking a few days ago “Where is jacy? I like her art.” But you hadn’t posted for months.
I realize now your health was the issue.
My BIL lives in BR. They are lucky to have you. And his wife. Not so much him.
imonlylurking
Hi Jacy-
I bought a bunch of stuff from your Etsy link earlier today. Are any of your graphics on shirts? The tarot animals would be awesome shirts or mugs.
I’m sorry you’re having to deal with with your jerky ex on top of the health issues. Big internet hugs if you want them.
Wolvesvalley
Jacy, I just sent you a bit. I am so sorry you have been going through these difficulties.
I love your illustrations! The cat in “We are but breath and shadow” resembles my Chloe (without her white whiskers, chin, throat, and paws).
Sab
Weird. Adam took his post down.
satby
@imonlylurking: that’s a great idea! jacy, check out Teespring because it’s an easy set up to sell shirts. You can upload your artwork to design your own shirts and they handle all the sales and shipping.
Edit: oh, iPhone cases and other stuff too! Potential empire!
Sab
@Wolvesvalley: My meankitty, a rescued feral that I love, despite her personality, is named Shadow and looks like that cat. My Shadow is gray.
Yutsano
@jacy: I’ll drop a tweet to South of I-10. Maybe she can get things going. Between you two and Lamh it should happen!
jacy
@imonlylurking:
I can have anything printed on anything — I can make t-shirt or mugs or keychains or pins or what-have-you. I know the resources for producing everything, so if there’s something you’d like (or think other people would like to see) let me know and I can put together a sample.
Yutsano
@??? Goku (aka Amerikan Baka) ??: It depends. We have a lurker here who doesn’t have a nym so we use her name. However when we post the picture we won’t identify her per her request.
Genine Tyson
We’ve got your back, Jacy!
Sab
Jacy,
Even if you feel you have nothing to say, please post. Even if its nothing. The regulars know you, and your nym is our link to your site.
ETA just say hi to rikyrah every morning, even if it’s your afternoon. Just keep in touch.
WaterGirl
@jacy: Great. Is your email address on etsy?
Adam L Silverman
@Sab: Please see comment 16.
jacy
@Yutsano:
There’s another local in BR, but I can’t think of his name right now. And my boyfriend lurks — he’s fun and knows where all the best beer is.
stinger
“Eat prey, love,” said Tarzan to Jane.
Jacy, your art and graphic design are fantastic! Hang in there, better times are coming!
jacy
@WaterGirl:
It’s on my business website https://www.alchemybookcovers.com/
to make it easy it’s jacypods (at) gmail (dot) com. That’s my business address.
Sab
@Adam L Silverman: Saw it. Thanks . Adam you are sort of the best (lots of contenders on this site)
Sab
@??? Goku (aka Amerikan Baka) ??: What is your first name? Is Goku your first name or surname?
Omnes Omnibus
@Sab: I think of him as being like unto Cher and Madonna.
Sab
@Omnes Omnibus: You will traumatize the kid.
Omnes Omnibus
@Sab: Of course.
Wolvesvalley
@Sab: Your Shadow must be very elegant. My first kitty, many years ago, also had a difficult personality, but she was intelligent and beautiful and I loved her dearly.
eemom
@Elizabelle:
Remember the Tunch nametags you brought to the Doug J meet up in Arlington back in the day? I think that was 2013. omfg.
ruemara
I chipped in after Cole tweeted it. Jackals are a pack, we have each other’s back.
Joey Maloney
I’m pretty skint but I gave a little something. Jacy, good thoughts to you.
Sab
@Wolvesvalley: My Shadow is beutiful. She was a feral that my sttepson rescued in the Fall when she was about six months old. She had no idea that winter was coming and that she would not have survived it.
She is very turfy. She gets along fine with the boys that were here and also with the younger girl. Her only issue is with my new male neutered cat. He is a sweetheart. She can’t stand him. I think she just thinks he is weak (she is very wrong.)
Alternative Fax, a hip hop artist from Idaho
@eemom: Hard for me to believe the Cincinnati meetup was last summer – with green balloons, of course. OMG – there was one last week, too, also with green balloons.
Elizabelle
@eemom: I still have some! So we have to do another meetup. Got Tunch and Lily and Rosie. I think it was pre-Steve days.
eemom
@Elizabelle:
Yes, let’s do another one! I’ve missed all the ones since that first one, for one reason or another.
@Alternative Fax, a hip hop artist from Idaho:
Green balloons is key!
Kattails
Hi Jacy, I will bookmark your Etsy shop for later, all I can send right now is hugs. Your work is wonderful, very clean. I’m just so sorry you are having to deal with all this at once. For the thyroid, realizing that $$ is an issue, I had very good success with acupuncture. And while the cancer must be incredibly scary, I have a dear friend who had the same thing many years ago, long before so many modern protocols were in place. She’s now 88! And livelier than many 30-year-olds I know. So it IS do-able. But thyroid is a stress-related issue as well, so take care of yourself as best you can.
frosty
I just chipped in. Best wishes to you, Jacy. A colleague of mine in her 30s is in remission and frets about chemo brain. Since I’m about twice her age I commiserate. We’re trying to figure out if you have a cognitive break and can’t remember you had it, did you still have one?
Hang in there.
Miss Bianca
jacy, your work is so beautiful. Such elegant, clean lines. Will chip in and maybe even talk with you about designing a logo for a webpage I will be building. For right now, just so grateful that other jackals with tje scratch are stepping up for you. Hang in there!
WaterGirl
@jacy: I talked to my niece, and she is excited. she wants to use her favorite photo, though, not the one I was thinking of. So it may be a day or two before we can move forward, but we’re moving forward.
J R in WV
Jacy,
I’m in AZ now, with spotty power from a small generator, so not online 24/7 at all. But last night I kicked in my donation, and just now my cousin who has come out to the high desert to see what I was talking about also kicked in a little. I see that things are doing well so far, and I hope this boosts your mood to know that your friends have your back.
So glad you spoke up before things went bad for you, keep us posted on your progress. Best of luck from Cochise county AZ and SW West Virginia!
rikyrah
Jacy,
Sending you positive thoughts. You are such a fighter. Your work is great.