It Is A Circle Blog

I came to spend a week with Tom, and then a volcano happened. A matter of hours before I was due to travel back. So, I am very likely here until next Friday – who knows? It’s knocked us about a lot, which is why there’s been no Hopeless Vendetta lately – although I have a plan that should make some narrative sense of the situation, from a Hopeless perspective.

We’ll be back to normal soon. Webcomic pages are still going up at the usual pace, and the visa application is in (keep your fingers crossed for us, please!)

I’m very aware that most folks stranded by the volcano are having a far harder time of it than me, with family disruption, the uncertainty and fear as well. I am lucky, I have a secure, affordable place to be, my child is well cared for, and as a self employed person, I can weather the work issues. But for many people, forced to buy new tickets, pay for hotel accomodation, find places to stay in cities crowded with trapped tourists… its all kinds of hell. For most people, it’s not extra holiday, its a total nightmare. So this is a general appeal to be gentle with stranded folk. Most people I’ve had contact with are being brilliant about it, and are clearly able to imagine what it would be like for them stuck in the same mess. But one or two… aren’t. To all of those who are being part of the solution, I am grateful, beyond words.