Flailing and Skating

I feel sometimes like I am alternatively flailing and skating through life — words that could be considered opposite, in my case they fit my feelings. I think sometimes in order to skate, you have to flail a good bit. I think also it has something to do with the pandemic still with us. I did a cartoon this week using a made-up word: “overish.” Things have shifted in our world, and I am learning how to navigate it — hence the more frequent feeling of flailing. I have adjusted to the new over the years pretty consistently. For example, I have weathered four new editors and three new cartoon editors at The New Yorker; I love technology and always embrace it wholeheartedly. But in the last two years, change is so abrupt and not easily understandable. But we will get through it. Cartoons can help — at least some — can help, I am sure.

Like with our favorite iconic statue above, I have been noticing how social media can affect me in negative ways. I thought I was immune (why did I think that? I’m not sure), but I’m not. Let’s hope Lady Liberty doesn’t pick up a cellphone.

My new book, Very Funny Ladies: The New Yorker’s Women Cartoonists, is coming out next week. To order a signed personalized copy, click here.