Christopher Baldwin
LightNews LightNews
chrisjbaldwin.bsky.social
Christopher Baldwin
@chrisjbaldwin.bsky.social
1.4K followers 220 following 230 posts
Cartoonist. He/him.

http://www.baldwinpage.com
Posts Replies Media Videos
chrisjbaldwin.bsky.social
Lotsa' piana'
A drawing of a woman playing a piano with the word “Allegro Virace” behind her. It reads, “11/14/25 - EMBER AND I WENT TO SEE PIANIST ANALIA MARIGLIANO AT THE MUNICIPAL THEATER. A PASSIONATE LOVELY PERFORMANCE.” A drawing of Ember and I talking in a cafe. It reads, “11/15/25 - AFTER DRAWING ALL DAY, I MET EMBER AT SABINA'S TO TRY THEIR CINNAMON ROLLS, WHICH MY TUTOR GONZALO RECOMMENDED. DELICIOUS (ALTHOUGH I CRAVED SWEETER).” A drawing of a man playing a piano. It reads, “AND THEN WE WENT TO SEE PIANIST ARMANDS ABOLS AT THE MUNICIPAL THEATER WITH VALENZUELA AND ORACHITA (I CRIED A LITTLE, I FOUND IT SO BEAUTIFUL. FOLLOWED BY RETURNING TO THE HOUSE FOR HOMEMADE PIZZA.”
December 2, 2025 at 9:51 PM
chrisjbaldwin.bsky.social
So much rich food. :)
A drawing of Ember and I watching a movie in her kitchen. It reads, “11/12/25 - EMBER MADE "TORTILLA DE PAPA," A POTATO, CHEESE, AND BUTTER PANCAKE WITH HOMEMADE CREAM-CHEESE. YUM! AND THEN WE WATCHED "PAST LIVES." HALF IN KOREAN, HALF IN ENGLISH, ALL WITH SPANISH SUBTITLES. I SORT-OF KEPT UP (I’D FORTUNATELY SEEN IT BEFORE).” A drawing of three people doing a presentation at a library. It reads, “11/13/25 - I WENT TO A BOOK RELEASE AT THE LIBRARY WITH EMBER, BY THE POET ITALO BERRIOS. I ENJOYED IT, BUT I MUST CONFESS, I UNDERSTOOD VERY LITTLE.” A drawing of Ember and I eating food and talking at a restaurant. It reads, “THEN WE GOT FOOD AT THE SOCIAL CLUB. WHICH WAS REALLY NICE. AND TALKED POETRY, AND I ACCIDENTALLY ORDERED A PIZZA FOR US WITH MEAT ON IT, BUT LIKE-YA-DO I JUST PICKED IT OFF AND CALLED IT A DAY.”
December 2, 2025 at 12:46 AM
chrisjbaldwin.bsky.social
Stuff like this always makes me anxious, but I always do my best because I like to give back to the world (and remember all the little ways others have helped or inspired me) (also, once I start, the anxiety go away).
A drawing of me speaking in front of a class with Ember translating for me. It reads, “11/11/25 - ON TUESDAY, I SPOKE IN FRONT OF SOME HIGH SCHOOLERS AT THE SCHOOL, "LICEO BICENTENARIO DE ANCUD" WHERE VALENZUELA TEACHES.” A drawing of the teacher handing me a book. It reads, “THE TEACHER, GASPAR (ALSO AN ILLUSTRATOR), WAS SO WELCOMING AND KIND, AND HE PRESENTED ME WITH A SKETCHBOOK HE BOUND IN THANKS.”
November 24, 2025 at 6:20 PM
chrisjbaldwin.bsky.social
None of my pics of the colorful Castro houses came out well, so here's one I just pulled from online to show you.
colorful pictures of houses by the water on stilts.
November 21, 2025 at 7:13 PM
chrisjbaldwin.bsky.social
Originally I was going to stay in Castro, I almost reserved a place even, but then I found Ancud and decided it would be a better fit.
A drawing of me in my bedroom on my bed holding a mug of tea and watching a movie on my laptop. It reads, “SLOW WEEKEND. I DREW, STUDIED, WALKED TO FUERTE SAN ANTONIO, COFFEE WITH EMBER. I WAS FEELING A LITTLE HOMESICK, AND SO ON SUNDAY I HOLED UP WITH TEA AND A COOKIE AND WATCHED "PERFECT DAYS" (NOT TO REMIND ME OF HOME, BUT TO REMIND ME OF BEAUTY).” A drawing of Ember and I on a boat looking at houses with stilts on the shore. It reads, “11/10/25 - EMBER AND I DROVE TO CASTRO. WE TOOK A LITTLE BOAT RIDE TO SEE THE COLORFUL HOUSES ON STILTS NEAR THE WATER. A drawing of me in a vender’s (with Ember and the vender) stall trying on a sweater. It reads, “AND I FINALLY FOUND A SWEATER (THANKS TO EMBER'S HELP) THAT'S ALPACA (AT LEAST PARTLY). VERY WARM, AND I LIKE HOW IT LOOKS. YAY!” A drawing of me sitting around with Ember and two of her friends, one who is playing guitar. It reads, “THEN WE GRABBED A PIZZA AND WENT TO THE HOUSE OF HER FRIENDS, WAGNER AND CLIFF, WHERE THEY SUNG AND EMBER READ POETRY. I JUST SMILED AND TRIED TO UNDERSTAND WHAT WAS BEING SAID.”
November 21, 2025 at 7:09 PM
chrisjbaldwin.bsky.social
So much dancing. :)
A drawing of me buying stamps at the post office. It reads, “11/7/25 - I FINALLY WENT TO THE POST OFFICE. I'D BEEN INTIMIDATED BY IT AND PUTTING IT OFF FOR TWO WEEKS (BECAUSE WHAT IF THEY ASKED ME ABOUT SPECIAL SERVICES OR SOMETHING?!!!). BUT I DID IT, AND IT WAS FINE!” A drawing of flamenco dancers and musicians performing. It reads, “I WENT TO A FLAMENCO PERFORMANCE AT THE TEATRO MUNICIPAL WITH THE RENOWNED CONSTANZA MARDONES COMPANY. SO PASSIONATE AND BEAUTIFUL.” A drawing of children dancing on stage in costume. It reads, “AND THEN I JOINED VALENZUELA Y EMBER TO SEE ORACHITA IN A SCHOOL FOLKDANCING RECITAL "GRAN GALA FOLCLORICA" (CLASSES FROM ELEMENTARY AND MIDDLE SCHOOL).”
November 20, 2025 at 10:41 PM
chrisjbaldwin.bsky.social
More comics. And also, I saw penguins (in the wild) for the first time in my life. I don't have a camera with a zoom, so the photos aren't high-res, but it was so moving and delightful to see them.
A drawing of Ember and me on a hill looking out at the horizon. It reads, “1/6/25 - EMBER AND I TOOK A ROAD TRIP. THERE'S A VIEN FROM A HILL JUST EAST OF LONCOMILLA WHERE YOU CAN SEE SO FAR, EVEN THE SNOW-CAPPED PEAKS FAR TO THE EAST.” A drawing of Ember and I walking along the square of Curaco De Vélez with the old wooden church in the background. It reads, “WE WALKED AROUND CURACO DE VÊLEZ AND ACHAO ON QUINCHAO ISLAND, AND THEN HAD EMPANADAS IN DALAHUE.” A drawing of a jar of nalca jam and me standing next to a nalca plant which is as tall as me. It reads, “THERE'S AN ENORMOUS PLANT HERE CALLED NALCA, SOMETIMES NICKNAMED "CHILEAN RHUBARB." YES I HAD TO TRY IT, AND EMBER HELPED ME FIND JAM MADE FROM IT CHARD TO FIND!) AT A FARMER'S MARKET IN CUACO DE VELEZ. (DELICIOUS)” A photo of two penguins in the wild.
November 19, 2025 at 6:24 PM
chrisjbaldwin.bsky.social
My days have been good days recently. :)
A drawing of me sitting inside, holding a cup of coffee, looking outside through sliding glass doors. It reads, “I’VE BEGUN ATTEMPTING TO LOVE EVERY DAY AND ALL MY EXPERIENCES. AFTER A LIFE OF LOW-LEVEL DEPRESSION WHICH SEEMS TO NOT BE COMING BACK, THANK YOU, BUPROPION). I HAVE A LOT OF RE-WIRING TO DO TO EXPERIENCE A MORE JOYFUL LIFE.” A drawing of the book, Flores Salvajes. It reads, “11/5/25 - I STOPPED BY THE LIBRERiA (BOOKSTORE) "GRAN PEZ, AND LOOKED AT COMICS (AND BOUGHT ONE FROM ARGENTINA, BY LINIERS). A drawing of me talking to an employee at a small bookstore. It reads, “BUT MORE SIGNIFICANTLY, I HAD A CONVERSATION WITH THE PROPRIETOR IN SPANISH. IT WAS CHOPPY, AND NOT IN DEPTH, AND I COULDN'T UNDERSTAND AS MUCH AS I COULD SPEAK - BUT IT FELT LIKE SUCH A MILESTONE!”
November 18, 2025 at 7:43 PM
chrisjbaldwin.bsky.social
The lighthouse was closed! but it was such a nice day. :)
A drawing of me opening a pasture gate, Ember passing through, and an alpaca in the background. It reads, “11/4/25 - EMBER DROVE US UP AROUND THE PENÍN-SULA LACUY TO PUNTA CORONA LIGHTHOUSE WHERE WE FOUND SOME ALPACAS, UNUSUAL THIS FAR SOUTH), HISTORIC FUERTE AHUI,” A drawing of Ember and I sitting on a beach, and on the other side of the water, Ancud. It reads, “AND THEN WE SAT ON PLAYA AHUI AND LOOKED AT ANCUD ACROSS THE BAY.”
November 17, 2025 at 9:43 PM
chrisjbaldwin.bsky.social
So much eating. :)
A drawing of me tossing handfuls of cookies into my mouth. It reads, “11/2/25 - I TRIED TO TAKE A BREAK, A "DO-NOTHING" DAY, BUT I ATE HALF THE COOKIES I BOUGHT FOR IT THE NIGHT BEFORE AND FELT ILL IN THE MORNING.” A drawing of me witting slouched on the couch, my hand on my stomach, talking on my phone. It reads, “THEN THE POWER WAS OUT MOST OF THE DAY SO I COULDN'T WATCH SILLY MOVIES. SO I ATE THE REST OF THE COOKIES, HAD A COUPLE PHONE CALLS, AND CALLED IT A NOT-REALLY-SUCCESS.” A drawing of Ember and I in her kitchen, talking, and her cooking. It reads, “11/3/25 - EMBER HAS BECOME SUCH A GOOD FRIEND, AND SHE WANTS TO SHOW ME THE CHILE SHE LOVES, AND I'M VERY TOUCHED BY IT. THIS NIGHT SHE MADE LOCAL DISHES, INCLUDING ONE MADE WITH COCHAYUYO (LOOKS KINDA LIKE "BULLWHIP KELP"), WHICH I'D NOTICED AT THE FARMERS MARKET AND HAD BEEN CURIOUS ABOUT.”
November 14, 2025 at 7:03 PM
chrisjbaldwin.bsky.social
Mind you, not that I have much idea what constellations are HERE, but that concept just kinda amazes for some reason.
A drawing of Ember and I looking at the stars and talking. It reads, “10/27/25 - EMBER AND I WENT TO LECHAGUA BEACH AND SAW SHOOTING STARS AND TALKED ABOUT OUR UPBRINGINGS. I THOUGHT ABOUT HOW THE STARS HERE ARE NOT THE ONES I KNOW FROM HOME.” A drawing of Ember and I out on the street going to little shops. It reads, “10/28/25 - EMBER HAD ERRANDS, SO WHILE ON THEM SHE SHOWED ME A BUNCH OF LITTLE SHOPS I HADN'T KNOW ABOUT. BULK NUTS AND OATS, VEGETABLES, A SMALL (BUT BETTER) GROCERY STORE, A STATIONARY STORE.” A drawing of me looking at a small tub of jelly. It reads, “AMONG OTHER THINGS, I BOUGHT SOME MURTA JELLY, YUM! (AKA "CHILEAN GUAVA BERRY" OR "STRAWBERRY MYRTLE”)” A drawing of me working. It reads, “I GOT A BIG FREELANCE JOB AND WORKED FOR 4 DAYS FROM WHEN I GOT UP UNTIL BEDTIME. EXHAUSTING, BUT THEN: DONE. AND THAT'LL BUY A WHOLE LOTTA EMPANADAS.”
November 13, 2025 at 8:51 PM
chrisjbaldwin.bsky.social
On some walkabouts.
A drawing of me eating a sandwich on a park bench. It reads, “10/26/25 - MOST THINGS ARE CLOSED ON SUNDAY, SO I WENT BACK TO THE FOOD TRUCK I WENT TO WHEN I FIRST GOT HERE, AND WAS ABLE TO SAY "VEGETARIAN" AND TOTALLY FUNCTION LIKE A REAL PERSON. I ATE IT ON THE PLAZA.” A drawing of me standing at the bottom of a very large outdoor staircase. It reads, “THEN I WALKED BACK TO PLAYA ARENA GRUESA. AND ON THE WAY I WALKED UP THE CENTENNIAL STAIRCASE (WITH CHILOTA BLANKET TEXTILE MOSAIC, A TRIBUTE TO THE MASTER WEAVERS OF QUELGO).” A drawing of me with two women having drinks on a restaurant patio. It reads, “ON THE WAY BACK I CROSSED PATHS WITH VALENZUELA & ORACHITA WHO WERE OFF TO PLAYA ARENA GRUESA, AND THEN I CROSSED PATHS WITH MILLY (MY NEIGHBOR) AND ROSE, AND WE WENT AND GOT A DRINK AT THE ‘SOCIAL CLUB.’ SMALL TOWN!” A drawing of Ember and me sitting outside on a park bench looking at stars. It reads, “THAT NIGHT, EMBER AND I DROVE UP TO THE TOP OF CERRO MIRADOR HUEIHUEN AND TOLD EACH OTHER ABOUT THE STRANGE PATHS WHICH HAVE LED US TO HERE AND NOW.”
November 10, 2025 at 5:06 PM
chrisjbaldwin.bsky.social
I love cozy live performances so much.
A drawing of a small theatrical performance happening in front of an audience, of two women sitting with one blanket over their shoulders, facing away from the audience, and a projector shining an image of the sea onto them. It reads, “10/24/25 - THAT NIGHT ALENZUELA, ORACHITA, EMBER, AND I WENT TO THE MUSEO REGIONAL DE ANCUD WITH EMBER, WHERE THEY HAD A SHORT PLAY: "NO TENGO GOTE GU'A TENER GOLETA, A WOMEN'S VOYAGE ON THE ANCUD SCHOONER." A drawing of a jazz band playing. It reads, “AFTER GETTING SOME FRIES FROM A STREET CART, WE WENT BACK IN AND SAW THE CARAVAN JAZZ BAND, WHO WERE GREAT, WITH SOME CLASSICS LIKE TAKE FIVE AND TUTU.” A drawing of me in bed, thinking, my eyes tired but open. It reads, “GETTING HOME LATE FROM THAT, I DECIDED I'D START GOING TO BED AT MIDNIGHT RATHER THAN 10:00, BECAUSE IT MAKES MORE SENSE WITH MY LIFE HERE (AS LONG AS IT'S 8 HOURS AT AROUND THE SAME TIME, I’M GOOD).” A drawing of a theatrical perofmnace, four women, three sitting around talking to each other. Framed pictures hang in the background. It reads, “10/25/25 - VALENZUELA, ORACHITA, AND I WENT AND SAN "PUERPERIO" A PLAY ABOUT THE POSTPARTUM PERIOD OF MOTHERHOOD. IT WAS SO WELL DONE (EVEN IF I UNDERSTOOD ONLY WORDS BUT NO SENTENCES.”
November 7, 2025 at 5:22 PM
chrisjbaldwin.bsky.social
Food is the universal glue, isn't it?
A drawing of me eating crepes with Valenzuela and Orachita. It reads, “VALENZUELA MADE US CREPES, AND JUST LIKE WHAT EMBER DID, IT BROKE THE ICE WITH ORACHITA AND ME. WE ALL LAUGHED AND ATE. THEN I MADE PIZZA FOR US FOR DINNER.” A drawing of a bag of manjar. It reads, “I SHOULD MENTION THAT WE HAD THE CREPES WITH STRAWBERRIES AND MANJAR, A CARAMEL LIKE DELICIOUS SUBSTANCE. EMBER HAD INTRODUCED IT TO ME THE PREVIOUS FRIDAY IN AN EMPOLVADO (A DONUT-LIKE THING). SHE MADE IT CLEAR IT IS CHILEAN MANJAR, AND NOT CHILEAN "DULCE DE LECHE."
November 6, 2025 at 5:27 PM
chrisjbaldwin.bsky.social
And the tide turned. :)
A drawing of me sitting in Cafe Blanco enjoying an empanada. It reads, “10/23/25 - BUT THEN A BIG SHIFT HAPPENED. I REALIZED THAT PREPPING IN MY HEAD FOR EACH OUTING WAS CAUSING MUCH OF MY ANXIETY. SO I DECIDED TO JUST GO OUT, AND SAY "LALALALA" WITH FINGERS IN MY EARS UNTIL I GOT TO WHERE I WAS GOING. WHICH WORKED MAGNIFICENTLY, AND I WAS REWARDED WITH AN APPLE EMPANADA.” A drawing of me walking through the farmers market. It reads, “10/24/25 - TESTING IF MY TRICK STILL WORKED, I WENT OUT AND GOT STUFF FOR PIZZA AT THE GROCERY, CHEESE AND VEGGIES AT THE FARMER'S MARKET, AND ENVELOPES AT A STATIONARY STORE. YAY!” A drawing of me eating lunch, sitting by a window in a very small cafe. It reads, “THEN LUNCH AT "CONTRALUZ," A NEARBY VEGAN RESTAURANT. AND I ACTUALLY ENJOYED TRYING TO ORDER. AND THEN I SAT THERE AND WROTE A LETTER WITH MY SEITAN COUSCOUS TOMATO ONION CORN BOWL.”
November 5, 2025 at 6:47 PM
chrisjbaldwin.bsky.social
(it all has turned out lovely, don't worry)
A drawing of a mother and her daughter coming in the door and me saying, “hola.” It reads, “10/20/25 - VALENZUELA ARRIVED BACK FROM HER TRIP, ALONG WITH HER 9 YEAR OLD ORACHITA. GREAT KID, BUT I CAN GET OVERWHELMED BY KID ENERGY EVEN IN ENGLISH, SO IT'S UPPED THE STRESS.” A drawing of me sitting on the couch looking worried. It reads, “WE WEREN'T SURE WHAT TO SAY TO EACH OTHER SINCE I COULDN'T UNDERSTAND ANYTHING, SO I SAT, MOSTLY SILENT, WANTING TO DISAPPEAR INTO THE EARTH. (MY FEARS, NOT ANYTHING THEY DID)” A drawing of my standing by some old cannons overlooking the bay. It reads, “10/21/25 - THE AFTERNOON WAS GORGEOUS, AND SO I WALKED TO FUERTE (FORT) SAN ANTONIO. I WAS GOING TO GO TO A CAFE OR SOMETHING, BUT THE ANXIETY JUST KEEPS GROWING.”
November 5, 2025 at 12:57 AM
chrisjbaldwin.bsky.social
(it honestly has gotten better/easier watch this space!)
A drawing of Ember and I making baskets. It reads, “10/18/25 - I WENT TO THE TRADITIONAL CHILOE BASKET-MAKING WORKSHOP WITH EMBER, LED BY LOCAL ARTISAN ADELINA SOTO GUAQUÍN FROM MEULÍN ISLAND. IT WAS FUN! I LOVE MAKING THINGS WITH MY HANDS (SADLY MY BASKET IS TOO BIG TO FIT IN MY SUITCASE).” A drawing of me watching a woman teach her kid to ride a bicycle at the waterfront. It reads, “10/19/25 - I SAW A WOMAN TEACHING HER KID TO RIDE THEIR BIKE, AND IT WAS SUCH A NICE REMINDER OF THINGS BEING SO SIMILAR EVERYWHERE. LATER SOMEONE FED ME A FISH EMPANADA AS A JOKE, WHICH WAS A NOT-SO-NICE REMINDER THAT PEOPLE ARE THE SAME EVERYWHERE. HA!” A drawing of me watching an outdoor concert with dancing. It reads, “I WENT TO A "TRADITIONAL FESTIVAL" IN BELLAVISTA PARK. LOTS OF MUSICIANS, DANCING, AND DEEP FRIED FOODS. IT WAS LOVELY ALTHOUGH IT WAS COLD AND WET. AND I GOT TO MEET EMBER'S BOYFRIEND LUCIANO, WHO WAS VERY NICE.” A drawing of me buying food at a store. It reads, “10/20/25 - I GOT UP THE COURAGE TO GO BACK TO CAMPO Y MAR FOR MORE PEANUT BUTTER AND RAISINS. THE WOMAN WAS EXTREMELY NICE AGAIN, AND IT WENT SO MUCH SMOOTHER, BUT WHEN WILL IT FEEL EASIER?”
November 3, 2025 at 3:41 PM
chrisjbaldwin.bsky.social
Nothing quite like a day of drawing. :)
A drawing of me standing outside a food truck, looking a little distressed. It reads, “10/15/25 - WEDNESDAY I BOUGHT A CHEESE EMPANADA FROM A FOOD TRUCK, WHERE I UNDERSTOOD ALMOST NOTHING. IT'S STILL SO STRESSFUL DESPITE THE FACT THAT IN THE END, THEY GOT MONEY AND I GOT AN EMPANADA). A drawing of me drawing at my computer with the sea in the background outside the sliding glass doors. It reads, “BUT, THE LANGUAGE AND HUMAN-INTERACTION ANXIETY BECAME TOO MUCH, AND SO I TOOK THE DAY OFF AND DREW FOR ABOUT 14 HOURS. IT'S KINDA' WEIRD THAT THIS IS WHAT I CONSIDER A SUPER RELAXING DAY.” A drawing of three musicians on a stage playing guitar. It reads, “10/17/25 - EMBER JOINED ME FOR A CONCERT OF GUITAR-ISTS: MARGARITA ZEGERS, SEBASTIAN DUPLAQUET, AND CARLOS LEDERMANN, PLAYING CLASSICAL, JAZZ, AND FLAMENCO RESPECTIVELY. SOME SONGS SOLO, OTHERS BLENDING THE THREE STYLES. SO GOOD.” A drawing of me sitting with Ember and a couple at a kitchen table, all talking. It reads, “THEN WE HAD TEA AND SWEETS WITH HER TWO LODGERS WHO WERE VISITING FROM SOMEWHERE ELSE IN CHILE. HE SPOKE NO ENGLISH AND SHE SPOKE VERY LITTLE, SO I GOT TO JUST LISTEN ALL EVENING, WHICH I LOVED. WITH EVERY DAY I'M PICKING UP MORE AND MORE WORDS.”
October 31, 2025 at 1:01 PM
chrisjbaldwin.bsky.social
It was a beautiful day for a walk up a hill.
A drawing of me standing on a platform on a high hill looking out at land and sea. It reads, “10/13/25 - I WALKED UP CERRO MIRADOR HUEIHUEN, THE HIGHEST POINT IN TOWN. IT KICKED IN MY VERTIGO A LITTLE, ALTHOUGH I SUSPECT THE DROP WASN'T AS STEEP AS IT LOOKED BEYOND THE GORSE.”It was a beautiful day for a walk up a hill. A drawing of me looking out at an island with a small structure on it. It reads, “I LOOKED OUT AT THE TINY ISLANDS, AND AT LEAST THE ONE CLOSEST SEEMED TO HAVE A STRUCTURE, AND I WONDERED IF SOMEONE LIVED THERE. LATER I READ UP ON IT. IT'S ‘ISLA COCHINOS’ OR "ISLE OF PIGS" BECAUSE PIGS WERE RAISED THERE IN THE 17TH AND 18TH CENTURIES. AND NOW, MOSTLY IT HAS CORMORANTS AND ONE RESIDENT: DON ADRIAN” A drawing of me eating. It reads, “ON THE WAY BACK I STOPPED BY CAFÉ BLANCO AND ORDERED AN APPLE EMPANADA ALL ON MY OWN. MY SWEET TOOTH WAS ALL, ‘FEARS-BE-DAMNED.’”
October 27, 2025 at 5:34 PM
chrisjbaldwin.bsky.social
A drawing of me sitting with Ember and her friend. I am silent and wide-eyed. It reads, “AND THEN EMBER AND I MET UP WITH HER FRIEND ARTEMA (WHO SEEMED VERY NICE), AND ALL WENT TO EL JARDIN CERVECERO. THEY MOSTLY SPOKE IN SPANISH (WITH MY BLESSING), AND I JUST LISTENED.” A drawing of an explosion coming from my head. It reads, “IT FELT GOOD TO NOT HAVE TO RESPOND, SO I COULD JUST LISTEN. I CATCH SO MANY MORE WORDS NOW, JUST NOT QUITE ENOUGH OR FAST ENOUGH FOR MY BRAIN TO PIECE THEM TOGETHER INTO A SENTENCE.” A drawing of me winking, pointing my fingers playfully, and saying, “¿Cachai?” It reads, “AT SOME POINT, I DID ASK WHAT "CACHA"" WAS, AS THEY USED IT A LOT. IT'S CHILEAN SLANG RELATED TO THE ENGLISH WORD "CATCH." IT MEANS "DID YOU CATCH THAT?" OR PROBABLY BEST COMPARED TO "YA KNOW?””
October 24, 2025 at 8:47 PM
chrisjbaldwin.bsky.social
Gettin' out and about.
A drawing of Ember and me walking through the farmer’s market. It reads, “10/11/25 - EARLY IN THE DAY, EMBER TOOK ME TO THE FARMER'S MARKET, AND TOLD ME WHAT ALL THE STRANGE VEGETABLES WERE (I HAVE NO RECOLLECTION WHAT THEY WERE, BUT I LOVED IT).” A drawing of me cutting topinamburs. It reads, “AFTER DRAWING ALL DAY, I MADE TOPINAMBURS (AKA JERUSALEM ARTICHOKES) WHICH EMBER RECOMMENDED AS A LOCAL SPECIAL POTATO (CHILOÉ HAS THE SECOND MOST VARIETY OF POTATOES IN THE WORLD).” A drawing of a woman performing a dance on a stage, holding a light. It reads, “IN THE EVENING EMBER AND I WENT TO AN EXPERIMENTAL DANCE PERFORMANCE AT THE MUNICIPAL THEATER. IT WAS INTERESTING AND SEEMED DONE VERY SKILLFULLY.”
October 24, 2025 at 8:46 PM
chrisjbaldwin.bsky.social
Branching out.
A drawing of Ember and myself eating cheesy fries in a restaurant by the sea. It reads, “IN THE EVENING, I WENT WITH EMBER TO EL JARDÍN CERVECERO AND GOT DRINKS (I FINALLY TRIED A LOCAL PISCO SOUR AND CHEESY FRIES. SHE TOLD ME MORE ABOUT HER PAST IN SANTIAGO. WHAT AN INTERESTING LIFE.” A drawing of Gonzalo talking to me at a table covered in notes and paper. It reads, “10/9/25 - I STUDIED ALL MORNING, AND THEN MET WITH MY SECOND TUTOR, GONZALO. HE WAS MORE LOOSEY-GOOSEY, AND I THINK I HAVE THINGS TO LEARN FROM BOTH, SO I'M WORKING WITH BOTH FOR NOW.” A drawing of me sitting on a stone wall at La Playa Arena Grease, looking out at the ocean. It reads, “IN THE EVENING THE SKY CLEARED AND IT WARMED A LITTLE, AND SO I WALKED BACK TO PLAYA ARENA GRUESA AND WATCHED THE SEA (WHILE LISTENING TO THE "TWILIGHT" AUDIOBOOK IN SPANISH, BECAUSE THE LANGUAGE IS SO SIMPLE IT'S ALMOST UNDERSTANDABLE). A drawing from a flyer of the instructor Adelina Soto. It reads, “10/10/25 - EMBER SIGNED US UP FOR A BASKET WEAVING CLASS. IT SOUNDS FUN, AND IF NOT THAT, THEN IT'LL AT LEAST BE INTERESTING AND BE A GOOD OPPORTUNITIES TO PRACTICE SPANISH.”
October 23, 2025 at 11:05 PM
chrisjbaldwin.bsky.social
Finally felt like I was moving forward and getting grounded slightly.
A drawing of me having lunch with ember. It reads, :10/7/25 - EMBER AGREED TO HANG OUT WITH ME, AND WE WENT TO CAFE BLANCO FOR VERY GOOD SANDWICHES AND HOT CHOCOLATE. SHE'S AN AUTHOR, AND KIND AND STRANGE IN A GOOD WAY (LIKE MOST OF MY FRIENDS, AND SHE SPEAKS ENGLISH. YAY!” A drawing of Ember and I hanging out at a stone wall overlooking the sea. It reads, “THEN SHE DROVE US TO PLAYA ARENA GRUESA (COARSE SAND BEACH) WHERE WE SAT ON THE OLD STONE WALL AND TALKED ABOUT LIFE. IT FELT SO GOOD TO SPEND TIME WITH A FRIENDLY PERSON, AND WE BOTH ENJOYED THE EVENING.” A drawing of me looking down at a lit wood stove, me saying, “ahhh.” It reads, “10/8/25 - I KNEW IF I LIT A FIRE AT THE HOUSE THAT I WOULD BURN THROUGH THE WOOD IN A FEW DAYS, AND SO I'D REMAINED COLD. BUT EMBER TOLD ME HOW TO GET MORE, AND SO TODAY I LIT A FIRE AND FEEL A LITTLE WARM FINALLY.” A drawing of a tutor with a white board instructing me. It reads, “I WENT TO ARIANA'S HOUSE FOR TUTORING. SHE MOSTLY TRIED TO DETERMINE WHAT LEVEL I'M AT, AND THEN WE DISCUSSED AFTERWARDS HOW TO BEST MEET MY NEEDS.”
October 22, 2025 at 9:50 PM
chrisjbaldwin.bsky.social
I am still finding it helpful to have two tutors. :)
A drawing of me sitting and staring at my laptop at the dining room table. It reads, “10/6/25 - IT RAINED ALL DAY, SO I DIDN'T GO OUT. BUT I MESSAGED THE LIBRARY, ASKING IF THEY KNEW OF ANY TUTORS OR RELATED RESOURCES, AND THEY KINDLY GAVE ME THE NUMBER ARIANA, WHO I SET UP A TUTORING SESSION WITH.” A drawing of me writing on my laptop and saying, “oops.” It reads, “VALENZUELA INTRODUCED ME (THROUGH WHATSAPP) TO HER FRIEND EMBER, WHO WROTE TO ME ABOUT A FRIEND OF HERS WHO TUTORS NAMED GONZALO (ALSO A FRIEND OF VALENZUELA'S). AND SO I NOW HAVE A SECOND TUTOR SCHEDULED.” A drawing of my in a shop, sweating, and holding a jar of peanut butter. It reads, “I WALKED INTO TOWN AND MANAGED TO BUY SOME PEANUT BUTTER AND RAISINS FROM CAMPO & MAR PASTELERIA Y ALMACÉN (‘PASTRIES AND STORE’). THE WOMAN WAS VERY PATIENT AND KIND (I STILL UNDERSTOOD ALMOST NOTHING. A drawing of me staring at my laptop, stressed, holding my head. It reads, “AND BACK HOME, I HAD A VERY NICE ZOOM CONVERSATION WITH MY FRIEND BASALTA, WHO ADVISED I DO SOME MIND-FULNESS, BECAUSE MY ANXIETY WAS KEEPING ME FROM UNDERSTANDING THINGS PROBABLY MORE THAN NOT KNOWING THINGS. AND THEN SHE SHOWED ME ALL THE PEPPERS SHE'S BEEN CANNING.”
October 22, 2025 at 12:36 AM
chrisjbaldwin.bsky.social
I refer to the "sometimes you gotta' do what you gotta' do" as the idiot tax. And I know when I'm up against a wall and have to pay it. :)
A drawing of me trying on a sweater and asking the vender, “Es alpaca?” And him nodding. It reads, “10/5/25 - ACCEPTING MY FATE, I WENT TO THE TOURIST AREA AND BOUGHT AN OVERPRICED SWEATER WHICH WAS NOT ALPACA, AND A HAT OF SYNTHETIC YARN MADE IN CHINA. SOMETIMES YOU GOTTA DO WHAT YOU GOTTA DO.” A drawing of me smiling and holding a jar of jam with an arrow pointing at it which reads, “ACTUALLY JAM.” The caption reads, “AT LEAST I WAS WARM, AND THEN I FOUND A MUCH BETTER STOCKED SUPERMARKET, A UNIMARC, AND GOT A BETTER SUPPLY OF FOOD.” A drawing of me eating a sub on the boardwalk, looking out at the sea. It reads, “AND ON THE WAY HOME, I BOUGHT A VEGETARIAN SUB TO EAT ON THE BOARDWALK. BUT I COULDN'T SAY THE WORD "VEGETARIAN" CORRECTLY (THE VENDER KEPT THINKING I WAS SAYING "ITALIAN") AND FINALLY SOME YOUNG WOMAN TOLD HIM WHAT I WAS TRYING TO SAY. THANKS RANDOM STRANGER!” A drawing of me looking a little sad and a little chilly. It reads, “FEELING A BIT LOST AND SAD, I VIDEO-CALLED IVY, AND SHE LISTENED AND HELPED CHEER ME UP.”
October 20, 2025 at 5:35 PM