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About The daily Astorian. (Astoria, Or.) 1961-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 13, 2018)
6A FEATURES TOMORROW’S HOROSCOPE Husband doodles immaturely Dear Annie: My husband of I being overly critical, or is this over 30 years is a great person, just stupid? — He’s No Picasso successful and well-educated. I Dear He’s No Picasso: Doo- love him dearly except for one dling is actually very smart. According to a 2017 study annoying thing. He draws on people’s photos by researchers at Drexel Uni- in magazines and newspapers. versity, doodling “helps with Almost daily, for a attention and improves DEAR few minutes after break- health and well-being.” fast or dinner, he’ll draw You don’t have to be ANNIE mustaches, knocked- Picasso to reap the ben- efits, because it’s not out teeth, facial hair and about the end result; it’s blemishes on the faces about the act of doo- of people in the photos. dling itself. So it sounds Most of the time, these as though your husband are models or unknown is just having a bit of fun people, both male and Lane and blowing off some female. He only does Annie Creators Syndicate Inc. steam. If such a harm- this at the table and less activity stresses throws the photos away you out so much, perhaps you right away. I’ve asked and asked why should give doodling a try. he does such a childish and Dear Annie: I’m writing to immature thing. He says that you not about a problem but it’s funny but that more so, it about your responses to oth- releases stress. And he does ers’ problems. You always seem to recommend seeking ther- have a very stressful job. Don’t suggest adult color- apy. Therapists are sometimes ing books, professional draw- expensive. Waiting lists are ing supplies, paint or charcoal. long and often even longer for I’ve suggested all that to him. specific things. You have many Don’t suggest a hobby, yoga or readers. If all those who have meditating; he already does that problems sought out therapists, stuff. the wait would be even lon- What I want to know is: Am ger. Surely, you have a recom- mendation besides seeking ther- apy when people have problems that need to be fixed in a timely fashion and they do not have a month or more to seek help. — Wondering in Massachusetts Dear Wondering: I’m glad you raised this topic, as it’s a fair point and something I’ve given a great deal of consider- ation to. Whenever possible, I try to offer direct, practical advice that I believe would bet- ter the letter writer’s situation or state of mind, as opposed to just recommending therapy. I recog- nize that if someone is deeply troubled by something and is bringing the issue to me, it’s usually because the person can’t go to therapy or doesn’t want to. But there are times when peo- ple so clearly need professional help that it would be just plain reckless not to recommend that they seek it. For people who are unable to access a therapist because of limitations of finance or mobil- ity, I suggest trying Talkspace, BetterHelp or another e-coun- seling service that employs licensed professionals. These are more affordable options than traditional therapy. THE DAILY ASTORIAN • THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 13, 2018 By Holiday Mathis, Creators Syndicate Inc. ARIES (March 21-April 19). While it’s unnerv- ing to lose personal items, it’s also an oppor- tunity to put better organizational systems in place. To assign a single resting place for the keys, etc. is to save hours a year searching for things. SCORPIO (Oct. 24-Nov. 21). You know who doesn’t worry, talk or fuss about being a “good person”? Good people. They know their inten- tions are benevolent and they don’t have to talk about it. Be wary of anyone obsessed with the moral high ground. TAURUS (April 20-May 20). Going on a tan- gent means you’re creative and it also makes you creative. Maybe it will require patience from the more linear-minded audience trying to keep up with you, but don’t let that deter you. SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21). While it may be scientifically unclear whether satisfied people move more, or movement produces feelings of satisfaction, the link between activity and happiness is undeniable. Move and smile. GEMINI (May 21-June 21). You have what it takes, now the trick is knowing when and how exactly to use it. Timing can make or break this deal, but the good news is, you’ll learn either way, and the next deal will come along almost immediately. CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19). You’ll be surrounded by intelligent people. In fact, your presence seems to awaken the intelligence in- side others and they’ll show you their brightest insights and moods. CANCER (June 22-July 22). Even the inter- ests you are most passionate about can lose their appeal at times. Daily exposure will do that, but it’s not a signal to move on so much as an indication that a zigzag may be in order just to keep it fresh. AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18). Deep in your heart you feel happy to help. So you don’t need the gold star to tell you that people appreciate you. In fact, you might even get greater satisfaction from being invisible in the exchange. LEO (July 23-Aug. 22). Today will present a case in which sincerity and accuracy will not exactly match up. Nobody’s fault, and you’re all in the story together. You may just have to work out one that can be agreed upon. PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20). There’s an influx of fresh excitement this afternoon that will energize your creativity for weeks to come. Don’t worry about keeping anything about this, as trying to hold on to it will be like grasping at water. Just enjoy. VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22). Embrace where you’re at on the optimism scale, which is determined by both genetics and experience. While obvious benefits befall optimists, there are powerful advantages that go to the trou- ble-seers, too. LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 23). To see and deal in objective reality will save you time and money. When presented with a good-looking front, a positive spin or a distracting dance, take it for the red flag that it is. FRANK AND ERNEST BLONDIE THATABABY SALLY FORTH PHOEBE AND HER UNICORN B.C. LOLA DILBERT SIX CHIX BIZARRO MUTTS NON SEQUITUR BABY BLUES WIZARD OF ID ZITS ROSE IS ROSE TOMORROW’S BIRTHDAY (Sept. 14). Take on more than you think you can handle, be- cause you’ll grow into responsibilities. Besides, you’ve been underestimating your talent and luck. A peaceful close of 2018 allows for self-education, solo experience and soul searching. The next turn is in a direction you wouldn’t have guessed. Gemini and Sagittar- ius adore you. Your lucky numbers are: 5, 30, 16, 33 and 1.