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.