A Speccy Man Has A Breakdown - day 122

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You may recall that every hardback book in the first edition of A Speccy Man Has A Breakdown will be delivered with an art print tucked inside.

Today I initialled and numbered the limited edition prints.

Half-way through, I took a photo of number 125:

The handwriting beneath the figures reads, “sit and think of something pleasant (anything)”.

There’s a story behind that picture.

As well as group therapy, in psychiatric hospital, there were occasional classes. I tried everything.

One therapist shared a tapping exercise. He had a stern manner, like some military type, but taught us this very gentle exercise.

Even at the time, I could see something quite funny about a room full of people who had hit rock bottom sitting in a circle tapping themselves on shoulders and knees, thinking pleasant thoughts.

Like most pictures in the book, I drew this immediately afterwards, in my room. I wrote the instructions (“sit and think of something pleasant”) in case I might forget, I suppose.

After numbering and signing them all, I slipped each print into a protective compostable cellophane sleeve:

As you can possibly imagine, this signing, numbering and cellophane-sleeve-slipping takes quite a long time.

I listened to music while I did it. Nothing too distracting. I hope Ry Cooder would not be insulted to learn that his music proved to be just perfect for the job.

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You may also recall that the first 90 copies of the hardback were delivered to me with oversized dust jackets. I went back to the printer for new ones, and have finally received new ones in the correct size.

I have only to:

• fold all 90 dust jackets (ongoing, taking absolutely HOURS done),
• sign and number the books themselves (update: done),
• cut up and distribute among the first 90 shinging copies the erratum slips I manually typed (update: done), then
• start buying postage.

The end approaches!

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👉 If you or someone you know is struggling, please reach out to a crisis line in your country. In the UK, Samaritans are available any time on 116 123.

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