Below is what I have posted on my tumblr, it not only explains why there has been a long absence from writing posts on this blog but also where I have been the last year or so. I’ve really found a home on twitter and tumblr, but I want to start writing longer posts in the future. The button to donate is located on my tumblr page ( http://fatbodypolitics.tumblr.com/). I also suggest you follow it and follow me on twitter (https://twitter.com/FatBodyPolitics). I rant there regularly.

Last night I added a donation button to my blog hoping that regular readers and fans of my work would contribute to the blog so that I am able to continue to work I have been doing the last 8 years. All of this time hasn’t been easy, especially the last 2 years while I have been finishing my degree and working 2-3 part time jobs attempting to scrape by. I haven’t been able to contribute to my own blog in the way I would prefer since combined with a lack of funds, depression and anxiety about being broke makes it hard for me to write long coherent posts.

As of now I am currently searching for a full time job without much luck and my one steady gig as a caregiver has been put on hold due to illness with the person I care for. I’m also entering graduate school so I have a little bit of financial aid to keep me afloat for the next few months but not nearly enough to live on.

Asking for donations is something that taken me a long time to accept, partially because this work is not considered to be real or have value and I have had to remind myself that I am valuable. There are other places where you won’t be asked to contribute and I’m completely ok with people feeling like I am asking for too much, but the words I write here, on twitter or on my blog (when I have the energy for a longer post) are my collective experience and knowledge within fat politics and women’s issues overall. I wouldn’t be asking for contributions if I didn’t think that my background was worth it.

If you would prefer to not just give me money willy-nilly I also have an Etsy shop where you can buy things from me instead. FW Originals 

All that said, donations are not an obligation by any means. I appreciate everyone who takes the time to read and share what I write regardless of who has the funds to help me out in this dire time. I hope with extra funds I will be able to write longer posts and have more time to work on fat positive projects I have been putting off.

-Amanda-