Q: General etiquette rules dictate that you need to send thank you notes within two weeks of the funeral. Your friends and loved ones know you're grieving, so if you take longer to send the notes out, don't worry. A late thank you note is better than no thank you note at all. If the prospect of thanking dozens of people after the death of a loved one feels overwhelming, don't hesitate to ask those around you for help. Even if it's sending someone to the post office to buy you stamps or envelopes, delegate tasks to close friends or family members. Finally, don't feel bad if you don't get around to thank you notes. While they are a key component of good etiquette, during times of grief, etiquette can take a backseat to our mourning. So if you can't emotionally get through the thank you notes, don't beat yourself up for not finishing them.
A: Try to send them within two weeks. Solicit help if you need it. Remember that thank you notes are not a requirement.

Q: Copic pens come in a variety of colors and nib sizes, just as the markers do. Pens allow for very precise, thin lines when drawing, and sketch markers allow for slightly thicker, but still precise lines. The beginner artist can always draw in pencil first, then go over the lines with a Copic pen or sketch marker when satisfied with the initial sketch. Alternatively, you can use a rubber stamp to create the outline of a design, then color in the image using Copic markers. You can use either end of the Copic marker when coloring. Move the marker in small circles over the area you want to fill in order to cut down on visible lines and streaks. Experiment with using either end of the pen to find out which one works for you when coloring. When adding dimension, be sure to pick a color one or two shades darker than the base color, but still in the same color family. If you don't know where shading would look best, start with the outer edges of the design. In the space where the darker and lighter shades intersect, color the area with the lighter shade of marker, using circular motions. Copic markers work extremely well for blending, but you must blend while the colors are still relatively wet in order to create a seamless color transition. Try using different colors in different areas, practicing blending in each section. Allow the paper to dry completely before touching, framing, or handling in any way. If you plan on using colored pencils to add depth to an image, apply them as the last layer. The Copic marker's alcohol-based ink can't absorb into the paper through layers of pencil.
A: Draw the outline of your design with a Copic pen or sketch marker. Begin coloring with the lightest shade of your choice. Add in the darker shades to give depth or volume when coloring illustrations. Use the base shade to blend the two colors together. Continue coloring until you complete the illustration.

Q: Use a sharp paring knife to pierce the spaghetti squash in 10 to 15 places, spacing the cuts evenly apart. It is very important that you pierce the squash before microwaving it. Otherwise, it could overheat and explode in the microwave. Piercing the squash can be difficult, and you may need to use a forceful, stabbing motion to successfully work the knife through the exterior. Work carefully, however, so that you do not accidentally cut yourself in the process. Do not follow the preparation instructions for cutting the squash. The squash should be soft enough to pierce with a fork when done. If your microwave does not have a rotating turntable inside, rotate the squash 180 degrees after 5 or 6 minutes to make sure that it cooks evenly. You do not need to it to be cool to the touch, but allowing the squash to cool down for a few minutes will give it time to release some of the hottest steam and liquid through the cut marks. Use a sharp knife to cut the squash open lengthwise, from top to bottom. Wear oven mitts or hold the squash with a towel as you do this. It will still be hot. Cutting the squash open should be very easy. If it isn't, you may need to microwave it for another 2 to 3 minutes. Dig the seeds out with a metal spoon. The stringy pulp connected to the seeds should also come out, but be careful to avoid scraping out strands of flesh.
A:
Pierce the squash instead of cutting it. Microwave the squash for 10 to 12 minutes. Let it cool for several minutes. Cut the squash open. Scrape out the seeds.