Weekly proof of life: media intake
Apr. 19th, 2026 03:11 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
umadoshi(Thank you for the comments on my post yesterday about Claudia. I'll try to respond at least a bit.)
Reading: I finished Rachel Reid's Tough Guy, and then my digital hold on Adrian Tchaikovsky's Shroud came in from the Queens library, so I started in on that. I'm maybe a bit more than halfway through that now? It's interesting and I plan to finish it, but it took a long before I actually got interested, and I mainly kept reading through that chunk because I've enjoyed the handful of Tchaikovsky's other work that I've read quite a lot more than I was enjoying the beginning of this one, so I kept figuring I'd give it a bit longer. I doubt I'll wind up loving it, but I do want to see how things play out.
Watching:scruloose and I have finished everything we were watching! (And glancing at last week's proof-of-life post to see where we were then reminded me to cancel Crave just now, so yay for that. We'll be back eventually, Crave.) "Everything" in this case was the second seasons of OPLA, Frieren, and The Pitt.
My thoughts on Frieren at this point are, I think, more to do with the experience as filtered through its translation, and I'm going to ignore that for now and instead say the most important thing that I can possibly say at the end of that week of TV watching.
And that thing is this: against all odds, the live-action One Piece (which, as I have said countless times aloud and probably at least once here, if not more, should never have worked at all because it's One Piece, FFS) pulled off Chopper. I am floored. I am agog. I am delighted. I am still sort of mumbling "WTF???" about it under my breath once in a while. CHOPPER.
I won't say that he ever feels so natural to me that I forget he's a marvel of technology onscreen, but he works, and the voice is wonderful, and somehow even when I was at my most aware that he's not being performed by an actor in intensive makeup, he felt like...a stuffed animal/puppet brought to life? Not like CG? (Nothing like the plush Luna from the Sailor Moon drama, for the record.) It's incredible work and I love him so much. (I should also note that I haven't watched any making-of material, so all I know about the creation of Chopper is what Naye mentioned about his huge, shiny eyes accurately reflecting what he's looking at.)
As for what I'll/we'll watch next...I still haven't seen past the initially-released chunk of Justice in the Dark, so I'm trying the tactic of seeing ifscruloose will watch it with me, which means an excuse to start over and refresh myself on the drama, as opposed to my blurry combination of memories from watching those episodes and from reading the fan translation of the novel ages ago. scruloose is willing to at least give it a shot, so hopefully even if they don't wind up sticking with the show, I'll get some momentum on it.
Reading: I finished Rachel Reid's Tough Guy, and then my digital hold on Adrian Tchaikovsky's Shroud came in from the Queens library, so I started in on that. I'm maybe a bit more than halfway through that now? It's interesting and I plan to finish it, but it took a long before I actually got interested, and I mainly kept reading through that chunk because I've enjoyed the handful of Tchaikovsky's other work that I've read quite a lot more than I was enjoying the beginning of this one, so I kept figuring I'd give it a bit longer. I doubt I'll wind up loving it, but I do want to see how things play out.
Watching:
scruloose and I have finished everything we were watching! (And glancing at last week's proof-of-life post to see where we were then reminded me to cancel Crave just now, so yay for that. We'll be back eventually, Crave.) "Everything" in this case was the second seasons of OPLA, Frieren, and The Pitt.My thoughts on Frieren at this point are, I think, more to do with the experience as filtered through its translation, and I'm going to ignore that for now and instead say the most important thing that I can possibly say at the end of that week of TV watching.
And that thing is this: against all odds, the live-action One Piece (which, as I have said countless times aloud and probably at least once here, if not more, should never have worked at all because it's One Piece, FFS) pulled off Chopper. I am floored. I am agog. I am delighted. I am still sort of mumbling "WTF???" about it under my breath once in a while. CHOPPER.
I won't say that he ever feels so natural to me that I forget he's a marvel of technology onscreen, but he works, and the voice is wonderful, and somehow even when I was at my most aware that he's not being performed by an actor in intensive makeup, he felt like...a stuffed animal/puppet brought to life? Not like CG? (Nothing like the plush Luna from the Sailor Moon drama, for the record.) It's incredible work and I love him so much. (I should also note that I haven't watched any making-of material, so all I know about the creation of Chopper is what Naye mentioned about his huge, shiny eyes accurately reflecting what he's looking at.)
As for what I'll/we'll watch next...I still haven't seen past the initially-released chunk of Justice in the Dark, so I'm trying the tactic of seeing if
scruloose will watch it with me, which means an excuse to start over and refresh myself on the drama, as opposed to my blurry combination of memories from watching those episodes and from reading the fan translation of the novel ages ago. scruloose is willing to at least give it a shot, so hopefully even if they don't wind up sticking with the show, I'll get some momentum on it.
Birdfeeding
Apr. 19th, 2026 12:29 pmysabetwordsmithToday is partly sunny, breezy, and cool. There is a frost warning for tonight, so I'm doing non-planting tasks today.
I set out my flats of plants to get some sun.
EDIT 4/19/26 -- I fed the birds. I've seen a few house finches.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 4/19/26 -- I wanted to waterseal the solid-top pallet today. But while I was trying to lay out the dropcloth for that, the wind picked up so much that it wouldn't lay still no matter how I weighted the edges or middle. I had to give up and undo everything. >_< Frustrating.
.
I set out my flats of plants to get some sun.
EDIT 4/19/26 -- I fed the birds. I've seen a few house finches.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 4/19/26 -- I wanted to waterseal the solid-top pallet today. But while I was trying to lay out the dropcloth for that, the wind picked up so much that it wouldn't lay still no matter how I weighted the edges or middle. I had to give up and undo everything. >_< Frustrating.
.
Poem: "Food Is Everything We Are"
Apr. 19th, 2026 01:51 amysabetwordsmithThis is the freebie for the April 2026 ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png)
crowdfunding Creative Jam. It was inspired by fan art from gs_silva, plus comments on "Walnut Park" from chanter1944, wispfox, and readera. It also fills the "match" square in my 4-1-26 card for the Flower Fest Bingo. This poem belongs to the Broken Angels thread of the Polychrome Heroics series.
( Read more... )
crowdfunding Creative Jam. It was inspired by fan art from gs_silva, plus comments on "Walnut Park" from chanter1944, wispfox, and readera. It also fills the "match" square in my 4-1-26 card for the Flower Fest Bingo. This poem belongs to the Broken Angels thread of the Polychrome Heroics series.( Read more... )
Tags:
Just one thing: 19 April 2026
Apr. 18th, 2026 10:00 pmjazzyjj posting in awesomeersIt's challenge time!
Comment with Just One Thing you've accomplished in the last 24 hours or so. It doesn't have to be a hard thing, or even a thing that you think is particularly awesome. Just a thing that you did.
Feel free to share more than one thing if you're feeling particularly accomplished!
Extra credit: find someone in the comments and give them props for what they achieved!
Nothing is too big, too small, too strange or too cryptic. And in case you'd rather do this in private, anonymous comments are screened. I will only unscreen if you ask me to.
Go!
Comment with Just One Thing you've accomplished in the last 24 hours or so. It doesn't have to be a hard thing, or even a thing that you think is particularly awesome. Just a thing that you did.
Feel free to share more than one thing if you're feeling particularly accomplished!
Extra credit: find someone in the comments and give them props for what they achieved!
Nothing is too big, too small, too strange or too cryptic. And in case you'd rather do this in private, anonymous comments are screened. I will only unscreen if you ask me to.
Go!
Nature
Apr. 18th, 2026 08:33 pmysabetwordsmithNature may ease loneliness in ways exercise cannot
The results show that everyday activities in nature can shape emotional wellbeing.
“The conclusion is that outdoor activities in natural environments largely have a protective effect against loneliness,” said Sindre Johan Cottis Hoff, a PhD research fellow at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.
So let's look at how loneliness works, how nature can lift it, and some things you can do to encourage that...
( Read more... )
The results show that everyday activities in nature can shape emotional wellbeing.
“The conclusion is that outdoor activities in natural environments largely have a protective effect against loneliness,” said Sindre Johan Cottis Hoff, a PhD research fellow at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology.
So let's look at how loneliness works, how nature can lift it, and some things you can do to encourage that...
( Read more... )
Moment of Silence: Sid Krofft
Apr. 18th, 2026 08:05 pmysabetwordsmithSid Krofft has passed away. He and his brother Marty created the TV show Land of the Lost, among a great many other things. I remember that show fondly. The age shows now, but at the time, it looked pretty cool.
Carry on the Work
How to Build a Quality Puppet: 11 Steps
How to Make a Stop Motion Video (Quick Step Guide)
Puppetry 101
A Step-by-Step Guide to Developing a TV Show
Carry on the Work
How to Build a Quality Puppet: 11 Steps
How to Make a Stop Motion Video (Quick Step Guide)
Puppetry 101
A Step-by-Step Guide to Developing a TV Show
Grebes in the Rain
Apr. 18th, 2026 07:09 pmyourlibrarian posting in common_nature
We have seen grebes many times but very often they are solo or there may be two. It was unusual to see a group swimming together, which this one did for some time.
( Read more... )
sciatic nerves were a mistake
Apr. 18th, 2026 11:55 pmkaberettAround the beginning of March (before I started lifting! it's okay, I promise I am monitoring all of this responsibly <3) I had a couple of weeks where I didn't manage to do as much stretching of my hips as usual. Whereupon. my left leg. pitched a tantrum. So I have been grumbling along with sciatic-nerve pain for the last month and a half, and getting on with life around it because, you know, pain, watcha gonna do.
... this morning, on the way to Acquire Breakfast, it blessedly, unpleasantly, emphatically twanged -- and there ensued several whole hours wherein it didn't hurt.
Tragically I then resumed sitting on the sofa in order to poke at computer some more, and despite position shifting......... yep, it retwanged itself.
I Am Doing My Stretches. :|
Some good things nonetheless:
- brief respite from The Grumpy Nerve
- we arrived at coot nest #1 when it was still in shade, and hung around long enough for the sun to hit it; whereupon the grown-ups Stood Up and the BABIES went on ADVENTURES. at one point a mallard with went by with her four tiny fluffy ducklings! and then subsequently More Coots! and all the Egyptian goslings are happily pootling about in the water, now, and several of them have discovered that they can go ZOOM under said water :)
- there is on the way to the coots a very dramatic tulip, which I have been watching with interest: it's lily-flowered, with very pointed petals, and started out almost entirely white with just a tiny splotch of red at the tips of the petals. it's now got red feathering along all the edges of all of the petals and it's delightful.
- bakery treats: v pleasant savoury pastry thing, Bred Puddin, cardamom bun. also enjoyed nibbling some of A's ridiculous raspberry brownie cruffin Situation.
- we made a trip to the Household Waste Recycling Centre! I did not acquire a weights bench! ... A did acquire a scooter. for scooting. with The Child. therefore: we successfully got multiple things Out of the house, and the thing that has come in is Not My Fault. (and will make the Child very happy!)
- ... turns out that doing lots of stapling hurts less when I actually activate muscles all the way down my back than if I just sort of mash my joints...
Water
Apr. 18th, 2026 03:31 pmysabetwordsmithWater is flowing faster and vanishing sooner in the western U.S.
In mountain regions, snow acts like a natural reservoir that stores water for months and releases it slowly. Rain behaves differently. It moves quickly across the surface or through shallow soil layers.
( Read more... )
In mountain regions, snow acts like a natural reservoir that stores water for months and releases it slowly. Rain behaves differently. It moves quickly across the surface or through shallow soil layers.
( Read more... )
Science
Apr. 18th, 2026 03:25 pmysabetwordsmithScientists build 'living reefs' that protect coasts and keep growing
This new approach centers on a hybrid reef system. It starts with engineered materials, then lets living organisms take over.
Over time, oysters and other marine life settle in, turning the structure into a living reef that keeps getting stronger.
It turns out that humans are actually quite good at inventing reef structures that turn into excellent habitat. Various models exist for different kinds of water conditions and target species. In general though, do watch for designs with negative space inside, because those hollows provide better protection for wildlife from predators and a larger volume of habitat.
This new approach centers on a hybrid reef system. It starts with engineered materials, then lets living organisms take over.
Over time, oysters and other marine life settle in, turning the structure into a living reef that keeps getting stronger.
It turns out that humans are actually quite good at inventing reef structures that turn into excellent habitat. Various models exist for different kinds of water conditions and target species. In general though, do watch for designs with negative space inside, because those hollows provide better protection for wildlife from predators and a larger volume of habitat.
Authority, by Jeff Vandermeer
Apr. 18th, 2026 10:13 amrachelmanija
This sequel to Annihilation takes an unusual approach. Rather than returning to Area X, almost the entire book takes place outside of it, focusing on the scientific/government agency, the Southern Reach, which has been sending expeditions into it.
Most of the book is bureaucratic shenanigans with creeping horror undertones. The main character, unsubtly nicknamed Control, is slowly losing his mind trying to figure out what the hell happened to his predecessor and why she kept a live plant feeding off a dead mouse in her desk drawer, what is up with the bizarre incantatory literal writings on the wall, and what's up with the biologist, who has seemingly returned from Area X but says she's not the biologist and asks to be called Ghost Bird. There's parts that are interesting but also a lot of office satire which is not really what I was looking for in this series.
About 80% in, the book took a turn that got me suddenly very interested.
( Read more... )
I kind of want to know what happens next but I'm not sure Vandermeer is interested in giving readers what they want.
Birdfeeding
Apr. 18th, 2026 10:52 amysabetwordsmithToday is cloudy and cold. We got a good soaking rain last night. :D
I fed the birds. I've seen a few house finches.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 4/18/26 -- We went up to the Third Saturday Bazaar in the Otto Center, and also stopped at a greenhouse where I bought a flat of flowers and a couple extra petunias. But then I got home to find a frost warning for Sunday night. *headdesk*
EDIT 4/18/26 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 4/18/26 -- I filled a trolley with sticks from the south lot and dumped those in the firepit.
EDIT 4/18/26 -- I did more work around the patio.
EDIT 4/18/26 -- I did more work around the patio.
I am done for the night.
I fed the birds. I've seen a few house finches.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 4/18/26 -- We went up to the Third Saturday Bazaar in the Otto Center, and also stopped at a greenhouse where I bought a flat of flowers and a couple extra petunias. But then I got home to find a frost warning for Sunday night. *headdesk*
EDIT 4/18/26 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 4/18/26 -- I filled a trolley with sticks from the south lot and dumped those in the firepit.
EDIT 4/18/26 -- I did more work around the patio.
EDIT 4/18/26 -- I did more work around the patio.
I am done for the night.
The Hit List – Tornado Watching
Apr. 18th, 2026 01:23 pm![[syndicated profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/feed.png){kind=small}
thetarotlady_feed
I grew up in the sticks. Which meant one thing: tornadoes. They were terrifying. Even more so because my mother and grandmother hustled us down to the tiny spider-infested root cellar to pray by candlelight. While I didn’t want to get whisked away like the Wicked Witch, I also didn’t want to get bitten by one of those hairy wolf spiders. Both options were unappealing, but I didn’t have much choice in the matter.
Meanwhile, Dad would stand outside with a beer, watching the clouds form the familiar funnel shape. One of us children was tasked with running upstairs to tell him to come inside. Eventually, he joined us in that tiny, creepy cellar.
One of the (many) reasons I chose city life is because of the belief that tornadoes don’t tear down cities. I don’t know where I got that from, but so far, my home has been safe.
Yet, this past week, the weather turned wild. A massive storm system tore through the state, with lightning, thunder, softball-sized hail, and tornadoes! Our city got flooded – and the winds ripped a neighbor’s trees out by the roots.
My children, who are cautious types, hunkered down in their basements until the worst was over. And me? I was on the third floor, a glass of wine in hand, watching the weather. Just like Dad.
xo
Theresa
Other stuff:
Big stuff: Astrology Aligns with Major Shifts in Humanity. Don’t Believe Us? Check Out These Transits.
Horrific: Exposing a global ‘rape academy.’
Such hypocrites: Fewer Teen Births Is Good, Unless You’re the Patriarchy.
Shakespeare Bought One Property in London. Now We Know Exactly Where.
Why is this happening: They Survived Human Trafficking — Then ICE Detained Them.
All about astrocartography: The travellers mapping their holiday by the stars.
Yeah, I’ll take a pass on hiking: Alpine Divorce Is the Harrowing Dating Trend So Many Women Find All Too Relatable.
Woman Thinks She’s ‘Cursed’ So Goes to Tarot Reader—Then Comes Diagnosis.
Are you going to read it: Nine Takeaways From Lena Dunham’s Famesick.
Super cool: The Black Bird Oracle Deck.
Added to the wish list: The Violet Flame: Ignite the Sacred Fire Within to Transform Your Shadows, Awaken Your Power and Step into Your True Purpose.
Intriguing: Gemstone Astrology for Your Best Self: How to Use Crystals to Amplify Your Birth Chart.
Need: Astrology and Healing Trauma: Using Your Birth Chart in the Journey Toward Recovery.
Wow: The Esoteric Astrology Oracle: A Living Current of Wisdom.
This gorgeous book belongs on your shelf: Your Cosmic Blueprint: Master the Art of Reading an Astrology Chart.
Coming this summer: Tarot: The Open Labyrinth―40th Anniversary Edition: Understanding Your Journey Through the Cards by Rachel Pollack.
Available for preorder: The Book of Astrological Returns – Your Complete Guide to Every Life Cycle from the Sun to Pluto.
Coming this fall: Tarot Affirmations.
My entire catalog of books. Order one for yourself. Or the whole shebang. Treat yourself – or someone you love!
When you’re self-employed, you gotta make lots of decisions every week. Astrology can help you make wiser choices—and choose the optimal dates for everything you need to do. Read The AstroBiz Digest and discover the connection between astrology and good business.
Wondering how to get your mystical, magical book done and published? I teach that with my newest offering: The Metaphysical Author’s Confidential – a newsletter for witchy writers: The Metaphysical Author’s Confidential.
Need guidance in bringing your metaphysical book to the world? I’ll support you from manuscript to market, ensuring your work connects with its audience: specially designed mentoring services for authors in the mystical genre.
Classes and Events
Join my Patreon Community! I offer extended card-of-the-day interpretations, astrological tidbits, community tarot practice, political astrology, early sneak peeks at horoscopes….and more. Higher tiers get access to live classes, replays of previous classes, mentoring, and more.
May 3: Book Launch at Malliway Brothers in Chicago! Join me for a quick talk on my newest book, The Book of Astrological Returns: Your Complete Guide to Every Life Cycle from the Sun to Pluto. Come down, say hi, purchase a book, and get it signed! This is the official launch, ya’ll. Get your bods there!
May 7: Aum Shanti, NY at 6:30 PM ET. I’ll be talking about returns and my latest book – and sticking around to sign ’em! Books will be available for purchase. Hope to see you there!
May 9: Femme Fatale, DC. at 6:30 PM ET. Join me for a free discussion about planetary returns – and get your copy of my latest book signed! Books available for purchase. It’s going to be epic!
May 23: Boston Tea Room, Ferndale, MI. I’ll be talking about my book and signing a bunch! Come on down, grab some tea, and let’s meet. Books available for purchase. I love the Detroit area!
June 20: Tidal Passages, Ipswich, MA from 12 – 2 PM. Join me and learn about returns. Get a book, get it signed, and say hi!
June 21: Copper Dog, Beverly, MA from 4 PM – 6 PM. Super stoked to return to the Copper Dog to talk about returns! Woo hoo! Join me, ask me anything, and get your book signed!
Astrology Made Simple. Struggle to understand astrology? This five-week class will get you interpreting charts with confidence. Online. Starting Tuesday, June 30th.
What I’m Grateful For:
Shelter
Sushi delivery
Long writing days
Honest friends
Soundtrack for 4/18/26
Outside by Psychobuildings
© Theresa Reed | The Tarot Lady 2026
images from stock photography and personal collection
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The post The Hit List – Tornado Watching appeared first on The Tarot Lady.
Just One Thing (18 April 2026)
Apr. 18th, 2026 08:21 amnanila posting in awesomeersIt's challenge time!
Comment with Just One Thing you've accomplished in the last 24 hours or so. It doesn't have to be a hard thing, or even a thing that you think is particularly awesome. Just a thing that you did.
Feel free to share more than one thing if you're feeling particularly accomplished! Extra credit: find someone in the comments and give them props for what they achieved!
Nothing is too big, too small, too strange or too cryptic. And in case you'd rather do this in private, anonymous comments are screened. I will only unscreen if you ask me to.
Go!
Comment with Just One Thing you've accomplished in the last 24 hours or so. It doesn't have to be a hard thing, or even a thing that you think is particularly awesome. Just a thing that you did.
Feel free to share more than one thing if you're feeling particularly accomplished! Extra credit: find someone in the comments and give them props for what they achieved!
Nothing is too big, too small, too strange or too cryptic. And in case you'd rather do this in private, anonymous comments are screened. I will only unscreen if you ask me to.
Go!
Creative Jam
Apr. 18th, 2026 01:21 amysabetwordsmithThe April crowdfunding Creative Jam is now open with a theme of "Progress." Come give us prompts, or claim some for your own inspiration.
What I Have Written
From My Prompts
Prompt: Practicing will improve your skill level
crowdfunding Creative Jam is now open with a theme of "Progress." Come give us prompts, or claim some for your own inspiration.What I Have Written
From My Prompts
Prompt: Practicing will improve your skill level
Tags:
Philosophical Questions:
Apr. 18th, 2026 12:40 amysabetwordsmithPeople have expressed interest in deep topics, so this list focuses on philosophical questions.
How important is freedom of the press to a healthy society?
( Read more... )
How important is freedom of the press to a healthy society?
( Read more... )