The first two (ish) weeks
Jan. 13th, 2026 09:36 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
aomeI've been trying very hard to work on those resolutions I made, although I can tell my ability to limit social media time is already slipping a little. But I *am* trying to be more aware of how much time I'm spending, and when I'm starting to mindlessly scroll, I'm getting off. ( As for other resolutions )
So, anyway, most of those are still just tiny steps in the grand scheme of things, but I'm pleased with my conscious commitment to them. Two weeks down (well, nearly), only fifty left to go! :-P
In other news: I have a job!. Sort of. ( Yet another leave-of-absence position )
I had one final sub gig this morning at the K-2 school I was at two years ago, where I've stayed friends with the other specialists and have subbed for them on a regular basis since leaving my last leave-of-absence post (the grade 3-5 school) in June 2024. They kindly got me a cake to celebrate getting an actual job again. I'll miss them, though, and the school.
Next time: New Avatar movie, and the first books I finished.
In other news: Two turns 22 on Saturday. What.
So, anyway, most of those are still just tiny steps in the grand scheme of things, but I'm pleased with my conscious commitment to them. Two weeks down (well, nearly), only fifty left to go! :-P
In other news: I have a job!. Sort of. ( Yet another leave-of-absence position )
I had one final sub gig this morning at the K-2 school I was at two years ago, where I've stayed friends with the other specialists and have subbed for them on a regular basis since leaving my last leave-of-absence post (the grade 3-5 school) in June 2024. They kindly got me a cake to celebrate getting an actual job again. I'll miss them, though, and the school.
Next time: New Avatar movie, and the first books I finished.
In other news: Two turns 22 on Saturday. What.
Poetry Fiction: Touching History as We Go
Jan. 13th, 2026 07:41 pmsenmutAO3 Link | Touching History as We Go (1014 words) by Merfilly
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Forgotten Realms, The Legend of Drizzt Series - R. A. Salvatore
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Drizzt Do'Urden/Alustriel Silverhand
Characters: Alustriel Silverhand, Drizzt Do'Urden
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Disguises, Grief/Mourning, Inspired by Poetry
Series: Part 9 of Legacy of the Silver Marches
Summary:
From Twilight Calm - Christina Rossetti
But evening now is done
As much as if the sun
Day-giving had arisen in the East:
For night has come; and the great calm has ceased,
The quiet sands have run.
Death comes to all in turn, they say. I have seen it swiftly, I have seen it come slow. Never do I touch its presence without some emotion. Relief, in cases of enemies that would not turn from their path. Sorrow, for the ones it takes by choking off the time ahead of them. Shock, when it braces a young one in their prime.
But I can see it is a needful thing. Not merely for the natural order of things, but for cleansing the way to new thought, new deeds, new ways. Something in age clogs many minds from adapting, changing as thoughts lead in new directions. I find peace in the idea that, when my life is at an end, there will be those who knew of me, of my Companions, who tell the tales we made.
I but hope that they remember not only the daring deeds, but the cautionary mishaps as well.
— Drizzt Do'Urden
The travelers kept their hoods low, even as they knew it would take a powerful magic user to discern their identities. The tavern was quiet and only half-full, but a bard had taken the stage and begun a quiet ballad.
"Someone knows history," the woman said after listening to the first bars.
"As told," the man said with a sigh. "They'll leave out how close it was for him at the end."
"Hmm, likely. But in this day and age, from all we've seen so far, they need to know of heroes, have them to look up to and be inspired by."
He looked at her, his eyes dancing with mirth. "I'll remember that when you protest the ballads composed of your sacrifices and leadership."
"Oh, I've had plenty of time to grow accustomed to such. But you, my dear ranger… what will you do when you hear of your own deeds sung with lusty bardic vigor?"
"Make a nuisance of myself trying to inject truth in the matter," he said, smiling before he applied spoon to bowl, rather than focus on the tale of a wizard he'd known during the Gods' War.
Brielle pulled up short, making Gavren turn back to her. Her face spoke of anguish, and he sucked in a deep breath. The lingering magical traces in this land spoke of past battles, but for her… it had to have been personal.
"What is it, my star?"
"The staff of Silverymoon." She gave up pretense of being able to move from this spot, dropping down on her knees, hands going into the barren soil. Her eyes scanned out, taking note of the vague hillocks and depressions, signs of things buried in haste and rotted away after.
Gavren came and knelt in front of her, drawing her head to his shoulder. With a mere thought, he called to their dear astral friend and Guenhwyvar appeared, no longer constrained by the figure of wondrous power. She took up guard over them in this desolate place, letting him hold his beloved as she mourned.
"Silverymoon's last defense to the west," he murmured. "Your son being impossibly strong-willed and ending the fight that occurred, but at such cost." He stroked down her hair, letting her cry it out. There would be moments like this, over and over, as they wandered the realms in their new guises. Both had been too embroiled in the Gods' War, had known too many of the major players in the pitched battles and back-room scheming.
"Methri made so many mistakes, and yet… he did believe in the people and ideas of Silverymoon and the Silver Marches." She settled back on her heels, reaching up to wipe at her face with a cloth pulled out of her cloak's pocket.
"He did, on both accounts. But we all did, the mistakes making. And for many of us, it was the belief in our people, in each other, that gave us the strength to push through what the gods did to us all in their own madnesses." Gavren stroked her face, then tucked a braid back behind her ear. "It is hardest, in some ways, for you about Methri. Because he was your heir, following in your footsteps."
She sniffled, then nodded. "Once the Refuge took Tyresia from him, he threw himself into everything of Silverymoon I would allow. And he won the position by the vote, when Taern died, so it was on his own merit. I just never saw how deeply his caution could cut across the allies we'd made."
"You cannot second-guess him from this point of history," Gavren told her, placing a kiss on her brow. "All either of us can do is try to help the rebuilding we see, give aid to those who still have the vision of a future that holds knowledge and compassion in the highest regard."
"And use what we knew as truth to provide the bitter stories of how even goodly traits can lead to the wrong choices?" Brielle questioned, before sighing. "Yes, even that will be needed, especially with what we've learned so far of the rising powers in the lands."
"Any trait may be a strength or a weakness," Gavren told her. "You and I can press that point as it is needed. But. For now… we're not so far from the Silverwood, and we can be inside the city by nightfall?"
She considered, then shook her head. "Unless the traces are bothering you, let us stay here, so I can meditate, and be certain he has not become a weave ghost tied to this place?"
"Of course, my star." He pushed back to his feet, a look at Guen bringing her closer. The panther pushed into the moon-elf's space, prompting a small laugh and much petting, while Gavren saw to setting camp. They would tend to the needful matters, and move on to the city where at least one of their children was building anew.
Perhaps, in putting her own sense of Methri to rest, it would help Brielle be ready for the fresh start they had promised one another in truth.
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Forgotten Realms, The Legend of Drizzt Series - R. A. Salvatore
Rating: General Audiences
Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply
Relationships: Drizzt Do'Urden/Alustriel Silverhand
Characters: Alustriel Silverhand, Drizzt Do'Urden
Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Canon Divergence, Disguises, Grief/Mourning, Inspired by Poetry
Series: Part 9 of Legacy of the Silver Marches
Summary:
Drizzt and Alustriel, in their guises as Gavren and Brielle, on their trek to Silverymoon pass where Methri fell.
From Twilight Calm - Christina Rossetti
But evening now is done
As much as if the sun
Day-giving had arisen in the East:
For night has come; and the great calm has ceased,
The quiet sands have run.
Touching History as We Go
Death comes to all in turn, they say. I have seen it swiftly, I have seen it come slow. Never do I touch its presence without some emotion. Relief, in cases of enemies that would not turn from their path. Sorrow, for the ones it takes by choking off the time ahead of them. Shock, when it braces a young one in their prime.
But I can see it is a needful thing. Not merely for the natural order of things, but for cleansing the way to new thought, new deeds, new ways. Something in age clogs many minds from adapting, changing as thoughts lead in new directions. I find peace in the idea that, when my life is at an end, there will be those who knew of me, of my Companions, who tell the tales we made.
I but hope that they remember not only the daring deeds, but the cautionary mishaps as well.
— Drizzt Do'Urden
The travelers kept their hoods low, even as they knew it would take a powerful magic user to discern their identities. The tavern was quiet and only half-full, but a bard had taken the stage and begun a quiet ballad.
"Someone knows history," the woman said after listening to the first bars.
"As told," the man said with a sigh. "They'll leave out how close it was for him at the end."
"Hmm, likely. But in this day and age, from all we've seen so far, they need to know of heroes, have them to look up to and be inspired by."
He looked at her, his eyes dancing with mirth. "I'll remember that when you protest the ballads composed of your sacrifices and leadership."
"Oh, I've had plenty of time to grow accustomed to such. But you, my dear ranger… what will you do when you hear of your own deeds sung with lusty bardic vigor?"
"Make a nuisance of myself trying to inject truth in the matter," he said, smiling before he applied spoon to bowl, rather than focus on the tale of a wizard he'd known during the Gods' War.
Brielle pulled up short, making Gavren turn back to her. Her face spoke of anguish, and he sucked in a deep breath. The lingering magical traces in this land spoke of past battles, but for her… it had to have been personal.
"What is it, my star?"
"The staff of Silverymoon." She gave up pretense of being able to move from this spot, dropping down on her knees, hands going into the barren soil. Her eyes scanned out, taking note of the vague hillocks and depressions, signs of things buried in haste and rotted away after.
Gavren came and knelt in front of her, drawing her head to his shoulder. With a mere thought, he called to their dear astral friend and Guenhwyvar appeared, no longer constrained by the figure of wondrous power. She took up guard over them in this desolate place, letting him hold his beloved as she mourned.
"Silverymoon's last defense to the west," he murmured. "Your son being impossibly strong-willed and ending the fight that occurred, but at such cost." He stroked down her hair, letting her cry it out. There would be moments like this, over and over, as they wandered the realms in their new guises. Both had been too embroiled in the Gods' War, had known too many of the major players in the pitched battles and back-room scheming.
"Methri made so many mistakes, and yet… he did believe in the people and ideas of Silverymoon and the Silver Marches." She settled back on her heels, reaching up to wipe at her face with a cloth pulled out of her cloak's pocket.
"He did, on both accounts. But we all did, the mistakes making. And for many of us, it was the belief in our people, in each other, that gave us the strength to push through what the gods did to us all in their own madnesses." Gavren stroked her face, then tucked a braid back behind her ear. "It is hardest, in some ways, for you about Methri. Because he was your heir, following in your footsteps."
She sniffled, then nodded. "Once the Refuge took Tyresia from him, he threw himself into everything of Silverymoon I would allow. And he won the position by the vote, when Taern died, so it was on his own merit. I just never saw how deeply his caution could cut across the allies we'd made."
"You cannot second-guess him from this point of history," Gavren told her, placing a kiss on her brow. "All either of us can do is try to help the rebuilding we see, give aid to those who still have the vision of a future that holds knowledge and compassion in the highest regard."
"And use what we knew as truth to provide the bitter stories of how even goodly traits can lead to the wrong choices?" Brielle questioned, before sighing. "Yes, even that will be needed, especially with what we've learned so far of the rising powers in the lands."
"Any trait may be a strength or a weakness," Gavren told her. "You and I can press that point as it is needed. But. For now… we're not so far from the Silverwood, and we can be inside the city by nightfall?"
She considered, then shook her head. "Unless the traces are bothering you, let us stay here, so I can meditate, and be certain he has not become a weave ghost tied to this place?"
"Of course, my star." He pushed back to his feet, a look at Guen bringing her closer. The panther pushed into the moon-elf's space, prompting a small laugh and much petting, while Gavren saw to setting camp. They would tend to the needful matters, and move on to the city where at least one of their children was building anew.
Perhaps, in putting her own sense of Methri to rest, it would help Brielle be ready for the fresh start they had promised one another in truth.
Panel Suggestions Open
Jan. 13th, 2026 06:09 pmboxofdelights posting in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
wisconIf you have an idea for a Wiscon panel -- even a half-baked idea -- you can propose it here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfvi7TCCIHg82rSpzrUKl8wX2SNMevlGP5HxOOnqa0pkrWu2w/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=106072416256127446722
Seriously, even if your idea is just "We have to talk about Heated Rivalry!" it's okay to propose that. The Panels team will take all the input we get, and work to shape it into a proposed schedule.
If you'd like to talk your idea over before you suggest it, you can use the comments to this post, or start a new post in this group, or start a new post in your own space and maybe also point your readers here?
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfvi7TCCIHg82rSpzrUKl8wX2SNMevlGP5HxOOnqa0pkrWu2w/viewform?usp=sharing&ouid=106072416256127446722
Seriously, even if your idea is just "We have to talk about Heated Rivalry!" it's okay to propose that. The Panels team will take all the input we get, and work to shape it into a proposed schedule.
If you'd like to talk your idea over before you suggest it, you can use the comments to this post, or start a new post in this group, or start a new post in your own space and maybe also point your readers here?
Daily Check-In
Jan. 13th, 2026 06:03 pmstarwatcher posting in fandom_checkinThis is your check-in post for today. The poll will be open from midnight Universal or Zulu Time (8pm Eastern Time) on Tuesday, January 13, to midnight on Wednesday, January 14. (8pm Eastern Time).
Poll #34079 Daily Check-in
This poll is closed.
Open to: Access List, detailed results viewable to: Access List, participants: 25
Open to: Access List, detailed results viewable to: Access List, participants: 25
How are you doing?
I am OK.
16 (64.0%)
I am not OK, but don't need help right now.
9 (36.0%)
I could use some help.
0 (0.0%)
How many other humans live with you?
I am living single.
9 (36.0%)
One other person.
10 (40.0%)
More than one other person.
6 (24.0%)
Please, talk about how things are going for you in the comments, ask for advice or help if you need it, or just discuss whatever you feel like.
More Laser-Eyed Loon Art
Jan. 13th, 2026 01:52 pmlydamorehouse
Image: the "don't tread on me" snake being beheaded by a laser-eyed loon with the Minnesota flag on its chest (created by Andrew Prekker).
You know I love my laser-eye loons and I could not have been happier to see this art pop up on my Facebook Feed. Andrew is selling this art on Redbubble and I bought a t-shirt immediately. (Feel free to click the link and get your own merch.) For those of you new to my journal, I posted about Minnesota's collective enjoyment out of imagining that the red eyes of the loon could (and should!) shoot laser beams in the past. My library card has a loon with lasers shooting out of its eyes and we NEARLY had a state flag with a loon shooting laser beams out of its eyes.
One thing I have learned while living in a police state is that I need to do one good thing a day or I go out of my mind with stress. Today, when I realized I was just pacing around the house trying not to doom scroll, I found out that Smitten Kitten (for out-of-towners, this is a sex positive, trans and queer owned sex shop) has been acting as a distribution center for people who are in hiding from the gestapo. They put out a call for diapers, etc. So, I hopped in my car, bought a few things at my local Menards, and then drove over to drop them off. Just feeling the energy in the shop, being greeted by people still excited to see my queer D&D t-shirt (actually ConFABulous, which I talked to the person about potentially coming to this next year)... it felt good, maybe even kind of normal in a This is NOT normal sort of way?
Right now, at 6:30 pm, I'm going to go throw on my coat and go sing with some neighbors. I am, apparently, someone who needs to DO.
Stay strong out there, everybody!
Vocabulary: Mountweazel
Jan. 13th, 2026 05:25 pmysabetwordsmithMountweazel [mount-wee-zuhl]
noun
1. a decoy entry in a reference work, such as a dictionary or encyclopedia, secretly planted among the genuine entries to catch other publishers in the act of copying content.
(More details on1word1day)
noun
1. a decoy entry in a reference work, such as a dictionary or encyclopedia, secretly planted among the genuine entries to catch other publishers in the act of copying content.
(More details on
1word1day)
Snowflake Challenge 2026 - Challenge 7: Three Things I Like About Myself
Jan. 13th, 2026 05:24 pmalthea_valara
Challenge #7
LIST THREE (or more) THINGS YOU LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF. They don’t have to be your favorite things, just things that you think are good. Feel free to expand as much or as little as you want.
Post your answer to today’s challenge in your own space and leave a comment in this post saying you did it.
Include a link to your post if you feel comfortable doing so. Also, feel free to entice engagement by giving us a preview of what your post covers.
+bursts out laughing+ Oh
snowflake_challenge, how did you know I needed this? I am someone who too often seeks the approval of others (and then is disappointed) when really, it's my own approval I should be striving for.I am not sure I would have been able to do this challenge a mere two weeks ago due to bad depression/anxiety at the time, but I've got some new meds that are helping, and life is turning to the positive again. And thus:
1. I feel I'm a strong writer.
I mean general writing here - I still need practice on fiction, but heck, even my fiction is, I feel, decent! But yes, I'm always being told that I write well, and I believe it. I have a knack for writing journal entries that flow well, with good transitions from point to point.
Sometimes I do draft entries, but TBH most of mine are stream-of-consciousness so I guess my brain likes organizing material into sensible chunks. I do find myself going back to previous sections to expand on a point or tweak a sentence, but mostly, they're written from top to bottom.
2. I'm getting better at acknowledging and recognizing my achievements.
This is important! No, I'm not perfect. Yes, I still have a HECK of a lot I need to learn about people-ing and adulthood and life in general. But I've come so far in the last few years. I've consistently kept up streaming on Twitch for almost five years now. That kind of consistently showing up is unusual for me. I'm still damned proud I even STARTED streaming in the first place, let alone kept it going.
I've also been employed since September 2024. Okay, it's only part time. But folks, I hadn't worked for TWELVE YEARS due to anxiety and depression. I am damned proud of myself for (a) finding the job opening (b) applying to it (c) with a KICK-ASS cover letter (d) doing well enough in the phone interview to be offered the job (e) staying employed this long (f) and not only that, but to be singled out to work on new projects because of past performance. This is huge!
One of the things I'm also getting better on is reaching out. I just had an incident at work where I had a question about what to do on an assignment, and in the past I would have REALLY procrastinated from saying anything, but I asked with minimal hesitation. THAT IS ALSO HUGE FOR ME.
3. I love my creativity!
I've always been drawn to creativity. As a kid, I wanted to be a novelist, and I liked to draw (even though I wasn't that great at it). I tried various forms of being actively creative, but what finally stuck for me was the fiber arts. I'm slowing down with them and my output isn't what it used to be, but it still tickles me to read question threads on Ravelry, or cheer on my teammates in Nerdopolis.
I love that I'm fearless with knitting and crochet. I'll try any pattern that catches my eye, even if it's a new technique. I love that I've designed my own knitted and crocheted dolls. I was so proud of myself when I figured out how to get a doll's dress hem to stop flipping up! And PLEATS! I've knitted box pleats! Probably never again, they are a pain, but I've DONE it.... in a pattern of my own design, having never done pleats before. Fearless? YUP!
I might have more to add to this, but for now, this is good. :)
Snowflake Challenge 7: Self-Love
Jan. 13th, 2026 05:01 pmysabetwordsmithSnowflake Challenge 7: Self-Love
LIST THREE (or more) THINGS YOU LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF. They don’t have to be your favorite things, just things that you think are good. Feel free to expand as much or as little as you want.
While we’re busy celebrating fandom, it’s good to remember to celebrate ourselves, too. Fandom is all of us! I know it’s often easier to talk about what we like about other people than it is to talk nicely about ourselves, but challenge yourself here.
( Read more... )
LIST THREE (or more) THINGS YOU LIKE ABOUT YOURSELF. They don’t have to be your favorite things, just things that you think are good. Feel free to expand as much or as little as you want.
While we’re busy celebrating fandom, it’s good to remember to celebrate ourselves, too. Fandom is all of us! I know it’s often easier to talk about what we like about other people than it is to talk nicely about ourselves, but challenge yourself here.
( Read more... )
i do hope you have a dime
Jan. 13th, 2026 05:40 pmmusesfoolI barely slept on Sunday night - maybe about 3 hours in total? - so I called out yesterday and went back to bed. I felt better but not great upon waking again after actually sleeping for another 2 hours, and spent most of the day zoned out on the couch, looking at tumblr. Last night I slept hard and today I woke up feeling much better, but ugh, sleep should not be so hard!
I know it's just January and winter but I can feel myself withdrawing and hermiting up, so if I'm late in responses to comments, that's why - it's definitely not you, it's me.
*
I know it's just January and winter but I can feel myself withdrawing and hermiting up, so if I'm late in responses to comments, that's why - it's definitely not you, it's me.
*
Holly Poly 2025 Pinch Hits Due January 25th
Jan. 13th, 2026 07:10 pmmaevedarcy posting in pinchhitsEvent: Holly Poly 2025
Event link:holly_poly
Pinch hit link: Details and claims in this post
Due date: January 25
#2: Riverdale (TV 2017), Glee (TV 2009), Person of Interest (TV)
#5: The Elementalists (Visual Novel), Heart of Battle - Fay Ikin, Havenfall is for Lovers (Visual Novel)
12: Nosferatu (2024), IT (Movies - Muschietti), Hellraiser (Movie 2022), Hemlock Grove, Skinwalkers (2006), crossover - Fandom
13: Akatsuki no Yona | Yona of the Dawn, Shoujo Kakumei Utena | Revolutionary Girl Utena (Anime & Manga), Miraculous Ladybug, Bakuage Sentai Boonboomger (TV), Original Work
14: Dangan Ronpa Series, Grisaia Series (Visual Novels), Buffy the Vampire Slayer & Related Fandoms, 裸執事 | Hadaka Shitsuji | Naked Butlers (Visual Novel), Clannad
15: Haikyuu!!, Ouran High School Host Club - All Media Types, Wind Breaker (Anime), Saiki Kusuo no Sai-nan | The Disastrous Life of Saiki K., Bungou Stray Dogs, Boku no Hero Academia | My Hero Academia (Anime & Manga), While You Were Sleeping (TV)
Event link:
holly_poly Pinch hit link: Details and claims in this post
Due date: January 25
#2: Riverdale (TV 2017), Glee (TV 2009), Person of Interest (TV)
#5: The Elementalists (Visual Novel), Heart of Battle - Fay Ikin, Havenfall is for Lovers (Visual Novel)
12: Nosferatu (2024), IT (Movies - Muschietti), Hellraiser (Movie 2022), Hemlock Grove, Skinwalkers (2006), crossover - Fandom
13: Akatsuki no Yona | Yona of the Dawn, Shoujo Kakumei Utena | Revolutionary Girl Utena (Anime & Manga), Miraculous Ladybug, Bakuage Sentai Boonboomger (TV), Original Work
14: Dangan Ronpa Series, Grisaia Series (Visual Novels), Buffy the Vampire Slayer & Related Fandoms, 裸執事 | Hadaka Shitsuji | Naked Butlers (Visual Novel), Clannad
15: Haikyuu!!, Ouran High School Host Club - All Media Types, Wind Breaker (Anime), Saiki Kusuo no Sai-nan | The Disastrous Life of Saiki K., Bungou Stray Dogs, Boku no Hero Academia | My Hero Academia (Anime & Manga), While You Were Sleeping (TV)
End-of-year wrap-up meme for 2025
Jan. 14th, 2026 10:29 amchina_shop2023 meme | 2021 meme | 2019 meme | 2018 meme | 2017 meme | 2016 meme | 2015 meme | 2014 meme | 2013 meme | 2012 meme | 2011 meme | 2010 meme | 2009 meme | 2008 meme | 2007 meme | 2006 meme
Meme! I've missed a couple of years, here and there, but I really want to maintain this tradition. In the interests of getting this done, I'm going to omit any questions I get stuck on. ;-p
But first I'll start with three self-recs from 2024, when I didn't do this meme.
( My 2025 fanworks and modding )
( The Meme (for 2025) )
Meme! I've missed a couple of years, here and there, but I really want to maintain this tradition. In the interests of getting this done, I'm going to omit any questions I get stuck on. ;-p
But first I'll start with three self-recs from 2024, when I didn't do this meme.
- After the Waiting (10,195 words, Guardian, outsider POV on the SID & on Shen Wei/Zhao Yunlan's new relationship, post-canon)
- The Best Thing for Everyone (8,726 words, Time of Fever/Unintentional Love Story, Go Hotae/Kim Donghee, bridging the gap between the two canons, angsty ending with hope for the future)
- Breakage and Repair (5,247 words, Guardian, Chu Shuzhi/Shen Wei/Zhao Yunlan, post-canon, angst --> get-together)
( My 2025 fanworks and modding )
( The Meme (for 2025) )
The Spy Who Loved Me - chapters 12 & 13
Jan. 13th, 2026 08:54 pmthemis1 posting in girlmeetstroubleChapter 12: ( Read more... )
Comment: I honestly think Fleming phoned this book in! The thugs behave idiotically, Bond’s heroic rescue of Viv involves him dragging her across the ground by her feet (he couldn’t have picked her up?!) and a man who in other books has dealt with hoards of bad guys is suddenly telling her he’s 007 in case he doesn’t survive dealing with these two incompetent thugs?! And Viv is rather quick to decide Bond isn't like the other men she's been involved with, when she's only just met him ...
Chapter 13: ( Read more... )
Comment: Well, Viv is very much both in the action and in trouble in this chapter! Bond is … less efficient than I would’ve expected, but it’s a long time since I read the other books.
Comment: I honestly think Fleming phoned this book in! The thugs behave idiotically, Bond’s heroic rescue of Viv involves him dragging her across the ground by her feet (he couldn’t have picked her up?!) and a man who in other books has dealt with hoards of bad guys is suddenly telling her he’s 007 in case he doesn’t survive dealing with these two incompetent thugs?! And Viv is rather quick to decide Bond isn't like the other men she's been involved with, when she's only just met him ...
Chapter 13: ( Read more... )
Comment: Well, Viv is very much both in the action and in trouble in this chapter! Bond is … less efficient than I would’ve expected, but it’s a long time since I read the other books.
Early Humans
Jan. 13th, 2026 02:49 pmysabetwordsmithDiscovery shows early humans were much more advanced hunters than previously believed
On stone arrowheads left in a South African rock shelter, researchers found 60,000-year-old traces of plant poison.
A team working in Sweden and South Africa analyzed quartz tips from Umhlatuzana Rock Shelter in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
A residue on one artifact can be a fluke, but repeats on older and newer arrowheads are harder to dismiss.
*laugh* Hominids helped wipe out 98% of land animal body mass. What did scientists think, all they were doing was running up and stabbing megafauna until it dropped dead? Yeah, no. Arrow poison. Channel traps, pit traps, cliff traps. Fire. Collecting scat to frame one predator for encroaching on another predator's territory, then watching them shred each other and sneaking up to dispatch the weakened loser.
"Work smarter, not harder" has been the hominid strategy for millions of years.
On stone arrowheads left in a South African rock shelter, researchers found 60,000-year-old traces of plant poison.
A team working in Sweden and South Africa analyzed quartz tips from Umhlatuzana Rock Shelter in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa.
A residue on one artifact can be a fluke, but repeats on older and newer arrowheads are harder to dismiss.
*laugh* Hominids helped wipe out 98% of land animal body mass. What did scientists think, all they were doing was running up and stabbing megafauna until it dropped dead? Yeah, no. Arrow poison. Channel traps, pit traps, cliff traps. Fire. Collecting scat to frame one predator for encroaching on another predator's territory, then watching them shred each other and sneaking up to dispatch the weakened loser.
"Work smarter, not harder" has been the hominid strategy for millions of years.
Snowflake Challenge
Jan. 13th, 2026 02:47 pmysabetwordsmith... is scheduled to appear at 4PM Eastern time, which is 3PM Central time -- so 10-15 minutes from now. It's a planned variation, no need to worry.
Space Exploration
Jan. 13th, 2026 02:42 pmysabetwordsmithThis strange form of water may power giant planets’ magnetic fields
Water pushed to planetary extremes turns into an exotic, electricity-conducting solid — and it’s far stranger than scientists ever imagined.
At extreme pressures and temperatures, water becomes superionic — a solid that behaves partly like a liquid and conducts electricity. This unusual form is believed to shape the magnetic fields of Uranus and Neptune and may be the most common type of water in the solar system. New high-precision experiments show its atomic structure is far messier than expected, combining multiple crystal patterns instead of one clean arrangement. The finding reshapes models of icy planets both near and far.
Water pushed to planetary extremes turns into an exotic, electricity-conducting solid — and it’s far stranger than scientists ever imagined.
At extreme pressures and temperatures, water becomes superionic — a solid that behaves partly like a liquid and conducts electricity. This unusual form is believed to shape the magnetic fields of Uranus and Neptune and may be the most common type of water in the solar system. New high-precision experiments show its atomic structure is far messier than expected, combining multiple crystal patterns instead of one clean arrangement. The finding reshapes models of icy planets both near and far.
Birdfeeding
Jan. 13th, 2026 01:55 pmysabetwordsmithToday is cloudy and cool.
I fed the birds. I've seen a flock of sparrows.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 1/13/26 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 1/13/26 -- I did more work around the patio.
EDIT 1/13/26 -- I did more work around the patio.
EDIT 1/13/26 -- I did more work around the patio.
I've seen a pair of cardinals and a starling. I heard a woodpecker but didn't see it.
As it is getting dark, I am done for the night.
I fed the birds. I've seen a flock of sparrows.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 1/13/26 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 1/13/26 -- I did more work around the patio.
EDIT 1/13/26 -- I did more work around the patio.
EDIT 1/13/26 -- I did more work around the patio.
I've seen a pair of cardinals and a starling. I heard a woodpecker but didn't see it.
As it is getting dark, I am done for the night.
Snowflake Challenge #4 rec your last page
Jan. 13th, 2026 08:46 pmtinny
#4 Rec The Contents Of Your Last Page
I looked through my browser history for the last seven days and these are the things I visited and find rec-worthy:
websites:
onelook dictionary - i love their thesaurus, it's wide enough that it really helps me find similar/related (not identical!) words when I'm stuck
perplexity - ai chatbot with good source link functionality
chinesefonts.org - a website where you can download good free Chinese (unicode) fonts
boardgamearena - a site where you can play boardgames online (alone and with/against other players) - accounts are free
dw comms:
snowflake_challenge (duh), tv_talk (talk about the shows you watched), c_ent (talk about the cdramas you watched / make rec posts), thestoryinside (let someone choose a book from your to-read list for you), gamechangerhr (heated rivalry comm), cultivativity (cultivate your creativity)dw icon challenge comms:
bestof_icons (nominations are open), iconcolors (i run it), icontalking (i run it),retro_icontest (i run it), ships20in20 (I still need to finish my set!), your_favourites (my fave) other sites:
bluesky,
discord,
viki - love on the turquoise land
weibo - search for wu lei
youtube - jason maher street magician, heated rivalry reviews by empty netters, heated rivalry reviews by what chaos
This says a lot about me, lol. :D
Fic, Murder, She Wrote/Mistletoe Murders, Jessica & Emily, Jessica stumbles upon a mystery...
Jan. 13th, 2026 02:05 pmspikedluv posting in smallfandomfestTitle: M is for Murder
Author: Spikedluv
Fandom: Murder, She Wrote (tv)/Mistletoe Murders (tv)
Pairing/Characters: Jessica Fletcher & Emily Lane (appearances by Detective Sam Wilner, Violet Wilner, June Hubble, and Ray; implied Emily/Sam pre-relationship)
Rating/Category: PG13/Gen(/Het)
Prompt: Murder, She Wrote (tv)/Mistletoe Murders (tv), Jessica & Emily, Jessica stumbles upon a mystery while visiting Fletcher's Grove (for reason of creator's choosing).
Spoilers: Takes place post eps 2.01&.02 of Mistletoe Murders and sometime post-season 8 of Murder, She Wrote.
Summary: Jessica Fletcher agrees to participate in a book event in the aptly named town of Fletcher's Grove. It's merely a long weekend, so what could go wrong?
Notes/Warnings: This story is brought to you by me finding out that Fletcher's Grove was named for Jessica Fletcher. How could I not write the crossover after that?!!
Read Fic @ AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/77628761
Author: Spikedluv
Fandom: Murder, She Wrote (tv)/Mistletoe Murders (tv)
Pairing/Characters: Jessica Fletcher & Emily Lane (appearances by Detective Sam Wilner, Violet Wilner, June Hubble, and Ray; implied Emily/Sam pre-relationship)
Rating/Category: PG13/Gen(/Het)
Prompt: Murder, She Wrote (tv)/Mistletoe Murders (tv), Jessica & Emily, Jessica stumbles upon a mystery while visiting Fletcher's Grove (for reason of creator's choosing).
Spoilers: Takes place post eps 2.01&.02 of Mistletoe Murders and sometime post-season 8 of Murder, She Wrote.
Summary: Jessica Fletcher agrees to participate in a book event in the aptly named town of Fletcher's Grove. It's merely a long weekend, so what could go wrong?
Notes/Warnings: This story is brought to you by me finding out that Fletcher's Grove was named for Jessica Fletcher. How could I not write the crossover after that?!!
Read Fic @ AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/77628761