swarm day

It's the solstice, and the weather was just right this morning for ants to swarm and do mating flights, as I saw no less than four swarms this morning on the trail. Cool-ish, overcast, it might be the longest day of the year but it's probably not going to be the hottest.

My run on Tuesday was sheer awesome, as I managed to hit that sweet spot between "well rested" and "losing condition", and the miles flew past. This morning, not so much, but it still beat lying in bed thinking I should get up but not actually doing so.

I got a code from Dogster the other day for a free photo book from Shutterfly, and decided to bite and make one, a puppy book for Boone. I got it yesterday and I was very impressed--the whole thing looks very professional, the print quality is decent, and the pre-packaged layouts surprisingly attractive. I think I'm probably going to have to make a few more, maybe one for the cats as well.Mundanities, really, and happy for them. I have a little work left to do on the last Black Angel Crossroads story, which I will probably end up doing tonight, and then I have a quick recap for Sleepless Streets to get to before Sunday, when gaming happens again. Heh.

I have about ten books about various Native American Plains tribes coming to me via the library, which may tell you a bit about the serial Storm and I have just started. The beginning is feeling a bit Canterbury Tales-ish. (This is by no means a bad thing, the Canterbury Tales are one of my favorie pieces of literature.)

Happy Solstice, to those who celebrate!

ooooh!

http://aithne.tumblr.com/

Props to cygnoir, who is always the first among my friends to find new, cool stuff.

an essay for girls and women

Private: for girls only

This is just for all of the girls and women reading.

I’ve been following so many of your blogs and livejournals, and reading all of your letters, and wish I could just scoop you all up and tell each of you how wonderful you are.

And that you are beautiful — just as you are.

Each of us has a body that is uniquely different — some are meant to be big and other’s not so much — but we all have fat. That’s what makes us feminine. We’re meant to have round curves, softness and jiggle, supported by solid frames to carry babies and the weight of the world.

Our natural, womanly fat is not a disease and isn’t something we have to feel afraid of, ashamed of, horrified by or guilty about.

You are not fat because you were bad or irresponsible and “over-ate” or indulged in “bad” food. Don’t let them mess with your mind. Naturally fat and thin people (kids and grown-ups) don’t eat any differently, with extremely rare exceptions, and we’re going to be about the size we were meant to be, pretty much without us having a whole lot to say about it. Certainly, not without endangering our health and wellbeing. [Guys are that way, too, and those big guys are the handsomest. But this note for you gals because our fat is what everyone most loves to hate.]

I know this world has become an insane place and some days it must feel like you have no choice but to do whatever it takes to fit in. But please — before you are tempted to even step on that scale or do something more drastic like go on a diet (or ANOTHER one), purge, take laxatives or uppers, or go under the knife — stop. There is another way.

Black Angel Crossroads: What Is Bound, Part One

[Usual disclaimers apply: 1832 Louisiana, difficult cultural history, certain realities of race relations and slavery that can't be avoided. Proceed with caution, if you're sensitive.]

( The funeral, and a conversation with Remy... )

Black Angel Crossroads: What Is Bound, Part Two

[Usual disclaimers apply: 1832 Louisiana, difficult cultural history, certain realities of race relations and slavery that can't be avoided. Proceed with caution, if you're sensitive.]

( Kalfu makes another move... )

lavender's blue

what is open
Originally uploaded by Nareshe.

Pictures from this afternoon have been posted to my Flickr account.

The Evil Purple Pillow

After the cut: Boone vs. The Pillow!

( there be an embedded video over here! )