@thedisasterautist The Laundry Files books are some of my favorites!

We got a calendar that will give encouraging messages for this year.

Maybe I should think about why I talk about getting to know other instruments, spending time with them...but then "figure out how the flute works".

My family really needs to start asking where the inspiration for my creative pursuits comes from before they go into encouragement mode. I don't think they understand Ian Anderson is who I picture when I'm pushing myself to figure out how my flute works.

@robert_roy_junior I'd say watch the community firehose for a while and you'll figure out if you want to follow people or not. Since there are no algorithms messing with what you do and don't see, that gives you everything and you can start getting a feel for how you want to filter your feed.

I figured out why I couldn't get a good, consistent sound from my flute. And why finger placement was so awkward. I was holding the flute backwards.

Cat does not like the flute! Her ears flattened, she glared and moved across the room to glare more. I'll play my ukulele later. She lays by my feet for that.

I think somebody in the house refilled one of the distilled water bottles with tap water. I may have been poisoning my Cape Sundew for the past couple of months. But I don't think it's too late to save her!

@artildawn This is beautiful!

It's not like I track people down and try to recruit them for this. People feel the need to volunteer this information when they see me minding my own business with my hoop. I don't think I'll ever understand telling someone why you can't do something when they didn't ask and you're not actually looking for help or advice.

"I'd probably just end up slapping myself with the hoop if I tried to do the things you do!"

Probably, yeah. Because I'm super clumsy and had plenty of brusies for the first couple of years because it's a 15 pound hoop and I slapped myself with it all the time. But I eventually developed the strength and muscle control because I kept practicing.

"I'm not as flexible as I used to be!"

It keeps me flexible. I have inflammatory arthritis throughout my body. My doctor wishes she was as flexible as me, assuming I'm having a good day. I move better than people expect even on bad days. It won't work for everyone, but someone who does not have physical disabilities saying this do me seems ridiculous.

"Oh, maybe if I was younger!"

But...I'm well in my 40s and they're younger.

"I'm too fat for that!"

You just saw me do it. I'm very obviously a larger size than you. Don't get a hoop made for kindergarteners.

Bless the hearts of people who don't actually wish they could do things with hula hoops, they just like talking about not being able to do stuff.

@ToolPackinMama He looks like a very good boy. Perhaps even one of the best boys.

@kay_dub @aasteppin Yeah, I'm wondering if they did it on purpose. The chances of accidently making bad choices on both things that go together perfectly? I don't know, but I don't think it would be so likely. I kind of hope they did it on purpose!

@stueytheround One would not want to be messing up the name while standing outside and calling for their owlbear to come home!

Owlbear names! Arthena or Owlsula?

Arthena is Arth (bear) + Athena (her connection with owls).

Owlsula is Owl + Ursula (feminine little bear).

I have a steel tongue drum, and I have found that I love making up music on it by dealing out a few cards and then playing the numbers! I learn to play favorite songs (or sometimes just songs I have the skill for) on stringed instruments. I wasn't enjoying that as much on the drum. Surprise melodies are wonderful for it, though!