In discussing our experience with voter registration not getting processed and the County Clerk saying, "The mail has been unreliable with this," spouse mentioned hearing from people in other places who got their mail-in ballots sent back to them.

Yeah, there are - infuriatingly - always people who just don't vote. But the numbers this time? It wasn't all "just didn't vote".

There have been discussions in the family about risks, drawing lines, and preparing for certain things. Just in case.

I'm probably - somehow - making a lot more art over the next few years. Students of history can tell you art is rebellion. And I can make art from anything.

I'm eating chocolate.

Just thought I'd share some good news. There's a good news shortage, so we take what we can get.

Honestly, I can't scream with rage and fall into a sea of my own tears. I'm not saying you shouldn't. I'm saying I am incapable of it. That's a big part of what PTSD has done to me. That's how I've survived this long.

So I'm going to keep knitting. Keep making mudballs. Keep praying to those I pray to. Keep finding something to keep me going every day.

Please don't think it's because I don't care enough.

I did this again today to break in a new deck of cards, and then remembered I posted it the last time I did it - 2 years ago.

If you have a deck of playing cards and want a distraction, get your cards out and follow along.

If you don't have a deck of cards, please just trust that it does what it says.

https://diydiv.substack.com/p/the-pirate-story

This has been going on all day on Threads. I first saw it middle of last night/this morning with a post from Zambia. I've seen Greece, Japan, Italy, Venezuela... everywhere!

Most accurate update I've seen.

I stopped an anxiety attack by playing with mud. I need to remember that works for me.

So. Sent in my voter registration form over a month before the last day.The rest of the house didn't get it done until the last day, but the guy at the post office promised they would be marked that day and that's what's needed.

Today, the county clerk's office says none of us are registered, we did follow the rules correctly, but "the mail hasn't been reliable for this".

That does not sound good. I'm wondering how many people are effected by this.

I didn't watch "WandaVision", but people got me to watch "Agatha All Along" and I loved it. So now I'm going back and...ooohhh...I didn't realize there was a story behind one of those details!

Peak Special Interest for me - divination+ Home!

My new cards are here! This tarot deck was made by the same woman who made the Southern Gothic and Southern Botanical Oracle decks, and the design matches with those decks. I also supported the Kickstarter on the level to get the playing cards added.

I'm probably going to disappear for a few days and then excitedly talk about the cards when anyone finds me!

I referred to this year as "Our Year of the Eternal Dumpster Fire 2024" and...yeah, that's where we are.

Inktober, day 31 - I made it all the way! One drawing or painting each day. Happy Halloween to the little dragons seeking treasure!
#CoSoArt

I found out through We Rate Dogs about Dogs Matter. It's a program to provide free foster care for dogs while their humans are in rehab so the human can focus on recovery and know they will be reunited with their dog.

They also do wellness checks for 12 months after reuniting in case more support is needed.

https://www.dogsmatter2.org/

Inktober, day 30. "Ghost in the closet". I was halfway done when I thought, "Who has this much space in their closet?"
#CoSoArt

My dorodango is finished! Made from dirt from my yard, water, and a lot of jokes about rubbing my balls.
#CoSoArt

Dorodango update: The mudball is as smooth as I can get it. Just minor differences that you have to pay attention and feel for. The cracks are filled in, and I like how it looks like a turtle shell, but I don't know if the lines will stay or blend in as it dries more.
#CoSoArt

Inktober, day 29. For "cold day in Hell", I just had to do it.
#CoSoArt