snow day

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The other morning, feathery puffs fell from the sky. Our first snow of the year. And now sticks of ice cling to the edges of roofs.

It has been a while since I've seen a proper icicle.


The children could not resist and insisted I snap off more than a few.
Marvelous things, icicles. The snow quite lovely as well.


The snow, now crunchy and riddled with holes down to the grass where footsteps fell, still holds a bit of magic. The children even now rush to the window to see what remains.

As for me, I can not help but step out into the clean winter air in the wee hours to see the glow, to hear the peace...

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azure funk

It's the time of year...
Once a favorite of mine, but now, a bit different.

I realize, I should be embracing the festivities of the season. At least for the sake of the little ones. And to be sure, I do my best. They're smiling still. I hope they never find a reason to feel the blueness that creeps in on some of us.

What is it that causes that feeling of being on the outside? With our breath fogging the glass of the window to that warmly lit home where the laughter rattles the panes...

On the outside, baffled by the amusement of the others. Smiling tearfully, truly happy for those who possess the joy, yet aching for a piece of it...

What is it?

Perhaps, it is knowing. Knowing too much of the dreadful things. Being old enough to be aware of the difficult things hovering over us and having trouble shaking it off.

Oh, to be oblivious. There are moments I've wished for the ignorant blissfulness of a butterfly. A great cataclysm could be falling around them, yet they'd float and flutter, dancing from perch to perch. Smiling inside at the beautifulness of their brief moment of existence. It would seem.

Not too long ago, I had little trouble feeling somewhat carefree and childlike. Wanting to spin in the rain and toss the leaves to the wind.

I've hit a wall. A darkness that does not feel like my own. There seems to be no shortage of people who would see to the failure of the lighthearted.

A break is needed. The road beckons...



Not to turn and run from the heaviness. But, to get a better perspective. A refreshment of sorts. And not just for me.

That's what I tell myself, at least. Though there is something to seeing strangers milling about in towns foreign to us. We may not look or speak the same, still we are together in this. No matter how it seems, or even if they will agree with us on the issue.

I know it is me who placed myself outside that window. Maybe it's best this way. At least I know when my lips part for a grin or a bit of laughter, it is genuine.

late nights and 3 musketeers

Halloween has come and gone. The chocolate is gone, too. Pity. Still, Halloween is one of my favorite holidays.

I've always loved pretending to be someone else. Makeup that sparkles or glows in the dark and things that light up in unusual ways will never cease to amuse me! The kiddos seem to agree with me on this. It's like magic.

While, anymore, I rarely dress up for Halloween, apart from smearing on a bit more glittery makeup than usual, I have been staying up late each night in search of particular pieces of steampunk-style clothing and gear. I've found a character to emulate for next year's A-kon 22, so the hunt is on!

The other day, I scored a major piece of the ensemble! Tis a vintage Swedish Mauser ammo belt, formerly used for stripper clip storage. Yes, an odd thing to be excited about, but this thing will have more than one use. And, methinks it'll look pretty cool, too!

The rugged and worn leather belt is due to arrive tomorrow. I'll have to take pics!

Now, the boots are another story. I'm still searching for those, though I have come across a suitable pair of Tomb Raider styled commandos. Who knows when I'll get those. Boots are a bit pricey. And there are other family members to attend A-kon who might need a pair, as well.

The rest of the ensemble will likely be handmade, which is in the spirit of a true steampunk, no? At least, that is the plan.