Been awhile. Been v. busy with work and general malaise. Finally completed the above.
As I remember things by shape (micro), rather than placement (macro), this app helped a lot, as it has quizzes on individual state shape:
Thursday, October 10, 2019
Completed #41. Learn to label all the states in America on a map
Been awhile. Been v. busy with work and general malaise. Finally completed the above.
As I remember things by shape (micro), rather than placement (macro), this app helped a lot, as it has quizzes on individual state shape:
Tuesday, August 6, 2019
Completed: #31. Do a geology-based trip
Geoff and I spent four nights in Bancroft, mineral capital of Ontario, for their annual gemboree.
A highlight was visiting the rock farm at the Princess Sodalite Mine, where visitors can dig through a man-made gemstone pit to buy raw treasures by the pound. It makes for very economical purchases, and is just generally a lot of fun.
We also got some rocks ID'd for free by mineralogist Tony Steede, stayed at a B&B who accommodated me with fabulous vegan breakfasts, bought a tri-coloured amber 925 silver ring to stand in for my wedding band (I'm fiercely allergic to anything but silver, apparently), and met an educational outreach coordinator who runs mining tours for teachers.
Some photos of our treks and finds:
A highlight was visiting the rock farm at the Princess Sodalite Mine, where visitors can dig through a man-made gemstone pit to buy raw treasures by the pound. It makes for very economical purchases, and is just generally a lot of fun.
We also got some rocks ID'd for free by mineralogist Tony Steede, stayed at a B&B who accommodated me with fabulous vegan breakfasts, bought a tri-coloured amber 925 silver ring to stand in for my wedding band (I'm fiercely allergic to anything but silver, apparently), and met an educational outreach coordinator who runs mining tours for teachers.
Some photos of our treks and finds:
Apatite^
^Amethyst
^Sodalite
^Galena
^Definitely some sort of volcanic rock, like Jet or Obsidian. Very dark black and shiny, but extremely light weight. May get ID'd at the ROM later this month.
^Talc
^Fuchsite (?)
^Amazonite (?)
^Red Aventurine (?)
^Blue, Green & White Calcite
^Pyrite
^Feldspar with inclusions of Apatite, Mica, Smoky Quartz and Pyrite
^Smoky Quartz
^Quartz
^Mica
^Fossil
Monday, July 29, 2019
Thursday, July 4, 2019
Progress #34. Try 10 different beading projects
6/10: Anklets / Ankle Cuffs
I made these to match my steadily-developing regalia, which centres around my spirit name.
I also got to use the last of the gold bugle beads gifted to me by my mom to make the golden eagle feathers -- and as the last in the series that involves the golden eagle on the vest, the feathers on the bracelet cuffs and, now, the feathers on the anklets, I thought that was quite serendipitous and neat.
My next project will be a headpiece / band of flowerwork to match the front of my vest -- and I'm going to loombead it, because I haven't beaded on a loom since I was a kid and I used to love it so much -- this really logical bridging of math and art. I'm excited.
My next next project is going to be to fully appliquée a plain pair of Toms-esque shoes with a sunrise and flowers. This should be the last piece of regalia, until I learn to machine sew a ribbon skirt. That likely won't be until my next set of goals, though.
I made these to match my steadily-developing regalia, which centres around my spirit name.
I also got to use the last of the gold bugle beads gifted to me by my mom to make the golden eagle feathers -- and as the last in the series that involves the golden eagle on the vest, the feathers on the bracelet cuffs and, now, the feathers on the anklets, I thought that was quite serendipitous and neat.
My next project will be a headpiece / band of flowerwork to match the front of my vest -- and I'm going to loombead it, because I haven't beaded on a loom since I was a kid and I used to love it so much -- this really logical bridging of math and art. I'm excited.
My next next project is going to be to fully appliquée a plain pair of Toms-esque shoes with a sunrise and flowers. This should be the last piece of regalia, until I learn to machine sew a ribbon skirt. That likely won't be until my next set of goals, though.
Monday, July 1, 2019
Progress: #15. Read and write more poetry
nayyirah waheed, 2013
---
"my heart is in my mind. i think this is why i am an artist."
---
"i don't pay attention to the
world ending.
it has ended for me
many times
and began again in the morning."
---
"stay is a sensitive word.
we wear
who stayed
and
who left
in our skin forever."
---
"you do not have to be a fire
for
every mountain blocking you.
you could be a water
and
soft river your way to freedom
too."
---
"never
trust anyone
who says
they do not see color.
this means
to them
you are invisible."
---
"apologize to your body.
maybe
that's where the healing begins."
---
"some people
when they hear your story
contract.
others
upon hearing
your story.
expand.
and
this is how
you know."
---
"if you can not
hear
them.
ask the ancestors
to
speak louder.
they only whisper
so
as not to frighten you.
they know
they have been convinced.
coerced.
spooked.
from your skin."
---
"you must
put
healing on the list.
the grocery list.
the to do list.
the night list.
because
you are teaching
your baby
the very same chemistry
that
took your eyes
and
Friday, June 21, 2019
Saturday, June 15, 2019
Completed: #32. Meditate for 15 minutes daily for 1 week straight
For days 6 (yesterday morning) and day 7 (just now), I did a silent 15 minutes on timer with the only strategies that worked for me for a few seconds at a time: body scanning -- individually checking in with each part of the body and feeling sensations currently associated with each, focusing on all sounds around me, silently saying "in" and "out" with each breath, and imagining breathing in and out through each part of the body.
Today I tried it after smudging first.
Honestly, though, this was really difficult and largely unproductive for me. My mind does not sit even remotely still, even with concerted effort -- when I was a teen, I used to describe it as a 20-fold thought-track. My efforts at meditation just made me more conscious of this and less able to stop them as I didn't have any actions to distract me.
Moreover, one of the more damaging parts of my psyche is that I must never feel self-indulgent. This manifests into a lot of my longest-standing issues and just regular day-to-day quirks of existence. The last two mornings, for instance, I had instant coffee because I did not feel like I deserved good coffee. In this sense, I could see taking a still fifteen minutes if I "earned" it -- my most productive was after a difficult and sweaty yoga workout as a cool down. It had earned purpose then. I could see trying that out again.
Today I tried it after smudging first.
Honestly, though, this was really difficult and largely unproductive for me. My mind does not sit even remotely still, even with concerted effort -- when I was a teen, I used to describe it as a 20-fold thought-track. My efforts at meditation just made me more conscious of this and less able to stop them as I didn't have any actions to distract me.
Moreover, one of the more damaging parts of my psyche is that I must never feel self-indulgent. This manifests into a lot of my longest-standing issues and just regular day-to-day quirks of existence. The last two mornings, for instance, I had instant coffee because I did not feel like I deserved good coffee. In this sense, I could see taking a still fifteen minutes if I "earned" it -- my most productive was after a difficult and sweaty yoga workout as a cool down. It had earned purpose then. I could see trying that out again.
Thursday, June 13, 2019
Wednesday, June 12, 2019
Tuesday, June 11, 2019
Progress #32. Meditate for 15 minutes daily for 1 week straight
3/7
I don't know if I was just too tired, too uncomfortable in my body, the absence of yoga first, or the fact that every time the guy said "source" it sounded like "sauce," but I just couldn't take this seriously this morning. My mind wouldn't sit still.
Monday, June 10, 2019
Sunday, June 9, 2019
Progress: #32: Meditate for 15 minutes daily for 1 week straight
1/7: Real talk: 15 minutes is an extraordinarily long time for me to be still if I'm awake, so this will be challenging. My mind never slows down until maybe sleeping (if even then), and I generally just really need to feel purposeful.
Post-yoga-tired, I started with the first search of "15 minute guided meditation" I found. Here it is:
Any parts that were tangible made sense to me: Picturing the positive energy embrace of a loved one, or being wrapped in a soft blanket. Being filled with the energy of the earth. (For the latter, I pictured being filled with the birdsong just outside my window - the baby sparrows are now learning to fly while both parents stand by.)
When it starts talking about colours, though, I tap out. I am not filled with colours. My emotions are not colours. I do not understand. That's me, though.
I don't think, in my life, I've actually ever felt more filled with the energy of the earth than this spring. I am its genuine caretaker these days, foraging and noticing and appreciating and sharing.
Maybe someday, more of us will do it the best we can, even if we are inherently destroyers. We can do better. Weeds are not poison -- and should not be poisoned. Capitalism does not determine worth. Nature is free for viewing. Go outside.
Post-yoga-tired, I started with the first search of "15 minute guided meditation" I found. Here it is:
Any parts that were tangible made sense to me: Picturing the positive energy embrace of a loved one, or being wrapped in a soft blanket. Being filled with the energy of the earth. (For the latter, I pictured being filled with the birdsong just outside my window - the baby sparrows are now learning to fly while both parents stand by.)
When it starts talking about colours, though, I tap out. I am not filled with colours. My emotions are not colours. I do not understand. That's me, though.
I don't think, in my life, I've actually ever felt more filled with the energy of the earth than this spring. I am its genuine caretaker these days, foraging and noticing and appreciating and sharing.
Maybe someday, more of us will do it the best we can, even if we are inherently destroyers. We can do better. Weeds are not poison -- and should not be poisoned. Capitalism does not determine worth. Nature is free for viewing. Go outside.
Completed: #28. Sleep in the backyard in a tent cot & #24. Use a telescope
My husband is away for the weekend and it was the first really warm day of June, so I figured this was better a night than any to merge these two goals:
It was too cloudy to see much of any stars, and kind of difficult to set up the telescope without instructions. I'd like to try this again some other time.
I swear I need this tent cot available every time I'm feeling meltdown-esque. (I bought it over 3 years ago and it has been in the closet ever since.) I love tiny spaces and shutting out the entire world with a blanket and a book.
I read about 30 pages of The Crucible by flashlight and fell asleep around 10. All the wildlife in our backyard was still buzzing.
I woke up at 2am to silence, kind of freezing without a heavy blanket (oops). The warmth of inside was too tempting, so I retired on the couch for the rest of the night.
I think I will go back to read in this little cave this morning.
I swear I need this tent cot available every time I'm feeling meltdown-esque. (I bought it over 3 years ago and it has been in the closet ever since.) I love tiny spaces and shutting out the entire world with a blanket and a book.
I read about 30 pages of The Crucible by flashlight and fell asleep around 10. All the wildlife in our backyard was still buzzing.
I woke up at 2am to silence, kind of freezing without a heavy blanket (oops). The warmth of inside was too tempting, so I retired on the couch for the rest of the night.
I think I will go back to read in this little cave this morning.
Saturday, June 8, 2019
"Completed": #35. Learn more about birdwatching
I think why birdwatching sometimes goes hand-in-hand with autism spectrum disorders is because: 1. It gives a person new facts to learn that are supported by visual information; 2. It is easy to become a hyperfocus; 3. It centres one's attention on an external world that already exists, often unnoticed, through practical application; 4. It's micro with a macro application; 5. ANIMALS.
Very quickly, it becomes easy to identify birds if you make mental notes of: colour, pattern, size, tail shape, and the way it flies. (Presumably also song, but I am more visual than auditory.) I observe these things in the moment, and consult field guides and/or the internet when I am home again.
Since the last post, I have also seen:
Common grackles, magpies, turkey vultures.
The latter were two, and sitting ON OUR ROOF. In a little suburban enclave in the city. I don't understand. They are massive and somehow simultaneously majestic and terrifying.
My husband managed to capture a brief video of one flying:
Very quickly, it becomes easy to identify birds if you make mental notes of: colour, pattern, size, tail shape, and the way it flies. (Presumably also song, but I am more visual than auditory.) I observe these things in the moment, and consult field guides and/or the internet when I am home again.
Since the last post, I have also seen:
Common grackles, magpies, turkey vultures.
The latter were two, and sitting ON OUR ROOF. In a little suburban enclave in the city. I don't understand. They are massive and somehow simultaneously majestic and terrifying.
My husband managed to capture a brief video of one flying:
I will tell you some things about turkey vultures: They are the only vulture in Canada, and only here in the south, and only when it is warm. They are almost exclusive carrion eaters. Their line of defense against animal predators is to vomit on themselves because it smells so terrible.
Another thing: A house sparrow pair has laid eggs in a nest in our eaves and they have hatched and they chirp all day and a mother and father sparrow alternately bring them food. They stand guard on nearby branches and wires if we stand too close. Here is a video of the chirping and a silhouette photo of the mom:
I will tell you some things about house sparrows: They bathe themselves in dirt piles. They are an invasive species in North America and not protected by law. Some birdwatchers kill them and their eggs because they say they affect native populations. For example, it is said that they kill bluebirds trapped in their nests, sometimes even laying their own eggs over the bluebirds' dead bodies.
I have never seen a bluebird.
I would never kill a sparrow.
A last thing:
Some American crows congregated in the neighbour's tree and on their roof, after the turkey vultures left. They sounded very upset. They seemed to be calling a meeting. Here is one on the roof, to the backdrop sound of one cawing in the tree:
I will tell you some things about crows: They are not the same as ravens. Ravens mostly live on the West coast in Canada, but some have been seen in Toronto in recent years. They are larger and their beaks have a different shape.
Crows are said to be one of the most intelligent animals in the world: About the equivalent of a three year old human. They can solve brand new multi-step puzzles using logical reasoning and tools.
Thursday, May 30, 2019
#5. Go greener
A very green dinner: homemade garlic mustard pesto on rice pasta, homemade coconut yogurt topped with dried cranberries and nuts (delivered in a jar this afternoon by Fresh City Farms).
Sunday, May 26, 2019
#5. Go Greener
Yesterday, we got rained out, so we went to garage sales today instead. I may as well post about them here, as it was a pretty good haul.
For a grand total of $24:
For a grand total of $24:
- A sealed Earth Master ecological lab kit (boasting 60 fun and exciting experiments!)
- A small wooden painted and sealed (male) cardinal lapel pin
- 3 abalone shells
- A jar of gemstones, including pyrite, citrine, quartz, amethyst, fossils, tiger's eye, and many others yet-to-be-determined
- Brand new pair of low top Vans, lime green
- Brand new pair of low top Converse, light blue
- A novel
- A graphic novel (which I then read today)
Progress #35. Learn more about birdwatching
I've been reading a lot about birds. I also find myself more readily noticing and identifying them - today, I saw some starlings and a mourning dove. The latter I recognized first by its very long tail.
These books are all acquired from Bunz. (I'll make a Go Greener post about this app someday if I'm feeling up to it.) I am learning a lot, including some probably useless trivia such as:
These books are all acquired from Bunz. (I'll make a Go Greener post about this app someday if I'm feeling up to it.) I am learning a lot, including some probably useless trivia such as:
- Owl and toucan eggs are round.
- Birds do not urinate.
- Bird songs have dialects.
- Hummingbirds use spiderwebs to hold their nests together.
Saturday, May 25, 2019
#5. Go greener
Today's eco tip: Foraging for garlic mustard.
This is a very plentiful and easily identifiable invasive species. You probably have it in your backyard right now.
It makes a delicious pesto. I can confirm.
This is garlic mustard in my backyard. This is what it looks like in its second year, when it is less bitter and easier to identify due to its tall height and small white flowers.
It is more bitter and flowerless in its first year, it is shorter, the leaves are more heart-shaped and less spiky. It can be foraged for use in either year, however. As it is invasive, it doesn't need to be foraged "responsibly". Go at it!
Here is the unmistakable way to identify: Pluck and crush a leaf. Smell it: Definite garlic scent.
After the rain this evening, I plucked out a small bouquet and made some raw vegan pesto. This had very minimal ingredients: Garlic mustard leaves, a few fresh basil leaves, walnuts, vegetable oil, cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, garlic cloves, some red pepper seasoning I love.
It should be used within the week, if refrigerated. If frozen, it lasts indefinitely. I've chosen the latter to try over rice later on this week.
As an addendum to the last post: May make some dandelion muffins tomorrow.
This is a very plentiful and easily identifiable invasive species. You probably have it in your backyard right now.
It makes a delicious pesto. I can confirm.
This is garlic mustard in my backyard. This is what it looks like in its second year, when it is less bitter and easier to identify due to its tall height and small white flowers.
It is more bitter and flowerless in its first year, it is shorter, the leaves are more heart-shaped and less spiky. It can be foraged for use in either year, however. As it is invasive, it doesn't need to be foraged "responsibly". Go at it!
Here is the unmistakable way to identify: Pluck and crush a leaf. Smell it: Definite garlic scent.
After the rain this evening, I plucked out a small bouquet and made some raw vegan pesto. This had very minimal ingredients: Garlic mustard leaves, a few fresh basil leaves, walnuts, vegetable oil, cider vinegar, salt, black pepper, garlic cloves, some red pepper seasoning I love.
It should be used within the week, if refrigerated. If frozen, it lasts indefinitely. I've chosen the latter to try over rice later on this week.
As an addendum to the last post: May make some dandelion muffins tomorrow.
Sunday, May 19, 2019
#5. Go greener
Today's tip: Garage sales.
I had an illuminating conversation with a friend recently -- as, being someone on the autism spectrum -- I sometimes have trouble seeing the world outside of my own experiences.
We were talking about saving versus spending money. I have always existed someone in the former camp, so I have trouble imagining why those with very secure incomes ever have to live paycheque to paycheque (exclusively those with financial security, I mean - I very much understand our current capitalist trap of the ever-expanding gap between rich and poor, and a world of increasing lack of employment opportunities. I worry for my students' futures.)
The crux of my understanding in this conversation was about finding joy. I don't drink. I don't party. I don't go out to many concerts or plays. I cook more than order in. I am not interested in many possessions (my only vice being online clothing hauls, now and then). I am utilitarian with cars and shoes and makeup. I haven't had my hair cut in three years.
A fact: Many people absolutely find joy in all the listed things, above, that I do not.
I have somehow always found joy in conserving space and energy and money. Genuine joy! I experience joy in making something of nothing: I make arts and crafts of found materials. I forage and I plant. I roast my own coffee beans in a popcorn popper from my childhood. I love to cook without extravagance. All these things bring me the most joy -- but I don't know how to be any other way, so this is my life. It is not the life of everyone else.
I think, being products of a capitalist system, we are programmed to want and to accumulate THINGS. I am no different. This impulse, for me, is very much assuaged by garage sales -- the hunt, and the occasional find.
My husband is a collector, a picker, a flipper with a successful ebay business. Ergo, when I met him, he encouraged me back into the garage sales that brought me joy as a kid. This is our 5th year. We've done well for ourselves.
He maps them out and navigates. I drive. It is a Saturday routine, whenever we can, May to September or so.
As a small randomized example: This year's haul (two Saturdays now), has yielded the following for me: a $5 Bodom mini kettle, in box; a $1 vintage 1 gallon electric ice cream maker, new in box; $0.50 silicon ice cube maker, which I use for soap molds, new $2 yoga flash cards; $4 beads + findings + nylon cord + a book on how to make beads.
I only buy things I know I will use. Garage sales are an eco-friendly crafter's dream. Besides, you're not contributing to the production of new plastic, paper, and textile, as they already exist in the system, and secondhand doesn't yield a new replacement.
I will tell you about my favourite top 3 finds, and have asked my husband for input on his.
My top three!
1. Boxes of stained glass, instructionals, and all materials required to start my own projects. I think it was $20. "Garage sale prices" does not always mean next to free, but it does mean spending a fraction of what you would, at market cost. As someone whose lifelong goal is to learn new artistic skills, I often allow circumstance to guide this goal. To learn this one is on this current 43goals list.
2. This very large vintage accordion sewing box. In a condition this great, and this unique a decoration, this would easily be worth 100+ on Etsy or Ebay. I paid $20. It holds my seed beads, beading threads, fabric scraps, and needles. I love it to pieces.
3. Raw gemstones, for tumbling. Numbered bags of amethyst (14), sodalite (10), and green moss agate (16). $2. The friendly elderly lady selling them said "That's a steal," and I said "Don't I know it!"
My husband's top three!
1. This Pacman arcade marquee glass, from the 80s. $10. My dad helped to construct him a light box to contain it, as a birthday present.
2. This Geoffrey's the giraffee Toys 'R Us sign, picked straight out of the garage of a man who used to work there. There is nothing comparable on Ebay, but closest estimates are $600+ USD, without the name. Geoff's keeping it, though. It has his name on it. Literally. $80. At 4×4 feet, it barely fit in the Fiat.
3. This really neat working vintage Molson Canadian stereo. The man selling it won it in a radio contest. $15.
I had an illuminating conversation with a friend recently -- as, being someone on the autism spectrum -- I sometimes have trouble seeing the world outside of my own experiences.
We were talking about saving versus spending money. I have always existed someone in the former camp, so I have trouble imagining why those with very secure incomes ever have to live paycheque to paycheque (exclusively those with financial security, I mean - I very much understand our current capitalist trap of the ever-expanding gap between rich and poor, and a world of increasing lack of employment opportunities. I worry for my students' futures.)
The crux of my understanding in this conversation was about finding joy. I don't drink. I don't party. I don't go out to many concerts or plays. I cook more than order in. I am not interested in many possessions (my only vice being online clothing hauls, now and then). I am utilitarian with cars and shoes and makeup. I haven't had my hair cut in three years.
A fact: Many people absolutely find joy in all the listed things, above, that I do not.
I have somehow always found joy in conserving space and energy and money. Genuine joy! I experience joy in making something of nothing: I make arts and crafts of found materials. I forage and I plant. I roast my own coffee beans in a popcorn popper from my childhood. I love to cook without extravagance. All these things bring me the most joy -- but I don't know how to be any other way, so this is my life. It is not the life of everyone else.
I think, being products of a capitalist system, we are programmed to want and to accumulate THINGS. I am no different. This impulse, for me, is very much assuaged by garage sales -- the hunt, and the occasional find.
My husband is a collector, a picker, a flipper with a successful ebay business. Ergo, when I met him, he encouraged me back into the garage sales that brought me joy as a kid. This is our 5th year. We've done well for ourselves.
He maps them out and navigates. I drive. It is a Saturday routine, whenever we can, May to September or so.
As a small randomized example: This year's haul (two Saturdays now), has yielded the following for me: a $5 Bodom mini kettle, in box; a $1 vintage 1 gallon electric ice cream maker, new in box; $0.50 silicon ice cube maker, which I use for soap molds, new $2 yoga flash cards; $4 beads + findings + nylon cord + a book on how to make beads.
I only buy things I know I will use. Garage sales are an eco-friendly crafter's dream. Besides, you're not contributing to the production of new plastic, paper, and textile, as they already exist in the system, and secondhand doesn't yield a new replacement.
I will tell you about my favourite top 3 finds, and have asked my husband for input on his.
My top three!
1. Boxes of stained glass, instructionals, and all materials required to start my own projects. I think it was $20. "Garage sale prices" does not always mean next to free, but it does mean spending a fraction of what you would, at market cost. As someone whose lifelong goal is to learn new artistic skills, I often allow circumstance to guide this goal. To learn this one is on this current 43goals list.
2. This very large vintage accordion sewing box. In a condition this great, and this unique a decoration, this would easily be worth 100+ on Etsy or Ebay. I paid $20. It holds my seed beads, beading threads, fabric scraps, and needles. I love it to pieces.
3. Raw gemstones, for tumbling. Numbered bags of amethyst (14), sodalite (10), and green moss agate (16). $2. The friendly elderly lady selling them said "That's a steal," and I said "Don't I know it!"
My husband's top three!
1. This Pacman arcade marquee glass, from the 80s. $10. My dad helped to construct him a light box to contain it, as a birthday present.
2. This Geoffrey's the giraffee Toys 'R Us sign, picked straight out of the garage of a man who used to work there. There is nothing comparable on Ebay, but closest estimates are $600+ USD, without the name. Geoff's keeping it, though. It has his name on it. Literally. $80. At 4×4 feet, it barely fit in the Fiat.
3. This really neat working vintage Molson Canadian stereo. The man selling it won it in a radio contest. $15.
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