Fifteen Minutes of Scrawl

This is somewhat similar to "15 soothing scenes to imagine myself in for falling asleep" but is a bit different! These are in no particular order. The Field Museum With my dog With my family With my friends Promontory Point Most bookstores Millennium Park 57th Street Beach The Museum of Science and Industry's "Christmas Around the World" annual exhibit Circle Pines Center The Medici Galway, Ireland Cork, Ireland Venice, Italy UwU Nails (Prompt by Sonia Soto) "The Field Museum, Chicago" by P. L. Tandon . Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic .

My family used to read A Christmas Carol  by Charles Dickens every year leading up to Christmas. I even recorded myself reading the story stave by stave and posted it to YouTube (public domain ftw) so I can easily watch it every year.  I love this tradition. Yes, admittedly, we haven't always made it all the way through A Christmas Carol  every year, I still think of it as a beloved family tradition. Reading aloud is so soothing to me (especially because often if I did the reading, I was the recipient of head scratches--yes, I am just like a pet). There is something peaceful to me about hearing a familiar story, read by a loved one. Maybe because I grew up being read to, or maybe that's just how my brain is wired. Regardless, I enjoy the act of reading aloud very much. I also really love A Christmas Carol . I've admittedly only read two of Dickens's books (and the other I hated, but perhaps that was due to a poor teacher), but I think A Christmas Carol  is special. I...

These are in no particular order.  My grandma's mac and cheese My dad's empanadas My dad's burgers My friends' tomato pasta sauce with lots of onions and garlic powder My friend's turkey meatballs Steak Fresh pasta Pizza Good tacos Some scallop dish BBQ pulled chicken Tamales Samosas Pierogi Really good mashed potatoes (Prompt by Sonia Soto) Photo by David Trinks on Unsplash

I have friends who are working on a zine about food and death, so here's my draft of a piece for them. Dearest Emily and Joey, It's no secret that my family doesn't have a ton of recipes so I wasn't sure at first what to pass on to you, but tuna spaghetti is a classic. Emily, you are part of my family and Joey, you're marrying into it so it's only right that you two have it. I hope you like it :) Love, Holly My family doesn't have many "family" recipes, but here is one that my dad, brother, and I cooked together when my dad was still alive  and  well (that  and  is vital). I found the original recipe in a book of gathered personal recipes that was given as a wedding present to two of my friends. I went through and made some necessary changes and added in commentary (which the internet tells me is the only way to have a recipe). Ingredients : 1.3   1 box es of spaghetti (preferably Barilla, otherwise you will notice the difference and you'll c...

What do you have in common with your pet(s)?  We prefer cuddling at night We don't like cars that get too close to us when we're crossing the street We are annoyed by cars with loud mufflers We slow down in the heat We might be food-motivated We have great hair/fur We love being around people We appreciate scritches Our eyes are one of our best features When left alone, we definitely spend too much time napping We can play the same game for a long time We love our friends dearly We don't mind the rain We were named (loosely in my case) after someone (fictional in Hoban's case) We are photogenic (Prompt by Sonia Soto)

Time for the first part of the tell-all! Rob, you know the producers are gonna fuck with Jen and Cole for ya Colt does tarot? Tim, do people really ask you your (beauty) secrets? I want most of them to be friends (not Carlo) What happened to Robin? Tim, you don't have a private Insta? Usman, you were disrespectful Tim...the camera that Usman is seeing out of is not on the screen Lol Rob is moving Usman Usman, it isn't your business how Colt and Cortney's sex life is Wow Cortney...we didn't need these details Tiffany, you know you're gonna have to answer Carlo sucks Yeah, Tiffany, you did go too far with Elise Omg I forgot how much tongue we saw between Carlo and Elise Yeah can we all just agree that Carlo sucks? Tiffany, don't be rude to Cortney I believe Elise over Carlo, for sure Carlo, shut up Yes, Cole, rat this man out! Lol Tiffany is dating another Ronald So, Tim could be a liar, but like we also know that Jen is a liar Veronica is right, Tim and Jen shoul...

Mine will be here before I know it! Play some version of football Make everyone wear orange and blue Teach everyone "The Superbowl Shuffle" Serve lots of sweets (he was called 'Sweetness') Host trivia centered around Payton himself Ask trivia questions centered around the number 34 Print 1 photo from every year of your life (so, 34) and challenge teams to put them in order Buy a football-shaped cake Scantron test for trivia about you Organize fun Field Day activities Put up orange and blue decorations Do something to make fun of Green Bay Give away 34 mini prizes Reward people for doing 34 of something (e.g. jumping jacks) Take exactly 34 photos of the event (Prompt by Sonia Soto) "4. Walter Payton" by Korye Logan . Attribution-ShareAlike 2.0 Generic .

Time for some parental drama.  Darcey, I love ya, but I would not describe your style as classy and demure Georgi, to be fair, Darcey asked for your opinion and you said it was fine Fuck right off, Adnan Jasmine's outfit is cute Yes, give Matt a chance Andrei, Libby is not going to move to Moldova at this point "The backdrop of impending doom" is a great line, Kara Kara, what about when he said he didn't love and care about you? Oh Julia is so stressed out Brandon's parents are ridiculous--I'm on Julia's side Aw Georgi's parents seem sweet Loving all the plants in Georgi's parents' house So Darcey needs glasses Yes, laugh at Adnan Tigerlily is observant at times I do wish Kara and Guillermo could work it out I appeciate how upfront Jasmine is with Matt Darcey in an apron is hilarious Matt is attractive, Gino, sorry Shut up, Gino Still to come, Georgi and Darcey have a wedding ceremony? Still to come, Adnan learns how to change a diaper Still to...

What would you say?  If it's wearable art, where would you wear it? If it's wearable art, what would you pair it with? If it's wearable art, does it have any materials you could be sensitive to? If it's wearable art, does it fit or would you have to have it adjusted? If it's wearable art, do you already own something similar? If it's wall art, do you have the wall space for it? If it's wall art, does it go with everything you'd need it to go with? If it's wall art, do you need to separately buy a frame? If it's wall art, how difficult would it be to hang it? If it's wall art, would everyone you live with appreciate it? If it's usable art (e.g. pottery), how difficult is it to clean? If it's usable art (e.g. pottery), how delicate is it? If it's usable art (e.g. pottery), how often would you use it? If it's usable art (e.g. pottery), do you have a place to display it when not in use? If it's usable art (e.g. pottery), how f...

Hey! Where's the boss? Oh whoa-oh-oh-oh Let's go! Ooh boss you're tiresome Like a five hour long breakless talk And they don't fire you like they need to You're never replying to emails Ooh petty bossman This job might've gone crazy No way to save me Who can blame me When I just wanna clock out early? I wanna work like I'm useful I wanna be heard like men Let's work as one like a real team Like I do dream Write a song for you like this I'm so bored I'm out of my mind Thinking the clock is showing the wrong time Weekends? I've pined, working in a place gone boring Office, I've gone snoring Office, I've gone snoring Office, I've Office, I've gone snoring Four dozen emails Anything for you to reply All the way to make you do work Doing it manage up style I'm a send you all of the reminders Like a carriage horse who is wearing blinders Keep focus to focus the way you should If you'd reply, I would smile I wanna work like I...

A girl can dream (also, as pretty much always, these are in no particular order). Original prompt: What would you do if you won the lottery?  Buy a house and a lake house (each with a yard for Hoban) Commission an artist to design wallpaper for my new homes Pay off my debt and my family's debts Establish a creative writing scholarship in my name Travel to Ireland Hire a personal trainer and chef Make a donation to an alligator sanctuary Seek out advice of a financial advisor Contract a writer to create a birthday murder mystery party for me Publish my own work Purchase a car (and driving lessons) Get a massage Contact a professional matchmaker Treat my friends and family Attend theatrical shows more (Prompt provided by Amelia Sacco) Photo by dylan nolte on Unsplash

Time for the finale! Cole and Rob need to calm it down I know ship Carlo/Usman Elise...did it ever occur to you that Carlo was, let's say, LYING TO YOU? I'm hopeful for Chantel You can pick no one, Tiffany Colt is sus You also can pick no one, Cortney See, Carlo, Tiffany is TALKING to Rocky and you SLEPT WITH Elise multiple times and LIED about it...that's the difference Braceletgate is a go Jennifer...give the bracelet back TIFFANY! BE. MAD. AT. CARLO. Tim, you're a coward Rocky seems like a good guy I'd be totally charmed by Rocky I need everyone to remember that a) they can pick no on and b) picking someone isn't marrying them Carlo does not have game (IMO) Do only the 90 Day  folks get to give a little speech? Yas, Chantel! YES, ROCKY IS A BETTER CHOICE THAN CARLO Carlo, you're so fake ELISE, DO NOT TAKE THIS MAN BACK Usman, rejected on his birthday Okay, the bracelet thing is funny to me Okay, Colt did get me to laugh Aaaand there's the cake moment ...

Original prompt: When you feel bored, where does your brain wander to? These are in no particular order. Fanfics I'm writing in my head Past mistakes Zillow Online shopping Tomorrow's weather Next trip I'm taking Next party I want to throw Chores I have to do Tasks I'm behind on Ways I could be improving things Painful memories Things I'm anxious about Worst-case scenarios What's coming up in the next week Wondering how my friends are (Prompt provided by Amelia Sacco) Photo by Luke Jones on Unsplash

Time for some family meetings. Ho boy I'm nervous for Julia Wow I don't think Julia is happy Shocker, Brandon hasn't practiced Russian much Great, we're going to spring fertility stuff on Julia's parents While I believe Natalie is genuinely upset, I do think there is some acting here GINO, FIND THIS WOMAN AN UBER I love this pot stirrer Matt is on the move! Aw Darcey really loves Georgi This instructor is cute AF Darcey, you could've learned a little more Bulgarian So Georgi speaks well of Darcey...that's good I mean like, maybe Georgi can find fulfillment in being a stepdad? I liked the onesie that Tigerlily picked out (it had teddy bears on it) While I'm with Brenda in regards to dressing kids colorfully being more fun, it is super not her business to tell Tigerlily how to dress her kids Brandon, do some Duolingo Brandon, this does seem like a you problem What are all of those books, Andrei? Andrei...masks might be a good plan Okay, like I don't li...

Original prompt: List 50 things that make you smile. Also, these are in no particular order. Pictures of my niblings Hoban showing me his belly New alligator items Cryptid art Hugs from friends Funny animal videos The Try Guys ' Phoning It In  series Punny romance novel titles Cozy mystery book titles Personal mail in my mailbox USPS's new stamp designs (mostly) Highland cows Nailed It! Things I ordered online arriving Browsing Zillow (Prompt provided by Amelia Sacco) Photo by Count Chris on Unsplash

Dear Steve Irwin, My favorite animal is an alligator, and it's all thanks to you. Yes, everyone who knows me knows of my love for alligators, and my collection of alligator toys etc. is well-established. But loving alligators has affected me in other ways. Loving a dangerous, but beautiful animal has reinforced the idea to look for the beauty in all creatures. Yes, an alligator can be vicious, but mother alligators also respond to calls of their young. Yes, their jaws can entrap an animal, but their tails help them move elegantly through the water. Whenever someone challenges me about alligators, I am able to show off the incredible things about them. This is true for all creatures. Regardless of what an animal is capable of, there is something fascinating and worthy about it. I know this is a pillar of what you taught through your outreach. You helped me, and countless others see the wonder in our world, especially in animals that many people would dismiss as monstrous. This has a...

A girl can dream. Original prompt: What 10 things would you hand off to an assistant if you had one? These are in no particular order. Meal planning Scheduling medical appointments for me and Hoban Ordering my and Hoban's medications Reminding me of chores (maybe making a schedule for me of them?) Helping me find the other people I need to find in my life (e.g. maybe a house cleaner or a real estate agent) Backing up my digital files Grocery shopping (can I ask an assistant to do this?) Querying literary agents Organizing my digital files Summarizing important documents (e.g. leases) for me Exploring Zillow listings for me to screen for my basic criteria Researching fun things to do in Chicago over the next month Booking my travel Keeping me on task when I'm dillydallying Sourcing images for my blog posts (Prompt provided by Amelia Sacco) Photo by krakenimages on Unsplash

Ho boy, which to pick? I think I'm going to go with the time I asked a guy out (yes, I think there was pretty much only one time). There was this guy in my grade (and advisory) who I thought was so cute (and smart) and I just kept thinking about him and developing a major crush. My friends finally gave me enough courage to ask him out. I put on what I thought was a very sexy outfit (I think I was 15 or 16?). It was a plaid mini skirt and pink short sleeve hoodie (if memory serves that is). I made sure my hair was cute and curly, but I don't think I put makeup on (I still rarely wear makeup, but even less so in high school). Even though I felt encouraged by my dear friends to just do the damn thing, it took me some time to get up the courage. If I remember correctly, we were on the up stairs (yes, in my high school there were up stairs and down stairs). I asked him if he wanted to go to a movie or something this weekend. He said he'd call me and, overjoyed, I went and squeal...

We all procrastinate sometimes. Also, while these are ways I procrastinate, they are sometimes also things I procrastinate! Watch TV (I need to relax) Write blog posts (gotta keep up this practice) Nap (need my rest) Listen to an audiobook (it's good for me, right?) Tidy (well I have to do this too) Take a bath (again, I have to get clean) Order delivery (I'm tired) Scroll social media (not sure I really justify this one) Online shop (there must be something I need) Scratch my head (feels good) Plan far off events (gotta do it sometime) Browse Zillow (I hope to buy within the year) Look for more alligator items on Amazon and/or Etsy (maybe I'll find something I must  have) Research the weather for the next few days (so I can plan outfits) Cuddle/give scritches to Hoban (good for my soul) (Prompt provided by Amelia Sacco) Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash

Time for some truths. Well spotted, Cortney Tiffany is being so cool, but I don't trust it (yeah, I was right not to trust it) Joe seems like a good time Carlo, what did you want? Tim dresses like a randomly generated sim I love how no one gave Tim telescope tips I 100% don't believe Mei wasn't told things by producers Oop, Tiffany, don't say stuff about Elise like that God, Carlo, you suck Oop Colt is honest about being a "nomad" Run, Tiffany, run Sex in a totaled car...sure What did Rob do this time? Tim is hilarious I'm judging the red flag folks for saying that they wouldn't be okay if their partner had same sex partners in the past I forgot Joe was Jamaican I'm so excited to see Colt's drawing of Cortney (it did not disappoint) Colt and Cortney finally kiss! Carlo sucks Okay, Tiffany didn't use the word "trash" (that we saw) Okay, Elise, was Carlo really your best friend? If so...that's pretty sad Aw I'm glad Tim is s...

I'm using a loose definition of "relationship". These are in no particular order. Me and my body image My job and my enjoyment Me and my grief My chores and me Me and summer heat My doctors and me Me and exercise My diet and me Me and my clothes My romantic life and me Me and my property management company My desire to stay informed and my mental health Me and my urge to affect change My quality of sleep and me Me and my lack of skincare routine (Prompt provided by Amelia Sacco) Photo by Denise Jans on Unsplash

Time for some fights. Flowers are like kind of the minimum, Gino So many bubbles Also, I don't need to be here You are  still married, Gino Andrei and Libby are bad at communication [Winston screams] Georgi playing with toys is hilarious Ho boy Darcey is using the toys to communicate This fortress is really beautiful Hilarious foreshadowing Kara, have you told Guillermo you want him to show up? Alexei, what do you mean Andrei "lost" $75,000? (sounds like he got scammed?) While I'm #TeamJasmine, it is wild to invite her to this party, Michelle I don't know why Tigerlily thought Adnan seeing a placenta would help Was the wine Andrei served Chuck out of a pop bottle? Libby is really into Andrei Soooooooo exactly how good is real estate in Moldova? Darcey is always funny Michelle, you are trying to cause trouble and I'm here for it Natalie has every right to be pissed Well that escalated quickly...and over Gino? Wow I really thought Andrei and Libby were filming i...

I'm using a loose definition of "relationship". These are in no particular order.  Me and my writing My family relationships Me and my D&D world creating My friendships Me and my D&D characters Hoban's and my bond Me and reading My friends' relationships (it's so nice to see them happy) Me and my plants My computer and me Me and my therapists My apartment and me Me and my jewelry My air conditioner and me (we're very close these days) Me and my alligator collection (Prompt provided by Amelia Sacco) Photo by Crissy Jarvis on Unsplash

Original prompt: Burning your tongue: Texting your ex. A hot take. Unsolicited advice. When was the last time you took a sip too soon (metaphorically speaking)?  I am definitely guilty of giving unsolicited advice. I know this about myself. I try to be a fixer. And fixers have solutions, right? And that's what people want, right? Well, not always. I think I have been getting better at realizing when I'm doing this and stopping myself--but it is a work in progress. I try to proactively ask what people want when they're venting to me--solutions, an ear, a distraction, etc. A specific incident doesn't come to mind where I gave unsolicited advice recently, but I'm sure I have. Why do I do this though? One possible theory is that, growing up as the daughter of an alcoholic, I sought to fix things and control what I could because part of my life (my father) felt out of control. This is something I heard in Al-Anon, but it honestly didn't always ring true for me. While...

I know some people must agree with me here.  Twilight  book series by Stephenie Meyer Condiments on hot dogs (hot take: it should just be the dog and grilled onions) Pineapple (I like the juice, but not eating the fruit itself--can't really say why) The Bear Microsoft Teams Spy thrillers (I've fallen asleep during them) The Notebook Exercising Being up high and standing on something see-through Avatar  movie franchise Beer (overall) Labubus Great Expectations  by Charles Dickens Clubbing Deep water and deep water activities (e.g. scuba diving) (Prompt by Eleanor Pratt) Photo by Anastasiya Badun on Unsplash

Time for some questions. Jay, Tiffany said no The internet clickbait has said Colt and Cortney are a thing now...I wonder if that's true Cole, calm it down Chantel, you are pretty mellow already Lol sexy bingo Carlo, you are being confusing Tim...shush Is Joe doing a body shot of red wine? Rocky is a good sport to twerk Of course Usman rushes up to supply music Rob, you aren't subtle Oof, Rob, I think you blew it (or not it seems) Chantel, you're so awkward Rocky, can't you just accept that Chantel is nervous? Tim, you shouldn't have gone to Mei's door I'm surprised Mei said yes So Carlo and Elise have a deep connection, apparently Well that was a lot of tongue Carlo is sweating Next time we talk about sexual positions Next time Tim senses Chantel is off Next time Cortney lets Usman down? Next time Tiffany, Elise, and Carlo have a talk Next time Rob and Cole have a face off Can't wait! (Prompt by me) 90 Day Fiancé: Hunt for Love , TLC Promotional image s...

Yes, SOME people like these things, but they're far from being the most popular.  Alligators Reptiles in general Leverage  and Leverage: Redemption Team Katniss should be single (like, yes, Peeta and Gail are there , but do they need  to be?) Haruhi/Hikaru ship in Ouran High School Host Club Scooby Apocalypse comic series by Keith Giffen and J. M. DeMatteis Anchovies Black olives on pizza The Hallowed Ones  duology by Laura Bickle The feeling of flour on my hands Blueberry hints in coffee Cheaper by the Dozen YouTube Music (the app) Math Wide Open Spaces album   by the Chicks (Prompt by Eleanor Pratt) Photo by Shelly Collins on Unsplash

Time for some family meetings. Darcey is a delight But also, let us leave before you have sex Oof sounds like your dad may be prejudiced, Tigerlily I don't think Yara was right for getting a puppy without telling Jovi I like Gino's family I want good things for Julia Matt is a better guy than Gino Gino sucks Is Adnan sure to avoid pork? Tigerlily's dad and stepmom are more understanding than I expected I don't need to hear about Georgi's tongue Wow Darcey and Georgi do not communicate well Jasmine makes potato salad? To be fair, where else is Jasmine supposed to live? I think the bags Yara has are a great idea (I'm not sold on the diamond necklace for dogs though) Oof tension already between Yara and Loren I feel bad for Julia I'm more inclined to believe Jasmine Next time Tigerlily and Adnan explore options for the placenta Next time Georgi meets up with Georgie Next time Kara puts a lot of weight into whether or not Guillermo shows up to her performance Ne...

Original prompt: Beach sub: Summer hunger hits differently. What’s your go-to simple, satisfying, hot weather meal? Watermelon Pasta salad Cold sandwich with chips stuck in it Caprese salad Popsicle Cold tuna spaghetti Ice cream in a cone Sushi Cold pesto pasta Fruit salad Chips and guacamole Cold pesto pizza Chicken salad Tuna salad Cold bagel with lox and cream cheese (Prompt provided by Kimisha Cassidy) Photo by Rydale Clothing on Unsplash

This may not be the most recent time I totally lost it, but it is a potent one.  After my dog Velma died, I was horrible to my mom. She was so supportive and kind, but I lost it when she told me the drawstring on my dress was trailing on the ground.  Why did this set me off? Not really sure to be honest, but it was the final straw. Maybe because, yes I did  know that the drawstring was on the ground, but I just didn't care. My dog had died, and I hadn't been with her when it happened. What did it matter if the drawstring was on the ground? Did my mom think I hadn't noticed? Surely I had noticed but just didn't care. I yelled at her and stormed into the store to buy a bracelet to put Velma's dog tag on so I could keep her with me. I was so upset that my mom didn't come with me. Didn't she know I needed her to come with me? Yes, looking at it as a rational person, I realize I had just yelled at her, and she thought (as she told me later when I tearily confront...

This is assuming I have the requisite talents.  Anne Boleyn in Six Mark Cohen in Rent King George III in Hamilton Tzeitel in  Fiddler on the Roof Elphaba in Wicked Obadiah "Sky" Masterson in Guys and Dolls Roxie Hart in Chicago John Adams in  1776 Velma Kelly in Chicago Miss Adelaide in Guys and Dolls Galinda in Wicked Fruma-Sarah in  Fiddler on the Roof Angelica Schuyler Church in  Hamilton Maureen Johnson in  Rent Anna of Cleves in  Six (Prompt by Eleanor Pratt) Photo by Kyle Head on Unsplash