Fifteen Minutes of Scrawl

So I need to make a side quest for two of my players in the main campaign I run.  The hook :  The goliath council member (Ira Kellouli) who is doing some legwork for them asks for a favor. Her sister, a semi-outcast swamp witch has called for aid. The witch runs a bookstore on the edge of town known for erotica and other devilish delights: her store appears to be haunted The journey to the bookstore :  Some sort of puzzle path to get there (like a riddle to find the right way) Also a battle with swamp creatures (come up with riddle that hints at each) 2 enormous tentacles (1 green, 1 yellow) Water does not seem deep enough for them 2 will-o-wisps (1 yellow, 1 white) If the players follow, they will lead them to a treasure of 400 gp, but also then attack them. Around the treasure are mossed-over bones The swamp witch (Evdoksia Kellouli) :  Personality/presentation Flirtatious Constantly talking about her own novels Suspicious, yet excited for new customers Must say ...

No judgment, please!  Cheaper by the Dozen Scooby-Doo: Mystery Incorporated My Brother, My Brother, And Me Leverage Nailed It! Crazy Ex-Girlfriend One Day at a Time Sweet Magnolias Parks and Recreation The Simpsons The Real Housewives  franchise Rosebuddies and the seasons of The Bachelor  family of products they cover RuPaul's Drag Race The 90 Day  franchise 90 Day Bae (Prompt by me) "TV WATCHING." by nr.7375 . Attribution-NonCommercial 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC 2.0) .

Time to meet the final couple. Oop Wayne straight up left Holly (though I guess she stormed off) Holly, he's not actually concerned for your safety Okay, saying stop isn't helpful, Brandan Ho boy does Mary need therapy New couple alert! So Shekinah was Amish Shekinah got her parents to leave the Amish life behind? Sarper does sound too controlling Of course, lying was clearly a better choice, Wayne Oof Dan, this was a bad plan Daniele, you did say that basically you don't like how Yohan's family raises kids Next time Brandan is worried about money Next time Mary has another anxiety attack Next time we meet Sarper Next time Julio doesn't want to move Next time Kimberly has to talk to TJs fmaily Next time it escalates Next time looks dramatic... ...and good Can't wait! (Prompt by me) 90 Fiance: The Other Way , TLC Promotional image source

I'm far from an expert!  Consider your pets (would they go after the plants? maybe just get all non-toxic?) Get some easy plants to start (maybe even ones that live in water) Consider what kind of light you get (different plants need different amounts of light0 Get some cheap plants (that way, if they die (and some will), you won't have lost a ton of money) Consider setting alarms for watering (you might need them at least until you get into the habit) Get advice from friends who are plant people (everyone has got to have one) Consider what you appreciate in plants (the color, the height, the bushiness, etc.) Get fun pots (I mean make sure they suit the plant, but fun pots make plants more fun) Consider what your goals are with the plants (décor, propagation, produce, etc.) Get a watering can (seeing it may help you remember to water your plants) Consider how many plants you think you can handle (I'd recommend just starting with 1 or 2) Get recommended tools (definitely ask...

Time for some big emotions.  Cleo looks great Cleo...you're out of his league YEAH, EXACTLY, NICOLA'S BROTHER Aw Nicola's mom is happy Okay that is not what Meisha said... Of course Nicola's mom doesn't care Yes, Nicola is the one who has a problem Honestly, thank god David went with a camera crew David is so cute David, I think now is realistically the only time to propose because you probably can't come to the Philippines again for a while So Jasmine has a point, but bringing up Legoland is hilarious This was kinda hard to watch YES, THE TOOTHBRUSH Oop Riley got cheated on bad I don't think Razvan is missing your point, Amanda Razvan is a good guy I really want David and Sheila to work out I don't believe Nicola Okay it's not really a normal thing, Riley Yes, Amanda, that's why you shouldn't have gotten into a relationship at this stage Christian might have a drinking problem Christian...you're a jerk Jasmine, you shouldn't have for...

I feel like I've done this before, but if so it's time for an update!  Taking baths Reading more Cuddling my dog Writing Going to a doctor's appointment Treating myself Giving myself head massages Planning D&D-related adventures Resting Doing stretches at my desk Caring for my plants Sorting stuff to get rid of Listening to audiobooks Sleeping enough Utilizing breaks (Prompt by Emily Kleeman) "Massage" by Stephen Boyle . Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) .

To be clear, I am not pregnant. Nor do I currently plan on being pregnant soon. However, I promised myself that if I was 30 and still single I'd start to explore my options for having a child either on my own or later in life with a partner. Well, 30 came and went, but 31 is still here so close enough I figure. My first step was to make an appointment to discuss options with a doctor because I could do all the research I wanted on the internet, but I knew it would overwhelm me. As I write this, I haven't had that appointment yet so no news there. Now I made this appointment in February (hey, I was still 30 then!) and it was originally scheduled for October (yes, an 8-month wait for an initial appointment), but last week the appointment got moved up to this week and things got moving! The timing feels right in a certain way. Two people I care about are having babies in the next month, someone else I love is expecting next year, and I also know multiple couples either trying or g...

I doubt these are a surprise. Alligators Firefly Scooby-Doo Green Galway/Ireland Alpacas Star Trek Memes D&D Board games Children's books General nerdom Dogs Fluffy things Chicago (Prompt by me) "5x7 Edited - 47731 Baby Shower -3043" by West Palm Beach VAMC

Time for some doubts. I want Kenny and Armando to work Okay, Wayne, you could be nicer about Holly wanting a more US style home Wayne, if Holly doesn't know that you can't afford it...maybe you should tell her Wayne...it seems like maybe you can't provide for Holly Did Brandan not bring sunglasses? Yeah Julio is not great at communication or plans I feel like this conversation about the surrogacy clinic and kids shouldn't be in front of Hannah Wait Kenny and Armando lost kids? Oof at 4 months you think you're safe Oh gosh I forgot Hannah's mom was 8 months pregnant when she died Ah crypto...solid, Wayne Oof Mary's issues run super deep Next time Wayne just ditches Holly Next time we finally meet the couple in the promo photo Next time Daniele tells Yohan he has no responsibilities Next time Mary's anxiety/panic attack worsens Next time Brandan gets really sad Next time looks pretty dramatic Next time should be good Can't wait! (Prompt by me) 90 Fianc...

What makes you feel nostalgic?  Fla-Vor-Ice popsicles (or any of those popsicles that come in a plastic sleeve--see the picture) Drinking Sprite through a plastic straw The Idea Factory at MSI Juice boxes The Magic Treehouse  book series Powerpuff Girls Dexter's Laboratory Trick-or-treating The public library in my neighborhood and their stools with legs that looked like giant pencils Sky Dancers and their accompanying blue VHS Ohio Street Beach The Song of the Lioness  book series Polly Pockets Original Pokémon cards Toys Et. Cetera (Prompt by Emily Kleeman) "Kids Computer Camp 2012 050" posted by the Eckhart Public Library . Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic (CC BY-NC-ND 2.0) .

Time for some bonding and unbonding? I don't get Riley and Violet (I know I've said this before) Gino, don't tell Jasmine she looks pregnant FINALLY! WE MENTION JASMINE'S KIDS! I'M NOT CRAZY! Bonding with your partner's kid is a very normal challenge, David Aw David finds a game to play God I keep forgetting that Nicola and Meisha have been talking for 7 years I mean Meisha seems fine, Nicola Gosh, Nicola, you had 7 years to get your mom used to the idea of Meisha Statler...you could renew your lease... Ugh Christian...please don't do a Drumpf impression You are a bad couple, Cleo I really don't like watching Cleo cry Aw David seems like a sweet guy I do appreciate how open and respectful Riley is at this temple So, Gino, you say you can handle one, but you would have three with Jasmine's two sons Though, yes, in theory Gino's family could help So, this isn't fair or cool, but Jasmine, they may not like you, but they will like Gino's kid ...

This isn't enough for a full post, but I started BSing something that I need some notes for now.  Oleander was the symbol of old rebellions hundreds of years ago Despite this, oleander isn't seen as a necessarily dangerous symbol, more a representation of a feeling Oleander was supposedly used to kill previous political leaders These stories have inspired songs Oleander is used as a way of breaking up with people in Eros Because of this, oleander is seen as a symbol of a broken heart as well Oleander was used to kill sacrifices for the gods hundreds of years ago, though this has been covered up Hence, oleander is seen by some to represent the dangerous side of religion Oleander used to be used to induce hallucinations by seers hundreds of years ago (and some people still use it despite official bans) Since it had this use, some see oleander as a symbol of the future Oleander often grows in this world to be very tall (20 feet) Thus some see it as intimidating Oleander has been a...

One thing I'm grateful for this year that I didn't have last year is my energy to read. Not that I didn't read at all last year, but I feel like I've gotten the inspiration to read back recently. Have you ever experienced something like this?  This isn't the first time I've experienced a lull in my energy to read. I first experienced it in college (likely because I had so much assigned reading to do). And then I got back my energy when working at a bookstore as it was just such a book-centric place to work and everyone who worked there was book-centric. I definitely miss that immersion in the book world. I can't remember when I lost it again, but I think it was while working at a publishing company. I got it back (I think) in grad school, but then lost it again. Since then, it's come and gone in waves. Sometimes I've found ways to get back into reading, but none have lasted. Some of my recent energy was helped by starting my book review blog (I will...

Some of these may be too scary.  An undead supreme court justice (because undead isn't dead) Barbenheimer (open to interpretation) Alan (from Barbie) A mishmash of an outfit (say your costume was generated by AI) Various Spider-people (great for a group costume) Orca and a yacht (couple's costume) M3GAN (okay, yes it TECHNICALLY came out in 2022, but it came out after Halloween so I'm gonna pretend it counts) Cocaine bear D&D movie costumes (characters, beasts, or just general D&D stuff like a D20) A spare (could be bowling or lesser royal, but it's a play on Prince Harry's book Spare ) A stack of papers next to a toilet (a-la Drumpf's home) King Charles (I had honestly forgotten that happened this year) The big red boots ( remember those? ) Rihanna at the Super Bowl Halftime Show (maybe with a pumpkin under the shirt) Flounder from The Little Mermaid  (2023) (Prompt by Kimisha Cassidy) "Trunk-or-Treating at Monterey Road CDC" by Presidio of Mo...

One of the biggest transitions in my life was when I moved to Ireland for grad school. When I reflect on my time there, I mostly remember the good things. I wrote more than I ever had (let me know if you want to read anything I wrote during that time...that includes a full-length thriller movie), I made great friends (some on my own and some through school), and I got to live in a beautiful country. I admire myself a bit for taking the risk of moving somewhere where I didn't know anyone and where things were different than my norm (not that there aren't great similarities between Galway's culture and Chicago's) and I have some great, great memories from my time there like us singing with my cohort, my first murderino meetup at the King's Head, and seeing the natural Irish beauty with friends and family who came to visit. But there is a side that I haven't talked about much. Being away from familiar people and places as well as stress with my dad and my natural c...

Responsibilities can be fun too! Walking Hoban: Hoban gets me outside and moving, both of which are good for me Being an aunt: I get immense joy from hanging out with my niblings (though I wish there was a different word), but I do think it's a responsibility to be a figure in their lives Making my own doctor appointments: It gives me a sense of agency Renting my own apartment: While it comes with a lot of responsibility, I love the freedom Going to work: My job certainly has its struggles, but I do love making my own money Buying my own clothes: Although I have body image issues wrapped up in this, I am glad I get to pick out and style my own look Acting as a DM: This is certainly one of my fun responsibilities as it is a creative and social outlet Maintaining this blog: Though it is a light responsibility, I do think of writing for this blog as one, but I appreciate that I've kept it going for so long and have this place to explore myself creatively Grocery shopping: There ar...

Time for some tough conversations. So I'm all for a self-defense class, Wayne, but I'm not sure it will actually help her feel safe Wayne, you are literally saying you're keeping her in a cage Okay I feel like Armando and Kenny should've talked about having a baby before getting married Julio should've thought more about moving before deciding to move Kimberly...how is calling him stupid helpful? "Takes trash to know trash, don't it"-Kimberly Oof Holly and Wayne didn't talk about finances... Oh I want Armando to be happy, but I also see Kenny's point TJ's brother does also have an attitude Oof to say Kimberly doesn't deserve respect or love is pretty harsh Next time Kirsten talks about Julio's hesitations Next time Wayne reveals a bad investment Next time Holly pushes for communication Next time Armando and Kenny talk to Armando's mom about the clinic visit... ...with Hannah there too Next time Kenny doubts if he's the right...

I'm writing this on a rainy day. Watch the rain and just listen to it and nothing else Go to a museum Play in the puddles Read Do a puzzle Take a nap Catch up on chores Get a manicure Take an indoor class Get a massage Go clothes shopping Pass the day in a café Check out a local bookstore Do some art Cuddle your loved ones (Prompt by Eleanor Pratt) "family walking in the rain" by bikesharedude

Time for some important conversations. So Amanda and Razvan finally did it Did he say Dracula's castle? Gino sees a waterfall and talks about showering...okay So should Jasmine look worse cause she's dating Gino? I mean...is Gino a grown-ass man? I mean no, Cleo doesn't really know you, Christian Do you deserve a fair shake, Christian? You did lie, Christian... Tyray...I think you actually believe that Carmella will fall for you Dempsey...you said you've been together 24/7 but after you said you'd just been working Was that a The Bachelor ( ette ) reference? Going well doesn't always equal going at lightning speed Statler is really chugging that drink Oh man I want a s'more Oh good they're in love Statler...have you thought about this? I want Sheila and David to work out It was traumatic! Aimee is really having to navigate tricky conversations Okay but David also has expenses So maybe David shouldn't have come? Honestly, at this point, would it be be...

I'm sure there are better ones than these too. Also, there is definitely some overlap with these. Everyone seeing all humans as humans Everyone seeing the Earth as something to be loved and cared for Healthcare of all kinds being easily accessible to all All necessities (water, food, housing, etc.) being easily accessible to all Everyone being able to pursue their passions without fear of being judged or being able to support themselves Easy and accessible transportation Preservation of history that respects cultures and does not celebrate atrocities Less of a focus on physical appearance Education being accessible and equitable AI being used to alleviate burdens instead of used for pure profit All children having a loving home Institutions and countries reckoning with their history Everyone being safe to express their true selves No exploitation Excellent and accessible treatment for addiction (Prompt by Eleanor Pratt) "Earth Day" by GPA Photo Archive

I once had a bad date (well more than once, but this is a particular date). It was a live podcast taping, which is actually a fun idea for a date. However, the comedians started talking about suicide and, at the time, someone very close to me was suicidal. They also talked about like how to make it clean and just things that completely made me lose any airs of fun. Furthermore, I had gotten dressed up and hiked myself up to the north side and yet, my date didn't give me a single compliment. Not even a "you look nice" which is very basic and would've gone a long way.  At the end of the taping, I quickly made my exit as I didn't know what to say. I called an Uber Pool (remember that) and climbed in. One of my friends texted that he was also having a bad night and so I called him. I expressed how the evening had made me uncomfortable and I felt like my date didn't appreciate my effort. I mean, I could've been home, in comfy pajamas watching Netflix but I had ...

Some days, you just need a musical boost. "Shake It Off" by Taylor Swift "Cheerleader (Felix Jaehn Remix)" by OMI "Stronger (What Doesn't Kill You)" by Kelly Clarkson "Shut Up and Dance" by Walk the Moon "Last Friday Night (T.G.I.F.)" by Katy Perry "High Hopes" by Panic! At The Disco "Good As Hell" by Lizzo "Honey, I'm Good" by Andy Grammer "Flowers" by Miley Cyrus "I Lived" by OneRepublic "Tik Tok" by Ke$ha "Can't Stop This Feeling" by Justin Timberlake "Lush Life" by Zara Larsson "Best Day Of My Life" by American Authors "Good Time" by Owl City and Carly Rae Jepsen (Prompt by Eleanor Pratt) "Female Holding Flowers Dancing in Field" by Image Catalog

Time for Armando to need a hug.  Just when I thought Mary and Brandan couldn't get grosser...she feeds him God Brandan and Mary just shouldn't be together Wow Kimberly and TJ are working it out? Okay, Kimberly, you should have some reasonable boundaries Daniele's friends are BURNED Can't God send you children through IVF? Julio...you have not clearly communicated things with people Julio...you literally showed her where a bullet went into your house So are we just giving up on the boots, Brandan? Wow Mary wasn't kidding about her grandfather Brandan...I don't think Mary's grandfather did understand Kimberly...could you have done like a little research? Someone hug Armando! (there we go) I would guess that finding a surrogate is easier in Mexico City than in the small town they're currently in Oop Mary is caught though she was going to be caught at some point because she told a camera what she did Dear god, Kimberly and TJ have not had the important conve...

These are in no particular order.  Ken admitting he'd become disinterested in the patriarchy because it wasn't about horses "Pink (Existential Crisis Version)" by Lizzo Barbie choosing the heel over the Birkenstock Will Ferrell's character being startled by Midge Earring Magic Ken making an appearance Weird Barbie helping lead the rebellion Alan reminding everyone that Barbieland also includes him America Ferrera's speech Ken saying people are looking at him with no undercurrent of violence "Speed Drive" by Charli XCX Barbie and the old woman (who is played by costume designer Anne Roth) on the bench The Mattel employee saying "I'm a man without power, does that make me a woman?" Growing Up Skipper making an appearance Ruth Handler's ghost having an office America Ferrera's dark ideas for Barbies (Prompt by Eleanor Pratt) Barbie , Warner Bros. Pictures  Image source

Time to meet some new people.  Ew I don't need to hear about Gino's diarrhea Am I about to watch porn? Amanda...I think you're just kind of laughing at traditional names? Ah Razvan has always wanted to go to the US Okay like do we need to watch Statler shower? Ah Statler has a history of moving too fast Tyray...your mom has seen your underwear before Aw I'm glad Cleo had a good time (I still don't think Christian is good enough for her though) Lol to Christian cracking eggs So is Christian lying about sex? Nicola is being sweet Statler told Dempsey's dad he smells good... Dempsey looks like her dad Amanda...it's a pool party Razvan you didn't need to share that GAH! JASMINE! I DON'T NEED THESE DETAILS Okay this is rude, but I don't like the color of Dempsey's toenail polish So, Statler, a scavenger hunt is a very sweet idea, but you are doing the too much too fast thing again by telling Dempsey you're in love with her and then asking to m...

It'll be here sooner than you think!  Visiting my brand-new nephew Not running the air conditioning Halloween (need a costume idea) Hot cocoa nights A colorful view Some of my long dresses Not showing off so much skin A dear friend visiting Cool weather Apple picking Pumpkin carving/decorating Open House Chicago Thanksgiving Maybe a ghost tour in Chicago Maybe the jack-o-lanterns at the botanic garden (Prompt by me) "Fall Leaves" by Land Between the Lakes KY/TN

Besides the content, there is a lot that can make or break an audiobook. One of the first things I often encounter is music leading into the text. This can work well and really set the scene, so I usually appreciate it. However, the wrong choice of music would ruin or even overpower the introduction. I would think that even some music throughout could be welcome if well-selected. The narrator's voice is also key. Now, I don't like to say it, but some people are gifted with glorious voices, or the ability to mask their voices, and others are simply not. Some voices I find grating (though not usually because of vocal fry, I'm fairly used to that). Some voices are simply enchanting and I'd listen to them read a phonebook. These are rare, but I have encountered them. How the audiobook handles different voices also says a lot. Some books will switch narrators for different voices. I can remember this working well in The Princess Diarist by Carrie Fisher. Fisher read most of ...

What are some songs you obsessed over? Also, there are definitely more than this. "Almost (Sweet Music)" by Hozier "No Body, No Crime" by Taylor Swift "Surface Pressure" by Lin-Manuel Miranda, performed by Jessica Darrow "Some Nights" by Fun "Speed Drive" Charli XCX "Nancy Mulligan" by Ed Sheeran "All Too Well (10 Minute Version) (Taylor's Version) (From The Vault)" by Taylor Swift "Praying" by Kesha "White Winter Hymnal" by Fleet Foxes, performed by Pentatonix "What I Wouldn't Do" by Serena Ryder "Gone gone gone" by Phillip Phillips "Kings and Queens" by 30 Seconds to Mars "Galway Girl" performed by Sharon Shannon, Mundy, and Galway City "Something I Need" by OneRepublic "Caledonia" performed by Dougie MacLean (Prompt by me) "Doris Auguste Heindorff listening to a gramophone, New Farm, Queensland, ca. 1905" posted by th...

Here are some short pieces based on things that have happened in my life recently. Barbie Barbie  (the move) made me think about my Barbies that I think are currently sitting in a closet in a large basket with other tub toys. What had they meant to me? Had they taught me bad things or good things? I don't remember Barbie ever being the thing to give me body image issues, I think that was more TV than anything else. What should I do with them? I can't remember the last time I played with my Barbies, but it was probably in the tub. Barbies are plastic so I could play with them in the tub, which was a huge perk. It was also likely before I had the Sims as I used my Sims in much the same way that I had used my Barbies: to imagine stories featuring visible characters.  I also definitely had Kens, but my ratio was off, and being a heteronormative child, I had the Kens cheat (this was often the cause of drama in my stories--though I often stopped the story before the Kens had to make...

These are in a particular order, my own (at least at the moment)! Feel free to disagree. Fantasy Romance Science fiction Cozy mystery Mystery Historical Dystopian Thriller Gothic Horror Spy novels Magical realism Western Adventure Literary (Prompt by Kimisha Cassidy) "University groups combine for war work Brisbane March 1940" posted by the State Library of Queensland

Time for some misplaced concern?  GAH, SPIDER Oof this is an awkward scene between Brandan and Mary's grandparents Gizmo is so cute Oop Daniele is just annoyed with Yohan Yeah Julio, she can either be herself or be loud You've been together for a year, Julio, and you told them three weeks ago... Julio...it was literally your idea to move to the Netherlands Like I think both TJ and Kimberly are in the wrong Omg cute kid dancing Oof talking to Armando's mom did not go well Julio...if you're moving countries for someone it is a bit odd to spring on her that maybe you should live apart If you are truly concerned that Holly will be seen as a sex worker, Wayne, that was a concern to register in private Okay I don't like you calling Yohan "a monstrosity of a man," Daniele's friend (Lizette?) Julio, I don't disagree that having your own places could be a good idea, but I do disagree with how you approached this Okay I feel like this is not a conversation t...