Fifteen Minutes of Scrawl

If I were to make a zoo-themed diner, I'd want these elements. Stuffed animals, books, etc. for sale that benefit endangered species conservation Little tabletop jukeboxes that will play songs and the profits of which will go to a local zoo Dishes inspired by the diets of popular zoo animals Servers would have hats and/or headbands of different zoo animals Option on the menu to buy a meal for a zoo animal Different play areas inspired by different zoo animal habitats Animal facts trivia brunches Drag Queen story hour with books about animals Drag Brunches that are animal themed Kindly, mindfully, and (when possible) locally sourced ingredients A zoo-themed farmer's market Discounted bill if you present a zoo ticket (and vice versa?) Zoo employees and volunteers always get a discount Animal adoption events outside the diner (make your own zoo lol) Menus with rotating animal facts (Prompt by Kimisha Cassidy) Photo by michael schaffler on Unsplash

Time for fights and flirts! Rob, didn't you know that Darcey was coming? Okay, Bini isn't a perfect guy, but other people are clearly worse Thank goodness Bini and Ari are breaking up Okay, I would encourage Ari and Bini to have like post-marital counseling or co-parenting counseling because they are going to be in each other's lives for a long time Florian giving water to Stacey is hilarious Josh, if you don't want to share your life with Natalie, like fair enough, but then just let her go What are these yellow ribbons hanging from the ceiling? Fly paper? Ho boy it sounds like Julia and Brandon's mom are toxic Well this is going to Hell in a handbasket Huh Bini gets a goodbye, but not Ari Ari...am I remembering correctly that you were married once before Bini and you two split cause he didn't want kids? Next time we party again Next time Gino shuts Jasmine down quickly Next time Darcey maybe stirred the pot again about Florian cheating? Can't wait! (Prompt ...

Just some ideas! Go on a hunt for flowers peaking through snow and take pics (or other plants pushing through) Wear out-of-season clothes (I'm wearing an ocean-themed dress today) Take a walk by the lake (or somewhere else that was especially cold on frigid days) Put on rain boots and stomp in the mud (be a little kid again!) Get out on the water if you can (canoe, kayak, sail, although, probably not swim) Shop for spring plants (spring is a-comin') Stage a photoshoot (you can wear fun clothes, the sun is out later, etc.) Walk to a store or place that you haven't gone to lately because of the distance (I have one of these at least) Sit outside for a spell (depending on how warm it is, this may be a short spell, but get that vitamin D) Plan a spring trip (better weather puts me in a better mood and allows me to do things like this) Look for a four-leaf clover (for good luck!) Start to plan spring cleaning (tis almost spring!) Do something to shake off cobwebs--both literally...

Not sure what's happening in this episode as we only got a season preview instead of an episode preview. Stevi throws up on bridges? Stevi...have you told Mahdi about these things? (Seems like yes?) Oop I forgot they had a 10 year age gap Sarper is gross Wow I did not expect Greg to have met Joan in person Greg...what about renting an apartment as opposed to buying a house? Ew Greg's mom fed him Wow this conversation about sleeping arrangements should've been had a WHILE ago How is Greg sponsoring Joan? I hope Clayton's passport arrives soon so he can be with his mom Of course Sarper is announcing he's leaving at a family event focused on someone else Maria is so cute Wait why isn't Greg moving to Uganda instead? Ha Jessica does have a lot of basic decorations Oof no door to the adult bedroom is not great Mahdi is like haunted Oop Sarper is either lying or not fully on board with moving to the US Okay, please don't roleplay in front of me, Mark and Mina Okay...

I got to see this play on Sunday, February 23rd! Overall, a jolly good time Even though we had seats at the very back of the balcony, by leaning forward I still saw most of the play I loved that the floor of the manor reminded me of the board game It was also fun when Colonel Mustard pulled out a "blueprint" of the manor and it was the board game board Solid musical and lighting stings that made us laugh but also highlighted key clues Mr. Green was the stand-out actor for me (not that anyone was bad, but he had some serious acrobatics) I didn't really enjoy Wadsworth's/Boddy's extended death (just didn't work for me) Where was talking about communism as a red herring? How the set worked was truly impressive and is something that will stay with me in my memory of it I appreciated the swing that they took with the dancing sequences during the searching of the manor, but it didn't always work for me The series of punny names for the chief of police got me goo...

Time for the Rusical!  Suzie...you were firmly in the middle Kori and Lydia are cute Classic role choosing drama God, I'd struggle with this singing so much...I feel for you Kori Hell yeah, Onya Oof Onya is now struggling with dancing (which I also relate to) Oh I'm sorry you were bullied, Sam Oh, Arrietty, I'm glad you found healing Suzie isn't pushing through like I want her to No one is really standing out to me Suzie looks so cute! Jewels is beautiful, but I'm not going to remember this Arrietty is gorgeous Lexi is sexy I really like Sam's look (that pattern is to die for) Lydia's look is a WOW Did Kori know this challenge would be paired with this runway? (Seems like no) Onya is fabulous Acacia looks great I'm also not going to remember Lana's look So, I did love Sam's outfit, but I thought Onya should've won both for performance and outfit I think Acacia is going to win? I was wrong Next time is a design challenge inspired by Betsey Joh...

I got to see the Goodman Theatre production of this play on Saturday, February 15th.  Overall, great experience I feel like I should read "Hamlet" now (for those who don't know, "Fat Ham" is a reimagining of "Hamlet") and see what it adds to my understanding of "Fat Ham" I wonder, for instance, if there was queer subtext in "Hamlet" or if that was just James Ijames's take Impressive how much can be done with, essentially, one space (I say essentially because sometimes you'd see or hear characters set back in the house which sort of did and sort of didn't feel like a second space to the backyard) There was great humor to the play which helped balance some of the darker moments Tio (the Horatio character) was especially funny, but that also made his moments of seriousness more profound I was a bit confused by the ending, but luckily I attended with two very smart ladies who helped me suss it out Still though, a few parts o...

Despite my father having lived not far for many years, I had never visited after-words bookstore (23 East Illinois Street, Chicago, Illinois 60611) until this past weekend. I had found out about  after-words bookstore  when looking for bookstores to add to my list of "15 bookstores I haven't been to in Chicago that I'd like to go to" . On Saturday, I had the perfect opportunity to check it out. I had just seen a play and had a dinner reservation in a few hours. Furthermore,  after-words bookstore  was right in between the theater and the restaurant. I walked there with a friend and, per the sign that greeted us, we checked in at the desk. We were welcomed by a friendly bookseller who explained how to tell what was a used book and what was a new book (not that that really mattered to me) and asked us to please sanitize before browsing (which I was happy to do). To start my exploration, I checked out one of the sections of the first floor: YA. I love YA books and...

I'm hoping to go some time this year. These are in no particular order. Visit with friends Dance to some music Listen to some stories Look upon The Book of Kells Ghost tour Head to  Rathbaun Farm Shop at  Tiny Traders Village Food tour Go to Spideal again Boat tour Meet birds of prey at  the Dublin Falconry  or another falconry Hop on the  Dublin to Kilkenny, Wicklow, Glendalough, Laragh Sheep Dog Trial tour  or the  Dublin: Glendalough, Wicklow, Kilkenny and Sheepdog demonstration tour  or some tour with sheepdogs Take in  Victor's Way See whales and other water wildlife Try at least a new brand of Irish alcohol (Prompt by me)

Time for some Darcey! So Gino regrets the bachelor party but not the sharing of her nudes? I wonder what Gino considers "getting along" Stacey, you should've just said "Hurricane Darcey" Julia loves stirring the pot Oop so Jasmine admits that Matt is more than a friend Matt is pretty cute Ah, Florian, I'm so sorry Darcey arrives in all her glory Darcey is already stirring the pot I've never wanted to have a twin I doubt Darcey is gone forever Ah see, here she is again Stacey, you should change before going to bed Next time Darcey (?) flirts with Rob (IMO) Next time Jasmine still wants an open marriage Next time maybe Jasmine and Gino actually talk about that? Next time Ari feels like a failure Next time Julia and Brandon get into a fight in front of his parents (who are on a video call) Next time should be good Can't wait! (Prompt by me) 90 Day Fiancé: The Last Resort , TLC Promotional image source

Looking for positives right now. Seeing Clue (the play) with friends Refelcting on seeing  Fat Ham (the play) with friends Playing Teatime Adventures with friends Picking up  I Got Abducted by Aliens and Now I'm Trapped in a Rom-Com by Kimberly Lemming from Call & Response Books Going to C2E2 with friends My birthday The birthday murder mystery party I'm going to throw Hyde Park Handmade A Conversation with Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson: The Lovely One Memoir event Laughing out loud at  The Empire Strips Back  with friends St. Patrick's Day party at a friend's Shadowing an event planner at a Bar Mitzvah and a wedding Writing postcards to voters Getting the new clothes I've ordered recently Reading some of the many books I've bought lately (Prompt by me) Clue: Live on Stage!, Broadway in Chicago Promotional image source

Season premiere! Does this place in the US really have the most poop in all of the US? I forgot Jessica's ex was on the cruise where she met Juan This is going to be a rough adjustment for Juan Did they say how they met Any? I think I missed it We're really ogling Shekinah and Sarper Wait, Shekinah has a business? How does your dad not know you're engaged, Stevi? Wait, Mark, but you have photos with some of these celebrities... Ew, Mark could be Mina's dad Okay, Mina has EU citizenship, she's fine on the citizenship front What does another baby make a difference? Oh right, Juan might've cheated I'd need more evidence that Mina is this manipulative Prenups ain't going to protect Mark from visa sponsorship and/or child support responsibilities Stevi and Mahdi are stressing me out already Hey we ever going to talk about how Sarper abandoned a kid again? No? This season someone is in an inflatable cow costume This season we meet more couples This season ther...

There are a lot haha. gold light-up 'steampunk' chandelier earrings Minimalist Book Ring Yellow Gold Book Ring Book Lover Ring Book Jewelry Dainty Solid Gold Reader Gift Reader Gold White Gold Rose Gold Little Grey Seal Earrings, Polymer Clay Miniatures, Sea Mammal Jewellery, Seal Lover Gift, Chonky Seal, Kawaii Earrings Mothman Dice Holder and Necklace - Hand Painted Resin Cryptid Jewlery Abstract earrings. Gold plated earrings. Tassel earrings. Neutral earrings. Waterfall earrings. Modern earrings. Gift for her. Bridal earrin Christmas earrings. Christmas jewelry. Women’s earrings. Polymer clay earrings. Holiday polymer clay earrings. Christmas tree earrings. Witch Hat Earrings Dangle Floral Clay Earrings Statement Polymer Clay Bookish Earrings Dark Academia Witchy Gift for Her Unique Teacher Gift Speckled earrings. Polymer clay earrings. Hoop earrings. Neutral earrings. Statement earrings. Gift for her. White earrings. Unique earrings (with brass circle) Labradorite Fringe H...

Time for Snatch Game! Wait did they really throw out their garments? Kori is stirring up Suzie What does Arrietty mean she's a baby? I wish we spent less time pre-Snatch Game and spent more time for the actual Snatch Game Onya, don't change from Eddie Murphy GayI is unhinged but should be fun Lexi is struggling already...BUT! She is still making Ru laugh Lana, you can't expect Ru to wait for you to do one of her jokes Okay, I don't think Suzie was bombing like Jewels said, but she was, for this group, middling I LOVE Ru's look Acacia's Swiss Army Knife nails are hilarious Suzie's look is fantastic Lexi's nails are so detailed and she look so sexy Sam's look feels a little done Lana does look gorgeous Kori, your look is not going to be remembered compared to these other looks Crystal was smart to do another take on nails Jewels looks good, but I wouldn't have gotten the depth of the look without the narration Lydia's look is twisted, but cool ...

Here are some ideas if you're looking for concrete things. Check in without expectation of a response Offer to spend time with me, but understand if I flake Order me delivery Bring me food and eat with me Drive me to see my dad Write me mail (I LOVE mail) If you want to get me a thing, consider scented candles or flowers Possibly help me plan my birthday party Share your favorite memes Tell me good news in your life Discuss reality TV with me Listen when I need to vent (it's best to ask if I need to to start off a conversation and I'll let you know what I need at that moment) Give me hugs Play with my hair Understand when this list changes (Prompt by me) Photo by Helena Lopes on Unsplash

Here are some short pieces based on things that have happened in my life recently. Bark I have a dog. And he barks. He doesn't yip, he barks. Now what he barks at varies, but there are some constants: skateboards, cars with loud mufflers, motorcycles, and pretty much anything that combines movement with loud noise (the part of me that is a grumpy old lady agrees with this barking) Sometimes he barks at other dogs, sometimes not. Very rarely, he has barked at just a person (but the time I really remember him doing this was when we were at a dog park and there was someone there alone without a dog). Recently, he's been barking more at cars that are just near us and it's like, my dude, you would lose any fight against a car, please just leave it alone. But it's probably the 39% chihuahua in him that makes him think he can take on bigger threats. But, despite the barking, I love him dearly and overall he brings me peace and comfort.  He is a good boy. Clayton I started watc...

This is meant to be a related piece to "15 things to do in your dad's hospital room," "15 Things You Find in Your Dad's Hospice Room," and "15 Things You Find When You Clean Out Your Dad’s Apartment" .  The Christmas lights at the nurse's station that should really have been switched for saccharine cupids by now What team decided to hang up a clearly labeled DRAFT safety sign Who comes up with the aliases they seem to use for trauma patients and how they decided on Redstone for your dad That his skin either looks like a bruised elephant or like sickeningly conflicting colors of thin paper mache Where you can possibly get food--you're shaky The patient in the ER somewhere with a lot of ammo, but no gun, or so they say Why the staff is being so happily loud and swearing...it feels discordant The used bandaid and gauze that are left on the floor of his ER room as he moves to his hospital room...the last proof he was there Having to do this a...

Time for some fights? I do feel bad for Brandon in this moment Oop Rob has a dating profile? Oop Sophie is calling Rob out in front of everyone Oof this is rought to watch Why is Josh being Rob's messenger? Hey Rob, maybe it sounds like "kid shit" because Sophie was like 22 then Okay, Natalie, Josh is a jerk, I agree, but I don't think he was bodyshaming you Wow Florian is getting through to Natalie This therapist has had it I get you, Ari, I had conflict and yelling too Ugh we still don't get Gino's confession? Next time Jasmine reveals she found a person to date if she had an open marriage Next time Gino says he'd die for Jasmine but not sleep with her Next time Florian asks if Gino thinks he's special Next time Darcey arrives (Prompt by me) 90 Day Fiancé: The Last Resort , TLC Promotional image source

I think I want to do a murder mystery party again!  A Deadly Vintage Death at an Elite Wine Tasting Devonshire Manor The Great Bake Down! Knight of Murder Make my own? Million Dollar Mystery Murder Behind the Mirror Murder on the Disorientated Express Murder at the End of the Universe Murder of a Millionaire Murder in the Monarchy Murder at the Poe's Raven Party Murder at the Walgrave Astoria Costume Ball A Victorian Gothic Murder (Prompt by me) Photo by Sander Sammy on Unsplash

Time for a ball! Okay, I really do think producers told Arrietty which lever to pull The shot of Ru through Ru's mouth got me good Hilarious challenge Ru is just stirring the pot and messing with the queens' heads Sam's godfather is Charles Barkley??? Lexi is so funny (to be clear, this was written BEFORE her finding her outfit) Oh no!!! WOW! Time to judge the "Bathing Beauties" category I liked Crystal's Barbie looks Jewels's look is not my favorite Lydia's look is also not my favorite Sam looks cute, but I won't remember this Onya looks beautiful Arrietty looks incredible Suzie is campy and I really enjoy it Gotta love Kori's left shark reference Acacia is cute So Lexi is beautiful, but I wish her "crabs" were bigger Hormona is adroable Lana is beyond gorgeous, but this look is one I won't remember Time to judge the "Sea Creature Couture" category Crystal's look is awesome Jewels looks fabulous So I love the idea o...

Perhaps I'll do more bookstore reviews (like this review I did of Exile in Bookville )? Also, if you remember me going to one of these, then you have a better memory than me! After-Words Bookstore Armadillo's Pillow Inc. The Book Cellar Bucket O' Blood Books and Records Goblin Market Heirloom Books Jarvis Square Books kibbitznest Madison Street Books New Book Joy Passages Wine and Books Plot Twist Used Books Restoried Bookshop Skunk Cabbage Books Volumes Bookcafe (Prompt by me) Photo by Pauline Loroy on Unsplash

The first feelings I had while walking into Exile in Bookville (Fine Arts Building, 410 S Michigan Ave suite 210, Chicago, IL 60605) were of light and belonging. The bright winter sun came through the large windows, dappling across a myriad of intriguing titles. I started on the right of the bookstore (as oriented from when you walk in) and spied several books on witches, witchcraft, folklore, and the general occult that I was particularly drawn to. A tad overwhelmed by the choices that appealed to me, I made my way to the middle room. While there were beautiful titles, notebooks, and records abound, none caught my eye as much. Then I moved onto the final room and was once again flooded with a sense of belonging. Shelf after shelf, there were titles that I had heard of, had read and loved, and that piqued my interest. I grabbed a book I had been meaning to read  Murder in the Dressing Room  (a murder featuring a drag queen as the amateur sleuth) by Holly Stars (a drag stand-up...

I'm sure there was more, but here were some takeaways I had. Yes, some of these I should've already known. In 1996, harsher immigration laws came into effect The Patriot Act expanded deportation and detention powers ICE was designed to lie and manipulate Deportations sharply increased under Obama Deportations once again increased under Biden The Illinois Coalition for Immigrant and Refugee Rights (ICIRR) has a 24-Hour Family Support Hotline at 1-855-HELP-MY-FAMILY (1-855-435-7693) to report ICE activity (put the number in your phone!) You can call ICIRR to learn how to share footage you take of ICE When filming ICE, you should hold your phone horizontally and narrate what you're seeing (including location) In particular, use the acronym SALUTE: SALUTE stands for SIZE (how many officers), ACTIVITY (what exactly are they doing), LOCATION (where exactly are you), UNIFORM/UNIT (what do their uniforms say?), TIME (again, be specific), EQUIPMENT (do they have batons, guns, etc.?)...

Time for some revelations? Wow Rob seems genuinely sorry Gosh Darcey says Florian can do better than her sister when he cheated on Stacey? Josh, you suck Oof this is really sad for Jasmine Omg, Gino, you can't lie and say something that was already on the TV show and share that? Ah so now Gino makes something up Hrm timeline does seem a bit odd, Bini I think the therapist is sunburned Oof Brandon and Julia are both in a bad place Josh, I don't think you should call Bini "brother" Um, s'mores are delicious Is there not tin foil for the potatoes? Florian repeats a lot, huh? Jasmine, you didn't think you and Gino would end up in therapy? C'mon... Wait it's been two weeks already? Natalie eating a burnt potato is kinda funny Oop Jasmine is getting real with Josh Natalie sees love as a game? That can't be healthy Ha! Donkeys! So Rob has been texting ladies Next time Brandon and Julia have personal therapy Next time Sophie confronts Rob in front of every...

Just brainstorming, this list isn't finalized (for those that I send this to normally)!  Read "15 possible things on my birthday list for 2025" here  and read "Another 15 possible things on my birthday list for 2025" here . 4 of these  pillows Baldur's Gate 3 Moth Necklace, Customizable Jewelry, Moth Pendant, Butterfly Necklace, Gothic Necklace, Luna Moth Necklace, Charm Butterfly (22" chain, gold) Mothman bag Mothman Squishable Celtic Clover Twirl Dress (XL) Ocean Creatures Collared Twirl Dress (XL) World Map Burnout Cardigan (XL) Still Mad My Ship Isn't Canon Women's shirt (2XL, gray) Alien Claw Clip Alien earrings (as shown) Book dragon necklace Super Mermaidy Rainbow Ammonite Necklace (20 in.) Mermaidy Rainbow Ammonite Earrings Little Rooms gift card (Prompt by me) "Another Year...." by Adam Wyles .  Attribution-NoDerivs 2.0 Generic .

Time for the final part of the tell all!  Yes, Faith, find someone better I don't feel bad for you, Loren Shut up, Brian Nathy looks SO young So Brian REALLY sucks, huh? Oop so Joey hooked up with at least one more of his friends Joe, you need to tell Magda so she doesn't find out on TV Loren, I don't care about your opinion Vanja was clearly put up by producers If Faith hates you, Loren, you can't make her life better SHUT UP, BRIAN Vanja, I hope to see ya on 90 Day Fiancé: The Single Life Well, it was a pretty good season Very long though Onto the next iteration! (Prompt by me) 90 Day Fiancé: Before the 90 Days , TLC.  Promotional image source .

This list does not constitute real suggestions.  Save money by making a swear jar for yourself Work out by asking people to tickle you Travel more by taking the bus (oh the places you'll go) Expand your wardrobe by shoplifting Try a new hobby: looking up numbers in the phone book Get more dates set up by catfishing as a minor celebrity Refine your look by copying--down to every hair--the style of your work frenemy Drink less by only doing shots Eat healthier by just eating from your neighbor's vegetable garden (become a rabbit) Sleep better by sabotaging all of the streetlights on your block Expand your palate by ordering a dish that you don't know any of the ingredients of (allergies be damned!) Add more excitement to your life by doing everything on roller skates Take better care of your health by calling your doctor for every minor inconvenience See your dentist more by pulling out a different tooth each month Go out into nature more by getting lost in the woods (Prompt ...

Time for a commercial RDR Live! I forgot Acacia was an LA queen I would be pissed that the judges didn't mention the tumbleweed! I will die on this hill Classic role-selection drama Hormona getting why it's called a beaver was adorable Onya gives great face The beaver sketch was fun, but not super memorable to me I like this Ru song I feel like Suzie swung big and didn't fully deliver, but she was still fun I feel like I'm supposed to know who this doctor is I don't think this doctor actor is doing a good job Playing the trombone was hilarious I wish the best for Lexi Onya's look is cool, but I want a bigger headpiece Kori looks cute, but I don't think it's super memorable Arrietty's look is awesome Lana's look is lovely Hormona is beautiful, but this isn't my favorite look Sam's look is fun, but, again, I don't think this will stick out to me Jewels's look is great Crystal's look has a sense of humor Lexi's look makes me ...