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Feb. 13th, 2026 10:38 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
tellshannon815What was I saying about bots? This one actually made me laugh out loud this morning:
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tellshannon815
TIL
Feb. 12th, 2026 12:43 pmwitchpoetdreamerApparently analogue is currently a trend now? On one hand: yes, good, decentralize your life from the apps. On the other: no, stop buying stuff to be offline, stop showing how much offline you are on the very apps that you are working to be away from!
I'm sure I'll either be speaking to people who already know that or just the void, but as someone who hasn't been on the main apps (Facebook, Insta, Tiktok) for like... wow, since 2017 I think??? (with a blip on Insta for a while, and just never been on tiktok), here are what you need to do to be analogue without buying anything (or with limited means):
1 - Get a library card. Free subscription for instant access to free books, movies, music, video games (some places also offer video game consoles), AN ACTUAL MOVIE SUBSCRIPTION APP FOR FREE (Kanopy), language learning (no need to be bullied by Duolingo anymore), free access to ebooks and audiobooks through the Libby app, and there's more that I've never used yet but I know others have!
2 - Get paper. You have it somewhere in your house. Printer paper, old notebooks halfway used. If printer paper, fold a few pages in two and make it into a small notebook if you prefer that format. Then, find a working pen or a pencil. I know you have one laying around too. Done. Now you can write, draw, create origami, etc. (For a low budget, you can get those from the dollar store real easy too if you want the thrill of getting something new)
3 - If you want to try any form of art, ask people around you if they have anything to start you with. If you don't know anyone, I guarantee you there are some IRL groups around that would be happy to get you started with the basics. And if not, turn to thrift stores and dollar stores to start something with a minimal budget and making sure you actually enjoy it first before investing more.
Remember: one hobby at a time. Give yourself time to discover if you like it or not before moving onto the next (and don't get discouraged if the hobby is harder than you anticipated either, allow yourself to finish your project before giving up).
4 - Your smartphone can actually be your friend. You don't *need* to get rid of your smartphone to decentralize yourself of the apps. First of, once the social media and subscriptions apps are deleted, you're going to download an MP3 player app (I personally use Pulsar) and Libby. Then, you're going to make sure your phone cannot show you notifications until a certain time a day (do not disturb between X and Y). You don't have to do that if you don't want to, but if you don't, you can also just deactivate notifications for certain apps and even people. Then, you're going to turn your phone to grey scale. No need for additional launchers. No need for special apps to keep you out of other apps. Knowing how your phone can work for you is really important. And, for the more tech savvy out there, you can even install Linux on your phones instead of having Android, don't be afraid to google how. I know it doesn't work on every phones but it's a good alternative to work with what you already have.
5 - Oh, and lastly, that analogue bag that that one influencer claims to have invented? Just use whatever tote bag you already got when following other trends. You know the one. You don't need to buy another one. Use what you have. And *don't* show it on social medias just to show how good at analogue you are by how much crap you own.
Those are my main advice to not fall into yet another consumption trend rather than do something that will really help you get to the real goal: reclaiming your own time with things that truly makes you happy.
I'm sure I'll either be speaking to people who already know that or just the void, but as someone who hasn't been on the main apps (Facebook, Insta, Tiktok) for like... wow, since 2017 I think??? (with a blip on Insta for a while, and just never been on tiktok), here are what you need to do to be analogue without buying anything (or with limited means):
1 - Get a library card. Free subscription for instant access to free books, movies, music, video games (some places also offer video game consoles), AN ACTUAL MOVIE SUBSCRIPTION APP FOR FREE (Kanopy), language learning (no need to be bullied by Duolingo anymore), free access to ebooks and audiobooks through the Libby app, and there's more that I've never used yet but I know others have!
2 - Get paper. You have it somewhere in your house. Printer paper, old notebooks halfway used. If printer paper, fold a few pages in two and make it into a small notebook if you prefer that format. Then, find a working pen or a pencil. I know you have one laying around too. Done. Now you can write, draw, create origami, etc. (For a low budget, you can get those from the dollar store real easy too if you want the thrill of getting something new)
3 - If you want to try any form of art, ask people around you if they have anything to start you with. If you don't know anyone, I guarantee you there are some IRL groups around that would be happy to get you started with the basics. And if not, turn to thrift stores and dollar stores to start something with a minimal budget and making sure you actually enjoy it first before investing more.
Remember: one hobby at a time. Give yourself time to discover if you like it or not before moving onto the next (and don't get discouraged if the hobby is harder than you anticipated either, allow yourself to finish your project before giving up).
4 - Your smartphone can actually be your friend. You don't *need* to get rid of your smartphone to decentralize yourself of the apps. First of, once the social media and subscriptions apps are deleted, you're going to download an MP3 player app (I personally use Pulsar) and Libby. Then, you're going to make sure your phone cannot show you notifications until a certain time a day (do not disturb between X and Y). You don't have to do that if you don't want to, but if you don't, you can also just deactivate notifications for certain apps and even people. Then, you're going to turn your phone to grey scale. No need for additional launchers. No need for special apps to keep you out of other apps. Knowing how your phone can work for you is really important. And, for the more tech savvy out there, you can even install Linux on your phones instead of having Android, don't be afraid to google how. I know it doesn't work on every phones but it's a good alternative to work with what you already have.
5 - Oh, and lastly, that analogue bag that that one influencer claims to have invented? Just use whatever tote bag you already got when following other trends. You know the one. You don't need to buy another one. Use what you have. And *don't* show it on social medias just to show how good at analogue you are by how much crap you own.
Those are my main advice to not fall into yet another consumption trend rather than do something that will really help you get to the real goal: reclaiming your own time with things that truly makes you happy.
Day 3 (I'll figure out what to title my posts eventually)
Feb. 11th, 2026 11:48 amwitchpoetdreamerI've been in a really big witch mood lately, mainly because February always seems to wake me up from my slumber and I feel like doing things again. I still consider myself at a beginner level when it comes to witchcraft, not because I don't know much but because this is the first year I'm actively working at making things work *for me* rather than try to follow other people's ideas. Correspondence, for example: I've thought about it and done my own correspondence for days of the week, and to me they work so much better than whatever I've read anywhere else. Heck, I don't even know if I'm going to use specific days of the week to achieve my witchcraft spells, but it's been really fun to think about.
I've found that I don't subscribe to the idea of labels in witchcraft. No "cottage" "green" "divination" etc witch for me, just... witch. I suppose it could help other people to put myself in a vague sense of a box when discussing witchcraft with them, and for that purpose I suppose chaotic artsy would work? It's kinda the same way that I live my queerness. I'm married to a woman, I've been with men before and lesbian is the specificity that fits me best I suppose, since I discovered that my interest in men was mainly comp het. But also, if my wife came out as trans tomorrow, I would still love her, still be married to her, because even if she is he, they're still the same person I know and love. I don't really like the term pansexual, and I don't feel like I fit the term bisexual, I'm definitely more on the asexual spectrum anyway, so the larger umbrella feels best for me, queer. Lesbian is just the easy term for other people, what's easy to introduce me as, the same way that saying "my name is (blank)" is the easiest way for people to identify me in a crowd. It's a really basic information that helps curb other people's expectations I think.
But circling back to witchcraft. One thing for sure, I'm not a Wiccan. Nothing against wiccan witches, it just isn't for me. Any kind of religious-type witchcraft doesn't feel right for me in general, at least for now (life happens, things change, it would be foolish of me to say never for that as I dive deeper into making witchcraft my own).
I'll probably share more witchcraft than other stuff here for the next few months considering it's what I'm deeply involved in right now, and honestly? I'm really curious to experience the natural cycle of my interests and see if it corresponds to some cycle of the year. I'm not following the traditional wheel of the year to begin with, but I'm interested in making my own (already started, but this process will legit take a year or five to take into consideration regular patterns vs one time blips). So, this is where I am now.
I've found that I don't subscribe to the idea of labels in witchcraft. No "cottage" "green" "divination" etc witch for me, just... witch. I suppose it could help other people to put myself in a vague sense of a box when discussing witchcraft with them, and for that purpose I suppose chaotic artsy would work? It's kinda the same way that I live my queerness. I'm married to a woman, I've been with men before and lesbian is the specificity that fits me best I suppose, since I discovered that my interest in men was mainly comp het. But also, if my wife came out as trans tomorrow, I would still love her, still be married to her, because even if she is he, they're still the same person I know and love. I don't really like the term pansexual, and I don't feel like I fit the term bisexual, I'm definitely more on the asexual spectrum anyway, so the larger umbrella feels best for me, queer. Lesbian is just the easy term for other people, what's easy to introduce me as, the same way that saying "my name is (blank)" is the easiest way for people to identify me in a crowd. It's a really basic information that helps curb other people's expectations I think.
But circling back to witchcraft. One thing for sure, I'm not a Wiccan. Nothing against wiccan witches, it just isn't for me. Any kind of religious-type witchcraft doesn't feel right for me in general, at least for now (life happens, things change, it would be foolish of me to say never for that as I dive deeper into making witchcraft my own).
I'll probably share more witchcraft than other stuff here for the next few months considering it's what I'm deeply involved in right now, and honestly? I'm really curious to experience the natural cycle of my interests and see if it corresponds to some cycle of the year. I'm not following the traditional wheel of the year to begin with, but I'm interested in making my own (already started, but this process will legit take a year or five to take into consideration regular patterns vs one time blips). So, this is where I am now.
FIC: Stadium (Tempestuous Tours)
Feb. 10th, 2026 04:26 pmduskpetersonI wish I could be more complimentary about Emor's stadium.
As a feat of architecture and engineering, it is on par with the Chara's palace. As a place of entertainment, it is appalling.
Out of all the dismal spectacles that take place here, I can only recommend the chariot races. These can be quite as bloody as the other acts that take place here, but at least they do not involve beasts and prisoners. Charioteers are highly esteemed and highly paid for their skillful work, and they care for their horses tenderly. The chariots – works of art unto themselves – achieve speeds that are said to rival that of royal messengers. I'd recommend keeping your small children and sensitive women away; crashing chariots often result in mangled bodies. But a chariot race is certainly worth witnessing, at least once.
[Translator's note: A chariot race will appear in an upcoming novel, Motley Mayhem.]
Getting started on my grimoire
Feb. 9th, 2026 09:22 amwitchpoetdreamerToday I'm going to the thrift store to get myself a post bound scrap book so I can build my grimoire. I've been keeping my witchcraft notes in a normal notebook on the side but I really like the creative process of making something that is both more organized and more artistic as well. It's something I want to take my time with. I might share my pages here too if I'm particularly fond of them.
Day 2
Feb. 7th, 2026 01:22 pmwitchpoetdreamerThanks to ysabetwordsmith I found plenty of really interesting communities to join and I'm looking forward to interact with them in the near future.
I really think that this time is the right one to build my blog here.
ysabetwordsmith I found plenty of really interesting communities to join and I'm looking forward to interact with them in the near future. I really think that this time is the right one to build my blog here.
Pinned Post
Feb. 6th, 2026 07:22 pmwitchpoetdreamerWhat you can expect to find here:
my writing (poetry, stories, journal entries)
my drawings (graphite, colored pencils and watercolor)
my fiber art (mainly embroidery and sewing, with the occasional bookbinding)
thoughts on the books I read, the movies I watch, the games I play, etc.
thoughts on witchcraft
Currently playing: Stardew Valley
Currently watching: Inuyasha
Last book read: Antenora by Dori Lumpkin
my writing (poetry, stories, journal entries)
my drawings (graphite, colored pencils and watercolor)
my fiber art (mainly embroidery and sewing, with the occasional bookbinding)
thoughts on the books I read, the movies I watch, the games I play, etc.
thoughts on witchcraft
Currently playing: Stardew Valley
Currently watching: Inuyasha
Last book read: Antenora by Dori Lumpkin
Day 1
Feb. 6th, 2026 06:29 pmwitchpoetdreamerSometimes, Tumblr doesn't work.
Sometimes, I'm looking around the Internet, craving a sense of community I cannot find.
And sometimes, I look at this space, wondering if I could carve myself the community I desire.
More often than not, Tumblr starts working again and I forget about here.
Today, I decided, would be the day I shoot my shot. What do I have to lose?
I'm pretty aware that, for a time at least, I'm most likely going to talk into the void, but if I keep at it, one day, the void will respond.
I'm treating this like the old blog I used to have as a teenager, lost with the servers that used to host it. A place where I can write poetry, journal entries, bits and pieces of fiction without a thought for how it may be received. French or English, doesn't matter which language burst out of me first, I was born of both. I don't feel the need to explain why I choose one or the other anymore.
I think this space may very well be where I am the most authentic I can be online. I'm looking forward to being here more.
Sometimes, I'm looking around the Internet, craving a sense of community I cannot find.
And sometimes, I look at this space, wondering if I could carve myself the community I desire.
More often than not, Tumblr starts working again and I forget about here.
Today, I decided, would be the day I shoot my shot. What do I have to lose?
I'm pretty aware that, for a time at least, I'm most likely going to talk into the void, but if I keep at it, one day, the void will respond.
I'm treating this like the old blog I used to have as a teenager, lost with the servers that used to host it. A place where I can write poetry, journal entries, bits and pieces of fiction without a thought for how it may be received. French or English, doesn't matter which language burst out of me first, I was born of both. I don't feel the need to explain why I choose one or the other anymore.
I think this space may very well be where I am the most authentic I can be online. I'm looking forward to being here more.
AUTISM DIAGNOSIS (sort of)
Feb. 4th, 2026 10:42 pmincomplete_rulerOkay this isn't a big post. I just wanted to talk about this funny thing that happened as I was doing my self-assessment for ASD ('cause yes. I am a certified autism now). Idk if this is just the criteria in Australia, but either way this is hilarious.
So with the assessment I had to do there were the usual questions around problems with socialising, overstimulation etc., but then there were questions like this:
So with the assessment I had to do there were the usual questions around problems with socialising, overstimulation etc., but then there were questions like this:
Do you like numbers and dates?OF COURSE I LIKE NUMBERS AND DATES. WHAT DO YOU MEAN?!
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UPDATE: Suspicion of the Guards (The Motley Crew #3) + online fic reissues
Feb. 1st, 2026 04:38 pmduskpeterson
ONLINE E-BOOK (html, epub, mobi, pdf, and xhtml)
Free at my website.
The Motley Crew (The Thousand Nations). When a young man named Dolan flees from the north, he faces danger on all sides. The Northern Army wants him back. The Empire of Emor wants him dead. His native homeland of Koretia may not want him at all. And his only protection is a man with motives that are mysterious and possibly deadly.
New installment:
3 | Suspicion of the Guards. Why bother to guard a man who has the ability to torment you?
REISSUES
Already available free at my website, these two omnibuses are now also available at AO3, SqWA, and Ream.
Law Links: Novel and Side Stories (The Three Lands). Few events are more thrilling in a young man's life than a blood feud between two villages. Or so Adrian thought.
Death Mask: Novel and Side Stories (Death Mask). For eighteen years, he has survived in an army unit where few soldiers live more than two or three years. Now he finds himself in circumstances where his life is a living hell. Will the soldier who defied death find that life is too great a challenge?
BLOG FICTION
Tempestuous Tours (Crossing Worlds: A Visitor's Guide to the Three Lands #2). A whirlwind tour of the sites in the Three Lands that are most steeped in history, culture, and the occasional pickpocket.
New installments:
NEWS & UPCOMING FICTION
As of January 20, Amazon Kindle began allowing customers to download some of its DRM-free ebooks in epub and pdf. I've opted in my e-books to this program.
My apologies to Ream readers for the formatting quirks in the Ream editions of Law Links and Death Mask. I worked with Ream's forever-patient customer service for eight months to try to work out the conversion problems I encountered, before I had to give up. The text isn't affected by the formatting issues, you'll be happy to know.
"Heir" (The Three Lands: Blood Vow side story) – delayed because of my concussion last year – will be my next release.
January book bingo
Feb. 1st, 2026 07:26 pmtellshannon815
Graphic novel or comic: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/232479447-fate
No sex/romance: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/77661.The_Daughter_of_Time
Novella: https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/201750645-queen-b
Substitution list:
*Over 300 Pages
*Book in Series
*LGBTQ+
*Recommended
*POC Author
*Multiple POVs - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/81307313-the-birthday-reunion
*Classic/Retelling
*Sci-fi/Fantasy
*Free Space
*Anthology/Collection
*Biography/Memoir
*Friendship
*Name in the Title
*Movie/TV Tie-in
*With a Woman Protagonist
*From the Library
*Thriller/Suspense
*Set Somewhere You've Been
*Non-Human POV
*Fairy Tale or Fairy Tale Retelling
*Under 100 Pages - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/230824619-death-row
*Romance Plot or Sub-plot
*Translated
*With a Blue Cover - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/213713209-the-wasp-trap
*Horror or Paranormal - https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/203578707-what-the-woods-took
*Colour in the Title
*Seasonal Read
*Number in title
*Three word title
*Craft, Hobby or Cookbook
*Written by an author from your state or country
*Animal on the cover
*Disability or Mental health
*Read a book from the year you were born
*Mythology
*Title begins with first letter of your name
*Dystopian
*Book mentioned in another book
*Diverse reads
*One word title
*Award Winning/Bestseller
*Disabled Author
*Non-western Setting
*Set in your state/country
*Title is at Least Five Words Long
*Indigenous author
*Has illustrations (but not a comic or graphic novel)
*Re-read