Old Cemeteries
There is poetry on the stones, stories in the ground, and humanity in the remembering.
My favorite epitaph: |
Rest, lovely shade, and wait thy maker's will;
Then rise, unchang'd, and be an angel still. |
The Libby/OverDrive app
Libby lets anyone with a library card borrow and download audiobooks and e-books directly to their device for free, and those books are then automatically "returned" when the loan is due. I cook, clean, and craft to the rhythm of narration, and for others like me who live on a steady diet of tea and audiobooks (but who would otherwise rack up hundreds of dollars in "forgot-to-return-on-time" fees), Libby is BRILLIANT.
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Makerspaces (Especially Free Ones!)
Makerspaces are fabrication labs where you can be trained to use their expensive equipment to further hone or explore your craft and meet like-minded artists. Depending on the makerspace, you can learn anything from 3D printing to sewing to programming to cooking to woodworking to soldering, and more.
I've personally taken advantage of my local makerspace to learn:
I've next got my eye on their cooking classes...I'm rubbish with a kitchen knife! This opportunity, which is usually ~$60 a month for an independently-run makerspace, can be free if your library partners with a makerspace. |
Children's Television / Movies
I probably watch more TV meant for younger audiences than any childless “grown-up” should. But after a long day, it’s a breath of fresh air to cheer along fictional characters as they finally discover the power of friendship and live happily ever after. It's formulaic, but comforting.
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The Oxford Comma
Unquestionably vital. Confirmed by my parents, Neil Gaiman and Lupita Nyong'o.
...I rest my case. |
People Who Understand Introverts
Extroverts "recharge their batteries" by being with people. Introverts recharge by being alone. No matter how much we like a person, we often need some notice if they want to hang out so we can wind up for the exertion. And if we've already "peopled" that day? Nah, forget it, buh-bye, maybe we can talk tomorrow!
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Illuminated Manuscripts
Photos online can't do them justice. If you have the chance to see some in person, take it. And if you're visiting Dublin, Ireland, with limited time and want to see an illuminated manuscript, skip the Book of Kells. Go see the Chester Beatty Library instead, particularly the permanent "Arts of the Book" installation. I stumbled upon the museum during a 2014 tour of the UK, and it is one of my two favorite memories from the 15 day trip. The other one is...
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Accidental Favorite Memories
My favorite memory of my tour of the UK took place alone in a field in Ireland. Having never seen horses in person (to my adult recollection), I was marveling at my newly-discovered fear and awe of the horses on the far side of the fence when I was caught in a sudden and intense downpour that soaked me to my marrow in seconds.
Before I could even straighten out the emergency poncho I'd thrown over myself, I spotted an incredible double-rainbow that seemed to emanate directly from an abandoned castle turret. I was a waterlogged mess and at least an hour away from a change of clothes, but the beauty and hilarity of the moment was burned into my memory forever. A perfect, sunny day spent safely admiring those horse-shaped bundles of terrifying enormity and muscle would have been a lovely memory, but I'll take the exciting plot twist over the perfect, cliché ending any day. They make the best memories. |