Nathan Lowell (he/him) 📎

Professional teller of tales

I'm leaving Zirk. You can find me Nathan Lowell (he/him) 📎 (npub1gdu…mrr3)

he/him

#selfpublishing #sff #dailyhaikuprompt #bookstodon #fountainpens

What Am I Reading Now:: I read too much to keep this updated.
Link Tree: https://bio.link/nlowell
Opinions on Writing: https://nathanlowell.com/view/
Website: https://nathanlowell.com

Public Key

npub12s2dp32xf6hpgn7yurkkszswhx0tk9cvxsh0j86jckvqrprh8jrsav9gr0

NIP-05 Address

nlowell_at_zirk.us@momostr.pink

Profile Code

nprofile1qqs9g9xsc4ryats5flzwpmtgpg8tn84mzuxrgtherafvtxqps3mnepcpz3mhxue69uhhyetvv9ujuerpd46hxtnfduqs6amnwvaz7tmwdaejumr0dsqrkuzq

Publishing to

relay.damus.io

nos.lol

Author Public Key

npub12s2dp32xf6hpgn7yurkkszswhx0tk9cvxsh0j86jckvqrprh8jrsav9gr0

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Last Notes

2026-08-05 11:15:06 UTC

A new day. A new chance to succeed.
A rare morning that started with waking from a nightmare. The hangover continues, even half an hour after waking.
It's not a new one. After work, I discover my car has been towed. I don't know who towed it or where it went. A parking violation in the employee parking lot but the business is now closed so I have nobody to ask about what I'd done or where the car went.
0/10. Do not recommend.
I hope your morning gets off to a better start that that #today

2026-07-24 11:25:04 UTC

A new day. A new chance to succeed.
Workman coming to repair some loose pieces of siding this afternoon. Not a big job. Just one beyond my capabilities.
Many of the finicky bits of life are that way these days. I rely on younger, stronger, more knowledgeable people.
Really, I've just had to own getting old. I don't have the strength or flexibility I need.
But, contrary to dire predictions in my youth, I survived to get here. I'll take the win.
I hope, at a minimum, you survive #today

2026-07-07 13:10:20 UTC

A new day. A new chance to succeed.
Not much on the agenda but I'm eager to get going this morning.
Some mornings are like that. Roaring out of the gate, ready to take on the day.
I've breakfast waiting and a walk outside before the day heats up too much.
My stalled manuscript took on some new life yesterday. I'm hoping that it continues. It doesn't take much to ignite a story, but that spark has been missing for way too long.
I hope you find your spark #today

2026-07-02 14:35:41 UTC

A new day. A new chance to succeed.
I got up and baked bread at 3am. Went back to bed at 4. Now I'm hustling to try to catch up with a day that feels out of control.
The sun's been up 3 hours now. Walking outside will be a challenge. The longer I dither the worse it will be.
But some things need to happen in the correct order or the day unravels in unfortunate ways.
Looks like this is going to be a "suck it up, Buttercup" day.
May your day start more smoothly #today

2026-06-12 12:09:21 UTC

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My heart goes out to both of you.
A scary time.

2026-06-05 12:05:47 UTC

memory in bloom
climbing the old wood trellis
sweet peas blossoming
#DailyHaikuPrompt

2026-06-05 11:55:44 UTC

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Yes and yes.
Although EJ mostly writes music and scripts for youtube productions of Skyrim fanfic these days.

2026-05-28 13:10:05 UTC

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Thank you for these quotes.
I've come to look forward to them in my morning.

2026-05-27 12:08:17 UTC

A new day. A new chance to succeed.
The morning read spoke to cycles not conforming to norm yet maintaining their identity as cycles.
An icy rain at midsummer. A balmy, shirtsleeves day in winter.
They happen but the larger seasonal cycles continue.
Inner cycles happen the same way. I try to be patient with myself when I have an off day.
Or a week that falls flat.
These things happen then the cycle picks up again.
May you find patience for yourself when you need it #today

2026-05-19 11:41:43 UTC

A new day. A new chance to succeed.
My last bread baking failed. The starter wasn't ready and the loaf just sat there, wet and glistening for 24 hours.
I baked it anyway, just to complete the cycle but I knew what I'd get out of the oven.
A brick.
Disappointing but only a small setback. I know how to fix it.
These things happen. No matter how successful the past efforts, the next one can fall flat.
I'll just try again.
I hope you find the wherewithal to try again if you need to #today

2026-05-15 12:10:02 UTC

A new day. A new chance to succeed.
Oh, coffee, my coffee. You betrayed me in the night, but stand redeemed in morning's wat'ry light.
I made the mistake of brewing myself a single cup at dinner last night. Strong. Rich. Delicious.
That one cup lasted until I realized - at bed time - I still nursed it.
Caffeine at bedtime, slow dosed and dripped over hours.
A poor night ended with the aroma of the morning drip.
Resurrected.
May you find the right cup for your day #today

2026-05-09 13:17:08 UTC

ancient oak tree lies
moss covered log in deep woods
forest feels no grief
#DailyHaikuPrompt

2026-05-06 01:10:46 UTC

Success!
I have replicated the potato starter experiment for sour dough sandwich bread.
Now the fun begins ...
#Bread
https://cdn.masto.host/zirkus/media_attachments/files/116/524/957/395/612/939/original/4f89aeb66b70ff60.jpg

2026-04-30 13:18:42 UTC

lingering in bed
watching the morning brighten
yawn. time for coffee
#DailyHaikuPrompt

2026-04-30 13:15:34 UTC

A new day. A new chance to succeed.
A very calm day so far. A chop wood, carry water day with few pressing tasks.
A day to take stock, perhaps. A third of the year gone but two thirds yet to come.
A day to bake bread. To try a new recipe. My potato yeast bread needs refining, but I've found a sour dough that doesn't taste wrong.
Now I need to work on the texture.
A metaphor, maybe.
Nothing is ever perfect the first time.
May you find the textures you need to refine #today

2026-04-29 11:37:26 UTC

soft spring rain falling
moistening the hardened soil
refreshing the grass
#DailyHaikuPrompt

2026-04-29 11:33:25 UTC

A new day. A new chance to succeed.
An early one after a restless night. No particular reason. Perhaps I'm just caught up on sleep after a couple of weeks of mostly solid nights.
Or just because.
I often get caught up looking for causes or reasons. Sometimes the answer is obvious.
Something I did caused the problem.
In most cases, it's luck. Good or bad. Looking for causes just delays working the problem.
Either way, I hope you work the problem instead of looking for blame #today

2026-04-28 14:08:28 UTC

hazy moon rides high
thin clouds mask her silver smile
slashed by sunset gold
#DailyHaikuPrompt

2026-04-28 14:01:17 UTC

A new day. A new chance to succeed.
Workman coming shortly to assess some tree pruning I can't do myself. Lacking the skills, knowledge, and tools necessary to do the work, I rely on those who do.
It's something I need to do more often these days. I've let my strength and stamina flag as I've gotten old.
There's no shame in asking for (or hiring) the help you need. I'm just lucky I can.
A lesson I'm coming to appreciate more in my dotage.
May you appreciate your advantages #today

2026-04-27 13:35:24 UTC

basking in the sun
hints of summer yet to come
breezes soft as down
#DailyHaikuPrompt

2026-04-27 13:32:07 UTC

A new day. A new chance to succeed.
A recovery day after a few days of heavy effort.
Sometimes the well planned schedules have to take a backseat to urgent efforts. Important or not, some tasks just can't wait.
Reality just butting in, taking up space.
My choices get limited to my response rather than the effort.
Grump or grin.
Bitching about it does nothing. Doesn't even make me feel better.
I prefer to grin and bear it.
May you greet your day with a smile #today

2026-04-26 15:58:33 UTC

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I used to love sour dough but radiation toasted my taste buds. What was once delightful is now just wrong.
I've started experimenting with potato based starters this week. I'm cautiously optimistic, but I think I'll need to bake some regular yeast bread today to refill the pantry. :D

2026-04-26 13:01:43 UTC

buds breaking open
new leaves catching morning's light
greening up the woods
#DailyHaikuPrompt

2026-04-26 12:59:14 UTC

A new day. A new chance to succeed.
Lowery morning with hopes for rain. The unseasonable heat broken up by more reasonable chill.
A quiet chop wood, carry water day, I hope.
The yard work continues as does the bread experiment as I look for a sour dough I like the taste of.
A day to play a little and recover from a trying week. Perhaps write a little. Certainly read some more.
A day to take refuge in my inner world.
May you find the refuge you need #today

2026-04-25 13:49:24 UTC

as sun sets slowly
evening spreads purple fingers
reaching for the night
#DailyHaikuPrompt

2026-04-25 13:46:40 UTC

A new day. A new chance to succeed.
A more relaxed start than I've had in a while.
I'm adjusting to the new polyphasic sleep pattern. My morning quiet period is shorter, but I have to admit, I feel more rested.
Now if I could just be more focused.
Perhaps that will come in time.
A chop wood, carry water day. Some normal tasks along with the odd extra duty.
I can focus on that much, I think.
May you find a solid focus in your day #today

2026-04-24 14:26:36 UTC

blossoms on a spike
soft breeze sways feathery fronds
purple lupine blooms
#DailyHaikuPrompt

2026-04-24 14:22:22 UTC

A new day. A new chance to succeed.
Early yesterday. Late today.
Too much happening around me this morning. Barely any quiet time. Certainly no focus.
It's going to be one of those "try to keep up" days as it (figuratively) explodes around me.
I'm good with that. I think a little chaos might be just what the doctor ordered.
Rationalization is a powerful tool.
I have too much stuff that needs doing but I'll at least get some of it.
I hope you make a little progress in your life #today

2026-04-23 12:33:11 UTC

safety in numbers
mother feeds the newborn calf
hidden by the herd
#DailyHaikuPrompt

2026-04-23 12:21:01 UTC

A new day. A new chance to succeed.
Feast or famine.
After a few good nights, last night? Not so much.
Too much on my mind.
A couple of problems needed addressing. Issues that I had to admit I lack the skills, strength, and knowledge to solve on my own.
The cascade of "what if"s wouldn't let up.
This morning I've reached out to some professionals to get some assistance. We'll see what comes.
Some days, you just have to roll with it.
Best wishes on your travails #today

2026-04-22 12:44:04 UTC

peak still snow covered
looming on far horizon
mountain unmoving
#DailyHaikuPrompt

2026-04-22 12:38:30 UTC

A new day. A new chance to succeed.
Flying low this morning. Things to do. Places to be. Stuff I want to get done and I need the help of other people to do it.
Not to say I'm not taking the few moments I need to acknowledge the morning. To be thankful that I woke up and have the wherewithal to do what needs to happen.
It does mean that my quiet perusal of the morning and leisurely breakfast will get stuffed into a box.
Sorry, gotta go.
Hope you have a good day #today

2026-04-21 14:14:01 UTC

after all these years
turning slowly in spring's breeze
windmill blades creaking
#DailyHaikuPrompt

2026-04-21 13:48:51 UTC

A new day. A new chance to succeed.
A late start is still a start. A relaxed day stretches ahead. No extra tasks. Nothing that needs doing beyond the normal maintenance efforts.
How decadent.
Sure, there are long standing tasks that I could do. Some extra maintenance postponed to catch up on.
Maybe.
A day to work on what's important instead of what's urgent.
Decadent, indeed.
May you find a way to do the important things in your life #today

2026-04-20 12:42:35 UTC

calm before the dawn
night still spreads her shadowed cloak
on earth's slow waking
#DailyHaikuPrompt

2026-04-20 12:37:18 UTC

A new day. A new chance to succeed.
Monday. An auspicious day to begin again. More than just a new morning. It's a new week!
The cultural freight that Monday carries already carries part of the load for me.
A good day to look at my Practice of the last few weeks and see if there's anything I want to change.
Hint: There is.
The shifting season, a new sleep pattern, and a desire to recapture some of the joy in living conspire in my favor.
I hope you can join the conspiracy of joy #today

2026-04-19 13:00:22 UTC

colt on shaky legs
finding his feet on green grass
comfort in the herd
#DailyHaikuPrompt

2026-04-19 12:57:08 UTC

A new day. A new chance to succeed.
From the morning reading: Renew the root.
Pay attention to fundamentals, especially when completing a cycle and beginning anew.
As a writer, I see the process from conception to published work as never ending. Just another cycle of creative seasons.
It's why I think writing is not any kind of race - neither sprint nor marathon - but a way of life.
As I'm struggling with a new beginning now, it's a timely reminder.
May you find renewal #today

2026-04-18 13:58:00 UTC

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I'm still working through Looman's book.
I think the answer is less about getting fewer hours of sleep and more about using the time I have better - for some definition of "better" :D

2026-04-18 13:41:14 UTC

too soon for planting
warming days and shorter nights
mean it will be soon
#DailyHaikuPrompt

2026-04-18 13:36:21 UTC

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I go to bed around 9 already.
It's the damn cat, waking me at 3 for breakfast. I feed him then lay back down.
It's going back to bed again that's the problem.
I need to convince the cat that 4am is soon enough for his breakfast because 4am is late enough for me to say "enough" for the night. :D

2026-04-18 13:24:32 UTC

A new day. A new chance to succeed.
This sleeping in until the sunrise is getting old.
It seems weird to be peeved by getting another good night's sleep. I didn't realize how much I enjoyed those early, quiet hours. Spending time in hermit mode. Listening to music. Reading willy-nilly. Following rabbits down holes.
Listening to myself think for a few, decadent hours before the day's demands wrestled their way in.
May you have a few, decadent hours and can hear yourself think #today

2026-04-18 00:31:22 UTC

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A prime example of "pass it on."

2026-04-17 19:05:11 UTC

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That's ... um ... WTAF?!?

2026-04-17 18:56:00 UTC

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In that case? One a day would be great!
I don't mind paying authors for their work so they don't have to be free.
I'm deeply interested in self-published books because, while I'm happy to pay authors, I'm less sanguine about supporting publishers.

2026-04-17 17:13:45 UTC

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Yes, recommend away!
But one a day is a lot. Eventually you're going to run out of titles you've already read will need to read a book a day to keep up.
I do 2 a month (1 website and 1 newsletter) and even reading 3 books a week, I have trouble always finding a genre appropriate book that I'm willing to spend the social capital on.
That's a me-problem because I read a lot (mostly) series and don't like to recommend the same author twice.
Price? Not an issue.
Just sayin'

2026-04-17 17:07:27 UTC

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Amen.

2026-04-17 17:03:06 UTC

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There's a switch on each station to load/unload.
The station handles it automatically when the vehicle gets there (sometimes *way* off the mark visually but still does the thing.)

2026-04-17 16:50:23 UTC

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Lay the looping track.
Put two stations on the track after it's complete.
Move the tractor/truck close to/on the track
Set the station stops on the Timeline.
Enable auto drive
Q to jump off

2026-04-17 13:25:40 UTC

running in circles
around the mulberry bush
but making no silk
#DailyHaikuPrompt

2026-04-17 13:21:34 UTC

A new day. A new chance to succeed.
Waking late four mornings in a row. If this keeps up the sun will be rising before I do soon.
But I like my early morning dark time. Quiet, before the day has a chance to stir the pot.
Perhaps this is a new normal that I need to adapt to. A change, probably for the better, if not entirely welcome.
Maybe I'll find the advantages of better rest outweigh the opportunity cost of sleep.
May your costs all be worth it #today

2026-04-17 00:58:57 UTC

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Ah! My mistake.
I only saw the paperbacks on Amazon and made an incorrect assumption.

2026-04-16 21:14:25 UTC

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A point to consider.
98% of my readership is digital. Paper products disappear in rounding error.
Is there some reason you haven't released your collections as ebooks too?

2026-04-16 19:46:11 UTC

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I agree with Susan.
While I'm not a book club member - or even aficionado - I find almost all my reads from recommendations from fellow readers.
Not ads. Not algorithms. People.
I *only* read self-published books but manage to find enough to read 2-3 books a week and only very, very rarely run out of something to read.
I think there might be a confounding issue involving how many books I read.
Heavy readers can't get enough books from the algorithms.

2026-04-16 19:24:17 UTC

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That darned commercial. Why isn't that a full song?

2026-04-16 17:04:15 UTC

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The unmitigated arrogance of "you should change the way you live because it interferes with me" always makes me crazy.

2026-04-16 14:40:10 UTC

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HOAs will need to make some adjustments to their "rules."

2026-04-16 13:50:01 UTC

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We'll be rationing water before August is over.

2026-04-16 13:07:49 UTC

high above the fields
wispy clouds rake blue skies clean
mare's tails in the wind
#DailyHaikuPrompt

2026-04-16 13:02:17 UTC

A new day. A new chance to succeed.
Another good night. Waking with the dawn instead of 2 hours before.
Another quiet day planned.
Perhaps not as quiet as yesterday, but all small, homely tasks. There's reading and writing to do.
Baking.
A lamp to repair before the darkness comes again.
I'll walk my 2 miles. A lovely cool morning awaits and I'll not want to make it wait too long.
But first, breakfast.
May your goals be as clear as these #today

2026-04-16 00:48:59 UTC

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How I'd love my cursive to be so legible.

2026-04-16 00:17:44 UTC

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I'm not sure $30/gal gas is really going to be that much of an improvement.
Just sayin' 🤣

2026-04-16 00:05:40 UTC

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I hate trying to guess estimated taxes.

2026-04-15 14:52:53 UTC

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Did you find a way to delete your account?

2026-04-15 14:02:27 UTC

plum blossoms fallen
forgotten in April dawn
scattered like snow flakes
#DailyHaikuPrompt

2026-04-15 13:55:05 UTC

A new day. A new chance to succeed.
A day to breathe.
Some days get so filled with stuff, I feel like I forget to breathe. Especially of late.
So I'm taking a day to just breathe. No 2 mile hike. No major chores. No trips out of my hermit cave except, possibly, the mail box.
I have some music cued up. A book to finish reading. Another to write. A couple of small tasks to accomplish. Nothing more.
I like this plan.
I hope you can take at least a few minutes to just breathe #today

2026-04-14 19:08:27 UTC

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Continuity is my Achilles Heel. Most of my works span decades so stuff slips by all the damn time.
Even in some of my newer work, simple things fox me. I haven't learned any skill/technique to deal with it.
Workflow:
1st draft for me
2nd draft for beta readers
3rd draft for editor
4th draft for publication.
I encourage people to report problems. I thank everyone who does, and fix the ones that really are.
Not ideal but ...

2026-04-14 13:35:24 UTC

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Should be.

2026-04-14 13:32:47 UTC

purple cataract
flowers hung on trellis fence
wisteria falls
#DailyHaikuPrompt

2026-04-14 13:24:28 UTC

A new day. A new chance to succeed.
The morning reading talks of working with day's seams and lines rather than against them.
An odd idea at first but knowing how I react to the day as it unfolds makes a difference in my response to it.
Like the early morning quiet, before others are around: A good time to sit, to think, to write.
You get the idea. Your day will be different but every day has seams I can take advantage of.
May you find the seams in your day #today

2026-04-14 02:17:12 UTC

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Roasted pork loin with onions?

2026-04-14 00:14:55 UTC

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It needs fuel. You need to drive it or establish a path with 2 stations on it so it can drive itself.
It will run you over if you get in front of it.

2026-04-13 14:01:12 UTC

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Ankylosing spondylitis
It's sero-negative so cannot be detected on a blood test. It needs a gene screen.

2026-04-13 13:54:34 UTC

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It drove me crazy for decades until I discovered that it was an obscure arthritis and got some medication for it.
I've been able to do away with the meds in my dotage but getting a full night's sleep is still a blessing. :D

2026-04-13 13:47:46 UTC

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Nice!

2026-04-13 13:35:56 UTC

tucked in the corner
a yellow mustard flower
greets another day
#DailyHaikuPrompt

2026-04-13 13:32:07 UTC

A new day. A new chance to succeed.
I slept in.
For some, sleeping in is a function of opportunity. For me, it's a borderline miracle.
A genetic legacy from my father, an inherited form of arthritis attacks my lower back after about 5 hours in bed. Moving becomes a challenge. The pain from rolling over wakes me. Just getting out of bed hurts.
But once in a while, I'm blessed with 7+ hours of slumber. I'm always grateful for it.
May you find something to be grateful for #today

2026-04-12 16:36:37 UTC

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I might try that. I have one of those monitors...

2026-04-12 10:49:45 UTC

spring mist cloaks the world
dampening the fresh green grass
just before the dawn
(A two-fer day because I broke one of my own rules on the last one)
#DailyHaikuPrompt

2026-04-12 10:39:45 UTC

golden sun rising
dispelling spring's morning mist
with her warming touch
#DailyHaikuPrompt

2026-04-12 10:33:57 UTC

A new day. A new chance to succeed.
A very early start to a free day. I accomplished most of the tasks I needed to yesterday leaving me with little that needs my immediate attention.
Perhaps I'll get my word sprints in, finally. I've been pecking around the edges of it like some sluggish pigeon that can't make up its mind if it likes the grain or not.
Other than that? A leg rest day on my quest for a 40 mile April.
May your goals be clear cut and easily attainable #today

2026-04-12 00:50:30 UTC

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Something about a once-a-day update setting maybe?

2026-04-11 18:14:12 UTC

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I kept writing.
In spite of it all, I wrote.

2026-04-11 17:13:18 UTC

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That's some excellent looking bread!
Hope it tastes as good as it looks. :D

2026-04-11 15:04:33 UTC

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Thanks. Inspired by the absolute tsunami of lavender flowers reaching over my back fence. :)

2026-04-11 13:10:43 UTC

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Good luck and God speed!! :D

2026-04-11 12:52:11 UTC

over the old fence
festoons of lilac blossoms
glowing in dawn's light
#DailyHaikuPrompt

2026-04-11 12:48:28 UTC

A new day. A new chance to succeed.
A lot of little things on the day's list. A couple of them might take a whole hour.
Not my favorite kind of day but, on the plus side, no medical or dental issues (I hope) and nothing I lack the wherewithal to accomplish.
It will only take time and attention.
Oh, yeah. Attention.
Well, that might be a problem.
Staying focused is always a challenge, but it's one I at least try to meet.
I hope your challenges are easily met #today

2026-04-11 01:37:07 UTC

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Dental trauma lingers.
Take it easy on yourself.
Ya dun good today.

2026-04-10 13:50:38 UTC

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Sigh.
Easy to blame the technology instead of the implementation.
When the people forced to use a tool don't have the skills and knowledge to use it effectively, the only answer is blame the tool - and not the people who forced them to use it without teaching them how.

2026-04-10 13:13:05 UTC

[@Her_Doing](https://sunny.garden/@Her_Doing )
From the "Pics Or It Didn't Happen" Dept.
😀
#today
https://cdn.masto.host/zirkus/media_attachments/files/116/380/575/937/669/612/original/9ef7cb7db6f7f549.jpg

2026-04-10 11:46:01 UTC

green grass blades spearing
through winter burned skeleton
of last year's garden
#DailyHaikuPrompt

2026-04-10 11:37:19 UTC

A new day. A new chance to succeed.
Waiting for the oven to come up to temp for a morning bake.
The morning bake grounds me in a way few other activities do. There's just something about the cool morning, the aroma of bread baking wafting through the house.
It's a small thing with ancient roots.
Up before the dawn to bake the day's bread before the world wakes. Standing on the flour-dusted shoulders of generations.
I hope you find something that grounds you #today

2026-04-09 20:16:17 UTC

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❤️

2026-04-09 13:06:34 UTC

among daffodils
spring garden warming slowly
sowing summer seeds
#DailyHaikuPrompt

2026-04-09 13:03:51 UTC

A new day. A new chance to succeed.
Paying attention to the morning has made me aware of how every one is different.
Some are groggy slogs while others are filled with electric ambition. Sometimes physically painful. Sometimes eyes too goopy to see clearly for the first hour.
Sometimes just feeling lazy.
No pattern. No rhyme.
No reason unless the previous day's actions induced some physical or mental hangover.
But every morning means one more day.
May your morning bring you joy #today

2026-04-09 12:51:08 UTC

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I sympathize.
Hang in and treat yourself gently when today's work is over. You'll have earned it.
(Like you need to "earn" treating yourself well, but you know what I mean.)

2026-04-08 17:03:17 UTC

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All the best on that.
Don't be shy about reaching out when the time comes.

2026-04-08 13:13:40 UTC

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Yes, please.
Keep me posted. ❤️

2026-04-08 12:13:02 UTC

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I got up too early and haven't had coffee yet.
The sun's not up so things got a little dark :D