Rebuilding journal search again
Jun. 30th, 2025 03:18 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
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We're having to rebuild the search server again (previously, previously). It will take a few days to reindex all the content.
Meanwhile search services should be running, but probably returning no results or incomplete results for most queries.
Meanwhile search services should be running, but probably returning no results or incomplete results for most queries.
Matcha Experiments
Jun. 26th, 2025 11:53 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
I have become fascinated with the concept of slow living - not just recently (although my implementation of the practice has increased). Until last year, I lived in one of the largest metroplexes in the United States, the eighth biggest TV market in the country, and put up with the attendant crowding, pollution, traffic, and heat. All of that led to my life being lived at a frenetic pace.
Now I've moved to a city of less than 10,000 people, surrounded by trees and fields. I've turned off my alarm in the morning and wake up with the sun. There's a river running through it - I can go sit by it, watch people kayaking on it, and listen to the rushing water. I'm still working, but I want to be kinder to myself in general.
When I broke my leg, I went cold turkey on coffee, partially because of all the drugs I was on, and then later because I wasn't physically capable of making it. I still haven't really picked the habit back up.
Because of various people I follow on social media, I've gotten fascinated with matcha. The act of making a beverage involving matcha seems so slow and meditative, and hands on. Compared to making coffee. I'm entranced with the aesthetics of it, the variety of uses for it, and the claimed health benefits. So I decided to give it a try, and got some at a local coffee shop. Wow, so expensive for just a latte!
But I decided I was okay with the taste, although it is a bit odd. And decided I would learn how to do the whole ritual myself. This morning was my first attempt. I made a bunch of mistakes, and learned a lot of things for next time so it was a little more stressful than anticipated. However, I produced a delicious iced matcha latte that disappeared too quickly! I didn't really notice a buzz compared to coffee, but definitely felt very focused this morning.
As I keep making it, I know I'll improve and make this one of my morning rituals.
Now I've moved to a city of less than 10,000 people, surrounded by trees and fields. I've turned off my alarm in the morning and wake up with the sun. There's a river running through it - I can go sit by it, watch people kayaking on it, and listen to the rushing water. I'm still working, but I want to be kinder to myself in general.
When I broke my leg, I went cold turkey on coffee, partially because of all the drugs I was on, and then later because I wasn't physically capable of making it. I still haven't really picked the habit back up.
Because of various people I follow on social media, I've gotten fascinated with matcha. The act of making a beverage involving matcha seems so slow and meditative, and hands on. Compared to making coffee. I'm entranced with the aesthetics of it, the variety of uses for it, and the claimed health benefits. So I decided to give it a try, and got some at a local coffee shop. Wow, so expensive for just a latte!
But I decided I was okay with the taste, although it is a bit odd. And decided I would learn how to do the whole ritual myself. This morning was my first attempt. I made a bunch of mistakes, and learned a lot of things for next time so it was a little more stressful than anticipated. However, I produced a delicious iced matcha latte that disappeared too quickly! I didn't really notice a buzz compared to coffee, but definitely felt very focused this morning.
As I keep making it, I know I'll improve and make this one of my morning rituals.
Book Bingo: N3 | Free Space | Soul of the Sword
Jun. 22nd, 2025 10:05 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
Soul of the Sword by Julie Kagawa

Blurb:
The second book in the Shadow of the Fox series. I'm still enjoying this immensely - my one complaint would be some of the dumb decisions made by the protagonist. But she's a teenager so I suppose it's to be expected. Once again, the book takes us into a world of Japanese mythology and folklore, with several forbidden romances blooming. I've already started the third book, and can't wait to read the conclusion of this adventure!
But also, with this book, I've completed my entire bingo card:

Thank you to
kingstoken for running this challenge. I read lots of books, including some I might not have without the Bingo challenge. I always appreciate things that take me out of my comfort zone or my usual reading.

Blurb:
One thousand years ago, a wish was made to the Harbinger of Change and a sword of rage and lightning was forged. Kamigoroshi. The Godslayer. It had one task: to seal away the powerful demon Hakaimono.
Now he has broken free.
Kitsune shapeshifter Yumeko has one task: to take her piece of the ancient and powerful scroll to the Steel Feather temple in order to prevent the summoning of the Harbinger of Change, the great Kami Dragon who will grant one wish to whomever holds the Scroll of a Thousand Prayers. But she has a new enemy now. The demon Hakaimono, who for centuries was trapped in a cursed sword, has escaped and possessed the boy she thought would protect her, Kage Tatsumi of the Shadow Clan.
Hakaimono has done the unthinkable and joined forces with the Master of Demons in order to break the curse of the sword and set himself free. To overthrow the empire and cover the land in darkness, they need one thing: the Scroll of a Thousand Prayers. As the paths of Yumeko and the possessed Tatsumi cross once again, the entire empire will be thrown into chaos.
The second book in the Shadow of the Fox series. I'm still enjoying this immensely - my one complaint would be some of the dumb decisions made by the protagonist. But she's a teenager so I suppose it's to be expected. Once again, the book takes us into a world of Japanese mythology and folklore, with several forbidden romances blooming. I've already started the third book, and can't wait to read the conclusion of this adventure!
But also, with this book, I've completed my entire bingo card:

Thank you to
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