Tag: wordpress

October: A Month in Review.
Two-Bit Musings.

October: A Month in Review.

SnapDragon X.6 Comments

So umm. . . yeah. I was going to do this for each month in 2021. This is the second time I remembered. Oh well. So it goes.

. . .

1. Trick or Treat, Yo. October is my favorite month, and pretty much always has been. It’s mysterious somehow, which comforts a literary old-soul like me. Toddler Snap and I have been out each and everyday, living it up. I try to capture the beauty of the leaves on my phone, but alas, the magic inevitably eludes the camera. We also carved our first Jack o’ Lantern as a family, and I literally tell my husband each day that it makes me happy in my young heart.

2. Small Comforts. Each day is different, Dear Reader. Sometimes I wake up feeling like a kick-ass SnapDragon, and other days I wake up feeling like a termite-infested tree stump. So I savor every moment I can. I dip into the candy dish. I watch an episode of Frasier before bed. I remind myself that sometimes you win, and sometimes you lose. I remind myself that every feeling comes and goes.

3. Time for a Trim. It’s no surprise I’m a fan of the simple life: give me my SnapDragon Family, some quality food and cinema, and I’m good to go, yo. There are only so many hours in the day, and I vow to spend them on people and things that enrich my soul. Ain’t nobody got time for bullshit, am I right?

I am just one person in this infinite universe.

And so are you, love.

So are you.

Wishing a Happy November to everyone out there!

. . .

SnapDragon is a writer who frequently orders drinks with extra ice.

Follow Snippets of SnapDragon for her chronicles of everyday life.

I Just Arted.
The Treasure Chest.

I Just Arted.

SnapDragon X.7 Comments

Because sometimes it just feels good, you know?

. . .

Say Yes to Mess, 2021. Original Photo by SnapDragon X. All rights reserved, yo.

Ahh.

To feel the swish of the brush in my hand.

The tiny gurgle of water in the jar.

Fairy tale colors brought to life.

. . .

Hello, friends.

It’s a friggin’ gorgeous spring day here in southeast Pennsylvania. One baby is snoozing inside, and the other two have joined Mama on our newly-spruced-up deck.

Raja is in paradise. #sphynxlife

And Big Boy Henry is behaving himself, so rather than rearranging things to get a better photo of him, I think I’ll leave well enough alone.

We’re sharing a moment, we three.

Share a Moment, 2021. Original Photo by SnapDragon X. All rights reserved, yo.

And as I like to say quite often, I feel happy in my young heart.

I’m taking time for the things I love, and today, that’s art. Whether it’s filling in my anti-fascist coloring book, or painting little cheapy ceramic pots, I’m scratching that creative itch, yo. One little moment at a time.

Because with each passing day, I’m reminded more and more:

Now is all we have.

. . .

SnapDragon is a writer, artist, thinker, and frivolous singer of harmonies.

Follow Snippets of SnapDragon for artistic what-nots and more.

Chip Lips.
Two-Bit Musings.

Chip Lips.

SnapDragon X.16 Comments

I’ve been eating barbecue chips like they’re goin’ outta style, yo. (But that’s not what this post is about. Better read on. . .)

. . .

Hi.

I’m perched here in our RV, cozied up in fruit-punch-colored sweatpants, the dim hum of the heater droning on in an inexplicably comforting way.

It’s unseasonably cold here in PA, so The SnapDragon Family is playing inside today.

Oh well.

Time for thinking.

Time for dreaming.

Time for resting these weary bones.

. . .

After reading a post by a friend of mine, I’m thinking a lot about control.

And, how very little of it we have in our lives.

Infancy. Toddlerhood. Childhood. Adolescence.

Family. Society. School. Economics.

Then, at last: Adulthood.

Adulthood. Which, generally speaking, is the bulk of our time spent on this planet.

(pause)

(Cue another cycle of circumstances beyond our control.)

. . .

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, Dear Reader:

All I can control are my own actions.

All I can control are my own actions.

All I can control are my own actions.

. . .

I want to be:

-Patient. Because wouldn’t I want someone to be patient with me? I’m a flawed human being, just like the rest of ‘em. Sometimes it takes awhile to learn, to get it right. And that’s okay. It’s okay.

-Kind. Again: Golden Rule. Life’s much better when you’re kind. We’re so much prettier when we smile. Plus, people always remember how we made them feel. And I want people to feel valued. I want people to feel loved: friends and strangers both.

-Curious. There is a ridiculous amount to learn in this world, in this universe! Why would I not ask questions? Because I’m afraid of looking stupid? Stupid is as stupid does, Mrs. Blue. I’m going to spend my days learning, and growing. The journey never ends.

-Authentic. I spent far too many years hiding pieces of me. People-pleasing. Dogma-abiding. Apologizing for being human. I. Am. Human. This body is finite. It’s amazing. It’s dirty, and requires a rather unfair amount of upkeep. But it’s mine. And, I hope to use it in ways to spread joy: both to myself, and others.

. . .

And there we have it.

Another snippet from your girl SnapDragon.

(smiles and waves, and grabs another handful of kettle-cooked goodness)

‘Til next time.

. . .

SnapDragon is a homebody who enjoys putting stamps on envelopes.

Follow Snippets of SnapDragon for all things whimsically-authentic.

Reasons I’m Currently Overwhelmed:
Two-Bit Musings.

Reasons I’m Currently Overwhelmed:

SnapDragon X.5 Comments

A List.

. . .

1. I’m an artist. A writer. A teacher. Feelings of paralyzed inspiration are, unfortunately, just par for the course.

2. I’m tired. While my terror-filled nightmares have made way for frustrating-scenario-type dreams in recent years, I still ain’t gettin’ much rest. Please. I just want one night without a cerebral shit-show.

3. I’ve got too many wires. Internet everywhere. Calls. Texts. Newsfeeds. Emails. Insta-whatever. Zoom meetings. How is a person expected to keep up?

4. The news.

5. Unrealistic expectations are eating my sanity. And it’s my own doing. I’m constantly judging myself. Clean the house! Exercise! Purge all of the clothes, books, and trinkets you no longer use! Post a blog! Work on your novel! Paint! Relax! Why won’t you relax, Snap?

(she blinks)

I’m trying, love.

24 hours sometimes seems like nothing at all.

. . .

SnapDragon is fresh outta sorts today.

Follow Snippets of SnapDragon if you want to read the ramblings of a weirdo.

The Interview.
Two-Bit Musings.

The Interview.

SnapDragon X.7 Comments

SnapDragon asks herself a few pressing questions. (‘Cuz she can, yo.)

Always There, 2021.
Digital Art by SnapDragon X.
All rights reserved.

So I sat down with amateur blogger SnapDragon X., to ask her a thing or two about life. She wore an over-sized teal dress/shirt thing, which she said seems to have become her unofficial uniform as of late. Her polka-dotted leggings undoubtedly completed the Practical-Mom outfit. Plus, there may or may not have been a smear of child-snot on her hip. But, who’s to say?

Question 1: Why do you blog?

I blog because I find it satisfying. Like a journal, it helps me clear my head. It helps me articulate those crazy swirls of thoughts that tend to give me anxiety. But more than a journal, having an available audience adds a layer of. . . accountability, I suppose? Anyway, it’s almost a form of therapy for me. Plus it’s pretty dope to connect with other bloggers.

Question 2: Not counting people, what three things in life make you happiest?

Travel. It doesn’t matter if it’s a town in Pennsylvania, or a stroll in Venice. Seeing new places makes me feel more alive.

Food. I mean. . . come on. Yes we need it to live, but it’s so much fun. And tasty. Going out to eat is truly one of my favorite activities. Calories be damned.

Stories. Whether it’s on the screen or in a book, I just can’t get enough fiction. I’m obsessed with characters. It astounds me at the power they have on our psyche; their influence is timeless. I mean, Ebenezer Scrooge? Frickin’ ingenious.

Question 3: What brings you stress?

Feeling rushed; clutter; when someone’s trying to talk and the TV’s on; being even a minute late; thinking I’ve hurt someone’s feelings; animals in distress; being misunderstood.

Question 4: What three things do you hope to accomplish throughout your life?

I want to be a published author. I want to see my work on a library shelf, or in a magazine.

I want to complete at least 15 years of teaching high school, preferably in an urban setting. I’ve got six so far.

I want to have my own art show. Nothing fancy. But I want to actually have the balls (ovaries?) to put my bizarre paintings on display, and have key players in the local art scene dissect every inch of them.

Question 5: Describe your perfect weekend.

Sleeping in. Egg and cheese sandwiches. Artisan markets. Iced coffees. Craft beers. Watching a brilliant show like BoJack Horseman. Laughing with my two best girls. Talking with my oldest brother about the perfection that is Pink Floyd.

Simple pleasures, yo. They make this world go ‘round.

. . .

SnapDragon is a writer, reader, and appreciator of the complementary breakfast.

Follow Snippets of SnapDragon for more tiny tidbits of whatever.

500 and Counting, Yo.
Two-Bit Musings.

500 and Counting, Yo.

SnapDragon X.16 Comments

Woah! Maybe Snap’s got something to say after all?

(she shrugs and smiles)

. . .

Hey hey hey!

I got notified by the WordPress fairies that I have over 500 followers!

I feel like a cool kid! Like the belle of the ball!

Like. . . the world is my friggin’ oyster, yo!

(whispers: “Wait . . . Who’s SnapDragon?”)

. . .

So stay tuned for more Two-Bit Musings.

More Desert Island Picks.

More treasures from the Book Nook.

More art.

More fun.

More half-witted reflections on this fumbling, bumbling experience we call life.

‘Cuz we in this together, love.

And I thank you.

. . .

SnapDragon is a writer, reader, painter, collector of funky earrings, and old-soul drinker of coffee, in all of its glorious forms.

Follow if you dare. (Or if you’re bored. Either one.)

Pretty Good.
Two-Bit Musings.

Pretty Good.

SnapDragon X.21 Comments

I am pretty good at waking up before the alarm.

I am pretty good at writing on chalkboards.

I am pretty good at disarming people with logic and reason.

I am pretty good at parallel parking. (Okay. I’m actually pretty badass at this.)

I am pretty good at seeing the best in people.

. . .

I am pretty good at remembering names.

I am pretty good at wearing all of the sneakers I own.

I am pretty good at taking casually-artistic photos. (Not of myself, obviously.)

. . .

I am pretty good at brushing my teeth twice a day.

I am pretty good at singing the harmony.

I am pretty good at making everyone feel included.

I am pretty good at maximizing coupon savings.

. . .

I am pretty good at appreciating the strength of my own body.

I am pretty good at listening to the many layers within a song.

I am pretty good at making something out of nothing.

. . .

I am pretty good at being an out-of-the-classroom teacher, paint-on-her-slippers artist, and Dr. Seuss-quoting mom to The World’s Cutest 11-Month-Old.

And I think that is just lovely, friend.

I do.

. . .

A special thanks to Writer of Words for suggesting this yin to yesterday’s yang! Or, would it be yang to yin? You know what I mean. 🙂

. . .

SnapDragon is a writer, artist, and pretty-bad multitasker.

Follow her Two-Bit Musings and more on Snippets of SnapDragon, yo.

Psst! A Word, Please.
About This Place.

Psst! A Word, Please.

SnapDragon X.33 Comments

Hello, Dear Reader.

I’d like to take a moment to reflect.

On life as a new mom? No.

On how dish-washing gloves are my new prized possession? It’s true, but no.

On how American society is eerily similar to the movie Idiocracy? Not today. (But stay tuned. Or, just look for the understated theme in every single one of my blog posts.)

ANYWAY.

I’d like to reflect on why it is I’m here. As in, here in this beloved blogging community.

Read on if you wish, yo.

. . .

I am a writer.

And as of late I’ve made a conscious effort to claim this as true, without caveats:

I’m a writer. . . but I haven’t published anything.

I’m a writer. . . but I spend most of my time reading.

But, but, but.

Enough of that shit.

We know who we are.

. . .

As I’ve mentioned numerous times, I am an anxiety-prone individual. Unfortunately, this sometimes manifests as paranoia.

I wish I were joking.

And, I can’t even give you one of the many ridiculous examples of this, without my heart racing.

So the idea of creating this blog, posting photos of myself (all appropriate!), and hitting the “Publish” button for all to see?

Call it baptism by fire, friend. It’s a form of healing.

It was (and is) my way of proving that I have a right to be here.

That I am an adult.

That I am entitled to opinions.

And that that’s okay.

Period.

. . .

It may sound selfish, but when it comes right down to it, I write for me.

It’s like coming home after spending the day at the beach, and feeling the cool stream of the shower on my skin.

Fresh. Clean.

Reborn.

It’s therapeutic to (somewhat) organize my jumbled mess of thoughts, and to feel accountability among an unseen–and even unknown–audience.

When I started blogging, I thought maybe a handful of people would follow. Friends, mostly.

So the fact that this has blossomed into a community–truly–is an added bonus.

It’s the buttercream frosting on this dense, toothsome, cold vanilla cake of ours.

So what are we waiting for? Take a big ol’ bite.

. . .

I remind myself that I am human.

And so are you, love.

And we are in this crazy-ass world together.

Let’s be friends.

. . .

SnapDragon is an educator, writer, artist, and homemaker. She enjoys being in bed by 10.

Follow her Two-Bit Musings and more on Snippets of SnapDragon.

Also, check out her contributions to Pointless Overthinking.