3. A New Year, A New Friend

[chromaskies]

Fill it out!
<span style="font-size: large;"><em>The Basics</em></span> <strong>Name:</strong> <strong>Age:</strong> <strong>Pronouns:</strong> <strong>Country:</strong> <span style="font-size: large;"><em>The New Year</em></span><span style="font-size: medium;"> </span><strong>Do you have any resolutions?:</strong> <strong>Are there any new books, music, games, shows, etc. that you want to dive into?:</strong> <strong>Are there any small or big events that you're planning for this year?:</strong> <strong>Any new interests/hobbies that you'd like to try out?:</strong> <strong>Did you accomplish your resolutions from last year?:</strong> (If not, that's okay. Just skip this one) <strong>What were your favorite memories from the past year?:</strong> <strong>Do you have any new years traditions?:</strong> <strong>Is there anything you'd like to do more of in 2023?:</strong> <em><span style="font-size: large;">The New Friends</span></em> <strong>What kind of friend(s) are you searching for?:</strong> <strong>What do you like to read about?:</strong> <strong>How often do you check your friends feed?:</strong> <strong>Do you have any deal-breakers?:</strong> <strong>Do you mind reading about fandom?:</strong> <strong>If so, what fandoms would you like to read about?:</strong> <em><span style="font-size: large;">Currently...</span></em> <strong>Reading:</strong> <strong>Watching:</strong> <strong>Playing:</strong> <strong>Thinking about:</strong> <strong>Hobby/Interest:</strong> <strong>Planning for:</strong>

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Comments

Hello!

[ysabetwordsmith]

>> Oh, but I would like to cut down even more on alcohol. <<

Consider alternative celebratory beverages. There are some very fancy sodas available, including "dry" ones that are barely or not sweet. Among my favorites is muscadine grape juice, though, which really is sweet.

I'm quite fond of bitters for cooking, but they're originally intended for mixed drinks. While there are nonalcoholic ones (e.g. in a glycerine) base, most use alcohol as a carrier for the flavors. Vena's Fizz House makes splendid ones.

My mother was very fond of homemade V8 juice. Much like a Bloody Mary, less the liquor.

>>Get my diet in order, too etc.<<

My partner and I like reading cookbooks together, then picking out new recipes to try. If you start with a healthy cookbook, you'll discover more such recipes. Today's find was just me looking online for something to do with overripe bananas; I found this recipe for Banana Bread Brownies. It is much healthier than average, because the bananas cut the refined sugars about in half -- and it tastes a lot like chocolate bread pudding.

>>I also tend to struggle with taking photos if there's nothing in particular to photograph, but looking back, I'm always glad over even those mundane shots.<<

1) In looking through family photos after my mother's death, it wasn't the "important" events I valued most. It was the pictures inside our homes, or around the yard, that remind me how things looked years ago.

2) Consider making still life compositions with objects meaningful to you. Here's a list of still-life art items that would work well in photography too. Fun idea: take some pocket money and a box, then hit your local antique stores, thrift stores, rummage sales, etc. for interesting items. When you get tired of shooting those, swap with other photographer or artist friends.

>>Open-minded people who post fairly often and share stuff about them and their life. I don't really have many friends IRL so I love getting to know people all over the world. Always a plus if you post photos, but it's understandable if you don't (I'm just a very visual person and love to see how people look like and where they live and all that.)<<

I post daily about a wide variety of topics, and occasionally post photographs, mostly of my yard.

If you like photos and exploring different people's locales, I recommend birdfeeding, common_nature, and gardening. I made a list of Photography comms here.

>>Always knitting! Occasionally photography and whatnot. Thanks to (or because of) ADHD I may be very interested in something random all of a sudden, but it may wane equally fast. For the past years I've been more or less into: coloring (adult coloring books and watercolors), plants (like indoor greens but why not gardening as well), going out for walks (with my DSLR), languages, science...<<

It sounds like we have some interests in common. Feel free to drop by my blog and see if you like it.

Hello!

[ysabetwordsmith]

>>Like a hiking group or a circus fitness class. I want to stick to watercolor painting, which I've only done sporadically in the past but really enjoy.<<

I highly recommend that you combine the hiking and the watercolor! Buy or make a plein air kit with a limited palette and a sketchbook. For a long hike, you want a very light kit, but for a shorter one you can carry more; weight limits depend on your stamina but it's best to start small. Do some landscape or nature illustrations while you're out. Then when you get home, you can use those as guides for a larger painting if you wish. My notes under this poem talk about watercolors en plein air. This way, you have two motivations for each trip out, and you get pretty souvenirs that you can use later.

On the other hoof, that circus fitness class would be great for gesture sketching if your friends didn't mind you whipping out a sketchbook after you got tired.

>>People who post regularly about their real lives (vs fiction/fandoms) and who are thoughtful.<<

I post daily about a huge range of things, including articles from Big Think and a recurring post about Philosophical Questions.

>>Real-life happenings, even if they feel boring to the person writing. Self-reflection.<<

I can't think of a community for self-reflection but for real life consider birdfeeding, gardening, and common_nature. They all have members from far-flung places talking about life in their little corner of the world.

>> how to feel more at peace, keeping organized <<

Something one of my characters observed: "Peace isn't something you find, it's something you build." That includes learning peace skills, but also surrounding yourself with a peaceful environment and helpful tools.

>>Knitting, crocheting, gardening, learning about nature, photography, ukulele<<

It sounds like we have some common interests. Feel free to drop by my blog to see if you like it.

Hello!

[ysabetwordsmith]

>>I need to find some sort of exercise hobby, or a hobby that requires physical movement. <<

You might try getting a big list of hobbies, pick the ones that sound promising to you, and then date them for a week or a month to see which you like the most. No big commitment to any one yet, just trying new things.

>>Knitting, Weaving, Crochet, Cross stitch. I aspire to learn to water color (someday) and get back into sketching (someday).<<

Crafts are fun.

>>More projects around our house & land (we live on five acres).<<

I have 2 acres here. I know that feel.

>> Forever planning upgrades to those. This year we'd like to get a playground built for our kids.<<

Nature playground, storebought, or what? With kids that little, a patio, sandbox, or play garden is likely a good place to start. Put out a nature table or box for collecting loose parts. If you're crafty, tree cookies or tree blocks are great things to make. You can find or make a ton of natural toys free or cheap.

Think modular and expandable. As the kids grow, you can lay an adventure trail through your large yard by adding a balance log here, a tree swing there, etc.

Hello!

[ysabetwordsmith]

>> I want to better control my anxiety and cultivate a more positive headspace.<<

I found a fascinating article about how more diversity of birdsongs leads to improved mood, so I wrote a post about it. Nature is uplifting in general, but for maximum impact, aim for a place near you where you can listen to the most possible birds. A park with a pond or river is a good bet.

>>Authentic, open-minded, introspective folks who write about what's going on in their lives and/or what's on their mind.<<

I post regularly about a wide range of things.

>> I like it when people comment semi-regularly, but I'd rather receive no comments than ones that feel forced or perfunctory; in turn, I'd like friend(s) who don't expect a comment on every post.<<

I check my friends page sporadically so it varies how much I comment.

>>Singing, travel, Geocaching, reading<<

Those sound cool. You might like common_nature, where people often post about their outdoor excursions.

Hello!

[ysabetwordsmith]

>>I manage a book club for international women so I am always looking for new reads to suggest. Personally I enjoy fantasy/science fiction, mystery/thriller, and memoirs the most.<<

Fascinating.

https://www.polygon.com/22927515/best-fantasy-books-sci-fi-2022

>>I'm also actively dating after my long term relationship ended over the summer and would like to find a partner -- I want to put roots down and start a family in the near future after all.<<

When dating with permanence in mind, it helps to talk about deep topics if you find a promising partner. Also if you enjoy intimacy it's pretty hawt.

https://bigthink.com/surprising-science/how-to-fall-in-love-36-questions-and-deep-eye-contact/

http://evehogan.com/index.php/books-and-products/intellectual-foreplay/

>>I failed at writing a first draft of my horror novel, but I did manage to start it, as well as to form a writing group. <<

Every little bit helps.

>>People who update enough to give an overview of their external and internal worlds. I only update a few times per month, but they tend to be longer ones so you know about all areas of my life. I'd really like friends who want to connect as I've been on LJ and DW cumulatively since I was 15 years old.<<

I post daily about all kinds of stuff, from writing to birdfeeding.

>>Everyday life, personal development, interpersonal relationships, family life, pets, hobbies, cooking, etc. <<

Today's recipe was Banana Bread Brownies.

>> I'm not a gamer (although I can have fun with board games/tabletops/D&D) <<

I like tabletop games but electronic ones don't grab me. <3 Looney Labs.

Feel free to drop by my blog and see if you like it.

[smallrobot]

Hey, we have several mutual friends, and I've seen you around! :) I wondered if you'd like to be friends. I'd love to read both the life updates and the book reviews. My blog is a blend of life updates and special interests as well, and I'm a huge nerd in general. I've given you access, so you can see if you'd like my blog it or not. ^^

[montmartres]

I’d love to be friends! Will add you back.

[smallrobot]

Hey! We do not have any fandoms in common, but you seem like a very interesting person, and I'd love to read your blog (mine is also a blend between fandom and RL updates, except that I am a huge weeb). Feel free to look at my blog to see if you like it or now. :) Some of my posts are about personal issues, but I usually put them under the cut. I'm 30+ by the way, hope it's not a deal breaker.

[smallrobot]

We don't share any fandoms, but we do have some friends in common! :) I am also really enjoying the interactions on dw, this is the best part of blogging for me. Feel free to check out my blog, I've given you access! I'd love to be friends, if you like.

[luxmarina]

I don't mind at all! I'll add you back. :)

[vysila]

You sound like a delightful person and I am happy to do a mutual add. Thank you for your sweet compliment. I look forward to getting to know you.

[smallrobot]

I've looked at your journal and I really like the public posts that are visible. I'd love to be friends! :) Not sure if my journal a little too special interest-heavy, I do post RL stuff as well, but feel free to check it our for yourself! ^^

[haebin]

My heart beat a little faster when I read that you play games! Final Fantasy X will forever be one of my favorite games.
I wouldn't call myself a real gamer, but I love playing on the console. Right now it's AC Valhalla (the second DLC) and next I'll be playing Witcher - The Wild Hunt.

And K-Dramas! It's been a bit since I watched any (my last one was Hellbound), but I'd like to watch more again. The Glory for example.
Also listen to some K-Pop again from time to time and that brings back fond memories.

Mind if I add you? =)

[haebin]

I am mid 40's but I love all the things you wrote about. I totally adore people who are like you in your age, free-minded, loving fandoms, travelling, trying new things out! That's awesome.

Do you mind if I add you? :)

[haebin]

Reading: The Vampire Lestat by Anne Rice. Haven’t read it since I was like 13.
Oh my god, that brings back sooo many memories. This book was everything to me when I was younger. ;D

I like what you wrote and you seem to be a lovely person. Wanna be friends? :)

[haebin]

Horses are so pretty! When I was a child I always wanted to ride but I didn't have a chance to do it. You seem quiet nice and lovely, mind if I add you? :)

[smallrobot]

Thank you SO much, that's so kind of you to say!! 💛💛 Looking forward to getting to know you as well! :)

[vysila]

That would be lovely, you are so kind with your comments. I really like that. Let's do a mutual add.

[haebin]

Final Fantasy VIII was my first game on the playstation and I will forever love FFX. I want to play more games but at the Moment I am stuck with AC Valhalla. :)

You sound like a nice and lovely person, would you mind if I add you?

[haebin]

Are there any small or big events that you're planning for this year?: This year I am planning on getting a puppy. Woohoo.
Awww! Much love from another dog owner to you! :D

Watching Alice in Borderline, too. But I am still in the first season. :)

Wanna be friends? :)

[haebin]

You seem like a nice person, wanna try out being friends?

[pasta]

Yes, let's do it!

[haebin]

What we do in the shadows! *___*
Until now I've only watched the first season but I loved it. Hillarious! :3

I think we would get along, wanna try out? :D

Re: Hello!

[pineapple_sour]

We picked up a free swingset / slide playset off of Craigslist last year. It needs a bit of repair and some paint, but is in pretty good shape. We need to clear and flatten an area for it and assemble it, basically. We already have a little sandbox that sees lots of use, and there's a pile of leaves Muppet loves to climb up and throw himself down, haha!

I love that hobby list, thank you for sharing! I like the idea of "dating" a hobby. I think my struggle is at step one, I just need to pick something and try it.

[blackcatofmisery]

I've always liked the overall look and designs of Final Fantasy, but I've not played a single game. ;w; I'll watch my brother play, instead, and just enjoy the story like a [really long] movie. Same with Valhalla. He plays more in general than I do, so I know if I want to play it by watching his gameplay. My list of games here haven't been touched in about a month; I kind of cycle focused interests, and video games just aren't appealing right now. (And that's why it took me literal years to finish KH2.)

I don't mind at all, if you add me! My profile and guestbook have some more basics you can check out as well as fill out, on the guestbook post. c:

=^..^=`