#365ways2026 — Public Fediverse posts

What to Write Next

Write what you love to come upon. —Anne Lamott 

* * *

What to Write Next

Write what you love to come upon. —Anne Lamott 

* * *

What to Write Next

Write what you love to come upon. —Anne Lamott 

* * *

What to Write Next

Write what you love to come upon. —Anne Lamott 

* * *

What to Write Next

Write what you love to come upon. —Anne Lamott 

* * *

Entertainment and Connection

“Your fans, the ones that exist and the ones you have yet to make, will appreciate that what they get from you is from you. That’s what people mostly want from art: Entertainment and connection. You will always be able to do that better than ‘Al.’” — John Scalzi

* * *

Entertainment and Connection

“Your fans, the ones that exist and the ones you have yet to make, will appreciate that what they get from you is from you. That’s what people mostly want from art: Entertainment and connection. You will always be able to do that better than ‘Al.’” — John Scalzi

* * *

Entertainment and Connection

“Your fans, the ones that exist and the ones you have yet to make, will appreciate that what they get from you is from you. That’s what people mostly want from art: Entertainment and connection. You will always be able to do that better than ‘Al.’” — John Scalzi

* * *

Entertainment and Connection

“Your fans, the ones that exist and the ones you have yet to make, will appreciate that what they get from you is from you. That’s what people mostly want from art: Entertainment and connection. You will always be able to do that better than ‘Al.’” — John Scalzi

* * *

Entertainment and Connection

“Your fans, the ones that exist and the ones you have yet to make, will appreciate that what they get from you is from you. That’s what people mostly want from art: Entertainment and connection. You will always be able to do that better than ‘Al.’” — John Scalzi

* * *

Write Your Own Rules

It’s understandable that a lot of beginners at any art want rules for how to do it. But there comes a time when one has to make one’s own choices about how one’s art is structured, how it’s executed, what you want it to do. There is no rulebook that will help you with that, you just have to step up and decide. That’s scary! But there’s no getting around it. — Ann Leckie

* * *

Write Your Own Rules

It’s understandable that a lot of beginners at any art want rules for how to do it. But there comes a time when one has to make one’s own choices about how one’s art is structured, how it’s executed, what you want it to do. There is no rulebook that will help you with that, you just have to step up and decide. That’s scary! But there’s no getting around it. — Ann Leckie

* * *

Write Your Own Rules

It’s understandable that a lot of beginners at any art want rules for how to do it. But there comes a time when one has to make one’s own choices about how one’s art is structured, how it’s executed, what you want it to do. There is no rulebook that will help you with that, you just have to step up and decide. That’s scary! But there’s no getting around it. — Ann Leckie

* * *

Write Your Own Rules

It’s understandable that a lot of beginners at any art want rules for how to do it. But there comes a time when one has to make one’s own choices about how one’s art is structured, how it’s executed, what you want it to do. There is no rulebook that will help you with that, you just have to step up and decide. That’s scary! But there’s no getting around it. — Ann Leckie

* * *

Write Your Own Rules

It’s understandable that a lot of beginners at any art want rules for how to do it. But there comes a time when one has to make one’s own choices about how one’s art is structured, how it’s executed, what you want it to do. There is no rulebook that will help you with that, you just have to step up and decide. That’s scary! But there’s no getting around it. — Ann Leckie

* * *

What If They’re Already Here?

Recently, Neil deGrasse Tyson visited Stephen Colbert to talk about aliens and his new book Take Me To Your Leader: Perspectives On Your First Alien Encounter. He discussed aliens, why you probably shouldn’t shake hands, and how they might mirror what they see of humanity. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UNUkJMbvpQ

It made me think of the story I wrote on that topic, and how I hope that humanity does more good than not. I’ve re-posted before but I like the story, so here it is again. Click through for the full piece.

We Are Mirrors | J.R. Johnson

You and Yours

I came from the stars to meet you. I was happy. Excited, even. First contact with your verdant world. Think of all that we could share with you.

“You” could have meant a lot of things. I started with one of the most populous. An insect.

I remember little of what it was like, a flash of light, a warm wriggle in a puddle after rain. The feel of wind in my wings.

It’s embarrassing to say this now, but I was promptly eaten.

* * *

What If They’re Already Here?

Recently, Neil deGrasse Tyson visited Stephen Colbert to talk about aliens and his new book Take Me To Your Leader: Perspectives On Your First Alien Encounter. He discussed aliens, why you probably shouldn’t shake hands, and how they might mirror what they see of humanity. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UNUkJMbvpQ

It made me think of the story I wrote on that topic, and how I hope that humanity does more good than not. I’ve re-posted before but I like the story, so here it is again. Click through for the full piece.

We Are Mirrors | J.R. Johnson

You and Yours

I came from the stars to meet you. I was happy. Excited, even. First contact with your verdant world. Think of all that we could share with you.

“You” could have meant a lot of things. I started with one of the most populous. An insect.

I remember little of what it was like, a flash of light, a warm wriggle in a puddle after rain. The feel of wind in my wings.

It’s embarrassing to say this now, but I was promptly eaten.

* * *

What If They’re Already Here?

Recently, Neil deGrasse Tyson visited Stephen Colbert to talk about aliens and his new book Take Me To Your Leader: Perspectives On Your First Alien Encounter. He discussed aliens, why you probably shouldn’t shake hands, and how they might mirror what they see of humanity. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UNUkJMbvpQ

It made me think of the story I wrote on that topic, and how I hope that humanity does more good than not. I’ve re-posted before but I like the story, so here it is again. Click through for the full piece.

We Are Mirrors | J.R. Johnson

You and Yours

I came from the stars to meet you. I was happy. Excited, even. First contact with your verdant world. Think of all that we could share with you.

“You” could have meant a lot of things. I started with one of the most populous. An insect.

I remember little of what it was like, a flash of light, a warm wriggle in a puddle after rain. The feel of wind in my wings.

It’s embarrassing to say this now, but I was promptly eaten.

* * *

What If They’re Already Here?

Recently, Neil deGrasse Tyson visited Stephen Colbert to talk about aliens and his new book Take Me To Your Leader: Perspectives On Your First Alien Encounter. He discussed aliens, why you probably shouldn’t shake hands, and how they might mirror what they see of humanity. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UNUkJMbvpQ

It made me think of the story I wrote on that topic, and how I hope that humanity does more good than not. I’ve re-posted before but I like the story, so here it is again. Click through for the full piece.

We Are Mirrors | J.R. Johnson

You and Yours

I came from the stars to meet you. I was happy. Excited, even. First contact with your verdant world. Think of all that we could share with you.

“You” could have meant a lot of things. I started with one of the most populous. An insect.

I remember little of what it was like, a flash of light, a warm wriggle in a puddle after rain. The feel of wind in my wings.

It’s embarrassing to say this now, but I was promptly eaten.

* * *

What If They’re Already Here?

Recently, Neil deGrasse Tyson visited Stephen Colbert to talk about aliens and his new book Take Me To Your Leader: Perspectives On Your First Alien Encounter. He discussed aliens, why you probably shouldn’t shake hands, and how they might mirror what they see of humanity. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3UNUkJMbvpQ

It made me think of the story I wrote on that topic, and how I hope that humanity does more good than not. I’ve re-posted before but I like the story, so here it is again. Click through for the full piece.

We Are Mirrors | J.R. Johnson

You and Yours

I came from the stars to meet you. I was happy. Excited, even. First contact with your verdant world. Think of all that we could share with you.

“You” could have meant a lot of things. I started with one of the most populous. An insect.

I remember little of what it was like, a flash of light, a warm wriggle in a puddle after rain. The feel of wind in my wings.

It’s embarrassing to say this now, but I was promptly eaten.

* * *

Right Time, Right Mood

I have half a dozen books checked out from the library and I’m pretty sure I single-handedly inspired a reduction in hold limits, but that’s okay. “To be read” is not just an aspiration, it’s a way of life. And while I’m very much a library person, this quote speaks to me:

“Think not of the books you’ve bought as a ‘to be read’ pile. Instead, think of your bookcase as a wine cellar. You collect books to be read at the right time, the right place, and the right mood.” ― Luc van Donkersgoed

* * *

Right Time, Right Mood

I have half a dozen books checked out from the library and I’m pretty sure I single-handedly inspired a reduction in hold limits, but that’s okay. “To be read” is not just an aspiration, it’s a way of life. And while I’m very much a library person, this quote speaks to me:

“Think not of the books you’ve bought as a ‘to be read’ pile. Instead, think of your bookcase as a wine cellar. You collect books to be read at the right time, the right place, and the right mood.” ― Luc van Donkersgoed

* * *

Right Time, Right Mood

I have half a dozen books checked out from the library and I’m pretty sure I single-handedly inspired a reduction in hold limits, but that’s okay. “To be read” is not just an aspiration, it’s a way of life. And while I’m very much a library person, this quote speaks to me:

“Think not of the books you’ve bought as a ‘to be read’ pile. Instead, think of your bookcase as a wine cellar. You collect books to be read at the right time, the right place, and the right mood.” ― Luc van Donkersgoed

* * *

Right Time, Right Mood

I have half a dozen books checked out from the library and I’m pretty sure I single-handedly inspired a reduction in hold limits, but that’s okay. “To be read” is not just an aspiration, it’s a way of life. And while I’m very much a library person, this quote speaks to me:

“Think not of the books you’ve bought as a ‘to be read’ pile. Instead, think of your bookcase as a wine cellar. You collect books to be read at the right time, the right place, and the right mood.” ― Luc van Donkersgoed

* * *

Right Time, Right Mood

I have half a dozen books checked out from the library and I’m pretty sure I single-handedly inspired a reduction in hold limits, but that’s okay. “To be read” is not just an aspiration, it’s a way of life. And while I’m very much a library person, this quote speaks to me:

“Think not of the books you’ve bought as a ‘to be read’ pile. Instead, think of your bookcase as a wine cellar. You collect books to be read at the right time, the right place, and the right mood.” ― Luc van Donkersgoed

* * *

Remember to Keep Laughing

I’m watching holes being punched in democracy, and I don’t like it. At the same time, my father is sending nature notes from the beach.

/headline

Pigeons, house finches

/headline

Black-backed gulls

The headlines are important. 

/headline

Willets

The headlines mark a world changing in ways that will hurt the people and things I care about. That’s… not great.

/headline

Sanderlings

/headline

Osprey

But there is more to the world than just headlines.

Pelicans, herring gulls, terns, mockingbird, starlings, boat-tailed grackles, house sparrows, swallows, dolphins!

Laughing gulls.

* * *

Remember to Keep Laughing

I’m watching holes being punched in democracy, and I don’t like it. At the same time, my father is sending nature notes from the beach.

/headline

Pigeons, house finches

/headline

Black-backed gulls

The headlines are important. 

/headline

Willets

The headlines mark a world changing in ways that will hurt the people and things I care about. That’s… not great.

/headline

Sanderlings

/headline

Osprey

But there is more to the world than just headlines.

Pelicans, herring gulls, terns, mockingbird, starlings, boat-tailed grackles, house sparrows, swallows, dolphins!

Laughing gulls.

* * *

Remember to Keep Laughing

I’m watching holes being punched in democracy, and I don’t like it. At the same time, my father is sending nature notes from the beach.

/headline

Pigeons, house finches

/headline

Black-backed gulls

The headlines are important. 

/headline

Willets

The headlines mark a world changing in ways that will hurt the people and things I care about. That’s… not great.

/headline

Sanderlings

/headline

Osprey

But there is more to the world than just headlines.

Pelicans, herring gulls, terns, mockingbird, starlings, boat-tailed grackles, house sparrows, swallows, dolphins!

Laughing gulls.

* * *

Remember to Keep Laughing

I’m watching holes being punched in democracy, and I don’t like it. At the same time, my father is sending nature notes from the beach.

/headline

Pigeons, house finches

/headline

Black-backed gulls

The headlines are important. 

/headline

Willets

The headlines mark a world changing in ways that will hurt the people and things I care about. That’s… not great.

/headline

Sanderlings

/headline

Osprey

But there is more to the world than just headlines.

Pelicans, herring gulls, terns, mockingbird, starlings, boat-tailed grackles, house sparrows, swallows, dolphins!

Laughing gulls.

* * *

Remember to Keep Laughing

I’m watching holes being punched in democracy, and I don’t like it. At the same time, my father is sending nature notes from the beach.

/headline

Pigeons, house finches

/headline

Black-backed gulls

The headlines are important. 

/headline

Willets

The headlines mark a world changing in ways that will hurt the people and things I care about. That’s… not great.

/headline

Sanderlings

/headline

Osprey

But there is more to the world than just headlines.

Pelicans, herring gulls, terns, mockingbird, starlings, boat-tailed grackles, house sparrows, swallows, dolphins!

Laughing gulls.

* * *

Keep Creating

I think I need to start getting up earlier so I have time to do everything on my list. But I didn’t and I don’t, so today, another quote and a pretty picture!

Picasso created more than 50,000 works of art.

How many are considered masterpieces that we still admire today?

About a 100.

Less than 1% of his creations are still relevant.

Stop trying to be perfect.

It’s a numbers game.

Start creating.

Be courageous enough to share.

— Ryan Stephens

* * *

Keep Creating

I think I need to start getting up earlier so I have time to do everything on my list. But I didn’t and I don’t, so today, another quote and a pretty picture!

Picasso created more than 50,000 works of art.

How many are considered masterpieces that we still admire today?

About a 100.

Less than 1% of his creations are still relevant.

Stop trying to be perfect.

It’s a numbers game.

Start creating.

Be courageous enough to share.

— Ryan Stephens

* * *

Keep Creating

I think I need to start getting up earlier so I have time to do everything on my list. But I didn’t and I don’t, so today, another quote and a pretty picture!

Picasso created more than 50,000 works of art.

How many are considered masterpieces that we still admire today?

About a 100.

Less than 1% of his creations are still relevant.

Stop trying to be perfect.

It’s a numbers game.

Start creating.

Be courageous enough to share.

— Ryan Stephens

* * *

That Felt Sense

“A good editor brings accumulated taste, emotional response, and a felt sense of what’s working — and that felt sense is genuinely different from the pattern recognition that I do.” — Claude AI, as quoted by Tony Schwartz, when asked why the AI’s editorial feedback was not as useful as a human editor’s (and why the AI spent so much time straight up sucking up to the author in ways that were not only unhelpful but actively counterproductive)

Just one more reason why having a body is a good thing. To me, a well-written story feels like standing in a stream where all the water is flowing in the right direction.

* * *

That Felt Sense

“A good editor brings accumulated taste, emotional response, and a felt sense of what’s working — and that felt sense is genuinely different from the pattern recognition that I do.” — Claude AI, as quoted by Tony Schwartz, when asked why the AI’s editorial feedback was not as useful as a human editor’s (and why the AI spent so much time straight up sucking up to the author in ways that were not only unhelpful but actively counterproductive)

Just one more reason why having a body is a good thing. To me, a well-written story feels like standing in a stream where all the water is flowing in the right direction.

* * *

That Felt Sense

“A good editor brings accumulated taste, emotional response, and a felt sense of what’s working — and that felt sense is genuinely different from the pattern recognition that I do.” — Claude AI, as quoted by Tony Schwartz, when asked why the AI’s editorial feedback was not as useful as a human editor’s (and why the AI spent so much time straight up sucking up to the author in ways that were not only unhelpful but actively counterproductive)

Just one more reason why having a body is a good thing. To me, a well-written story feels like standing in a stream where all the water is flowing in the right direction.

* * *

That Felt Sense

“A good editor brings accumulated taste, emotional response, and a felt sense of what’s working — and that felt sense is genuinely different from the pattern recognition that I do.” — Claude AI, as quoted by Tony Schwartz, when asked why the AI’s editorial feedback was not as useful as a human editor’s (and why the AI spent so much time straight up sucking up to the author in ways that were not only unhelpful but actively counterproductive)

Just one more reason why having a body is a good thing. To me, a well-written story feels like standing in a stream where all the water is flowing in the right direction.

* * *

That Felt Sense

“A good editor brings accumulated taste, emotional response, and a felt sense of what’s working — and that felt sense is genuinely different from the pattern recognition that I do.” — Claude AI, as quoted by Tony Schwartz, when asked why the AI’s editorial feedback was not as useful as a human editor’s (and why the AI spent so much time straight up sucking up to the author in ways that were not only unhelpful but actively counterproductive)

Just one more reason why having a body is a good thing. To me, a well-written story feels like standing in a stream where all the water is flowing in the right direction.

* * *

All Hail Libraries!

It is National Library Week in the US, and what better opportunity to take a moment to appreciate the joy and wonder that is the modern library system?

National Library Week | ALA

However you use your library, there’s joy waiting for you there.

Bored? Library. Curious? Library. Broke? Library. Rich? (Donate to the) library. Interested in the past? Library. Worried about the future? Library. Need to do your taxes? Library. Want to learn a new language? Library. Want to build a better community? Library!

“Congratulations on the new library, because it isn’t just a library. It is a space ship that will take you to the farthest reaches of the Universe, a time machine that will take you to the far past and the far future, a teacher that knows more than any human being, a friend that will amuse you and console you — and most of all, a gateway, to a better and happier and more useful life.” ― Isaac Asimov

* * *

All Hail Libraries!

It is National Library Week in the US, and what better opportunity to take a moment to appreciate the joy and wonder that is the modern library system?

National Library Week | ALA

However you use your library, there’s joy waiting for you there.

Bored? Library. Curious? Library. Broke? Library. Rich? (Donate to the) library. Interested in the past? Library. Worried about the future? Library. Need to do your taxes? Library. Want to learn a new language? Library. Want to build a better community? Library!

“Congratulations on the new library, because it isn’t just a library. It is a space ship that will take you to the farthest reaches of the Universe, a time machine that will take you to the far past and the far future, a teacher that knows more than any human being, a friend that will amuse you and console you — and most of all, a gateway, to a better and happier and more useful life.” ― Isaac Asimov

* * *

All Hail Libraries!

It is National Library Week in the US, and what better opportunity to take a moment to appreciate the joy and wonder that is the modern library system?

National Library Week | ALA

However you use your library, there’s joy waiting for you there.

Bored? Library. Curious? Library. Broke? Library. Rich? (Donate to the) library. Interested in the past? Library. Worried about the future? Library. Need to do your taxes? Library. Want to learn a new language? Library. Want to build a better community? Library!

“Congratulations on the new library, because it isn’t just a library. It is a space ship that will take you to the farthest reaches of the Universe, a time machine that will take you to the far past and the far future, a teacher that knows more than any human being, a friend that will amuse you and console you — and most of all, a gateway, to a better and happier and more useful life.” ― Isaac Asimov

* * *

All Hail Libraries!

It is National Library Week in the US, and what better opportunity to take a moment to appreciate the joy and wonder that is the modern library system?

National Library Week | ALA

However you use your library, there’s joy waiting for you there.

Bored? Library. Curious? Library. Broke? Library. Rich? (Donate to the) library. Interested in the past? Library. Worried about the future? Library. Need to do your taxes? Library. Want to learn a new language? Library. Want to build a better community? Library!

“Congratulations on the new library, because it isn’t just a library. It is a space ship that will take you to the farthest reaches of the Universe, a time machine that will take you to the far past and the far future, a teacher that knows more than any human being, a friend that will amuse you and console you — and most of all, a gateway, to a better and happier and more useful life.” ― Isaac Asimov

* * *

All Hail Libraries!

It is National Library Week in the US, and what better opportunity to take a moment to appreciate the joy and wonder that is the modern library system?

National Library Week | ALA

However you use your library, there’s joy waiting for you there.

Bored? Library. Curious? Library. Broke? Library. Rich? (Donate to the) library. Interested in the past? Library. Worried about the future? Library. Need to do your taxes? Library. Want to learn a new language? Library. Want to build a better community? Library!

“Congratulations on the new library, because it isn’t just a library. It is a space ship that will take you to the farthest reaches of the Universe, a time machine that will take you to the far past and the far future, a teacher that knows more than any human being, a friend that will amuse you and console you — and most of all, a gateway, to a better and happier and more useful life.” ― Isaac Asimov

* * *

Yes! The Violets Are A-Blooming

The violets, along the river, are opening their blue faces, like

small dark lanterns.

The green mosses, being so many, are as good as brawny.

How important it is to walk along, not in haste but slowly,

looking at everything and calling out

Yes! No!

— Mary Oliver, from the poem “Yes! No!”

* * *

Yes! The Violets Are A-Blooming

The violets, along the river, are opening their blue faces, like

small dark lanterns.

The green mosses, being so many, are as good as brawny.

How important it is to walk along, not in haste but slowly,

looking at everything and calling out

Yes! No!

— Mary Oliver, from the poem “Yes! No!”

* * *

Yes! The Violets Are A-Blooming

The violets, along the river, are opening their blue faces, like

small dark lanterns.

The green mosses, being so many, are as good as brawny.

How important it is to walk along, not in haste but slowly,

looking at everything and calling out

Yes! No!

— Mary Oliver, from the poem “Yes! No!”

* * *

Yes! The Violets Are A-Blooming

The violets, along the river, are opening their blue faces, like

small dark lanterns.

The green mosses, being so many, are as good as brawny.

How important it is to walk along, not in haste but slowly,

looking at everything and calling out

Yes! No!

— Mary Oliver, from the poem “Yes! No!”

* * *

Yes! The Violets Are A-Blooming

The violets, along the river, are opening their blue faces, like

small dark lanterns.

The green mosses, being so many, are as good as brawny.

How important it is to walk along, not in haste but slowly,

looking at everything and calling out

Yes! No!

— Mary Oliver, from the poem “Yes! No!”

* * *

Countervailing Beauty

Mondays* are not great. (Gross exaggeration, but it feels true. Especially on a Monday.) So here’s a dose of beauty to help balance out the blah.

Out Among the Cherry Blossoms

Recent images of people enjoying themselves on warm spring days, among groves of flowering cherry-blossom trees in cities and parks across the Northern Hemisphere

Even Darth Vader made an appearance!

* Or whichever day marks the start of your work week!

* * *

Comet C/2025 R3 PanSTARRS

NASA reminded me that we have a new, if transitory, neighbor in the skies overhead. The comet PanSTARRS is making a quick visit and tonight is the closest it will come to the sun.

APOD- 2026 April 18 – PanSTARRS and Planets

This is a good weekend for northern hemisphere comet watchers to try to catch PanSTARRS an hour or so before sunrise, as the comet grows brighter approaching its perihelion on April 19. On April 26 the comet makes its closest approach to our fair planet but by then will be difficult to see in the solar glare. Good views of this comet PanSTARRS in late April and early May will be from the southern hemisphere.

If your skies are clear and dark, check it out!

* * *