Dandelyon's Worlds

So, the computer follies continued for so long the Geek Squad guys told me they were tired of seeing me. I realized several days after the New Moon that I'd missed posting. I do apologize about that! Life's been busy, and making multiple trips to the computer store in between getting help online didn't help my focus at all.

Eventually they diagnosed the core problem--there is a tiny solid state hard drive that has failed and needs replacement in the computer. It's is invisible to the user, but that the operating system relies on. Urgh. Every salesman I talked to said those break less than the regular ones. Now that computer is off getting the drive replaced, and I'm praying that's all that's wrong with it. I miss having a computer that's all set up for the stuff I want to do. The good news, however, is that so far they've found no problems with the main hard drive, so I shouldn't get a blank slate back. I backed up all the files, but it's a pain to set up the programs.

In better news, I've signed up for an in-person writer's workshop with some fabulous teachers and an online course in anthology construction, so I'm hoping to build up my Paypal account to cover expenses. Therefore I'm offering a five-card reading for $25, or if you want a larger reading we can discuss costs. As always, a signal boost will allow you to ask for a clarification card on some part of this reading, if you wish. Alternatively, you can ask for a Torn World reading and get an in-character reading in Affamarg or the Breidalam Mountains using that world's standard layout for the divination disks.

Or, of course, you can simply ask for a single card (with the usual clarifying card for people who tip or signal boost). The guitar case below is my personal PayPal link, featuring my own artwork, which still inspires me even though it isn't Tarot-related.

So, let's see if I can offer some some inspiration or spark some creativity for you. You can ask about real life or a creative project, or even a game. I can draw a card for you to meditate on, to represent the Guide you need right now, or to get you unstuck. I can draw a card for a character or can draw a card or cards for you to use as writing or art prompts, and I can modify a more-traditional five-card spread into a prompt for a story focusing on plot or characters or a little of both.

New friends and old are very welcome. The grass is shaggy, and weeds are keeping the tomato and squash plants company, but some of the roses have started to bloom, and I'm happy to have you visit.

For free one card readings, you can pick from the Brian Froud's Faeries Oracle, the Daughters of the Moon Tarot (one of the round decks), or the Shapeshifter Tarot. You can ask a question, ask for a Guide or for inspiration, or you can just ask for a card. I don't need to know what your question is, but you are welcome to share it with me if you like.

The first card is free (though tips are always appreciated). Tips (including requests for longer readings) also let you ask me to use any of my other decks, including but not limited to my combined Susan Seddon Boulet Animal Spirits and Goddesses cards and my Fantasy Showcase Tarot deck where each card was done by a different artist. Tipping can also be used to request a private reading, or to draw a clarifying card. If you want a longer reading, send a direct message so we can agree on the type of reading and rate.

Signal boosts are very much appreciated, and also earn you the right to ask for a clarifying card. I'd love to do a bunch of readings, under the circumstances!

I understand all too well that when people don't have cash or spoons that is generally when they most need inspiration! Don't be afraid to ask for a card if you can't tip.

If you tip, it's helpful to me for you to mention it here so I can connect your paypal information with your request. Tips should be at least $1 (Paypal charges fees). If that doesn't work for you, drop me a message and we'll work something out.

I've written before about why I do readings and some of the decks I use here, feel free to hop over and check me out. I'll wait.

I will reply to all requests. In the highly unlikely event that the number of requests nears my limits, I'll close this card draw by adding a clear note at the top of the post rather than risk leaving anyone without a response. However, I intend to stay open through the weekend, and longer for paid readings.

Thank you, and Blessed Be!

As always, these readings are for entertainment and inspiration only. See my "Dandelyon's Readings" page if you have questions.

Well, the tomato plants are taller, but not a lot of ripe tomatoes.  Some of that, I know, is that the City's trees shade things more than the tomato plants prefer.  Some is that we got so little truly warm summer weather.

The herbs are doing well.  Some of the purple basil is sending up flowers. 

The Lily of the Valley is setting its seed.  The little berries will get more red before they drop off.  I doubt they're edible, but haven't researched it.

The morning glories are, well, glorious in the morning, when I get up that early (or stay up that late).

Job hunting is, well, what it has been this year. 

I'm going to be staying in Chicago with my Aunt for a while, though I'll likely be back and forth to some degree.  This may impact how often I post, and will almost certainly impact my use of pictures.  She's perfectly willing to share her computer, but it's a Mac.  I don't know if I'll be able to access any of my files that aren't stored online without visiting my sister, who is nearby, but the people at her house use their computers a lot more than my Aunt uses hers!  I'm taking the poor broken laptop that I got my daughter a few years ago; I'll be able to use it if I can get it to turn on.  But the on button has gone from flaky to almost never working, so I'm not holding my breath.  I'll cheer if I luck out, though.

But now I'm going to copy lots of stuff to my USB drive.  Hopefully, I'll be able to use that stuff!

Yesterday: Rewrote Chapter 1 of Shifter to change the things needed due to my revelation of early last week; deleted some words and added others. To my great surprise, the word count is identical to what it was! Then rewrote Chapter 2, added a few words, which is much more typical for me. Also talked to headhunter (in my new suit and all), but they have no interviews to send me on right now. Did slightly revise the resume per her suggestions.

Today, errands. Talked with banker about rolling over 401K. Talked with phone company about transferring stuff from old phone to new. Grocery shopping. Dishes (ugh!). Looking at various old computers with a friend, checking memory on memory cards and hardware and figuring out a keyboard is just no good and getting the new ergonomic keyboard to (finally) work on the new computer, but the older computers aren't recognizing a flash drive plugged into their USB, and the new one doesn't recognize a floppy plugged into it, so I still have to abandon the computer when the kid needs to do homework, with no real way to continue working on the same story. Sigh. Progress, but not nearly as much as I'd hoped. And I wanted to do some writing, but unsurprisingly I'm tired now.

It was good to see Felix again though, popping in and out of his cat door, and staring at his goldfish, and getting cross-eyed when the fly lands on his nose. Pity he can't "live" within newer Windows environments.

(edited because I hate typos!)