Dang it, the kaleidoscope class is cancelled because the other 2 students in the class didn't confirm with the instructor. I feel like this is the universe telling me that making crafts is just not for me. On the plus side, if this was a sneaky front to get one of my kidneys, at least that plan got thwarted!

Maybe I need to look into blacksmithing. Does that count as crafting?

Or maybe pottery! There's a 4-week clay hand building class on Saturday mornings at the rec center in my neighborhood that starts next week. My brain just really needs something new, man.

Go pottery, choose pottery!

Okay, I'm all registered for clay hand building!

Nice!

I just found out my cousin passed away this morning, before we could get our act together and visit him in the hospital. He put up a valiant fight, but the end came quickly. Survived by a wife, two kids (who are still kids), his little sister, and his mom—who's now lost two sons and two husbands.

If it needs to be said again, fuck cancer!

Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that, Matt. What an awful loss for your and his family.

I am sorry, Matt. What a heartbreak for the whole family. I know you wish you had seen him again, but sometimes it is better to have a memory of him healthy and happy.

Okay, I'm all registered for clay hand building!

Fun! I do have a friend who makes knives, stunning beautiful knives, in his backyard blacksmithing shed. eta: it is hard work

Matt, I’m so sorry.

I’m sorry, Matt.

Steph, clay work sounds fun. Blacksmithing, too, for that matter.

My new (or renewed—I was into it in high school ) interest is astronomy. I’ve joined the local association, been to a couple of meetings, and ordered some beginner equipment (a red flashlight, a folding reclining chair, some good quality binocs). There’s an in person viewing session in March that I’m looking forward to. And if it doesn’t work out I can find other uses for a folding chair and binocs.