Poem: "Help Others to Grow Up"
Jan. 3rd, 2026 04:59 pm![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
ysabetwordsmithThis poem is spillover from the June 6, 2023 Poetry Fishbowl. It was inspired by a prompt from mama_kestrel. It also fills the "Main character has to use odds and ends to fix a problem" square in my 6-1-23 card for the Kinky and Unusual Situations Bingo fest. This poem has been sponsored by a pool with fuzzyred. It belongs to Marionettes thread of the Polychrome Heroics series.
Warning: This poem contains intense and controversial topics. Highlight to read the warnings, some of which are spoilers. It includes reference to past injuries, reference to traumatic loss of teammates, volcanic activity, traumatic stress, human trafficking, surprise baby, moving to a new home, dramatic scars, attachment, and other challenges. If these are sensitive issues for you, please consider your tastes and headspace before reading onward.
( Read more... )
mama_kestrel. It also fills the "Main character has to use odds and ends to fix a problem" square in my 6-1-23 card for the Kinky and Unusual Situations Bingo fest. This poem has been sponsored by a pool with fuzzyred. It belongs to Marionettes thread of the Polychrome Heroics series.Warning: This poem contains intense and controversial topics. Highlight to read the warnings, some of which are spoilers. It includes reference to past injuries, reference to traumatic loss of teammates, volcanic activity, traumatic stress, human trafficking, surprise baby, moving to a new home, dramatic scars, attachment, and other challenges. If these are sensitive issues for you, please consider your tastes and headspace before reading onward.
( Read more... )
Fossils
Jan. 3rd, 2026 03:22 pmysabetwordsmithFossilized bones are revealing secrets from a lost world
Tiny chemical clues trapped inside ancient bones are revealing what animals ate, the diseases they carried, and the environments they lived in.
Researchers have uncovered thousands of preserved metabolic molecules inside fossilized bones millions of years old, offering a surprising new window into prehistoric life. The findings reveal animals’ diets, diseases, and even their surrounding climate, including evidence of warmer, wetter environments. One fossil even showed signs of a parasite still known today. This approach could transform how scientists reconstruct ancient ecosystems.
That which is small can still hold volumes. :D
Tiny chemical clues trapped inside ancient bones are revealing what animals ate, the diseases they carried, and the environments they lived in.
Researchers have uncovered thousands of preserved metabolic molecules inside fossilized bones millions of years old, offering a surprising new window into prehistoric life. The findings reveal animals’ diets, diseases, and even their surrounding climate, including evidence of warmer, wetter environments. One fossil even showed signs of a parasite still known today. This approach could transform how scientists reconstruct ancient ecosystems.
That which is small can still hold volumes. :D
Birdfeeding
Jan. 3rd, 2026 02:35 pmysabetwordsmithToday is partly sunny and cool.
I fed the birds. I've seen a large flock of sparrows.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 1/3/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 1/3/25 -- I did more work around the patio.
EDIT 1/3/25 -- I filled a trolley with sticks from the brushpile beside the driveway, then dumped that in the firepit.
I saw a flock of mourning doves in the ritual meadow.
EDIT 1/3/25 -- I filled another trolley with sticks, then dumped that in the firepit.
EDIT 1/3/25 -- I filled another trolley with sticks, then dumped that in the firepit.
EDIT 1/3/25 -- I did more work around the patio.
As it is getting dark, I am done for the night. It's 4:50 and still twilight, a big improvement over 4:30!
I fed the birds. I've seen a large flock of sparrows.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 1/3/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 1/3/25 -- I did more work around the patio.
EDIT 1/3/25 -- I filled a trolley with sticks from the brushpile beside the driveway, then dumped that in the firepit.
I saw a flock of mourning doves in the ritual meadow.
EDIT 1/3/25 -- I filled another trolley with sticks, then dumped that in the firepit.
EDIT 1/3/25 -- I filled another trolley with sticks, then dumped that in the firepit.
EDIT 1/3/25 -- I did more work around the patio.
As it is getting dark, I am done for the night. It's 4:50 and still twilight, a big improvement over 4:30!
Brains
Jan. 3rd, 2026 01:28 pmysabetwordsmithBad Brains
Your brain on revenge looks a lot like your brain on drugs—and there’s only one twisted way to get your fix.
( Read more... )
Your brain on revenge looks a lot like your brain on drugs—and there’s only one twisted way to get your fix.
( Read more... )
Snowflake Challenge 2: Pets of Fandom
Jan. 3rd, 2026 12:06 pmysabetwordsmithSnowflake Challenge 2: Pets of Fandom
Loosely defined! Post about your pets, pets from your canon, anything you want!
( Read more... )
Loosely defined! Post about your pets, pets from your canon, anything you want!
( Read more... )
Free for All Saturday, Week 1 [DW Edition]
Jan. 3rd, 2026 08:55 amsimplyn2deep posting in ![[community profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/community.png){kind=small}
comment_fic[ If you're interested in being a Tuesday-Thursday guest host, you can sign up here. Thanks! ❤ ]
↑↑↑ Available dates:
January 6 & 8
January 13 & 15
January 20 & 22
January 20 & 22
It's time for the Saturday Free for All! There are no themes for prompts or fills. Be free, and have fun! ✎
Just a few rules:
1. No more than five prompts in a row.
2. No more than three prompts in the same fandom.
3. Use the character's full name and the fandom's full name for ease in adding to the Lonely Prompts spreadsheet.
4. No spoilers in prompts for a month after airing, or use the spoiler cut option found here. Unfortunately, DW doesn’t have a cut tag, so use your best judgment when it comes to spoilers.
5. If your fill contains spoilers, warn and leave plenty of space, or use the spoiler cut.
6. If your story has possible triggers, please warn for them in the subject line!
Prompts should be formatted as follows: [Use the character's full names and fandom's full name]
Fandom, Character +/ Character, Prompt
We are now using AO3 to bookmark filled prompts. If you fill a prompt and post it to AO3 please add it to the Bite Sized Bits of Fic from 2025 collection, or Bite Sized Bits of Fic from 2026 collection.
If you are viewing this post on our Dreamwidth site, please know that fills posted here will not show up as comments on our LiveJournal site, but you are still more than welcome to participate. =)
If you have a Dreamwidth account and would feel more comfortable participating there, please feel free to do so… and spread the word!comment_fic
As a friendly reminder about our schedule, Lonely Prompts and sharing completed fills are encouraged on Sundays, while new themes and prompts are posted on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Saturdays are a Free for All day. We'll share our posts on DW and LJ for everyone's convenience. Keep an eye out for notifications!
↑↑↑ Available dates:
January 6 & 8
January 13 & 15
January 20 & 22
January 20 & 22
It's time for the Saturday Free for All! There are no themes for prompts or fills. Be free, and have fun! ✎
Just a few rules:
1. No more than five prompts in a row.
2. No more than three prompts in the same fandom.
3. Use the character's full name and the fandom's full name for ease in adding to the Lonely Prompts spreadsheet.
4. No spoilers in prompts for a month after airing, or use the spoiler cut option found here. Unfortunately, DW doesn’t have a cut tag, so use your best judgment when it comes to spoilers.
5. If your fill contains spoilers, warn and leave plenty of space, or use the spoiler cut.
6. If your story has possible triggers, please warn for them in the subject line!
Prompts should be formatted as follows: [Use the character's full names and fandom's full name]
Fandom, Character +/ Character, Prompt
We are now using AO3 to bookmark filled prompts. If you fill a prompt and post it to AO3 please add it to the Bite Sized Bits of Fic from 2025 collection, or Bite Sized Bits of Fic from 2026 collection.
If you are viewing this post on our Dreamwidth site, please know that fills posted here will not show up as comments on our LiveJournal site, but you are still more than welcome to participate. =)
If you have a Dreamwidth account and would feel more comfortable participating there, please feel free to do so… and spread the word!
comment_ficAs a friendly reminder about our schedule, Lonely Prompts and sharing completed fills are encouraged on Sundays, while new themes and prompts are posted on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Saturdays are a Free for All day. We'll share our posts on DW and LJ for everyone's convenience. Keep an eye out for notifications!
📣 Guest Hosts Needed! 📣
Jan. 3rd, 2026 08:47 amsimplyn2deep posting in comment_ficWe’re looking for guest hosts to help keep the community going on Tuesdays and Thursdays. You can sign up for any Tuesday and Thursday pairing that works for you, one week or multiple, totally up to you.
What you need to know:
* You must be able to post on LiveJournal and Dreamwidth
* If you don’t have an account on one of those platforms, just let me know which one and I’ll post on your behalf.
* Guest hosting is low-pressure. Just use the hosting template and insert your theme and three prompts to get us started.
* You don’t need prior hosting experience, just enthusiasm and reliability.
👉 Interested?
Sign up using the form and details in the sign-up post here: (link)
If you have questions or want to double-check expectations before signing up, feel free to reach out. I’d love to have you help keepcomment_fic active and fun! 💙
What you need to know:
* You must be able to post on LiveJournal and Dreamwidth
* If you don’t have an account on one of those platforms, just let me know which one and I’ll post on your behalf.
* Guest hosting is low-pressure. Just use the hosting template and insert your theme and three prompts to get us started.
* You don’t need prior hosting experience, just enthusiasm and reliability.
👉 Interested?
Sign up using the form and details in the sign-up post here: (link)
If you have questions or want to double-check expectations before signing up, feel free to reach out. I’d love to have you help keep
comment_fic active and fun! 💙Poem: "The Songwitch"
Jan. 3rd, 2026 03:36 amysabetwordsmithThis poem came out of the October 7, 2025 Poetry Fishbowl. It was inspired by a prompt from wyld_dandelyon. It also fills the "Alone in the Woods" square in my 10-1-25 card for the Fall Festival Bingo. This poem has been sponsored by a pool with fuzzyred. It belongs to the series Practical Magics and follows "Maybe She's Just Singing."
( Read more... )
wyld_dandelyon. It also fills the "Alone in the Woods" square in my 10-1-25 card for the Fall Festival Bingo. This poem has been sponsored by a pool with fuzzyred. It belongs to the series Practical Magics and follows "Maybe She's Just Singing."( Read more... )
Philosophical Questions: Government
Jan. 3rd, 2026 01:06 amysabetwordsmithPeople have expressed interest in deep topics, so this list focuses on philosophical questions.
Would a government run with algorithms, A.I., and statistics be better or worse than the government we have now?
Worse. AI can't even figure out how many fingers a hand is supposed to have.
"Dear Autocorrect: Not once have I ever meant ducking."
Would a government run with algorithms, A.I., and statistics be better or worse than the government we have now?
Worse. AI can't even figure out how many fingers a hand is supposed to have.
"Dear Autocorrect: Not once have I ever meant ducking."
Poem: "A Different Language, a Different Vision of Life"
Jan. 2nd, 2026 09:15 pmysabetwordsmithThis poem is spillover from the April 1, 2025 Poetry Fishbowl. It was inspired by a prompt from see_also_friend. It also fills the "Lagenlook / Layered Look" square in my 4-1-25 card for the Aesthetics Bingo fest. This poem has been sponsored by a pool with fuzzyred. It belongs to the Rutledge thread of the Polychrome Heroics series.
Warning: This poem contains intense and controversial topics. Highlight to see the warnings, some of which are spoilers. It includes a refugees, crying baby, religious unrest, language acquisition issues, emotional upheaval, crying man, reference to past tragedies, and other challenges. If these are sensitive issues for you, please consider your tastes and headspace before reading onward.
( Read more... )
see_also_friend. It also fills the "Lagenlook / Layered Look" square in my 4-1-25 card for the Aesthetics Bingo fest. This poem has been sponsored by a pool with fuzzyred. It belongs to the Rutledge thread of the Polychrome Heroics series.Warning: This poem contains intense and controversial topics. Highlight to see the warnings, some of which are spoilers. It includes a refugees, crying baby, religious unrest, language acquisition issues, emotional upheaval, crying man, reference to past tragedies, and other challenges. If these are sensitive issues for you, please consider your tastes and headspace before reading onward.
( Read more... )
Poem: "Liberosis"
Jan. 2nd, 2026 04:22 pmysabetwordsmithThis poem was written outside the regular prompt calls. It fills the "all that glitters is not gold" square in my 5-1-25 card for the Colors Fest Bingo. This poem has been sponsored by a pool with fuzzyred. It belongs to A Poesy of Obscure Sorrows series.
( Read more... )
fuzzyred. It belongs to A Poesy of Obscure Sorrows series.( Read more... )
Friending Meme
Jan. 2nd, 2026 03:37 pmysabetwordsmithfriending_memes has posted a new friendzy. Visit the main event on that community. I've also copied my entry below.
Click the banner to join us and make some new friends!
( Read more... )
Wildlife
Jan. 2nd, 2026 02:23 pmysabetwordsmithMissing for 200 Years, the Galapagos Rail Reappears Following Floreana Island Restoration
Centuries after they were made famous by Charles Darwin, and a century after they had become plagued by invasive rats and cats, the Galapagos Islands are well on their way to recovery.
Few events could better capture that recovery than the recent reappearance of the beautiful blue Galapagos rail, a bird which hadn’t been seen on Floreana island for 200 years.
After almost a decade of preparatory work, invasive rats, avian vampire flies, and domesticated cats were eradicated from the island thanks to the close coordination of several conservation groups from around the world working alongside the Galapagos National Park Directorate.
Restoration projects often foster the revival of rare species, or those believed to be extirpated or extinct. It's not often this dramatic, so this is exciting news.
Centuries after they were made famous by Charles Darwin, and a century after they had become plagued by invasive rats and cats, the Galapagos Islands are well on their way to recovery.
Few events could better capture that recovery than the recent reappearance of the beautiful blue Galapagos rail, a bird which hadn’t been seen on Floreana island for 200 years.
After almost a decade of preparatory work, invasive rats, avian vampire flies, and domesticated cats were eradicated from the island thanks to the close coordination of several conservation groups from around the world working alongside the Galapagos National Park Directorate.
Restoration projects often foster the revival of rare species, or those believed to be extirpated or extinct. It's not often this dramatic, so this is exciting news.
Birdfeeding
Jan. 2nd, 2026 01:28 pmysabetwordsmithToday is partly cloudy and chilly.
I fed the birds. I've seen a large mixed flock of sparrows and house finches.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 1/2/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 1/2/25 -- I did more work around the patio.
I've seen at least 4 male cardinals chasing each other around the trees, along with 2 squirrels.
EDIT 1/2/25 -- I did more work around the patio.
I am done for the night.
I fed the birds. I've seen a large mixed flock of sparrows and house finches.
I put out water for the birds.
EDIT 1/2/25 -- I did a bit of work around the patio.
EDIT 1/2/25 -- I did more work around the patio.
I've seen at least 4 male cardinals chasing each other around the trees, along with 2 squirrels.
EDIT 1/2/25 -- I did more work around the patio.
I am done for the night.
Free for All Saturday, Week 1 [DW Edition]
Jan. 3rd, 2026 10:50 am↑↑↑ Available dates:
January 6 & 8
January 13 & 15
January 20 & 22
Hello and happy 2026, everyone! ✨ Let's get the first weekend of the new year started with a nice little Free for All day, shall we? ~_^ There are no themes to follow for prompts or fills. If, perhaps, you missed a prompt theme that you liked, or you've had any ideas that didn't really work with Tuesday's or Thursday's posts, then today's your chance to prompt 'em. Be free, and have fun! ✎
Just a few rules:
1. No more than five prompts in a row.
2. No more than three prompts in the same fandom.
3. Use the character's full name and the fandom's full name for ease in adding to the Lonely Prompts spreadsheet.
4. No spoilers in prompts for a month after airing, or use the spoiler cut option found here. Unfortunately, DW doesn’t have a cut tag, so use your best judgment when it comes to spoilers.
5. If your fill contains spoilers, warn and leave plenty of space, or use the spoiler cut.
6. If your story has possible triggers, please warn for them in the subject line!
Prompts should be formatted as follows: [Use the character's full names and fandom's full name]
Fandom, Character +/ Character, Prompt
Are today's prompts not catching your eye? No worries, because we have plenty of older prompts that just might do the trick! You can browse through the comm's calendar archive (here on LJ or here on DW) for themed and Free For All posts, or perhaps check out Sunday posts for Lonely Prompt requests. (Or, you can be like me, and try to save interesting prompts as you see 'em... and then end up with multiple text doc files full of [themes + links + prompts] that you can easily look through and search for keywords.) Multiple fills for one prompt are welcome, by the way! Oh, and you are very likely to find some awesome fills to read as well, and wouldn't it be nice to leave a comment on those lovely little writing distractions? ~_^
We are on AO3! If you fill a prompt and post it to AO3, please add it to the Bite Sized Bits of Fic from 2026 collection.
If you are viewing this post on our Dreamwidth site: please know that fills posted here will not show up as comments on our LiveJournal site, but you are still more than welcome to participate. =)
If you have a Dreamwidth account and would feel more comfortable participating there, please feel free to do so… and spread the word!
A friendly reminder about our posting schedule: Themed posts for new prompts go up on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Saturdays are a Free for All day for new prompts of any flavor. Sundays are for showing Lonely Prompts some love, whether by requesting for someone to adopt them or by sharing any fills that you've recently completed.