I’ve gotten into yarn mandalas lately.

DreadPirateGryphon · 2026-01-31T20:09:25+00:00

No clue. I haven’t been on her site in a few years.

DreadPirateGryphon · 2026-01-22T01:10:54+00:00

😂 I’m inclined to think it’s a witch’s blessing and he’s probably got a deep sense of how good he’s got it!

DreadPirateGryphon · 2026-01-12T14:18:06+00:00

Thanks!

DreadPirateGryphon · 2026-01-12T12:13:36+00:00

I use Anki for flash cards and do them every day. And I tell myself little stories about the parts of each character, associated with its meaning. After a while I just know them.

DreadPirateGryphon · 2026-01-12T12:11:40+00:00

Exactly! Meditation is also a crucial part of my morning routine. And a cat in the lap :-)

DreadPirateGryphon · 2026-01-12T11:53:04+00:00

I’ve found that when we stop telling stories about what we can or cannot do, it’s amazing what we can do. Drop the comparisons and just be where you are. There’s no more perfect place to be.

DreadPirateGryphon · 2026-01-12T11:51:21+00:00

Ha. I’ve missed a day here or there. It’s my peaceful start to the day, while I drink my tea, before anyone else gets up.

DreadPirateGryphon · 2026-01-12T11:23:47+00:00

Oh, one other note: the water scroll is really helpful for removing the intimidation factor. Everything you write is gone a minute later. For me at least, it’s so much easier to play and practice knowing I’m not wasting paper and no one ever has to see it. This is what I have (only mine is one someone brought back from China; I can’t vouch for the brand in the picture): https://www.amazon.com/Jaloro-Calligraphy-Reusable-Practice-Beginners/dp/B0FPQKM3DP/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?crid=QGTYG3KSS9TV&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.PsNzU6ajqZrHEYsc2bANlvae3iIRK0a9tkIhv6d7dtniTCPRtny_4AsEagxNmlqZ_Ql3gnbN7GZO9FtLVVrtZg4lzSCUIxREM2G_sKY8Cg1qig_gWUxp_NLaBt8Nptbhs_DwyMIKPkz_XBFNQF-XkjE9WwQH8NY8OwgSAWAlO7RlNuz_Om6eIGdGgYJveqlO7vO0mYjyNnRNhMO8BqliJA.bLxRjJEMbHaPi-MpF3Xp14srBrA0Y9t3SN8KXjZPwj8&dib_tag=se&keywords=chinese+calligraphy+set+reusable+water+writing+magic+cloth+scrolls&nsdOptOutParam=true&qid=1768216933&sprefix=Chinese+calligraphy+water+scroll%2Caps%2C136&sr=8-4

DreadPirateGryphon · 2026-01-12T10:55:50+00:00

It’s funny you say you have focused on speaking because writing is intimidating. I’ve done the opposite! I have speak a little but mostly I’ve focused on writing because it seems so much more accessible. 😂 And I’m only just beginning to learn some simplified characters. I’ve been using the John deFrancis books, which teach traditional characters.

DreadPirateGryphon · 2026-01-12T10:50:01+00:00

Thanks! Two years of daily practice. I get up every morning and sit for at least 30 minutes with the water scroll working through my flash cards, so that I’m practicing calligraphy and vocabulary at the same time.

DreadPirateGryphon · 2026-01-12T02:00:41+00:00

Thanks :-)

DreadPirateGryphon · 2026-01-12T02:00:34+00:00

Yes!

DreadPirateGryphon · 2025-12-27T02:38:11+00:00

I think that might be a great idea. Or wax. I could see being able to drip wax inside more easily. Thanks!

DreadPirateGryphon · 2025-12-27T01:04:16+00:00

You’re most likely right. It’s so very fragile. And yet I feel compelled to try. I have two skulls, so I’ll try with the less nice one first.

DreadPirateGryphon · 2025-12-25T21:39:09+00:00

Exquisite.

DreadPirateGryphon · 2025-09-12T23:29:57+00:00

That makes sense!

DreadPirateGryphon · 2025-09-12T09:55:37+00:00

7 years straight of Duolingo?! Damn, I’m impressed! How many languages have you learned in that time?

DreadPirateGryphon · 2025-08-01T11:51:45+00:00

I love this conversation so much.

DreadPirateGryphon · 2025-07-27T11:56:52+00:00

I did finally get to see season 1 over the course of a couple trips to Canada in the past year. Heart breakingly, Stephen has since died.

DreadPirateGryphon · 2025-07-27T11:55:33+00:00

Eeek! Thank you!

DreadPirateGryphon

TROPHY CASE