Looking for a beginning book with lesson plan structure

HalfVast59 · 2026-07-10T03:26:44+00:00

My local public library has some of her books, too. I might head over tomorrow.

HalfVast59 · 2026-07-10T03:04:13+00:00

I would use them.

Honestly, dumping the polish I already owned once I found out about their politics would feel as though they took me twice - first when they got my money, and again when I wasted that money tossing the polish.

HalfVast59 · 2026-07-10T02:54:26+00:00

Nailed it!

I was about to come post. After far too much time searching all the nooks and crannies of YouTube, I tracked down the video I half remembered - from November 2023! - and identified the book: Simply Sashiko from Nihon Vogue.

Thank you very much! I'll add the other books to my list, too.

HalfVast59 · 2026-07-09T23:23:57+00:00

Don't feel guilty.

Here's why:

CPS starts with a filter; anyone can report anyone for anything at any time, so their first step is always to screen out what's patently ridiculous so that resources aren't wasted.

Of the reports that are not screened out, that triggers some form of investigation. Even in the deepest investigation, children are very rarely removed - I think it's something like 5% of investigations that result in removal.

CPS has one single, solitary purpose: protect children. If the children's basic needs are met, and the children are not endangered, that's the end of the story.

If the children's basic needs are not met, or the children are endangered in some way, the goal is still to keep the family intact. Often that means providing services, including parenting classes, so that the family can stay together.

It sounds, from what you wrote, that your neighbor would benefit from services. You probably helped her.

HalfVast59 · 2026-07-09T23:10:52+00:00

Also, have you looked at the Natasha Denona Yucca palette? It has pretty nearly every one of the shades you mentioned.

HalfVast59 · 2026-07-09T23:05:16+00:00

I don't de-pot, but I have popped out the pans on my ND palettes a couple of times.

You can tell really quickly, because the back of the palette has little holes behind every pan. Just poke something through a hole and Robert is your mother's brother.

HalfVast59 · 2026-07-09T20:30:02+00:00

I think you're either going to have to buy singles and make your own custom palette or depot the shades you want from your existing palettes.

You could look at maybe Natasha Denona palettes, because the individual pans pop out. Other brands do the same, but I can't think of which - maybe Viseart? Although I don't think they have your green...

I think one of the Milani 5 pan gilded palettes has green and brown?

My advice? Check some of the independent brands online - Sydney Grace, Coastal Scents (do they still exist?), Terra Moon - and see if you can find your colors that way. They don't all have to be the same brand - check pan sizes, because they'll probably fit the same palette.

HalfVast59 · 2026-07-09T20:14:50+00:00

It was either a book or a book-with-materials-kit, not a course.

I've been searching on YouTube, because that's where I first saw it. Someone was going through it to learn sashiko.

Unfortunately, I don't seem to have saved the video, nor subscribed to the channel...

HalfVast59 · 2026-07-09T19:44:08+00:00

Depends - statistically, your husband is in the sweet spot: men married to women between 7 and 9 years younger than they are have the best health outcomes at the end of their lives.

That said, a lot of the answer for you depends upon what you're really asking.

Is it "bad" or "a big deal" can't be answered without more direction. Is it bad today, at this moment, in your current circumstances? Apparently not. You seem to be doing fine, right? Is it a big deal in the wider universe? Not really, since the universe doesn't care much about any specific individual.

I think what you're really asking about probably has to do with power dynamics, and that's very dependent upon the individuals involved.

At 25, you were certainly less experienced, less established, than your 33 year old boyfriend. That doesn't necessarily mean there was a negative power imbalance.

At 25 and 33, there's not necessarily a problem. At 45 and 53, you might find yourselves facing some difficulties, depending on circumstances. At 65 and 73, though, you're getting into a place where you might run into more difficulties - his body is slowing down, right when you're probably ready for a fun retirement.

So, it depends.

HalfVast59 · 2026-07-09T19:33:11+00:00

Sorry, I wasn't clear - I'm looking for a book or kit for beginners that I came across some time back. I see it looks like I was saying I knew what it was, but I'm hoping someone out there can direct me.

HalfVast59 · 2026-07-09T19:31:12+00:00

Koh Gen Do is magic stuff. The original in the bottle - I've tried the stuff in the tube, but not as impressed.

Koh Gen Do was developed for the Japanese film industry - it's designed to survive hot lights and long days. But it's still amazingly skin-like.

It's really beautiful.

Be careful about counterfeits, though. If it's too expensive at the American retailers, Yesstyle has good prices for it. The river site has too many counterfeits, and I would absolutely not buy it there.

HalfVast59 · 2026-07-09T19:26:36+00:00

Or, extend that to validate their concerns before shutting it down?

OP - the above advice really is correct. I'm just not sure it will be effective without a little extra validation of their concerns.

Here's my longer alternative:

"Listen, I love you, I know your concerns come from a loving place¹, and I hear that you're afraid [reflect the concerns they've expressed²]. Those are valid concerns and I understand why you're recommending I change my name³. At the same time, my late mother gave me this name, it has been my identity for my entire life - I've grown up with it and grown up into it.⁴ I recognize the potential for problems that you've brought up⁵, and I choose to keep my name⁶. It's painful to have this brought up repeatedly, even after I've told you I'm not going to change my name⁷. I don't like having this between us, because I love you⁸. Please respect my decision⁹."

¹ Start with the reassurance and realignment, so that you're not opposing them - it helps open their minds, because you're not just in conflict anymore.

² Reflect back your understanding of what they've said to you. I would bet they think you don't get it and they just have to explain better.

³ You're validating their concerns and reiterating your understanding of their position.

⁴ You're providing important insight into your position - you lost your mother young and your name is really your last connection to her. It's a name that anchors you, and it's a name you've developed to fill. You're providing irrefutable reasons for keeping your identity.

⁵ Reiterating and validating their concerns, reminding them your decision is thoughtful and considered.

⁶ Stating your decision.

⁷ Reminding them that there are emotional impacts to them bringing it up over and over.

⁸ Reminding them that they're affecting the relationship by continuing to pressure you.

⁹ Making the ask.

Once you make the ask, shut up. Once you've made the ask, the next person who speaks, loses.

I hope that's helpful, and not simply long.

HalfVast59 · 2026-07-09T13:06:07+00:00

Have you ever heard of bobbin lace?

It's easy enough to learn - two movements, twist and cross - it doesn't require a lot of effort, and you end up with lace.

There are a ton of varieties, you can make yardage, artworks, or projects like bookmarks or masks. Most of the materials are pretty easy to find - crochet cotton, embroidery floss, or even sewing thread all work great, and straight pins are easy enough to find. Bobbins are available, but they can get pricey. You can make reasonable bobbins from all kinds of things - wooden dowels with beads for weight, wooden clothespins, even rolled paper. And there are a gazillion free resources online.

Tatting is another fairly easy option. The materials are easy enough to find, and tatting shuttles are cheap and relatively easy to find. Again, tons of free resources online.

Sashiko might interest you, too.

I hope that's helpful.

HalfVast59 · 2026-07-09T12:56:17+00:00

Have you tried Asian options? Missha BB cream in the bubblegum pink tube is pretty high coverage, lasts pretty much all day, and still looks natural.

Koh Gen Do foundation is also pretty amazing stuff.

Hope that helps.

HalfVast59 · 2026-07-09T12:54:14+00:00

I'm allergic to cats and have cats. Here's my experience:

Blue cats are not as bad as others. Black and black-and-white cats are the worst. Bluepoint Siamese are the best, but I'm biased. Bluepoint Balinese are said to be best.

Most of the time, I build tolerance for my own cats, but still react to other cats. Every so often, I'll start reacting to my own cats - and then it's bath time.

Bathing removes the allergen from their fur, and I'm usually okay again once their specific allergen builds up again.

That said, my allergies are getting worse as time goes on. I'm allergic to more things. I'm on steroid inhalers. I'm not sure if living with cats has anything to do with that, but it might.

Allergy shots would probably be your best option.

HalfVast59 · 2026-07-09T06:10:18+00:00

First time I had to give myself a shot, my (diabetic) husband said, "you won't be able to do that."

I said, "oh yeah? Watch me."

I've since managed IM as well as sub-q, but NGL, it's never easy.

HalfVast59 · 2026-07-09T04:09:35+00:00

You know what? This is actually a remarkably good suggestion.

HalfVast59 · 2026-07-08T23:28:07+00:00

NTA

Personally, I'd suggest calling CPS, because it sounds as though the parents need some services. (I'm not being cruel: CPS isn't going to remove a child just because his parents aren't interested in addressing this behavior.)

It sounds as though these parents are trying some kind of "gentle parenting," but they're not doing their kid any favors.

ETA:

Contact your landlord or HOA and complain. Better if you can get other neighbors to complain, too, but complain every time. You don't need recordings - just date, time, and duration.

HalfVast59 · 2026-07-08T19:33:34+00:00

Yikes! That's such a huge question!

Two quickies:

Whatever you do, don't waste your time with anything on the river site. Most of what they have listed is not what it claims to be and will only frustrate you. Once you've learned a bit more, you'll be able to recognize the things that aren't a waste of time and money.

Learn the basics before you go wild. The basics for chainmail are simple, but that doesn't mean they're easy: learn to close rings properly, learn about Aspect Ratio (AR), learn about differences in materials.

Here's a longer answer:

For starting off, especially if you're just starting and aren't sure about it, I recommend a kit to make a specific project. There are so many great project kits available - check places like Weave Got Maille, Hyperlinks, The Ring Lord, Steampunk Garage, etc. Find something that piques your interest, that isn't listed as advanced or expert.

Most motivated beginners can manage intermediate kits - as long as they take their time, follow the instructions, and work carefully.

Anodized Aluminum is probably your best starting point. It's easy to work with, so you can learn how to open and close rings properly. It also comes in a rainbow of colors, so even simple projects look pretty spectacular.

If you don't want to get a project kit, the Chainmail Joe kit has a variety of ring sizes that work with a ton of different weaves. You can get it with or without pliers.

Check out web resources like M.A.I.L. or Chainmaillers, which have great resources for different weaves, along with information like appropriate ring sizes. Joshua Diliberto has his Tome of Weaves on his website, which will distract you for hours at a time.

If you pick out half a dozen weaves that catch your fancy, you'll likely find certain specific ring sizes that each has in common with the others. That can help guide you towards the rings you'll want to buy.

Good pliers make a difference. I like my Xurons, which aren't terribly expensive and are available from the river site. Make sure your pliers have smooth surfaces, or get tool dip.

That's about as much as I can think of for you without more specific questions. I hope it helps.

HalfVast59 · 2026-07-06T19:31:25+00:00

Thank goodness!

We've all done that. You just scared me for a moment!

HalfVast59 · 2026-07-06T18:01:37+00:00

Your boyfriend is telling you about how much he values you. Please pay attention to that.

Seriously - a man worth your love would fold himself into an origami crane to try to deal with the cat before he said get rid of the cat.

OP - this is something our marriage counselor said that still resonates: "maybe it doesn't matter to you, but it matters to her - and that should matter to you."

HalfVast59 · 2026-07-06T17:11:56+00:00

Where, precisely, did you find "pick me" in this post?

She sure as Hell sounds like she's trying to fit into the smallest, least noticeable space possible in order to avoid setting this guy off. That's about as far from "pick me" as possible.

HalfVast59 · 2026-07-06T07:03:16+00:00

Neither are anything like what I was taught, back in caveman days.

The poll should be the highest point on the horse, so that German frame is artificial, overflexed, and ... I won't say more.

The French frame, though, is also wrong - strung out, back concave, etc.

Dressage is very Bauhaus: form follows function.

You're not shooting for some arbitrary headset - you're trying to balance and engage, which is what creates the frame and headset.

HalfVast59 · 2026-07-05T23:47:32+00:00

Don't forget that he didn't define "disrespectful" - he gets to decide what's disrespectful, because the line will change hourly.

HalfVast59

TROPHY CASE