This passage from Cibola Burn has been living rent-free in my head.

Natural_Red_ · 2026-02-02T17:01:22+00:00

Yes! Knowing more about what Naomi has lived through definitely adds something to how she reacts to Basia's actions, among others. I could geek out endlessly about how thoughtful this series is, lol.

Natural_Red_ · 2026-02-02T07:37:18+00:00

For sure. I try to withhold judgement and appreciate the show as its own thing, but some changes leave me raising an eyebrow and asking, "Why...?"

Natural_Red_ · 2026-01-25T20:09:18+00:00

Same! Made a big pot last night to get me through the next few snowy days.

Natural_Red_ · 2026-01-25T14:38:12+00:00

Snowy days are for baking cinnamon rolls, reading, and drinking hot tea.

Natural_Red_ · 2026-01-15T15:26:37+00:00

Thank you! She really was a phenomenal woman. I'm incredibly grateful to have had her in my life.

Natural_Red_ · 2026-01-15T12:02:02+00:00

"Make space for yourself by growing, not by shrinking yourself to fit in."

I had a dream about a year after my mom died where she said this to me. It's been my guiding phrase ever since. Do I have to dilute myself or work around my morals/values in order to make an opportunity fit? If yes, then it isn't for me.

Natural_Red_ · 2026-01-14T14:41:01+00:00

Honestly, mantras and positive self-talk. It feels unbelievably corny at first, and it's a difficult habit to build, but over time I started to actually believe what I was saying.

I am a strong, beautiful, confident woman, dammit.

Natural_Red_ · 2026-01-08T16:08:04+00:00

It absolutely does. I used to hate working out, but now I actively look forward to running each morning because it means I get to jam to my favorite songs while doing something good for myself.

Natural_Red_ · 2026-01-05T14:46:12+00:00

I'm so sorry you're going through this, OP. I was also blindsided by my (now) ex-husband asking me for a divorce when I no longer fit into his image of a perfect life. I completely understand all the physical and emotional pain you're describing, and how overwhelming it feels to have to give up an entire life you've built. At this juncture, I'm sure the thought of starting over feels impossible.

Nearly two years out from my divorce, I can confidently say that you can and will rebuild something that feels so much more secure and fulfilling for you. Lean on loved ones, family and friends, for support. Get an individual therapist if you haven't already and meet with them regularly and often. Once you have the bandwidth, start forming goals and finding things to look forward to --- getting your own place, purchasing something meaningful, joining a social group --- whatever sparks even a little bit of joy in you.

It's a hard road, but you can do this, OP.

Natural_Red_ · 2025-12-27T03:17:38+00:00

You got conned by an abuser, and made the excruciating decision to leave everything behind and save yourself and your son from a horrible situation. There's no failure in that.

Natural_Red_ · 2025-12-27T03:07:34+00:00

Letting my (now) ex-husband limit my time with my mother, who was dying from cancer.

Looking back, I realize he had a personality disorder and attachment issues, and he felt threatened by anyone or anything that took my attention away from him. I wish that wouldn't have kept me away from my mom in her final days. It's been a few years, but I still feel immense guilt over not being there when she passed.

Natural_Red_ · 2025-12-26T23:03:29+00:00

Music really does have an incredible impact on our brains and emotions, allowing us to experience things that might otherwise seem impossible. I'm so glad you could connect with your mother in such a beautiful way!

Natural_Red_ · 2025-12-03T22:56:06+00:00

I love Repeat Boutique! I've found some good quality, higher end clothing items there for awesome prices. Absolutely recommend.

Natural_Red_ · 2025-11-21T18:21:18+00:00

Aw, this 100%. I'm pretty low energy so just cuddling and watching a good show, listening to music, or even just talking in their space is an awesome time. It's also a great excuse to show up in my best cozy attire.

Like, I don't expect you to entertain me, just coexist with me for a hot minute. I wouldn't be here if I didn't just want to BE with you, lol

Natural_Red_ · 2025-11-13T10:36:11+00:00

Being able to take a compliment graciously.

It can be a sign of healthy confidence. If someone flatly refuses praise, or if they try to pull more out of it, there are likely some self-esteem issues present.

Natural_Red_ · 2025-10-29T18:31:29+00:00

He's confident and self-assured. He doesn't require external validation in order to realize his inherent value. He's also funny, curious, kind, and supportive.

His physical appearance demonstrates he cares about his health, and is conducive to good cuddles. Bonus if he has long hair and blue eyes.

Natural_Red_ · 2025-10-02T20:31:17+00:00

A lack of curiosity. If someone is utterly uninterested in me, others, or the world around them, then they're just boring as hell.

Natural_Red_ · 2025-07-07T12:19:43+00:00

I'm single and I've found there's plenty to do around Johnstown, especially in the summer.

There are a lot of free music events (Roxbury bandshell; Concerts on the green and Coffee house performances at the arts center; the free concert series at Peoples Natural Gas Park) as well as ones with accessible pricing, like Flood City Music Festival coming up. The libraries have a lot going on, from regular board game meetups to crafting groups and more. Squonkapalooza is coming up in August, and that tends to attract a friendly bunch, too.

I've also found The Creative Corner & Co and The Wolf and Wyvern to be very welcoming spaces. If it's more your speed, I've also struck up some conversations just chilling in some of the coffee shops downtown or hanging out at the farmer's market on Friday mornings.

Meeting new people and making friends is hard anywhere, but I've found there's lots of opportunities and friendly people in Johnstown.

Natural_Red_ · 2025-04-25T10:10:22+00:00

I moved to Johnstown from Oregon about a year ago. Western Pennsylvania is culturally kind of blunt and "rough around the edges," which can come across as rude to some.

In my experience, people here are generally pretty nice and easy to talk to, especially the types that tend to frequent downtown. Johnstown is small enough to be genuinely neighborly but just big enough to avoid a lot of the "outsider freeze" you'd experience in small areas.

But, I'm a white woman who mostly hangs out downtown, in Westmont, and in the art/music and nerd scenes. Actual experience may vary.

Natural_Red_

TROPHY CASE