It’s been a frustrating week. Sometimes things just pile up, you know? Usually sitting down to write an update is fun and soothing, but I’m having trouble concentrating on what I want to say. I’ve been doing a lot of small things to calm myself down and cheer myself up this week, so I think I’ll just list a few of them.

First, I finished the red Jinkies mitts I started a couple weeks ago. As I had hoped, the lighter color really shows off the geometric pattern. I started out making the longer version that covers most of my forearm but about halfway through I messed up pretty bad. I’m not nearly a good enough knitter to fix two entire rows of complicated texture so I had to frog the whole thing and start over. By the time I cast on for my second attempt, I’d decided to try the short version of the pattern. I’m glad I did; aside from being a faster project, the short mitts are really cute and easier to stuff into a pocket when I need to.

Second, I’ve been reading a lot of Steve Higgs novels for the past few months. I picked up this goofy little mystery called Paranormal Nonsense a while back, only to find there are over twenty books in the series so far. Then I found out this guy writes several other series as well, and so far they all seem to be free with Kindle Unlimited. As much as I really love obscure Victorian horror and high literature, I love a light and comfortable book before bed as much as the next gal, and this series is definitely filling that need. The main characters are fun and the plots are pleasantly complicated and occasionally thrilling. I’ve found them a great way to unwind when I’m stressed. They’re pretty quick reads, so I get through a couple a month just reading a bit before bed each night. I’m currently on book 15, Undead Incorporated.

Third and lastly, I’ve been playing with a new cozy app called Kinder World. The add promised pure coziness with no ads to interrupt, and this week that sounded worth a try. I’ve only been using it a couple days so this isn’t a real review, but it is indeed sickeningly cozy and exactly what I’ve needed this week. You just water your cute plant, usually by doing some tiny calming exercise like naming your emotions or breathing slowly for a few seconds, and then your plant grows a new leaf and smiles at you. The app lets you write anonymous encouraging messages and read other people’s encouragement. There’s a bit more to it than that, but it’s all pretty simple and cute and it’s been a nice little bright spot to my day.

And that’s about all the update I’ve got in me this week. On Friday we’re off to Phoenix for another volleyball tournament, so next week I’ll have all sorts of news about that. Until then. –Corvus