Author Archives: Webmaster

Comfort in Uncontrollable Change

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Hello, Fluffsters!

I’m going through a slightly difficult time right now, and that’s ok. It’s possibly even good for the “monthly topic” of comfort.

Basically, there’s a lot of change coming up in my life, and it’s change I have no control over. The lack of control means that I am not naturally comfortable with what’s going to happen. Will the change make things better? Worse? What?

For background, I’m at a school. Graduation is today, and that means that next year all my graduating friends will not be students where I am. I really like people, and I have no clue whether I’ll see these friends again, so that’s just a bit hard.

So, I’m going to take a step back, and talk about methods of getting comfortable when faced with prospective changes.

The Webmaster’s 3-Step Comfort Plan.

1) Find good music. For me, this is frequently instrumental. It probably has a strong rhythm, and a slightly nostalgic tone quality to it. Nothing too morose, but something that somewhat matches my mood. The music I listen to normally has a faintly hopeful (if sad) tone quality to it. Whatever it is, it’s music that I’m comfortable listening to. That itself starts to help.

2) Think things through. In my case, this involves realizing that it’s not the end of the world, and that there are ways to keep in touch with people. Regardless, at the end the realization is that there’s nothing I can really do about it.

2b) Pray. It’s a nice reminder that God has a plan. This should probably come first on my list, but I often forget. Woops.

3) Wait. In time, God always sorts everything out. It doesn’t work to worry about “what-if”s. The change either will or won’t happen, and it either will or won’t be bad. If it’s bad, I can worry about it then, and then I have a reasonable excuse to be melodramatic! (I think I’m learning too much from Fluffy…)

Hey!

And if it’s not bad, then that’s wonderful! So really, it’s a win-win situation. Either things get better, which is good, or they get worse, which gives me the opportunity to be justified in “woe-is-me” melodramatics.

…

Do you see what I have to put up with? I have never used ‘”woe-is-me” melodramatics’! Even though I’m stuck in this new world, and you’re misinterpreting everything I say! Really, Webmaster, are you trying to turn me into a martyr?

So… If you don’t engage in that sort of melodramatics, what do you call what you just said?

…

Woops.

So, anywho. Happy Saturday, Fluffsters! I hope you have a good one. And if any of my graduating friends are reading this, congratulations! This is really exciting, and keep in touch!

Three Types of Comfortable Showers

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Greetings, Fluffsters, and welcome back to today’s… FLUFF OF THE DAY!

This is your host, the Webmaster, and this-

What the Redivka is going on?!

no, No, NO! You got the line wrong! You’re supposed to wait for me to say “and this is my sidekick: ”

And then you say, “Fluffy McGiggles!”

“Sidekick”? I’ve been demoted to SIDEKICK?!

And you still didn’t answer what’s going on!

Actually, it’s something of a promotion to get up to sidekick!

But as I was saying.

Today’s episode will feature showers. Yes, folks, you read that right! Showers! I am going to talk to you about

3 types of comfortable showers

This will categorize showers into three types, based on temperature!

You realize you’ve sunk to a new low, right?

You’re just jealous you didn’t think of this first.

As I was saying:

1) Scalding hot. These are especially good for when you’ve been working really hard and it’s cold outside. You can feel the ickyness essentially melt off. Also useful for when you’re just really freezing. There’s nothing like a few hundred gallons of nearly scalding water being dumped on top of you to warm you up!

2) Fairly warm. These are good for normal times. Nothing particularly exerting, and when it’s not too cold where you are. I don’t think I really need to say too much more here.

You actually, really didn’t need to say anything at all.

3) Cool to Cold showers. Absolutely perfect when you need to cool down, but don’t have access to a pool or something. As with warming up, there’s no better way to cool off than dumping frigid water on your head! It really works.

Anyways, how about you, Fluffsters? Any particular category of shower that you’d add?

Why my bed is so comfortable.

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Hello, everyone! Happy Wednesday. I guess. I just really don’t want to get out of bed right now…

Please don’t tell me you’re writing a fluff post about why you’re not getting out of bed…

Ooh, that’s a good idea! Thanks, Fluffy!

Seriously?! No. Please, no!

You bet! And if I turn it into a list, I bet some people will even read about:

5 reasons why my bed is so comfortable.

Blast. You’re actually doing it. When will I learn?

5) The blanket. My blanket is really great! It’s warm, and soft, and cozy, and just comfortable.

4) The Pillow. It’s soft. It lets my head sink in. And did I mention it’s soft? So yeah. It’s super comfortable. Combined with the blanket, and it’s practically perfect.

3) I’m really tired. I have not been getting enough sleep. It’s exam time, which means lots of late nights, and packing and stuff. Tiredness makes my bed really comfortable!

2) The environment. It’s nice and cool, and still relatively dark, and just very nice. And relaxing. And relaxing is comforting. And comforting is comfortable. So the environment is a comfortable environment!

1) It’s not comfortable outside my bed. I’m not the tidiest person, so I need to do a bit of acrobatics to get out of bed without stepping on anything. I’d just as soon not do the acrobatics, or step on anything. The best way to do that is to stay comfortable in my bed. So, all in all, staying in bed seems like a pretty good idea!

So, how about you Fluffsters? What’s the number one thing that makes your bed extra comfortable?

Comforting Sunset

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Hello, Fluffsters! Happy Tuesday!

Today, I’m going to share a picture of something that makes me comfortable. And that something is pretty scenery, with a lovely sunset.

Sunset and Tree

And I’m currently fairly tired, and i have a lot to do. So that will have to do for a post…

Have a great week!

Top 5 Comforting Activities

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Hello, Fluffsters! Once again I am ignoring the prompt, but not the theme. Today, I’m going to talk to you about some of my more comforting activities.

Let me guess: Asking people weird and bizarre questions?

That’s more of a fun activity, rather than a comforting activity.

You sure fooled me, with how often you do it!

Oh, right! That does remind me, though: If you could have any superpower, 1) what would it be, and 2) how do you use it to take over the world?

While you’re thinking about that, on to today’s content!

5 most comforting activities.

1) Napping.

Wait, what? That’s not an activity!

Sure it is! You’re alive when you nap. And when you’re alive, you’re doing lots of stuff. Like breathing. And possibly dreaming. And dreaming is an activity. So napping is an activity. QED.

Moving on.

2) Crocheting. I’ve already told you that I like to crochet. I still need to figure out how to upload the pattern, and possible totally finish the critter, too… Hmm. Anywho, there’s something soothing, fun, and comforting about having the yarn in your hands, and seeing a creation come into existence. It’s really comforting.

3) Playing my flute. Deep breaths, pretty sounds (except for when you’re playing Hindemith…) and the feel of silver in your hands? It doesn’t get much better than this.

4) Reading. Especially old favorites. It’s like visiting an old friend, without needing to leave the comfort of either your house or your library. As I’ve said, I particularly like fantasy. So some of my old fantasy books are just an amazing comfort to me. Especially on soggy days, with a cup of hot chocolate. There are few things that can beat that!

5) Doodling. Not dissimilar to crocheting, there’s something really comforting about seeing something come to life on a page. Of course, I’m not very good at it. So sometimes it’s more distressing than comforting, especially when I have a particular image in mind that I just can’t draw. Actually, it’s sort of the same with writing. I see things clearly, but I can’t express them overly well. But when I can, that’s an amazing feeling. And so comforting!

So, Fluffsters, what about you? Anything in particular you find really comforting?

Doodling Comforts

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Hello, Fluffsters! Happy Mother’s Day!

Today’s post serves two purposes:

1) What’s more comforting than doodling?

2) What’s more appropriate than a hand-drawn picture for Mother’s Day?

Alright, so technically it’s computer drawn. But yeah.

So, without (much) further ado, a fairy face that I drew. Happy Mother’s Day, Mom!

face of a fairy, and some wings. And hair with a slight glow

So, she doesn’t look THAT bad. Much higher quality than what I did when I was five!

So, once again. Happy Sunday, and thank you, Mom, for everything you’ve done! I can honestly say I wouldn’t be who I am without you.

Uh, you wouldn’t even be here without her. Much less who you are.

Good point. Anywho, have a great week!

Forms of Chocolate Comfort

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Hello, Fluffsters! Happy Saturday!

Today, I am going to talk about some of my favorite forms of chocolate.

How… thrilling.

Please tell me that you aren’t going to propose moldy chocolate as one of your favorite forms…

Eww. That’s just gross. Can chocolate even mold?

You know, I have no idea.

Huh. Anyways, back to the fluff, not the fuzz.

Three Fantastic Forms of Chocolate

One) Dark Chocolate. In large chunks. I’m not quite to the point of liking baking cocoa, but almost. There’s a delightful taste that pure chocolate has. Regardless, the 72% dark is wonderful

I’d add chiles to that. Dark chocolate with chile in it, or cayenne, is simply amazing. It’s both sweet and spicy. And sharp and smooth, and so good.

…No. Just, NO. Chocolate should be fairly sweet. Or at least smooth. NOT spicy!

…Says the person who doesn’t object to fluffy cups…

…You’re never going to let me live that down, are you? And those are completely different!

Anywho.

b) in Hot Chocolate form. Maybe with a bit of peppermint. And a LOT of whipped cream, if possible! And maybe some chocolate sprinkles? Ooh, now I’m wanting it to get colder out again so I can justify a huge cup of hot chocolate!

3) As a flourless chocolate torte. I am seriously going to need to upload that recipe soon… Add a ganache on top, and that’s a dessert to die from!

Die… from?

Oh, yeah. Hasn’t happened yet, but yes. It’s so rich. It’s basically chocolate 3-7 ways. Especially when I make it.

You see, my rule of thumb for baking is “add more chocolate-chips!” (Or dark chocolate M&Ms.) Sometimes both.

Some time, when I make the torte, I really want to have a bit of fun with chocolate sprinkles, too. Seriously. If the recipient of the cake can have a slice of flourless chocolate cake that has a widest section of more than 1.5 inches, and is perfectly fine after, then you’re making the cake wrong. And it therefore needs more chocolate.

I’m suddenly understanding why you said “from.” Webmaster, I’m just as glad I don’t need to live en your actual world. I don’t want to worry about surviving desserts!

Well, anyways.

Happy Saturday, everyone!

What’s your favorite form of chocolate?

A comfortable post: Ignoring the prompt

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Hello, Fluffsters! Today, I’m ignoring the prompt. It’s a nice enough prompt, I suppose, but I’m just not in the mood for it.

So today, I’m going to talk about some ways to break the ice at gatherings or with groups of people.

Without further ado:

3 great ways to break the ice.

One: Hit it with a mallet. This serves a dual purpose. First you have successfully broken the ice. In fact, you may have shattered it. It probably depends in part on what size ice you’re using. Of course, finding a mallet at a party might be a little difficult. So I guess you can just throw it on the ground.

Oh. A pun. Very funny, Webmaster.

I hope your other two options are at least somewhat reasonable.

Why, thank you Fluffy! And yes, don’t worry.

Two: wait for someone else to break the ice. This doesn’t always work, but it’s sometimes nice. Especially if you’re shy and you don’t quite know the best etiquette for your situation. And somebody’s going to break the ice at some point, right?

Three: Ask a random question.

No. NOT Muffin Flavored Shrimp AGAIN?!

I was actually just going to link to the FAQ page, but now that you mention it, yeah! Muffin flavored shrimp are a great ice-breaker! Either you get an odd and enjoyable conversation going, or you’ve figured out who the relatively boring people are, and have likely gotten them to leave you alone! Win-win, right?

Anywho, Fluffsters, what do you do to break the ice?

By the way, you realize that you never gave a second reason for using a mallet for #1, right?

Woops.

Comfort Music(NaBloPoMo 9)

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Only 9 days, and I’m starting to get really tired about writing about Comfort…

So today, I’m going to do another short post.

Today’s “Comfort Challenge” is:

What song do you play to bring yourself comfort?

Hmm. Two options here:

1) Songs I play on the flute: Yep, I play the flute. It’s a lot of fun. Anyways, I default to practicing “Aviary” from Carnival of the Animals, “Badinerie” by Bach, and Concertino by Chaminade. They’re delightful pieces, and have sections that are supposed to go fairly quickly. There’s nothing quite like playing really fast on the flute! I also sometimes just play random stuff, and listen to how it turns out.

2) Music I play from a computer or player: I really like the Lord of the Rings soundtracks. Disney music is also a lot of fun! I think I have a lot of music from Beauty and the Beast, Enchanted, and Lion King memorized. And maybe Aladdin, too. It’s fun! Oh, and definitely Star Wars music. There is NOTHING like it. Except maybe for other music by John Williams.

Oh, and the Muppet Treasure Island soundtrack. Seriously, it’s fantastic. Of course, it’s also Hans Zimmer, so that’s not too surprising. But I love that movie, and the music is delightfully whimsical.

I mean, how cute is this?

But how about you, Fluffsters? Do you have any favorite comfort music?

The Smell of Comfort: NaBloPoMo 8

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Hello, Fluffsters! Happy Wednesday! Wow, how did it get to be Wednesday already?

Anywho. Today’s Blog Post on Comfort prompt asks:

Do certain smells make you feel instantly comfortable?

For me the answer is “Yes.” At home, we have three of the loveliest scents during the spring.

The first is the scent of citrus blossoms. It is one of the most beautiful scents in the world. And we have at least three citrus trees that normally bloom each year.

Seriously, the scent of citrus blossoms is one of the most beautiful things in the world. It’s made that much better because it also means “home” for me.

The Second “comfort scent” is the smell of jasmine blossoms. Those also grow at home.

I think I’m detecting a theme here…

Yup. Jasmine is a very close second for favorite scent. In fact, some days I’m totally tied between night-blooming jasmine and the citrus blossoms. The Jasmine has the advantage of blooming around the entire neighborhood. So whenever I would take my two puppies on walks with my sister during a certain time of the year, the scent would be heavenly. It’s got such a delicate scent!

The third “comfort scent” is my Dad’s spiced cider. That, more than anything else, symbolizes the coming of the holiday season. He takes a few gallons of apple cider, several tangerines, and a handful of cinnamon sticks, puts them into a big vat, and lets it stew for a while. The cent of cinnamon, warm cider, and tangerine fills the entire house. It’s seriously impossible not to relax around that scent. It’s another one of my favorites.

That sounds nice.

It was similar for me. Whenever we arrived at our newest location, my Mother would bake her specialty cinnamon cookies. Whenever we smelled that, we knew that we had found a good location to set up camp, and that we wouldn’t be traveling for a while. It was essentially as though we had come home. For after all, it was home for however long we were there.

Aww, that’s sweet!

Anyways, Fluffsters, what about you? Are there any scents that smell like “comfort” to you?