Spooky month was spooky for a mundane reason: too many things on the calendar. The primary bogeyman was work. Multiple massive events with critical deadlines made for an oppressive load. Which threatened social engagements I was looking forward to, even if there were too many. Thankfully, the little fears that cause so much stress were not realized. The events were successful. My tasks were completed on time, and praised. I got to spend time with friends without cares. There was space to rest.

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This month’s playlist:

Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc

I watched some fantastic movies this month--One Battle After Another, Sorcerer (again), American Psycho--that I could write at length about. But it finally clicked why Denji is such a compelling character for me. He’s been deprived of everything. Food. Shelter. Love. Friendship. Education. So much so, he’s an alien to all he encounters. He is perceived as crass, feral, stunted, a child. They laugh at his small goals--delicious food, a clean bed, affection. But they are so caught up in their adult foibles that they miss that Denji has life figured out. All he desires are his basic needs met and people to love and love him back.

Sabriel

I continue my tour revisiting childhood favorites. Sabriel holds up. The world holds up, and the characters; the story holds my interest. I love the thought of a reverse necromancer and a magic cast through musical tones and amplified through the use of bells. Enchanting. Looking forward to re-reading the rest of the series and exploring the new additions.

Ghost of Tsushima: Iki Island

Riding around on my horse, cutting down Mongols with my samurai sword, and writing haikus by the stream. What else does a body need. Itching to play Ghost of Yotei.

Scaring the Hoes: Directors Cut

It’s the same album plus extra sauce. Love that Peggy does these expansions--the one for him. And it’s merely pay what you want. Not a cash grab. It’s for the love of the craft.

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This month, I also made art just for my friends. I took photos and recorded video that only a few eyes will ever see. Pieces I have creative pride in. And received much satisfaction in making and sharing.