Daily Devotions from Lutheran Hour Ministries: 23 February 2026 (Lenten Devotional)
Feb. 23rd, 2026 03:37 am![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
sparowe
PERSONAL
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Now it happened that as [Jesus] was praying alone, the disciples were with Him. And He asked them, “Who do the crowds say that I am?” And they answered, “John the Baptist. But others say, Elijah, and others, that one of the prophets of old has risen.” Then He said to them, “But who do you say that I am?” And Peter answered, “The Christ of God.” And He strictly charged and commanded them to tell this to no one, saying, “The Son of Man must suffer many things and be rejected by the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be killed, and on the third day be raised.” (Luke 9:18-22)
I wonder what it was like for the disciples, invited into such a personal area of Jesus’ own life. I mean, it says that Jesus was praying alone—and yet, it also says, “the disciples were with Him.” And they would have heard every word He said, all the concerns on His heart—because in that time and place, people almost always prayed aloud. It must have been like being invited into Jesus’ heart.
Clearly Jesus had some very important things to talk with His Father about. His mission to save us from sin and death would have been at the top of the list. No wonder Peter was able to identify Jesus as “the Christ of God!” Though he doesn’t seem to have understood that Jesus was planning to suffer, die, and rise from the dead in order to carry out His work. Listening to Him pray, and living with Him daily, wasn’t enough for Peter to understand. Not yet. But we understand—because Jesus did these things for us, too.
WE PRAY: Thank You for loving me, dear Lord. Amen.
Lenten Devotions were written by Dr. Kari Vo.
Monday Update 2-23-26
Feb. 23rd, 2026 12:37 amysabetwordsmith
These are some posts from the later part of last week in case you missed them:
Poem: "The Struggle Against Overwhelming Odds"
Poem: "Embrace My Fate"
John Scheepers Kitchen Garden Seeds Order
Poem: "The Spectrum of Your Being"
Early Humans
Birdfeeding
Vocabulary: Bricolage
Today's Adventures
Science
Birdfeeding
Meteor Shower Calendar
Philosophical Questions: Life
Edible Landscaping Order
Meme
Photos: House Yard
Water
Birdfeeding
Books
Follow Friday 2-20-26: Active Communities on Dreamwidth Winter 2025-2026 A-I
Energy
Birdfeeding
Community Thursdays
Photos: Flowerbeds
Books
Birdfeeding
Hard Things
Safety has 49 comments. Food has 53 comments. Wildlife has 39 comments. Food has 67 comments. Robotics has 146 comments.
Last week's half-price sale in Not Quite Kansas went well. All sponsored poems have been posted, so you can find those via the title links on the sale page.
The 2026 Rose and Bay Awards are now open for excellence in crowdfunding. It's time to vote for your favorite projects!
The award period for eligible activities spans January 1-December 31, 2025.
The nomination period spans January 1-January 31, 2026.
The voting period spans February 1-February 28, 2026.
These are the handlers for the 2026 award season:
"The Struggle Against Overwhelming Odds" belongs to Not Quite Kansas and needs $34.50 to be complete. Raymond and Gideon get attacked on the way home from research.
The weather has been variable here. Seen at the birdfeeders this week: a large flock of sparrows, several starlings, one male and two female house finches, one female and two male cardinals, a mourning dove, and a fox squirrel. I flushed the great horned owl from the ritual meadow when I went out there. A skein of geese flew overhead, going north. Currently blooming: crocuses.
Poem: "The Struggle Against Overwhelming Odds"
Poem: "Embrace My Fate"
John Scheepers Kitchen Garden Seeds Order
Poem: "The Spectrum of Your Being"
Early Humans
Birdfeeding
Vocabulary: Bricolage
Today's Adventures
Science
Birdfeeding
Meteor Shower Calendar
Philosophical Questions: Life
Edible Landscaping Order
Meme
Photos: House Yard
Water
Birdfeeding
Books
Follow Friday 2-20-26: Active Communities on Dreamwidth Winter 2025-2026 A-I
Energy
Birdfeeding
Community Thursdays
Photos: Flowerbeds
Books
Birdfeeding
Hard Things
Safety has 49 comments. Food has 53 comments. Wildlife has 39 comments. Food has 67 comments. Robotics has 146 comments.
Last week's half-price sale in Not Quite Kansas went well. All sponsored poems have been posted, so you can find those via the title links on the sale page.
The 2026 Rose and Bay Awards are now open for excellence in crowdfunding. It's time to vote for your favorite projects!
The award period for eligible activities spans January 1-December 31, 2025.
The nomination period spans January 1-January 31, 2026.
The voting period spans February 1-February 28, 2026.
These are the handlers for the 2026 award season:
Art:
Fiction:
Poetry:
Webcomic:
Other Project:
Patron:
"The Struggle Against Overwhelming Odds" belongs to Not Quite Kansas and needs $34.50 to be complete. Raymond and Gideon get attacked on the way home from research.
The weather has been variable here. Seen at the birdfeeders this week: a large flock of sparrows, several starlings, one male and two female house finches, one female and two male cardinals, a mourning dove, and a fox squirrel. I flushed the great horned owl from the ritual meadow when I went out there. A skein of geese flew overhead, going north. Currently blooming: crocuses.
Weeks 5/52 to 8/52 - where did those weeks go?
Feb. 23rd, 2026 06:20 amruricSo much for doing a weekly round up! Whoops.
HOME: life got busy and my decluttering/#orjenising stalled.
HEALTH my sleep patterns are still FUBAR'd but otherwise good.
LIFE ADMIN: looking at European alternatives to Gmail and Dropbox - eyeing up Proton.
DIGITAL DECLUTTER: have kept email at mail at 11,000 but not managed to reduce it; staying on top of transferring To Keep items from tablet to dropbox, my phone images storage is a mess.
GARDENING/ALLOTMENTING: nope - too cold and/or wet and lacked motivation.
COOKING/EATING: a few too many coffee shop lunches but resisting the lure of takeaways.
READING/LISTENING: not the last few weeks.
WATCHING: Still not caught up on Stranger Things and have only managed one episode of Heated Rivalry. Keeping up with returning shows and trying to avoid picking up new ones! Did bing Marple and Miss Marple in Wales.
CREATING/LEARNING: dealing with sewing in ends on Halloween blanket then need to block it and the granny square blanket. Hecicardi 75% finished but need to frog a bit and redo. While in Wales did 24 granny squares for small project bags and 13 for large bag. Just need to decide if I want more to make bags larger. Have plenty of wool - then must stitch together, line and finish.
CATS: all good.
VOLUNTEERING: still have one outstanding task.
SOCIALISING: nope - not even phone calls. Proper hermitting other than crochet club and class.
WORK: a bit meh for the last few weeks and have unfortunately scheduled 3 consecutive weeks of weekend working.
Plan for this coming week - work long office days Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, TOIL Wednesday, off Friday and Sunday, working Saturday.
HOME: life got busy and my decluttering/#orjenising stalled.
HEALTH my sleep patterns are still FUBAR'd but otherwise good.
LIFE ADMIN: looking at European alternatives to Gmail and Dropbox - eyeing up Proton.
DIGITAL DECLUTTER: have kept email at mail at 11,000 but not managed to reduce it; staying on top of transferring To Keep items from tablet to dropbox, my phone images storage is a mess.
GARDENING/ALLOTMENTING: nope - too cold and/or wet and lacked motivation.
COOKING/EATING: a few too many coffee shop lunches but resisting the lure of takeaways.
READING/LISTENING: not the last few weeks.
WATCHING: Still not caught up on Stranger Things and have only managed one episode of Heated Rivalry. Keeping up with returning shows and trying to avoid picking up new ones! Did bing Marple and Miss Marple in Wales.
CREATING/LEARNING: dealing with sewing in ends on Halloween blanket then need to block it and the granny square blanket. Hecicardi 75% finished but need to frog a bit and redo. While in Wales did 24 granny squares for small project bags and 13 for large bag. Just need to decide if I want more to make bags larger. Have plenty of wool - then must stitch together, line and finish.
CATS: all good.
VOLUNTEERING: still have one outstanding task.
SOCIALISING: nope - not even phone calls. Proper hermitting other than crochet club and class.
WORK: a bit meh for the last few weeks and have unfortunately scheduled 3 consecutive weeks of weekend working.
Plan for this coming week - work long office days Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, TOIL Wednesday, off Friday and Sunday, working Saturday.
Topics for talk-February
Feb. 22nd, 2026 11:10 pmpattroseTopics for talk
How to Improve My Life:
I know this will sound weird, but I'm happy with my life. I don't know that I would change anything. I'm happy, content and thrilled to be alive. Great family and friends. Like I said, I'm happy. Would I be happier if I had more money? I have no idea. Some people that have money are sad and alone. I'd rather stay the way I am.
How about you?
How to Improve My Life:
I know this will sound weird, but I'm happy with my life. I don't know that I would change anything. I'm happy, content and thrilled to be alive. Great family and friends. Like I said, I'm happy. Would I be happier if I had more money? I have no idea. Some people that have money are sad and alone. I'd rather stay the way I am.
How about you?
2026 60 questions meme.
Feb. 22nd, 2026 11:08 pmpattrose2026 60 questions meme.
What role does love play in your life?
Love is big in our family. Hubby and I still find time to spend together and have fun. We love our family and friends too. We share everything. Okay, not everything. I tell him about a story I'm working on, and he says he doesn't want to hear it. He knows I write slash, but he doesn't want to hear about it. LOL. He's so cute. I truly love him and his quirky ways. 😁
What role does love play in your life?
Love is big in our family. Hubby and I still find time to spend together and have fun. We love our family and friends too. We share everything. Okay, not everything. I tell him about a story I'm working on, and he says he doesn't want to hear it. He knows I write slash, but he doesn't want to hear about it. LOL. He's so cute. I truly love him and his quirky ways. 😁
Not quite 365 days questions February
Feb. 22nd, 2026 11:05 pmpattroseNot quite a 365-day questions meme.
23. Do you own many mirrors?
One in each bathroom, one in the spare bedroom, and one in our bedroom. I don't like the way I look; they aren't my good friends. If I lost 50 pounds, I wouldn't mind looking in a mirror every day. I'm doing chair aerobics every night, but it's coming off very slowly. I always get sidetracked and end up talking about something that has nothing to do with the question. Sorry about that. My dad used to call me Rambling Rose. Now you know why.
23. Do you own many mirrors?
One in each bathroom, one in the spare bedroom, and one in our bedroom. I don't like the way I look; they aren't my good friends. If I lost 50 pounds, I wouldn't mind looking in a mirror every day. I'm doing chair aerobics every night, but it's coming off very slowly. I always get sidetracked and end up talking about something that has nothing to do with the question. Sorry about that. My dad used to call me Rambling Rose. Now you know why.
Recipe Dessert
Feb. 22nd, 2026 11:03 pmpattroseRecipe Dessert
Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole
Ingredients
* 2 cans of refrigerated crescent roll dough
* 2 - 8 ounce blocks of cream cheese, softened to room temperature
* 1 cup of granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
* 1/4 cup of melted butter
* 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
* 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
Instructions
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish
* Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the casserole does not stick.
First Layer of Crescent Roll Dough
* Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and spread it evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Press the seams together to create a uniform layer.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
* In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese together with 1 cup of granulated sugar and the vanilla extract. Mix until the ingredients are smooth and well combined.
Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture
* Evenly distribute the cream cheese mixture over the layer of crescent roll dough in the baking dish, ensuring a consistent layer.
Second Layer of Crescent Roll Dough
* Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and carefully place it over the cream cheese layer. Press the seams together to create a smooth top layer.
Apply the Butter and Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture
* Brush the melted butter evenly over the top layer of crescent roll dough. In a small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon and the remaining 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the buttered dough.
Bake the Casserole
* Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is crisp and golden brown.
Cool and Serve
* Allow the casserole to cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing it into squares and serving. Optionally, drizzle with honey for added sweetness.
Cheesecake Crescent Rolls Casserole
Ingredients
* 2 cans of refrigerated crescent roll dough
* 2 - 8 ounce blocks of cream cheese, softened to room temperature
* 1 cup of granulated sugar
* 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
* 1/4 cup of melted butter
* 1 tablespoon of ground cinnamon
* 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar
Instructions
Preheat the Oven and Prepare the Baking Dish
* Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Grease a 9×13-inch baking dish to ensure the casserole does not stick.
First Layer of Crescent Roll Dough
* Unroll one can of crescent roll dough and spread it evenly across the bottom of the prepared baking dish. Press the seams together to create a uniform layer.
Prepare the Cream Cheese Filling
* In a large mixing bowl, beat the softened cream cheese together with 1 cup of granulated sugar and the vanilla extract. Mix until the ingredients are smooth and well combined.
Spread the Cream Cheese Mixture
* Evenly distribute the cream cheese mixture over the layer of crescent roll dough in the baking dish, ensuring a consistent layer.
Second Layer of Crescent Roll Dough
* Unroll the second can of crescent roll dough and carefully place it over the cream cheese layer. Press the seams together to create a smooth top layer.
Apply the Butter and Cinnamon-Sugar Mixture
* Brush the melted butter evenly over the top layer of crescent roll dough. In a small bowl, combine the ground cinnamon and the remaining 2 tablespoons of granulated sugar. Sprinkle this mixture generously over the buttered dough.
Bake the Casserole
* Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 30 minutes, or until the top is crisp and golden brown.
Cool and Serve
* Allow the casserole to cool for at least 20 minutes before slicing it into squares and serving. Optionally, drizzle with honey for added sweetness.
Recipe Vegetable
Feb. 22nd, 2026 11:01 pmpattroseCheesy baked asparagus
🥦 RECIPE: Cheesy Baked Asparagus 🧀
Based on the text provided, here is the complete recipe for this simple, elegant side dish. Since the text mentions only 6 ingredients and a "creamy cheese sauce" effect, this recipe uses a combination of melting cheeses and garlic to create that rich coating without a heavy flour-based sauce.
🛒 Ingredients
The Asparagus
1½ lbs (680g) Fresh asparagus, woody ends snapped off
2 tbsp Olive oil
Salt & Black pepper, to taste
The Cheesy Topping
1 cup Shredded Mozzarella cheese (for the creamy melt)
½ cup Grated Parmesan cheese (for the sharp, savory flavor)
2 cloves Garlic, minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder)
Optional: Red pepper flakes or lemon zest for a kick
👩🍳 Instructions
Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or baking dish.
Prep Tip: To remove the woody ends, bend the thick end of the asparagus spear until it naturally snaps off. Discard the tough bottom part.
Season: Place the asparagus on the baking sheet.
Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Toss with your hands to coat evenly, then arrange them in a single layer.
Roast: Bake for 10–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the spears.
They should be tender-crisp (pierced easily with a fork but not mushy).
The Cheesy Finish: Remove from the oven.
Sprinkle the minced garlic, Mozzarella, and Parmesan evenly over the stalks.
Melt: Return to the oven (or switch to Broil) for 3–5 minutes.
Watch closely! You want the cheese bubbly and golden brown, but not burnt.
Serve: Serve immediately while the cheese is gooey.
🥦 RECIPE: Cheesy Baked Asparagus 🧀
Based on the text provided, here is the complete recipe for this simple, elegant side dish. Since the text mentions only 6 ingredients and a "creamy cheese sauce" effect, this recipe uses a combination of melting cheeses and garlic to create that rich coating without a heavy flour-based sauce.
🛒 Ingredients
The Asparagus
1½ lbs (680g) Fresh asparagus, woody ends snapped off
2 tbsp Olive oil
Salt & Black pepper, to taste
The Cheesy Topping
1 cup Shredded Mozzarella cheese (for the creamy melt)
½ cup Grated Parmesan cheese (for the sharp, savory flavor)
2 cloves Garlic, minced (or ½ tsp garlic powder)
Optional: Red pepper flakes or lemon zest for a kick
👩🍳 Instructions
Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet or baking dish.
Prep Tip: To remove the woody ends, bend the thick end of the asparagus spear until it naturally snaps off. Discard the tough bottom part.
Season: Place the asparagus on the baking sheet.
Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Toss with your hands to coat evenly, then arrange them in a single layer.
Roast: Bake for 10–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the spears.
They should be tender-crisp (pierced easily with a fork but not mushy).
The Cheesy Finish: Remove from the oven.
Sprinkle the minced garlic, Mozzarella, and Parmesan evenly over the stalks.
Melt: Return to the oven (or switch to Broil) for 3–5 minutes.
Watch closely! You want the cheese bubbly and golden brown, but not burnt.
Serve: Serve immediately while the cheese is gooey.
(no subject)
Feb. 22nd, 2026 10:47 pmyuuagoI received notice that my offer for this year's Fandom Trumps Hate auction has been accepted and posted. I'm so glad!
A few years ago, I had an offer that I could not actually complete - it was for beta services and the person who won it never got back to me. Since then, they seem to have dropped out of fandom. I haven't participated in FTH since. So, I was kind of worried it wouldn't get accepted, since I technically still have an outstanding assignment.
Mind you, if that person ever shows up again, then sure, I'd be happy to fulfill that assignment! ;V In the meantime, I'm just glad I can participate this year.
There are still a few days before everything officially opens; they have so many to post that it needs to go in batches. I'll make a separate post when that happens.
A few years ago, I had an offer that I could not actually complete - it was for beta services and the person who won it never got back to me. Since then, they seem to have dropped out of fandom. I haven't participated in FTH since. So, I was kind of worried it wouldn't get accepted, since I technically still have an outstanding assignment.
Mind you, if that person ever shows up again, then sure, I'd be happy to fulfill that assignment! ;V In the meantime, I'm just glad I can participate this year.
There are still a few days before everything officially opens; they have so many to post that it needs to go in batches. I'll make a separate post when that happens.
Poem: "The Struggle Against Overwhelming Odds"
Feb. 22nd, 2026 11:29 pmysabetwordsmithThis poem is spillover from the October 2020 Creative Jam. It was inspired by a prompt from wyld_dandelyon. It also fills the "demons" square in my 10-1-20 card for the Fall Festival Bingo. This poem has been sponsored by a pool with fuzzyred. It belongs to the series Not Quite Kansas.
Warning: This poem contains intense and controversial topics. Highlight to read the more detailed warnings, some of which are spoilers. It includes feeling lost, an unprovoked attack, hellhounds, violence, gore, unexpected rescue, playing with prey, fatally injured opponents, minor injuries to main characters, awkward discussions, willing sacrifice, intimate magical healing, and other challenges. If these are sensitive issues for you, please consider your tastes and headspace before reading onward.
This microfunded poem is being posted one verse at a time, as donations come in to cover them. The rate is $0.25/line, so $5 will reveal 20 new lines, and so forth. There is a permanent donation button on my profile page, or you can contact me for other arrangements. You can also ask me about the number of lines per verse, if you want to fund a certain number of verses. So far sponsors include:fuzzyred,
355 lines, Buy It Now = $44.50
Amount donated = $10
Verses posted = 13 of 118
Amount remaining to fund fully = $34.50
Amount needed to fund next verse = $0.25
Amount needed to fund the verse after that = $0.75
( Read more... )
wyld_dandelyon. It also fills the "demons" square in my 10-1-20 card for the Fall Festival Bingo. This poem has been sponsored by a pool with fuzzyred. It belongs to the series Not Quite Kansas.Warning: This poem contains intense and controversial topics. Highlight to read the more detailed warnings, some of which are spoilers. It includes feeling lost, an unprovoked attack, hellhounds, violence, gore, unexpected rescue, playing with prey, fatally injured opponents, minor injuries to main characters, awkward discussions, willing sacrifice, intimate magical healing, and other challenges. If these are sensitive issues for you, please consider your tastes and headspace before reading onward.
This microfunded poem is being posted one verse at a time, as donations come in to cover them. The rate is $0.25/line, so $5 will reveal 20 new lines, and so forth. There is a permanent donation button on my profile page, or you can contact me for other arrangements. You can also ask me about the number of lines per verse, if you want to fund a certain number of verses. So far sponsors include:
fuzzyred, 355 lines, Buy It Now = $44.50
Amount donated = $10
Verses posted = 13 of 118
Amount remaining to fund fully = $34.50
Amount needed to fund next verse = $0.25
Amount needed to fund the verse after that = $0.75
( Read more... )
Poem: "Embrace My Fate"
Feb. 22nd, 2026 10:39 pmysabetwordsmithThis poem is spillover from the October 6, 2020 Poetry Fishbowl. It was inspired by a prompt from librarygeek. It also fills the "How do you want to do this?" square in my 10-1-20 card for the Fall Festival Bingo. This poem has been sponsored by a pool with fuzzyred. It belongs to the series Not Quite Kansas.
Warning: This poem contains intense and controversial topics. Highlight to read the more detailed warnings, some of which are spoilers. It includes feeling lost, sorting through a lair acquired by combat, reference to past abuse, cursed artifacts, damned souls, worry, magical body modification, restraint for safety, awkward emotional discussions, and other challenges. If these are sensitive issues for you, please consider your tastes and headspace before reading onward.
( Read more... )
librarygeek. It also fills the "How do you want to do this?" square in my 10-1-20 card for the Fall Festival Bingo. This poem has been sponsored by a pool with fuzzyred. It belongs to the series Not Quite Kansas.Warning: This poem contains intense and controversial topics. Highlight to read the more detailed warnings, some of which are spoilers. It includes feeling lost, sorting through a lair acquired by combat, reference to past abuse, cursed artifacts, damned souls, worry, magical body modification, restraint for safety, awkward emotional discussions, and other challenges. If these are sensitive issues for you, please consider your tastes and headspace before reading onward.
( Read more... )
John Scheepers Kitchen Garden Seeds Order
Feb. 22nd, 2026 09:41 pmysabetwordsmithI picked out what I wanted from John Scheepers Kitchen Garden Seeds. This catalog has the Safe Seed Pledge, meaning everything is non-GMO/toxin-free. My partner Doug further notes that they have the best, easiest ordering system of all the catalogs we use. Call up the Smart Order Form and when you key in the product number, the rest autofills, tells you if it's still in stock, and lists the price. \o/ Somegeek earned their coffee today!
( Read more... )
( Read more... )
Recommendation: Pity and Terror - Slings & Arrows, Geoffrey/Darren and a production of Medea
Feb. 22nd, 2026 11:05 pmpetra
Pity and Terror (463 words) by RiaSaun
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Slings and Arrows, Medea - Fandom
Rating: Not Rated
Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Characters: Geoffrey Tennant, Darren Nichols
Additional Tags: Humor, Drama
Summary:
This was inspired by one of the first fanworks I ever put on the AO3, back in my Slings & Arrows heyday. It has an excellent use of Darren Nichols' off-kilter genius.
Chapters: 1/1
Fandom: Slings and Arrows, Medea - Fandom
Rating: Not Rated
Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings
Characters: Geoffrey Tennant, Darren Nichols
Additional Tags: Humor, Drama
Summary:
Darren sells Geoffrey on a production. This is inspired by Petra's "Grace and a Cod-piece."
*This was inspired by one of the first fanworks I ever put on the AO3, back in my Slings & Arrows heyday. It has an excellent use of Darren Nichols' off-kilter genius.
The Sundering Flood
Feb. 23rd, 2026 02:23 am![[syndicated profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/feed.png){kind=small}
standard_ebooks_feedYoung Osberne seems destined for greatness. As a fearless boy, he shows a willingness to fight. He’s helped at key times in his life by a mysterious friend who appears briefly to give aid or to provide magical gifts. One day Osberne discovers a girl, Elfhild, who lives on the other side of the Sundering Flood, a strong and wide river that cannot be crossed. These two keep finding ways to secretly meet, though they can only converse over the unbridgeable gap. As they grow up, their love deepens. When violent events pull them each away from their homes, and from from each other, and into adventure, they hope that fate will somehow reunite them at last.
The Sundering Flood is the last of William Morris’s novels, left as a manuscript before his death. The manuscript is considered unfinished: there are a few early plot elements that are never expanded upon, and some minor plot errors left uncorrected. His daughter May edited the manuscript and oversaw its publication in 1897, adding her own necessary changes to complete these unfinished threads. In later editions, she included editorial brackets to note where such changes and interpolations were made; these brackets are not retained in this edition.
The Sundering Flood is one of the first novels to overlay supernatural elements over an imaginary world, and is also likely to be the first novel in its genre to include a map of its world as a frontispiece, making it a foundational text of the modern fantasy genre as we know it today.
It's Not A Cult - Joey Batey
Feb. 22nd, 2026 10:16 pmtroisoiseaux
Read It's Not A Cult by Joey Batey, a debut folk horror novel about a band whose songs based on an invented mythology (the Solkats, small gods of wine stains and stubbed toes and untold jokes and bus stop fights and texts at three in the morning, etc.) inspire a literal cult following; I picked this up mostly because I know of the author for other work (he has a band, The Amazing Devil, and played Jaskier on The Witcher) and I'm not sure if it is, exactly, good— I suspect it might work better as an audiobook, because it has a rather distracting tendency towards draaaaawing out wooooords and phonetic spelling of accents ("updéeat")— but I did read the entire thing in one day. It's definitely a [Rod Serling voice] wouldn't that be messed up? kind of horror novel— very ambiguous ending, and a lot of ambiguity throughout; ( not a spoiler, exactly. )
According to an interview I read when this came on my radar a few months ago, either the novel itself or at least the idea for it (unclear?) pre-dates Batey's career(s) as an actor and musician, but it's a bit of context that I found impossible to shake in light of, a., the themes of artistry (specifically, as a musician) and fandom, and b., the way the narrative is entirely framed by camera lenses: if an action takes place on the page, it's because there's a camera pointing at it, from the narrator's coping mechanism of viewing the world through a camcorder lens rather than looking at things straight on, to vloggers live-streaming their every thought, filmed police interviews, etc., including some rather improbably convoluted executions of the premise.
According to an interview I read when this came on my radar a few months ago, either the novel itself or at least the idea for it (unclear?) pre-dates Batey's career(s) as an actor and musician, but it's a bit of context that I found impossible to shake in light of, a., the themes of artistry (specifically, as a musician) and fandom, and b., the way the narrative is entirely framed by camera lenses: if an action takes place on the page, it's because there's a camera pointing at it, from the narrator's coping mechanism of viewing the world through a camcorder lens rather than looking at things straight on, to vloggers live-streaming their every thought, filmed police interviews, etc., including some rather improbably convoluted executions of the premise.