EPBOT

Friday, June 5, 2020

This has been an intense, history-making week in the Black Lives Matter movement, and through it all one shining light has been the worldwide promotion of so many incredible black content creators. Like many of you I've been spending hours each day browsing hashtags, reading, listening, learning, following, and sharing. And I've found so many gems, you guys. SO MANY. So for those who don't follow my Story on FB or IG, here come some of my favorites.

(Note: This isn't everything from my Story; I also share information or news or links as I see fit. For this post I'm focusing on actual content creators you can follow, though.)

@ColorMeCourtney

I chose this post from Courtney because it includes a handy 5-day action plan in her caption. Go read it if you're looking for a helpful "to-do" list.

@OhHappyDani

You've probably seen Danielle's art a lot over the past several months and just didn't realize it; her work gets shared all over, because it's awesome.

@DapperMinisterOfMagic

I've heard from 3-4 readers who've been following Gerald ever since I featured him back in 2018, and every single one RAVED about him. So it's not just me, y'all. ;)

@gdbee

Another long-time follow for me. Her art is the most vivid eye candy.

Wednesday, June 3, 2020

This week John and I are having all of our A/C duct work ripped out and replaced, along with a new A/C that's being moved from the deck to the garage. All good things, and I'll be thrilled to have the house finally get below 78 degrees in the afternoon, but it's a lot of upheaval in an already fractured and stressful week.

NOTE: I'm going to say a little bit about the state of the world now, so anxiety sufferers, feel free to skip the following text.

I have things I want to say - scream, really - but right now everyone is just SO angry online that I'm choosing not to add to the echo chamber on social media. Too many folks - who are all on the same side! - are turning on each other, and the amount of in-fighting and bullying with this mob mentality that attacks even the ones trying to show support is scary, and frankly has my anxiety ratcheting into overload. Nothing I say will be right, and I don't think I can handle being ripped apart by the very people I agree with right now.

With that said, I'm grateful that most of you know my heart, and already know where I stand without my phrasing it just right or using all the right hashtags. I'm also grateful that this is a community that corrects me and educates me with love, not anger. I wish the rest of the world would do that. But hey, just so we're clear: of COURSE I'm horrified, and of COURSE I'm angry. I'm here to bring people together and shine light and love. The injustice and hatred filling the news is wrong, and we must - MUST - be better.

Epbot is a place of unity and celebration, though, and in this place I will continue to focus on the good and geeky things of the world. When that's what you need, John and I will be here. You know, should you need us. ::hugs::

K, enough speechifying. John and I have been working on a new DIY I'm really excited about, but that's not ready to share yet. So instead, here come a bunch of fun finds I think you'll like.

*****

First up, Jennifer of Little Day Miniatures took a custom order for a project I think some of you may recognize: