I love well-crafted words. For fun I mostly read fantasy and spec fic.

My current recommendation is Because Internet by Gretchen McCulloch, wherein you'll learn why I text in all lowercase.

I've studied chadō (Japanese tea ceremony) since 2017. I earned my first certification from the Urasenke school in early 2018.

I dabble in a wide variety of crafty things: crochet, chainmaille jewelry, needle felting, nail art, artistic journaling, and plenty more. If I haven't tried it yet, I probably want to.

I solve a lot more than I construct, but you can find my crossword puzzles at puz-zel.com.

I enjoy both cooking and fine dining, though nowadays I don't photograph much of what I make or eat. My favs include Japanese food, nutty espresso, dry martinis, and simple things done very, very well.

I love all sorts of games, but crunchy board games might be my favorite. I do have a moderate and ever-growing Nintendo collection and generally enjoy retro games just as much as modern ones. Sometimes I'm more of a completionist, sometimes I'm more of a speedrunner, and sometimes I start playing an MMO and lose hundreds of hours of my life.

I play (or have played) most woodwinds, primarily clarinet (Bb and bass) and flute, as well as piano and some acoustic guitar. I miss being part of an orchestra.

I care strongly about animal welfare and advocate for informed, high standard at-home pet care, especially for "exotic" animals.

I've volunteered in various no-kill cat and animal shelters on and off since 2003. I rode Western Pleasure horses for about 5 years, during which time I also volunteered at the farm. I'd love to reconnect with this part of my life.

I've kept a wide variety of succulents over the years, though this hobby is somewhat on pause.