The latest episode of #StarfleetAcademy is nearly perfect, a new lens on something well-worn and picked over. I didn't come to DS9 lightly—watched that 1993 premiere with fellow TOS/TNG friends, deciding, "This is not my Star Trek!" Didn't watch another episode until maybe 10 years ago. 1/3

There, there…

There's a difference between people who hit send after every sentence and those who wait until the message is complete

Happy Monday, #FreelanceFriends! We all know past partnerships can generate new freelance work. This week, @devonellington.bsky.social Devon Ellington will guest host a chat about creative ways to keep in touch with clients, during and after collaborations. Join us on 2/5 at 11am CST on Bluesky.

Today in LinkedIn: An AI-generated DM, from someone I've worked with before on human-created content, asking if I'd like his services to AI-optimize my content. 🤷🏽

Happy Monday, #FreelanceFriends! Have you considered hiring business support? Or, maybe you already work with a virtual assistant or a web designer. Many freelancers are a business of one. But, that doesn't mean we can't have a little help from our friends! Let's discuss: Jan 29 at 11am CST.

"The sun did not shine. It was too wet to play. So we sat in the house. All that cold, cold, wet day." — The Cat in the Hat, Dr. Suess

Today's writing is powered by Murchie's lavender black tea, a Canadian purveyor that's been around since 1894 🇨🇦 #AmWriting

Exclusionary marketing -- What is it? Why or why not use it? I know some #FreelanceFriends who plan to chat about it on Thursday this week! Stay tuned for updates!

Having a nice Canadian Breakfast while writing this morning. Because it feels good to be Canadian this week 🇨🇦 #AmWriting

Pick up the nearest book. Turn to page 42 and post the second sentence. "Nor does it sound similar."

Need to go to Art House more often: It's a creaky warren of cozy rooms and eclectic art, and they have one of the best London Fogs in Ottawa.

Trivia fans in #Ottawa, check out this fundraiser by Twice Upon a Time / Il était deux fois — they give free books to kids to foster a love of reading at home. twiceuponatime.ca

Brilliant first episode! Solid story and action, and Holly Hunter makes a great series lead. So glad #StarTrek continues to evolve its universe in different ways 🖖🏽

This is so good! 🖖

I'm hosting the #FreelanceFriends chat HERE on Bluesky at 11am CST. We will chat about collaborating with other freelancers to offer a combination of services/products. Learn about a small team approach! Simply follow the hashtag.

A most important new year's resolution

Have you ever collaborated with another freelancer to offer a combination of services/products? I know some #FreelanceFriends who plan to chat about it on Thursday this week! Stay tuned for updates!

The downward spiral of Grammarly continues with...lead gen ads in the *middle of typing chat messages* The broken image link encapsulates how well thought out this is.

First day back doing client work and already buried under admin paperwork

If you see this, post a vampire that isn't Dracula.

Someone made patishapta for a dinner party, and it was the best dessert dish: a crepe filled with a thickened mixture of sweet goodness. Usually have the kheer version, but this one was coconut + jaggery — so good 🤤

Today's writing session: cozy corner cafe fueled by Canadiano #AmWriting

Today's writing session at this magnificent space where there's always parking, always a table (with different vibes from cafeteria to coffee lounge!), plenty of sunlight, solid WiFi, and cheap eats. #AmWiting

I'm co-hosting a Lit Fair with Next Door Ottawa! If you're a reader, mark your calendars. If you're an author, vendor applications are open now: nextdoorottawa.ca/events-list/...

Today's writing session at my favourite coffee shop and the best banana muffins in Ottawa 🧁 #AmWritng

Today's coffee shop session was between vintage automobiles! #AmWriting

Happy Monday, #FreelanceFriends! I hope your 2026 is off to a good start. 😃 This Thursday on the Bluesky chat, we will discuss how we manage rates and fees for our small businesses AND if we're thinking of raising rates in 2026. Why or why not? Mark your calendar for 11am CST on Thursday, Jan 8!

Took the week off to focus on fiction writing and thought I could do a coffee shop session each day. My favourite one was closed so came to the closest chain: it's busy, noisy, the floor permeates with cold draft, and the chairs are stiff metal back pain devices. Wish me luck! #AmWriting

Are top bookmark lists a thing? Anyway, here are my top 3 bookmarks of 2025!

Scenes that absolutely DESTROYED me in 2025

Planning out the first day of 2026: Watch Stranger Things finale Watch The Return of the King Close all 2025 browser tabs

Happy New Year! 🎉

Entering 2026 like

My 10 favourite books of 2025! Mostly Canadian 🍁, all rich with worldbuilding, twists, and characters you want to read more about. Next year: more Canadian books by independent authors — they're where boundaries are being pushed on every page! #BookSky #IndieAuthors

Wrote 2,025 words today, between shoveling freezing rain remains, watching water boil, finding interesting new spots on the wall, and staring at squirrels sliding around the yard. Despite all procrastination, some of those words are pretty good! Mostly garbage, though. 🫠 #AmWriting #IndieAuthor

Saturdays between 11:30 am - 3 pm is the best time to run errands because you get this banger CBC Radio lineup: Under the Influence Quirks & Quarks The Debaters White Coat, Black Art The Next Chapter

Can't believe this is now my most anticipated movie for 2026 www.youtube.com/watch?v=pyZI...

Hello #FreelanceFriends! Join us in about 15 minutes on Bluesky as we chat about end-of-year tasks, think about 2026 plans and celebrate the winter holidays! I hope to see you there! All types of freelancers—and their office pets—are welcome to attend! 😃

Reading yet another AI post* on LinkedIn, which is most of them

Found an unexpected, unexpired jar of clotted cream in the fridge, and have no scones to go with it 😭

Me: It's the last week before holidays, and I have a tonne of client work to finish before Friday My brain:

Perfect, in that it encapsulates more than just AI

Going to watch this tonight, for too many reasons

Will be thinking about Wake Up Dead Man for a long time. So much going on, not the least of which is it's just a fun ride. Definitely my favourite movie of the year.

For new authors, this is a great breakdown of the different types of editors & readers* — thanks @kristawalshauthor.bsky.social! www.kristawalshauthor.com/blog/find-yo... (*and not sure why I'm reading this without a manuscript yet 🤷🏽 )

I watch these movies over the holidays every year...and need to refresh the list. Any recommendations for holiday movies made in the last 20 years? #FilmSky #MovieSky

Sad to think this could've once been a household name. Now, even spellcheck thinks it doesn't exist. #BlackBerry

My favourite series of the year, by @kristawalshauthor.bsky.social. Each character felt real, uniquely responding to the relentless trials & trauma of magic turned against them. The world felt real, too: set in modern-day #Ottawa, complete with federal government bureaucracy. Recommended!

Today's savoury oatmeal: ginger carrots onions dried seaweed curd chilli furikake flax seed Hondashi stock quick-cook oats