A Letter. (Remember, Remember, The Fifth Of November)

 

Welcome to what very well may be the end of the world. 

There was a murder committed on November 5th, 2024. The victim's name...was Democracy.

I have been quiet for a very long time, and in that time, I've changed a lot. I am not the person I was, certainly not the one that most of you were familiar with. And with that change has come growth. A lot of it. I had hoped the same for many of you, but the events of the fifth of November proved that I was wrong. "Wherever you go, there you are," I suppose. Except, while some of you are partying like your trivial team won a non important trophy, many, many of us are in mourning. And not just that, we know that people who were once our family and our friends have collectively painted targets on our backs. 

This letter is for those of you who are holding the paintbrush. 

I was in a state of shock when the results of the election were called,  early on the mourning of November 6th. I didn't--and still don't--understand how so many could perpetrate an act of such cruelty. An act that no truly civilized, educated person would perpetrate. I am ashamed to call myself American (and disappointed in you all.) I am too poor to expatriate. And I shouldn't feel the need due to a poor decision based on ignorance, yet here we are. And not only did a felon (and rapist) win, but y'all are being piss poor winners with zero sportsmanship about it, too.

To you who once called me friend or family, yet still voted for that ancient, bloated, doddering orange (troglodyte of a) Sith puppet, you've sent a very clear message: my life is forfeit. My partner's life is, too. You do not deserve to be my friend, and you're sure as hell not my family. Unfollow me. Because, if you don't like this, you don't want to hear anything else I have to say. 

I hope you all get EXACTLY what you deserve (from this administration, and) from Project 2025. I will be doing my best to protect those I love. Fuck everyone else. 

Seriously, fuck you.

Writing Fanfiction For Charity...And A Link To My Poetry Page

It has been an honor and a privilege to contribute to the Love Always zine. I've had the opportunity to work with so many talented, gracious and kind people on this project, and for such a great cause; The Trevor Project! This last year has been an absolutely insane one, and in some ways, our current situation mirrors that of the world of The Arcana Game. Chaos, despots, The Literal Plague™... And a group of determined individuals, hell-bent on making the world a better place. May our interesting times lead to a better world for all. 💕 My fellow Arcananites (sounded better than anything else my head could come up with 😅), I hope you enjoy our hard work in this labor of love and remember... Love always wins. Zine releases in PDF format 30 June! I will post the link when it drops! 😁 (PS- my commissions are OPEN!)

https://m.facebook.com/AwkwardGirlPoetry/

Apocalypse Laundry (A Review)

Note: Please bear with me while I learn Blogger's new, derpy layout. Photos are at the bottom of the page for now. 

Salutations!

I'm giving my typewriter a break today and just writing this post on my phone. I'm really enjoying this product testing thing I'm doing, and will be doing another write up for just bath/body products soon, but today, I want to focus on something a little different.

I just bought a washer.

Maybe it'll speak to my station in life that I've only owned a couple of clothes washers, neither of them new, or maybe it's more ubiquitous than I'm imagining. But after tiring of keeping the ancient washer in the basement on life support, and struggling to do laundry through quarantine, I just bought a brand new clothes washer, and I love it! I'm sure you're picturing some space age looking automated thing in candy apple red (if you weren't, you are now!) but that's far from the washer I bought. No, this thing has no buttons, no bells and whistles, and more closely resembles...

... A cement mixer.

Or maybe a propane tank.

It's also a fun, retro mint green that fits in with our old appliances, and small enough to fit on the kitchen counter!

So let's get down to brass tacks, shall we?

I did some research before settling on the WonderWash from The Laundry Alternative. I'm always interested in lowering my carbon footprint and saving space, so on the surface, it was already appealing to me. I'd been looking at fully automatic and half and half apartment washers, but the next step up in price (at over two hundred dollars) was more than I wanted to spend. At $59.99 with free shipping, the WonderWash also appeals to my cheapskate side.

The WonderWash shipped quickly and was packed pretty well. Some assembly was required, but it went together easier than IKEA furniture, in about five minutes. The construction is mostly plastic, which helps keep the weight down, but it's long term durability remains to be seen.

Yesterday was my first time using it. It is completely manual, but very simple to use. Popped it on the counter, put in a small load and a little soap, filled it (about halfway) from the tap, secured the lid and got to work. It has a handle for manual agitation, and you can just spin it if you want to, but a side to side agitation works well. It also has a detachable drain spout. I did one wash and two rinses, agitating it except when it was actively draining. It's a bit of a forearm workout, but since I had to cut cardiac rehab short (that whole ordeal will be in another post, maybe), I've been looking for ways to incorporate workouts here and there throughout my day. It's also... Weirdly fun! Sounds like a train chugging along and I find it entertaining and amusing. I'm merely estimating, but I think the whole process took 30-45 minutes to complete. Then I dried my clothes as usual which took a little longer, since there's no real spin cycle, so more water was present than I'm used to.

My initial impressions are overwhelmingly positive. I like the size, ease of use, and Eco friendliness of the RetroWash. I also don't mind the hands on factor; it beats actually hand washing clothes, and gives me a little workout. Plus, it's fun! It's safe on delicates, too, because there is no agitator. It's too small to wash stuff like blankets and sheets, and I'd be hesitant to try to run some of my heavy winter clothes in it. I don't think it's something everyone would want to use all of the time, but would be great for camping or traveling, or for those like me who want to lessen their carbon footprint and get a little workout in.

The WonderWash is available from The Laundry Alternative. https://laundry-alternative.com

New World, New Problems

The Machine Changes Directions

XaraJynXcentials can be found on Etsy here.

New World, New Mission.

Ch-Ch-Changes

Type-In Streams of Consciousness, Brought Back From the Dead

Things I did not put in typewritten post: It actually took me some digging to find out what I know about 'the young lawyer', Simon Conner Moesley. Thanks to his rather thorough sister, there were solid leads on his grave marker, which led me to the archives of his alma mater, and in the end, I learned quite a lot about the man. 

The 'magnate' is Frank Augustus Miller and more can be learned about his inn which is still in operation here.


  The scientist is Hrista Stamenkovic who was an engineer who made great advancements in structural reinforcement in earthquake-plagued regions. His research is still the standard and available for purchase.

Being so close to All Hallows and Dia De Los Muertos, I hope this doesn't creep too many of you out.

--Anna

I've Been Busy...

Salutations Typospherians,

I apologize for my lack of updates! I've begun working full-time and have decided to go back to college. Nonetheless, they typewriters do keep rolling in, and I have some that I'm very excited to share with you in the future.

However, I did update another blog that really needed it tonight: Fat Chick On A Scooter. Twice, in fact. It's my body-image advocacy blog...and yes, there is some gratuitous love for scooters there as well, because scooters are awesome, dammit.

I still have a lot of things to share and I will do so, Typospherians. When I have a rare moment to breathe.

And no, do NOT use absence as a weapon!

Salut,
--Anna

Me

Short Snippet: Motorcycles (And Other Stuff)

Salutations Typospherians!

Again I've been dreadful about updating my blog. My sincerest apologies. This time, I have good reason, however; I've been very busy with some really exciting projects, most of them having to do with writing. I still need to post photos from the type-in and Wild West Fest, I know, but I was in a mood to share this morning and this is what I have, although I will say this: not a single chopped typewriter key was seen at WWF, which leads me to believe it isn't really the Steampunks mutilating the machines. I saw some phenomenal artwork while I was there, but none of it bore a single typewriter part. I was overjoyed.

Without further ado, here's something I typed up this morning and some photos that have absolutely nothing to do with typewriters. Enjoy!

Do NOT use two-wheeled vehicles as weapons!

-Anna Strad.

 

Riverside Type-In...Was A Bust

Salutations Typospherians,

I apologize for not reporting on the type-in sooner, but the truth of the matter is that no one showed up and there really wasn't much to report, other than hauling machines to and fro on the bikes. I do have some photos and a typecast, which I may post at a later date. But right now, I'm packing.

Wild West Fest at Calico Ghost Town is this weekend, and I've spent time since the type-in getting camping gear and steampunk garb together for it, as well as taking care of my booth at Pomona Antique Mart. Will post on both of those, as well as Steampunk costuming for the broke and untalented (like me!) all coming next week.

As far as future type-ins go, I remain undaunted. I'll just start advertising a lot earlier and in more places. There are some really lovely places around town to have them (and type-outs), so I will make it happen. Hope to see some of you guys at the next one!

Salut!

-Anna S.

Itinerary for the Riverside Type-In and Antique Mall Crawl

Salutations Typospherians!

Just wanted to toss up a quick type-in itinerary and map link for all going to the Type-in on Sunday!

Just in case you need a look at the flyer again.

We will be meeting at Molinos Coffee at 10:00AM sharp and will be there, typing, talking machines and ect. until 2:00PM (unless there is a group decision to begin the Mall Crawl earlier, which could be moved up as early as noon--your choice guys!). Due to the size of Mission Galleria, we may have to split into two groups: those who want to crawl just the Galleria and those who want to crawl the other shops in town. The Galleria is a really fun antique store, but it generally doesn't have a whole lot in the way of typewriters (watches and clocks, on the other hand...). That being said, those who want to do some machine hunting, follow the little red scooter, overburdened with typewriters! Our first stop will be Old Glory General Store, which has a back room that is great for typer hunting. It's located at 4344 Market St. From there we will continue down Market to the best typer hunting grounds in town: Elizabeth Street. 3772 Elizabeth is but one of seven Shops that has things I think most Typospherians would be interested in. It is Renaissance Book Store, and has books on typers, pens and writing instruments, and scores of other things. It is surrounded by five antique stores-all of which I have found and bought machines in-and Goodwill. The antique stores are Forget-Me-Not, Guerrero's Treasures & Collectibles, AnnTiques, Flamenco and another in the alley between Forget-Me-Not and Flamenco that I cannot remember the name of, but I picked up my Hermes 3K from there. Guerrero's and Forget-Me-Not's are stores you don't want to miss; the bulk of my local-found collection has come from these two stores, as well as many other things non-typewriter related.

Spoiler alert: keep your eyes peeled for a sight like this on the streets, and follow me!

I'm excited to see Typospherians and locals alike at the Type-In! Come if you can and enjoy! See you Sunday!

-Anna.

Riverside Type-In Is A Go! (And Other Things)

Its first words.

So, save the date on your calendars, folks! March 30th, 2014 10:00AM at Molinos!
  
*Note: My apologies to those of you who tried to read this and it didn't make any sense. I have since amended it by putting in the CORRECT first page. Sorry!*

Putting It All Together (In A Stream of Consciousness)

 

 

 

Sitting on Scarlett's back rack

Takin' care of business at Molinos'.

This place has great coffee, a great atmosphere, and the added benefit of being attached to the largest antique shop in the city.

Fantastic view of the historic Mission Inn across the street.

If you are interested in potentially taking over the ICI or if you have a suggestion about the Riverside Type-In, Please contact me here.

Santa Monica Type-In

 

Sorry I'm posting about this so late; L.A. Marler is hosting another type-in! It will be Saturday, March 8th at her studio. I wish I could make it, but my scooter just couldn't do that kind of a drive.

I will be posting info soon on a type-in I'll be hosting locally, along with a very long and much-overdue update. Hope all is well.

-Anna.

A Cull for A Cause

Salutations Typospherians,

In continuation with my last post, I have been wracking my brain, trying to figure out how to get the word out about my friend Roxy beyond her Facebook page. After some thought and discussion, I have decided to start a advertising campaign. Beyond putting banners on my bikes, I am also going to accost Craigslist (and a few other sites) and try to figure out some effective paid advertising as well.

That requires funds. And, I'm still jobless.

So...

Remember the machines I had for sale earlier in the year to raise funds to buy Scarlett, my scooter? Well, I still have most of them. And I'm willing to entertain reasonable offers plus S&H...and may even be willing to let go of a few other machines from my collection. Two of these machines are pending homes; I will update and let everyone know for certain if they go.

 This one may be spoken for.

Still need some work on the mainspring of this one, but it's about 95%. Has ink and pencil, too!

This one is a fixer-upper.

I really like this one. It has a really pretty leather case and I'm not sure I wanna get rid of it. XD

This fella works well but needs a cover. Has case and key.

This one is on hold.

Love a wedge!

I'd rather not ship this one, because the shipping would be obscene. Any local takers?

Please stop by 'A Kidney for Roxy' on Facebook (linked above) and show my bestie some love!

Thank you guys. You rock!

Salut!

Anna.