herbaceousriot

[herbaceousriot]

Another Year into the Pandemic

I think they're getting board.

Well hello 2021. I watched you arrive, I celebrated, and you just don't seem much different. We're board and we're tired of your shenanigans. It's time we stop sitting in standby waiting for things to return to normal.

So we took charge! This last year has been so very crazy. But you know what? It's been really amazing as well. We've made so many fun memories in 2020 that we never would have had a chance to make otherwise. We had a chance to slow down and really enjoy the things we were doing.

We miss our family and friends so much, and we set down the process of selling out home for the time being. But we've been exercising together as a family. We have midnight popcorn parties and watch old movies. We had PJ parties in the day, and played so many board games. We've even broken up with the public school process and started schooling at home.

Homeschooling has been game changing. I deeply regret not doing this for my girl so many years ago. I was told by those close to me that it wouldn't produce smart children and they need to be in school. This is not correct, and if someone is talking you out of it do not listen. It's so incredibly amazing. I know it's not an option for everyone and we are so grateful that we are able to explore this path. It's hard af! No joke. lol We use a combination of three curriculums to create a well rounded learning experience. She's also learning the basics of coding so that I can teach her a couple languages.

We will not sit around any longer to wait for life to return to what it once was. This is life now and we promise to live it to it's fullest.

#new year #pandemic #life #my heart

[herbaceousriot]

Lemon Strawberry Bread

I got a lot of requests for this recipe when I posted the half eaten loaf of bread. Yeah, we’re so hungry we often forget to take the pictures before we begin. 

I’m not the best at recipes so it took me a bit to get it down. My head is a crazy place. We are a dairy free (mostly) household so we use almond milk. Sometimes different flour and never butter. 

Sorry it took so long. Here’s the recipe. I hope you’re not hangry. 

LEMON STRAWBERRY BREAD

2 cups flour of choice

1/2 cup sugar of choice

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/4 teaspoon salt

About 10 medium strawberries (I cut them into hearts. At least take the tops off.)

3/4 cup milk of choice

1/2 cup unsalted butter stuff

1 large egg

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract (I measure this like I measure garlic - with my heart)

the juice of half of a lemon about 2 Tablespoons maybe

zest of a lemon

LEMON GLAZE

1/4 cup granulated sugar

the juice of half of a lemon about 2 Tablespoons

1 Tablespoons warm water 

BREAD

Preheat the oven to 350ºF. Spray a 9" x 5" loaf pan with non-stick spray. I’ve also made them as huge muffins and I like that more. So BIG muffin cups, about 6.  Set aside.

In a large bowl, mix up the flour, sugar, baking soda, and salt. Gently tuck in those strawberries, keeping some to press into the top of the loaf before baking, if you like that kind of thing. Set aside.

In a medium size bowl, mix up milk things, butter stuff, egg, vanilla, lemon juice, and lemon zest until everything is combined.

Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and, using a spatula, gently stir the mixture together until no flour pockets remain. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and press reserved strawberries into the top, if desired. Bake loaf for 60 minutes or until the guts aren’t gooey anymore.

Remove the loaf from the oven and, while the loaf is still hot, poke several holes into the top of the loaf with a skewer or knife. Then, prepare the glaze.

LEMON GLAZE

In a small container with a spout, whisk together the sugar, lemon juice, and warm water.

Pour the lemon glaze slowly and evenly over the hot loaf. Allow loaf to cool completely before removing from the baking pan and serving. 

Leftovers can be kept in the refrigerator, covered tightly, up to 5 days or so. I’m not sure, it doesn’t last that long. Quick bread freezes well for a couple months. Thaw in refrigerator overnight.

#Strawberry #Bread #Hangry Girl #Food #Recipes

[herbaceousriot]

The Pitbull Gets a Package

Do you want to see the happiest little puppy get a package in the mail?

She's adorable. Do you think you can handle it? 🙃 She knew the package was for her when it came.

She is quite proud of her gift box.

Hers had a big day playing and of course the nap had to include her new toy.

#pitbullsareagirlsbestfriend #pitbullsarefamily #pitbull #barkbox #superchewer #thankyouusps #protect usps #life

[herbaceousriot]

“I know exactly what I would do with immortality: I would read every book in the library.”

— Mark Jason Dominus

#bookish

[herbaceousriot]

As you know I've had a few surgeries the last year and a half. The most major being just this year. So I've been recovering! 

Pretty well I might add. Most all of recovery has had to be on my own and at home due to the pandemic and being high risk. It's currently 85 days in isolation. I'm handling it much better than my favorite extravert, the Tweedledee. My little @littlestbookdragon. Poor kid.

So after all this time... I'm so very excited to be healed enough to go out on my own again! Well, alone with my service dog, medical alert bracelet, and family geotracking me. 😂 I'm still calling it a win. This is just normal life for someone with neuro issues. I can't ever be fully alone, but that's ok. I've found ways to keep my freedom while still being responsible. (Read: not so damn stubborn)

So here are some pics of our first hike of the season. I'm so proud of myself. I'm still walking some pretty challenging terrain, but I've cut the miles back considerably. I didn't realize exactly how much I've missed this. This is my meditation. My body needs it.

I love these trails. One day I'll be able to walk them all again. 😍 ❤️

#nature hikes #hiking #pitbull #spoonie warrior #spoonie #pitbullsareagirlsbestfriend #pitbullsarefamily #pitbullsociety #recovery #strongisthenewbeautiful #strongisthenewpretty #strongisthenewsexy #fun #Life

[herbaceousriot]

#protests

[herbaceousriot]

Tips for Protesting Safely When Faced With Violence

Everyone knows that peaceful protests in the US can quickly become dangerous for protesters, depending on pigment. The scene is always the same. Clouds of tear gas and rubber bullets flying directly at protesters. Sometimes they involve dogs, water, flash bombs just to list a few. It is absolutely disgusting. You should always keep your personal safety at the forefront of your thoughts. Are you protesting? Wondering what you can do to stay safe?

This is information shared mostly from Hong Kong protesters. They have been at this for months if not years, we can learn a great deal from them.

Here are some tips on protecting yourself with your wardrobe and a few accessories. Now, this isn’t a uniform so just see what you have that can possibly help protect yourself from unnecessary violence.

Hard Hat: Protects from police batons and flying projectiles.

Gas Mask: Protects from gas and helps obscure identity.

Goggles: Protects against tear gas, pepper spray, and flying projectiles.

Wear Black: Blend in with others and make it difficult to single you out.

Heat Resistant Gloves: Protect hands from picking up tear gas canisters to throw them away from you and others.

Shin Pads: Or knee pads, protect from falling or being drug across the concrete.

Sports Shoes: That fit securely for ease in movement if you need to flee.

Umbrella: Protects from water, tear gas canisters, helps obscure identity.

Backpack: Water, phone, battery pack, towel, baggies, change of clothing, basic first aid supplies.

Spray Bottle: Baking soda water mixture (3tbsp baking soda to 8.5oz water) to spray on your face and in your mouth to counter tear gas exposure.

What if you still come in contact with tear gas or pepper spray? Here’s how you can relieve the pain of tear gas for you and others. Tear gas is actually a fine powder that targets your receptors to send pain signals to the brain. You would think because it’s a tool readily used on peaceful citizens it would be safe. It is not and it can cause some real harm. As soon as you hear that hiss protect yourself and others immediately. Tear gas or CS2 is a powder that is easily absorbed by the eyes, nose, mouth, and skin which sticks in your sweat. Makeup (especially oil-based or eye makeup in general) and contact lenses are not a good idea allows the powder to more easily adhere to your skin.

If you are in contact with tear gas, I know it’s tempting but refrain from kicking it. This can burn you and others. Secure your mask then help others. If you see someone laying or sitting down try to get them to a clear location free of the gas. A traffic cone can be placed over the canister and water poured in the hole from the top to put it out. Or any similar setup available to you. If you are suffering from exposure to tear gas spray your mouth and face with the baking soda water mixture mentioned above.

Make sure to use your 6 digit passcode on your phone and bypass using face or fingerprint ID. Make sure your photos and videos are backed up to the cloud in case your phone is broken, lost, or taken. Make sure to share your location with someone you know and trust. Location sharing is a basic feature on Google Maps if you are an Android user. It’s a live update of your current location and phone battery level. There are also other services that provide this.

Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which endows people with freedom of speech and expression. This universal right is included in most countries’ constitutions, too—such is the case in the U.S. with the First Amendment. Yet people still get arrested. Authorities still retaliate. Here are some tips on avoiding facial recognition.

Algorithms are programmed to look for symmetry between the left and right sides of the face. Decrease your chances of detection by creating asymmetry, like covering your left eye with a feather or a piece of styled hair.

Use tonal inverse. Algorithms can look at the grades of skin tone and texture, which helps to locate the actual facial region. However, it relies on an assumption of what facial features look like, making it somewhat easy to trick the system. Just use hair and makeup colors that contrast with your skin tone. Apply makeup in strange directions and in unusual tones, like teal or emerald. The key is to use light colors on dark skin and vice-versa.

Cover your nose bridge. Algorithms strongly rely on the nose bridge as a key facial marker. Use accessories like gems, face paint, or creative hairstyling to conceal the area just above your nose and between your eyes.

There are also designers that cater to these specific fashion needs.

These are just a collection of tips, might you find yourself under attack during your peaceful protest. I am not responsible for anyone else’s actions. Please stay safe. This is what you’re faced with in America.

* Photo credit on photo above, from a US new broadcast.

KANSAS CITY FRIENDS:

Here is some specific information you need. Store it on you. Share your live locations with friends!  Be safe!

KC Community Bail Fund

816.562.0952

[email protected]

[email protected]

Follow on IG & Twitter @kcbailfund

#Protest #Protests #police brutality #tips for protesters #how to help tear gas #what to wear to a protest #How to protest safely #staying safe in a protest

[herbaceousriot]

I have a thing for themeing my phone. (Yeah idk if that’s a real word. I do what I want.  haha) I just like to make my phone my own, both in looks and functionality.

#RBFGrafix Android Theme

#android theme #mobile theme #Android fun #covid art #lockdown #quarentinelife #quarantine #stay home

[herbaceousriot]

Designed by me. RBF Grafix

#Graphic designer #Book lover #bookish girl #bookish life #bookish love #digital art #Books #Art #RBF Grafix #Bookish art

[herbaceousriot]

Currently Reading

Just a book loving graphic designer. Designed by me here's my information #RBFGrafix - grafix.rbf.wtf

#currently reading #reading now #now reading #ash princess #bookish #books #bookish love #bookish girl #bookishlife #bookish life #reading list #my art #my artwrok #my artz #my graphics #graphic design #animation #Bookish art

[herbaceousriot]

You hear me go on and on about Bookbub. You’re probably thinking I make money from it. Promises, I do not. I really think it’s fantastic. I’ve been using it for so long. Back in the day we only got one email every Tuesday. Now we can get them every day! I will tell you that if you use my link to set up an account, I can earn a chance to win free books for a year. Which I would promptly give to the Tweedle, AKA @littlestbookdragon. She has her own blog now. Yeah, I’ve said that too. Please get yourself some free books!  Really there is absolutely no hidden fees. Promise. 

#free books #books #bookish #reading list #bookish community #bookbub #reading recommendations #tbr #to read

[herbaceousriot]

The Littlest Book Dragon

I’m going to take a moment to gush over my Little Tweedle today.  (Please forgive this proud Momma.) 

She has decided she wants to “start her own blog reviewing books”. She told me not a lot of kids like to read, and she thinks it’s because they can’t find books they like. So she wants to help them. 💕

She is my heart. 💜 📚

Her blog is the Littlest Book Dragon

Her account is @littlestbookdragon​ here, and @littlest.book.dragon on Instagram

She came up with her name and branding ideas herself. The whole process has been pretty adorable. She’s currently working on another as I type and her level of excitement is off the charts.

#bookish #bookish love #bookish girl #bookish community #Raising Readers #reading list #life #mom life #book reviewer

[herbaceousriot]

#books #reading list #bookish #bookish love #bookish life #bookish girl #bookish community #book recommendations #book reccs #February reads

[herbaceousriot]

#books #bookish #bookish love #bookish community #bookish life #reading list #reading recommendations #book recommendations #book reccs

[herbaceousriot]

Toon Me Challenge

This is one of the pieces I created for the toon me challenge. 

Tap read more to see others.

I actually made several of them because I had so much fun with it. No worries, I won’t make you stare at photos of me all day. So I only shared a few. I really do love this challenge though. It's so much fun to create for. And even better to search the hashtags looking at all the amazing art. Seriously go check them out on any platform. I dare you not to get lost in them. Don’t be shy, let me know what you think of these. Do you have a favorite? 💜

#toonme #toonmechallenge2020 #digital art #digital drawing #rbfgrafix #toonmechallenge #my art

[herbaceousriot]

What’s your score?  

Not liking romance and John Grisham really killed my average.  

#books #bookish love #bookish community #bookish

[herbaceousriot]

Happy Poe Day

A great list of books for the Poe lover in you.

As we celebrate the birthday of not only my favorite author but also the father of one of my favorite genres. There is no question that Poe's work as an editor, a poet, and a critic had a profound impact on American and international literature. His stories mark him as one of the originators of both horror and detective fiction. Many anthologies credit him as the "architect" of the modern short story; particularly his tales of mystery and the macabre, practically inventing the genre of Gothic Literature. He is widely regarded as a central figure of Romanticism, in the sub-genre of Dark Romanticism. 

In my humble opinion, he is more than amazing, better than a master. No matter how many times I have read his works, I will always read them again. Now that doesn’t mean I can’t read anything else. What better way to celebrate his birthday than reading books either directly inspired by his works or in conversation with them. This is a list of the best Gothic fantasy novels that offer a Poe-esque vibe in a sadly Poe-less world. So how about a couple of lists to add to that ever growing TBR you’ll never complete in your lifetime. No pressure. Now, now.. no cussing at me.  This is me showing you a glimpse into my own never ending list. We can do this. Now get ready to add!

Here is that list I have been promising you. 

Just hit read more to see the list. 

(You can also click here to shop the list on Amazon.)

“The Vampire Chronicles” by Anne Rice

“Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea” by April Genevieve

“The Gormenghast Trilogy” by Mervyn Peake

“The Historian” by Elizabeth Kostova

“Compulsion” by Martina Boone

“The Monster of Elendhaven” by Jennifer Giesbrecht

“The Madman’s Daughter” by Megan Shepherd

“The Raven Boys” By Maggie Stiefvater

“Sweet Unrest” by Lisa Maxwell

“Servants of the Storm” by Delilah S. Dawson

“Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell” by Susanne Clarke

“The Dark Between” by Sonia Gensler

“Dracul” by J.D. Barker & Dacre Stoker

“Beware the Wild” by Natalie C. Parker

“The Ballad of Black Tom” by Victor LaValle

“The Name of the Star” by Maureen Johnson

“The Girl from Well” by Rin Chupeco

“Beloved” by Toni Morrison

“The Little Stranger” by Sarah Waters

“The Monstrous Thing” by Mackenzi Lee

“In the Shadow of Blackbirds” by Cat Winters

“Far Far Away” by Tom McNeal

“Through the Woods” by Emily Carroll

“Under the Pendulum Sun” by Jeannette Ng

This is just one small section of my TBR. 

#YA Gothic #YA TBR #TBR #Gothic Lit #Gothic #POE #Poe Birthday #Bookish #Reading List