Activities to help get you into the spirit this holiday season By Cassie (cynefin) source] Even though the holiday season is loved by a lot of people, it is a rather difficult time for others. Some find it easier to get into the spirit than others, and a few might not care for the spirit at all. The loved (yet dreaded) season is on its way - here are a few holiday activities you can do on your own or with others if you want to try increasing your holiday spirit. If not, that's okay...

Festive sweet and savory snacks to celebrate Halloween By Cassie (cynefin) Halloween is an exciting time of year for many, whether you're a child or an adult. It is the time of year that encourages creativity and even imperfection. Here are some simple, sweet and savory foods for you to make to show what Halloween's all about. Make these on your own as a form of self-care, with family and friends, or use these as crafts with the children in your life. Sweet foods and snacks source]

How to start a book club By Jenna (~Abibliophobe~) If you are someone who likes to read, getting involved in a book club might be something that interests you. However, depending on where you live, there might not be any book clubs available for you to join. This article is going to outline the things you can do to start a book club. The first thing you need to decide is if you want to start a book club online or in person. This will help you to determine how you...

My Brother's Husband: A Review Jenna (~Abibliophobe~ ) My Brother's Husband is a manga series written and illustrated by Gengoroh Tagame. It is set in Tokyo and it follows the story of Yaichi who is surprised when his estranged brother's widower, Mike, shows up at their doorstep. Mike arrives in hopes of being able to explore his late husband's past. The story takes off from there and explores a lot of misconceptions and prejudice that people have about the LGBTQ+...

Is forgiveness necessary to heal from trauma? By Anonymous Disclaimer: This is my personal opinion on this topic. It is in no way correct or absolute. It is more than okay if you disagree, as everyone is entitled to their opinion. Throughout my childhood and teen years, I was severely physically, sexually, and emotionally abused by four different people. I developed Complex Post-traumatic Stress, Fibromyalgia, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and other major difficulties as a result. I was...

Being called as a witness for trial By Chantal (MsNobleEleanor) Disclaimer: This article is written based off of personal experiences. Be aware that laws and actions taken may vary by age, state, or country. Being called as a witness for a trial can be a daunting and scary experience if you are directly involved or witnessed a crime take place. You may feel confused, scared, or conflicted being a witness, unsure of what to expect or what will happen. This article will explain...

The Hate U Give: A review By Jenna (~Abibliophobe~) The Hate U Give, by Angie Thomas, was recently published and has been hyped up on a lot of platforms such as YouTube, Instagram and Twitter. This book deals with a controversial subject and was inspired by Black Lives Matter which is a movement that originated in the African American community and campaigns against violence and systematic racism against African Americans. The story centers on a girl named Starr and her life...

Different types of Hysterectomies By Chantal (MsNobleEleanor) You may know someone or have heard about women having a hysterectomy, which is the removal of the uterus, fallopian tubes, cervix, and ovaries. A hysterectomy is done for a wide range of different medical reasons. This article will look into what a hysterectomy is, why someone may need this surgery and the risks. Breakdown of a hysterectomy A hysterectomy is the removal or partial removal of the reproductive organs....

Monday's Not Coming: A review By Jenna (.:Bibliophile:.) Monday's Not Coming by Tiffany D. Jackson is a novel about the power of friendship. The novel focuses on Claudia and Monday who are best friends. One year, Monday goes missing but Claudia seems to be the only person who notices and she spends her time trying to figure out where her friend went and she tries to get the adults in her life to do something more to find Monday. This novel was beautifully heartbreaking. The love that...

White Stag: A review By Jenna (.:Bibliophile:.) White Stag, by Kara Barbieri, is a novel about seventeen year old Janneke who is taken captive by an evil goblin named Lydian. While being held captive by Lydian she is subjected to a lot of cruel things. After a while of being held captive she is forced to work for his nephew, Soren. The novel focuses on Janneke trying to cope with the abuse she was forced to endure at the hands of Lydian. This novel has trigger warnings for...

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Surviving trauma and anxiety: how to feel safe at night By Cassie (cynefin) The darkness of nighttime brings a sense of uncertainty and anxiety with it. The world seems like a completely different place under the little bit of moonlight. Experiencing a trauma or having anxiety can sometimes make nighttime a little more challenging. Struggles at night can be prominent or frightening for anyone, regardless of whether they've experienced a trauma. Here are a few things to incorporate into your...