https://www.larissaking.com/ en Mon, 29 Sep 2025 08:35:53 -0500 https://www.larissaking.com/2025/09/27/this-little-monster-kicked-me.html Sat, 27 Sep 2025 07:41:49 -0500 http://larissaking.micro.blog/2025/09/27/this-little-monster-kicked-me.html <p>this little monster kicked me off the sofa at 8:52 last night because she wanted my spot</p> <img src="https://www.larissaking.com/uploads/2025/img-2941.jpg" width="450" height="600" alt="A cat with gray and white fur is sitting on a rock surrounded by foliage and trees."> this little monster kicked me off the sofa at 8:52 last night because she wanted my spot <img src="https://www.larissaking.com/uploads/2025/img-2941.jpg" width="450" height="600" alt="A cat with gray and white fur is sitting on a rock surrounded by foliage and trees."> https://www.larissaking.com/2025/09/26/bonus-early-caturday-photo.html Fri, 26 Sep 2025 10:28:40 -0500 http://larissaking.micro.blog/2025/09/26/bonus-early-caturday-photo.html <p>Bonus early Caturday photo</p> <img src="https://www.larissaking.com/uploads/2025/2e49e5937d.jpg" width="450" height="600" alt="A close-up shot of a cat's nose and whiskers, with part of its face visible."> Bonus early Caturday photo <img src="https://www.larissaking.com/uploads/2025/2e49e5937d.jpg" width="450" height="600" alt="A close-up shot of a cat's nose and whiskers, with part of its face visible."> https://www.larissaking.com/2025/09/26/after-three-days-of-much.html Fri, 26 Sep 2025 10:21:04 -0500 http://larissaking.micro.blog/2025/09/26/after-three-days-of-much.html <p>After three days of much needed rain, Chili insisted that I come out with her and celebrate the return of the sun. Before the rain, I could’ve sworn I found a second, smaller, scar running parallel to my appendectomy scar. But every time I’ve looked since then, it hasn’t been there.</p> <img src="https://www.larissaking.com/uploads/2025/1056cadf7a.jpg" width="450" height="600" alt="A clear blue sky is adorned with a few white clouds and the tips of tree branches."> After three days of much needed rain, Chili insisted that I come out with her and celebrate the return of the sun. Before the rain, I could’ve sworn I found a second, smaller, scar running parallel to my appendectomy scar. But every time I’ve looked since then, it hasn’t been there. <img src="https://www.larissaking.com/uploads/2025/1056cadf7a.jpg" width="450" height="600" alt="A clear blue sky is adorned with a few white clouds and the tips of tree branches."> https://www.larissaking.com/2025/08/31/today-i-learned-that-efts.html Sun, 31 Aug 2025 08:44:53 -0500 http://larissaking.micro.blog/2025/08/31/today-i-learned-that-efts.html <p>Today I learned that <a href="https://northernwoodlands.org/outside_story/article/amphibian-skin-toxic-chemicals-to-medical-marvels">efts are toxic</a>. Which is fine, because I never want to eat them anyway.</p> <img src="https://www.larissaking.com/uploads/2025/img-2853.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="a red eft crawling over gravel and dry pine needles"> Today I learned that [efts are toxic](https://northernwoodlands.org/outside_story/article/amphibian-skin-toxic-chemicals-to-medical-marvels). Which is fine, because I never want to eat them anyway. <img src="https://www.larissaking.com/uploads/2025/img-2853.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="a red eft crawling over gravel and dry pine needles"> https://www.larissaking.com/2025/07/23/im-generally-not-a-fan.html Wed, 23 Jul 2025 08:57:07 -0500 http://larissaking.micro.blog/2025/07/23/im-generally-not-a-fan.html <p>I&rsquo;m generally not a fan of podcasts, but I&rsquo;m savoring this one: <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/what-i-let-die-podcast/id1804108852">What I Let Die</a>, in which Akilah S. Richards invites us to stop running from grief and start tending to it. I love the textures of her voice, and the way it feels like she is doing the work and not just talking about it.</p> I'm generally not a fan of podcasts, but I'm savoring this one: [What I Let Die](https://podcasts.apple.com/nz/podcast/what-i-let-die-podcast/id1804108852), in which Akilah S. Richards invites us to stop running from grief and start tending to it. I love the textures of her voice, and the way it feels like she is doing the work and not just talking about it. https://www.larissaking.com/2025/07/18/stuck-in-traffic-picked-up.html Fri, 18 Jul 2025 16:08:47 -0500 http://larissaking.micro.blog/2025/07/18/stuck-in-traffic-picked-up.html <p>Stuck in traffic. Picked up a hitchhiker</p> <img src="https://www.larissaking.com/uploads/2025/8f4127acba.jpg" width="450" height="600" alt="A beetle on the outside of a windshield looking into the car"> Stuck in traffic. Picked up a hitchhiker <img src="https://www.larissaking.com/uploads/2025/8f4127acba.jpg" width="450" height="600" alt="A beetle on the outside of a windshield looking into the car"> https://www.larissaking.com/2025/07/01/with-the-whole-great-outdoors.html Tue, 01 Jul 2025 07:30:16 -0500 http://larissaking.micro.blog/2025/07/01/with-the-whole-great-outdoors.html <p>With the whole Great Outdoors beckoning, she still made time to tease my foot with her tail while I watched a pair of tiny ants dragging a large fly across the asphalt</p> <img src="https://www.larissaking.com/uploads/2025/7cd90fd05b.jpg" width="450" height="600" alt="A cat is lying on a paved driveway near a person's bare foot with greenery in the background."> With the whole Great Outdoors beckoning, she still made time to tease my foot with her tail while I watched a pair of tiny ants dragging a large fly across the asphalt <img src="https://www.larissaking.com/uploads/2025/7cd90fd05b.jpg" width="450" height="600" alt="A cat is lying on a paved driveway near a person's bare foot with greenery in the background."> https://www.larissaking.com/2025/05/30/found-this-moth-in-the.html Fri, 30 May 2025 16:20:58 -0500 http://larissaking.micro.blog/2025/05/30/found-this-moth-in-the.html <p>found this moth in the driveway yesterday. where are its antennae???</p> <img src="https://www.larissaking.com/uploads/2025/img-2825.jpeg" width="450" height="600" alt="An orange and brown moth with white markings rests on a textured dark surface."> found this moth in the driveway yesterday. where are its antennae??? <img src="https://www.larissaking.com/uploads/2025/img-2825.jpeg" width="450" height="600" alt="An orange and brown moth with white markings rests on a textured dark surface."> https://www.larissaking.com/2025/05/17/here-it-comes.html Sat, 17 May 2025 17:18:12 -0500 http://larissaking.micro.blog/2025/05/17/here-it-comes.html <p>Here it comes!</p> <img src="https://www.larissaking.com/uploads/2025/img-2822.jpeg" width="450" height="600" alt="menacing clouds behind the aspen and birch trees in our backyard"> Here it comes! <img src="https://www.larissaking.com/uploads/2025/img-2822.jpeg" width="450" height="600" alt="menacing clouds behind the aspen and birch trees in our backyard"> https://www.larissaking.com/2025/05/13/why-did-it-take-me.html Tue, 13 May 2025 17:10:54 -0500 http://larissaking.micro.blog/2025/05/13/why-did-it-take-me.html <p>Why did it take me so many years to notice that <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Audio_Dynamite">Big Audio Dynamite</a>&rsquo;s &ldquo;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPrPNpzLHIk">The Globe</a>&rdquo; samples <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Clash">The Clash</a>&rsquo;s &ldquo;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMaE6toi4mk">Should I Stay or Should I Go</a>?&rdquo;???</p> Why did it take me so many years to notice that [Big Audio Dynamite](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Big_Audio_Dynamite)'s "[The Globe](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rPrPNpzLHIk)" samples [The Clash](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Clash)'s "[Should I Stay or Should I Go](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xMaE6toi4mk)?"??? https://www.larissaking.com/2025/04/29/maybe-thats-my-problem-with.html Tue, 29 Apr 2025 15:55:45 -0500 http://larissaking.micro.blog/2025/04/29/maybe-thats-my-problem-with.html <p><a href="https://www.experimental-history.com/p/28-slightly-rude-notes-on-writing">&ldquo;15. Maybe that’s my problem with AI-generated prose: it’s all necklace, no neck.&quot;</a></p> ["15. Maybe that’s my problem with AI-generated prose: it’s all necklace, no neck."](https://www.experimental-history.com/p/28-slightly-rude-notes-on-writing) https://www.larissaking.com/2025/04/29/secret-inside-flesh.html Tue, 29 Apr 2025 06:49:37 -0500 http://larissaking.micro.blog/2025/04/29/secret-inside-flesh.html <p>Secret inside flesh</p> <img src="https://www.larissaking.com/uploads/2025/78a8925835.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="Extreme close-up of a magnolia blossom "> Secret inside flesh <img src="https://www.larissaking.com/uploads/2025/78a8925835.jpg" width="600" height="450" alt="Extreme close-up of a magnolia blossom "> https://www.larissaking.com/2025/04/29/helpful-hint-if-you-are.html Tue, 29 Apr 2025 06:48:08 -0500 http://larissaking.micro.blog/2025/04/29/helpful-hint-if-you-are.html <p>Helpful hint #124: If you are stuck in a tree, remember to spend a little time enjoying the view.</p> <img src="https://www.larissaking.com/uploads/2025/7673be9e7e.jpg" width="450" height="600" alt="A view from beneath a blossoming magnolia tree against a clear blue sky. If you look closely, there’s a cat in the tree"> Helpful hint #124: If you are stuck in a tree, remember to spend a little time enjoying the view. <img src="https://www.larissaking.com/uploads/2025/7673be9e7e.jpg" width="450" height="600" alt="A view from beneath a blossoming magnolia tree against a clear blue sky. If you look closely, there’s a cat in the tree"> https://www.larissaking.com/2025/04/27/well-that-happened.html Sun, 27 Apr 2025 10:57:51 -0500 http://larissaking.micro.blog/2025/04/27/well-that-happened.html <p>Today it has been two years since I was diagnosed with <a href="https://www.larissaking.com/2024/04/26/crps-anniversary.html">Complex Regional Pain Syndrome</a>.</p> <p>This morning, both my feet were the same happy and healthy color, size, and temperature. Occasionally the left foot feels hot and itchy. I ignore the heat and itch, and they go away pretty quickly. There&rsquo;s not much that I would call pain anymore.</p> <p>This trick often works for me with other pain too. Like: I feel my lower back start to get fussy, and I roll my eyes and get on with my day. Pretty soon I&rsquo;ve forgotten all about it.</p> <p>I want to say something about how I tried to ignore the pain in my belly this winter, how I believed I was only feeling it because I was boiling mad at someone I used to consider a friend, but it didn&rsquo;t go away because it was actually appendicitis. My appendix ruptured, and I ended up in the hospital for four days. I had two surgeries in four months. I&rsquo;m just about recovered from the second one.</p> <p>I want to say something wise about pain and fear, or about finding balance, or about learning to trust oneself. But I&rsquo;m fresh out of wisdom.</p> <p>The only thing that&rsquo;s coming to mind is something my mentor once said to me: &ldquo;I feel like this is a place where we can sit and say, &lsquo;Well. That happened.'&rdquo;</p> Today it has been two years since I was diagnosed with [Complex Regional Pain Syndrome](https://www.larissaking.com/2024/04/26/crps-anniversary.html). This morning, both my feet were the same happy and healthy color, size, and temperature. Occasionally the left foot feels hot and itchy. I ignore the heat and itch, and they go away pretty quickly. There's not much that I would call pain anymore. This trick often works for me with other pain too. Like: I feel my lower back start to get fussy, and I roll my eyes and get on with my day. Pretty soon I've forgotten all about it. I want to say something about how I tried to ignore the pain in my belly this winter, how I believed I was only feeling it because I was boiling mad at someone I used to consider a friend, but it didn't go away because it was actually appendicitis. My appendix ruptured, and I ended up in the hospital for four days. I had two surgeries in four months. I'm just about recovered from the second one. I want to say something wise about pain and fear, or about finding balance, or about learning to trust oneself. But I'm fresh out of wisdom. The only thing that's coming to mind is something my mentor once said to me: "I feel like this is a place where we can sit and say, 'Well. That happened.'" https://www.larissaking.com/2025/04/16/first-daffodil-of-the-year.html Wed, 16 Apr 2025 11:40:04 -0500 http://larissaking.micro.blog/2025/04/16/first-daffodil-of-the-year.html <p>First daffodil of the year!</p> <img src="https://www.larissaking.com/uploads/2025/3fca20a5ab.jpg" width="450" height="600" alt="A yellow daffodil is blooming amidst green grass and dry leaves on the ground."> First daffodil of the year! <img src="https://www.larissaking.com/uploads/2025/3fca20a5ab.jpg" width="450" height="600" alt="A yellow daffodil is blooming amidst green grass and dry leaves on the ground."> https://www.larissaking.com/2025/04/08/in-other-news-our-neighbors.html Tue, 08 Apr 2025 12:32:23 -0500 http://larissaking.micro.blog/2025/04/08/in-other-news-our-neighbors.html <p>In other news: our neighbors killed the bobcat that almost caught Chili last summer. It had eaten 19 of their chickens, and brushed off all their attempts to deter it.</p> <p> So it goes. In other news: our neighbors killed the bobcat that almost caught Chili last summer. It had eaten 19 of their chickens, and brushed off all their attempts to deter it. <p> So it goes. https://www.larissaking.com/2025/04/08/today-i-had-my-final.html Tue, 08 Apr 2025 12:23:44 -0500 http://larissaking.micro.blog/2025/04/08/today-i-had-my-final.html <p>Today I had my final appendicitis-related medical appointment. On the 18th, exactly five months after I was admitted to the hospital, I&rsquo;ll be free of post-surgery restrictions on physical activity. What a relief!</p> Today I had my final appendicitis-related medical appointment. On the 18th, exactly five months after I was admitted to the hospital, I'll be free of post-surgery restrictions on physical activity. What a relief! https://www.larissaking.com/2025/03/21/finally-got-rid-of-that.html Fri, 21 Mar 2025 17:41:54 -0500 http://larissaking.micro.blog/2025/03/21/finally-got-rid-of-that.html <p>Finally got rid of that pesky appendix. Now every day I’m one step closer to forgetting it was ever there</p> Finally got rid of that pesky appendix. Now every day I’m one step closer to forgetting it was ever there https://www.larissaking.com/2025/03/15/chickens-was-a-fun-little.html Sat, 15 Mar 2025 05:51:12 -0500 http://larissaking.micro.blog/2025/03/15/chickens-was-a-fun-little.html <p><a href="https://368chickens.com/">368 chickens</a> was a fun little game. And now it is over, at least for me.</p> <img src="https://www.larissaking.com/uploads/2025/screen-shot-2025-03-15-at-6.43.39-am.png" width="600" height="557" alt="a screenshot. a window says: congratulations. you rescued the 368 chickens in 64 attempts. the chickens are very grateful. now you have rescued all the chickens you can no longer play the game. sorry."> [368 chickens](https://368chickens.com/) was a fun little game. And now it is over, at least for me. <img src="https://www.larissaking.com/uploads/2025/screen-shot-2025-03-15-at-6.43.39-am.png" width="600" height="557" alt="a screenshot. a window says: congratulations. you rescued the 368 chickens in 64 attempts. the chickens are very grateful. now you have rescued all the chickens you can no longer play the game. sorry."> https://www.larissaking.com/2025/02/26/mended-some-wornout-socks-a.html Wed, 26 Feb 2025 08:28:02 -0500 http://larissaking.micro.blog/2025/02/26/mended-some-wornout-socks-a.html <p>Mended some worn-out socks a few months ago. Overlapping layers of blanket stitch with leftover sock yarn. Very comfy, and the repairs are holding up well. It makes me so happy to wear them!</p> <img src="https://www.larissaking.com/uploads/2025/258489a36a.jpg" width="450" height="600" alt="A black sock with a colorful patch on the heel rests on a carpeted floor."> Mended some worn-out socks a few months ago. Overlapping layers of blanket stitch with leftover sock yarn. Very comfy, and the repairs are holding up well. It makes me so happy to wear them! <img src="https://www.larissaking.com/uploads/2025/258489a36a.jpg" width="450" height="600" alt="A black sock with a colorful patch on the heel rests on a carpeted floor."> https://www.larissaking.com/2025/01/14/i-tried-your-recipe-i.html Tue, 14 Jan 2025 08:15:14 -0500 http://larissaking.micro.blog/2025/01/14/i-tried-your-recipe-i.html <blockquote> <p>I tried your recipe. I followed it exactly. Except that I replaced the cayenne pepper with cinnamon, used water instead of broth, and used cream instead of tomato juice. But other than that, I followed your recipe to a tee.</p> </blockquote> <blockquote> <p><a href="https://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/did-you-even-consider-every-possible-lived-experience-before-recklessly-posting-your-chili-recipe-on-social-media">And I’ll tell you what, it totally sucked.</a></p> </blockquote> >I tried your recipe. I followed it exactly. Except that I replaced the cayenne pepper with cinnamon, used water instead of broth, and used cream instead of tomato juice. But other than that, I followed your recipe to a tee. > >[And I’ll tell you what, it totally sucked.](https://www.mcsweeneys.net/articles/did-you-even-consider-every-possible-lived-experience-before-recklessly-posting-your-chili-recipe-on-social-media) https://www.larissaking.com/2025/01/12/we-need-places-where-you.html Sun, 12 Jan 2025 06:32:26 -0500 http://larissaking.micro.blog/2025/01/12/we-need-places-where-you.html <p><a href="https://www.joanwestenberg.com/the-doomscroll-industrial-complex-how-anxiety-became-a-business-model/">We need places where you can say “things might be okay” without someone calling you a damned fool, and “things might be bad” without trying to sell you something.</a></br> -Joan Westenberg</p> [We need places where you can say “things might be okay” without someone calling you a damned fool, and “things might be bad” without trying to sell you something.](https://www.joanwestenberg.com/the-doomscroll-industrial-complex-how-anxiety-became-a-business-model/)</br> -Joan Westenberg https://www.larissaking.com/2024/12/21/helpful-hint-dont.html Sat, 21 Dec 2024 16:56:35 -0500 http://larissaking.micro.blog/2024/12/21/helpful-hint-dont.html <p>Helpful hint #5613:<br> Don&rsquo;t schedule the CT scan and the follow-up with the surgeon on the same day if you can help it.</p> Helpful hint #5613:<br> Don't schedule the CT scan and the follow-up with the surgeon on the same day if you can help it. https://www.larissaking.com/2024/12/21/helpful-hint-if.html Sat, 21 Dec 2024 16:55:24 -0500 http://larissaking.micro.blog/2024/12/21/helpful-hint-if.html <p>Helpful hint #5612:<br> If they take your temperature with a forehead thermometer and you have doubts about the result, ask them to re-check it with an oral thermometer.</p> Helpful hint #5612:<br> If they take your temperature with a forehead thermometer and you have doubts about the result, ask them to re-check it with an oral thermometer. https://www.larissaking.com/2024/12/12/incidental-finding-my.html Thu, 12 Dec 2024 17:33:35 -0500 http://larissaking.micro.blog/2024/12/12/incidental-finding-my.html <p>incidental finding: my belly button seems to be full of krazy glue</p> incidental finding: my belly button seems to be full of krazy glue