Feelin’ Foxy

Foxes, reading, hygge. Autumn. Coziness. Tea. Good times!

Again, I spent some time reading in the library. This time, I finished off a story from Ninetails: Nine Tales, by Sally Wen Mao. I’ve gotten through the first two tales, thus far. I could have lingered longer at the library and read more, but I didn’t want to leave the cat home alone longer than necessary, when I have the day off, to give her some company.

Still, it’s kind of nice reading with other people around. A librarian smiled at me politely as she passed my chair. I’m a silent regular.

Also, I found out that my local branch will be hosting a Christmas event where you can see a Reindeer up close and personal. Yes, it’s probably intended mostly for families with smaller children, but I thought maybe I would request off that night and check it out.

Well, officially, the event says “All Ages.” I just checked online. So HA. LOL.

Hot cocoa and apple cider, a photo area, and a choir. Sounds like fun!

Getting back to Ninetails: Nine Tales, even just two stories in, it’s a lot grittier than I would have expected. The first story describes the inhumane living conditions experienced by immigrants quite literally fresh off the boat, in 1910. After that, there’s a story told from the perspective of a life-size toy doll (for adults, if you catch my drift). She has consciousness throughout.

Foxes are tangentially involved in both stories. I guess I had some preconceived notions that something about fox spirits and foxes would be more fantasy-based, and not the dark kind of fantasy, either. The cover art somewhat lends credence to that notion.

Taking another look at the blurb on the back, which I know I skimmed over before adding it to my TBR and eventually checking it out, I probably should have known better.

In any case, I am enjoying it. Variety is good!

For something lighter that I will read faster, I checked out a Sapphic romance novel, about a Hollywood celebrity in need of a bodyguard. Natalie Keane doesn’t want anyone in the media sussing out that she’s at risk, after the tabloid frenzy when she was being stalked. To keep things under wraps, she and her female bodyguard pretend they’re a couple. With forced proximity, etc., the relationship that started as a Cover Story (by Rachel Lacey) starts becoming something else, altogether.

I’m back home now, just gathering myself to see what I want to do next. A bit of tidying up wouldn’t hurt. We will see.

I also have some ingredients for an aromatic simmer pot, but I kind of wanted to gather some more stuff together before I actually concocted it. Cinnamon sticks, perhaps, or anise, or cloves. I do have apple cinnamon herbal tea, which I tried this morning. Quite good!

Began the day with a confidence-boosting spell involving the Tarot card, The Queen of Swords (Mother of Swords in the deck I use). Swapped the tea for the cinnamon sticks called for, and drank it.

I did, however, find some tiger’s eye jewelry, mixed in with all the stuff around my vanity. Used that, as well. The ring almost fits me again, which is exciting. It’s very pretty. Solid tiger’s eye carved in the shape of a rose.

Did a Tarot draw after that, once I’d shuffled the Mother of Swords back into the deck. The reading related to insular patterns, and control of behaviors or possessions. It could mean holding onto things that no longer serve, that now is a good time to safeguard yourself against being conned or wasting resources, or that you have the blessing of the universe or what have you, to hold on to what is rightfully yours.

I’ve been pondering that in conjunction with the last card I drew. Was it yesterday? Days are blurring. But the last one I remembered was about the comforts of home, and luxury.

Maybe I have been retreating into solitude more than I should as of late. I also have some things I can definitely donate. Clothes that no longer fit, and so on. I think nearly all of my jeans are now too big.

Didn’t make it out for a walk the past couple/few days, but I’ll get back out there, for sure. “Experts” say exposing yourself to the outdoors as the seasons change, can help minimize the impact of seasonal depression. I guess that makes sense, since you’re acclimating your body and your mind to the adjustment.

As a substitute for my sharing more photos from my walks, enjoy this found image of a spooky-looking autumn forest. Spindly, bare branches, a dense fog, and a blanket of leaves on the ground.