Reading

As much as I love Studio Ghibli material and worlds, I'm not very happy at seeing Obojima being officially collected on D&D Beyond. Mostly because the book is written by a bunch of white guys who seem to think watching some Ghibli movies means they can capture the nostalgic nature of Studio Ghibli's creation and fail to realize the magic of Studio Ghibli isn't something that can be reproduced through emulation. It's not the "vibe" that makes a Studio Ghibli film what it is, it's the themes, thoughts, personal experiences that Takahata and Miyazaki brings to the story that makes the works stand out.

Fundamentally, Studio Ghibli works center around personal growth and contrasting the mystical with the mundane. Magic is both whimsical and terrible in the Ghibli worlds, yes, even in a work like Kiki's Delivery, because magic is the domain of childhood. Because the purpose of magic in Ghibli works is to be a metaphor for childhood wonder. This is in direct opposition of what magic stands for in D&D, which is a tool to be used rather than a majesty of nature to be wondered at. The way magic is handled narratively is fundamentally in opposition of each other. So unless the system reduces access to magic as you level up (which it doesn't), this project is just a ... really shitty imitation.

In other news: It's been really hot and I'm melting. Plus, I've been going through some really shitty cramps for about a week now.

And then I disappeared again! Honestly it's probably a mix of feeling very overwhelmed by life and also feeling like I don't really have anything to share. Which isn't at all true! I have things to share! But gosh, things have also been very difficult. Bad enough that Will told me that my quality of life seems poor right now. Which is because of MH stuff. Which is why I have an appointment to be evaluated for ADHD on Wednesday.

( Feelings about a possible diagnosis, some chatting about neurodivergency and my place in that space )

So there's that. UHM. YEAH. Having a lot of feelings about that right now!

IN OTHER NEWS my tomatoes are so big and too closely planted together, but they're doing so great! And my squash patch is growing so fast too, we're gonna have so many zucks and mini-pumpkins, haha. AND I GREW THEM FROM SEED. SEED. <3

There are also, in the squash patch, a couple of pepper plants and several onions battling for space. (there's also a couple of peppers by the tomato patch, I have four pepper plants and thirteen peppers growing big!). Today's gonna be the first little harvest, I think (we've been picking peas and strawberries and munching them as we walk about the backyard, but not a full, "time to bring the fruits of our labor inside). There will be homegrown peas in the stir fry this evening! ♥ ♥ ♥

And some art I have done! Logan Grimnar, High King of Fenris, and Arjac Rockfist, the Anvil of Fenris (and Grimnar's Champion), being cozy in front of a fire. ♥

(click to embiggen)

I want to spend part of today catching up on posts and maybe. I don't know. Do something.

Really wish white people will stop trying to appropriate stuff

Whew~!