u/ArtfulAlexis

Watching as a Parent at 43

I just watched Fruits Basket & Prelude at 43 for the 1st time. I'm a mom w/ severe chronic illnesses to a little boy w/ rare brain malformations. This story I think hit in a different way because of being a mom & older (being a teen when it was originally written,) looking back on life & hard lessons I've had to learn. I've dealt w/ many similar tragic situations, even lived as an American in Taiwan due to dad's work when I was 16-17 where I ended up dating a much older French chef.

This series touched me on so many levels, bringing up memories both painful & happy, & made me think deeply about the future. I ache so deeply from the unfairness & frailty of life, of when it will shatter & if I'll be ready. Fruits Basket made me especially ponder motherhood & being a good parent while you yourself are suffering.

I was curious if any other parents or older viewers have watched this & if that made the story hit differently for them. What about people dealing with illness or have kids with disabilities?

I loved this show & cried so hard at many moments! I'm so happy I gave it a chance!

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u/ArtfulAlexis — 6 days ago
▲ 22 r/BALLET

Bucket List Ballets

I just saw my favorite ballet today in Boston, The Sleeping Beauty. I'm 43 & used to dance as a teen, but never saw a real ballet in a big city (only a local Nutcracker as a kid.) Seeing this live had always been on my bucket list, but just never got the chance or could afford to till today!

It was an extra special performance being the last slow of the season AND the last show for the talented principle dancer Lasha Khozashvili, who played Prince Desire,after 16 years w/ the company. It was just so magical! Aurora was danced so sweetly w/ an effortless beauty in each & every move by Madoka Sugai. I can't believe she's still able to move like that at 31! So now that I crossed this off my bucket list, I need some new shows to dream of seeing!

What are your bucket list ballets you dream of seeing or dancing in?

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u/ArtfulAlexis — 2 months ago

Tips and Advice for DIY Foam Build

I have gone overboard planning, buying, & designing for my dream 40 gallon DIY & could use some major tips and advice. I am planning to build a central tunnel through a Dutch inspired planted mound (with a central monte carlo carpet "street") that leads to a hidden areas with "rock" walls. Its going to be 360° view, so walls are for mound support & divider between areas. I'm using egg crates for the base that I'm going to silicone into the tank, XPS foam for a round stone like wall in the back, spray pond foam wall in the front with pots for a bunch of ferns i have, and slate tiles (siliconed just in case) for weight within the structure.

I'm planning on painting with non toxic acrylic, aquarium safe colored sand, or mica powder tinted epoxy resin, using clear food grade epoxy or silicone to seal everything in.

Any and all tips on carving XPS & spray foam, tools used, painting, any examples, etc. would be greatly appreciated. Here's pics so far of what I have planned & built.

u/ArtfulAlexis — 3 months ago