what is love?

Hello,

That is tragic. I am sorry if you knew her.

The whole thing sounds dramatic.

And that makes me feel a little better. lol

Why does Swynlake have a prom??

Regards, SlowCyclone

slowcyclone >> briskthames

Dear Slowcyclone,

is it strange to say I find this analytical way of figuring out my mother actually a lot better to handle than discussing it emotionally? What does that say about me? I don't know, but you don't need to apologize to me for finding the situation intriguing.

I'm sorry that you've had to deal with family drama. No matter how you look at it it's never pleasant. I appreciate you. But family drama aside, I suppose it does give me a lot of freedom and space.

What's something you've solved in the past that made you feel really good about yourself? I'm curious really, as you seem to be quite the analytical type (which I appreciate).

All the best, briskthames

@slowcyclone

Dear briskthames,

Not at all. I tend to be the same way. I am sure therapists would disapprove, but I've never held psychiatrists opinions in very high regard personally. No offense, if you are one. I suspect not.

Well, I managed to move here all on my own. Which maybe doesn't sound very impressive, but it was a massive change from what I am used to and there was a lot of complicated bullshit with the visa situation. Not to mention finding a place. And timing everything for the start of my program.

I still can't believe I am here and getting started.

What about you? As an ambitious sort of person, I presume you have a similar experience?

Fondly, SlowCyclone

PS -- you going to the reveal?

@briskthames

hi slowcyclone,

layers are key! and scarves. never underestimate the power of a good scarf.

are you going to be coming to the reveal ball btw? i'd love to say hi in person :)

xoxo

determinedcupid

@slowcyclone

Hello,

I will definitely take that into consideration. Thank you for the advice. And the scarf! Did you knit it yourself? Either way. It is my favorite color, so good guess. :)

And yes, I was waffling on it but I think I've decided to at least check it out. I will see you there! Maybe pick your brain some more.

Fondly, SlowCyclone

@determinedcupid

slowcyclone >> spacesuitmocha

spacesuitmocha

Hey,

Funny. So am I. Shoot your shot, you know?

Unclear on that one. I feel like I wouldn't be super resistant to anything romantic happening but I also don't find pixels on computers particularly alluring, even if computers themselves are a pretty great technological advancement. Also, to be honest (which I've been doing a lot of), I don't trust extremely easily and there's a lot to hide behind anonymity. So, I think the environmental factors bit of your statement applies to my overall feelings. This is kind of the first contact.

Oh yeah, most businesses participate. I don't know what the deal is going to be this year since Pixie's is not around anymore and they had the biggest party complete with the most annoying glitter canon. But maybe Pierot's will come out with something bigger or better.

Prom isn't half bad either.

-SM

PS-- I respect it. Someone's got to do the dangerous shit so science can advance. Kind of a sign of an adrenaline junkie though, are you a risk taker?

Hello,

Wow, I am sad I missed that party, sounds like a real treat. There used to be another club before Pierrot? Of course, I only know of Pierrot. I haven't been here super long, after all. I assume the change happened less than a year ago?

Prom? There is a prom? You're not in high school, are you? Or reminiscing about high school? (Nearly as bad.)

Regards, SlowCyclone

PS -- Agreed. And yes, when it suits me. You?

@spacesuitmocha

slowcyclone >> briskthames

Dear slowcyclone,

No.

But not communicating everything is quite standard with her. And her bank accounts are normal as far as I know. It is definitely a mystery, I'll give you that. But maybe an objective outside party can see it more clearly than me.

But I don't think she's done any other impulsive things. I've been trying to look back through texts and such to see if I missed anything.

It is, but it's something I'm somewhat used to. Maybe not quite like this though. I hope you don't have to deal with any major family drama. It's definitely frustrating to deal with.

All the best, briskthames

Dear briskthames,

Intriguing.

Sorry, that is probably not what you wanted to hear. What I really mean is: I am sorry that you're dealing with that...I hope you learn more information soon. I hate mysteries.

Well, they're okay when I am confident I can solve them.

I have dealt with family drama in the past, not so much anymore. There are pieces that still linger, but the bulk of it was dealt with a very long time ago. It was certainly not fun at the time and is still not fun now, whenever it flares. So, you do truly have my sympathy.

Regards, SlowCyclone

A warm scarf left at Town Hall for @slowcyclone

For your first winter in a properly cold place! :) - determinedcupid

#their favorite color too #how did u know #determinedcupid

Awww. Thank you. They love it. <3

slowcyclone >> spacesuitmocha

spacesuitmocha

Hey,

I appreciate you for reaching out, someone's gotta make the first move.

I've been making some connections but I don't think any of them are more than just friends to be honest at this point. Just the vibe I'm getting. So I figure if there's more out there why not try.

Have you also not been making connections?

Truthfully I haven't been to a ton of annual events. I've been here a couple years. Pride is always a good time though.

-SM

PS, not an astrophysicist but I can definitely appreciate some great feats of engineering

PSS-- Are you into storm chasing or meteorology?

@slowcyclone

Hello,

I tend to be that person in most of my relationships. Making the first move, that is.

Are you looking for more than just friends? I have made a few connections, but I do not believe this is the best way to assess romantic compatibility. Perhaps for some people, but we are animals in our most base ways and that makes us prone to instinctual likes and dislikes of people based on environmental factors.

Do they have a lot of pride events in town?

Regards, SlowCyclone

PS -- More storm chasing than meterology, not that I've ever actually been. Have been tempted to try it before though. Seems thrilling.

@spacesuitmocha

Hi slowcyclone,

oh i totally agree. not to turn my nose up at "other artists," but i think a lot of people have the misconception that it's easy -- or that it's all about raw talent and that if you have enough of it you can get what you want. but really, there's so much hard work that goes into any sort of art and so much perseverance

oh! i'm american too! and yes, it's very true there are a lot of us here. but they seem to come from all over. though a fair amount of people from california, specifically. not sure why! maybe it's just because it's the most populated state.

im specifically from a warmer area of the country so my first swynlake winter was definitely rough. im getting used to it, though. stocked up on warm clothes. but i am very much looking forward to the spring and summer.

xoxo,

determinedcupid

@slowcyclone

Dear determinedcupid,

I completely agree regarding artistry.

California is interesting, though I believe your theory about population is correct. Not to mention, it is rather Magick-friendly overall, so it would make sense people are drawn to Swynlake.

I am also from a warmer part of the country. :) Moving here in the winter was not ideal, but it was when my program started. Admittedly, I am still getting used to the weather, but I am inside a lot, so I am pretending I am not freezing my ass off any time I step outside my building.

Regards, SlowCyclone

@determinedcupid

luminous-seagull

Hey slowcyclone!

Ooh, are you from the beach? I haven't been to the beach in foreeeeever. I used to live in a major coastal city when I lived abroad, that was soooo nice. The beaches in [redacted country] are underrated.

I really like being outside, in general! Winter's rough for me because it's too chilly to sit outside with a book or with a knitting or crochet project. I made some cute crochet flowers the other day though!

~ LS

Hello,

I grew up near a beach. I certainly love it and now I am curious what country you are referring to. I have been to a few abroad that were certainly lovely, though nothing matches home. At least, from my perspective.

This weather is certainly taking getting used to. I have mostly lived in warmer climates my entire life. I knew the winter would be cold, but I am glad I am inside a lot for work.

Regards, SlowCyclone

@luminous-seagull

#luminous seagull

slowcyclone >> briskthames

Dear Slowcyclone,

I think other fields can offer interesting insight on the world too, even if I don't always understand it all. Well let's wait and see then. I think I'd be interested, but there's no way to tell until we do find more out.

It is a bit personal, but I don't really mind sharing it. She and I have never really been close. She's not the sort of person one gets close to. I suppose going off to do one or another thing for a job is a pattern of typical behavior. The house though... that's the step that is absolutely bizarre to me.

All the best, briskthames

@slowcyclone

Dear briskthames,

Until then.

Interesting.

And she said nothing else? Has she cleaned out any bank accounts? Or in your communications with her, has she done anything else impulsively? Sorry, perhaps these questions are callous. This is just a fascinating mystery.

I am sorry it is happening, though. Family drama is hard.

Regards, SlowCyclone

slowcyclone >> briskthames

Dear slowcyclone,

Yeah it's really not as much of a giveaway as one would hope. But I guess you'll just have to wait and see whether or not I lied. ;)

Good thing I'm patient and can handle waiting. But even if we don't share the same field I'll give it a try. Always interested in learning what other people are researching.

Not that I recall, but she hides a lot from me. But actually I had considered there could be something with her head or mental status, but she left before I had the chance to figure it out. But since she is still in contact with me it's not ringing every alarm bell yet.

All the best, briskthames

@slowcyclone

Dear briskthames,

That is admirable. Wanting to study past your own field. I do believe that kind of thing can expand your mind, as long as it does not distract your focus. I would be happy to share if you are still interested once you find out what it is.

Interesting. So, you are still speaking with her but haven't asked her the cause of her sudden disappearance? Perhaps it is too personal, but was your relationship good before this? Or is this a pattern of typical behavior?

Regards, SlowCyclone

@briskthames

hi cyclone,

it's funny how common that is, isn't it? i know so many creative-minded people who roll their eyes at people who are more rational and logical. but i also think that they haven't talked to the right sorts of people.

i just find it so interesting how different people's brains work.

you mentioned you're new to swynlake -- are you originally from england? or somewhere else entirely? they're so many people from basically everywhere in swynlake, so if you're ever feeling homesick, i'm sure you can find your crowd :)

xoxo

determinedcupid

@slowcyclone

Dear determinedcupid,

I also find it very interesting how different people's brains work. :)

I do believe some people turn to the arts because they have no other motivation in life and think it is easy. True artists understand the importance and sacrifice of good art. You seem to be of the latter category, which I commend.

I am not English, no. And I have heard there are many Americans in town already. So, that should be interesting. Not many from my neck of the woods, though, I would imagine. People tend not to leave my area much.

Regards, SlowCyclone

@determinedcupid

slowcyclone >> spacesuitmocha

Hello,

I am reaching out as we were matched for the Swynlake’s Got Mail Event. We both requested more matches. Have you not been making many connections?

I admit I cannot answer the prompt today, as I am still quite new to town, but I would be interested if you had any suggestions for events to attend.

Regards, Slow Cyclone

PS -- i like your name. are you an astrophysicist or just a fan?

@spacesuitmocha

slowcyclone >> bubblymolecule

Hello,

I am reaching out as we were matched for the Swynlake’s Got Mail Event. We both requested more matches. Have you not been making many connections?

I admit I cannot answer the prompt today, as I am still quite new to town, but I would be interested if you had any suggestions for events to attend.

Regards, Slow Cyclone

@bubblymolecule

#bubblymolecule

slowcyclone >> briskthames

Dear briskthames,

Are you British then? I suppose it doesn't narrow it down much, considering most of the world calls soccer football.

Inheriting a house? Wow, congratulations? Unless it isn't a congratulations, lol. It sounds like a strange situation, but that's alright. You don't have to talk about it if you don't want. I understand needing some privacy. I am not the most open person myself, so it would be hypocritical to expect that from someone else.

And thank you, it is interesting. Maybe if it turns out we are in adjacent fields, you can read it when I am done. :) (Just for the record, this is a very big compliment.)

I hope you get the house in order quickly in that case!

Regards, SlowCyclone

@briskthames

Dear Slowcyclone,

I am. It's true, most people do call it what it is. lol. I'm guessing you're American maybe? That won't narrow anything down here either, because I've noticed we have a pretty strong American population in Swynlake.

It sounds nice in theory, but I don't know that I'd want congratulations either. Difficult to explain, but I don't mind trying. Maybe an objective party can get a better sense of what I could do. Because the basic summary is my mother saying good luck, handing over the keys and taking off. So then it's also... is she coming back? Do I change anything anyway? As I said right, no one died but it is still bloody bizarre.

I would really like that. I want to know what an ambitious mind like yours is reading =]

Thank you! If nothing else I might just move some boxes around and call it done for the time being.

All the best, briskthames

@slowcyclone

#briskthames #'does your mother have a head injury?'#yeah <3t #that's my darling lmao

Dear briskthames,

Yes, I am American. Ha. Glad to know that there are enough of us here that it doesn't immediately pin me down. Unless you are lying to me to catch me out. In which case I can only admire your cunning.

I will certainly let you read the research once I have proofread it enough--so it might be a while. And, if we aren't in the same field, it might go over your head, so keep that in mind.

And that does sound like a strange situation. Did she show any other signs before she actually left? Or any altered ways of thinking? Is it possible she had a head injury?

Sorry if that is insensitive or too prying. It just sounds like it was very abrupt and mysterious, which can often point to a head injury.

Regards, SlowCyclone

@briskthames

hi cyclone,

oh it would be fiction -- the sort of book that you pick up and read and just find yourself... changed by, i guess? i like to think everyone has a book like that. the one book that opened your eyes and made you question something about your life and your way of thinking that you never really thought about before.

i'll probably spend my whole life trying to write something like that. but i gotta start somewhere, so i try to think of every short story i finish as a stepping stone!

anyway! didnt want to ramble too much there. i hope it made sense??

also for what it's worth, i don't think being analytical is a fault at all! it's something i admire.

xoxo,

determinedcupid

@slowcyclone

Dear determinedcupid,

That wasn't a ramble, it was interesting. It is admirable to want to be such an influential person. Those kinds of stories do stay with you, so I think that it would be very impressive if you were able to craft a story like that. I hope you succeed. :)

And thank you. I will admit that I have trouble admiring creative minds in the same way, but maybe I just haven't been talking to the right sorts of artists. I appreciate your perspective.

Regards, SlowCyclone

@determinedcupid

slowcyclone >> briskthames

Hi,

It is a satisfying feeling isn't it? I like it both in sports and in my career. Nothing feels quite as good as that kind of a win.

He'd be welcome to try, but football has been around long before Americans decided to try their hand at inventing a sport. I still like the American kind just fine. I do enjoy tackling people.

I guess it's more like... I just inherited a house. No one died which makes it an odd sort of situation, but it is a lot of space for one person and I should maybe try to make it my own. And have it feel a little less like my childhood home... perhaps. But hey maybe it's fine too. Not like I can spend that much time in it.

Hey a research proposal is interesting too though. Your ambitions eclipse everything else. I don't find that less appealing. It just tells me you're passionate about what you're doing. But I already knew that and admire it. I want to work on something similar after I get my (literal) house in order. lol.

All the best, briskthames

@slowcyclone

Dear briskthames,

Are you British then? I suppose it doesn't narrow it down much, considering most of the world calls soccer football.

And thank you, it is interesting. Maybe if it turns out we are in adjacent fields, you can read it when I am done. :) (Just for the record, this is a very big compliment.)

I hope you get the house in order quickly in that case!

Regards, SlowCyclone

@briskthames