Just going to throw out a random book recommendation because I've enjoyed it so far: Katabasis, by RF Kuang. A graduate student in analytic magic and her rival descend into Hell to try to find their horrible thesis advisor to see about bringing him back from the dead.

I have two opposing goals for 2026: Figure out something called Intune Autopilot, which is a horribly complicated Microsoft product that is replacing a system that worked just fine, thank you very much. Also, get my tech off of the big tech companies. De-Google, De-Windows, De-Amazon.

So I found this post of yours rather indirectly. I love how forthright you are in looking for friends. There's a gentle and good quality to that which I like. I have mixed feelings about doing that myself.

[distracted by chores]

... so I got busy and stepped away from my phone. Now that I'm back, i was curious about what community this was before I said anything more. Ha! You were being forthright because that's the whole point of this community! 🤦🏽 Interesting that such a thing exists and I hope it works well (and safely) for people.

I wasn't really going to respond at all because, I don't know, things and such. but then I clicked that link of yours and fell in love with the verdant colors and your excellent tastes in books!

Your area is gorgeous. The tortoises are delightful. Do they live with you? Here's a tortoise I met on a hike when I lived in desert once upon a time. It took a good half hour for my friend's tortoise to let me get this close.

I'm really curious what you thought of Children of Time and if you read the following books.

What about A Psalm for the Wild Built? I absolutely loved it. There's another book after it as well. Both relatively short. Did you get to them? What did you think?

Anyway, I've said entirely more than I intended. I don't think our demographics match what your looking for. I'm older with kids--different phase of life and such. But, like you, I enjoy watching things. Slowing down and paying attention is when I feel at my best. Sometimes I even try to capture the moments, like these autumnal trees by a lake and this butterfly.

Btw, there is another federated platform like this one for photos which you might consider sharing on. It's called PixelFed. I think you might like sharing some of your photos and your art. Could be a nice way to interact with folks.

Time to end what may be my lengthiest post here ever.

I wish you the best in your quest to meet people and in your goals for this year!

Oh, I really like that sketch. You captured his smile so well. My eyes were also drawn to the beard detail and overall excellent shading. You have a gift. Don't stop.

Stay warm this weekend!

'Sup fellow Canadian lemmy user! Good to see someone else saw this community and had a similarish idea, hoping to see it used like this more!

Oh man, rabbit holes...the history, people, and internet age drama around Rochdale College in Toronto has always been fascinating to me. A good signpost to the drama is a web search for 'Wolf Sullivan Rochdale College' - deeply miserable guy and I think a lot of his blogs are deleted, but a heck of a character if you like early internet feeling drama with a very unique Canadian flavour.

Also noticed you're looking for more stuff to do locally recently to get yourself out and about a bit. Good on you! Have slowed down/started limiting myself to the same old haunts, but need to start doing a bit of that myself. So far, what looks like the coolest thing in your neck of the country you want to check out, but haven't yet?

And welcome to Lemmy, btw! A little late now I suppose, but always good to welcome new users.