Ray OfSunshine

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My nail tech EATS every goddamn time 🥵🔥

People with unique laughs are national treasures

I’ve been so wildly absent and inconsistent with social media this year and let me tell you, my mental health is so much better off for it.

10:00pm probably isn’t the best time to dive into a new novel when you need to be awake at an ungodly hour the next day, but it’s my birthday dammit and gonna do what I want

(And probably be very sleepy in the morning because of it)

Remember that it’s not a moral failing. Your health must be your priority! We see and appreciate all the hard work you put into your craft, but you can only be at your best when you’re feeling your best! Rest up bud, and may you be in good spirits and good health ❤️

“Whelp… I’ve been reading again. Maybe it’s time I start….”

*cracks my arthritic old lady knuckles*

“Writing again.”

Maybe this sleepy grandma is rousing from her slumber

I get a zap of dopamine every time I get an email notification that someone has commented or left kudos on my AO3. I haven’t touched the account in years and the writing is certainly not perfect - but if even just a few people are still relating to my stories, even years after activity, hell yeah 🤘

I mean shit, I endured an extremely invasive medical procedure today. A year ago, I wasn’t equipped to manage that sort of trigger. I’d isolate, ruminate, repress, and self destruct.

But I’m in bed at 9pm, sober, with a mug of peppermint tea and a novel I’m reading by book light.

I’m healing ❤️‍🩹

2025 has been messy, but beautiful. Coming up on the halfway marker, I can confidently say it’s been a year of tremendous growth.

I’ve been actively working through my trauma and character defects instead of running, denying, or digging my heels out of pride, denial, or fear like I did for so long.

Right there with you. These are disturbing fucking times my dude, growing up in poor rural Wisco I KNOW these people must be foaming at the mouths over this shit. I’m only one Wisconsinite that can’t be bought but I have to believe that counts for SOMETHING

Hey MrKravin! Didn’t know if you were still looking for recommendations, but I’d like to suggest “The Withering Rooms”. Gothic 3D side scrolling rougelite with Alice Madness Returns vibes.

The combat is clunky at times, but the worldbuilding, enemy & design sound are excellent! Def fits your vibe.

Left on the train for Sydney early this morning, after three, beautiful days - I can confidently say Canberra captured my heart.

Between the kind people, the arboretum, the zoo, the street art - this city is beautiful is bursting with life. It’s been a lovely stay, Canberra, thank you ✨❤️🦘

Tried to go for an afternoon swim for some exercise at the hotel. Couldn’t enjoy five minutes alone before two men, not even in swimsuits, begin soliciting the area with their phones out.

I’m a woman, alone, trying to swim in peace. They weren’t subtle. One was at the foot of the pool, phone on me.

I am determined to fall in love with you, Canberra.

But I have the creeping suspicion that it’s not going to be in the neighborhood we’re lodging in.

Perhaps the hotel is overcompensating to be “chic” and “up and coming”, perhaps not.

I’m off to find some gardens or a nice walk ❤️

Canberra is rapidly growing - w an infant history, so it’s unfair to compare to a place that’s been established for so much longer. This vibe goes against the grain of what I’ve felt here so far. Boring isn’t bad, pretentious & unwelcoming is. I eagerly leave this hotel seeking connection & culture.

However, (I recognize this does not represent the city as a whole) Business put us up in an uncomfortably pretentious hotel. Whereas the Melbourne hotel was warm & functional, this place looks like an unfeeling industrial prison complex. And god forbid I be dressed casually amongst the white collars

Arrived in Canberra, which is v different from Melbourne. First impressions aren’t great, but not for reasons you’d think. I love smaller cities & when I was warned that Canberra is “boring” I took it with a grain of salt (because the same is said about my home, Madison)

I have an open mind & heart

As a two time recipient of the Presidential and Congressional service awards, I have NEVER felt more ashamed and disappointed in my Country.

Trying to enjoy my once-in-a-lifetime travel abroad experience but EVERY headline I’m reading from home is causing another fragment of my soul to leave my body. A local asked me yesterday, what my opinion was of the political climate in the US… I answered honestly and solemnly:

Last day in Melbourne before we fly to Canberra tonight. Considering heading to ACMI in Federation Square for the “The Future and Other Fictions” exhibition - too bad I’ll be missing their presentation of Eraserhead because that would be one hell of a film to see here will in Mebourne hahaha

This trip has been full of WILD ups and downs and we aren’t even halfway through

I may be having to navigate this shit alone - but my higher power, whoever she is, has been walking with me every step of the way. So much serendipity

Life is crazy and ugly and terrifying and beautiful and miraculous

Today’s adventures in Melbourne:

-Navigating local transit, a terrifying delight

-Visiting the Melbourne Zoo, a beacon of sustainability and animal enrichment

-Yapping with locals, 10/10

-Firefighters at the hotel, sprinkler system soaked our floor, but our room was miraculously spared!

I learned an interesting tidbit - Madison Wisconsin & Melbourne AU were developed into “cities” roughly at the same time, with Madison being declared a “village” in 1846 and was then incorporated into a “city” in 1856. Melbourne became a “town” in 1842 and was declared a “city” by the Queen in 1847.

She was recording a video of of the “Little Lon” walkthrough exhibit, when I turned the corner and realized I was in her shot, I apologized and got out of her way.

“No no,” she said sweetly and touched my shoulder, “You look so beautiful in this light. I’m glad I captured you.”

I will never forget

Being a timid, Autistic Midwesterner w severe anxiety, today posed many challenges. But my heart is so full by the kindly folks who treated me with tenderness today. I don’t expect kindness, but always appreciate it. Especially the woman at the Melbourne Museum, an older tourist from elsewhere.

Everyone here is hot, but very few people are warm. There is a palpable coldness, a shortness. Stress & impatience. I know my place & do my best to not strike up chatter with those who have no interest. I did a painful amount of cultural research to be as respectful as possible, I am simply a guest.

Impressions of Melbourne - People here are beyond fashionable, whether they intend to be or not. Regardless of age, body type, or style - everyone in this city is just absolutely, fearlessly and unapologetically stunning.

This entire city oozes beauty. The people, the street art, the wildlife.

I don’t have a better platform to document my adventures other than here, Snapchat, & the notebook I’ve been scribbling in everywhere I go, but it’s only day 2 here in Australia, & this country has irreversibly changed me for the better.

I never expected to be here, & I take NONE of it for granted

Closed minds should come with closed mouths.