iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Christopher Gronlund @cgronlund.bsky.social · 18h

I watched about half of the Genghis: Birth of an Empire and it looks like I imagined...like shit.

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Christopher Gronlund @cgronlund.bsky.social · 18h

A nice weekend camping trip at the Johnson Branch of Ray Roberts Lake State Park.

A 2-person tent nestled in the trees. A string of LED lights illuminates the area.

A selfie of Cynthia Griffith and Christopher Gronlund on a hiking trail.

A grassy campsite surrounded by trees. A tent tucked away to the left. Camp chairs, a cart, a picnic table, fire ring, and light post.

A gravel hiking trail cuts through the trees as a bit of sunlight illuminates the way.

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Christopher Gronlund @cgronlund.bsky.social · 06/10/2026

It's a good one out there! I wanted to go for a walk or ride, but I started work early today to work with some developers in Ukraine. But...we're going camping this weekend, so here's to more of this the rest of the week!

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Christopher Gronlund @cgronlund.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

When our grandpa picked us up and asked about the movie, we told him it was about a mama bear and her cubs. (He told us to not watch anything "bad.") I mean, it WAS about that in a roundabout way...just with a kid getting creamed while hopping away in a sleeping bag! youtu.be/D8Sr_VBZNKo?...

youtu.be

Sleeping Bag Attack - Prophecy (1979)

YouTube video by PBAndAwesome

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Christopher Gronlund @cgronlund.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

I was creeped out by the whole environmental aspect of it, and the creature was scary to 10-year-old me. But...that mummy bag scene had my step brother and me laughing so hard that we waited for more funny kills after that.

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Christopher Gronlund @cgronlund.bsky.social · 05/10/2026

I spent summers in Kansas visiting my dad and step family growing up. And my step brother and I would get shipped off to Ottawa to visit his grandparents for a week or two. We saw Prophecy when it came out, and...it scared me and cracked me up!

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Christopher Gronlund @cgronlund.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

And yes, the bike was loaned to him for a review, but he wasn't obligated to say nice things. The video is more about a guy REALLY into pedaling coming to understand how cargo bikes can fit into life, even if you own cars. His throttle moment is wonderful.

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Christopher Gronlund @cgronlund.bsky.social · 03/10/2026

This point is it: “…This thing is competing with a second car. This is competing with a $40,000 death machine that we use to carry 40 pounds 4 miles. When you start comparing this to that, four grand starts feeling like a steal.” youtu.be/72C9R7t0dfA?...

youtu.be

I Didn't Need a Cargo Bike. That Was a Lie.

YouTube video by Everything's Been Done

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Christopher Gronlund @cgronlund.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

And most do well over 85 mph/137 kph...

A big-ass metal vehicle passes a "Speed Limit 85" sign in [likely] central Texas...

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Christopher Gronlund @cgronlund.bsky.social · 02/10/2026

"Oh, no...what if they have an accident?" Oh, no -- an accident at 15 mph/24 kph (tops; likely less!) vs. 70 mph/113 kph. And hell, on a Texas back road, 85 mph/137 mph...even worse... (Image in the replies...)

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Christopher Gronlund @cgronlund.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Just backed this. The first two books are wonderful, and I look forward to the third! (And if you've not read any of the Khumalo Trilogy, you can get all three books in various formats.)

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Christopher Gronlund @cgronlund.bsky.social · 01/10/2026

Just backed it and looking forward to it 😀

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Christopher Gronlund @cgronlund.bsky.social · 30/09/2026

AJ narrated a story I wrote with multiple characters that I'd not have handled as well. (I've narrated fiction for over a decade.) But more than that, he was fun and easy to work with. So, if you need narration or a voice actor, I highly recommend him.

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Christopher Gronlund @cgronlund.bsky.social · 29/09/2026

I look forward to book three on the shelf with the first two ❤️

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Christopher Gronlund @cgronlund.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

Star Trek took me a while. Cynthia was ALWAYS a fan. There are still some bits of Deep Space Nine I need to see (and some Discovery), but I am [mostly] caught up thanks to her! 😀

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Christopher Gronlund @cgronlund.bsky.social · 23/09/2026

On Hobbit Day, despite its flaws, I pay tribute to one of the few books that changed me. Reading this in fourth grade...having a best friend who went by Bilbo and having this and Dungeons and Dragons all hit in 4th and 5th grade was the best! That book took me places...

The opening page of JRR Tolkien's THE HOBBIT. Text seen reads: "Chapter I An Unexpected Party. In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit... followed by broken text...

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Christopher Gronlund @cgronlund.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Exactly! I was chatting with coworkers yesterday about how we all have to "be" a certain way at work that's not us. My manager appreciates me, but also knows I'd rather be doing other things. I'm lucky to work for him, because he knows there's much more to me than who I am at work.

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Christopher Gronlund @cgronlund.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

And, to be fair, even pulling some cowardly Democrats into the fear mongering. (Look at Gavin Newsom...ugh...)

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Christopher Gronlund @cgronlund.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

It's also important to remember the critical race theory (CRT) scare really blossomed in Southlake. And one of the first moves was to also tie trans people (and others they didn't like) into CRT. CRT isn't the scare it once was, but they found a way to turn trans hate into Republican votes 😢

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Christopher Gronlund @cgronlund.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

I moved to Texas in 1984...to Southlake. It was a as racist and homophobic then as it is today. I gave a friend many suspected was gay rides to school. (He is.) I was told I deserved to get AIDS and die by association. This podcast is a taste of the place: www.nbcnews.com/southlake-po...

nbcnews.com

Southlake podcast: Inside a critical race theory battle - NBC News

The “Southlake” podcast hosted by Mike Hixenbaugh and Antonia Hylton tells the story of how a Texas suburb became the center of a critical race theory battle.

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Christopher Gronlund @cgronlund.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Oh, I'm also using a cloth napkin, and I once read that Millennials were killing the napkin industry... 😂

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Christopher Gronlund @cgronlund.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

And some variation of avocados on flatbreads have been consumed in South America for...millennia!

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Christopher Gronlund @cgronlund.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

My mom once: "Christo, did you know avocados on toast are a thing people now complain about and blame on Millennials? Holy shit, I've been a fuckin' Millennial since before there were Millennials!"

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Christopher Gronlund @cgronlund.bsky.social · 22/09/2026

Dad-gummed Millennials and their avocado toasts and fancy coffees! 😉

A small plate with two pieces of toast. On each piece of toast, a tomato, sliced avocado, hemp seeds, and Yellowbird habanero hot sauce. Also, some baked small potatoes and salsa. (And a glimpse of a coffee cup behind it all.)

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Christopher Gronlund @cgronlund.bsky.social · 20/09/2026

AJ was soooooooo easy (and fun) to work with. He did a MUCH better job with this particular story than I could have. So, yeah: if you need narration, audiodrama cast, or just want to work with someone really cool, AJ it is! 😀

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Christopher Gronlund @cgronlund.bsky.social · 17/09/2026

Several people have said the same thing about GII. I started watching Widow's Peak, but plan to get to GII over the weekend.

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Christopher Gronlund @cgronlund.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Everyone's told me to skip Part III, but I'm sure I'll watch it as well. Watched The Godfather last night and loved it! Saw less of it than I initially thought!

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Christopher Gronlund @cgronlund.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

It was only a few years ago that I sat down and watched ALL of Raiders of the Lost Ark in one sitting. But I'd technically seen it all, with the exception of the opening. (I saw it as they flew off in the plane...and then in pieces. All of it, except that iconic opening.)

static.klipy.com

Indiana Jones: The Golden Idol Swap

ALT: Indiana Jones: The Golden Idol Swap

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Christopher Gronlund @cgronlund.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

The funny thing is, like a few iconic movies, I'm sure I've seen it all. But in pieces, over time, with different degrees of focus. I've been in many rooms where it's been on, but never watched with intent.

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Christopher Gronlund @cgronlund.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Yeah, the neighbors have a toddler and a newborn, and we keep them up all night slamming cabinet doors and running around the apartment! 🤣

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Christopher Gronlund @cgronlund.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Cynth and her sister have a lot more to settle, in another state, so I hope they can take care of things -- and that none of us ever have to set foot in southeast Missouri again. (Or visit for reasons other than another family emergency...) 5/5

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Christopher Gronlund @cgronlund.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

Mostly, I hope things go well for Cynthia and her sister getting things settled. My mom really had nothing when she died last year, so it was mostly work clearing out her apartment before another rent payment 4/5

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Christopher Gronlund @cgronlund.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

And I suppose that’s the plan: reading, riding (bike), and writing. Maybe finally watching the Godfather...maybe a solo hike. Meal prepping and…man, I’m really planning to cut loose! :) 3/5

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Christopher Gronlund @cgronlund.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

I’ve been alone for work. Hell, I once went to Atlanta for a couple months at an old job, just two weeks after they said no business travel when hiring me. But alone at home is a rarity. Cynthia said, "I hope you keep moving and get a lot of writing done while I'm gone." 2/5

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Christopher Gronlund @cgronlund.bsky.social · 14/09/2026

My wife is traveling to Missouri today to settle some things following her mom's death. It hit me: aside from a weekend, here and there when I was younger, I have never been alone at home for more than a few days. It will be an odd week and a half 1/5

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Christopher Gronlund @cgronlund.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

The mighty @ajfidalgo.com lends his voice to this accurate bit about writing 😀

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Christopher Gronlund @cgronlund.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Fortunately, I'm good now. And part of why I am is because I took my own advice and talked to some people who were surprised to find out I carried those feelings for decades.

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Christopher Gronlund @cgronlund.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Just posted a long bit about World Suicide Prevention Day. The short versions is trans and other LGTBQ+ care is suicide prevention care! Something as simple as using one's preferred pronouns or name might keep them here and help them prosper. (Why would anyone be against that...except: evil!)

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Christopher Gronlund @cgronlund.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

So you know you at least have ONE goofy-assed mofo who cares about you in Texas. And if the darkest day ever hits you, hit me up before you hit yourself, okay? I'll listen. (Even if my oldish ass is about to head off to bed...)

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Christopher Gronlund @cgronlund.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

And if you ever think about ending it and are reading this, I love you, and you matter. (DAMN, you matter!)

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Christopher Gronlund @cgronlund.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

I know, from decades of wanting to end my life, that I can't do such a thing to the people who love me. (I'm so lucky to have their love!) I'm lucky to have so many people who care about me, and I will be here for them until whatever "natural" thing takes me.

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Christopher Gronlund @cgronlund.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Adding to all this, the LGTBQ+ community is at higher risk than most of us to end it all. I will stop my world and listen to any trans, gay, lesbian, or ace friend who's not feeling it in a moment.

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Christopher Gronlund @cgronlund.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

There's NOTHING shameful about these thoughts. I carried them with me for over 40 years. If you ever think about them, chat with someone dear to you. Or me...I'll listen.

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Christopher Gronlund @cgronlund.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

It's important to talk about all this, because I'm all right. I don't think about that ultimate option anymore. Friends who have struggled are all right are well. So many people I know have been there on the edge, and some: shame has pushed them over. Others, for whatever the reason, are still here.

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Christopher Gronlund @cgronlund.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

It's no longer an issue, even when it creeps in and I self-harm [very rarely ] to release the tension. I don't have many scars, but still too many -- and some too deep. (That burn on my left wrist is a thing. Cutting on my left arm near my elbow and Wolverine scars across my chest round it out.)

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Christopher Gronlund @cgronlund.bsky.social · 11/09/2026

Ideation is a thing that's lived in my head from the time I was six and thought about diving from a maple tree in my front yard, onto East Grove Street in Mundelein, Illinois (head-first) -- to my early 40s.

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