iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Aaron the Crow Father @crowfather.net · 22/09/2026

Opening and closing pocket knives. I decided to include my much older Kershaw blur as it’s the only assisted opening knife I own, but also has a much more common frame lock.

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Aaron the Crow Father @crowfather.net · 22/09/2026

I got a new pocket knife yesterday (the blue-handled Sencut). Like the copper-handled Kershaw it has a D2 blade and a painted aluminum handle. It has a button lock, which is a first for me, and is a flipper, which I’ve had before. #knives #pocketknives #sencutknives #kershawknives #bladehq

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Aaron the Crow Father @crowfather.net · 19/09/2026

I feel like I should be feeling a RUSH at winning this particular number of games.

Screenshot of a results screen of a solitaire app on an iPhone.

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Aaron the Crow Father @crowfather.net · 17/09/2026

One of my flashlights and two of my pocket knives. I favor both kinds of things made with aluminum handles because I like how they feel and I like how they wear. I like the silver metal showing through the paint. I like the little scrapes and scratches and gouges. 🧵

This image features three items with worn aluminum handles arranged horizontally on a wooden surface, all showing scratches, scrapes, and paint worn away at the edges. At the top is a black flashlight with a red lanyard. In the middle is a closed pocket knife with a copper-colored handle and a silver pocket clip. At the bottom is another closed pocket knife featuring an olive drab green handle with black insets, a silver pocket clip, and a red lanyard.

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Aaron the Crow Father @crowfather.net · 09/09/2026

Me talking to the crow about to plunder an unattended picnic basket about thirty feet away. #crow #crows #corvids #wildlife #urbanwildlife

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Aaron the Crow Father @crowfather.net · 09/09/2026

Relocated from the cafe to the beach to continue writing today. May not last long, though, given the heat of the sun. #write #writer #writing #amwriting #writingcommunity

A sunlit waterfront work setup rests on a weathered red picnic table beside a sandy beach: an open laptop displaying a document, a black zippered case, a brown leather pouch, and a tall takeaway coffee cup. Beyond the table, a few people walk and stand along the shore near a rocky breakwater. Across calm blue water, a white ferry sits at its terminal, with low, hazy mountains stretching along the horizon beneath a wide blue sky streaked with thin clouds.

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Aaron the Crow Father @crowfather.net · 05/09/2026

I’m on FaceTime with my dad today, watching the match together, him in North Carolina and me in Seattle. #wxmafc #askwxm #wxmthirstsection 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

A warmly lit, cluttered home office and workshop: a large monitor on a wooden desk shows a FaceTime call with a bearded man, while a sports standings page is visible behind the call. The room features pegboard-mounted tools and saws, framed artwork, a webcam atop the monitor, a coffee mug, remote controls, a measuring tape, and assorted desk items.

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Aaron the Crow Father @crowfather.net · 05/09/2026

Hey @askwxm.bsky.social! Last match you gave us some impromptu Baroness Orczy… Do you think this match we could get something from Sabatini? Do it for your genre-specific, overly literate fans! Of which I might be the only one 🤔 I’ll name a crow after you… #wxmafc #askwxm #wxmthirstsection 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

Portrait of a smiling bald man wearing dark blue rectangular glasses and a gold Wrexham AFC third-kit shirt with black collar and trim, seated indoors in a warmly lit home office or study. He holds two worn red first-edition hardcover adventure novels upright in front of his chest: The Scarlet Pimpernel by Baroness Orczy on the left and Scaramouche by Rafael Sabatini on the right. The books’ faded red cloth covers, dark printed titles, and visible wear at the edges suggest well-loved vintage copies. A short gray goatee frames his smile. Behind him are shelves, framed artwork, plants, a red lantern, and the curved mesh back of an office chair, with a soft yellow lamp and a window with blue curtains adding a cozy, personal atmosphere.

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Aaron the Crow Father @crowfather.net · 05/09/2026

Wasn't it just lucky that I finished a bit of dialogue exactly at 106,000 words? No, that doesn't mean the manuscript is done. Still a bit to go, but we're getting close to the ultimate conflict in this story. Let's see… 🧵 #write #writer #writing #amwriting #writingcommunity

Screenshot of a part of a couple of pages of a manuscript in a word processing document. The important bit is the word counter at the bottom indicating that the document contains 106,000 words.

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Aaron the Crow Father @crowfather.net · 04/09/2026

This was an interesting experiment, especially when I came to questions where I had to ask myself whether I was going to answer them the way I grew up or the way I speak now. Also, Phoenix? Really? I’ve never been anywhere near there.

A screenshot of a heat map that purports to say which regions of the United States have had the biggest impact on my personal dialect.

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Aaron the Crow Father @crowfather.net · 03/09/2026

I'm definitely planning on bringing in a beta reader(s) soon, though I think I want to do my first editing pass before I do. That being said I do have some specific constraints that such a reader would have to be willing to abide by.

I am providing this unpublished manuscript solely for the purpose of receiving private feedback. I retain all copyright and other rights in and to the manuscript and its contents. You shall not copy, share, upload, transmit, quote, summarize, publish, adapt, sell, disclose, or otherwise use the manuscript or any portion thereof for any purpose outside the requested private review, including any purpose involving generative-AI services or other artificial-intelligence systems. You shall not input the manuscript into, or permit the manuscript to be processed by, any AI tool or system for analysis, summarization, training, or feedback generation. Any requested feedback shall be authored solely by the individual solicited and shall not be generated or materially assisted by generative AI. Upon my request, you shall promptly delete all copies and confirm deletion in writing.

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Aaron the Crow Father @crowfather.net · 02/09/2026

Feeling better than 90 minutes ago! #wxmafc #askwxm #wxmthirstsection 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

A jubilant Wrexham AFC supporter fills the foreground, captured in the ecstatic aftermath of what was evidently a far more stressful 90 minutes. Wearing blue-framed glasses, a red-and-white scarf tied samurai-style around his head, and a bright gold Wrexham shirt with “UNITED” emblazoned across the chest, he throws a clenched fist upward and cheers with his mouth wide open. The scarf ends—decorated with club crests, “Wrexham AFC,” and “1864”—hangs around his neck, its tasseled ends spread across his chest. Behind him, a warmly cluttered home office or study adds to the intimate, personal celebration: bookshelves, framed artwork, a laptop, desk lamp, houseplants, and a small Christmas tree create a festive backdrop. His whole expression conveys relief, pride, and the unfiltered joy of a fan whose team has just given him reason to celebrate.

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Aaron the Crow Father @crowfather.net · 02/09/2026

Wearing my favorite kit shirt from League One, and my scarf from League Two today. Hoping there’s some magic in both. We need it. #wxmafc #askwxm #wxmthirstsection 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

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Aaron the Crow Father @crowfather.net · 02/09/2026

And there it is. I just crossed the threshold of 100,000 words. The most I've ever written before in a single piece of fiction was a short story with a little over 10,000 words, so this feels like a real accomplishment. #write #writer #writing #amwriting #writingcommunity

A screenshot of a part of a page of a manuscript in a word processor.

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Aaron the Crow Father @crowfather.net · 01/09/2026

Writing progress update as of when I closed down my word processor last night. In the last seven days I've added 7,800 words. When I set a goal of 100k back at the beginning of July I didn't know if I'd stick with it. Now I expect to exceed that. #write #writer #writing #amwriting #writingcommunity

A screenshot of a fragment of manuscript text in a word processing document.

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Aaron the Crow Father @crowfather.net · 30/08/2026

I'm not really a burrito kind of person, but when the algorithm serves one up I know @scalzi.com needs to hear about it.

A chalkboard sign reading: "I do not mess with any burrito without heft. If your burrito is convenient and portable, take it elsewhere. I want a burrito that is burdensome. Unwieldy. When I raise it to my mouth, I should feel the weight of the
mistake I am about to make. No child should be able to eat this."
to eat this.

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Aaron the Crow Father @crowfather.net · 28/08/2026

Got some amusing, double audio on the club stream 😂 #wxmafc #askwxm #wxmthirstsection 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

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Aaron the Crow Father @crowfather.net · 28/08/2026

MD-1 and MD. Just a little over an hour to go until we face off against our Birmingham City foes. Midweek I was predicting a 1–1 draw. By yesterday I was feeling like 1–0 or 2–1 in our favor isn’t impossible. #wxmafc #askwxm #wxmthirstsection 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

A close-up portrait of a middle-aged, light-skinned man with a shaved head, short gray hair at the sides, and a full, neatly trimmed gray-and-brown beard. He wears clear-framed glasses and looks toward the camera with a serious, introspective expression. Fine lines across his forehead and around his eyes, together with the subdued elevator lighting and dark metallic wall behind him, create a feeling of weariness and quiet vulnerability. He is dressed in a red football jersey with a white collar and crest, and a backpack strap crosses his shoulder. The tight composition leaves little space around his face, intensifying the sense that he is caught alone with his thoughts. His fixed gaze and unsmiling mouth suggest pathos—not dramatic despair, but the muted sadness of someone enduring a difficult moment while trying to remain composed.

A warmly lit outdoor portrait of a middle-aged, light-skinned man smiling directly at the camera. He has a shaved head, a short gray beard, and clear-framed glasses, and wears a white-and-pale-blue baseball cap decorated with a red football crest. A white wireless earbud is visible in one ear. His bright red football jersey, white collar, and embroidered crest stand out vividly against the softly blurred green trees and quiet roadway behind him. The relaxed angle of his head, open smile, and visible teeth convey genuine pleasure and ease. Natural daylight illuminates his face, while the shallow depth of field gives the photograph a cheerful, buoyant atmosphere. He appears comfortable and content, enjoying the moment outdoors, with the cap and team shirt adding a playful sense of identity, enthusiasm, and celebration.

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Aaron the Crow Father @crowfather.net · 23/08/2026

Name your favorite Disney princess (wrong answers only). [And only because I can’t also use Ivanova.]

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Aaron the Crow Father @crowfather.net · 21/08/2026

Locking in my prediction for tomorrow. Wrexham and Watford have only played two matches in the last couple of years (last season), both draws (2–2 and 1–1). Both teams' pre-seasons were five friendlies: 2–1–2. 🧵 #wxmafc #askwxm #wxmthirstsection @wrexhamafc.co.uk 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

Screenshot of predictions related to the match tomorrow between Wrexham and Watford football clubs.

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Aaron the Crow Father @crowfather.net · 21/08/2026

Without downloading any new pics, where are you at mentally?

An image of Santa Claus, sitting on the ground, leaning his back against a wall. On his outstretched legs is a laptop. He turns to look at the viewer with bombastic side-eye. The text on the image reads: "Santa has been reading your posts all year. Most of you are getting history and civics books."

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Aaron the Crow Father @crowfather.net · 21/08/2026

In a great example of "Google is a bunch of shifty motherfuckers who should NOT be trusted", I have NEVER been a subscriber to any paid service on Youtube, but they sure as shit are trying to trick me into thinking I was at some point and don't want to lose access!

A screenshot of some real choice bullshit from Google.

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Aaron the Crow Father @crowfather.net · 18/08/2026

Always makes me think of Douglas Adams’ advice, delivered via Ford and Zaphod.

Screenshot of a page from The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams.

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Aaron the Crow Father @crowfather.net · 18/08/2026

Exciting action shot! The location is my living room. The music is Heilung. The whiskey is Redbreast 18. #write #writer #writing #amwriting #writingcommunity

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Aaron the Crow Father @crowfather.net · 18/08/2026

Should have been writing for the last couple of hours, but instead I worked on redrawing an initial sketch from back when I started this project. A little “before” and “after” for you. #write #writer #writing #amwriting #writingcommunity

A rough sketch of a multicolored wheel, divided into eight parts, labelled Fire, Magma, Earth, Nature, Water, Storm, Air, and Smoke.

A polished illustration of a multicolored wheel, divided into eight sections, labelled Fire, Magma, Earth, Nature, Water, Storm, Air, and Smoke, with a center labelled Core.

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Aaron the Crow Father @crowfather.net · 16/08/2026

MD-1! It’s been the usual annual drought, pre-season and cup match not withstanding, but I’m ready for the proper season to begin! #wxmafc #askwxm #wxmthirstsection 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

A cheerful, bearded man beams at the camera in a close-up outdoor portrait, looking as though he has just discovered the secret to making an ordinary day considerably more stylish. He wears clear-framed glasses, a pale blue-and-white baseball cap with a red embroidered design, and a teal varsity-style jacket decorated with bold red dragons, giving him the unmistakable air of a friendly wizard who moonlights as a very fashionable sports mascot. A white earbud peeks from one ear, while his neatly trimmed, silver-flecked beard frames a broad, genuine smile. Soft greenery, blurred cars, and dappled daylight create a relaxed suburban backdrop. The overall impression is warm, confident, approachable, and delightfully dragon-powered—as if he is ready to discuss fantasy novels, defeat a parking-lot quest, or offer excellent advice about both motorcycles and mythical beasts.

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Aaron the Crow Father @crowfather.net · 15/08/2026

I just cracked 80,000 words. I also just wrote a chapter that escalates the stakes considerably, or at least heralds the beginning of that escalation. Probably time to head home from the bookstore I've been writing in for the last three hours. #write #writer #writing #amwriting #writingcommunity

A screenshot of a portion of a manuscript in a word processing document.

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Aaron the Crow Father @crowfather.net · 14/08/2026

Progress on this manuscript continues to be made. I'm happy with it, especially for a first draft. I can already see things that will need to be addressed in the first round of editing, once the first draft is finished. But I'm happy. #write #writer #writing #amwriting #writingcommunity

A screenshot of a portion of a manuscript in a word processing document. It is the bottom of one page and the top of the next. On the former a copyright statement, page range, and date are displayed. On the later is the text "Chapter Eighteen". A word count at the bottom indicates the total is 74,719.

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Aaron the Crow Father @crowfather.net · 09/08/2026

I found out the font I’ve been using for my manuscript does NOT play nice with some of the Proto-Indo-European diacritics I’m using, so now I need to find a new one. I’ve narrowed it down to Bookerly, Georgia, or Palatino. What do you think? #write #writer #writing #amwriting #writingcommunity

A screen shot of a passage of text written in four fonts. The text is a series of invented names based loosely on Proto-Indo-European.

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Aaron the Crow Father @crowfather.net · 09/08/2026

As seen on my walk earlier today. What memories does this represent for those two people? How did the photo come to be discarded? Is this a good memory lost or a bad memory relinquished? #photography #personal #memory #relationship

A small glossy photo print lies half-tucked into a bed of ivy and dry forest litter, as if it has been accidentally or intentionally left behind in a quiet patch of woods. The image on the print is a contact-sheet style collage of faces, seen sideways and partly upside down, adding a dreamlike, disorienting quality. Bright green ivy leaves frame the scene in the foreground and along the right edge, while the ground beneath is textured with pine needles, curled brown leaves, and scattered seed pods. The contrast between the vivid living foliage and the discarded photograph creates a sense of memory, loss, and discovery, like a personal moment swallowed by nature.

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Aaron the Crow Father @crowfather.net · 09/08/2026

For another year running it's still cheaper to place an order through the main club store, even with the Trumpiffs, than it is to shop through the international store or Dicks. Now I just need to wait for them to have the third kit shirt up… #wxmafc #askwxm #wxmthirstsection @wrexhamafc.co.uk 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

A screen shot of the shopping cart of an order not yet placed with the Wrexham AFC club store.

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Aaron the Crow Father @crowfather.net · 08/08/2026

Haven't gotten to writing yet today, but I did invent twelve deities. Since the nature of these gods is that they are much older and come from a time further back, I decided to us [pseudo] Proto-Indo-European as the roots for their names. #write #writer #writing #amwriting #writingcommunity

A screenshot. The text reads:

Upper pantheon

The senior-most of the deities. Upper management to the regular gods and demigods, as it were. Inexplicable and ineffable. Archetypal.

Dyḗus Patḗr Ǵenētōr, Sky Father The Protector, Father-creator
Dhéǵhōm Dhengwā Nékwts, Dark Earth of Night, Mother-destroyer
Perkwūnos Gwhéntōr, The Striker The Slayer, Father-destroyer
Dhéǵhōm Matḗr Pl̥thēwī, Mother Earth the Broad One, Mother-creator

Middle pantheon

Deities associated with phenomena of the world, with archetypes, and with the races.

Albēwā Matḗr Albhi̯om, Mother of the Bright Ones, Goddess of Ælfe
Dhwerǵhnos Patḗr Gal̥hōm, Father of Those Wrought from Stone, God of Dweorgas
Mānūnā Matḗr Tekmn̥tom, Mother of the Resourceful Folk, Goddess of Menn
Ausōnā Matḗr Dérḱontom, Mother of the Sharp-eyed Ones, Goddess of Drake
Trudǵenos Patḗr Trudǵlóm, Father of the Heavy-Treading Folk, God of Trolls
Kātrom Patḗr Wīkr̥tom, Father of the Battle-Hardened Folk, God of Yrch
Algwénos Patḗr Hensūtom, Father of the Cold Ghosts, God of Gaste
Hédwā Matḗr Ǵhwēróm, Mother of Wild Beasts, Goddess of Ghweras

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Aaron the Crow Father @crowfather.net · 08/08/2026

Despite distractions, I feel like today has been a productive one. I wrote 5,230 words, bringing my total up just over 62,200. A couple characters got fleshed out, a couple got introduced, and some important things happened to my protagonist. #write #writer #writing #amwriting #writingcommunity

A warm, moody photo of a late-night writing desk: a large monitor displays a manuscript page in a dark editing app while a webcam sits atop the screen, and below it a white ergonomic split keyboard fills the foreground. A half-empty mug sits to the left of a crumpled Hershey’s Nuggets candy pouch and foil wrapper on the wood desk, a mouse and coiled cable lie to the right, and a metal fan with a “Cool Works” badge peeks from the left; behind the monitor a red Craftsman/DeWalt tool chest and framed art give the workspace a personal, workshop-like feel. The scene is lit by the monitor’s cool glow and warm room light, creating deep shadows and a focused, intimate atmosphere.

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Aaron the Crow Father @crowfather.net · 06/08/2026

Fucking wretched. If I wake up to this I’m calling out of work and hiding indoors all day.

Screenshot of the website, purple air showing reporting of air quality sensors across Northwestern, Washington state.

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Aaron the Crow Father @crowfather.net · 01/08/2026

I think cats must know the secret to folding space, because they can go from being a creature small enough to curl up in a little ball in your lap, to being one big enough to stretch from your hip to your feet. #cat #catsky #catsofbluesky

A black-and-white cat is sleeping soundly, stretched out on a bed and tucked into soft, textured blankets. The cat’s body is mostly black, with a white muzzle, white paws, and a hint of pink on one paw pad visible near the bottom of the image.

The scene feels warm and cozy, with layered bedding in muted green, beige, and brown patterns surrounding the cat. A green waffle-knit blanket drapes over the top of the cat and across the back of the bed, while patterned quilt or comforter fabric frames the lower half of the image.

The cat is lying on its side with its head turned away, ears relaxed, and whiskers visible against the dark fur. Its posture suggests it is fully at rest, comfortable and undisturbed in a quiet indoor setting.

Overall, the photo captures a calm, intimate moment of a pet sleeping in a soft, nest-like pile of blankets.

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Aaron the Crow Father @crowfather.net · 01/08/2026

I mean, just LOOK at this thing!

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Aaron the Crow Father @crowfather.net · 01/08/2026

I just hit 40,000 words a little while ago 😮 #write #writer #writing

A screenshot of a part of a page of text in a computer word processor. In the lower corner is a note that the manuscript contains exactly 40,000 words.

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Aaron the Crow Father @crowfather.net · 31/07/2026

Lunch and writing at my favorite spot. One crumpet consumed, three cups of tea drunk, and 1,261 words written. The playlist: Faun, Heilung, Skald, and Warduna. #write #writer #writing #thecrumpetshop

A laptop sits centered on a round white marble table in a warmly lit workspace, displaying a manuscript in a word-processing app. A plain white mug rests to the right of the computer, while a black case and a small brown case sit to the left. In the softly blurred background, shelves, bins, a stainless steel dispenser, hanging plants, and a ladder suggest an active kitchen or studio environment. The overall scene feels like a quiet writing session, with the computer and coffee cup creating a focused, productive atmosphere.

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Aaron the Crow Father @crowfather.net · 29/07/2026

Happy Match Day all ye Red Dragons! #wxmafc #askwxm #wxmthirstsection 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁷󠁬󠁳󠁿

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Aaron the Crow Father @crowfather.net · 29/07/2026

Sometimes the only place you can find to park is beside the dumpster.

A silver Piaggio Liberty scooter is parked in a parking lot beside a Tesla Cybertruck. The scooter’s slim frame, clear windshield, black seat, and tidy top case give it a clean, practical elegance that feels human-scaled and genuinely attractive. The Cybertruck, by contrast, sprawls across the background like a self-important metal slab, with an ugly angular design that feels excessive, bloated, and needlessly attention-seeking. The image sets up a clear visual comparison between refinement and restraint on one side, and brutish, overdesigned spectacle on the other.

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Aaron the Crow Father @crowfather.net · 22/07/2026

BOLO for this asshole who thinks that the painted lines in the Safeway parking lot don’t mean anything, that other drivers are responsible for getting out of his way, and that driving against the painted arrows is his Jesus-Trump given right.

Two photos of a white GMC pickup truck parked outdoors in a sunlit lot. The top image shows the front and side of the truck with a large chrome grille, dark tinted windows, black wheels, and a crew cab. The bottom image shows the rear passenger side and back window, including an X31 badge and a Washington license plate (no. D79582F) visible through the rear glass.

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Aaron the Crow Father @crowfather.net · 16/07/2026

Michigan, Wisconsin, and Minnesota are unlivable right now. Why? CLIMATE CHANGE. We are literally destroying our ability to live on this planet.

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Aaron the Crow Father @crowfather.net · 14/07/2026

A little note I've been keeping for myself as I've been writing the last two weeks. I didn't start keeping track right away, hence the combined days in the first line. This is now the longest piece of fiction I've ever written by around 8k words. #write #writer #writing #poet #essayist

“Writing progress” heading on a dark background. A gray box lists: “Total goal: 90,000 words (80,000 to 100,000)”, “Working daily goal: 500–1,000 words”, and “Day off daily goal: 1,000–2,000 words”. Below it, an italic note reads: “Important: don’t push to write so much that I start feeling burned out. Marathon, not sprint.” A two-column table shows daily word counts: “July 1–3 — 4,022 words”, “July 4 — 3,904 words”, “July 5 — 2,061 words”, “July 6 — 1,135 words”, “July 7 (revisions day) — 782 words”, “July 8 — 713 words”, “July 9 — 1,197 words”, “July 10 — 1,961 words”, “July 12 — 1,257 words”, and “July 13 — 1,380 words.”

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Aaron the Crow Father @crowfather.net · 13/07/2026

Things are coming together with my new workspace. Yesterday saw me receiving and assembling both my new desk and my desk chair. Today should have some last accessories delivered that will enable me to tidy things up. #desk #workspace #writing #mac

Warm, softly lit home office desk with a large external monitor on the left showing a manuscript or document layout, and a laptop on the right open to a writing or notes app. A white keyboard and green mug sit on the wooden desk in front, while two potted houseplants frame the workspace and add a cozy, lived-in feel. Shelves and stacked books in the background suggest an active, creative work area.

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Aaron the Crow Father @crowfather.net · 11/07/2026

Let’s go Haaland! Let’s go Norway! 🇳🇴 #norway #football #worldcup

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