iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Sean Bala @seanbala.mas.to.ap.brid.gy · 27/09/2026

Garden update! The plants survived the move and this is the harvest so far. We had them for the first time in the morning on German bread with cream cheese. Really tasty. I could not have done it without my little assistant ❤️ #Garden #Gardening #FromTheGarden […] [Original post on mas.to]

A plastic container holding a variety of small, oval-shaped tomatoes in different shades of green and reddish-orange. The container is positioned near a light source, creating a bright, natural setting.

A slice of dark bread topped with cream cheese and several slices of fresh tomatoes, served on a blue plate. In the background, there is a glimpse of a wooden door and a plant.

A child stands in a garden, exploring various plants in pots. Green tomatoes are visible on one plant, alongside other leafy vegetables. There are additional potted plants and a garden shed in the background. The setting features grass and some outdoor items.

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Sean Bala @seanbala.mas.to.ap.brid.gy · 06/09/2026

Am packing to move to another part of the area and found this. Hurts a bit harder than I thought it would. Sigh. May we all be cursed to live in interesting times. #News #Newspaper #Politics #USPol #Biden #NYTimes #Election #BidenHarris #JoeBiden #Trump #USA

A close-up of a New York Times newspaper from November 8, 2020, featuring the headline "BIDEN BEATS TRUMP." The article discusses the election results, noting record turnout and the end of Trump's term.

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Sean Bala @seanbala.mas.to.ap.brid.gy · 06/09/2026

Thinking about a career change but feeling like I need to start off small. Very small. #Books #Bookstodon #Libraries #Coding #Programming #C++ #Computers #Tech #Technology

A book cover titled "C++ for Kids," featuring a colorful design with a computer monitor and clouds. It describes itself as "A fun and visual introduction to the fundamental programming language."

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Sean Bala @seanbala.mas.to.ap.brid.gy · 06/08/2026

FediGardeners. I need some help. This is happening to my tomato plants. These are Audrey's Love and are being grown in a pot. It has only been happening with fruit that is unripe but more mature. I am also noticing this leaf curling on some of the lower leaves. I […] [Original post on mas.to]

A hand holds a green, heart-shaped fruit with faint stripes and a visible crack on one side. In the background, blurred greenery and outdoor elements are present.

A hand holding a round, green tomatillo with a small seam, against a blurred background featuring colorful prayer flags and outdoor elements.

A close-up of a tomato plant with green, jagged leaves in a white pot, sitting on a windowsill.

Close-up of a green plant stem with soft hairs and a small developing flower, showing delicate white filaments. The background features blurred green leaves.

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Sean Bala @seanbala.mas.to.ap.brid.gy · 02/08/2026

Appropo of the recent poll by @evan about regional and city cuisines, I got to encounter a rare Chicago sweet in the wild yesterday. Apple Slices is a Midwest style apple pie made on big sheet and cut into cake slices. It was pretty popular in the 1950s and 60s but is […] [Original post on mas.to]

The image depicts the exterior of Bennison's Bakery, featuring a classic marquee sign with the name "Bennison's" and "BAKERY" illuminated. The building has a maroon awning, and potted flowering plants are visible hanging off the awning.

A partially eaten pastry on a paper wrapper. The inside is a sticky, gooey brown apple filling and the top has a thin layer of sugar frosting. The pastry is displayed on a metal plate, with a blurred background of a home interior.

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Sean Bala @seanbala.mas.to.ap.brid.gy · 28/07/2026

@bruces So funny you mentioned this. I was walking through my neighborhood in #Chicago yesterday and saw these posters.

A flyer promoting an event titled "Why You Should Be a Luddite," encouraging resistance to unwanted technology. It includes event details: date (August 2nd), time (5-8 PM), and location (l
Life on Marz Community Club)

A flyer promoting an event titled "Why You Should Be a Luddite" scheduled for August 2, 2026, at Life on Mars, located at 1950 N. Western Ave., Chicago. It includes contact information Chicago Luddite Hotline.

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Sean Bala @seanbala.mas.to.ap.brid.gy · 26/07/2026

A nice way to cap off the week. A Berliner Weisse from Dovetail Brewery in #Chicago. One of my favorite variety of beer from one of my favorite places in the city. Perfect for summer. According to the promotional blurb, Napoleon’s troops called in the “Champagne of […] [Original post on mas.to]

A glass of Berliner Weisse beer sits on a wooden table, with a coaster underneath. The setting includes blurred figures in the background and a menu prominently displayed. The beer has a light, golden hue and a frothy head.

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Sean Bala @seanbala.mas.to.ap.brid.gy · 21/06/2026

The green roof above the Chinatown branch of the Chicago Public Library. I have been really fascinated by green roofs lately. Chicago is a leader in the practice. There is one on top of City Hall with over 20,000 plants and hives. And the rooftop farm on McCormick […] [Original post on mas.to]

View of the Chicago Public Library Chinatown Branch, featuring a modern glass facade, with a green roof. Surrounding area includes a street with parked cars and a sign indicating Cermak Road. The sky is clear with a few clouds.

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Sean Bala @seanbala.mas.to.ap.brid.gy · 09/06/2026

I realized I have not posted about my tomatoes this year! Decided to go with plants from the Chicago Tomato Man. He specializes in unique heirloom tomatoes. This year I prepared the soil with compost and worm castings and they are doing fantastic! There is something […] [Original post on mas.to]

A large white planter contains a growing tomato plant and a basil plant. The background features a brick wall and a view of parked cars outside a balcony.

A white planter on a balcony holds a young tomato plant supported by a wire cage and a basil plant. The background features a brick wall and leafy trees, with a glimpse of a street visible.

A toddler is watering a potted plant on a balcony. Gardening gloves and a small pot are visible nearby, and there's chalk writing on the ground. The scene is well-lit, with a brick wall in the background.

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Sean Bala @seanbala.mas.to.ap.brid.gy · 01/06/2026

Saw this on @TheOnion a few days ago. This is actually the gazebo in my local park in #Chicago. Proof photos attached. And to prove the point of the article, the night I saw this article, the gazebo had an amateur marching band rehearsing a slightly-out of tune […] [Original post on mas.to]

A large green gazebo in a urban park. The gazebo has white lantern and a statue at the base. The day is clear and the sky is a bright blue with no clouds!

The same gazebo in the evening with a group of women with marching band instruments. In the picture, one can clearly see a Sousaphone and a large bass drum. The lights of the gazebo a lit with a warm, yellow glow.

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Sean Bala @seanbala.mas.to.ap.brid.gy · 09/05/2026

This is a rare time when you actually have connection to the news. @q was one of my students in India. Besides being one of the most brilliant people I ever met, Q is also one of the kindness and most joyful. A rare combination in this day and age. Scotland and […] [Original post on mas.to]

A clip from the BBC's live coverage of the local elections in the UK. The time stamp is 13:53. The headline reads "Three Greens elected on Edinburgh list including Holyrood's first trans MSP." The text reads "the list results are out here in Ediburgh - and the Greens have managed to get a further three MSPs elected - to add to their Edinburgh Central win. They include Holyrood's first trans MSP, Q Manivannan."

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Sean Bala @seanbala.mas.to.ap.brid.gy · 14/04/2026

Time for #PortfolioDay! Though I have not had much time since becoming a parent, I am looking forward to restarting #bookbinding and #bookmaking this year. My latest project has been #handmade #vegan traveller's #notebooks. They are my design and I've enjoyed trying […] [Original post on mas.to]

An unfinished sketchbook on a green grid cutting mat. In the photo are from top to bottom - a cardboard cover, some folded sketch papers between another cardboard cover, an inner paper with a red flower on a black background, and a bookcloth with the white interior facing up.

Two hand-made traveller's notebooks on a green checked cutting mat. The one on the left is a passport-sized notebook with a brown cover and brass-colored corner pieces and a yellow elastic band. The one of the right is an A5 sized notebook with a maroon red cover, faded brown corner pieces, and a green elastic band.

Handmade Traveller's notbooks opened on a green checked cutting board. The passport sized one has a paisley inside cover with two visible handmade notebooks. The larger notebook has a cover of a painted desert canyon with a light green notebook.

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Sean Bala @seanbala.mas.to.ap.brid.gy · 08/03/2026

Watching the T20 Cricket World Cup with family in India. As an American, it is all Whackbat* to me but really fun to be with family while unexpectedly still here... * For those who don't know Whackbat, go here - youtu.be/UGt5NjWkTf8 #India #MastIndia #Cricket #T20 #ICC #WesAnderson

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Sean Bala @seanbala.mas.to.ap.brid.gy · 14/02/2026

Given Goa's current relationship with tourism and the internal colonization from North India, this Valentine's Day ad in the Times of India is a bit too real. #India #MastIndia #Goa #Travel #Tourism #Advertising #Newspaper #Colonialism

A close-up of a printed advertisement featuring the text "MAKE GOA FOREVER YOURS THIS VALENTINE" on a blue and white banner on the side of a newspaper.

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Sean Bala @seanbala.mas.to.ap.brid.gy · 23/01/2026

Finally! A new #bookmaking project! We discovered traveller’s notebooks this year. Love the concept but wanted to have one that was #vegan AND not made of plastic. I also wanted to make my own inserts. These are prototypes to see if the concept could work. I am so […] [Original post on mas.to]

The image features two handmade traveller’s journals placed side by side on a bamboo table. The left notebook is blue with an orange elastic band, and the right notebook is dark brown with a yellow elastic band. Both notebooks have metal corner protectors and both have cloth covers.

A blue and a brown cloth bound travellers journal stacked vertically, held together with colorful elastic bands, resting on a bamboo surface. Each notebook has a decorative bead through the elastic at the header.

Two traveller’s journals are placed side by side on a bamboo table. The photo is from the top so you can see the way the elastics are woven. Each book contains three passport sized notebooks. The journals are blue and brown and the elastics are orange and goldenrod respectively.

Two open traveller’s journals displayed on a bamboo table. The top notebook features a yellow and a purple passport sized journal, while the bottom notebook has an orange and a yellow passport sized journal. Both notebooks are styled with decorative covers.

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Sean Bala @seanbala.mas.to.ap.brid.gy · 04/01/2026

First #book of the year! "Automatic Noodle" by @annaleen was so wonderful. I still have a big smile on my face. Beyond being a great #scifi, it is a love letter to San Francisco and the power of food to create #community (for humans and robots alike). And now I want […] [Original post on mas.to]

A black 6 inch Kobo ereader closeup being held in a left hand. On the screen is a black and white image of the cover of the book "Automatic Noodle" by Annalee Newitz. The cover features a large rectangular bowl of noodles with some noodles being lifted up by a robot hand using chopsticks. Around the book are three other rovots and stylized view of the golden gate bridge.

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Sean Bala @seanbala.mas.to.ap.brid.gy · 15/10/2025

So I have come to my first #Linux rite of passage - I delved too deep into the terminal and messed something up. The culprit was trying to mount the drive for @mailbox_org (using instructions way over my head) to @fedora on my @frameworkcomputer. I'll try to fix it […] [Original post on mas.to]

A laptop screen displaying an emergency mode message. The text indicates that the system cannot access the console because the root account is locked. Instructions for rebooting and viewing system logs are provided, with a prompt to press Enter to continue.

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Sean Bala @seanbala.mas.to.ap.brid.gy · 10/10/2025

I am re-reading one of my favorite #books: "The Snow Leopard" by Peter Matthiessen. It is a #travel book set in 1973 in #Nepal as the author accompanies a #science expedition into the #Himalayas. It is a book about #nature and a #Buddhist introspection on grief and […] [Original post on mas.to]

An e-reader displaying the cover of "The Snow Leopard" by Peter Matthiessen, part of the Penguin Classics series. The screen shows illustrations of a snow leopard, a goat, and a penguin, along with reading progress indicating 23% read.

An e-reader displaying a passage titled "OCTOBER 10" from the book "The Snow Leopard." The text on the screen reads -"In the glory of sunrise, spiderwebs glitter and greenfinches in October gold bound from pine to shining pine. Pony bells and joyous whistling; young children and animals jump as if come to life. One beautiful child has a silver necklace and red-green strips of rag braided into crow-black hair; the infant she carries papoose-style is her own.

A day so fine for travel is also fine for harvesting potatoes. The new porters refuse to depart, nor will they give up the pay advanced to them to buy food. "Dhorpatan no-good people," says Phu-Tsering. To find nine men, Jang-bu stays behind, and Gyaltsen stays with him, guarding the loads"

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Sean Bala @seanbala.mas.to.ap.brid.gy · 11/09/2025

Today is my Birthday and thanks to @dohappybelove I got to try a cinnamon bun from Ann Sather’s. Fika break with coffee to start the day. Happy to report that it is very good ❤️❤️❤️ #Chicago #Illinois #MardiPatisserie #Coffee #Pastry #Birthday #Happiness #Fika #Autumn #September #Midwest #Fika

A Hydro Flask mug sits next to a cinnamon roll on a metal plate, with colorful prayer flags in the background. The scene is set outdoors with natural light.

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Sean Bala @seanbala.mas.to.ap.brid.gy · 08/08/2025

Hey #Solarpunks - do your thing! This is a sign near a restored shoreline path along the North Branch of the Chicago River. #Solarpunk #Hopepunk #River #Water #Chicago #Illinois #Midwest #Environment #Environnement #Joy

A sign from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, prominently displaying "NO DUMPING" with an improvised list of positive activities allowed, such as "Walking," "Singing," and "Learning" pinned next to it.

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Sean Bala @seanbala.mas.to.ap.brid.gy · 02/08/2025

Finally a small night off from parenting - a trip to Dovetail with a Helles, a Vienna Lager, and capped off with a Kölsch. Best part is that they have German pretzels with spicy mustard. Picked up a Hefeweizen four-pack to go. I am so grateful that I live in within a […] [Original post on mas.to]

A glass of Helles with a foamy head, branded with "Dovetail Brewery," is positioned on a wooden table. In the background, blurred figures and strings of lights create a lively atmosphere. A menu is partially visible on the table.

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Sean Bala @seanbala.mas.to.ap.brid.gy · 15/07/2025

Pom Poko 2 - in which the tanuki leave Japan to cause mischief in America. Caught this one near the Wellington Brown Line stop in Chicago. #Chicago #Ghibli #StudioGhibli #TakahataIsao #JapaneseMythology #Folklore #Movies #JapaneseFolklore #Mytholology #MythicalCreatures #Tanuki #Restaurant

A sign for a sushi restaurant called "Tanuki Sushi Bar & Grill" features a cartoonish tanuki design. The sign is bright yellow with black text, and the establishment's phone number is displayed below.

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Sean Bala @seanbala.mas.to.ap.brid.gy · 04/06/2025

So I have Covid...What a week (more to report later). I am being forced to take some much needed rest. Sitting on our patio right now getting some fresh air, having a warm coffee, and making some good progress in my "The Lord of the Rings" re-read. It is like a warm […] [Original post on mas.to]

An e-reader displaying "The Lord of the Rings" cover, illustrated by the author, with a reading progress of 37% and an estimated 20 hours left. The background shows greenery and a brick wall.

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Sean Bala @seanbala.mas.to.ap.brid.gy · 12/05/2025

A VERY long, overdue post. In February, I finally ordered a print from @minouette I have followed their artwork here for a few years now (worth signing up for a notification!). I saw this print last year and fell in love with it. I got this for @dohappybelove and […] [Original post on mas.to]

An ink print on a white paper. In the forground is a realistic looking brown rabbit. It looks like it is about to enter a tangle of purple and white flowers with green stems. The print is titled "Cottontail in the Cosmos" and it is print 7/9 and was made by Ele Willoughby in 2021.

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Sean Bala @seanbala.mas.to.ap.brid.gy · 21/04/2025

I am deeply saddened by Pope Francis' passing. Reading his environmental encyclical "Laudato Si'" was a life-changing experience for me. It lays out in clear, uncompromising prose the combined socio-ecological crises we all face. It is a document for everyone - […] [Original post on mas.to]

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Sean Bala @seanbala.mas.to.ap.brid.gy · 15/03/2025

Small #bookbinding update! I've been dormant since little one came in October but I'm getting ready to dust my tools off soon. I recently purchased a new laptop case from a great #Canadian #Etsy shop that specializes in making crafts from old kimonos. The artist […] [Original post on mas.to]

A row of 8 colorful scraps of Japanese fabrics laid out on a bamboo table.

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Sean Bala @seanbala.mas.to.ap.brid.gy · 15/03/2025

The #Framework Laptop 13 is a slightly unusual size and aspect ratio. So, instead of getting a case that "kind of" fits, I had one custom made from this great #Canadian artist from #Quebec on #Etsy who specializes in making things from kimono fabrics. This is my […] [Original post on mas.to]

A Framework Laptop 13 and an handmade laptop case on a bamboo desk. The case has a red floral pattern on the front with a black fabric on the top with a large wooden button.

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Sean Bala @seanbala.mas.to.ap.brid.gy · 20/01/2025

A prayer I wrote yesterday for Martin Luther King, Jr. for the Prayers of the People at St. James Cathedral in #Chicago. Our community is a bit unique in that at our 11am service, individual parishioners write the prayers of the people. Each week it is different […] [Original post on mas.to]

Photo of the following text:

God of justice, we pray for a world beset by the three evils identified by your prophet Martin Luther King, Jr. - the evil of racism, the evil of poverty, and the evil of militarism. Teach us to love one another, teach us to provide for those in need, and teach us to practice peace in our hearts and with each other. Help us to understand the web of life that ties us together in a single garment of destiny. Help us build a beloved community where all are fed, all are protected, and all are celebrated.

Lord, in your mercy

Hear our prayer

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Sean Bala @seanbala.mas.to.ap.brid.gy · 20/01/2025

Last week's #book for #Sunday - "The Second Sleep" by Robert Harris. The story follows a priest investigating the death of a heretical priest in a medieval world. Or is it? Something is a bit off with this place. Verdict: The twist comes early and is really fun […] [Original post on mas.to]

A hardcover book titled "The Second Sleep" by Robert Harris. The cover features a dark silhouette of a tower and figure on horseback against a gradient sky.

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Sean Bala @seanbala.mas.to.ap.brid.gy · 20/01/2025

New #Book for #Sunday - "On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century" by Timothy Snyder Yale historian of Eastern Europe notes 20 lessons to learn from his study of totalitrian regimes for today. Written in 2017, it hits a bit harder in 2025. Reading it […] [Original post on mas.to]

An e-reader displaying the title page of the book "On Tyranny: Twenty Lessons from the Twentieth Century" by Timothy Snyder. The device is resting on a wooden surface.

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Sean Bala @seanbala.mas.to.ap.brid.gy · 14/01/2025

I wanted to share some of my work for #PortfolioDay. I do #bookmaking and #bookbinding in my spare time. I love doing something with my hands. I've had to take a small break since our child was born but I hope to get back into the swing of things in the new year with […] [Original post on mas.to]

A cluttered artist's workbench with various supplies including a cutting mat, a ruler, a blue pencil, and pieces of beige board, with hints of handwritten notes and a metal box in the background.

A collection of various handmade notebooks on a bamboo desk. In the top row are two small pamphlet stitch books. In the middle row are two Coptic stitch books, two medium sized pamphlet stitch books, and two large pamphlet stich books. The bottom row has two accordion style books, two stab bind books, and one smaller pamphlet stitch books.

Five handmade books on a bamboo table. On the top are two Coptic stitch books. One has a cloth cover in black with Jaipuri print. The other has a blue cover with a photo print of a prominent modern art piece. The last one on the top row is a small pamphlet stich book with a sticker from India Coffee House. On the second row is a cloth bound accordion book with a cloth cover with red flowers. The other is a Coptic stich sketchbook with a plaid cloth cover and a postcard from the Portland Saturday market.

Closed handmade book with a brown spine and blue-and-white patterned cover on a bamboo desk.

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Sean Bala @seanbala.mas.to.ap.brid.gy · 06/01/2025

This year I want to start reading a new #book each #Sunday and to continue it if I like the first 50 pages. This Week: "The Golden Road: How Ancient India Transformed the World" by William Dalrymple. He discusses the Indosphere - the spread of Indian trade, culture […] [Original post on mas.to]

A copy of William Darymple's book "The Golden Road" in hardcover on a lap covered in a blanket with legs outstretched. Next to the book on the lap is a mug of coffee with cream. In the background is a wooden floor and a wooden coffee table.

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Sean Bala @seanbala.mas.to.ap.brid.gy · 04/01/2025

Got an Ethiopian Coffee at Ethiopian Diamond today during lunch with the family. Pure bliss. 🙏 And the food was wonderful, too! mastodon.social/@bunvoyage17/113767… 1/2 #Coffee @coffee #Chicago #Edgewater #Afternoon #CoffeeBreak

A black clay pot of Ethiopian coffee resting on a wicker basket on a glass table top. Next to the pot is a small ceramic cup with a thick black coffee.

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Sean Bala @seanbala.mas.to.ap.brid.gy · 04/01/2025

After many years, I've decided to try to give learning #Hindi another try. I lived in #India for five years but at an international university so English was the lingua franca. I've been told I have a good ear for the sounds but have not made a real effort to learn […] [Original post on mas.to]

A photo of an open workbook for the Hindi alphabet on a wooden table. The letter is Na and it has multiple lines of handwritten Devanagari letters. Propped up on a bookshelf on the desk is the book "Hindi Script Hacking."

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