ysabetwordsmith | Cuddle Party

Everyone needs contact comfort sometimes. Not everyone has ample opportunities for this in facetime. So here is a chance for a cuddle party in cyberspace. Virtual cuddling can help people feel better.

We have a cuddle room that comes with fort cushions, fort frames, sheets for draping, and a weighted blanket. It has a basket of grooming brushes, hairbrushes, and styling combs. A bin holds textured pillows. There is a big basket of craft supplies along with art markers, coloring pages, and blank paper. The kitchen has a popcorn machine. Labels are available to mark dietary needs, recipe ingredients, and level of spiciness. Here is the bathroom, open to everyone. There is a lawn tent and an outdoor hot tub. Bathers should post a sign for nude or clothed activity. Come snuggle up!

Current Mood: busy
Crossposts: https://ysabetwordsmith.livejournal.com/4642338.html

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From:

technoshaman

A bear-like gent shuffles in with a very large bucket of caramelcorn, a box labled SMORES in hopes of a baby dragon, and a portable massage table. The bucket and box go on the kitchen table, and then a few deft flips set up the massage table in an empty corner. A sign, re-used from last time, is flipped over: "The Massage Goat is OUT"...

.oO(Am really hoping she shows up; I could use some of those hooves....)

He wanders 'round to the tub, posts the red-circle-and-slash over the textiles icon, and, obeying its new edict, slides into the tub largely skyclad. (Certain bits of jewelry, and the specs, don't come off...) aaaaah.

"Thank you, Ysabet, I needed this..."

From:

ysabetwordsmith

I'm happy to help.

From:

gingicat

I catmorph and find a tall pile of sun-drenched pillows to curl up on, acknowledging ear scritches majestically but preferring to be off to the side.

From: (Anonymous)

*skritches* *scritch scritch scritch scritch*

From:

gingicat

*purr*

From:

zeeth_kyrah

A smallish unicorn, about the size of a Thompson's gazelle, steps into the cuddle room. There is a clear, bell-shaped token with several discs and a ball in it, hanging from a leather collar. Apparently the bell is a voicing device, as it says, "I hope there will be petting?" The mare lies down on the floor in a warm spot and watches the room for a bit.

From:

ysabetwordsmith

*pet pet pet*

From: (Anonymous)

Oooooooooooooo.....*pet pet pet pet* * finger combs mane* *skritches forelock*

From:

mama_kestrel

The woman perched on the end of the couch-back lays down her knitting, slides to the floor, and steps carefully around other bodies to the unicorn. "Is there anywhere in particular that would like attention, petting or scritches?" Her hands are already outstretched, reaching for the lovely silky neck and withers.

From: (Anonymous)

Fluffs up a bunch of fuzzy fluffy pillows in a different corner with warm blankets and a heavy bean bag blanket. Snuggles down in the nest. *sigh*

From:

readera

*Comes in holding a big bag & pulls out a stack of handknit lap blankets in various colors. Plops them in the middle of the floor for everyone to use. Takes current knitting project out of my bag & sits down in a well lit spot to work on it.

From: (Anonymous)

*creeps in close to peer at stitches and pretty yarn to try and see what kind it is* *nudges up near you if touches are okay, if not just watches*

From:

readera

*Nudges back and offers a blanket. touches are fine with me :)

It's probably all acrylic, maybe wool. I like my yarn affordable and easily washable. I have this one in a primary color pattern with black, red, blue and green. https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/colour-your-own-story-baby-blanket

From:

ysabetwordsmith

I love the symbolism of the blanket colors.

From:

readera

Thank you. I actually made that with my nephew in mind, but I ended up keeping it. I don't have a pic of the irl version or I would share.

From: (Anonymous)

Pretty yarn *pets non-work edge gently* *curls up near you* *snuggle snuggle buddy cuddle*

From:

readera

Thanks! *Smiles and snuggles back

From:

ng_moonmoth

*stops off in the kitchen and unloads*

It's after Purim, and not quite Passover yet, so I'm setting out some items reminiscent of each:
hamantaschen
charoset
chopped liver

*puts out a basket of matzo crackers, and whole matzo squares, for those who can't wait to "enjoy" the "bread of affliction"*
*adds a small bowl of freshly grated horseradish, for those who'd like a little kick*

*goes over to where the other baby blanket is being knitted, pulls out a body pillow, a stuffie, and a project bag*

*raids the pillow stash for enough to build a pillow nest with some back support next to you*

*puts a "xe/xyr/xyrs" pronoun sticker on a green touch sticker and sticks it on*

My body feels like I expect it to right now. I'm wearing a multicolored dress that hits just above the knees, with elbow-length sleeves and a gently textured weave.

*extracts a nearly-finished baby blanket from the project bag*

This one is a rectangle made up of squares. The squares are cream, orange, and variegated brown in a diagonal progression -- colors selected by the mom-to-be. A border of the variegated brown is taking shape; right now it's about a half inch wide -- just over halfway done. The yarn is 50/50 cotton/bamboo, and the fabric has a very soft hand. Second the easily-washable part; this one's going into the washing machine after it's been blocked.

*offers my blanket to you for tactile enjoyment*

*strokes an area of your blanket that's not near where you're working*

Mmmm -- that is also nice and soft.

I don't want to disturb your progress. Is there a place I can share touch with you?

From:

ysabetwordsmith

Mmm, hamantaschen!

From: (Anonymous)

*wiggle to reach moonmoth* *pats gently* hi Moon!!! *pets pretty yarn on non-work edge gently* *SNUGGLE*

From:

ng_moonmoth

*snuggles back*

From:

readera

Yay hamentashen and matzo! I love meeting other jewish people!

*Strokes the offered blanket and admires the workmanship.
*Puts own project aside at end of the row. Gets up carefully to get cookies, matzo & spreads. Returns to the snuggly spot with enough to share, if anyone wants to. Offers Ysabeth hamentashen.

Ohhh that yarn is nice. I haven't used bamboo yarn before. The colors remind me of tiger or cat stripes. I love having my head petted or you can play with my hair if you like. I have nice thick curly hair that is up in a bun thing (ponytail with it pulled halfway through to keep it off the neck loosely). Happy early Passover and thanks for bringing snacks!

*Snacks on matzo & tries both the charoset & liver in turn.

Do you have Sedar plans?

From:

ysabetwordsmith

I shall put out latkes fried in goose fat. We made those for Ostara one year and they were quite good.

From:

ng_moonmoth

*puts a latke on a plate*

*looks around for sour cream and applesauce; presumably finds them somewhere and decorates the latke* Yum!

From:

readera

Yum! I'll have to try one of those, if I'm not too full.

From:

ng_moonmoth

>> Yay hamentashen and matzo! I love meeting other jewish people! <<

Actually, I'm the family goy. Spouse is Jewish by heritage, but generally not practicing. We tend to observe the major holidays in whatever form of spirit strikes spouse as appropriate this time.

I enjoy learning recipes from all cultures, and having Jewish recipes in my repertoire comes in handy.

>> Ohhh that yarn is nice. I haven't used bamboo yarn before. The colors remind me of tiger or cat stripes. <<

It brought a safari theme to the mom-to-be's mind. I'm so pleased the choice was not aggressively gendered.

>> I love having my head petted or you can play with my hair if you like. I have nice thick curly hair that is up in a bun thing (ponytail with it pulled halfway through to keep it off the neck loosely). <<

*gently pets head before picking up project*

I'll snuggle up beside you if you don't mind, at an angle where we can work on our projects without interfering with one another and stay in touch.

>> Do you have Sedar plans? <<

We will be hosting a brother-in-law and another family we know for the second night. We are starting with our specialties (spouse's matzo ball soup, my chopped liver), and work something up from there. We'll keep the Haggadah short and simple, and enjoy the food and company. The family is bringing a three-year-old to find the afikomen.

From:

ysabetwordsmith

That sounds like a lovely event.

Yeah, I pick up recipes from Jewish friends too. Most of the times I bake bread, it's challah.

From:

readera

>>Actually, I'm the family goy. Spouse is Jewish by heritage, but generally not practicing. We tend to observe the major holidays in whatever form of spirit strikes spouse as appropriate this time.<<

Ahh, I understand. I'm also jewish in heritage & am non-practicing. Especially since my partner and I don't live near any jewish communities.

>>It brought a safari theme to the mom-to-be's mind. I'm so pleased the choice was not aggressively gendered.<<

Non-gendered baby stuff is my fav kind of baby stuff! I have denim blue baby booties on my to knit list for a mom that is happy to get them, despite not knowing the gender of baby yet.

>>*gently pets head before picking up project*

I'll snuggle up beside you if you don't mind, at an angle where we can work on our projects without interfering with one another and stay in touch.<<

That sounds delightful! * Puts aside plate & picks up needles again to work on it more.

>>We will be hosting a brother-in-law and another family we know for the second night. We are starting with our specialties (spouse's matzo ball soup, my chopped liver), and work something up from there. We'll keep the Haggadah short and simple, and enjoy the food and company. The family is bringing a three-year-old to find the afikomen.<<

So does this. :) I am not hosting or going to a sedar this year, but I am going to try to read the haggadah at least. I really want this Harry Potter themed one! https://www.amazon.com/unofficial-Hogwarts-Haggadah-Moshe-Rosenberg/dp/0692859055

Edited (forgot to include knitting actions) Date: 2018-03-22 03:36 am (UTC)

From:

mirrorofsmoke

A fluffy gray rabbit wearing a yellow trench coat wanders in. He takes a hug me but ask first sticker from the pile of such stickers, sticks it on the front of his clothes, and goes to find a comfy sofa to flop on. He kicks back, puts his feet up and waves at people as they walk in.
Peppy's pretty amenable to hugs, and making new friends, but one of his hobbies when he had downtime has always been people-watching.

From:

ysabetwordsmith

This is a great place for people-watching.

From:

readera

*Waves back

From:

dreamwriteremmy

Julian stumbles in and grabs an "I love hugs" social alert sticker and makes himself a custom one that reads "I work better off the ground", as well as a plate of food. Once he has both things, he hops up onto one of the unoccupied cuddle couches and there is significantly less stumbling now that he's not on the same level as the floor and then he perches on the back of it, making sure there's still enough room for other people to actually sit on the couch part.

From:

ysabetwordsmith

There is plenty of room, and the furniture may be used however desired. I never understood the point of regulating how people relax. It's furniture. Make yourself comfortable.

From:

dreamwriteremmy

Julian blinks a little in surprise at Ysabet's response. He's so used to most people saying adults (and even kids) shouldn't be climbing things that aren't trees or things made for climbing that he's kind of trying to figure out where it fits among all the bad tape he's used to getting around being different from most adults.

Eventually he mentally files it with the new mental tapes he's learning and grins, replying with a gleeful "Thanks!"

From:

ysabetwordsmith

Where it fits:

* People who want to be thought of as normal will try to do everything the way it is done by others around them. They usually prefer to put their butt on the seat part of furniture and their feet on the floor, and will tell other people to do likewise. However, the more dominant a person, the more likely they vary and the less likely anyone will criticize them for it.

* Some people are just bitchy and snotty about telling everyone else how to behave. It ranges from stuffy and irritating to downright abusive. I prefer not to emulate or be around people like that.

* Various groups of people aren't concerned about how they look, but how they feel and/or whether other folks are comfortable. They'll cross their legs, sit on the floor, sit on the arm or back of furniture, lie down, or do whatever they wish.

* If you are a grownup, you can do what you damn please with your body and your furniture. If other people don't like it, they don't have to be around you.

* If you visit someone else's space, it is polite to follow their rules. If you don't like their rules, you don't have to visit them.

From:

mama_kestrel

And-and-and ME TOO! At an outdoor event some years back, the moderator gathered people, then asked "where's Mama K?" I said "here", from my perch on a branch. "I should have known." quoth he. "Kestrel's perching."

This time Kestrel will come in and drop off a flourless Amaretto cream cheese torte (my own recipe, most commonly made for Passover) and a tin of homemade candied citrus peel, then look around for a place where she can both perch and knit.

Might I share the other end of your couch-back? It looks comfy.

From:

dreamwriteremmy

Julian is caught with food in his mouth by another excited cuddle party guest this time. He swallows then grins, "The more the merrier!"

From:

mashfanficchick

...oh!

I never realized before...I mean, I knew it about myself, but I thought it was a mistake in my make-up (one of many, that is).

I didn't know it was a thing.

I didn't know there are people besides me who work better off the ground.

I didn't know THERE ARE PEOPLE BESIDES ME WHO WORK BETTER OFF THE GROUND.

I feel sort of like I did when I learned my sexuality (autochorissexuality) wasn't something unique to me.

I feel welcome, even though it's not like there's a club or anything (or is there?!).

I feel...unalone.

I'm so glad you like hugs!

*hugs you*

Edited Date: 2018-03-22 10:41 pm (UTC)

From:

ysabetwordsmith

It's not a rare thing for Air elementals, but happens in other people too.

There are billions of people on the planet, so pretty much everything doable is done by at least several of them. I'm glad I could connect you, though!

From:

dreamwriteremmy

Julian grins at the excited person hugging him, returning the hug. "I didn't know there were more people like me either!"

He shrugs, "I learned as a kid that up high was safe. Being off the ground calms me down."

From:

ysabetwordsmith

Have you seen loft beds? They're a wonderful way to save space.

https://www.pbteen.com/products/beadboard-loft-bed-boy/

https://www.walmart.com/browse/home/loft-beds/4044_103150_102547_1520845

http://www.biglots.com/product/futon-bunk-bed-and-mattress-collection/prod71214

From:

curiosity

A puma-sized grey feline with barely discernible lavender stripes and much brighter lavender eyes appears at the edges. It stalks over to snag a 'NO TOUCHING' token and then saunters to a cozy spot where a tree is dappling the ground with shade. Cushions are arranged -just so- and flopped upon. Once comfortable, it closes its eyes, rumbles a purr, and seems to ignore everyone; except for twitchy ears to follow the noises.

From:

bunnylane74

Bounces in with some woven blankets (mostly from the family that weaves) these are mostly sheep's wool dyed old-fashioned style with herbs. PUts them in a pile so those from chiller areas can snuggle down. Brings in freshly baked bread (no sulfur and there is cornbread, and wheat bread, and almond flour loaves of bread. Also brought some "Chia pudding." Flavored waters mixed with chia seeds until they are pudding-like. "YAY! cuddle party " *plops down on a pillow and dozes. *

From: (Anonymous)

Ooooooooooo!!!!!!! BREAD!!!!!!!! *NOMNOMS** new cuddle friend!cuddle??

From:

bunnylane74

Yay! And yup for hug cuddles. Opens arms for hugs.

From: (Anonymous)

Huggle, snuggle puuuuuurrrrrrrr*

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