Oddities, Curiosity, antiques & Skulls

One of the reasons why I love this blog so much, is because once in a while it enables me to stumble upon something truly strange. Like this space. Some of the items listed here wouldn't be out of place in a grisly horror story. There is quite a selection of body parts, for one. For example, if you're curious about the going price for a black bear skull, you've come to the right place. In fact, skulls are hardly a rarity here. There are deer, cattle, horse, fox, rabbit, rock hyrax and many more to choose from. I suppose reminders of mortality hold a strange fascination to many of us, and there's nothing more honest than incorporating the real thing in a work of art. But it's not just Thanatos in his many guises grinning back at you. There are other, equally fascinating objects to muse about. A collection of pendants in labradorite and sodalite. More bones, this time encased in beautifully crafted miniature coffins. More labradorite, this time with a fox skull. Earrings of coyote teeth. Miniature paintings. Agate that seems to mimic a gorgeously blue sky. Hair accessories made of bone. Magical opals. Bone pendants. Carved antler. A pair of enigmatic skull keys. A real boar heart. Most things (but not all) are for sale, but sometimes the poster is just looking for advice or showing off an unusual project. 

Members: 113.2k, at the time of writing

Trigger Warnings: Animal body parts.

Go here to visit or join. 

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Tell me you're neurodivergent without telling me you're neurodivergent

To begin with, here's a confession from my corner. I'm also neurodivergent (diagnosed about 3-4 years ago). So, this particular space felt familiar and welcoming, as well as infinitely fascinating and insightful. There are gags and serious posts about that ever-evolving dialogue with your own mental processes. There are journeys and life stories that offer hope for the future, because different people are at different stages of self-acceptation. There are questions about adulting challenges and strange anxieties; medication and other supportive tools and strategies; talk about getting over-stimulated by things most neurotypicals relegate to the realm of background noise; talk about superstitions, symptoms not covered in the diagnostic bible, superpowers. And owls, which I found interesting. I also loved an alternate take on the proverbial biological clock that has nothing to do with female reproduction - and quite frankly makes a lot more sense. But there are also discussions about sensitive topics, such as how to handle trauma and triggering memories. There are many daily posts and a fair amount of engagement on each. No judgement. Only real sharing, real support. I loved this community. 

Members: 719.9k, at the time of writing.

Trigger warnings: Occasionally, uncomfortable topics.

Go here to visit or join. 

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Ravelry

 Anyone visiting Ravelry in these days will be seeing a lot of red. Red yarn. Red works in progress. And completed melt-the-ice hats proudly displayed in solidarity with the community of Minnesota. There's even a few dogs sporting MTI-beanies. The Ravelry forum, founded 19 years ago and almost as old as Facebook, is a social networking site where fiber artists such as knitters, crocheters, dyers and spinners can meet to swap ideas, and patterns and its Facebook chapter is a very busy space indeed. So, what are the Ravelry community up to when they aren't engaged in stitch-craft subversion? Well, I saw a dinosaur hoodie, toy elephant, knitted troll dolls and, to save your poor fingers, a collection of bobbin huggers. Save the skull pattern shawl for Halloween, but there's an adorable selection of marine bird cozies for yummy easter eggs. There's a gorgeous selection of gift blankets, a mosaic inspired project and even a post that shares the story behind welcome blankets.

Members: 44k, at the time of writing.

Trigger warnings: None.

Go here to visit or join. 

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Weird Art for Weird People

It has traditionally been the role of art to speak truth to power, to challenge world views and to give inner demons an airing in the real world. In a way, art is supposed to be inherently weird, but this group leans into work that takes hostages and draws blood. It shows paintings that tell stories and heal life-long wounds. It draws inspiration from uncomfortable muses: horror themes, paganism, cosmic dread, esoteric theory, political responses. There are screams and distortions, but also quirky characters, felted miniatures and micro crocheted creatures, as well as anthropomorphic fetish issues. One sketch hints at creepy emanations from the subliminal. Another speaks of body image. One beautiful painting shares a powerful and poignant message about surviving a history of abuse. And then there's the cake that drips with dark obsessive love. 

Members: 330.5k, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: Uncomfortable themes.

Go here to visit or join. 

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Wild Horses of Sand Wash Basin

The Sand Wash Basin, located in a 166,000 acre parcel of public land to the north-west of Colorado, is home to a diverse collection of wildlife that includes sage grouse, bald eagles, foxes, coyotes, mountain lions, bobcats, black bears, elk, and mule deer, but this Facebook group features one of its most majestic species - wild horses. With their distinct color patterns, many of these equines are familiar characters to the wildlife photographers and fans who document their life stories and gift them with noble names such as Divine, Sprite, Lola, Brayley, Fireball, Astro, Picasso, Cairo, Sky King, Starshine, Spirit Dancer and Midnight Blue. There is something compelling about their beauty and their grace. Their stories provide fascinating nuance. It is obvious that their images are shared with deep love and authenticity. There is also a related Facebook page with 247k followers. 

Members: 44.6k, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: None.

Go here to visit and join. 

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Safe Space for Artists

Art is easy. Until it's not. The paint flows freely until courage falters. Step into the circle of fellow artists to show what's cooking on your easel, or even just perculating in the uncharted fields of your imagination. Boldly share your experimental pieces. Share your journey and what art means to you. Share your fears and insecurities. Share your success stories. Share hacks about the medium you use. Ask questions: organizing hacks, advice, opinions, whatever. Crowd-source suggestions for titles. There are calls for motivational tips or works in progress. Some visuals are raw and visceral. There are many, many posts per day, as this is a lively community. Come here if you're feeling vulnerable. Draw inspiration from the well of the hivemind. Then go back to your work to create some more.

Members: 183k, at the time of writing

Trigger Warnings: None.

Go here to visit or join.

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Birds of New Zealand (official)

When I first read about Nassim Nicholas Taleb's black swan theory, I was utterly delighted with the mystery and promise of unexpected discoveries that it signifies. But black swans are real and can be seen in all their glory in this Facebook group dedicated to the birdlife of the southern hemisphere island nation of New Zealand. But there are other, equally fascinating avians to behold. A lone oyster catcher on a beach. A large flock of spoonbills, head places. A white-capped albatross with its wings spread. A magical night-time shot of a white heron. Avian recluses such as the Banded Rail and Spotless Crake. A tiny, elfin rifleman - a delicate dynamo (and New Zealand's smallest bird) that can be a real challenge to capture on film. One can only imagine what the posts might have looked like if the giant moa was still around.

Members: 86.8k, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: None.

Go here to visit or join.

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