A Garden Gnome's Advice Service

Many, many years ago, at the very dawn of this blog, I featured the Garden Gnome Liberation Front, a loose organization who famously stole garden gnomes, took them on holiday and very occasionally returned them to their garden domicile. Ah, those were far more innocent times, but perhaps we need the garden gnome far more now with his wholesome world view, his apple-cheeked smile, long white beard and distinctive red hat. The group showcases a wonderful variety of artwork by illustrators such as Tony Wolf, Cornelia Haendleer, Marie Laure Viriot, Mili Weber Polina Tsymbalova, Heinrich Schlitt, Margaret Winnifred Tarrant and Linda Lammers as well as an anonymous artist or two (who certainly deserve to have been remembered) featuring gnomes and fairies at work and play. One highlight is Italian artist Antonio Lupatelli's Tarot of Gnomes and Fairies, which is beautifully conceived. There is also a selection of photographs showing off gnome statues, as they can be viewed in the Polish city, Wrocław, doing everyday things such as playing cards or enjoying an ice cream. The city has over 800 gnome figures in total. If nothing else, the merry, whimsical nature of the gnome serves as an antidote to the doom and gloom permeating current world affairs. 

Members: 17.4k, at the time of writing

Trigger Warnings: None

Go here to visit or join.

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House Gardening Hacks

With the first signs of spring arriving unfurling in the northern hemisphere, it's time to give your green space (if you're lucky enough to have one) a little tender loving care. And if you're looking to change things around, turn over a fresh leaf perhaps, this Facebook group has plenty of innovative hacks to incorporate into your gardening routine. You will for instance learn how to create an easy-to-harvest potato tower out of recycled milk crates or grow a selection of salad greens in a barrel. You can use old egg cartons to organize bulbs for a splendid flower path or use mason jars to protect vulnerable seedlings from late frost. Make organic fertilizer from banana peels or turn your herb garden into an attractive spiral feature spread across multiple tiers. Discover the best companion plants for your tomatoes and how adding a tiny hack to your bird bath will attract more feathered friends. Here and there, you will also find household tips and wellness insights.

Members: 215.3k, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: None.

Go here to visit or join. 

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Work Memes

 Start your Monday with just a sprinkling of humor in your newsfeed. Clever puns about cops and robbers. A genius take on resume stuffing. There are Byzantian levels of ulterior motives that can be inserted into every moment and aspect of your work day. Various manifestations of stress. Wellness vs well, coffee. Mental challenges to keep your brain cells in motion. The juxtaposition between expectations and reality. Benefits debunked. Wry observations about work-life balance. Work related cat memes (why not?). The joys of anticipating a day off. Having worked weekends many years myself, it's great to see that weekend workers are also acknowledged. It's always great to see a massive Facebook Group (and this one is huge) that maintains its cohesion and identity - and the memes were enjoyable, mainly because they touch on so many aspects of work culture, with humor that feels authentic and makes you think. 

Members: 3.8 million, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: None.

Go here to visit or join.

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The Giant Army of Tuxedo Cats

I said goodbye to a very special tuxedo lady just about three years ago, so to honor our sweet Beanie, I am visiting her tribe tonight. In case you're not a cat person, tuxedos are black-and-white, cats, found in any number of pattern variations. Pink noses. Black noses. Multi-colored toe beans. Mostly black. Half-half. You name it. One household had no fewer than four tuxedo, each with its own distinct pattern. And if this group is any indication, then many are the hobbies and interests of that great army of tuxedo cats. Naturally there would be at least one who stands in stern judgement of his human's woeful mismanagement of household affairs. There were goofballs, comedians and memes-in-training, as well as a tuxedo enjoying his spaghetti, and several tuxedos on outside patrol. One tuxedo boss had his own box - Yay! Whoa, wait, here's one with his very own miniature cardboard replica of a Costco warehouse - talk about bosses. But then, I guess nothing beats the elderly gent who had just celebrated his twenty-third birthday. Congratulations, dude! That's no small feat, for a feline. 

Members: 42.3k, at the time of writing.

Trigger warnings: None.

Go here to visit or join.

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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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Art, Architecture, Places & Cultural Heritage around the World

 

The Taj Mahal is so much more than a collection of marble slabs. Vatican City, despite being the world's smallest nation state, looms large in the collective unconscious for its incredible cultural heritage, which comprises St Peter's Basilica, the Sistine Chapel as well as museums and galleries containing priceless art treasures and artefacts. A 600-year-old Jainish temple features breath-takingly detailed carvings. There are ancient ruins, Baroque interiors, even graves and memorials. Cathedrals, palaces, pyramids and mosques. One charming post shares a typical birdhouse added to the side of a building and fashioned to resemble a miniature palace. But cultural heritage can also be found in costume and music, in works of art and in the geography of the land.

Members: 197.5k, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: None.

Go here to visit or join.

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Picture credit: Shalender at Pixabay

Larry the Cat (@Number10cat)

 While world politics has devolved into the type of nail-biting lunacy that can rob anyone of their peace of mind and an adequate night's sleep, it's wonderful to know that there is still someone at Number 10 Downing Street in London who still values the good things in life: food, sleep, and a touch of mischief. I'm talking, of course, about Larry the Downing Street Cat, who has seen prime ministers and world leaders come and go, while still remaining in tune with his innate cattitude. His main role is rodent patrol, but Larry also has important PR duties and beware the fox that trespasses on his sidewalk, or even the shrubbed verge around it. He's met Obama and Zelensky, has over 871k followers on X and just celebrated his 19th birthday. For a daily dose of Larry-updates in your news feed, with charming clips and meme-worthy snapshots, as well as the odd greeting from furry (and human) fans, visit often.

Members: 15.5k, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: None.

Go here to visit or join. 

CATTITUDE

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Bird Art & Artists

There has to be a very special skill involved to successfully capture a creature that often moves faster than the eye can see. That's why I have a healthy dose of respect for each and every one of the bird artists featured in this group - whether professional or amateur. The media used vary from pencil, pen to watercolor and acrylics and the subject matters covers anything from the humble sparrow, the graceful kingfisher, the wise crow, the industrious woodpecker and the majestic osprey. If you have a fascination for avian wildlife, you would most likely enjoy adding this charming Facebook group to your newsfeed. On my visit, I also saw the Northern Cardinal, European Woodpecker, a humble robin in pencil, a macaw in watercolor, a Sri Lanka bush warbler, beautifully rendered in his natural habitat and a stunning Harris Hawk in colored pencils.

Members: 108.7k, at the time of writing.

Trigger warnings: None.

Go here to visit or join. 

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The Model T Ford Club International

When Henry Ford assembled the first Model T Ford, he created so much more than just a car. Within a decade, his vision transformed travel, leisure and work. And while many of these often mechanically-needy vehicles also became the punchline of their era, a surprising number of them have endured the century or so, that separates their manufacture from 2026. This Facebook group celebrates the iconic automobile through vintage photographs, footage from classic car shows, invitations to Ford themed events and also, through shared memories. One of the many video clip shares Mr. Ford's connection to another iconic vehicle brand, a post about a mechanical workshop that includes a module on the T's engine and a calendar post that shows off the Ford company's now-defunct aircraft division. Bet you didn't know Ford made airplanes too! Many of the black and white photographs document the Model T's incredible versatility and the improvising ingenuity of its people.

Members: 11k

Trigger Warnings: None.

Go here to visit or join. 

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The gorgeous photo accompanying this blog post is used courtesy of Joe Ross of Lansing, Michigan via Wiki Commons. It can be found here:

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Model_T_Ford_(32460978).jpg