Concellation 2026

It is not so much a place or a time, but rather a state of mind that accompanies the reality of being all cos-ed up with nowhere to go. Welcome to Concellation 2026, the latest installment, happening/not happening at a convention center near you. Or not. But the absence of an actual con to promote hasn't stopped the creators from getting a line of merchandize out there. Or donating the proceeds to charity. Go Concellation. But the main drive behind the creation of this non-event is, of course, rumors of conventions that died before conception, brave gatherings that never got off the ground. It was created to poke fun, got a following of a thousand in 24 hours (according to their description), and then the poking became the star attraction. And isn't that what many of the best Facebook groups are? An excuse to poke. Imagine, without any budget restraints. Share catering suggestions. Fantasy line-ups. Alternate takes and double takes. Obsess on any obscure aspect of fandom. Put the epic into the ordinary. Above all, have fun. It's the in-joke that just keeps giving. 

Members: 44k, at the time of writing.

Trigger warnings: None.

Go here to visit or join.

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Big Tree Seekers

Get ready to meet some giants. And there's no telling where they might turn up. Cyprus. Japan. The Galápagos Islands. Nepal. Korea. Australia. Namibia. Denmark. Vancouver Island in Canada. California is richly blessed with leafy green behemoths, but then, that's redwood sequoia country. There are photos documenting visits to Redwood National Park and an encounter with the famous McKinley tree in the Sequoia National Park. But there are also posts featuring Bay Figs, water oak, American elms, giant Sitka spruce, carob trees, eucalyptus and giant camphor. We see scarred survivors that exude masses of gnarly character. Silent witnesses to world history. Like Big Dan, a bald Cypress believed to be around 2500 years old. And tiny, insignificant humans, added mainly for scale. Occasionally, trees become history. themselves. One video memorial pays homage to a 300-year-old State Champion Honey Locust from Ohio that was downed in a recent storm. Another post shares the grief accompanying the death of Tsitakakantsa, the largest measured baobab tree from the island nation of Madagascar, imbued by myth with important spiritual energy. Seek big trees and you will find so much more. 

Members: 417.2k, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: None.

Go here to visit or join. 

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Namaqualand Spring Flowers

Something magical happens around August up the West Coast of Southern Africa. Normally arid and dreary, the landscape becomes alive with color after the winter rains. Every year, the feast is subtly different. Some years, the carpet of wildflowers covers everything. Some years, it's more subtle, but equally compelling. This year, an early warm spell in July brought nature's splendor out for an unseasonable early display. Where are the flowers today? Is it still worth your time (and gasoline) to drive out to catch a glimpse of those famous Namaqualand daisies? Follow this group for tips, updates, and special flower-themed events in the region. If you can't make it this year, bookmark this group for future reference and try again next year. Meanwhile, you can still enjoy the spectacle vicariously through the photos of other visitors. 

Members: 8.9k, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: None.

Go here to visit or join. 

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Photo Credit: Wiki Commons: 

File:Namaqualand Wild Flower Route.JPG - Wikimedia Commons

Kgalagadi Sightings

The Kgalagadi Wildlife Reserve came into being from the merging of two adjacent wildlife destinations located in South Africa and Botswana and this space is packed with images typical of what you'd expect from Africa. Dusty savanna. Thorn trees that look almost alien. And lions. Plenty of lions. You can see lion cubs - small as kittens or confident teenagers - out on a stroll with mom. A sleepy pride enjoying naptime in the middle of the road. Or a trio on patrol inspecting the facilities of their human guests. But there are other species as intriguing. Curious desert foxes. A drowsy owl peeking out of the tree hollow. That super-athlete, the solitary cheetah, caught in a quiet moment. An eagle captured mid-flight. A female leopard, up close and personal. A puffadder, playing hide and seek with its surroundings. African wildcats that will look surprisingly familiar to cat lovers. Some of the photographs are truly stunning. Come here to dream about your own African odyssey. 

Members: 224.1k, at the time of writing.

Trigger warnings: None. (While I should mention that any sites featuring wild predators might contain disturbing images, I saw no violent images on my brief visit).

Go here to visit or join.

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Miniature Masterminds

Hands up if you can appreciate the work and dedication that goes into crafting the small things.  Shoes and accessories that look perfect enough to be real. A street view diorama. Flowers. A sewing corner in a dollhouse. Thumbnail-sized corn-on-the-cob. One jaw-dropping ensemble recreates the nine settings of a mystery board game. A miniature mermaid resides in a glass jar. A collection of tiny paintings. A collection of over a hundred paper plates. Small-scale knitted coverlets. A miniature arcade with pinball machines and console games. An inch-high canine figure. Fruit and confectionery that looks good enough to eat. If you've always wanted to tackle one of those adorable DIY miniature home kits on Amazon, here's where you draw inspiration. But that's not required. Only - I imagine - steady fingers, a stout heart, and a generous dash of imagination. 

Members: 84.6k, at the time of writing

Trigger Warnings: None

Go here to visit or join

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Ladies of Steampunk

Their confidence is contagious. They are fiercely positive about their self-image. Because self is a construct, a fusion between history and fantasy, with props like classic motor vehicles and steam locomotives - putting the steam into steampunk, as it were. The visual tone ranges from spicy to quirky. Expect hats and parasols. Goggles and gears. Top hats and high tea. Parasols and petticoats. Whimsical fairy wings. Fans and feathers. Most of the accessories are beautifully made. Most posts are from photo shoots and steam punk events.

Members: 38.5k, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: None.

Go here to visit or join.

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Friendly Horse Questions

One of the greatest benefits of social media communities, is the way it lends access to shared wisdom. Take horse ownership for example. You might think you know the basics, you might even have a few textbooks on your shelf, but then your mare throws you a curved ball. And it might seem too trivial (and expensive) to raise with your vet. You don't know whether to be concerned or not. For Friendly horse-related questions, this group might have your back. A fair number of questions concern correctly aging a new purchase - which means dental shots. There are also weight gain tips for rescue horses or workouts for plump ponies. Find confidence in how to raise issues with your farrier or vet. Get advice on how to restore an old saddle, which wound spray to buy and strategies for combating thrush. I liked the current cover image (but obviously this might be subject to change). 

Members: 106.3k, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: There might be medical questions.

Go here to visit or join. 

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Slow Stitch With Perfect Imperfection

Mistakes happen. Accidents can be salvaged. All it takes is a pinch of creativity. There is an energetic thread that runs from square to square, drawing the eye to follow needle paths that seem both intuitive and meditative. We are talking embellishments that brighten up everyday garments. Garments redesigned to carry a personal signature of the wearer. Threads that draw disparate elements together. Mending hacks that become wearable art. Challenges and solutions, woven together. Follow works in progress until they become upcycled masterpieces. In this group it is possible to find beauty and innovation in the simplest things. 

Members: 6.8k, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: None.

Go here to visit or join. 

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Urban Watercolor Sketchers

Some sketches are vibrantly alive with the chaos of random crowds of city dwellers. Others capture moments of stillness and repose. There's a quick watercolor impression of a fellow urban sketcher. He'll be gone in a moment, and his work might show up in a future post. Another post shares a moment from a sketchers' meet-up. What else can you expect? A street scene in Rajasthan. A street market get-together. A canal bridge in Mandurah. A church tower in Palermo. The old Coal Exchange in Cardiff. A visit to Givenchy following the footsteps of Monet. Scenes from Indonesia, Mexico and the Azores. The countryside in Tuscany. Toronto. Iceland. Styles vary and here and there, you'll find conversations about technique or art materials. 

Members: 17.4k, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: None.

Go here to visit or join. 

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Tori's Painting Club

As a watercolorist specializing in pet portraits and wildlife studies, Tori Ratcliffe has developed a distinctive and very accessible style of painting. From her website, she sells colorful and quirky cards, prints and other merchandise featuring her artwork. But that's not all. With her easy, beginner friendly tutorials, she offers guidance to anyone who wants to try a little painting for themselves. And that's what the Facebook group is all about. It's a platform for students following her online tutorials to share their own work. Although it's a small group, there are many posts per day. Not all of the featured pieces are exact replicas of Tori's example studies. Some have taken her style lessons as a starting point for experimenting with their own subject matter, immortalizing beloved pets for themselves or as gifts. The paintings are charming and the community is positive and supporting. 

Members: 1.2k, at the time of writing

Trigger Warnings: None

Go here to visit or join

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Garages, Shops and Man Caves

My grandfather's garage was his sanctum. Its dimensions must have been far more generous than optics suggested, because he was able to find space for a wealth of screws, tools, rags and spare parts. He had been a motor mechanic and was a firm believer in recycling long before it became trendy. Talk machinery, or share planning stages, progress photos or rare features. But there's also discussions about man cave etiquette. About what goes in or comes out of the man cave/garage. One quietly awesome feature was one man's plate wall - featuring number plates from almost every American state. There are bikes, muscle cars and quirky mascots. Or just a space that holds the potential to create something that works. Happy Father's Day to all.

Members: 274.9k, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: None.

Go here to visit or join.

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Orange and Jobless

Does pigmentation account for character? For attitude? If you've ever owned an orange cat, you've probably spared a thought or two for that little riddle. Because there is something unique about orange cats. But this group is for the orange loafers and lay-abouts. Cats who could have made something of themselves, if only they put in a little effort. Well, that's what the owners will have you believe. Meet the orannge goofballs. Shameless orange exhibitionists. The feline trust fund babies. Orange babies who rock their unemployment benefit cards. This group is for anyone who loves the expressively eccentric flair of the orange cat.

Members: 49.8k, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: None.

Go here to visit or join.

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Kids Crafts

 Summer vacation is on the horizon. And while it brings on all manner of joy and sparkles - for the kids, parents may feel a mixture of anticipation and dread. But fear not. There's a bunch of easy, fun craft projects to keep your kids occupied. And how about this to motivate you? Craft projects play a positive role in preparing preschoolers to be ready for kindergarten and beyond. Projects range from an adorable gorilla made from pipe cleaners to a cute owl carved from a watermelon. There's a great deal of paper craft ideas, ranging from flowers to butterfly chains and even party hats. There are also several Father's Day cards as well as coloring pages. You may want to stock up on some colored paper and glitter glue to get your little crew started.

Members: 403k, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: None

Go here to visit or join.

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KOREAN ANTIQUE FURNITURE

Antiques are always fascinating. They represent a tangible link to pasts times and often also to family heritage. They carry the signature of past craftsmanship but also offer clues to personal histories. This particular group introduces Korean workmanship, some of it rare and valuable, most of it truly gorgeous with beautiful motifs. Details that hint at cross-pollination with Japanese and Chinese influences. Interestingly, there is a profusion of chests and boxes. An apothecary chest (that could double as a tea chest). A Turtle-shaped calligraphy box. Locks that lack a key. Treasures found in the trash. Follow auctions or post questions at this space. And wait for the hivemind to do its magic.

Members: 8.9k, at the time of writing

Trigger Warning: None.

Go here to visit or join. 

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She Shed

 Interesting. Is this the soft-sided counterweight that gently tugs at the mancave's dark-tech aesthetic? The rules, it seems, are a little different here. This is not necessarily a child free space. And pets are welcome too. Expect flowers and cream teas. Comfy chairs. An inviting ambience with nocturnal lighting. Garden views. Quirky interiors. Secret napping corners. Works in progress. Art projects. Private little libraries. Impossible dreams? Cottage core galore. There are tips on how to make your own perfect little sanctum. Wise woman moments. I'm sure you'll want one of these too.

Members: 142k, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: None.

Go here to visit or join.

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Chef Max Mariola

With a YouTube following of over a million, Italian Chef Max Mariola proved that enjoying good food is one of the most universal of common denominators. And this Facebook Group which bears his name comes infused with generous dollops of can-do, culinary innovation from its members and admins. Want to know what I'm talking about? Imagine cheese stuffed salmon rolls, mango mousse or cranberry pistachio shortbread? Lebkuchen bars add a fresh twist to seasonal favorites. Want to experiment with alternatives? There are no-bake chocolate eclairs, a sugar-free carrot cake, a no-bake cheesecake and flourless almond cake. If you're looking for beginner friendly recipes, try the easy cookies or the simple muffin recipe. Looking for a zesty flavor-burst? What about powdered lemon as a hack? Or you could stick to the classics with traditional choices such as Grandma's casserole with vanilla butter cake for dessert. 

Members: 38.3k, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: None.

Go here to visit or join.

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There is also a Chef Max Mariola Facebook Page, which can be found here. 

Ships of the World

With all eyes currently pinned on the Strait of Hormuz with a mixture of hope and dread, it has never been clearer how much our world still needs maritime traffic. Except in times of crisis, we are blissfully unaware of the oil tankers and container ships that play such a vital role in global economies. We may dream of splashing out on a luxury cruise of the Mediterranean, the Caribbean, the Scandinavian fjords or even Antarctica. But that's it for the average person. But have you ever wondered about the activity program of the luxurious QE2 or the diversely opulent interior of the Titanic? Do you want a glimpse of a busy harbor like Rotterdam, or even New York in the 1970s? Vintage memorabilia from a mid-19th century clipper? While the majority of posts are present-day ship-spotting captures, usually with the vessel's name and location, there are historical images as well, such as the sinking of the KMS "Blücher" and one of the last photographs of the Titanic. You get to see tugs, rescue boats, luxury yachts and (occasionally) a combat vessel. One post list classic Hollywood films with a maritime setting, while a newspaper heading bemoans the departure of an iconic cruise ship.

Members: 199k, at the time of writing

Trigger Warnings: None

Go here to visit or join. 

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Cats at the window

We see them from both sides of the glass. Inside, cat parents snap the pictures of their felines watching the daily parade of regulars, be they human, avian, fellow feline, or perhaps just a random deer from the woods dropping by. From outside, they are captured by random strangers, who paused for a moment and exchanged glances with the cat on the other side. And sometimes, cats are the visitors, shamelessly peering through the glass to see what the neighbors are up to. Some cats have the coziest window-side perches. Some cats are just precariously draped over the windowsill, as only a cat can manage. Sometimes it's an owner, returning from work or errands, being tracked by the cat(s) of the family. Some cats are so laid-back they'll make you smile (not without a pinch of envy). Then there are the absolute hooligans who take on shades and win and the natural comedians, delighting humans with their antics. Go, kitties! All posts include a location. Quirky commentary an optional bonus. Come straight here for your daily fix of adorable cat pics. 

Members: 14.7k, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: None

Go here to visit or join. 

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Hatshepsut Project

After Cleopatra, Hatshepsut is probably the most famous female ruler of Ancient Egypt and her legacy seems phenomenal. Initially acting as regent for her young son Thutmose III, she soon assumed the role of Pharaoh in her own right. To consolidate her leadership, she often projected a masculine image. Her reign was characterized by peace, prosperity and numerous high-profile building projects such as the Karnak Temple complex and the visually distinct Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari. The media in this group focusses on a fascinating chapter of Egyptian history, and features not only visual representations of Queen Hatshepsut herself, but also other figures associated with her, such as her son and other important courtiers. Additionally, you will art and personal items from the ancient royal household. A 360-degree panoramic photograph allows you to experience the Temple of Hatshepsut as if you were present yourself, whereas a digital reconstruction uses the famous female pharaoh's mummy to show what she might have looked like. There are also posts about upcoming lectures and other Egyptology news items. The group is closely associated to a blog dedicated to Queen Hatshepsut, which can be found here. 

Members: 8.9k, at the time of writing.

Trigger Warnings: None.

Go here to visit or join.

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Wait... This is Wholesome

Wait... There are two Facebook groups with exactly the same name?? To avoid confusion (or perhaps to compound it), here's what I experienced during my (not so brief) visit to one of them. The magic memories of grandfathers - and how to preserve them for posterity. The art of transforming a simple tablecloth into a priceless heirloom infused with generations of memories. An innovative take on work wardrobes. How a conspiracy across the generational gap can serve to save teenagers from tight and uncomfortable situations. How random strangers can share extraordinary moments in your life. Or, better yet, how misdialed texts can send good vibes to perfect strangers or reveal the hidden charms of casual acquaintances. A modern take on paid mourners. Bromance vibes. The importance of acknowledging the emotional lives of sons with the same consideration as that of daughters. How consolation can be woven into the yarn of a crochet toy. There is a common thread of kindness that runs through these posts, most of whom are curated by the group admins. Go here when you want your faith in humanity restored.

Members: 204.5k, at the time of writing

Trigger Warnings: None.

Go here to visit or join.

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PS - The other group called Wait... This is Wholesome can be found here.