Amanda Shortman - she/her
@aspiraldance.bsky.social
Queer (Pan Ace) 🏳️🌈
Disabled* ♿️ & Neurodiverse ♾️
Christian Pagan ✝️
Writer & Blogger 👩💻
www.aspiraldance.com
*ME/CFS, Fibro, hEDS, Migraine, Dysautonomia, Endo, Asthma, Anxiety, OCD... the list goes on.
Disabled* ♿️ & Neurodiverse ♾️
Christian Pagan ✝️
Writer & Blogger 👩💻
www.aspiraldance.com
*ME/CFS, Fibro, hEDS, Migraine, Dysautonomia, Endo, Asthma, Anxiety, OCD... the list goes on.
Reposted by Amanda Shortman - she/her
I don't have the notes from @chaoticauthor.online 's wife so I can finish the series: but I worked out how I end Karl's story just as it should be.
And just at the point I did, Billy Boyd's The Last Goodbye (from the Lord of the Rings) came on Youtube randomly.
I guess we're doing it that way then.
And just at the point I did, Billy Boyd's The Last Goodbye (from the Lord of the Rings) came on Youtube randomly.
I guess we're doing it that way then.
December 1, 2025 at 11:16 PM
I don't have the notes from @chaoticauthor.online 's wife so I can finish the series: but I worked out how I end Karl's story just as it should be.
And just at the point I did, Billy Boyd's The Last Goodbye (from the Lord of the Rings) came on Youtube randomly.
I guess we're doing it that way then.
And just at the point I did, Billy Boyd's The Last Goodbye (from the Lord of the Rings) came on Youtube randomly.
I guess we're doing it that way then.
I bought myself a new advent calendar this year. It reminded me of the one I had as a kid with medieval mice in a tower. I loved it and used to make stories about all the characters ☺️
I am very excited to get to know these characters and their stories too 🥰 anyone want to hear about them when I do?
I am very excited to get to know these characters and their stories too 🥰 anyone want to hear about them when I do?
December 1, 2025 at 8:38 PM
I bought myself a new advent calendar this year. It reminded me of the one I had as a kid with medieval mice in a tower. I loved it and used to make stories about all the characters ☺️
I am very excited to get to know these characters and their stories too 🥰 anyone want to hear about them when I do?
I am very excited to get to know these characters and their stories too 🥰 anyone want to hear about them when I do?
Why are period poops a thing? 🙄
It's like the gods said, "it's not enough that they bleed, have cramps, headaches, sore boobs, nausea, and feel like they're going insane, we just *have* to add this in too!" 😈
It's like the gods said, "it's not enough that they bleed, have cramps, headaches, sore boobs, nausea, and feel like they're going insane, we just *have* to add this in too!" 😈
December 1, 2025 at 7:38 PM
Why are period poops a thing? 🙄
It's like the gods said, "it's not enough that they bleed, have cramps, headaches, sore boobs, nausea, and feel like they're going insane, we just *have* to add this in too!" 😈
It's like the gods said, "it's not enough that they bleed, have cramps, headaches, sore boobs, nausea, and feel like they're going insane, we just *have* to add this in too!" 😈
Damn it! The clutch went on our car, at a roundabout on the bypass. @theajane.bsky.social is on the phone to our breakdown cover. But fuck. This is gonna be expensive, and right before Christmas too 😭
December 1, 2025 at 10:32 AM
Damn it! The clutch went on our car, at a roundabout on the bypass. @theajane.bsky.social is on the phone to our breakdown cover. But fuck. This is gonna be expensive, and right before Christmas too 😭
Help! We want to get O an iPad plus stylus & Procreate for Christmas. But we're on a major budget, and I know *nothing* about apple products.
Can anyone in the UK let me know which option >£100 from cex has the right capabilities for this? I don't want to get the wrong one! Thanks ☺️
Can anyone in the UK let me know which option >£100 from cex has the right capabilities for this? I don't want to get the wrong one! Thanks ☺️
CeX
uk.webuy.com
November 30, 2025 at 6:09 PM
Help! We want to get O an iPad plus stylus & Procreate for Christmas. But we're on a major budget, and I know *nothing* about apple products.
Can anyone in the UK let me know which option >£100 from cex has the right capabilities for this? I don't want to get the wrong one! Thanks ☺️
Can anyone in the UK let me know which option >£100 from cex has the right capabilities for this? I don't want to get the wrong one! Thanks ☺️
Oh joy, it's that time of year when I get dry, red, and sore hands, because my skin hates the change in temperature 🙄
Anyone else struggle with this? Other than moisturising as much as possible, have you found anything that helps?
Anyone else struggle with this? Other than moisturising as much as possible, have you found anything that helps?
November 29, 2025 at 10:42 PM
Oh joy, it's that time of year when I get dry, red, and sore hands, because my skin hates the change in temperature 🙄
Anyone else struggle with this? Other than moisturising as much as possible, have you found anything that helps?
Anyone else struggle with this? Other than moisturising as much as possible, have you found anything that helps?
Reposted by Amanda Shortman - she/her
SENDING UP THE YARN SIGNAL FOR RAMSEY!!!
@sashadevlin.bsky.social has told me in the past that people do yarn swaps on Ravelry, but etsy has yarn, too.
@sashadevlin.bsky.social has told me in the past that people do yarn swaps on Ravelry, but etsy has yarn, too.
A mistake I will not repeat again: did not purchase ALL of the yarn I needed for a blanket up front, thinking I would just order more when I needed it. Aaaaaand now they've discontinued half of the colors I was using and I'm not experienced enough to know how to find equivalents elsewhere.
November 29, 2025 at 8:24 PM
SENDING UP THE YARN SIGNAL FOR RAMSEY!!!
@sashadevlin.bsky.social has told me in the past that people do yarn swaps on Ravelry, but etsy has yarn, too.
@sashadevlin.bsky.social has told me in the past that people do yarn swaps on Ravelry, but etsy has yarn, too.
Reposted by Amanda Shortman - she/her
❄️ It's Small Business Saturday, but everyone in Omaha is a little snowed in. It's a great day to support the Bookworm! ❄️
🎄 GIVE SIGNED BOOKS FOR CHRISTMAS! Order by Dec. 8, and I'll sign and personalize anything you order from the Bookworm in Omaha. Including the Fangirl manga and Marvel collections!🎄https://www.bookwormomaha.com/rainbow-rowell
November 29, 2025 at 8:34 PM
❄️ It's Small Business Saturday, but everyone in Omaha is a little snowed in. It's a great day to support the Bookworm! ❄️
I really wanted a bath... but I didn't want to do any of the pre- or post- bath stuff. I just wanted to magically be in the bath, and then magically dry and toasty warm in bed again.
Why is this not a thing? It's quite rude that you have to be cold both sides of said bath (or shower).
Why is this not a thing? It's quite rude that you have to be cold both sides of said bath (or shower).
November 29, 2025 at 8:36 PM
I really wanted a bath... but I didn't want to do any of the pre- or post- bath stuff. I just wanted to magically be in the bath, and then magically dry and toasty warm in bed again.
Why is this not a thing? It's quite rude that you have to be cold both sides of said bath (or shower).
Why is this not a thing? It's quite rude that you have to be cold both sides of said bath (or shower).
Why am I like this?🤦♀️
For months I've been struggling to read small print on packaging and asking @theajane.bsky.social to tell me what it says. I've also been ignoring the reminders to get my vision checked 😳
Just remembered I have glasses. Popped them on and everything became more readable 🙃
For months I've been struggling to read small print on packaging and asking @theajane.bsky.social to tell me what it says. I've also been ignoring the reminders to get my vision checked 😳
Just remembered I have glasses. Popped them on and everything became more readable 🙃
November 29, 2025 at 2:04 PM
Why am I like this?🤦♀️
For months I've been struggling to read small print on packaging and asking @theajane.bsky.social to tell me what it says. I've also been ignoring the reminders to get my vision checked 😳
Just remembered I have glasses. Popped them on and everything became more readable 🙃
For months I've been struggling to read small print on packaging and asking @theajane.bsky.social to tell me what it says. I've also been ignoring the reminders to get my vision checked 😳
Just remembered I have glasses. Popped them on and everything became more readable 🙃
Welp. I *knew* I was pushijg beyond my limits this week. But I was just so excited to be *doing* things.
Today I almost puked as my body revolted to my refusal to pace and rest. Currently laying down, trying not to retch 🤢
Today I almost puked as my body revolted to my refusal to pace and rest. Currently laying down, trying not to retch 🤢
November 29, 2025 at 12:17 PM
Welp. I *knew* I was pushijg beyond my limits this week. But I was just so excited to be *doing* things.
Today I almost puked as my body revolted to my refusal to pace and rest. Currently laying down, trying not to retch 🤢
Today I almost puked as my body revolted to my refusal to pace and rest. Currently laying down, trying not to retch 🤢
Just realised this will be my 3rd xray this year. I also had a CT scan, and 2 MRIs in 2025. It's been a paeticularly rough year!
We recently took my 14 yo for an xray - his first ever. And it blew my mind 🤯 Because as someone who's always had health issues, I have had so many xrays over the years.
We recently took my 14 yo for an xray - his first ever. And it blew my mind 🤯 Because as someone who's always had health issues, I have had so many xrays over the years.
Remember how a GP sent me to Urgent Care a few weeks ago, as she thought I needed an xray on my foot, but staff at the hospital decided I didn't need one?
Well my GP today agrees with the other GP and reckons it could be a stress fracture, so is sending me for an xray 🙃 directly this time though.
Well my GP today agrees with the other GP and reckons it could be a stress fracture, so is sending me for an xray 🙃 directly this time though.
November 28, 2025 at 10:18 PM
Just realised this will be my 3rd xray this year. I also had a CT scan, and 2 MRIs in 2025. It's been a paeticularly rough year!
We recently took my 14 yo for an xray - his first ever. And it blew my mind 🤯 Because as someone who's always had health issues, I have had so many xrays over the years.
We recently took my 14 yo for an xray - his first ever. And it blew my mind 🤯 Because as someone who's always had health issues, I have had so many xrays over the years.
I was lucky enough to call Matt a friend for the past few years. He was such a big part of the writing community, and we will feel this loss deeply.
How precious it is that we will still be able to find his voice woven through the books he left us with.
How precious it is that we will still be able to find his voice woven through the books he left us with.
I'm very sad to share the news that our lovely @chaoticauthor.online has passed away. His ending was peaceful and surrounded with love but came far too quickly after a short battle with pancreatic cancer.
I've known Matt for years. He was a warm, gentle, generous, all-weather friend. I miss him.
I've known Matt for years. He was a warm, gentle, generous, all-weather friend. I miss him.
November 28, 2025 at 6:44 PM
I was lucky enough to call Matt a friend for the past few years. He was such a big part of the writing community, and we will feel this loss deeply.
How precious it is that we will still be able to find his voice woven through the books he left us with.
How precious it is that we will still be able to find his voice woven through the books he left us with.
Reposted by Amanda Shortman - she/her
His widow, Cat, has invited friends to leave messages and donations in his memory to Macmillan, Matt's chosen charity. I've helped set up a memorial page so please feel free to share this to anyone who knew and loved him.
www.justgiving.com/page/mattmas...
www.justgiving.com/page/mattmas...
Fundraiser in Memory of Matt Mason for Macmillan Cancer Support
Help Louise Willingham raise money to support Macmillan Cancer Support
www.justgiving.com
November 28, 2025 at 6:11 PM
His widow, Cat, has invited friends to leave messages and donations in his memory to Macmillan, Matt's chosen charity. I've helped set up a memorial page so please feel free to share this to anyone who knew and loved him.
www.justgiving.com/page/mattmas...
www.justgiving.com/page/mattmas...
Remember how a GP sent me to Urgent Care a few weeks ago, as she thought I needed an xray on my foot, but staff at the hospital decided I didn't need one?
Well my GP today agrees with the other GP and reckons it could be a stress fracture, so is sending me for an xray 🙃 directly this time though.
Well my GP today agrees with the other GP and reckons it could be a stress fracture, so is sending me for an xray 🙃 directly this time though.
November 28, 2025 at 5:09 PM
Remember how a GP sent me to Urgent Care a few weeks ago, as she thought I needed an xray on my foot, but staff at the hospital decided I didn't need one?
Well my GP today agrees with the other GP and reckons it could be a stress fracture, so is sending me for an xray 🙃 directly this time though.
Well my GP today agrees with the other GP and reckons it could be a stress fracture, so is sending me for an xray 🙃 directly this time though.
My GP is amazing. Best I've ever had, by far 🥰
Not only did he deal with the 5 things on my list, he also gave @theajane.bsky.social a flu vaccine when I mentioned she still hadn't had hers.
He treats me like an equal partner in my care *and* understands how complex my health is ☺️
Not only did he deal with the 5 things on my list, he also gave @theajane.bsky.social a flu vaccine when I mentioned she still hadn't had hers.
He treats me like an equal partner in my care *and* understands how complex my health is ☺️
I think non-disabled people genuinely cannot grasp what it's like to be chronically ill.
I see my GP every 4-6 weeks at this point, and each time I have a list of 4-5 things we need to discuss. That isn't everything, it's just the most urgent. (He gives me a double appt every time, thankfully).
I see my GP every 4-6 weeks at this point, and each time I have a list of 4-5 things we need to discuss. That isn't everything, it's just the most urgent. (He gives me a double appt every time, thankfully).
November 28, 2025 at 1:54 PM
My GP is amazing. Best I've ever had, by far 🥰
Not only did he deal with the 5 things on my list, he also gave @theajane.bsky.social a flu vaccine when I mentioned she still hadn't had hers.
He treats me like an equal partner in my care *and* understands how complex my health is ☺️
Not only did he deal with the 5 things on my list, he also gave @theajane.bsky.social a flu vaccine when I mentioned she still hadn't had hers.
He treats me like an equal partner in my care *and* understands how complex my health is ☺️
I think non-disabled people genuinely cannot grasp what it's like to be chronically ill.
I see my GP every 4-6 weeks at this point, and each time I have a list of 4-5 things we need to discuss. That isn't everything, it's just the most urgent. (He gives me a double appt every time, thankfully).
I see my GP every 4-6 weeks at this point, and each time I have a list of 4-5 things we need to discuss. That isn't everything, it's just the most urgent. (He gives me a double appt every time, thankfully).
November 28, 2025 at 11:01 AM
I think non-disabled people genuinely cannot grasp what it's like to be chronically ill.
I see my GP every 4-6 weeks at this point, and each time I have a list of 4-5 things we need to discuss. That isn't everything, it's just the most urgent. (He gives me a double appt every time, thankfully).
I see my GP every 4-6 weeks at this point, and each time I have a list of 4-5 things we need to discuss. That isn't everything, it's just the most urgent. (He gives me a double appt every time, thankfully).
Me last night: you know what sucks? I have these times where I can push myself too far to get shit done, and I get so excited thinking I'm a normal person again. But then, inevitably, the crash hits.
Me this morning: yep, there it is 😫
PEM sucks. ME/CFS sucks.
Me this morning: yep, there it is 😫
PEM sucks. ME/CFS sucks.
November 28, 2025 at 8:05 AM
Me last night: you know what sucks? I have these times where I can push myself too far to get shit done, and I get so excited thinking I'm a normal person again. But then, inevitably, the crash hits.
Me this morning: yep, there it is 😫
PEM sucks. ME/CFS sucks.
Me this morning: yep, there it is 😫
PEM sucks. ME/CFS sucks.
My first Christmas read this year was Honeymoon For One and was the perfect combination of warm and cosy, whilst still dealing with the very real issues we all often face when it comes to relationships.
My full review is on goodreads and Storygraph, but just know I highly recommend this one.
My full review is on goodreads and Storygraph, but just know I highly recommend this one.
November 27, 2025 at 8:53 PM
My first Christmas read this year was Honeymoon For One and was the perfect combination of warm and cosy, whilst still dealing with the very real issues we all often face when it comes to relationships.
My full review is on goodreads and Storygraph, but just know I highly recommend this one.
My full review is on goodreads and Storygraph, but just know I highly recommend this one.
In brighter news, look what we bought from Aldi 😃
(Ignore the mess - we're behind on laundry & just got back from shopping!)
Video description: a reindeer dressed in a Santa suit is dancing on a kitchen table as music plays. He has quite the hip wiggle going on.
(Ignore the mess - we're behind on laundry & just got back from shopping!)
Video description: a reindeer dressed in a Santa suit is dancing on a kitchen table as music plays. He has quite the hip wiggle going on.
November 26, 2025 at 11:59 AM
In brighter news, look what we bought from Aldi 😃
(Ignore the mess - we're behind on laundry & just got back from shopping!)
Video description: a reindeer dressed in a Santa suit is dancing on a kitchen table as music plays. He has quite the hip wiggle going on.
(Ignore the mess - we're behind on laundry & just got back from shopping!)
Video description: a reindeer dressed in a Santa suit is dancing on a kitchen table as music plays. He has quite the hip wiggle going on.
We're now almost certain my cyst is infected, because it has a pimple looking lump on the side, and the base is now red.
Probably explains why I've had daily migraines and an upset stomach since the end of last week.
Already have appt with GP on Friday, so will keep up the doxycycline until then.
Probably explains why I've had daily migraines and an upset stomach since the end of last week.
Already have appt with GP on Friday, so will keep up the doxycycline until then.
November 26, 2025 at 11:57 AM
We're now almost certain my cyst is infected, because it has a pimple looking lump on the side, and the base is now red.
Probably explains why I've had daily migraines and an upset stomach since the end of last week.
Already have appt with GP on Friday, so will keep up the doxycycline until then.
Probably explains why I've had daily migraines and an upset stomach since the end of last week.
Already have appt with GP on Friday, so will keep up the doxycycline until then.
Reposted by Amanda Shortman - she/her
One week to go until our Big Give Christmas Challenge is back!
The #ChristmasChallenge is almost here, and from 2–9 December, your donation to over 1,500 incredible charities can be doubled.
We’re kicking things off with a special message from #PrueLeith, #GaryLineker and #ImeldaStaunton.
Explore the charities now: https://bit.ly/CC25-Social
We’re kicking things off with a special message from #PrueLeith, #GaryLineker and #ImeldaStaunton.
Explore the charities now: https://bit.ly/CC25-Social
November 25, 2025 at 3:07 PM
One week to go until our Big Give Christmas Challenge is back!
Reposted by Amanda Shortman - she/her
ME Research UK:
Details from last week's Westminster Hall debate on ME in quotes covering research funding, support for those with severe ME and the government's response - tinyurl.com/mw5nek48
#MECFS #PwME #CFS
Details from last week's Westminster Hall debate on ME in quotes covering research funding, support for those with severe ME and the government's response - tinyurl.com/mw5nek48
#MECFS #PwME #CFS
November 25, 2025 at 3:13 PM
ME Research UK:
Details from last week's Westminster Hall debate on ME in quotes covering research funding, support for those with severe ME and the government's response - tinyurl.com/mw5nek48
#MECFS #PwME #CFS
Details from last week's Westminster Hall debate on ME in quotes covering research funding, support for those with severe ME and the government's response - tinyurl.com/mw5nek48
#MECFS #PwME #CFS
My Nan gave me this collection on tape the year my Grandad died.
I was 13, and so it became an integral part of Christmas for me very quickly.
I still listen to it, now via a playlist on my phone. So I thought I'd share, in case you'd fancy some older songs too ☺️
music.youtube.com/playlist?lis...
I was 13, and so it became an integral part of Christmas for me very quickly.
I still listen to it, now via a playlist on my phone. So I thought I'd share, in case you'd fancy some older songs too ☺️
music.youtube.com/playlist?lis...
An Old Fashioned Christmas
Listen to An Old Fashioned Christmas on YouTube Music - a dedicated music app with official songs, music videos, remixes, covers, and more.
music.youtube.com
November 25, 2025 at 10:38 AM
My Nan gave me this collection on tape the year my Grandad died.
I was 13, and so it became an integral part of Christmas for me very quickly.
I still listen to it, now via a playlist on my phone. So I thought I'd share, in case you'd fancy some older songs too ☺️
music.youtube.com/playlist?lis...
I was 13, and so it became an integral part of Christmas for me very quickly.
I still listen to it, now via a playlist on my phone. So I thought I'd share, in case you'd fancy some older songs too ☺️
music.youtube.com/playlist?lis...
Okay friends, I need ideas!
Thea asked what I want for Christmas, and I really want cute clothing & accessories that reflect my identity.
I'd particularly like to support disabled & spoonie run small businesses here in the UK, so feel free to tag your favourites (self recs are more than welcome).
Thea asked what I want for Christmas, and I really want cute clothing & accessories that reflect my identity.
I'd particularly like to support disabled & spoonie run small businesses here in the UK, so feel free to tag your favourites (self recs are more than welcome).
November 24, 2025 at 5:16 PM
Okay friends, I need ideas!
Thea asked what I want for Christmas, and I really want cute clothing & accessories that reflect my identity.
I'd particularly like to support disabled & spoonie run small businesses here in the UK, so feel free to tag your favourites (self recs are more than welcome).
Thea asked what I want for Christmas, and I really want cute clothing & accessories that reflect my identity.
I'd particularly like to support disabled & spoonie run small businesses here in the UK, so feel free to tag your favourites (self recs are more than welcome).