Rachael Nevins ❌👑
@rachaelnevins.bsky.social
she/her | reader, writer, librarian, long-distance runner, mom, etcetera | working to open knowledge | not going back
newsletter on imagination, art, literature, and the restless search for the good life: https://www.thevariegatedlife.com/
newsletter on imagination, art, literature, and the restless search for the good life: https://www.thevariegatedlife.com/
Pinned
We soft-launched “Signs of Solidarity” w a canvass to build visible support + some legal protection for immigrant workers. Before the rain stopped us we visited 19 businesses. 9 of them agreed to post of these signs.
Want to do this by you? www.nokings.org/signs-of-sol...
@indivisible.org
Want to do this by you? www.nokings.org/signs-of-sol...
@indivisible.org
We were asked to share pointers, so here’s a 🧵!
decided yesterday to get my shingles vaccine on Monday, so the discourse I’m seeing this morning is super helpful
super hydrated—yeah, I can do that
also fwiw lots of folks I know who’ve gotten the vaccine experienced few to no side effects, though ofc you can’t know in advance what yours will be
super hydrated—yeah, I can do that
also fwiw lots of folks I know who’ve gotten the vaccine experienced few to no side effects, though ofc you can’t know in advance what yours will be
One quick note, the antihistamine protocol will not help most people with anything other than the COVID vaccine. For shingles, the preventative is to be INCREDIBLY super hydrated! Like, "peeing waterfalls" levels of hydrated.
December 9, 2025 at 12:42 PM
decided yesterday to get my shingles vaccine on Monday, so the discourse I’m seeing this morning is super helpful
super hydrated—yeah, I can do that
also fwiw lots of folks I know who’ve gotten the vaccine experienced few to no side effects, though ofc you can’t know in advance what yours will be
super hydrated—yeah, I can do that
also fwiw lots of folks I know who’ve gotten the vaccine experienced few to no side effects, though ofc you can’t know in advance what yours will be
as I will go on at length from time to time, as an actual runner of marathons, I don’t care much about the marathon-not-a-sprint analogy
usually the thing being compared to a marathon isn’t like a marathon at all
the 2 weeks of work remaining this year, though? definitely a 10K, not a marathon
usually the thing being compared to a marathon isn’t like a marathon at all
the 2 weeks of work remaining this year, though? definitely a 10K, not a marathon
December 8, 2025 at 4:01 PM
as I will go on at length from time to time, as an actual runner of marathons, I don’t care much about the marathon-not-a-sprint analogy
usually the thing being compared to a marathon isn’t like a marathon at all
the 2 weeks of work remaining this year, though? definitely a 10K, not a marathon
usually the thing being compared to a marathon isn’t like a marathon at all
the 2 weeks of work remaining this year, though? definitely a 10K, not a marathon
Reposted by Rachael Nevins ❌👑
You can go home again, the General Temporal Theory asserts, so long as you understand that home is a place where you have never been.
December 5, 2025 at 12:40 PM
You can go home again, the General Temporal Theory asserts, so long as you understand that home is a place where you have never been.
was sooooo late last night to the @bkindivisible.bsky.social general meeting last night, for parenting reasons; so glad I went anyway
starting making plans for local action to protect my community 💖
starting making plans for local action to protect my community 💖
December 4, 2025 at 1:32 PM
was sooooo late last night to the @bkindivisible.bsky.social general meeting last night, for parenting reasons; so glad I went anyway
starting making plans for local action to protect my community 💖
starting making plans for local action to protect my community 💖
OK success finally after 2 hours of trying, thanks to tips found on Reddit
not sure how accessible this system is for all families without any evident tech support beyond a list of tips that didn’t address the likely problem with the video I was uploading—its resolution, not file size
not sure how accessible this system is for all families without any evident tech support beyond a list of tips that didn’t address the likely problem with the video I was uploading—its resolution, not file size
have attempted & failed to upload my kid’s “student introduction” video to the NYC DOE’s high school application system so many times I’ve lost count
ended yesterday this way, starting today this way, whee
ended yesterday this way, starting today this way, whee
December 3, 2025 at 1:19 PM
OK success finally after 2 hours of trying, thanks to tips found on Reddit
not sure how accessible this system is for all families without any evident tech support beyond a list of tips that didn’t address the likely problem with the video I was uploading—its resolution, not file size
not sure how accessible this system is for all families without any evident tech support beyond a list of tips that didn’t address the likely problem with the video I was uploading—its resolution, not file size
have attempted & failed to upload my kid’s “student introduction” video to the NYC DOE’s high school application system so many times I’ve lost count
ended yesterday this way, starting today this way, whee
ended yesterday this way, starting today this way, whee
December 3, 2025 at 1:14 PM
have attempted & failed to upload my kid’s “student introduction” video to the NYC DOE’s high school application system so many times I’ve lost count
ended yesterday this way, starting today this way, whee
ended yesterday this way, starting today this way, whee
Reposted by Rachael Nevins ❌👑
@handsoffnyc.bsky.social is launching a weekend of community action from 12/12 to 12/14! Sign up here if you want to host a zine or whistle distribution event or something similar! We keep us safe! www.handsoffnyc.com/community
Community Weekend — Hands Off NYC
www.handsoffnyc.com
December 2, 2025 at 9:17 PM
@handsoffnyc.bsky.social is launching a weekend of community action from 12/12 to 12/14! Sign up here if you want to host a zine or whistle distribution event or something similar! We keep us safe! www.handsoffnyc.com/community
also turns out that the fairy lights that I keep on in my bedroom pretty much from when I wake to when I go to bed most days from the ending of DST to the vernal equinox are not some fanciful indulgence but necessary solace
as I discovered this year when I didn’t put them up until mid-November
as I discovered this year when I didn’t put them up until mid-November
in Brooklyn today, sunset at 4:28pm
also at 4:28pm every day through 12/13
earliest sunset (by a few seconds, I guess) this coming weekend
at the end of the month, sunset at 4:38pm
the solstice is coming & with it more light
also at 4:28pm every day through 12/13
earliest sunset (by a few seconds, I guess) this coming weekend
at the end of the month, sunset at 4:38pm
the solstice is coming & with it more light
December 2, 2025 at 4:25 PM
also turns out that the fairy lights that I keep on in my bedroom pretty much from when I wake to when I go to bed most days from the ending of DST to the vernal equinox are not some fanciful indulgence but necessary solace
as I discovered this year when I didn’t put them up until mid-November
as I discovered this year when I didn’t put them up until mid-November
in Brooklyn today, sunset at 4:28pm
also at 4:28pm every day through 12/13
earliest sunset (by a few seconds, I guess) this coming weekend
at the end of the month, sunset at 4:38pm
the solstice is coming & with it more light
also at 4:28pm every day through 12/13
earliest sunset (by a few seconds, I guess) this coming weekend
at the end of the month, sunset at 4:38pm
the solstice is coming & with it more light
December 2, 2025 at 1:31 PM
in Brooklyn today, sunset at 4:28pm
also at 4:28pm every day through 12/13
earliest sunset (by a few seconds, I guess) this coming weekend
at the end of the month, sunset at 4:38pm
the solstice is coming & with it more light
also at 4:28pm every day through 12/13
earliest sunset (by a few seconds, I guess) this coming weekend
at the end of the month, sunset at 4:38pm
the solstice is coming & with it more light
I had never seen Die Hard before last year & at the end of it was like, why are people even arguing about this? John McClane’s wife IS NAMED HOLLY! OF COURSE IT’S A CHRISTMAS MOVIE.
British public’s verdict is in: Die Hard is not a Christmas movie
British public’s verdict is in: Die Hard is not a Christmas movie
Survey also reveals Britons’ favourite festive film, views on tear-jerkers and family cinema trips
When Macaulay Culkin recently said he didn’t consider Die Hard to be a Christmas film – wading into one of pop culture’s most heated holiday debates – he was booed by a live audience.
But it looks like the British people are behind the actor, with a survey revealing that Home Alone is the UK’s favourite festive film, while Die Hard has officially been voted not a Christmas movie. Continue reading...
www.theguardian.com
December 2, 2025 at 2:13 AM
I had never seen Die Hard before last year & at the end of it was like, why are people even arguing about this? John McClane’s wife IS NAMED HOLLY! OF COURSE IT’S A CHRISTMAS MOVIE.
anywho, Monday morning
dealing yet again with the paradox that it takes a great deal of energy to get started on the things that will energize me
dealing yet again with the paradox that it takes a great deal of energy to get started on the things that will energize me
December 1, 2025 at 1:02 PM
anywho, Monday morning
dealing yet again with the paradox that it takes a great deal of energy to get started on the things that will energize me
dealing yet again with the paradox that it takes a great deal of energy to get started on the things that will energize me
♥️
In our last class last week, students in my history of reading class asked me to create an LMS discussion board where they could recommend books that had really moved them or stayed with them to each other.
This is a) such a great idea! and b) man, sometimes teaching is great.
This is a) such a great idea! and b) man, sometimes teaching is great.
December 1, 2025 at 12:59 PM
♥️
wasn’t sure about this one because the displayed cartoon shows something that never happens
turns out that the fact that the cartoon shows something that never happens is just the starting point of the excellent analysis
turns out that the fact that the cartoon shows something that never happens is just the starting point of the excellent analysis
This is actually quite brilliant, up to and including the final sentence 🔥
December 1, 2025 at 12:56 PM
wasn’t sure about this one because the displayed cartoon shows something that never happens
turns out that the fact that the cartoon shows something that never happens is just the starting point of the excellent analysis
turns out that the fact that the cartoon shows something that never happens is just the starting point of the excellent analysis
read a fun book this weekend for review
really enjoyed it but also am tired of visual artists being portrayed in novels as chaotic narcissists with idiotic projects
I mean sure, but most artists I know (especially the one I’m married to) are not like that
really enjoyed it but also am tired of visual artists being portrayed in novels as chaotic narcissists with idiotic projects
I mean sure, but most artists I know (especially the one I’m married to) are not like that
November 30, 2025 at 3:54 PM
read a fun book this weekend for review
really enjoyed it but also am tired of visual artists being portrayed in novels as chaotic narcissists with idiotic projects
I mean sure, but most artists I know (especially the one I’m married to) are not like that
really enjoyed it but also am tired of visual artists being portrayed in novels as chaotic narcissists with idiotic projects
I mean sure, but most artists I know (especially the one I’m married to) are not like that
who made the terrible plan that has me running 10 miles today?
(it was ofc me)
(February me will be grateful, maybe)
(it was ofc me)
(February me will be grateful, maybe)
November 30, 2025 at 3:25 PM
who made the terrible plan that has me running 10 miles today?
(it was ofc me)
(February me will be grateful, maybe)
(it was ofc me)
(February me will be grateful, maybe)
the fact of Sunday hitting hard this morning
not liking the transition from the extra-long weekend with lots of sleep
to what’s gonna be a super busy December
not liking the transition from the extra-long weekend with lots of sleep
to what’s gonna be a super busy December
November 30, 2025 at 3:10 PM
the fact of Sunday hitting hard this morning
not liking the transition from the extra-long weekend with lots of sleep
to what’s gonna be a super busy December
not liking the transition from the extra-long weekend with lots of sleep
to what’s gonna be a super busy December
at the exact spot where we were married ♥️
November 27, 2025 at 6:51 PM
at the exact spot where we were married ♥️
taking the train to Hartford
drifted off halfway to sleep while the 13yo (who was up late doing homework last night) is leaning on me, totally asleep
a worry from another time in the life of our family passed through my mind just before I woke up—oh no, we forgot the kids’ car seats
drifted off halfway to sleep while the 13yo (who was up late doing homework last night) is leaning on me, totally asleep
a worry from another time in the life of our family passed through my mind just before I woke up—oh no, we forgot the kids’ car seats
November 26, 2025 at 11:09 PM
taking the train to Hartford
drifted off halfway to sleep while the 13yo (who was up late doing homework last night) is leaning on me, totally asleep
a worry from another time in the life of our family passed through my mind just before I woke up—oh no, we forgot the kids’ car seats
drifted off halfway to sleep while the 13yo (who was up late doing homework last night) is leaning on me, totally asleep
a worry from another time in the life of our family passed through my mind just before I woke up—oh no, we forgot the kids’ car seats
I mean I assume that that’s what happens to some (many? most?) of the books that I put in the little free libraries around my neighborhood and why on Earth would I care.
If you are concerned about people swiping books from your little free library and reselling those books, I ask you to go to your local used bookstore and sell a book
Okay?
Understand?
Alright, next question
Okay?
Understand?
Alright, next question
November 26, 2025 at 3:16 PM
I mean I assume that that’s what happens to some (many? most?) of the books that I put in the little free libraries around my neighborhood and why on Earth would I care.
actual lmfao
narrator: 50 years ago...
me: [nods] in 1945
narrator: in 1975...
me: what
me: [nods] in 1945
narrator: in 1975...
me: what
November 25, 2025 at 7:00 PM
actual lmfao
finished reading Scoundrel Take Me Away by Louisa Darling yesterday & am sorry that I read the trilogy so fast because now there is no more
but that last book of the series! has EVERYTHING!
1. bananas plot twist
2. BEAUTIFULLY written & structured
3. soooo much angst, so so much
4. delightful HEA
but that last book of the series! has EVERYTHING!
1. bananas plot twist
2. BEAUTIFULLY written & structured
3. soooo much angst, so so much
4. delightful HEA
haven't asked in awhile. what's something you read lately that you loved? A book? An article? A poem? A message written across the sky composed entirely of crows?
for every hate read post you do you gotta share 5 things you liked at least bsky.app/profile/crai...
November 17, 2025 at 9:20 PM
finished reading Scoundrel Take Me Away by Louisa Darling yesterday & am sorry that I read the trilogy so fast because now there is no more
but that last book of the series! has EVERYTHING!
1. bananas plot twist
2. BEAUTIFULLY written & structured
3. soooo much angst, so so much
4. delightful HEA
but that last book of the series! has EVERYTHING!
1. bananas plot twist
2. BEAUTIFULLY written & structured
3. soooo much angst, so so much
4. delightful HEA
“consume the remaining years we have” is why I’m striving (struggling, yes, but working at it) to commit to things like writing poetry along with organizing
Establishing an authoritarian state while simultaneously destroying state capacity was never going to work; it's just going to be massively unpleasant to live through, and for those of us who aren't young it will probably consume the remaining years we have.
I am well aware that they are and will continue to do massive damage to this country
but does it feel like they’re on a glide path to successful authoritarian consolidation anymore? I submit that it does not
but does it feel like they’re on a glide path to successful authoritarian consolidation anymore? I submit that it does not
November 15, 2025 at 3:05 PM
“consume the remaining years we have” is why I’m striving (struggling, yes, but working at it) to commit to things like writing poetry along with organizing
Reposted by Rachael Nevins ❌👑
Establishing an authoritarian state while simultaneously destroying state capacity was never going to work; it's just going to be massively unpleasant to live through, and for those of us who aren't young it will probably consume the remaining years we have.
I am well aware that they are and will continue to do massive damage to this country
but does it feel like they’re on a glide path to successful authoritarian consolidation anymore? I submit that it does not
but does it feel like they’re on a glide path to successful authoritarian consolidation anymore? I submit that it does not
November 15, 2025 at 2:20 PM
Establishing an authoritarian state while simultaneously destroying state capacity was never going to work; it's just going to be massively unpleasant to live through, and for those of us who aren't young it will probably consume the remaining years we have.
a window seat for the return trip too, on the west side facing the rear
a view of the spangled Brooklyn Bridge & downtown Manhattan
in the distance, Lady Liberty glowing & holding up her lamp against the rust red remains of the sunset
a view of the spangled Brooklyn Bridge & downtown Manhattan
in the distance, Lady Liberty glowing & holding up her lamp against the rust red remains of the sunset
got a window seat, on the east side facing the rear
Williamsburg Bridge then today
Williamsburg Bridge then today
morning view, waiting for the train
November 13, 2025 at 10:27 PM
a window seat for the return trip too, on the west side facing the rear
a view of the spangled Brooklyn Bridge & downtown Manhattan
in the distance, Lady Liberty glowing & holding up her lamp against the rust red remains of the sunset
a view of the spangled Brooklyn Bridge & downtown Manhattan
in the distance, Lady Liberty glowing & holding up her lamp against the rust red remains of the sunset
got a window seat, on the east side facing the rear
Williamsburg Bridge then today
Williamsburg Bridge then today
November 13, 2025 at 2:32 PM
got a window seat, on the east side facing the rear
Williamsburg Bridge then today
Williamsburg Bridge then today