Sandra Friend
@sandrafriend.com
Author. Science geek. History wonk. Nature nut. Space Hipster. Recovering guidebook writer now making things up. SandraFriend.com
Today's #BirdOfTheDay theme is #EyeContact and I'm an early bird. Green heron at Green Cay Wetlands, Boynton Beach, Florida.
#naturephotos #phoography #floridabirds #nature #birding #eastcoastkin #photosky #birdsofbluesky
#naturephotos #phoography #floridabirds #nature #birding #eastcoastkin #photosky #birdsofbluesky
January 29, 2026 at 10:40 AM
Today's #BirdOfTheDay theme is #EyeContact and I'm an early bird. Green heron at Green Cay Wetlands, Boynton Beach, Florida.
#naturephotos #phoography #floridabirds #nature #birding #eastcoastkin #photosky #birdsofbluesky
#naturephotos #phoography #floridabirds #nature #birding #eastcoastkin #photosky #birdsofbluesky
From Atomic Promise:
Victor read his list. "C-131 takeoff. T-33 in the ‘wild blue yonder.’ F-100C formation. Close-up of Talos launch from LC-33. Blockhouse interior with launch crew. Rocket sled, static and in action."
#WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingPrompts #WritingCommunity
Victor read his list. "C-131 takeoff. T-33 in the ‘wild blue yonder.’ F-100C formation. Close-up of Talos launch from LC-33. Blockhouse interior with launch crew. Rocket sled, static and in action."
#WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingPrompts #WritingCommunity
January 29, 2026 at 9:06 AM
From Atomic Promise:
Victor read his list. "C-131 takeoff. T-33 in the ‘wild blue yonder.’ F-100C formation. Close-up of Talos launch from LC-33. Blockhouse interior with launch crew. Rocket sled, static and in action."
#WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingPrompts #WritingCommunity
Victor read his list. "C-131 takeoff. T-33 in the ‘wild blue yonder.’ F-100C formation. Close-up of Talos launch from LC-33. Blockhouse interior with launch crew. Rocket sled, static and in action."
#WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingPrompts #WritingCommunity
Waters pour over a series of rocky escarpments at Gooseberry Falls along Hwy 61 on the North Shore of Lake Superior, another reason #minnesotarocks
#waterfallwednesday #photography #naturephotos #waterfalls #minnesota #photosky #nature #northshoresuperior
#waterfallwednesday #photography #naturephotos #waterfalls #minnesota #photosky #nature #northshoresuperior
January 29, 2026 at 12:48 AM
Waters pour over a series of rocky escarpments at Gooseberry Falls along Hwy 61 on the North Shore of Lake Superior, another reason #minnesotarocks
#waterfallwednesday #photography #naturephotos #waterfalls #minnesota #photosky #nature #northshoresuperior
#waterfallwednesday #photography #naturephotos #waterfalls #minnesota #photosky #nature #northshoresuperior
A little late to the #BirdOfTheDay theme of #Iridescent but I did dig around in my drives and find this glossy ibis.
#birding #floridabirds #ibis #naturephotos #photography #eastcoastkin
#birding #floridabirds #ibis #naturephotos #photography #eastcoastkin
January 29, 2026 at 12:32 AM
A little late to the #BirdOfTheDay theme of #Iridescent but I did dig around in my drives and find this glossy ibis.
#birding #floridabirds #ibis #naturephotos #photography #eastcoastkin
#birding #floridabirds #ibis #naturephotos #photography #eastcoastkin
Star Struck (vibe):
From what Bob read in the trade journals, STL was brand new. Like so many startups post-Sputnik, they were bidding on contracts for the stalled satellite programs. Nearly two months after Vanguard blew up on the pad, not a whisper of another launch.
#WIPSnips #WritingPrompts
From what Bob read in the trade journals, STL was brand new. Like so many startups post-Sputnik, they were bidding on contracts for the stalled satellite programs. Nearly two months after Vanguard blew up on the pad, not a whisper of another launch.
#WIPSnips #WritingPrompts
The #WIPSnips word for January 28th is my absolute favorite thing to do... procrastinate!
I'm a huge procrastinator but my characters don't tend to be. Maybe I could learn something from them 😂
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
I'm a huge procrastinator but my characters don't tend to be. Maybe I could learn something from them 😂
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
January 28, 2026 at 11:15 AM
Star Struck (vibe):
From what Bob read in the trade journals, STL was brand new. Like so many startups post-Sputnik, they were bidding on contracts for the stalled satellite programs. Nearly two months after Vanguard blew up on the pad, not a whisper of another launch.
#WIPSnips #WritingPrompts
From what Bob read in the trade journals, STL was brand new. Like so many startups post-Sputnik, they were bidding on contracts for the stalled satellite programs. Nearly two months after Vanguard blew up on the pad, not a whisper of another launch.
#WIPSnips #WritingPrompts
What timing. Started a backup before dinner.
Are all your data backed up? Will you feel perfectly fine if your hard drive irrecoverably crashes right now?
Just a reminder.
Just a reminder.
January 27, 2026 at 11:36 PM
What timing. Started a backup before dinner.
Marsh muck, oysters, and the height of January's high tide revealed on the mangroves in the salt marshes of Matanzas Inlet in St. Augustine, Florida.
#tidesouttuesday #photography #nature #photosky #eastcoastkin #naturephotos #mangroves #saintaugustine
#tidesouttuesday #photography #nature #photosky #eastcoastkin #naturephotos #mangroves #saintaugustine
January 27, 2026 at 11:30 AM
Marsh muck, oysters, and the height of January's high tide revealed on the mangroves in the salt marshes of Matanzas Inlet in St. Augustine, Florida.
#tidesouttuesday #photography #nature #photosky #eastcoastkin #naturephotos #mangroves #saintaugustine
#tidesouttuesday #photography #nature #photosky #eastcoastkin #naturephotos #mangroves #saintaugustine
From Star Struck:
“The trouble is no one takes the Soviets seriously.” At the storm gathering in Bob’s expression, Dick interrupted. “With all the German scientists they've scooped up, they’re giving us a run for the money.”
#WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingPrompts #WritingCommunity
“The trouble is no one takes the Soviets seriously.” At the storm gathering in Bob’s expression, Dick interrupted. “With all the German scientists they've scooped up, they’re giving us a run for the money.”
#WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingPrompts #WritingCommunity
January 27, 2026 at 10:55 AM
From Star Struck:
“The trouble is no one takes the Soviets seriously.” At the storm gathering in Bob’s expression, Dick interrupted. “With all the German scientists they've scooped up, they’re giving us a run for the money.”
#WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingPrompts #WritingCommunity
“The trouble is no one takes the Soviets seriously.” At the storm gathering in Bob’s expression, Dick interrupted. “With all the German scientists they've scooped up, they’re giving us a run for the money.”
#WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingPrompts #WritingCommunity
A few moments from Michigan cities for #blueskymonday
#photosky #photography #urbanphotos #michigan #midwest #blueskies #travelphotos
#photosky #photography #urbanphotos #michigan #midwest #blueskies #travelphotos
January 27, 2026 at 12:12 AM
A few moments from Michigan cities for #blueskymonday
#photosky #photography #urbanphotos #michigan #midwest #blueskies #travelphotos
#photosky #photography #urbanphotos #michigan #midwest #blueskies #travelphotos
"Goddamn it, Whittington, you should be pleased.”
Dick stared at Al. “We’re on?”
“We needed proof-of-concept on life support before the Joint Chiefs would commit to Snowball.”
Dick stared at Al. “We’re on?”
“We needed proof-of-concept on life support before the Joint Chiefs would commit to Snowball.”
Welcome to a new week of #WIPSnips!
The word for January 26th is "commit"
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
The word for January 26th is "commit"
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
January 26, 2026 at 10:57 AM
"Goddamn it, Whittington, you should be pleased.”
Dick stared at Al. “We’re on?”
“We needed proof-of-concept on life support before the Joint Chiefs would commit to Snowball.”
Dick stared at Al. “We’re on?”
“We needed proof-of-concept on life support before the Joint Chiefs would commit to Snowball.”
Carnivorous beauties brighten this #stunday thanks to the bog garden at Wellfield Botanic Gardens in Elkhart, Indiana. Pitcher plants and more!
#photography #photosky #plants
#carnivorousplants #pitcherplants #bog #garden #naturephotos #nature @elkhartcountyin.bsky.social
#photography #photosky #plants
#carnivorousplants #pitcherplants #bog #garden #naturephotos #nature @elkhartcountyin.bsky.social
January 26, 2026 at 12:32 AM
Carnivorous beauties brighten this #stunday thanks to the bog garden at Wellfield Botanic Gardens in Elkhart, Indiana. Pitcher plants and more!
#photography #photosky #plants
#carnivorousplants #pitcherplants #bog #garden #naturephotos #nature @elkhartcountyin.bsky.social
#photography #photosky #plants
#carnivorousplants #pitcherplants #bog #garden #naturephotos #nature @elkhartcountyin.bsky.social
From Star Struck:
"Joe’s a question waiting for an answer.” Dick fumbled for how to say it. “I’m not telling you to keep him home. I see that’s impossible. But didn’t you notice the attention he drew Friday night in the radio hut?”
“I guess not.” Bob reddened
#WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingPrompts
"Joe’s a question waiting for an answer.” Dick fumbled for how to say it. “I’m not telling you to keep him home. I see that’s impossible. But didn’t you notice the attention he drew Friday night in the radio hut?”
“I guess not.” Bob reddened
#WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingPrompts
January 25, 2026 at 10:33 AM
From Star Struck:
"Joe’s a question waiting for an answer.” Dick fumbled for how to say it. “I’m not telling you to keep him home. I see that’s impossible. But didn’t you notice the attention he drew Friday night in the radio hut?”
“I guess not.” Bob reddened
#WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingPrompts
"Joe’s a question waiting for an answer.” Dick fumbled for how to say it. “I’m not telling you to keep him home. I see that’s impossible. But didn’t you notice the attention he drew Friday night in the radio hut?”
“I guess not.” Bob reddened
#WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingPrompts
Being an outdoorsy sort, green is right up my alley. Er, trail.
#coloraday #greensat #photography #naturephotos #photosky #nature #green #woods #ferns #relax
#coloraday #greensat #photography #naturephotos #photosky #nature #green #woods #ferns #relax
January 25, 2026 at 12:08 AM
Being an outdoorsy sort, green is right up my alley. Er, trail.
#coloraday #greensat #photography #naturephotos #photosky #nature #green #woods #ferns #relax
#coloraday #greensat #photography #naturephotos #photosky #nature #green #woods #ferns #relax
I'm highly allergic to cats, sadly, so you'll rarely see a #caturday from me. However, I did get up close to this Jacksonville Zoo jaguar on a bitter cold day last week. Closest I've ever seen one.
@cityofjax.bsky.social
#photography #jacksonville #jaguars #naturephotos #eastcoastkin
@cityofjax.bsky.social
#photography #jacksonville #jaguars #naturephotos #eastcoastkin
January 24, 2026 at 10:35 AM
I'm highly allergic to cats, sadly, so you'll rarely see a #caturday from me. However, I did get up close to this Jacksonville Zoo jaguar on a bitter cold day last week. Closest I've ever seen one.
@cityofjax.bsky.social
#photography #jacksonville #jaguars #naturephotos #eastcoastkin
@cityofjax.bsky.social
#photography #jacksonville #jaguars #naturephotos #eastcoastkin
From Star Struck:
“The Reds are chattering.”
“What now?” Dick gave Al a hard look.
“Throwing us a bone. Telling us what frequencies they’re broadcasting on. As if Monmouth wasn’t monitoring all channels, all the time.”
#WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingPrompts #WritingCommunity
“The Reds are chattering.”
“What now?” Dick gave Al a hard look.
“Throwing us a bone. Telling us what frequencies they’re broadcasting on. As if Monmouth wasn’t monitoring all channels, all the time.”
#WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingPrompts #WritingCommunity
January 24, 2026 at 10:07 AM
From Star Struck:
“The Reds are chattering.”
“What now?” Dick gave Al a hard look.
“Throwing us a bone. Telling us what frequencies they’re broadcasting on. As if Monmouth wasn’t monitoring all channels, all the time.”
#WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingPrompts #WritingCommunity
“The Reds are chattering.”
“What now?” Dick gave Al a hard look.
“Throwing us a bone. Telling us what frequencies they’re broadcasting on. As if Monmouth wasn’t monitoring all channels, all the time.”
#WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingPrompts #WritingCommunity
Yum. Flavors of farm fresh St. Augustine made my vegan palette happy last week at The Feed Mill.
#januarty2026 #foodonfriday #farmtotable #vegan #alphagalfriendly #staugustine
#januarty2026 #foodonfriday #farmtotable #vegan #alphagalfriendly #staugustine
January 24, 2026 at 3:41 AM
Yum. Flavors of farm fresh St. Augustine made my vegan palette happy last week at The Feed Mill.
#januarty2026 #foodonfriday #farmtotable #vegan #alphagalfriendly #staugustine
#januarty2026 #foodonfriday #farmtotable #vegan #alphagalfriendly #staugustine
From Atomic Promise:
Using the Johnson Messenger in the trunk of Fall’s car, Ernest called Stewart for an ambulance and a tight-lipped crew, a transfer to the morgue, and his usual medic, who could transport Fall to the hospital in his Hudson.
#WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingPrompts
Using the Johnson Messenger in the trunk of Fall’s car, Ernest called Stewart for an ambulance and a tight-lipped crew, a transfer to the morgue, and his usual medic, who could transport Fall to the hospital in his Hudson.
#WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingPrompts
January 23, 2026 at 11:41 AM
From Atomic Promise:
Using the Johnson Messenger in the trunk of Fall’s car, Ernest called Stewart for an ambulance and a tight-lipped crew, a transfer to the morgue, and his usual medic, who could transport Fall to the hospital in his Hudson.
#WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingPrompts
Using the Johnson Messenger in the trunk of Fall’s car, Ernest called Stewart for an ambulance and a tight-lipped crew, a transfer to the morgue, and his usual medic, who could transport Fall to the hospital in his Hudson.
#WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingPrompts
From Atomic Promise (vibe):
Three months spent among such men, Reinhardt recognized him as an American naval veteran, a hint of a swallow spilling beyond his cuff. A naval pigeoneer?
Reinhardt’s rage ignited. Determined, Dora was, to destroy his plans.
#WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingPrompts
Three months spent among such men, Reinhardt recognized him as an American naval veteran, a hint of a swallow spilling beyond his cuff. A naval pigeoneer?
Reinhardt’s rage ignited. Determined, Dora was, to destroy his plans.
#WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingPrompts
The #WIPSnips word for January 22nd is "tattoo"
(Anyone else had a certain t.A.T.u. song stuck in their head for a few weeks for absolutely no reason at all?)
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
(Anyone else had a certain t.A.T.u. song stuck in their head for a few weeks for absolutely no reason at all?)
#WriteSky #WritingCommunity #WritingPrompts
January 22, 2026 at 10:18 AM
From Atomic Promise (vibe):
Three months spent among such men, Reinhardt recognized him as an American naval veteran, a hint of a swallow spilling beyond his cuff. A naval pigeoneer?
Reinhardt’s rage ignited. Determined, Dora was, to destroy his plans.
#WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingPrompts
Three months spent among such men, Reinhardt recognized him as an American naval veteran, a hint of a swallow spilling beyond his cuff. A naval pigeoneer?
Reinhardt’s rage ignited. Determined, Dora was, to destroy his plans.
#WIPSnips #WriteSky #WritingPrompts
Because hell yes, Minnesota rocks.
The Cascade River does exactly what it says as it drops to Lake Superior through Cascade River State Park.
#waterfallwednesday #photography #nature #photosky #minnesota #geology #rocks
The Cascade River does exactly what it says as it drops to Lake Superior through Cascade River State Park.
#waterfallwednesday #photography #nature #photosky #minnesota #geology #rocks
January 22, 2026 at 12:55 AM
Because hell yes, Minnesota rocks.
The Cascade River does exactly what it says as it drops to Lake Superior through Cascade River State Park.
#waterfallwednesday #photography #nature #photosky #minnesota #geology #rocks
The Cascade River does exactly what it says as it drops to Lake Superior through Cascade River State Park.
#waterfallwednesday #photography #nature #photosky #minnesota #geology #rocks
Indeed.
January 21, 2026 at 6:20 PM
Indeed.
From Star Struck:
Carrying a clipboard, the lieutenant joined Bob and Sammy behind the lines of activity.
“Are you directing this Project High Dive test, sir? I’m Fussel with Information Services"
Carrying a clipboard, the lieutenant joined Bob and Sammy behind the lines of activity.
“Are you directing this Project High Dive test, sir? I’m Fussel with Information Services"
January 21, 2026 at 10:49 AM
From Star Struck:
Carrying a clipboard, the lieutenant joined Bob and Sammy behind the lines of activity.
“Are you directing this Project High Dive test, sir? I’m Fussel with Information Services"
Carrying a clipboard, the lieutenant joined Bob and Sammy behind the lines of activity.
“Are you directing this Project High Dive test, sir? I’m Fussel with Information Services"
A late entrant for #thicktrunktuesday: one of Florida's largest live oaks, well hidden within an old motor court complex in St. Augustine but not missed by the tourist trains and trolley trams.
#bigtrees #liveoak #theoldsenator #historiccoast
#bigtrees #liveoak #theoldsenator #historiccoast
January 21, 2026 at 2:32 AM
A late entrant for #thicktrunktuesday: one of Florida's largest live oaks, well hidden within an old motor court complex in St. Augustine but not missed by the tourist trains and trolley trams.
#bigtrees #liveoak #theoldsenator #historiccoast
#bigtrees #liveoak #theoldsenator #historiccoast
A bright bloom to bring a speck of cheer to a day of existential drear. Hibiscus, happy to be itself.
#photography #red #flower #hibscus #naturecalling #photosky
#photography #red #flower #hibscus #naturecalling #photosky
January 21, 2026 at 1:12 AM
A bright bloom to bring a speck of cheer to a day of existential drear. Hibiscus, happy to be itself.
#photography #red #flower #hibscus #naturecalling #photosky
#photography #red #flower #hibscus #naturecalling #photosky
Brilliant essay by Cory Doctorow.
Spot-on for deconstructing the fallacy of AI. Both "Reverse centaur" and "accountability sink" hit home with the tech bros ultimate intent to dehumanize labor. In creativity, in copyright protections enforced, hope remains.
Spot-on for deconstructing the fallacy of AI. Both "Reverse centaur" and "accountability sink" hit home with the tech bros ultimate intent to dehumanize labor. In creativity, in copyright protections enforced, hope remains.
I don't have much to say... Read this is you're worried about AI.
www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-i...
www.theguardian.com/us-news/ng-i...
AI companies will fail. We can salvage something from the wreckage | Cory Doctorow
AI is asbestos in the walls of our tech society, stuffed there by monopolists run amok. A serious fight against it must strike at its roots
www.theguardian.com
January 20, 2026 at 11:38 AM
Brilliant essay by Cory Doctorow.
Spot-on for deconstructing the fallacy of AI. Both "Reverse centaur" and "accountability sink" hit home with the tech bros ultimate intent to dehumanize labor. In creativity, in copyright protections enforced, hope remains.
Spot-on for deconstructing the fallacy of AI. Both "Reverse centaur" and "accountability sink" hit home with the tech bros ultimate intent to dehumanize labor. In creativity, in copyright protections enforced, hope remains.
From Star Struck. I have no troll (noun) in any of my WIPs so I'm going with a vibe with mock, which does come up a handful of times.
January 20, 2026 at 11:12 AM
From Star Struck. I have no troll (noun) in any of my WIPs so I'm going with a vibe with mock, which does come up a handful of times.