Lin
Seated by the spring in my nemeton, I wait for my laundry to soak.
My clothes are in need of serious cleaning. Heck, my whole wardrobe needs an overhaul.
I spoke to my work coach yesterday about clothes, and how it all relates to gender.
And whilst I know it's true that clothing isn't indicative of gender, it definitely influences a person's perception of what gender to identify you as.
Either way, I'll figure it out.
I have all of the control now, so we'll see what works and what doesn't.
The set of articles I have chosen to wash lounge in a large elder pail, varnished with beeswax.
Anisöl gave me this one in the year 37 AD. I didn't get to thank him for one of the last Gaulish offerings of kindness before my people were slaughtered.
Yes, my pail is very old, but it's been preserved well, somehow.
Given that my nemeton has remained untouched for years until recently, I suppose it makes sense.
Thinking about all of this reminds me of how my abusers used to use me as their house maid.
And my clothing could never be too revealing if we went out, as I was for their eyes only.
An angry gust of wind growls past the nemeton, hurtling the tree branches outside back and forth.
Yep, my powers are expressing it in a clearer way than I ever could.
Taking in a breath to centre myself, the smell of my detergent wafts into my nostrils, leaving me with a more pleasant feeling.
Doing this for myself and only myself is much less burdensome.
Today I'm supposed to be discussing Housing Benefit with my caseworker.
It's about damn time, too.
Surprisingly, I got my Cost Of Living payment on the 9th, so I'll probably be fine for a while commodity wise, if I play my cards right.
It's been a while since I haven't worried about money, so right now, I feel pretty good.
As I write, I turn towards one of the nemeton windows and realise that the sun is about to rise.
The sky has melted into a lovely lavender hue.
This is the first time in quite a long time that I've actually felt safe.
No evil neighbours, no creepy stalkers, no sleazy caseworkers... nothing. Just decent people, like my new caseworker and my kind neighbour, who I watch the wrestling with.
Life seems to be going really well with me. I'm writing this blog every day, I'm starting to actually brush my teeth regularly, as well as oiling my hair, and I'm even considering doing POV videos routinely as well.
I seem to be getting traction, too.
As I revel in my regained confidence, I hear a tap at my nemeton door.
Who would turn up at such an early hour, let alone on a Friday?
Stretching into a standing position, I skip over to the granite doorway, and heave the slab sideways.
"Hi cousin! Oh, Terrence said you looked gorgeous!"
Calliope!
"What are you doing here?" I ask, elation clear as day on my face.
"Just popping over to visit. I hope you're not busy..." She seems troubled by that prospect.
"Not at all! I was just doing the laundry." I indicate inside. "Would you like to come in?"
"Sure." She grins, waltzing through the doorway.
I shove the door shut behind me, and then query "So, you mentioned seeing my husband. How is he?"
She nods, excitement evident in her aura. "He's a lot better, partly thanks to you." She sighs, smiling. "You two were always a lovely couple."
Lovely. Interesting choice of words, given that's what Terrence calls me most of the time, more than my own name.
As I take note of this, the room brightens.
"Nice view you've got here." She now swivels so she's facing me.
"With regards to your creative endeavours, Lin, please keep doing what you're doing."
This feels random, but I know it isn't. "What do you mean?"
"I'm saying this because the True Gods are following suit." She's smirking now, but I sense a sort of pride behind it.
"Lin, you're starting a revolution."