M L Clark
@mlclark.bsky.social
Writer (SFWA), translator, humanist, general odd duck • 🇨🇦n in 🇨🇴 • avoids pronouns, they/them if key 🌈🌌
Do we have a term for when you're in the middle of writing a story - in the middle of a sentence, even! - and a new story idea comes along, bumping into you like an urgent little bumble bee paragraph after paragraph, as you try to press on?
ASKING FOR A FRIEND.
ASKING FOR A FRIEND.
January 1, 2026 at 9:04 PM
Do we have a term for when you're in the middle of writing a story - in the middle of a sentence, even! - and a new story idea comes along, bumping into you like an urgent little bumble bee paragraph after paragraph, as you try to press on?
ASKING FOR A FRIEND.
ASKING FOR A FRIEND.
Our first #ArtBreak of 2026 is Thomas Blackshear II. Born into Wild West lore, he is famous for reorienting its focus.
We do not choose the stories into which we are born.
But we choose what we do with them, and the dignity we extend to others caught in their weave.
What will you re-tell better?
We do not choose the stories into which we are born.
But we choose what we do with them, and the dignity we extend to others caught in their weave.
What will you re-tell better?
January 1, 2026 at 2:14 PM
Our first #ArtBreak of 2026 is Thomas Blackshear II. Born into Wild West lore, he is famous for reorienting its focus.
We do not choose the stories into which we are born.
But we choose what we do with them, and the dignity we extend to others caught in their weave.
What will you re-tell better?
We do not choose the stories into which we are born.
But we choose what we do with them, and the dignity we extend to others caught in their weave.
What will you re-tell better?
First poem of 2026!
Aiming for more personal writing all around this year.
Maybe not all so bleak, though. 😬 We'll see how January fares.
#WritingCommunity #Poetry
Aiming for more personal writing all around this year.
Maybe not all so bleak, though. 😬 We'll see how January fares.
#WritingCommunity #Poetry
January 1, 2026 at 6:19 AM
First poem of 2026!
Aiming for more personal writing all around this year.
Maybe not all so bleak, though. 😬 We'll see how January fares.
#WritingCommunity #Poetry
Aiming for more personal writing all around this year.
Maybe not all so bleak, though. 😬 We'll see how January fares.
#WritingCommunity #Poetry
Reposted by M L Clark
Just making sure that 2025 is definitely over
January 1, 2026 at 4:43 AM
Just making sure that 2025 is definitely over
Ha! I had my laptop rebuilt the other day, so I've been whacking down AI all over again on my reinstalled apps, but this has to be the funniest. Opera asks if you want to try its AI... or block the AI button entirely. No neutral option, because it knows how strongly sentiment runs against this junk!
December 31, 2025 at 7:01 PM
Ha! I had my laptop rebuilt the other day, so I've been whacking down AI all over again on my reinstalled apps, but this has to be the funniest. Opera asks if you want to try its AI... or block the AI button entirely. No neutral option, because it knows how strongly sentiment runs against this junk!
Every New Year's, I partake in a local tradition of swapping out a bundle of wheat kept all year at home. It reminds us that prosperity is having enough to eat, and a roof over our heads.
May you and yours always have shelter, food to eat & share, & health in any storm.
¡Feliz año nuevo!
#Colombia
May you and yours always have shelter, food to eat & share, & health in any storm.
¡Feliz año nuevo!
#Colombia
December 31, 2025 at 6:06 PM
Every New Year's, I partake in a local tradition of swapping out a bundle of wheat kept all year at home. It reminds us that prosperity is having enough to eat, and a roof over our heads.
May you and yours always have shelter, food to eat & share, & health in any storm.
¡Feliz año nuevo!
#Colombia
May you and yours always have shelter, food to eat & share, & health in any storm.
¡Feliz año nuevo!
#Colombia
Today's going to be a good day.
:)
Just about to make the kid lunch, then it's on to a run of prep work & wrap-up tasks that I think will go pretty well this week.
Hope your limbo days are faring well.
Remember: You are doing the best that you can in a world that rewards mediocrity & cruelty. 👍🏻
:)
Just about to make the kid lunch, then it's on to a run of prep work & wrap-up tasks that I think will go pretty well this week.
Hope your limbo days are faring well.
Remember: You are doing the best that you can in a world that rewards mediocrity & cruelty. 👍🏻
December 29, 2025 at 11:51 AM
Today's going to be a good day.
:)
Just about to make the kid lunch, then it's on to a run of prep work & wrap-up tasks that I think will go pretty well this week.
Hope your limbo days are faring well.
Remember: You are doing the best that you can in a world that rewards mediocrity & cruelty. 👍🏻
:)
Just about to make the kid lunch, then it's on to a run of prep work & wrap-up tasks that I think will go pretty well this week.
Hope your limbo days are faring well.
Remember: You are doing the best that you can in a world that rewards mediocrity & cruelty. 👍🏻
Slept through the day. Clearly needed it, because I'm still exhausted & going right back to bed now.
Kid's meal prep for the week is done, though, and I have an order in mind for tackling all the work that needs doing tomorrow.
It's just personal messaging that's shot. Will reconnect when I can. 💛
Kid's meal prep for the week is done, though, and I have an order in mind for tackling all the work that needs doing tomorrow.
It's just personal messaging that's shot. Will reconnect when I can. 💛
December 28, 2025 at 11:48 PM
Slept through the day. Clearly needed it, because I'm still exhausted & going right back to bed now.
Kid's meal prep for the week is done, though, and I have an order in mind for tackling all the work that needs doing tomorrow.
It's just personal messaging that's shot. Will reconnect when I can. 💛
Kid's meal prep for the week is done, though, and I have an order in mind for tackling all the work that needs doing tomorrow.
It's just personal messaging that's shot. Will reconnect when I can. 💛
I spent half my day on personal fiction, a quarter on being an emotional support to my ward, and a quarter on plans to improve services for the people I work for in 2026.
Tomorrow is a full (quiet) workday for me.
For now, an #ArtBreak care of British artist Paul Evans, master of the rural dusk. 💛
Tomorrow is a full (quiet) workday for me.
For now, an #ArtBreak care of British artist Paul Evans, master of the rural dusk. 💛
December 28, 2025 at 2:20 AM
I spent half my day on personal fiction, a quarter on being an emotional support to my ward, and a quarter on plans to improve services for the people I work for in 2026.
Tomorrow is a full (quiet) workday for me.
For now, an #ArtBreak care of British artist Paul Evans, master of the rural dusk. 💛
Tomorrow is a full (quiet) workday for me.
For now, an #ArtBreak care of British artist Paul Evans, master of the rural dusk. 💛
Friendly reminder for anyone who might be doubting themself--their goodness, their sufficiency, their talents, their care: One need only look at the world we live in to remember that the point isn't perfection; it's continuing to show up & do what we can for one another in such unconscionable times.
ICE Agents Arrest Man on Christmas Eve—and Then Steal His Groceries
Trump’s immigration agents are doing whatever they want.
newrepublic.com
December 27, 2025 at 1:29 AM
Friendly reminder for anyone who might be doubting themself--their goodness, their sufficiency, their talents, their care: One need only look at the world we live in to remember that the point isn't perfection; it's continuing to show up & do what we can for one another in such unconscionable times.
There's a special joy in sharing one's loves with others. Harder when your teen ward doesn't speak English, but there are so many other languages of the heart. Maya Angelou was such a guiding light in life: the kind of person who makes you want to be a light in turn. May we always use our time well.
Maya Angelou - Still I Rise | Y aún así, me levanto (subtítulos en español)
YouTube video by Librería Dedalus
youtu.be
December 26, 2025 at 5:52 PM
There's a special joy in sharing one's loves with others. Harder when your teen ward doesn't speak English, but there are so many other languages of the heart. Maya Angelou was such a guiding light in life: the kind of person who makes you want to be a light in turn. May we always use our time well.
#ArtBreak, anyone?
Sitting today with Chris Dunn's lovely illustrations of animal life in English towns of yesteryear.
This style of art asks us to remember the extraordinary wonder of our own "soft animals" residing where we do at all.
Are we not all strangely situated in our performances, too?
Sitting today with Chris Dunn's lovely illustrations of animal life in English towns of yesteryear.
This style of art asks us to remember the extraordinary wonder of our own "soft animals" residing where we do at all.
Are we not all strangely situated in our performances, too?
December 26, 2025 at 1:29 PM
#ArtBreak, anyone?
Sitting today with Chris Dunn's lovely illustrations of animal life in English towns of yesteryear.
This style of art asks us to remember the extraordinary wonder of our own "soft animals" residing where we do at all.
Are we not all strangely situated in our performances, too?
Sitting today with Chris Dunn's lovely illustrations of animal life in English towns of yesteryear.
This style of art asks us to remember the extraordinary wonder of our own "soft animals" residing where we do at all.
Are we not all strangely situated in our performances, too?
Last night I was able to invite some families with no Christmas of their own into my home for a lovely Venezuelan-Colombian-Canadian meal, plus gifts for all the kids.
Even a year ago, I didn't have the means to do this.
I am so deeply thankful for the opprtunity to lengthen the table this year.
Even a year ago, I didn't have the means to do this.
I am so deeply thankful for the opprtunity to lengthen the table this year.
December 25, 2025 at 4:15 PM
Last night I was able to invite some families with no Christmas of their own into my home for a lovely Venezuelan-Colombian-Canadian meal, plus gifts for all the kids.
Even a year ago, I didn't have the means to do this.
I am so deeply thankful for the opprtunity to lengthen the table this year.
Even a year ago, I didn't have the means to do this.
I am so deeply thankful for the opprtunity to lengthen the table this year.
Such a painfully beautiful reminder in El Colombiano today.
If you have a roof over your head, food to eat, health and wellness, and a little to share with others as well... You have the world. 💛
May we always extend the platform where we can.
Happy holidays, all.
#Navidad #Humanism
If you have a roof over your head, food to eat, health and wellness, and a little to share with others as well... You have the world. 💛
May we always extend the platform where we can.
Happy holidays, all.
#Navidad #Humanism
December 24, 2025 at 2:17 PM
Boy howdy, I hope there is time to read this end of year. I have a ton of deliverables to go, but here's hoping. I desperately need the rest and recharge of a good book, and to be inspired again by someone's moving prose.
What have you read and loved in 2025?
What have you read and loved in 2025?
December 23, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Boy howdy, I hope there is time to read this end of year. I have a ton of deliverables to go, but here's hoping. I desperately need the rest and recharge of a good book, and to be inspired again by someone's moving prose.
What have you read and loved in 2025?
What have you read and loved in 2025?
What is one good, restorative thing you did today for the soft animal of your body?
December 23, 2025 at 2:56 AM
What is one good, restorative thing you did today for the soft animal of your body?
And if anyone else needs to hear this today:
You are doing the very best you can with what you have, where you are, in the mental moment you occupy.
Maybe tomorrow you'll have new skills and better resources.
But for now?
You are doing the very best you can, and it will have to be enough.
You are doing the very best you can with what you have, where you are, in the mental moment you occupy.
Maybe tomorrow you'll have new skills and better resources.
But for now?
You are doing the very best you can, and it will have to be enough.
December 22, 2025 at 1:26 PM
And if anyone else needs to hear this today:
You are doing the very best you can with what you have, where you are, in the mental moment you occupy.
Maybe tomorrow you'll have new skills and better resources.
But for now?
You are doing the very best you can, and it will have to be enough.
You are doing the very best you can with what you have, where you are, in the mental moment you occupy.
Maybe tomorrow you'll have new skills and better resources.
But for now?
You are doing the very best you can, and it will have to be enough.
This week is going to be rough, but when I look at the world I'm reminded why. Inundated by news reminding us that rapists, warmongers, & grifters guide our political discourse & societal outcomes...
To be gentle with everyone else suffering right now is the hardest, most important thing we can do.
To be gentle with everyone else suffering right now is the hardest, most important thing we can do.
December 22, 2025 at 1:13 PM
This week is going to be rough, but when I look at the world I'm reminded why. Inundated by news reminding us that rapists, warmongers, & grifters guide our political discourse & societal outcomes...
To be gentle with everyone else suffering right now is the hardest, most important thing we can do.
To be gentle with everyone else suffering right now is the hardest, most important thing we can do.
Reposted by M L Clark
Absolutely right.
AI might be able to summarize (poorly) what we currently know, but a major goal of historical research is to find the hidden surprises out there.
Let me illustrate …
AI might be able to summarize (poorly) what we currently know, but a major goal of historical research is to find the hidden surprises out there.
Let me illustrate …
Not a historian but like to research. The AI might summarize what I'm looking for, but it doesn't find what I'm *not* looking for. The book on the shelf next to the one I wanted. The insight in chapter 6 based on the quote I needed from chapter 4.
December 21, 2025 at 4:09 PM
Absolutely right.
AI might be able to summarize (poorly) what we currently know, but a major goal of historical research is to find the hidden surprises out there.
Let me illustrate …
AI might be able to summarize (poorly) what we currently know, but a major goal of historical research is to find the hidden surprises out there.
Let me illustrate …
OTOH, in the middle of my hard morning I had to stop to make food for the kid, who works on the highway - long hours, lots of pollution - because she's still stuck out of school until we can find a workaround for the damage USAID closures did to her migrant journey here.
So. Everything in context.
So. Everything in context.
December 21, 2025 at 4:15 PM
OTOH, in the middle of my hard morning I had to stop to make food for the kid, who works on the highway - long hours, lots of pollution - because she's still stuck out of school until we can find a workaround for the damage USAID closures did to her migrant journey here.
So. Everything in context.
So. Everything in context.
The hardest part of being overworked is that when you DO take a tiny break, it's hard not to regret it.
Even yesterday in Centro, I was working while walking because we have pressing matters that needed my input.
And today started with a reminder of others I'm failing. Still waiting on that clone!
Even yesterday in Centro, I was working while walking because we have pressing matters that needed my input.
And today started with a reminder of others I'm failing. Still waiting on that clone!
December 21, 2025 at 3:41 PM
The hardest part of being overworked is that when you DO take a tiny break, it's hard not to regret it.
Even yesterday in Centro, I was working while walking because we have pressing matters that needed my input.
And today started with a reminder of others I'm failing. Still waiting on that clone!
Even yesterday in Centro, I was working while walking because we have pressing matters that needed my input.
And today started with a reminder of others I'm failing. Still waiting on that clone!
My personal inbox has messages up to four or five months overdue for response.
And I owe at least six people in my personal life voice messages.
Boy howdy, when the last critical deliverable is launched for my job, I cannot WAIT to get back to the rest of my life.
What a year, eh?
#AmWorking
And I owe at least six people in my personal life voice messages.
Boy howdy, when the last critical deliverable is launched for my job, I cannot WAIT to get back to the rest of my life.
What a year, eh?
#AmWorking
December 21, 2025 at 2:10 AM
My personal inbox has messages up to four or five months overdue for response.
And I owe at least six people in my personal life voice messages.
Boy howdy, when the last critical deliverable is launched for my job, I cannot WAIT to get back to the rest of my life.
What a year, eh?
#AmWorking
And I owe at least six people in my personal life voice messages.
Boy howdy, when the last critical deliverable is launched for my job, I cannot WAIT to get back to the rest of my life.
What a year, eh?
#AmWorking
Happiness is a day in Centro.
There's something about losing oneself to sonder that does the weary heart good.
I'm having Navidad for the first time at my place. Half Venezuelan, half Colombian, with one nutty Canadian.
Almost ready for it now!
Time to head home and face the long work-night. 👍🏻💪🏻🤞🏻
There's something about losing oneself to sonder that does the weary heart good.
I'm having Navidad for the first time at my place. Half Venezuelan, half Colombian, with one nutty Canadian.
Almost ready for it now!
Time to head home and face the long work-night. 👍🏻💪🏻🤞🏻
December 21, 2025 at 12:13 AM
Happiness is a day in Centro.
There's something about losing oneself to sonder that does the weary heart good.
I'm having Navidad for the first time at my place. Half Venezuelan, half Colombian, with one nutty Canadian.
Almost ready for it now!
Time to head home and face the long work-night. 👍🏻💪🏻🤞🏻
There's something about losing oneself to sonder that does the weary heart good.
I'm having Navidad for the first time at my place. Half Venezuelan, half Colombian, with one nutty Canadian.
Almost ready for it now!
Time to head home and face the long work-night. 👍🏻💪🏻🤞🏻
It's been so packed in Centro, I couldn't get good signal for a while. But I wandered through so many richly different lives this afternoon while getting some last-minute parcels for Navidad, so... I am content.
(Work calls when I get back, but work always calls. Man, I miss being a full person!)
(Work calls when I get back, but work always calls. Man, I miss being a full person!)
December 20, 2025 at 9:05 PM
It's been so packed in Centro, I couldn't get good signal for a while. But I wandered through so many richly different lives this afternoon while getting some last-minute parcels for Navidad, so... I am content.
(Work calls when I get back, but work always calls. Man, I miss being a full person!)
(Work calls when I get back, but work always calls. Man, I miss being a full person!)