Karen J. McLean
kj-mclean.bsky.social
Karen J. McLean
@kj-mclean.bsky.social
Storyteller/educator/booksniffer/artdabbler. GenX Maritimer. Thoreauvian. Spacetweep. CBC Forever. Dynamic disability. Tree-talker. Quietly witchy. Kindness matters.

Grateful for the support of The Canada Council for the Arts.

⚡️Solvitur ambulando. 🇨🇦
My 2026 Hemlock & Oak planner has just arrived. I am so excited that I am savouring the moment and taking my time opening it..

A new planner is a symbol of hope, and a belief in the future. Blank pages are full of potential.

#planner #stationery #journal #hemlockandoak
November 11, 2025 at 3:38 PM
Happy Fountain Pen Day 2025!

My yellow Lamy Safari is my trusty and simple ride-or-die. What are you writing with today?

(Louisa May Alcatt doesn’t care about pens, but she thinks I have excellent taste in paper.)

#FountainPenDay
#FountainPenDay2025
#FountainPens
#LamySafari
#InkyFingers
November 7, 2025 at 12:58 PM
Just pulled this out of my cedar chest. (The only other article of clothing in that hallowed space is my wedding gown.)

It worked in 1992 and 1993. Let it work its magic tonight.
November 1, 2025 at 12:26 PM
October 31, 2025 at 11:47 PM
WORLD SERIES, BABY!!!
October 21, 2025 at 3:04 AM
Today in #chronicillness ...
October 7, 2025 at 10:56 AM
October 6, 2025 at 3:01 PM
Just watched this little dinghy leave the harbour.
September 25, 2025 at 6:24 PM
New sticker for my laptop. IYKYK
September 12, 2025 at 8:55 PM
September 5, 2025 at 3:25 PM
September 3, 2025 at 2:00 AM
My occupational therapist is pleased with my knuckle’s post-surgery progress. This is my new “daytime splint” for the rest of the month. I can write with this one on!
September 2, 2025 at 11:02 PM
Saw this 1970s Adler Meteor for sale for $15, and was intrigued.

This electric machine has ribbon spools. So when your ribbon wears out, you can just swap out the old ribbon on the spools for new. Much better than proprietary ribbon cassettes, which are getting scarce.

Needs a good cleaning.
August 27, 2025 at 10:46 PM
The crop is everything. 😉
August 26, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Happy Taco Tuesday! #supportsmallbusiness
August 26, 2025 at 4:20 PM
Say hello to my new friends!
August 26, 2025 at 2:39 PM
This image is not reminiscent of Nazi Germany at alllll …
August 25, 2025 at 6:01 PM
Starting to feel more like myself again. That week in the cast lasted years.
August 22, 2025 at 1:11 PM
Sometimes being a Canadian and looking southward brings on a feeling akin to “survivor’s guilt.”

I am so grateful to be in a country that cares about the health of its citizens. But when you’re a soft-hearted person who just wants everyone to be okay … Sigh.
August 22, 2025 at 1:00 PM
I am elated! All is healing well, and I graduated from the cast today!
August 21, 2025 at 10:26 PM
Writing my Morning Page(s) is tricky these days.
August 20, 2025 at 10:22 AM
Friends have pointed out to me that I made myself a temporary southpaw — by having surgery on my dominant, right, hand — on International Lefthanders Day.

I can’t stop laughing.
August 14, 2025 at 6:57 PM
After spending some time visiting the artist's website, I have a new absolute favourite:

Peter Harskamp (1951-): _Woman with Cat in Moonlight_

The shadow of the outstretched toes just reduces me to giggling rubble.
August 12, 2025 at 11:35 AM
I have discovered a new favourite artwork:
Peter H. Harskamp (1951-), _Woman and Cat_.

I miss my late void-kitties, Nero and Bronson. This made me smile. 🐈‍⬛
August 12, 2025 at 11:00 AM
A good and wise friend once gave me the gift of this reminder: “The thought of a tiger is not a tiger.” I created this image so I can also visualize it. Sometimes an image is easier for my mind to cling to..

If my anxiety starts to spin about my upcoming surgery on Wednesday, this will be my rock.
August 10, 2025 at 5:07 PM