October 2025 Newsletter

From Dan, Your Friend and Furry

Dear Friends,

October was full of warmth, creativity, and a little bit of mischief! Between neighborhood gatherings, cozy evenings with Nora, and watching local art performances, the month carried a very human, grounded energy. I also started working on a new kind of paper that steps outside Art History and into the fascinating world of Human Psychology. But before that, let us rewind through the highlights of the month.

Fig. 13.1: The artist and actor both pointing to Shelby the Viking.

Early in the month I went to see a local play called Shelby the Viking. It was charming and heartfelt, a story full of laughter, wooden swords, and a surprisingly emotional message about self-identity. Fig. 13.1 shows the actor playing Shelby pointing at an image of Shelby, while the artist who drew the image points at it too.

At home, Nora continues to be her lively self (Fig. 13.2). Even in her senior years she plays like a kitten whenever I pull out a piece of string. She is a reminder that energy does not always fade; sometimes it simply becomes more selective. Watching her chase and pounce always brings a smile to my face.

Fig. 13.3: Mid-October neighborhood Halloween party.

Mid-October brought a wonderful neighborhood Halloween party (Fig. 13.3). Friends, neighbors, and candy made for a perfect evening. There is something timeless about walking under string lights, trading sweets, and sharing stories in costume. It is one of those simple joys that connects everyone.

Fig. 13.4: My church's Trunk or Treat event!

And speaking of costumes, yes, that is me as a furry in Fig. 13.4! I dressed up as a bright blue dog wearing pajamas inspired by K-Pop Demon Hunters. It was for my church's Trunk or Treat, and the kiddos would dance with me. I drank lots of water, don't worry. There is a freedom in being a character for a day, and it reminded me how much joy there is in playfulness.

Another big change this month is that I have begun slowly bringing all my work together in one place: my website, seen in Fig. 13.5. The newsletters are being converted into a web format where you will soon be able to explore everything: art, writing, and hobbies, all connected. The next issue might even take place entirely online, so you may receive a new link next month!

Fig. 13.6: Me as a child on a tricycle in the driveway.

My newest paper shifts gears entirely: Human Psychology. It starts with a personal quirk of mine, and then dives into research about mental headspaces and much more. Fig. 13.6 is the starting point where my narrative begins, and I have a deeply reflective, yet investigative and thorough exploration of Little Spaces. Click on the link if the paper sounds interesting to you!

While Art History lets me promote other artists and explore what I like about certain aspects of art, this new "human psychology" direction lets me dive into a whole new range of topics. It is serious at times, but this first paper was very rewarding to write and I hope you have time to check it out. The bonus paper has finally been distributed with the newsletter!

For those who enjoy even more bonus reading, I have also included the first chapter of my upcoming historical fantasy, Prahlāda and Malala. It is a small treat for those who like exploring history with a twist.

Fig. 13.7: Nora basking in the afternoon sunlight.

And to close things out, Fig. 13.7 is Nora again, peacefully napping in the sun.

That is October! From theater nights to quiet mornings, this month has been about appreciating the full range of experience. Thank you, as always, for joining me on this creative journey.

See you next time, Dan