chapter three

[cawpatrol]

Sender: Black Raisin Cookie
To: Everyone
Subject: How to relax.

This is Black Raisin Cookie.

Last time I used this method of communication, I got many helpful responses, so I'm hoping it will work again. During my time here, especially during the Flower Festival, it's been pointed out to me that I have difficulty... relaxing.

I don't know how to have fun here.

Normally, the things I do to have fun are chores. But given how small I am compared to everything and everyone, I can't do that here. I've been trying to master Dreamotion to change my size, but it's still a work in progress. My whole life, I've protected my village from dangerous creatures and intruders, so I've always been on guard and take things very seriously. But I don't need to do that here, and I have to admit, having this mindset isn't healthy.

Any suggestions are welcome.

As always, yes, I am actually a Cookie.

Comments

Sender: Maedhros

[holdshisown]

I'll admit that I am not very good at relaxing myself, so I'm not so sure I'll be able to help much. But I have always found artistic pursuits to be very relaxing and fulfilling ways to pass the time.

[cawpatrol]

Artistic pursuits? Like painting and sculpting?

[holdshisown]

Among other things. I have started to think about picking up painting myself, I used to be rather good at it when I was younger.

[cawpatrol]

I've never tried it before, though I have helped the elders make toys for younger Cookies during the holidays. Do you think it follows the same principle?

[holdshisown]

It's never too late to start, and if you find tinkering with more practical creations to be more satisfying that might also be a good hobby to pick up.

sender: Flowey

[your_best_friend]

Golly, there's tons of ways to have fun! Though with someone your size and tastiness, options are limited. Even more limited seeing that there's no TV available, so anime is out. Even the trash like Mew Mew Kissy Cutie is out. There's radio, though, so have you ever thought about listening to my radio station? You can also listen to Alastor's. though he's my competition, so I don't recommend it.

You can do puzzles! I own a puzzle shop. Or you can larp as a sheriff among cowboys. I've heard there's a new casino there, you can go there. You can draw! You can paint! You can sculpt! Someone can create a tiny-sized instrument for you to learn how to play! You can read books! Or write them!

[cawpatrol]

You're going to need to slow down, there's a lot of words there I don't recognize, such as TV and Larp?

[your_best_friend]

Okay, forget TV. It doesn't matter here. Larping is Live-Action Roleplaying! It's when a group of nerds gather around in order to improvise a story, usually something medieval-fantasy related.

So sort of like acting except you each come up with the parts of the script in the moment.

[cawpatrol]

So it's like playing pretend or being an actor? I admit, I've done neither before.

[your_best_friend]

An actor plays pretend for their roles onscreen. Or onstage if you prepare plays.

Oh! Why don't I write up a little script for you to try!

[Before you can say "no", Flowey's already started on it on a different piece of paper.]

Sender: Malon

[ranchgirl]

No offense or anything, but doing chores doesn't really count as "having fun" in the first place. Even if the chores are enjoyable.

I don't think it counts as being relaxing unless you're not being productive.

[cawpatrol]

But doing chores has always made me happy. Isn't that a major part of having fun?

Sender: Pauline Bonheur

[ribbonbon]

I think I get it. When you're used to working all the time it's hard to adjust to suddenly not having to do all that here.

I've started jogging in the morning. Maybe you could try that? To be honest, it started out as kind of a work out, but it's actually gotten kind of fun. Sometimes when I really get going, I can just kind of check out and not think too much.

[cawpatrol]

As a Cookie, I already find myself running wherever I go, so maybe I should try to increase the speed?

[ribbonbon]

I mean, if you like running, sure. Or you could try slowing down instead.

Maybe you could even find a nice quiet place to just not move at all. Just to sit and chill.

[cawpatrol]

How does one 'chill'? Is it the same as relaxing?

[ribbonbon]

Yeah. It's just what some people call relaxing where I'm from. Like when someone is really stressed out you might say they need to chill. Or if someone is being really aggro someone might say "Why don't you chill out?"

I guess people think of things being hot when they're stressed and cool when they're relaxed maybe?

sender: Ace

[donfire]

Relaxing is so hard when you never know how to do it!

So first, let yourself do nothing. No chores, no running, nothing. Lay down on a comfortable spot, inside or outside, and just watch what's on top of you. If inside, watch the grooves and lines fo the ceiling, if outside, watch the clouds!

[cawpatrol]

Cloud-watching does sound like something I can at least concentrate on. Doing nothing at all sounds so strange.

[donfire]

So you've never had a moment to do nothing and think?

But yes, watching clouds and trying to find patterns on them can be relaxing!

[cawpatrol]

If I wasn't actively protecting the village, I was doing whatever I could to help out anyone who needed it. I've never done "nothing".

Sender: Madoka

[puellamagi]

If chores is what you have fun with, I bet that there's plenty to do! For example... I know that some stores might need help! And there's a big garden that needs tending to, too...

Oh, but -- uhm... if you want to protect others... why would that be harmful to yourself?

[cawpatrol]

I doubt any stores would find much use for someone my size. As for gardens, even flowers are taller than I am.

As for the protection - I worry that being so tense all the time will wear me out faster mentally. So when real danger emerges, I won't be prepared and be too exhausted to do any actual help.

[puellamagi]

I know that it seems more intimidating when you're a small size, but... aren't others who are small powerful, too? That is-- I think you can still do a lot, even if it doesn't seem like that, now!

... I see. I think I understand... Would it... be helpful to practice your abilities somehow? Maybe then, you'd be ready if something really did happen. N-Not that I want it to.

[cawpatrol]

I go on patrols and train daily. Just as I would do back in my village. But that's not the problem.

You've been in contact with me several times by now, and even in person. You have to admit, I can be a bit.

Too serious.