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.

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!

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.

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]

Artistic pursuits? Like painting and sculpting?

[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?

[cawpatrol]

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

[cawpatrol]

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

[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.

[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.

[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]

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?

[cawpatrol]

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

[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.]

[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.

[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?

[cawpatrol]

I suppose it can't hurt to try. I did ask for help, after all.

[cawpatrol]

I'm willing to try anything at this point. I think I'm just exhausted mentally, and my too-tense nature is making others uncomfortable.

[cawpatrol]

So it's all just semantics, I see.

Back to the original point. In my world, Cookies run to get everywhere. It's in our nature, ever since we leave the oven.

[holdshisown]

Well... I can only speak for myself, of course, but you've never made me uncomfortable. And if you want someone to help you get started with painting, if you are interested, I would not mind lending a hand.

[Text] -> [Action]

[your_best_friend]

[Flowey does not respond to this and around fifteen minutes later, the flower pops up in the general vicinity where Black Raisin is.]

Howdy! You ready?

[ribbonbon]

So running isn't something you like or dislike, it's just something that you do. And I guess walking isn't an option for you, then.

You did say you like doing chores, so maybe we can find a way for you to do them on a smaller scale. What kind of chores do you like best?

[cawpatrol]

I would appreciate that. I'm unsure of who else I would turn to, as I know nothing about painting and the arts.

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!