Amanda Watson
@amndw2.bsky.social
Librarian, literature geek, knitter, opera fan, book history person. Writing a book about commonplace books and poetry readers. Opinions here are my own. She/her/hers. Queer and furious. 🏳️🌈
Pinned
Abolish ICE.
Abolish ICE.
Abolish ICE.
Abolish ICE.
Abolish ICE.
Abolish ICE.
Abolish ICE.
Abolish ICE.
Abolish ICE.
Abolish ICE.
Abolish ICE.
Abolish ICE.
Abolish ICE.
Abolish ICE.
Abolish ICE.
Abolish ICE.
And hold Nuremberg trials for every single person involved with ICE. Every last one.
Abolish ICE.
Abolish ICE.
Abolish ICE.
Abolish ICE.
Abolish ICE.
Abolish ICE.
Abolish ICE.
Abolish ICE.
Abolish ICE.
Abolish ICE.
Abolish ICE.
Abolish ICE.
Abolish ICE.
Abolish ICE.
Abolish ICE.
And hold Nuremberg trials for every single person involved with ICE. Every last one.
Choose 20 paintings that have stayed with you or influenced you — one painting a day (or thereabouts) for 20 days, no particular order. No explanations, no reviews, just paintings.
17. Suzanna Ogunjami. Full-Blown Magnolia. 1935. Oil on burlap. Hampton University Museum.
17. Suzanna Ogunjami. Full-Blown Magnolia. 1935. Oil on burlap. Hampton University Museum.
January 28, 2026 at 5:32 PM
Choose 20 paintings that have stayed with you or influenced you — one painting a day (or thereabouts) for 20 days, no particular order. No explanations, no reviews, just paintings.
17. Suzanna Ogunjami. Full-Blown Magnolia. 1935. Oil on burlap. Hampton University Museum.
17. Suzanna Ogunjami. Full-Blown Magnolia. 1935. Oil on burlap. Hampton University Museum.
One more Moby-Dick thought: There's something very ... American about the way Ahab is there on the deck of his ship, in a typhoon, with the sails in tatters and his men justifiably on the verge of mutiny, and all he cares about is the triumph of his "personality." Big main character energy. 🐋
January 28, 2026 at 3:49 AM
One more Moby-Dick thought: There's something very ... American about the way Ahab is there on the deck of his ship, in a typhoon, with the sails in tatters and his men justifiably on the verge of mutiny, and all he cares about is the triumph of his "personality." Big main character energy. 🐋
Reposted by Amanda Watson
I post this link merely as a cultural curiosity and not so that anyone could print one if, say, whistles were banned. Obviously that would be wrong.
Who knew a retractable desktop vuvuzela is something we’d all want someday?
January 28, 2026 at 1:43 AM
I post this link merely as a cultural curiosity and not so that anyone could print one if, say, whistles were banned. Obviously that would be wrong.
"We don't want thunder, we want rum; give us a glass of rum!" needs to go somewhere on our imaginary Moby-Dick cocktail menu. Might be too long to be a cocktail name, but maybe at the top of the extensive list of rum-based cocktails? 🐋
January 28, 2026 at 12:22 AM
"We don't want thunder, we want rum; give us a glass of rum!" needs to go somewhere on our imaginary Moby-Dick cocktail menu. Might be too long to be a cocktail name, but maybe at the top of the extensive list of rum-based cocktails? 🐋
Choose 20 paintings that have stayed with you or influenced you — one painting a day (or thereabouts) for 20 days, no particular order. No explanations, no reviews, just paintings.
16. James Abbott McNeill Whistler. Sea and Rain. 1865. Oil on canvas. University of Michigan Art Museum.
16. James Abbott McNeill Whistler. Sea and Rain. 1865. Oil on canvas. University of Michigan Art Museum.
January 28, 2026 at 12:16 AM
Choose 20 paintings that have stayed with you or influenced you — one painting a day (or thereabouts) for 20 days, no particular order. No explanations, no reviews, just paintings.
16. James Abbott McNeill Whistler. Sea and Rain. 1865. Oil on canvas. University of Michigan Art Museum.
16. James Abbott McNeill Whistler. Sea and Rain. 1865. Oil on canvas. University of Michigan Art Museum.
Moby-Dick chapter 117: I’m sure Fedallah’s prophecy is going to play out exactly like Ahab expects, no omens here, certainly nothing made out of hemp on board a ship… 🐋
January 27, 2026 at 3:09 PM
Moby-Dick chapter 117: I’m sure Fedallah’s prophecy is going to play out exactly like Ahab expects, no omens here, certainly nothing made out of hemp on board a ship… 🐋
Choose 20 paintings that have stayed with you or influenced you — one painting a day (or thereabouts) for 20 days, no particular order. No explanations, no reviews, just paintings.
15. Thomas Cole. The Titan's Goblet. 1833. Oil on canvas. Metropolitan Museum of Art.
15. Thomas Cole. The Titan's Goblet. 1833. Oil on canvas. Metropolitan Museum of Art.
January 27, 2026 at 1:11 AM
Choose 20 paintings that have stayed with you or influenced you — one painting a day (or thereabouts) for 20 days, no particular order. No explanations, no reviews, just paintings.
15. Thomas Cole. The Titan's Goblet. 1833. Oil on canvas. Metropolitan Museum of Art.
15. Thomas Cole. The Titan's Goblet. 1833. Oil on canvas. Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Reposted by Amanda Watson
It’s just *extremely American* that we’re experiencing a democratic cataclysm unlike any we’ve seen in our lives and we’re still wearing our little executive function hats and typing away, caffeinated.
it turns out it's hard to write when you're in a state of emotional paralysis
January 26, 2026 at 11:21 PM
It’s just *extremely American* that we’re experiencing a democratic cataclysm unlike any we’ve seen in our lives and we’re still wearing our little executive function hats and typing away, caffeinated.
Reposted by Amanda Watson
The crazy stories Vance didn’t mention, a thread
Oh dang, okay I have a crazy story! So, this U.S. citizen was watching TV in his house, in his underwear (like a lot of us!) and ICE came and BROKE DOWN HIS DOOR WITHOUT A SIGNED JUDICIAL WARRANT AND DRAGGED HIM OUT THE HOUSE IN HIS UNDERS IN SUBZERO TEMPERATURES AND KEPT HIM FOR HOURS.
January 26, 2026 at 10:58 PM
The crazy stories Vance didn’t mention, a thread
I've just learned the term "Cottage Ladies" from this article and I'm filing it away for future use.
Read to the end for mention of David Ferrow, who transitioned in the 1930s, and become an Antiquarian bookseller. 📜 #England #Archives
www.bbc.com/news/article...
www.bbc.com/news/article...
Archive reveals hidden stories of Queer Norfolk
Figures such as Barbara Ross and Anna Gurney were ahead of their time, says archivist Adam Baker.
www.bbc.com
January 26, 2026 at 11:09 PM
I've just learned the term "Cottage Ladies" from this article and I'm filing it away for future use.
Reposted by Amanda Watson
Our friends in the twin cities probably didn't expect to wake up to an empty wish list, but they have added some more requests now!
You know what would really piss off the weirdos? pop-up leftist supply depot fuzzy socks. 💓
You know what would really piss off the weirdos? pop-up leftist supply depot fuzzy socks. 💓
Did you miss out on your last opportunity to bankroll the fully stocked pop-up leftist supply depot?? Do you want to send free hand warmers, winter gear, first aid supplies, YOU NAME IT, to the Twin Cities?
This is your moment. Let's ride.
www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/...
(non 'zon in follow up!)
This is your moment. Let's ride.
www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/...
(non 'zon in follow up!)
January 26, 2026 at 4:03 PM
Our friends in the twin cities probably didn't expect to wake up to an empty wish list, but they have added some more requests now!
You know what would really piss off the weirdos? pop-up leftist supply depot fuzzy socks. 💓
You know what would really piss off the weirdos? pop-up leftist supply depot fuzzy socks. 💓
Reposted by Amanda Watson
A lot of the Male Loneliness Epidemic can be traced back to the fact that most cis dudes don’t participate in communal logistics.
I think @sarahjeong.bsky.social said it's because they devalue women's labor and a LOT of this Scary Logistics stuff comes from people who don't understand that basically all of the civic life they enjoy is created with the help of free labor, largely by women.
Tho I will say, in his defense, he's not the first person to be confused by how quickly the romance authors & readers can whip up finely tuned logistics out of nothing. 😂
January 26, 2026 at 2:02 AM
A lot of the Male Loneliness Epidemic can be traced back to the fact that most cis dudes don’t participate in communal logistics.
Reposted by Amanda Watson
In case anyone was wondering how it’s going over on American Girl doll Instagram
January 25, 2026 at 10:21 PM
In case anyone was wondering how it’s going over on American Girl doll Instagram
That's my mayor!
NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdami advises New Yorkers to stay home and read ‘Heated Rivalry’ during the winter storm
via hearts530
via hearts530
January 25, 2026 at 7:17 PM
That's my mayor!
Reposted by Amanda Watson
My take away from what’s happening in Minneapolis is that it crushes the lie that people are by nature selfish. When the time calls for it, people can do astonishing things to keep their communities safe in the face of all odds.
January 25, 2026 at 3:58 PM
My take away from what’s happening in Minneapolis is that it crushes the lie that people are by nature selfish. When the time calls for it, people can do astonishing things to keep their communities safe in the face of all odds.
Reposted by Amanda Watson
A reminder that we can expect and must demand so more from political leaders—including moral clarity.
I was fortunate to have Ami, a great speechwriter, work with me on several White House speeches.
Read what he would have Schumer say in an alternate parallel universe of courage and conviction 🧵
I was fortunate to have Ami, a great speechwriter, work with me on several White House speeches.
Read what he would have Schumer say in an alternate parallel universe of courage and conviction 🧵
I wrote the speech I *wish* Chuck Schumer would give tonight - as an actual opposition leader. Here it is:
"My fellow Americans: At this hour, an unrestrained force of militarized and violent federal officers is carrying out a project of ethnic cleansing in the streets of American cities."
1/14
"My fellow Americans: At this hour, an unrestrained force of militarized and violent federal officers is carrying out a project of ethnic cleansing in the streets of American cities."
1/14
Senate Democrats will not provide the votes to proceed to the appropriations bill if the DHS funding bill is included.
January 25, 2026 at 2:28 AM
A reminder that we can expect and must demand so more from political leaders—including moral clarity.
I was fortunate to have Ami, a great speechwriter, work with me on several White House speeches.
Read what he would have Schumer say in an alternate parallel universe of courage and conviction 🧵
I was fortunate to have Ami, a great speechwriter, work with me on several White House speeches.
Read what he would have Schumer say in an alternate parallel universe of courage and conviction 🧵
Those tiny Trader Joe's peanut butter cups, by the handful.
what are people stress eating?
January 25, 2026 at 2:31 AM
Those tiny Trader Joe's peanut butter cups, by the handful.
Reposted by Amanda Watson
HAPPENING NOW: A massive crowd is gathered in freezing temperatures outside ICE headquarters in DC to demand ICE OUT OF ALL COMMUNITIES NOW.
January 25, 2026 at 12:00 AM
HAPPENING NOW: A massive crowd is gathered in freezing temperatures outside ICE headquarters in DC to demand ICE OUT OF ALL COMMUNITIES NOW.
Keeping a running tally of the weirder visions of God(s) in Moby-Dick:
- the spirit-spout, "some plumed and glittering god uprising from the sea"
- "multitudinous, God-omnipresent, coral insects"
- the "unseen weaver"
- sperm whales
Honorary demigod: Bulkington (RIP) 🐋
- the spirit-spout, "some plumed and glittering god uprising from the sea"
- "multitudinous, God-omnipresent, coral insects"
- the "unseen weaver"
- sperm whales
Honorary demigod: Bulkington (RIP) 🐋
January 25, 2026 at 12:48 AM
Keeping a running tally of the weirder visions of God(s) in Moby-Dick:
- the spirit-spout, "some plumed and glittering god uprising from the sea"
- "multitudinous, God-omnipresent, coral insects"
- the "unseen weaver"
- sperm whales
Honorary demigod: Bulkington (RIP) 🐋
- the spirit-spout, "some plumed and glittering god uprising from the sea"
- "multitudinous, God-omnipresent, coral insects"
- the "unseen weaver"
- sperm whales
Honorary demigod: Bulkington (RIP) 🐋
Re-listening to the "Bower in the Arsacides" chapter, I got to the passage about the deafening sound of the weaver-god weaving the world, and suddenly thought of that one sentence in Middlemarch: 🐋 🛖
January 24, 2026 at 8:36 PM
Re-listening to the "Bower in the Arsacides" chapter, I got to the passage about the deafening sound of the weaver-god weaving the world, and suddenly thought of that one sentence in Middlemarch: 🐋 🛖
Reposted by Amanda Watson
As tens of thousands across America protest the violence that ICE sows with impunity, federal agents shot and killed another person in Minneapolis today.
ICE terrorizes our cities. ICE puts us all in danger. Abolish ICE.
January 24, 2026 at 6:00 PM
As tens of thousands across America protest the violence that ICE sows with impunity, federal agents shot and killed another person in Minneapolis today.
ICE terrorizes our cities. ICE puts us all in danger. Abolish ICE.
Choose 20 paintings that have stayed with you or influenced you — one painting a day (or thereabouts) for 20 days, no particular order. No explanations, no reviews, just paintings.
14. Sophie Taeuber-Arp. Composition of Quadrangular, Polychrome, Dense Strokes. 1920. Gouache and pencil on paper.
14. Sophie Taeuber-Arp. Composition of Quadrangular, Polychrome, Dense Strokes. 1920. Gouache and pencil on paper.
January 24, 2026 at 4:05 PM
Choose 20 paintings that have stayed with you or influenced you — one painting a day (or thereabouts) for 20 days, no particular order. No explanations, no reviews, just paintings.
14. Sophie Taeuber-Arp. Composition of Quadrangular, Polychrome, Dense Strokes. 1920. Gouache and pencil on paper.
14. Sophie Taeuber-Arp. Composition of Quadrangular, Polychrome, Dense Strokes. 1920. Gouache and pencil on paper.
Reposted by Amanda Watson
Heated Rivalry Fun Fact: Minnesota Edition!
January 24, 2026 at 6:57 AM
Heated Rivalry Fun Fact: Minnesota Edition!
My Ravelry favorites page is turning into a parade of anti-ICE hat patterns. There's this one, based on Norwegian resistance hats from WWII: www.reddit.com/r/Antifascis...
January 24, 2026 at 2:21 PM
My Ravelry favorites page is turning into a parade of anti-ICE hat patterns. There's this one, based on Norwegian resistance hats from WWII: www.reddit.com/r/Antifascis...