What is this site?
Welcome to my digital garden—a space where I cultivate ideas about creativity, art, and the intersections of life and craft. This site is my attempt to capture the sparks that light up my creative journey: from the dog-eared pages of books that changed my perspective, to the late-night revelations that strike while working on a project. Here, you’ll find:
Explorations of the creative process, including the messy, beautiful parts rarely discussed Writing experiments and artistic practices that keep my creativity flowing Books that have shaped my thinking (and might reshape yours) Hard-won productivity insights for fellow creators Musings on how art, culture, and technology dance together in our digital age Stories from my own creative adventures—both the victories and the stumbles Wisdom gathered from artists, writers, and thinkers who inspire me
I share everything from margin notes in my favorite books to rough sketches from my notebook, from half-formed poems to fully-realized projects. When I’m not at my day job, you’ll find traces of my creative experiments here—breadcrumbs from my ongoing quest to make meaningful work. Consider this less of a traditional blog and more of a living document—one that grows and evolves as I do.
Quicklinks
Jump Links
Tools | Films | Books | Principles | Projects | Notes | Photos
Tools and Materials
Tools I use for home repairs
Whether you’re hanging pictures or tackling major repairs, these tools form the foundation of any home DIY toolkit:
Hand Tools
Claw Hammer (16 oz)
- Perfect for both driving and removing nails
- Essential for basic carpentry work
Screwdriver Set
- Both Phillips and flathead in various sizes
- Ideally with interchangeable bits
Adjustable Wrench
- For nuts and bolts of various sizes
- Look for a 10-inch model for versatility
Pliers Set
- Needle-nose pliers for precision work
- Channel-lock pliers for pipes
- Standard pliers for general gripping
Utility Knife
- With replaceable blades
- For cutting everything from cardboard to carpet
Measurement & Layout
Tape Measure (25 ft)
- With both metric and imperial measurements
- Look for one with a sturdy lock
Level
- 2 ft level for larger projects
- Torpedo level for tight spaces
Speed Square
- For marking 90° and 45° angles
- Essential for woodworking
Power Tools
Cordless Drill/Driver
- 18V or 20V model
- Multiple batteries recommended
Circular Saw
- For straight cuts in wood and sheet materials
- Essential for larger DIY projects
Safety Equipment
Safety Glasses
- Impact-resistant
- Anti-fog coating recommended
Work Gloves
- Different pairs for different tasks
- Both leather and nitrile options
Specialised Tools
Stud Finder
- Electronic model with AC detection
- Essential for wall mounting
Wire Stripper/Cutter
- For basic electrical work
- Multiple gauge settings
Putty Knife Set
- Various widths for different applications
- For spreading compounds and scraping
Storage & Organisation
Tool Belt or Apron
- Keeps frequently used tools accessible
- Multiple pockets for organisation
Tool Box
- With removable tray
- Weather-resistant for garage storage
Additional Essentials
Allen Wrench Set
- Both metric and imperial sizes
- Essential for furniture assembly
Pry Bar
- For demolition work
- Removing trim and molding
Hacksaw
- For cutting metal and plastic pipe
- Multiple blade types available
Pro Tips:
- Invest in quality versions of tools you’ll use frequently
- Store tools in a dry place to prevent rust
- Keep batteries charged and ready
- Always check tool condition before starting a project
- Clean tools after use for longer life
Remember: Quality tools make for quality work. While it’s tempting to buy the cheapest option, mid-range tools often provide the best value for DIY enthusiasts.
Essential Car Tools and Emergency Kit
Whether you’re dealing with a flat tire or an unexpected breakdown, these tools can help you handle common car emergencies:
Basic Tools
Tire Changing Kit
- Jack (vehicle-specific)
- Lug wrench/wheel brace
- Wheel chocks
- Small piece of wood for jack stability
Multi-Tool Set
- Adjustable wrench (8-inch)
- Pliers
- Screwdrivers (Phillips and flathead)
- Wire cutters
Tire Pressure Gauge
- Digital or traditional gauge
- Easy to read in low light
- Works with your vehicle’s tire pressure specs
Jump Leads/Portable Jump Starter
- Heavy-duty cables
- Or modern portable battery jump starter
- Look for one with USB charging ports
Emergency Equipment
Torch/Flashlight
- LED with spare batteries
- Or rechargeable model
- Ideally water-resistant
Warning Triangle & Hi-Vis Vest
- Reflective warning triangle
- Hi-visibility vest (required by law in many countries)
- LED warning lights
First Aid Kit
- Basic bandages and antiseptic wipes
- Emergency blanket
- Personal medications
Weather & Emergency Items
Ice Scraper & Small Shovel
- Extendable ice scraper
- Collapsible shovel
- De-icer spray in winter
Emergency Supplies
- Warm blanket
- Phone charger/power bank
- Small bottle of water
- Energy bars
Basic Repair Items
- Duct tape
- WD-40
- Cable ties
- Work gloves
Pro Tips:
- Check these tools regularly, especially seasonal items
- Keep everything in a dedicated bag or box
- Consider your local climate when choosing supplies
- Familiarise yourself with all tools before you need them
- Replace any used or expired items promptly
Remember: The best tool is the one you know how to use. Take time to learn basic car maintenance and how to use each tool properly.
Essential Linux/Ubuntu Server Tools
Here’s a focused list of tools specifically for managing an Ubuntu-based home server:
System Management
Package Management & Updates
apt
andapt-get
for package managementunattended-upgrades
for automatic security updatesdpkg
for package informationaptitude
for advanced package management
sudo apt update && sudo apt upgrade sudo apt install unattended-upgrades
Container Management
- Docker and Docker Compose
- Portainer for web GUI
systemctl
for service management
sudo systemctl status docker docker compose up -d
System Monitoring
htop
for process viewingnmon
for performance monitoringlm-sensors
for temperature monitoringsmartmontools
for disk health
htop sensors smartctl -a /dev/sda
Network Tools
Network Analysis
netstat
for connection monitoringiftop
for bandwidth monitoringnmap
for network scanningcurl
andwget
for downloads
sudo netstat -tulpn sudo iftop -i eth0
Remote Access
openssh-server
ufw
for firewall managementfail2ban
for security
sudo ufw status sudo fail2ban-client status
Backup & Storage
Backup Tools
rsync
for file synchronizationtimeshift
for system snapshotsduplicati
for encrypted backupstar
for archiving
rsync -avz /source/ /destination/ timeshift --create
Storage Management
ncdu
for disk usage analysislsblk
for block devicesdf
anddu
for space usage
ncdu / lsblk -f df -h
Development & Scripting
- Text Editors & Development
nano
for basic editingvim
for advanced editinggit
for version control
nano /etc/config.conf git clone repository-url
Logging & Debugging
Log Management
journalctl
for system logstail
for log followinggrep
for log searching
journalctl -u service-name tail -f /var/log/syslog
Performance Analysis
iostat
for I/O statisticsvmstat
for virtual memory statssar
for system activity
iostat -x 1 vmstat 1
Pro Tips:
- Create aliases for commonly used commands in
~/.bashrc
- Set up automatic updates with
unattended-upgrades
- Use
tmux
orscreen
for persistent sessions - Keep a backup of your
/etc
directory - Document all custom configurations
- Use
cron
for scheduled tasks
Basic Installation Command:
sudo apt install \
htop \
iftop \
nmon \
fail2ban \
ncdu \
tmux \
ufw \
rsync \
git \
lm-sensors \
smartmontools
Security Best Practices:
- Always update before installing new packages
- Configure UFW (Uncomplicated Firewall)
- Set up Fail2ban for SSH protection
- Use SSH keys instead of passwords
- Regularly check system logs
- Keep backups of important data
Remember: Regular maintenance and monitoring are key to a stable Ubuntu server. Keep your system updated and regularly check logs for any unusual activity.
Films
Films That Shaped My Perspective
A curated list of films that challenge, inspire, and provoke thought. Each has influenced art, storytelling, or our understanding of the human condition:
Philosophical & Existential
2001: A Space Odyssey (1968)
- Kubrick’s meditation on humanity’s evolution
- Groundbreaking visual effects
- Explores themes of technology, consciousness, and human potential
Blade Runner (1982)
- Questions what makes us human
- Influential neo-noir aesthetic
- Explores artificial intelligence and consciousness
The Seventh Seal (1957)
- Bergman’s masterpiece on faith and doubt
- Iconic imagery
- Medieval allegory for modern existential questions
Stalker (1979)
- Tarkovsky’s sci-fi meditation
- Explores faith, desire, and human nature
- Hypnotic visual poetry
Human Connection & Society
Cinema Paradiso (1988)
- Love letter to cinema
- Coming-of-age story
- Explores memory and nostalgia
Tokyo Story (1953)
- Ozu’s meditation on family
- Generation gaps
- Universal human relationships
The Lives of Others (2006)
- Surveillance and humanity
- Power of art and empathy
- Political transformation
Rashomon (1950)
- Multiple perspectives
- Truth and subjectivity
- Kurosawa’s storytelling mastery
Innovation & Creativity
8½ (1963)
- Creative process and artist’s block
- Memory and imagination
- Fellini’s autobiographical masterpiece
Paris, Texas (1984)
- American landscape
- Lost connections
- Visual storytelling
War & Humanity
Apocalypse Now (1979)
- War’s impact on human psyche
- Journey into darkness
- Visual and sound innovation
Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
- War’s effect on innocents
- Human resilience
- Emotional storytelling
Science Fiction & Technology
Ghost in the Shell (1995)
- Identity in digital age
- Cyberpunk influence
- philosophical questions about consciousness
Solaris (1972)
- Human memory and loss
- Space exploration
- Psychological depth
Personal Growth
Wild Strawberries (1957)
- Life reflection
- Memory and regret
- Personal growth
Wings of Desire (1987)
- Human experience
- Love and mortality
- Poetic visualization
Social Commentary
Modern Times (1936)
- Industrial society
- Human dignity
- Chaplin’s genius
Children of Men (2006)
- Hope in darkness
- Society in collapse
- Technical innovation
Art
The Tree of Life (2011)
- Experimental narrative
- Visual poetry
- Life’s big questions
In the Mood for Love (2000)
- Visual composition
- Restrained emotion
- Cultural detail
Impact on Filmmaking
These films have influenced:
- Visual storytelling techniques
- Narrative structures
- Use of symbolism
- Technical innovation
- Philosophical exploration
Viewing Notes:
- Many benefit from multiple viewings
- Some have important cultural contexts
- Several have significant director’s cuts
- Most reward patient, attentive viewing
- Many have influenced other filmmakers
Books
20 Life-Changing Books: A Century of Literary Giants
A curated list of 20 transformative works by different authors, each representing a unique and vital voice in 20th-century literature:
The Revolutionaries
Fear and Loathing in Las Vegas - Hunter S. Thompson (1971)
- Defined Gonzo journalism
- American Dream dissected
- Changed literary journalism forever
The Sun Also Rises - Ernest Hemingway (1926)
- Lost Generation defined
- Modernist prose mastery
- War’s impact on youth
On the Road - Jack Kerouac (1957)
- Beat Generation bible
- American freedom explored
- Stream of consciousness perfected
Post Office - Charles Bukowski (1971)
- Working-class realism
- System critique
- Raw authenticity
The Catcher in the Rye - J.D. Salinger (1951)
- Teenage alienation
- Voice of a generation
- Cultural phenomenon
The Visionaries
The Electric Kool-Aid Acid Test - Tom Wolfe (1968)
- Counterculture chronicle
- New Journalism pinnacle
- Sixties zeitgeist captured
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest - Ken Kesey (1962)
- Individual vs institution
- Mental health explored
- Power and rebellion
Catch-22 - Joseph Heller (1961)
- War absurdity
- Bureaucracy satirized
- Dark humor mastered
Invisible Man - Ralph Ellison (1952)
- Identity and race
- American experience
- Modernist masterpiece
The Great Gatsby - F. Scott Fitzgerald (1925)
- American Dream examined
- Jazz Age captured
- Social criticism perfected
The Innovators
Naked Lunch - William S. Burroughs (1959)
- Experimental narrative
- Consciousness explored
- Convention shattered
Slaughterhouse-Five - Kurt Vonnegut (1969)
- War trauma
- Time and memory
- Genre-bending storytelling
The Sound and the Fury - William Faulkner (1929)
- Southern gothic
- Stream of consciousness
- Family decay
Beloved - Toni Morrison (1987)
- Historical trauma
- Ghost story
- American slavery’s legacy
The Heart is a Lonely Hunter - Carson McCullers (1940)
- Southern alienation
- Human connection
- Youth perspective
The Truth-Tellers
1984 - George Orwell (1949)
- Totalitarian warning
- Language and power
- Surveillance society
Native Son - Richard Wright (1940)
- Racial injustice
- Social determinism
- Urban experience
The Grapes of Wrath - John Steinbeck (1939)
- Great Depression
- American migration
- Social justice
Tropic of Cancer - Henry Miller (1934)
- Literary freedom
- Artistic life
- Paris expatriates
A Confederacy of Dunces - John Kennedy Toole (1980)
- New Orleans life
- Comic masterpiece
- Social satire
Literary Impact:
- Changed narrative possibilities
- Challenged social norms
- Expanded literary boundaries
- Influenced generations
- Documented crucial moments
Common Themes:
- Personal freedom
- Social criticism
- War’s impact
- American identity
- Class struggle
- Individual vs society
- Search for meaning
- Cultural revolution
Historical Context:
- Many were initially banned
- Several were published posthumously
- Most were controversial
- All challenged conventions
- Many won major awards
Reading Notes:
- Each represents different literary movements
- Many deal with mature themes
- All reward careful reading
- Most mix personal and social commentary
- Several changed publishing laws
Principles
Rules to live by
- Coming soon
Creative Manifesto
- Coming soon
Studio Etiquette
- Coming soon
Projects
Tech
- Coming soon
Art
- Coming soon
Writing
- Coming soon
Notes
A selection of notes I keep pinned around my studio for inspiration:
- Coming soon
Photos
A small photo gallery:
- Coming soon