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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: mamselle on October 29, 2020, 12:56:21 PM

Title: The quiet room thread...
Post by: mamselle on October 29, 2020, 12:56:21 PM
...for all those in need of some peace of mind....

Thought we'd set this up awhile ago, but I guess not.

So...

Here are enough blankets, hidden corners, sleepy kittens and puppies, and warm beverages of your choice to soothe your raw nerves, and allow for some quiet decompression any time of the day or night.

You can build a pillow fort with those pillows over there; you can make a blanket cave with those sheets and card tables up against the wall, there--and there are three bookcases of well-thumbed classics, as well as meditative resources from a wide variety of spiritual traditions, over there...

Oh, and there's an infinity oven that continually dispenses warm chocolate chip cookies, snickerdoodles, pecan sandies, and croissants against that other wall, and a fridge with juices, cream, milk, cheeses, fresh fruits, and various sherberts and ice creams beside it.

You have only to ask, and it's there, whatever it is you need to be calm, peaceful, and human again...

Welcome.

M.
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: fourhats on October 29, 2020, 12:58:33 PM
I'll take two sleepy kittens, please.
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: mamselle on October 29, 2020, 01:04:54 PM
Gladly.

Enjoy your naps.

M.
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: Hegemony on October 29, 2020, 01:43:07 PM
I'm settling in over there in the Rip Van Winkle corner. When I wake up again, I want people to be studying all this in history books and saying, "How ever did people make it through that craziness?"  Then I'll gesture to the pillow fort and doze off again.
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: mamselle on October 29, 2020, 02:44:46 PM
Sounds like a plan.

We'll put the white noise machine just outside the fort, with a "do not disturb" sign....

M.
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on October 29, 2020, 04:01:32 PM
Could I have some parrots to perch on me and a cheese plate?
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: mamselle on October 29, 2020, 05:09:38 PM
Indeed, there's a birds-and-music corner, and cheeses and crackers galore.

Any special favorites?

M.
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on October 29, 2020, 08:59:08 PM
Quote from: mamselle on October 29, 2020, 05:09:38 PM
Indeed, there's a birds-and-music corner, and cheeses and crackers galore.

Any special favorites?

M.

Favorite bird or cheese/cracker?

Any parrot. I had cockatiels for 30 years, so I'm partial to them. Caiques are cute and actually will wrestle with each other.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pJhApIi-dM (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9pJhApIi-dM)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jCLTShJ2vI (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6jCLTShJ2vI)

As for cheese? Whatever you've got! Chevre with cranberries, Brie, Gouda, Camembert...

Edit: Though the birds may be too loud for the 'Quiet Room.' :)
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: mamselle on October 29, 2020, 10:25:56 PM
After a very short distance, the sound dissipates and those who want it quiet won't hear a thing....

M.
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: ergative on October 30, 2020, 02:41:06 AM
May I please have a low-impact running route, with no traffic, no foot pain, and perfect weather? I'll enjoy the blankets, kittens, and silence better if I've had a chance to make my body ready for indolence.
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: mamselle on October 30, 2020, 07:22:09 AM
Yes, there's a protected pine forest out back and the pine needles are never cleared from the path, just raked a bit, to provide a soft, quiet space for running.

The geodesic dome keeps the rain and cold out, while allowing for soft breezes and birdsong as you go.

Pleasant running, and we'll have the hot-water showers and a mug of your favorite calming tea ready for your walk-down when you return.

M.
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: little bongo on October 30, 2020, 07:39:56 AM
Sounds good-- with 1) blanket, 1) soft pillow, and 1) corner, I'll be fine. Oh, and maybe a hot tea.
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: mamselle on October 30, 2020, 09:54:03 AM
You've got it. What are your favorite flavors of tea? Honey? Sugar? Milk? Cream?

We'll be sure to put them in a little basket for you and leave them in your corner.

M.
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: Hegemony on October 30, 2020, 10:32:32 PM
I appreciate the underfloor heating. I gather that comes from the hot springs under our dome, which also make for such nice natural hot springs to soak in just down the pine-needle-cushioned path.

I'm over here curled up in a ball with a fuzzy blanket over me, but appreciate hearing the soft murmur of other folks chatting and settling in.
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: teach_write_research on October 31, 2020, 12:48:35 AM
This is pretty spectacular, thank you. My family of four lives in an "energy efficient" apartment, aka, small.

I'll be over there on the three-season back porch adjacent to the quiet room. Thanks for the comfy couch with blankets and pillows. Nice plants. Is the kettle hot? A cuppa green tea would hit the spot. I'm going to read for awhile.
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: ergative on October 31, 2020, 02:15:47 AM
Quote from: mamselle on October 30, 2020, 07:22:09 AM
Yes, there's a protected pine forest out back and the pine needles are never cleared from the path, just raked a bit, to provide a soft, quiet space for running.

The geodesic dome keeps the rain and cold out, while allowing for soft breezes and birdsong as you go.

Pleasant running, and we'll have the hot-water showers and a mug of your favorite calming tea ready for your walk-down when you return.

M.

That was perfect, thank you.

I made full use of the fully-stocked and self-cleaning kitchen to make some pumpkin-cream cheese muffins with a pecan streusel on top. I'll just put them on the table with the other baked goods over here, and then curl up on the window seat and read my fantasy novel.
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: mamselle on October 31, 2020, 02:57:33 PM
Ooohhh, yum...that's really "giving back"!

On everyone's behalf...Thank you!

M.
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: EdnaMode on November 06, 2020, 06:11:36 AM
I'll take a couple fluffy, snuggly kitties and will curl up here on the comfy couch with the kitties in my lap and a book to read. Maybe I'll take a nap too.
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: mamselle on November 06, 2020, 08:52:01 AM
Enjoy.

There are extra blankets and pillows in the cupboard over there.

M.
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: little bongo on November 10, 2020, 10:58:00 AM
Here for an slightly extended stay this time--pulled a muscle from shaking my head too much. I think I can get by with some chamomile with two drops of honey, not stirred. Thanks!
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: wareagle on November 10, 2020, 11:57:07 AM
I'd suggest two drops of brandy instead, but that's just me.
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: mamselle on November 10, 2020, 12:50:18 PM
Quote from: little bongo on November 10, 2020, 10:58:00 AM
Here for an slightly extended stay this time--pulled a muscle from shaking my head too much. I think I can get by with some chamomile with two drops of honey, not stirred. Thanks!

Do you prefer a masseur or a masseuse to help with the pulled muscle?  Or there are warm towels on the fax machine over there... (interforumality).

There are also a couple of shaped foam pillows for support if that will help.

M.
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: Chris J on November 11, 2020, 08:11:20 AM
I am going to do some slow floor yoga stretches for twenty minutes or so over in this corner. If I fall asleep and start snoring, forgive me.
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: mamselle on November 11, 2020, 08:23:04 AM
Someone will bring you a blanket if you do fall asleep....

M.
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: arcturus on December 02, 2020, 12:25:27 PM
I need a quiet corner to deal with the grief associated with the loss of the Arecibo Observatory yesterday. Yes, it was already in dire straights and scheduled to be demolished, but the total collapse of the platform yesterday was heart-wrenching. This had been the world's premier radio astronomy observatory and now it is just a pile of twisted metal.

Perhaps a cup of tea, a pile of old photo albums to flip through (and remind me of the memories), and a sleepy kitten will suffice?
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: mamselle on December 02, 2020, 09:01:53 PM
Gladly. I had a similar response. (I can bring a signed copy of Kraus' "Big Ear" for partial comfort as well.)

Maybe a quiet tape, too, to listen to....something like this?

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIveDV0QEJA

The kittens are in separate baskets in the warming room.

Pick one, or as many as you like. 

M.
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: mamselle on January 20, 2021, 01:03:48 PM
Just ran across this favorite, if anyone wants it for their earbuds in their quiet space. (Barenboim playing the Beethoven Sonatas, this is the Pathetique, Op. no. : the adagio cantabile at 9:46 melts in the ears)

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrcOcKYQX3c

Breathe safely.

M.
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: Charlotte on January 21, 2021, 04:50:00 PM
Quote from: mamselle on January 20, 2021, 01:03:48 PM
Just ran across this favorite, if anyone wants it for their earbuds in their quiet space. (Barenboim playing the Beethoven Sonatas, this is the Pathetique, Op. no. : the adagio cantabile at 9:46 melts in the ears)

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SrcOcKYQX3c

Breathe safely.

M.

I think my muscles relaxed for the first time today listening to that and my persistent headache of the last four days faded a little. So glad I wandered in here tonight.
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: mamselle on January 21, 2021, 05:07:21 PM
Welcome.

There are tea and coffee makings in the kitchen.  (There are also tables and blankets if you want to make a fort to hide in....)

M.
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: robear on January 21, 2021, 05:36:14 PM
I've made tea and little tea sandwiches. You may choose from cucumber and cream cheese, smoked salmon and cream cheese, egg salad, or ham with a bit of dijon, as well as tiny spinach and cheese quiches. There are lovely biscuits and a splash of champagne, as well as an array of teas from around the globe.
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: mamselle on January 21, 2021, 05:38:14 PM
Lovely! Thank you.

The ham and Dijon are especially good.

M.
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: mamselle on January 28, 2021, 05:42:50 PM
Another couple of soft music options from Libera:

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d_jSjwM-PMU

and

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rsz6-rLBCqc

and Les Choristes:

   (single, l'Ocean): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rEs1wtsw_IA

   (entire presentation): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zIveDV0QEJA

M.
   
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on January 28, 2021, 08:49:29 PM
Quote from: robear on January 21, 2021, 05:36:14 PM
I've made tea and little tea sandwiches. You may choose from cucumber and cream cheese, smoked salmon and cream cheese, egg salad, or ham with a bit of dijon, as well as tiny spinach and cheese quiches. There are lovely biscuits and a splash of champagne, as well as an array of teas from around the globe.

Wow! I may grab a few and take a long nap. It's been a day!
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: dismalist on January 28, 2021, 08:58:58 PM
Quote from: evil_physics_witchcraft on January 28, 2021, 08:49:29 PM
Quote from: robear on January 21, 2021, 05:36:14 PM
I've made tea and little tea sandwiches. You may choose from cucumber and cream cheese, smoked salmon and cream cheese, egg salad, or ham with a bit of dijon, as well as tiny spinach and cheese quiches. There are lovely biscuits and a splash of champagne, as well as an array of teas from around the globe.

Wow! I may grab a few and take a long nap. It's been a day!

Wonderful, scrumptious, brilliant! Forget the tea, though. A lot of dry white wine would go well with the delectable food. A splash of champagne is acceptable.

Do you deliver, or must I pick up? :-)
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: mamselle on January 28, 2021, 09:37:15 PM
This is the Narnia-closet-sized infintely safe Quiet Room.

You're welcome to help yourself to any treats on offer, and find a quiet corner to retire to.

Folks have shared blankets, pillows, various playback devices with headphones, and many, many books.

The room expands inversionally so there are many corners....

M.
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: the_geneticist on January 29, 2021, 09:32:43 AM
After two weeks of being sick (still!) I think I need a Quiet Room rest and reset.

I'll take a massive, fluffy blanket, a comfy couch, a brick fireplace with a crackling wood fire, a purring cat, a mug of tea, and gentle rain or snow outside.
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: mamselle on January 29, 2021, 03:28:30 PM
Enjoy and be well.

M.
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: Charlotte on January 30, 2021, 01:55:22 PM
After a conflict in my city today I am very sad and find myself feeling discouraged and disappointed. So if anyone needs me, I will be curled up with a pile of pillows and blankets, a mug of herbal tea, and a good fiction book that will take me into another world for just a little while.
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: mamselle on January 30, 2021, 03:29:15 PM
If you fall asleep, we'll put a bookmarker in your book for you...

M.
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: mamselle on January 08, 2022, 03:17:30 PM
Back by popular demand...

I've re-stocked all the teas, cocoa, coffee, and hot milk fixings, and there are veggie, savory, and sweet snacks in the fridge, along with places to heat them up in, or on.

There are some new, and some old, books on the shelves, ditto some magazines, and some fresh blankets, duvets, sheets, pillows, and sleeping bags in the grotto.

There are a couple card tables if anyone wants to make a blankie--fort, and a few books-on-tape and music sources of your choosing.

Space is kept quiet and warm, and all who observe the rules are welcome.

Peace.

M.
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on January 08, 2022, 08:52:55 PM
I'm setting up my blanket fort with an extra dimensional portal to a cave filled with electric blankets, friendly birds, dogs, kitties, lizards, etc. and lots of tasty treats! I'll take some of those samosas from the fridge. Yoink!
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: mamselle on January 09, 2022, 05:25:27 AM
There are meal worms for the lizards in a small container near the stove.

Enjoy the samosas!

M.
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: Thursday's_Child on January 09, 2022, 07:53:50 AM
Playing the Barenboim link you posted nearly a year ago - TYVM Mamselle!
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: mamselle on January 09, 2022, 09:13:10 AM
De rien.

Here's another piece to listen to...(glass armonica; Dennis James, performer)

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QkTUL7DjTow

M.
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: mythbuster on January 09, 2022, 10:35:36 AM
I'll be out on the patio, getting some sun on the pool side chaise lounge. The fountain makes a wonderful soft burbling sound.
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: Juvenal on January 09, 2022, 11:28:46 AM
Is sleeping for twelve hours (I've a white-noise generator) a good sign or a bad sign in these times?  At least I'm well-rested.
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: mamselle on January 09, 2022, 03:28:09 PM
Quote from: Juvenal on January 09, 2022, 11:28:46 AM
Is sleeping for twelve hours (I've a white-noise generator) a good sign or a bad sign in these times?  At least I'm well-rested.

Sounds like it's what you needed. So it's all good.

(Validation offered by extension; that office is actually down the hallway, but to avoid vexing administrative frustrations, the quiet room has a few validation slips for those in need, too...)

M.
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: mamselle on January 13, 2022, 04:46:10 PM
This is for anyone who wants to sleep but is feeling a bit restless...

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zZ3HRiYmCO8

M.
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: mamselle on February 18, 2022, 08:09:06 PM
Sounds like the vents are building up, so before they blow...

Just watched this and was transported to a different place and time....

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YXGfCKNa_9E

There are a couple of other versions, but this early one tugs at my heart-strings...

We also have a fresh, new-hatched batch of baby kittens to play with in the warming room.

And two new kinds of tea in the jars in the kitchen.

M.
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: evil_physics_witchcraft on February 18, 2022, 08:21:26 PM
Kitties!!!
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: mamselle on February 19, 2022, 09:22:40 PM
Meow!

I just ran across this in an email to a friend from c. 2012, on grading (anticipating even the old Forum's quiet room thread...)

"I have taught as an adjunct....from time to time....they should construct small, warm dens for people to hide in and grade at the end of the semester complete with room service and the occasional foot massage, in my estimation.  And pay them twice as much."

We've got some aspects of that covered; I'll see if we can find someone to do foot massage, if anyone's interested.

M.
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: mamselle on April 06, 2022, 09:23:35 AM
Re-opening this thread, sounds like there might be some use for it among forumites these days...

A foot-warmer and electric blanket are now in the closet with the pillows, throw rugs and duvets...and the card tables are out, stacked against the wall...for anyone in need of a pillow fort or a spot to drink your tea, coffee, or other beverage/snack of choice.

And the mini-kitchen and fridge are all freshly re-stocked as well....let the concierge know if there's anything missing that you'd like by leaving a note in the basket by their 1/2-door.

Once it gets just a bit warmer, we'll open the glassed-in porch, too...

M.
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: paultuttle on May 04, 2022, 11:23:03 AM
Just lean back in your recliner and listen to the birds outside . . . .
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: dr_evil on May 04, 2022, 12:02:50 PM
If the sun is shining, I'm going to channel my inner cat (the only one I'm not allergic to) and nap in the sunbeam...even though I'd like to hide my head under the covers to not re-emerge until (bad thing I shouldn't mention in a relaxation place) goes away. Is the bar open?
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: mamselle on May 04, 2022, 12:20:09 PM
The bar is always open, there's also a tea-and-juice bar with snacks and a lounge chair with a soft massage setting.

There's a white-noise generator and a closed quiet room, if saying the bad thing out loud to yourself would be freeing--or you don't have to.

Inner kittens always welcome, as well as external ones, of course.

And if a children's story might be of interest, I can recommend this one...

   https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gkn0L7fOJj4


M.
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: dr_evil on May 04, 2022, 02:01:46 PM
Quote from: mamselle on May 04, 2022, 12:20:09 PM
There's a white-noise generator and a closed quiet room, if saying the bad thing out loud to yourself would be freeing--or you don't have to.

Thanks, but it might be best to let it go for a bit, then move to what I can do to protest it.  But I will take the virtual drinks from the bar. Virtual drinks don't bring out the depressed side of me like real ones might.
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: mamselle on May 04, 2022, 03:29:59 PM
Got it.

There's also an assortment of real and plush kitties, puppies, and other assorted friendly small animals (sloths are making the rounds these days...) with which to commune if you just need some reassurance...

    https://mail.google.com/mail/u/0/?tab=rm&ogbl#inbox/KtbxLvhGLkNXHjlhBMcjpmLJPZKMCtnckg?projector=1

M.
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: teach_write_research on December 11, 2022, 05:25:29 PM
The grading load is impossible. The child is sick, again. I am opening up the quiet room for a bit. Tea, comfy couch, and mindlessly staring at the wintery drips coming off the eaves.
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: mamselle on December 11, 2022, 07:27:38 PM
Lovely idea.

Thanks.

I'll have a warm kitten, I think.

M.
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: arcturus on April 14, 2023, 03:55:05 PM
It is that time of year again...

I need a kitten and a comfy chair in the corner.

Can some one please turn off the stove if I fall asleep before my tea-water starts to boil?
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: AmLitHist on April 16, 2023, 02:26:20 PM
Pass the kittens, please. Lots and lots of kittens.
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: arcturus on April 16, 2023, 02:51:51 PM
Quote from: AmLitHist on April 16, 2023, 02:26:20 PM
Pass the kittens, please. Lots and lots of kittens.
Have a few...but watch out for the grey&white tabby - he thinks that hard casts are walking scratching posts!
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: AmLitHist on April 17, 2023, 06:49:22 AM
^^  LOL! ^^
Title: Re: The quiet room thread...
Post by: FishProf on April 17, 2023, 08:10:05 AM
Quote from: arcturus on April 16, 2023, 02:51:51 PM
Quote from: AmLitHist on April 16, 2023, 02:26:20 PM
Pass the kittens, please. Lots and lots of kittens.
Have a few...but watch out for the grey&white tabby - he thinks that hard casts are walking scratching posts!

Heh, in my house it would be easy to stop the Thundercats from doing this by simply MAKING THE CAST A DESIGNATED SCRATCHING POST.  They'll never touch it again (but goodbye couches)