My name is Kyra, but I go by Eden online (ha, get it?). I'm in my twenties and I live in the USA. I decided to create this website as a home for my many passions and hobbies, but also because I deplore what most of the Internet has become. Media companies want to spoon-feed us their algorithm and monetize everything, and I'm just sick of it. The most fun I've ever had on the Internet is when I was young, spending hours digging through the back alleys of the web, uncovering new information and feeding my curiosity. In my own little way I hope to recreate that experience for myself and others. Maybe you'll enjoy my escape as much as I do!
My Pets
I am blessed to have many wonderful pets. Here are a few pictures:
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This is Omelette, my female bold jumping spider (Phidippus audax). Say "Hi, Omelette!"
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This is a spiny flower mantis (Pseudocreobotra wahlbergi) I kept last year. She has sadly already passed, but mantises only live about 6-12 months on average.
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I managed to catch my giant asian mantis (Hierodula patellifera) in the middle of his molt a few months ago. Here is a time lapse of him climbing out of his old exoskeleton.
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This is the same giant asian mantis (Hierodula patellifera) as an adult, after the molt you just watched.
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Here are some photos of me holding my ghost mantis (Phyllocrania paradoxa) when he was just a baby.
One of my favorite hobbies is DJing. I love playing music for my friends to dance to. Mostly I play house and techno, and I've been lucky enough to play at some really fun clubs and local festivals in my city.
Jewelry
I also love making jewelry! I've always loved making wire wraps, but lately I've been taking classes to learn the more technical methods like soldering and casting. It's really satisfying to work with metal and create things that will last forever. Here are some of my creations:
Renaissance faire
I love the renaissance faire! I'm lucky enough to live near two of the largest and most elaborate faires in the US. My garb has evolved over time from a basic maiden to an ethereal elf creature to my current iteration, which is a dark rogue huntress elf character.
My friends and I go once or twice every year and we always have a blast walking around, drinking mead, and engaging in general merriment. The campgrounds get pretty wild too.
Writing
If you've already clicked around my site, you may have already read some of my poetry. You can read it on my blog or my art page. Someday I'll get around to posting my complete portfolio on here, but for now it's just bits and pieces.
Miscellaneous
My fascination with the natural world extends beyond just reptiles and insects -- I also love collecting gemstones, fossils, and minerals. I've even been rockhounding a few times, which is so much fun! Here is most of my current mineral collection: