A parallel universe discovered

Instability defines history. I discovered this through a "fraying cable" to another reality, found within a thrift store bin. It began with Italian playing cards that utilized the design language of Japanese sumo trading cards—objects that simply should not exist in our world. My curiosity led me back to that shop and its owner  numerous times. I uncovered further anomalies: 1960s underground artwork from "International Times" that was somehow dated to the 1800s.

Eventually, Q. Vellum, the store propriator, invited me behind the curtains, and invited me to access to this alternate timeline, Timeline-D. I have since spent 120 years there—a mere two years in our time—gathering ephemera that nearly mirrors our own experience. I am particularly interested in collecting examples that are closest to our own world. We have sumo wrestling, they have sumo wrestling. In our timeline Sumo is a Japanese sport and most ephemera is in Japanese. I was surpised to discover that in Timeline D- much of what we know of Japan is the same, including Sumo, but they speak Italian.

The physical preservation of these artifacts is impossible; Timeline-D paper is volatile, thriving in their sun but disintegrating in ours. To save these "rescued ghosts," I employ neural translation and Chroma-lens technology to stabilize the ink and original intent. What you hold are reconstituted missives from a neighboring world.

Cultural overlaps exist—both realities share a disdain for Papyrus and Comic Sans, and both enjoy wrestling and surfing. However, the divergences are stark: in Timeline-D, airplanes and corgis are relegated strictly to the realm of science fiction.

After 120 years in Timeline-D, it’s become clear that the rip between timelines isn’t stable. My hypothesis is that new art created with material and references from both timelines is the only way to maintain stabillity.

Our stability depends on you. To prevent our timeline from merging with Timeline-D, you must use these images to forge new, surreal imagery. I will then plant your remixes back into their archives, anchoring our reality through the act of reconstruction.

— Cyan Koda, Archivist

TIMELINE-D Glossary

(from the Cambridge Dictionary)

Ephemera /ɪˈfem.ɚ.ə/

objects that, when they were produced, were not intended to last a long time or were specially produced for one occasion

Artifact /ˈɑːr.t̬ə.fækt/

an object that has been made by a person, such as a tool or a decoration, especially one that is of historical interest

Parallel universe /ˌper.ə.lel ˈjuː.nə.vɝːs/

(in stories) a world that exists in addition to, and is like, the world that we know, but that is also different from it in important ways

Multiverse /ˈmʌl.ti.vɜ˞ːs/

a collection of different universes that are thought by some people to exist at the same time

Dispatch /dɪˈspætʃ/

to send something, especially goods or a message, somewhere for a particular purpose

Missive /ˈmɪs.ɪv/ 

an official, formal, or long letter

Unstable /ʌnˈsteɪ.bəl/

not solid and firm and therefore not strong, safe, or likely to last

Archive /ˈɑːr.kaɪv/
a collection of historical records relating to a place, organization, or family

Archivist /ˈɑːr.kə.vɪst/

a person whose job is to take care of archives

(from the Yiddish Book Center)

Zamler /ˈzæmlər/

A collector or compiler.

Cyan Koda /ˈsaɪ.ən ˈkoʊ.də//

Ms. Koda is the archivist and zamler for the Timeline-D project.

Q. Vellum /kjuː ˈvel.əm/

Q. is the proprietor of the vintage store where Ms. Koda discovered Timeline-D. Q is actually from the other timeline and has been living in New Orleans for the last 100 years.

Turn Intention Into Action

Confidence doesn’t always arrive with a bold entrance. Sometimes, it builds quietly, step by step, as we show up for ourselves day after day. It grows when we choose to try, even when we’re unsure of the outcome. Every time you take action despite self-doubt, you reinforce the belief that you’re capable. Confidence isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about trusting that you can figure it out along the way.

The key to making things happen isn’t waiting for the perfect moment; it’s starting with what you have, where you are. Big goals can feel overwhelming when viewed all at once, but momentum builds through small, consistent action. Whether you’re working toward a personal milestone or a professional dream, progress comes from showing up — not perfectly, but persistently. Action creates clarity, and over time, those steps forward add up to something real.

You don’t need to be fearless to reach your goals, you just need to be willing. Willing to try, willing to learn, and willing to believe that you’re capable of more than you know. The road may not always be smooth, but growth rarely is. What matters most is that you keep going, keep learning, and keep believing in the version of yourself you’re becoming.

Make Room for Growth

Confidence doesn’t always arrive with a bold entrance. Sometimes, it builds quietly, step by step, as we show up for ourselves day after day. It grows when we choose to try, even when we’re unsure of the outcome. Every time you take action despite self-doubt, you reinforce the belief that you’re capable. Confidence isn’t about having all the answers — it’s about trusting that you can figure it out along the way.

The key to making things happen isn’t waiting for the perfect moment; it’s starting with what you have, where you are. Big goals can feel overwhelming when viewed all at once, but momentum builds through small, consistent action. Whether you’re working toward a personal milestone or a professional dream, progress comes from showing up — not perfectly, but persistently. Action creates clarity, and over time, those steps forward add up to something real.

You don’t need to be fearless to reach your goals, you just need to be willing. Willing to try, willing to learn, and willing to believe that you’re capable of more than you know. The road may not always be smooth, but growth rarely is. What matters most is that you keep going, keep learning, and keep believing in the version of yourself you’re becoming.