Whatnot Wednesday: #Kosmosky Steel Tongue Drums??? and CFFC Challenge: Hobby

Posted on by Teagan Riordain Geneviene

September 9, 2025

Fantasy City of Hope_Dynotopia style by Teagan via Night Cafe
Fantasy City of Hope by Teagan via Night Cafe

Hello, everyone.  I had expected to be reblogging the fourth in my series about Writing with the Senses (Taste), but something must have gone wrong at the other side.  So, I’m revising the post I had started, and turning it into a Whatnot.  That said, I’m sorry if it’s a little disjointed now.

However, one of the images I made for the sense of taste was a segue to the Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge.  It’s kind of a wacky whatnot, so I’m keeping it for this post.  Oh, I just realized that making these images at Night Cafe is another hobby.  Okay then, but I’m getting ahead of myself.  Yep… disjointed for sure.

Giant mouth with electric guitar by Teagan via Night Cafe

CFFC — Hobbies

 On Monday, Dan Antion posted this week’s “Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge” (CFFC).  I’ve never participated in this challenge before, because I can’t get out to take photographs.  However, this time, the topic was photographing one’s hobby.  I got so intrigued by the idea of how in the world could I possibly photograph my hobbies, that I decided to give it a try.   Now that I’ve realized the images are as much a hobby as they are a tool for illustrating blog posts, I’ll start with them.  No, they aren’t photos, but they’re images of the descriptions I write to prompt the software to make the image.  There are cat photos to cover the photography requirement later.

Night Cafe Daily Challenge Portal to another place, top 20%

Night Cafe has daily challenges — categories and topics to which I submit images I create there. When one submits an image to the challenge, you’re invited to vote on the submissions of the previous day. Once in a while they send me a note like the one above (it’s the most recent one), telling me that other submitters voted approvingly on my picture.   

As part of my ongoing struggle to control my negative self-talk, I often make an image of my alter-ego doing something I’d like to do.  Since I’m doing it to visualize myself, she needs to be almost as fat as me.  The software only likes slim people… I have trouble convincing it to create a woman who is not thin. Sometimes I use half a dozen different euphemisms for “fat” in the description, and it still makes a woman that would never be me. It’s really frustrating. The one above didn’t qualify for MY vision, but I put it in the challenge, and other people liked it.

Night Cafe Daily Challenge top 5% Opposites:

My real hobby is singing and making music

I’m not a serious singer, and I can’t even read music when I play with my piano — I hesitate to say that I actually play it.  However, I firmly believe that making music or singing is beneficial to one’s state of mind, and even to the body — regardless of whether or not any talent is involved.  Make a joyful noise…

2 Ginger cats on my piano
Velma and Daphne accepted the piano immediately when I adopted them as 6-month-old kittens (2023).  Although they aren’t too sure about the music I make on it.  They’ve grown so much since then — especially Daphne. Velma stayed rather small.

My old Yamaha piano has followed me back and forth across the country three times since I bought it used back in Nashville.  (It was 10 years old when I got it, so it’s really old now.)  It’s the one thing I never considered giving up when I donated 4/5ths of everything I owned (and all my furniture) for the move from DC to the desert southwest.  I play “by ear.”   Once at a Rennaissance fair, I sat down at a harp and found that I could play it, although I’ve never bought one.   Otherwise, I don’t seem to be able to play any non-keyboard instruments.

Velma learning to play the keyboard
Velma learning to play the keyboard

? Kosmosky ?

Oh, bear with me for a digression.  I’m interested in getting a good quality steel-tongue drum — particularly the Kosmosky brand.  Although they are in a faraway country, they have a good reputation for customer service (along with the high-quality product).  However, I’ve been unable to get information about any import taxes, tariffs, or customs charges that might apply nowadays (which could make the overall cost of the drum prohibitive).  Does anyone happen to have experience either with Kosmosky, OR with any recent purchases from overseas merchants?  
Do you have experience with this?  Please leave a comment or email me if you have my address.

Back to the “photograph your hobby” challenge.

Below is a photo of my computer screen.

White Rabbit Voice Volume Graph from Teagan's recording of the song
White Rabbit Voice Volume Graph

I’m not about to show a picture of me singing, so I’m trying to show the hobby in a different way.   You’ve probably noticed that except for writing, I find it very difficult to say anything even remotely good about anything I do. Can’t shake off that upbringing.  So, I have to state the disclaimer that the volume graph above of me singing White Rabbit is not an indicator of pitch, tone, or anything other than the range of volume.  Yeah… with the right song, I get extremely loud without even trying.  That’s not to say it is good or bad, it’s just freakin’ LOUD.  Some of you have seen/heard the video I made for the song below.

Note: Because I’m not monetizing this recording and the original artists have allowed such, it passes YouTube’s copyright screening in the USA.  However, in some countries, that may not be the case.  I apologize if you can’t open it. 
With a big assist from Timothy Price on all the sound production technical parts, the video below is my tribute cover of Grace Slick’s White Rabbit.

You can find more of my hobby on my YouTube channel.  This link should take you to the playlist I made, “Song Covers By Teagan.”

Thanks for letting me share my hobbies with you.  I hope you didn’t mind the “pictures of pictures” rather than real photos.  Friendly comments are welcome. Hugs!

♣ ♦ ♠ ♥

Of course, the obligatory shameless self-promotion has to be included.

Speak Flowers and Fans: A Dictionary of Floriography and Fanology

Universal Purchase Links

E-book:  relinks.me/B0FK3ZGNQT

Paperback:  relinks.me/B0FK3RH7LY

Copyright © 2025 by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene

All rights reserved.

No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission.  Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights.

All images are either the property of the author or from Pinterest unless stated otherwise.

60 thoughts on “Whatnot Wednesday: #Kosmosky Steel Tongue Drums??? and CFFC Challenge: Hobby”

  1. Teagan, I enjoyed the White Rabbit video/cover. I always think it is cool when you and Tim collaborate! My singing isn’t bad, but it only occurs in the car and performed by an audience of me. Good luck on the Kosmosky pursuit.

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    1. Welcome back, Bruce. I tried to comment at your blog just now, and got an error message that I haven’t seen before “Nonce verification failed.” Anyhow, it’s a fun post.

      I haven’t told anybody (and probably won’t until it’s in my hands — and yeah, like this makes it a secret, LOL) but I ordered the Kosmosky yesterday. I had emailed with the same customer service person several times, and actually the day before yesterday I made up my mind to go for it, but didn’t get around to it. Then she reached out letting me know about a special offer regarding the customs charges. So I took the plunge. It might be 6 weeks or so before it arrives though. Being used to Amazon Prime, that much time feels like something from 100 years ago. My hands will cramp up from keeping my fingers crossed that long. 😀 Thanks for visiting. Hugs.

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  3. Fun post Teagan!

    It’s cool how you photographed your hobbies. Honestly, that is a unique and somewhat odd challenge. You did great!

    I adore the cover of White Rabbit that you did with Tim. You make a cool team. I’ve always enjoyed your smokey voice!

    The Scoobies are looking mighty fine, but now Misha wants a piano of her own… to sleep on.

    Never heard of Kosmosky brand, but I will ask Norman. If he has something fab to say, I’ll write you!

    HUGS!

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    1. Oh, that would be great. Yes, please ask Norman. I know I want their drum, but it’s a lot of money for me (especially since I want a 15-note drum), so I’m very concerned about the transaction and the assorted costs beyond the purchase price, like taxes, and fees that I haven’t been able to get a firm answer about up front. I get the impression that it can be almost random (for lack of a better word). And I haven’t found a used one that would ship from USA (or Canada, or any country that feels less dicey than shipping from Almaty, Kazakhstan.

      You are so kind about my singing. If I did it for more than fun, I probably wouldn’t have the nerve. But it’s fun, so make a joyful noise. Asthma has been keeping me from singing all summer. I’m trying to get those muscles and lungs back into shape… although it’s still too hot here for improvement (about 94 to 97 F all week). Yesterday my town broke its heat record.

      Haha. Kitties do like to recline on a piano. It’s a suitably elegant setting for their regal personages. Hugs winging back to you, Norman, and Misha.

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  4. Another delightfully illustrated post I played the piano as a child I used to go to my Nanas after school every day and practice unfortunately(and I never forgave them) when my nana passed they gave her piano to someone else as my mother didn’t want it cluttering up her best room…Shadow and Olly I can image how delighted they would be if I had a piano again …Hugs Teagan and chin rubs to the scoobies xx

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    1. Hi, Carol. I don’t blame you — what a shame about that piano. I realize that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but people can be so odd about what they think is unattractive in a room. I’ve had a couple of so-called friends who had a sort of sneering attitude about my piano (and the rows of books I had up until I moved here too).
      …I HAVE REDACTED MY OWN VERY LONG WHINING REPLY.
      I’m just saying that yes, I get it about your piano.
      Chin rubs to the kittens. Big hugs.

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        1. Haha. Your cactus might be over confidant about my back. Tuesday something happened that caused me to have to move the kitchen table and the cats’ feeding station. With all that away from the big window in there, I’m going to get out the ladder and hang the new curtain for that window. (Small house, and kitchen & living room are open.) 🙄 I meant to do that yesterday, but something else happened. 💖 Cheers.

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  5. I gave my piano (formerly my parents’) to my younger daughter a few moves ago, because she plays a lot and I only play a little (and also I have no room for one). But every once in awhile I wish I still had it.
    I always enjoy your music! (K)

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  8. Such a fun post to wander along while you are letting us know about all the things you do. Such talent for creating stories, photos, and I really like your singing. Bonus when I get to see the Scoobies! ❤

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  9. A great, very interesting post about your hobbies. You have a real talent for creating pictures. And I love the the Scoobies help you play the piano. They must have talented paws and an ear for music. White Rabbit is one of my favorites by Grace Slick. The accompanying video is super!

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    1. Thanks so much, Noelle. Velma got interested in the keyboard, but neither of them are interested in the piano. And if I start “playing hard” they leave the room! LOL. Through my teens I had a Siamese who would walk up and down the piano keys while I tried to play. Once she was obsessively inspecting a piano tuner. Back in the days when they used actual tuning forks. She started meowing at him and he experimentally gave a tap to a few different forks, watching & listening to her meow. Then he laughed and said the cat had perfect pitch.
      Hugs.

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  11. I enjoyed the walk through your hobbies. It is wonderful to be able to do so many things so well. I’m sorry I can’t help with the drum but I have never even heard of Kosmosky drums before. (What is also nice about your place there is new learning with every visit.) Your White Rabbit cover is terrific.

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    1. What a kind and wonderful comment, John. Thanks very much.
      For several months I’ve been interested in the steel tongue drums — researching characteristics, comparing quality across price ranges, reading reviews, watching videos… I had not heard of Kosmosky until a couple of weeks ago, but they’re definitely the maker I want to go with. It’s the transaction that worries me… because they’re in Almaty, Kazakhstan, near the borders of Kyrgyzstan and China.
      I’m very sensitive to tones and pitch, so I almost gave up when I ran across a review that included some of theirs. (Then more reviews too.) The sound is superb.
      If you’re curious, take a look at this video. The guy’s face is so expressive. It’s easy to tell when he likes the sound of one of the drums… but every time he plays a Kosmosky, his face transforms. (The video has chapters, so you can fast forward if desired.)

      Anyway, this is probably more than you wanted to know. LOL.
      Thanks for commenting. Big hugs.

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      2. Here is some info from ChatGPT Availability & Purchase Options
        Kosmosky offers a wide variety of drums on their official website, including ready-made models such as the New Wave, Dvutones & Tritones, Woody, Classic, and even customizable drums. You can select the musical scale, engraving, and more to personalize your instrument
        en.kosmosky.com
        Example pricing:

        New Wave 15 (G-major): regularly priced from around $659, with occasional discounts down to $549
        en.kosmosky.com
        Mini models: start from $185, depending on scale and configuration
        en.kosmosky.com
        .Dvutone and Tritone models: such as Oceanic ($399), Dvutone B-minor ($409), and others
        en.kosmosky.com
        .Double-sided models: begin around $330 and offer dual surfaces with selectable tunings and engraving options
        en.kosmosky.com
        .U.S. Purchase Benefits: For U.S. customers, Kosmosky sometimes offers no customs duties or import fees, and estimated delivery is about 5–9 business days
        en.kosmosky.com
        .

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        1. Thanks so much for doing this, John. The prices are similar to what’s on their website. It doesn’t speak to delivery time, but I found a few customer reviews that say anywhere from two weeks to a month. I’ve emailed with a Kosmosky representative, who (after several tries for a straight answer… although she did seem to be trying) said the customs fees to US had been around $25 (based on customer correspondence)… but what reviewers said varied from 25 to as much as $100. (I might be willing to pay that much, but I just want to know in advance.)
          I found another reviewer this afternoon. She only addressed non-music things. Her post was 3 months ago, which is more recent than many. I left a comment asking her experience about the things that concern me. She actually replied but didn’t really answer.

          No joy with finding a used one. I imagine people don’t want to part with them.
          I guess I need to let it simmer on my backburner for a while longer.
          Thanks for this exchange, John. It made me feel better somehow. Hugs.

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    1. Hi, Denny. It’s so good to see you. You are so kind — thank you. I did a covre of Whiter Shade of Pale last fall too. Both of those songs tend to stick around in my head once I listen to them. Have an easy coast down the other side of this midweek hump. Hugs.

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  13. I really love your videos. This one brings back memories of my younger days. I think you have an amazing voice. I’m a female tenor so I don’t sing much.

    When I was little we had a piano and I loved playing it; I could read music when I was six but by the time I was 12 my mom got rid of the piano and got a chord organ. I never liked it and really missed the piano. Now I’m 70 but haven’t touched either. Maybe in my next life.

    Hugz on owl wings @v@

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    1. Hi, Viv. It’s lovely to see you. Thanks for your kind words. I think a lot of women are tenors. When I was in my teens, the tiny small town church I attended was always short of men for the choir. Another girl and I often sang the tenor part. And think about Sonny & Cher — in their harmonies, a lot of (maybe most of) the time she took the lower part.
      That’s a shame about the piano, especially with your talent. I never much cared for organ music either. Hugs winging back to you.

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  14. Thanks for joining CFFC, Teagan! You have many hobbies that might be hard to photograph, but the images you create are amazing. It’s kind of a recursive adventure—using your hobby to illustrate your hobby, but I like that, and I’m sure Cee would have welcomed it along with the other images. I know I do.

    When I was working on the trailer for my last book, I was unable to get Photoshop to accurately depict the characters I wanted to use to represent the homeless people. It simply would not accept any words hinting at shabby, disheveled, etc. I guess there’s a filter built in that wants the world to be an ideal place.

    I enjoy your art and your music, and you know I’ve always enjoyed your writing. Hobbies, avocations, adventures, call them what you will, they are the product of a creative mind at work. I hope you have a good day.

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    1. You are so kind, GP — thank you. I’m sorry about the unpleasant things, great or small. I don’t seem to be able to cope with bad news anymore.
      I was just telling Brian (Bushboy) about my lizard fashion show. Maybe I’ll make a post of it, for fun. Wasn’t there a song that said something about “the catwalk”? Maybe in the 80s? Hmmmm…. Thanks for spending part of your day here. Hugs.

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  16. A fabulous post, Teagan. My mind also likes to wander off (and wonder as well), so I love your images, the pics, and the insight into the prompts you use to get AI to do… whatever it wants to do, it seems. Although the result might not come near what you want, they are interesting. I love the one for the senses at the top, and I think it would look fabulous on an album cover.

    I hope you get some joy with the information about the drums, although it is probably not the best time for it, unless you can find a second hand one already in the country, perhaps…

    Big hugs and love to the Scoobies!

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  17. These are wonderful pieces of AI art Teagan. I am disappointed that AI won’t do as it’s told. You have at least 400 chances at trying words for fat to see if it finally gives in 😂
    It was fabulous to hear White Rabbit again 👏🏼👏🏼

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    1. Haha. Sometimes an image feels like I’ve tried 400 times, Brian. LOL, I get very aggravated at it. Once I took the description I wrote and with every other word I inserted fat or plump or whatever. Every time it produced an even skinnier woman. What? I can’t have an AI alter-ego because I’m fat? I got mad and typed “I said she is fat!” to the end of the description… and got another skinny woman. When it actually does produce a woman close to my size, she’s wearing a bright floral pattern with an enormous bosom in an extremely low cut top… Once I specified “a high band collar top.” It gave me the band collar — but the dress had the plunging neckline too. (Shakes head.) It’s really funny. Frustrating, but funny.
      Thanks for visiting. Hugs.

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      1. That is so sad that there isn’t a woman who knows women to write AI programs. Does it produce skinny women with tiny boobs?
        OK I did have to laugh at the more descriptive, the more diminishing size, except for boobs 🙄
        Even stating dress style didn’t work. I think I’ll stick to photography as I would be frustrated as well.

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        1. AI seems to think all women (even women robots) should be super models — with all the requisite implants. :/ LOL I did have a ton of fun getting it to make a series of images for a fashion show — with lizards as the models, that I put on Bluesky. That was hysterical.

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  18. I love your hobbies, especially your AI art. With reference to the drums, it may be better to wait awhile because many businesses and postal services outside the US are still grappling with the new US tariff requirements. The Royal Mail has only just resumed postal services to the US as has New Zealand for some parcels. I don’t know where Kosmosky drums are made but if, for example, they were made in New Zealand, and then posted to the US, a minimum tariff of 15% would be added to the value of the product. I think the value would be calculated as the price of the product, plus shipping costs. If Kosmosky wishes to continue selling to the US they will probably put something on their website soon about tariffs. Also, the fact that the drums are steel may add extra tariffs. Not sure, so I guess I am not really being very helpful!

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    1. Thanks, Mandy. That actually is helpful. I’ve been researching this kind of instrument all year, investigating sound quality at different price ranges, reviews of customer service, and product reviews, etc. Now that I’ve decided what I want… But you’re right. It is a time when I should be patient.
      Thanks for your kind words about the images. Hugs.

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