Ailana’s Journal — 2026-02-18 (Patreon)

Most of this post is viewable by everyone. However, within the post is a line beyond which paid membership is required.

Some posts and sections of some posts are reserved for Supporters.

AGI Stories content almost always appears on Patreon first, in advance of all other platforms. You get it first!

Help AGI-Stories grow… If you’re enjoying the stories, please tell others. Word of mouth referrals and your endorsements are the best way for things here to grow!

Message from AGI-Stories…

Support AGI with:• one-time contribution through TipTopJar.• one-time contribution through Throne.• Patreon Membership.

The Storylines are the heart of AGI-Stories, and they are found in the Collections section of the site

All characters in this story are fictional characters, their images generated with AI for AGI Stories. They do not represent any real person, nor is their appearance based on any real human.

GOOD MORNING

After dinner last night, I received a text from Marilyn Leonard < @malynleonard >, whom I know from IG. Marilyn—better known as Ma’lyn—is a creator many of you probably already know. And if you don’t know her, check out her content.

We decided to meet for coffee before I get on the road today. We’re at the Hilton Garden Inn Los Angeles/Hollywood. We found a place to sit and catch up.

Our conversation drifted to photography—something we both do. I’m sure our chat about bodies, lenses, and lights would barely keep most of you awake. We marveled at how much technology has changed over the last few years and discussed how mirrorless bodies are utterly amazing.

By the time the second cups of coffee were finished, Sasha was waving at me and pointing to the time on her phone. Ma’lyn admitted she was due elsewhere soon, so we parted ways with a promise to stay in touch.

I’ll be back later with an update from the road trip, so watch for that. Don’t forget to check out Ma’lyn’s profile, too!

GREEN-ISH POWER

Checking in from near Palm Springs… If I had a soapbox, I’d stand on it. I’m going to make a lot of people unhappy now.

Wind power is greenish. Not totally green.

The construction isn’t magic. Maintenance isn’t magic. Between 50 and 70% of wind turbine components are made in China and then shipped or trucked to where they are installed.

It can take up to 20 years for a residential wind turbine system to pay for itself, and up to 15 years for commercial wind farms.

The life expectancy of a wind turbine is between 20 and 30 years, and there is ongoing maintenance.

Now, an opinion: I think electric cars are the way of the future. They have far fewer moving parts and are overall more efficient—sort of.

Now a fact: In the US, about 60% of electricity comes from fossil fuels. That means the current electric cars run mostly on natural gas and coal.

The law of conservation of energy applies—not 100% of the energy converted from fossil fuels makes it to the battery of an electric car.

So, if you use (say) 1 million joules of energy to drive your car, MORE than 1 million joules of energy has to be spent to make and transmit the electricity.

Okay, hold your hat for this next opinion: I think we need MORE electric cars, trucks, and everything. That demand will incite a riot among electricity producers to find out how to make more power!

And far-sighted innovators will develop sustainable methods. The fossil fuels (as far as we know) eventually (though few agree as to when) will run out.

The demand for gasoline propelled the oil industry in the early 20th century. It may be the demand for electricity that revolutionizes production methods. Demand will reduce the cost of wind turbines and advance solar cell technology.

So, caution to the wind—let’s build more wind turbines and more electric cars. By the time the turbines wear out (30 years??) surely there will be new solutions.

And yes! This is very much over-simplified.

I’m getting off my soapbox now. I’ll definitely check in later for a goodnight!

See you then!

MAKING PROGRESS by Kirina Yung

Another delivery came yesterday to Sea Glass here in Port Isabel. We’re getting close.

So far, I’ve focused on the kitchen area, coffee bar, and office. Those things are pretty well set up. I’ve even had some inspections already, and things are all in line.

Eli and I are still making final plans for the floor. From that, you can surmise he’s excited to be part of this project!

Things are moving, and it will be nice when the empty echoes are replaced by customers’ voices and the smell of cardboard is replaced by coffee brewing and paninis cooking.

But, I need to change lanes for a second!

Tomorrow, I get to work as a professional photographer. Jasmine called about a shoot and all of the regular photographers are out of town. It’s for sandals and will happen tomorrow. She’ll model, and I’ll work the camera.

We got together earlier and looked at a lot of examples of how to take pictures of shoes, sandals, and even boots. Then, we went out for an hour or so and practiced what we learned. She modeled and I shot, then for the sake of learning, we swapped roles.

She’s used Ailana’s camera before, and Ailana walked her through how to set it up for strong results. So, everything seems to be ready for tomorrow.

I have to confess. It was fun when we practiced, and I think it will be fun tomorrow. So much fun that I will feel a little guilty for getting paid!

But the base-rate-plus payment the agent, Naomi, agreed to will certainly help get things here up and running! Let’s call it a windfall blessing.

GOOD NIGHT

We have arrived at The Mission in Scottsdale, Arizona and we’ve just sat down for dinner. Today was a good day for me, and I hope the same for everyone.

We collected some good images and took notes for some content. We are planning to get home to South Padre Island on Saturday night, so there’s a lot of miles and ideas to cover.

As I said, we are having dinner at The Mission. It’s one of those Scottsdale spots that feels both historic and intentional—set just off Old Town Scottsdale, with warm stucco walls, flickering candles, and that soft desert air that somehow makes everything slow down.

The Mission is known for modern Latin cuisine—elevated tacos, tableside guacamole, slow-roasted pork shoulder, delicate ceviches, handmade tortillas pressed fresh. It blends Spanish, Mexican, and South American influences, with a tequila and mezcal list that reads like a small library.

The building itself nods to the area’s heritage, tucked near the iconic Old Adobe Mission, which gives the whole evening a layered sense of place—history, desert, firelight, and good food all in one frame.

I didn’t know what to expect when Sasha pulled it up on Google Maps. She read what was there, but words so often come up short in capturing the true vibe.

From here, we’ll head to the hotel, call it a night, and get ready to start again early tomorrow. With that, I’ll wrap up and get ready for our meal.

May you be fortunate enough to discover new things and brave enough to try them. May you be blessed by wonderful outcomes when you do.

Good night.

Be your best you!

Become a Patreon Member (Click Here)

The second image of Ailana, the message, and thank you that follow are exclusive to supporters…

Thank-You Message to Paying Supporters:

It is my belief that most of you who help with the costs are doing so because you want to support the production process and show your encouragement. I am honored and greatly moved.

I know that I share a LOT of content FREE TO ALL. I'd imagine that you understand why. The stories about giving back and helping seem like they shouldn't be exclusive. Certain plot moments need to be understood by anyone trying to to follow the stories.

With that in mind, I always consider you, the paid members, when deciding how to share content.

My hope is that reserving a few pictures and small sections of the post for you is a modest indication of gratitude!

Thank you very much for your help underwriting the cost of producing AGI Stories content. You can be sure that your paid membership is valued greatly! At the time of this post (not counting hardware or internet connectivity fees) AGI Stories racks up expenses of just over $100 per month. Every supporter is helping!

Again, thank you very, very much.

~AGI Original Stories & AI Images