Month 10 will be finals.
Grateful to be playing at The Outpost Arcade, owned by Kaden and Olivia Helm — people who don’t just run a venue, but actively care about creating a welcoming, community-driven space for pinball in Arizona. The Outpost exists because of intentional stewardship, long hours, and a genuine love for both the game and the people who play it.
Equally grateful for Belles & Chimes, founded by Tracy Lindbergh, whose work helped create and sustain the Phoenix / Maricopa County pinball scene as we know it today. Tracy’s commitment to inclusion, access, and community didn’t just build a league — it built a home for a lot of us.
A special thank you to Krisha Shufran for taking the reins of Belles & Chimes when Tracy stepped down in December. She is an excellent choice for the role, and the league is in thoughtful, capable hands.That foundation matters.
Today was a mix of really good things and a rough learning curve for me.
Strong community. Familiar faces. New machines. A reminder of why I love this space — even on the hard days. I had moments that felt solid and moments that clearly showed me where I need more reps, especially on games I haven’t touched in a while.
Placement wasn’t what I wanted (ego check, anxiety check), but I stayed. I paid attention. I named what was happening instead of letting it run the show. And I walked away with clarity instead of excuses.
Chin up. Lesson logged.
Tomorrow is Chui’s Bounty knockout at The Bat, and I’ll be prepping there with intention and fresh energy.
Some days are wins.
Some days are learning curves.
Both still count. 🖤🎯