acidburningalivebutimokay

[acidburningalivebutimokay]

What Kind of Punk are You?

Stonepunk: The use of time period-accurate materials to make contemporary contraptions ("Stonepunk doesn't exist" you might be saying "It's too far fetched!" Well, go to your dance search engine and look for "The Flintstones")

Sandlepunk: Old Greek/Roman style and ingenuity combined with post-modernism

Clockpunk: (Can be its own Punk) Renascence era, or 'The Age of Enlightenment' aesthetic with modern contraptions (I like to think of Ella Enchanted with the crank escalator and such)

Edopunk: Post-modernism combined with the Japanese Edo period. It could also be called that if something like steampunk were combined with traditional Japanese aesthetic

Steampunk: A healthy combination of Victorian ingenuity and aesthetic combined with some contemporary/futurism technology and concepts

Dieselpunk: (It can also be its own Punk) A combination of the oil age and contemporary/futurism

DecoPunk: (Can be a subset of Diesel) Focuses on the 20's-50's Art Deco design (I know one person who would love this)

Atompunk: 1940s-60s modernism, which includes the Atomic age and the Space Age (could also be considered Raygun Gothic)

Nowpunk: Contemporary Punkness... Not really too much to explain.

Cyberpunk: Extreme futurism normally associated with dystopia (The Matrix is a great example of Cyberpunk)

Biopunk: Focuses on the underground bio-technical revolution. This is different from Cyperpunk because it focuses on biology, not technology

Mythpunk: A combination of post-modernism and mythology and folklore.

Dreampunk: The use of any of the above Punk styles and combine it with Fairytales and storybooks (I have this kid an idea to write a story about a time-traveling Red Riding Hood and it was ecstatic about it)

[acidburningalivebutimokay]

Grimoire Ideas📖✨

   since i’m starting to work on getting my own Grimoire better organized and figuring out what i think fits best in it for me, i feel like i should log some ideas that have helped me in my journey in hopes that it could help someone else just starting out. but just remember that your Grimoire is your own and personal to you and you alone so you don’t need to put everything in if it doesn’t vibe well with you or doesn’t fit into your craft. your book should hold things that are personal to you and your craft and what you believe and you don’t need to have every bit of knowledge in your book.

✏️ an index/table of contents ✏️ a blessing ✏️ a protection sigil and/or spell to keep from wondering eyes ✏️ your personal creed or rede/the wiccan rede(if you’re wiccan) ✏️ personal goals/13 goals of a witch ✏️ personal correspondences/things personal to you ✏️ your beliefs ✏️ your daily rituals ✏️ the different types of magic ✏️ the different types of divination ✏️ any gods, goddesses, deities, or spirits you worship/follow  ✏️ information on any gods, goddesses, deities, or spirits ✏️ crystals 》 meanings 》uses 》correspondences ✏️ plants/tress/flowers 》 meanings 》uses 》correspondences ✏️ herbs 》 meanings 》uses 》correspondences ✏️ essential oils 》 meanings 》uses 》correspondences ✏️ incense 》 meanings 》uses 》correspondences ✏️ candles 》 meanings 》uses 》correspondences ✏️ chakras 》meanings 》uses 》correspondences ✏️ auras 》meanings 》uses 》correspondences ✏️ elements(earth, fire, air, water) 》meanings 》uses 》correspondences ✏️ runes 》meanings 》uses 》correspondences ✏️ magical symbols 》meanings 》uses 》correspondences ✏️ feathers 》meanings 》uses 》correspondences ✏️ crystal grid ✏️ pendulum board ✏️ sigils 》how to make them 》how they work 》how to charge ✏️ moon phases 》correspondences 》what they’re good 》what the mean  ✏️ moon phase calendar(preferable something that can be removed or changed easily)   ✏️ magical times 》hour 》day 》week 》month ✏️ moon water ✏️ sun water ✏️ zodiac 》correspondences 》dates 》characteristics  ✏️ mythology of your heritage/culture and/or area ✏️ mythologies of interest ✏️ mythological creatures ✏️ star chart ✏️ constellations ✏️ celestial events ✏️ planets/celestial bodies 》meanings 》uses 》correspondences 》mythology 》relation to magic ✏️ cheat sheets ✏️ tips/reminders ✏️ spirit works ✏️ basic concepts 》banishing 》binding 》cleansing 》grounding 》ect. ✏️ altars 》what they are 》what they’re used for 》what you need 》basic set up 》plans ✏️ familiars ✏️ tools in your practice ✏️ spirit work ✏️ spirits ✏️ personal/family traditions ✏️ animals 》which animals you connect with 》spiritual powers of animals ✏️ spirits guides ✏️ sabbats 》solstice 》equinox ✏️ recipes 》spells 》potions 》teas 》cleaning products 》natural remedies 》powders 》oils 》beauty 》 body scrubs 》ect. ✏️ spells 》self love 》curses 》hexes 》protection 》banishing 》ect. ✏️ tea 》meanings 》uses 》correspondences 》spells 》recipes ✏️ rituals ✏️ visuals 》drawings 》pressed flowers/herbs/plants 》photos ✏️ meditation ✏️ a secret code or alphabet  ✏️ gardening ✏️ list of words and phrases ✏️ books 》ones you reference & find helpful ✏️ experiences 》spell work 》divination 》spirit work 》banishing 》tarot readings 》ect. ✏️ spiritual diary ✏️ magical diary ✏️ dream log ✏️ spell log ✏️ anything else you want! literally! it’s your book and its always good to customize it to you! if you feel like it should be in your book, then go ahead and put it in your book because that’s what makes it special!

            ***correspondences =things such as 》elements, colors, symbolism, planets, astrology, anatomy, ect. really anything else important tied to something.

   obviously you can pick and choose whatever works best for yourself and your craft, and i don’t even have some of these in my own book but still thought they would be helpful to include for witches like me who are just starting out who need ideas of what their books can hold! i’ll probably start posting more about my grimorire and how i keep it organized as well!

   if you think i’ve missed anything feel free to add on more ideas to pass on to your fellow baby witches!

[acidburningalivebutimokay]

Types Of Witches

This is a post on the many different types of witches. Due to the fact there are so many different types of them, I probably missed a couple, and this list isn’t complete. You do not have to be only one type of these witches, but can be a multitude of them, and you do not have to feel limited to fit in to any of these. In order for a type of witch to appear on this list someone must be identifying with it. If you are not represented here, or misrepresented here please tell me, and I will change it.

Witch: A witch is a practitioner of witchcraft. There are no other requirements to be a witch besides the act of practicing witchcraft, because of this anyone can be a witch regardless of age, gender, sexuality, race, religion, or any other factor. Witchcraft is defined as the practice of magick primarily but not limited to the practice of thaumaturgy.

Male Witch: Are witches who happened to be males. Though this term is not necessary, because the word witch is already gender neutral.

Baby Witch / Newbie Witch / Witchling: Are witches who are new to the practice, or feel that they are not quite witches yet.

Elemental Witch: Are witches that work with all of the western classic elements. These elements being fire, water, earth, air, and spirit. Some elemental witches choose not to also incorporate the element of spirit.

Fire Witch: Are witches that work with the element of fire, and the energies that it possesses. They would work with things such as candle magick, fire elementals, bonfire rituals, and fire scrying among other things that are related to fire.

Water Witch: Are witches that work with the element of water, and the energies that it possesses. They would work with things such as different types of water, water elementals, and water scrying among other things that are related to water.

Earth Witch: Are witches that work with the element of earth, and the energies that it possesses. They would work with things such as crystal, herbs, rocks, earth elementals, the spirit of the land, and other earth-based things.

Air Witch: Are witches that work with the element of air, and the energies that it possesses. They would work with things such as air elementals, incense, and rhythmic breathing.

Crystal Witch: Are witches that use crystals in their practice. They will practice such things as crystal healing, communicating with crystal spirits, and crystal grids, among other things that has to do with crystals.

Herbal Witch: Are witches that use herbs in their practice. They will usually grow herbs, and will use these herbs in many different ways in order to produce magickal effects such as burning them, turning them into tea, or sprinkling them around places.

Tea Witch: Are witches that use tea in their practice in order to facilitate certain effects through the act of drinking certain teas.

Keep reading

[acidburningalivebutimokay]

Types of Divination

I have touched a little bit on divination before in one of previous posts and I believe I did mention that I was going to be doing one of these post, so here you go!

I am not the most educated when it comes to divination, I know what I know and it works, so why should I try anything else? Because growth, girl! Because expansion of the mind! Because it’s damn amazing to know all these witchy things! That’s why!

So upon doing my mystical research, I honestly learnt some really cool forms of divination that I’m annoyed I didn’t know before, so here are the different forms of divination :

Tarot Cards - the most common form of divination on this planet (besides crystal balls). You go to a carnival and happen across a fortune teller in a caravan, what has she most likely got on the table in front of her? A crystal ball and tarot cards. The only difference here is that anyone who actually uses tarot cards knows that this is not going to “tell you your future”, it’s simply vague guideline, just some probable insight into the forces at work. When I first started I relied on this handy book that helped me translate every card through the reading, now I only look at it every now and then. Three-card spreads are my favourite! You can literally use them for anything. I personally don’t like just drawing cards, i lay them out and hover my hand over the top moving across the spread out cards and whenever I feel a slight tug I know that’s the card. I go over it a few times just to be sure, but i just don’t like picking random cards, not my style.

Nordic Runes - another one I am very familiar with, created by Odin and given to humankind as a gift. (”Oh, they’re lovely, thanks.”). When I first got into the craft I think it was one of the first few things I was taught out of my reading and the symbols and their meanings are fairly well known. I have passed a handful of strangers with runes tattooed on them and when asked about them they actually knew the meanings and details of the runes. Runes are similar to the tarot in the sense that they are a guideline not so much a prediction, also generally used to address issues. Readings are done by putting all the runes in a pouch and drawing, depending on the question, the select number of runes out. My go to number is always three. There are some amazing DIY’s for runes, but the real magic is in the carving of the runes. I really like the way they look when burnt into wooden disks, especially if the bark is still intact in the edges.

Celtic Ogham  - this is one I had surprisingly never heard of. Out of all the books I have read on Celtic magic and they failed to inform me of this? What the heck, guys? So, from my understanding, there are 25 letters in the Ogham alphabet; 20 if you wanna be super traditional. They have so many correspondences I will honestly need to learn them all, but now is not the time. It was supposedly created by Ogma, to show off how well spoken he was, or something like that. (I only skimmed the article when it came to this part, sorry guys.) Now the method for using the Celtic Ogham is very similar to runes. The symbols are normally carved onto wooden staves, placed into a pouch and drawn out when seeking the answer to a question. Very cool and I plan to DIY a set of these someday.

Tasseomancy - the art of reading tea leaves. This is one I haven’t tried, purely because drinking tea with loose tea leaves just sounds terrible. Basically you need to make your tea with the loose leaves and drink it. You have to leave a little bit of the tea left over to swirl the tea leaves around so that they can form a pattern. Just do it a few times so the leaves aren’t spread out everywhere. You might end up with one big picture or you will end up with a few little ones. In this case go clockwise around the cup. It works kind of like a timeline. Now look at your blobs and try to see the images in the blobs. There are plenty of guides for figuring out what these images mean or you could just go with your gut feeling.

Automatic Writing - this method uses the spirit realm to get messages. For this you would need to be in a meditative state, enter with a clear mind or a question or thought and, with a pen and paper in hand, just let the words come to you. You can even write the question or subject on the piece of paper and let the spirits take over. Like with any form of divination, you will need practice. If you have been sitting there for 20 minutes and haven’t gotten anything then maybe take a break and try to clear your mind a bit more. This method is used by loads of mediums for getting answers or just connecting to people who have passed on. I would advise that we take caution when it comes to using this method as it can open doors for spirits, not all of the things you’re opening yourself up to are friendly, so always make sure you are protected and ready for whatever there is to come.

Osteomancy - reading bones, being South African I’m fairly familiar with the cultural background of osteomancy. The Sangomas (basically the medicine men) of the villages have been known to use this method of divination. The way it’s done is the bones were placed into a bowl or pouch and mixed with various stones, shells and feathers and shaken out onto a mat. Reading it relies solely on intuition and requires a lot of training to master. Depending on the bone and it’s position on the mat, the way it’s facing, the objects surrounding it. In my opinion this is one of the most difficult forms of divination to master.

Scrying - this one is also pretty common and comes in loads of forms (I will need to do a separate post for all the different methods of scrying. There’s fire scrying, water scrying, using a black mirror, etc. There tons of different methods but I’m going to use the example of water scrying. Most people like using reflective surfaces to scry since it is the easiest. Simply clear your mind again or keep the intent in the back of your mind and focus on the water. Follow all the slight ripples until you’re fully connected to the small body of water. You could see images or shapes on the surface or you could see mental images. It’s different with everyone and what the universe is trying to show you.

Pendulum Divination - the easiest to make, since you can use your own necklace as a pendulum, this is purely for yes or no questions and is basically a simplified version of a ouija board. Again, take caution when working with spirits. You might think you’re talking to a recently deceased family member or one of your ancestors and it could end up being something else completely and be in a bit of trouble. When using the pendulum some people use sheets for more advanced questions but I would say just using the four directions; left, right, front and back; for answers. Ask some basic questions that you will know the answer to first to see which direction is “yes” and which is “no”. Once you have that down you can ask away.

Numerology - using numbers in divination. Numbers hold a lot of magical significance (any witch can tell you that). There are specific numbers that we like to stick to and we stick to it for a reason. Odd numbers are related to a feminine energy, while even numbers are related to masculine energy. Different numbers have different meanings and in order to use this method research should be done on the different meanings of numbers. Play around with numbers in magic. use numerology to find your birth number, name number, fate number, your pinnacle numbers, etc.

These are all the methods of divination I could cover for now. Watch this space for upcoming, in depth tutorials for each of these methods.

[acidburningalivebutimokay]

Different Types of Magic

A note by the poster: this list is not extensive; these are not the only varieties of magic that exist or can be used, but are merely examples of some of the more common or well-known branches of practiced magic.

Elemental

In this particular  type of magic the Elements of Fire, Earth, Air and Water are given their own directional focus to create added power and give extra energy to your spells. You will no doubt find that you tend to favor one particular direction, but you should be able to use all of them.

Color

Perhaps the simplest form of magic is that which involves color. This method of working is also used in conjunction with various other forms of magic. Color can enhance, alter and completely change moods and emotions and therefore can be used to represent our chosen goal. At its simplest, it can be used alone and in dressing an altar. 

Herbal

Herbal magic is often used alongside many other forms of magic. Used as talismans and amulets – for example in a pouch or bag – herbs become protective; the oil from herbs can also be used in candle magic. There are many different types of herbs available for use in this way. Each herb has its own specific use, but frequently is used along with many other herbs and oils to produce a desired result.

Candle

In candle magic, man discovered the ability to control light and this is one of the oldest forms of magic as well as one of the most simple. Using candles to symbolize ourselves and our beliefs means that we have access to a power beyond ourselves. Candle magic also forms an effective back-up for most other forms of magical working.

Crystal

Every stone or gem has its own attribute which can be used in magic. Crystals are used extensively in healing because of the vibrational impact they can have. Because of this, they lend themselves to the enhancement of any spell making or magical working. Even ordinary stones have their own power and can be used as repositories for all sorts of energies and powers.

Knot

Knot magic works partly with the principle of binding, which is a type of bidding spell, and also with that of weaving. It utilizes ribbon, rope, string, yarn, or anything that can be knotted or plaited to signify our aspiration. It is a type of representational magic, and is used in conjunction with many of the other forms. The techniques of color, form and use of energies are all used in its practice.

Representational

Representational magic involves using an object that represents something or someone for whom you are working the spell. It helps in concentrating the energy and visualizing the desire and the end result. Representational objects should never be used for negative purposes. [This is an opinion of the book’s original author, and not one that is shared by the poster.]

Symbolic

In this system different symbols, rather than objects, are used to represent various ideas, people or goals. These symbols can be personal to you, or such things as Tarot cards, runes, sigils, or numerology. You will often use symbolic magic in your magical workings and will soon develop your own preferred symbols.

Talismans, Amulets and Charms

These devices use all the other forms of magic in their formation, but principally representational and symbolic magic. They are ‘charged’ (given power) magically and usually are worn or carried on the person for protection or good luck. Many are worn around the neck, perhaps as jewelry, or carried in a pouch and incorporate crystals, herbs or other magical objects. There are many types of each of these objects and you will gradually learn to differentiate between them.

Source: [“The Ultimate Book of Spells” by Pamela J. Ball]

[acidburningalivebutimokay]

Bryke: but WHY do people like Zutara more than Katang??

Me: Are you telling me on ATLA there's two angry soft kids with thematically balanced superpowers who both lost their moms and who fanboy/fangirl the same somewhat-less-impressive-in-person celebrity and who have an equal intense sense of fairness & justice that drives them to lose their tempers yet both have an underlying sweetness and they BOTH, totally independently, decided to create their own costumed superhero identities and run around in the dark of night causing mayhem against the Fire Nation in a world that doesn't even have superheroes yet

Me: and I'm not supposed to ship them?

[acidburningalivebutimokay]

Annihilation --- A movie review

Some of you guys really liked my movie review of A Quiet Place and I thought that it was fun to do so I decided I would do another movie review, this time on Annihilation. Remember, my purpose is not to glorify the directors or the movie, but to analyze it and accurately rate it. Having said that, let's get into it!

Ok, now I'm going to start off by saying that, as someone who watches movies weekly if not daily, this has got to be one of the most visually stunning movies I've seen in a while. Now this movie IS rated R, and rightly so, so if you don't feel like you can handle gore or sexual situations then this movie is not for you. But it is stunning. This whole movie is like an hour and a half long art gallery and one of the best things this movie does is rely on the simplicity of the beauty they display, rather than forcing plot.

In fact, the plot for this movie is very, very simple and relies solely on character relationships. And while for many other movies this decision might have been a hindrance, Annihilation's unique style of art and story telling pulls it off quite well. And because Annihilation relies mostly on background information and lack of plot, it achieves delivering the feeling of the characters in that: no one really knows what exactly is going on.

Sure there is enough evidence to piece together a rather solid story, but even if you do, you still finish the movie in thought, attempting to piece together the visual art you just watched.

Annihilation is perhaps one of the most complex story lines in recent times and the only other movie I can compare it to in how thought provoking it is, is The Arrival. Now you may or may not have seen the Arrival, in which case you're getting a non-rated R movie recommendation as it also is worth the watch, but those who have will understand when I'm saying that the end of Annihilation is much like the end of the Arrival, where suddenly, if you were faced with the option to manipulate and redefine reality, would you?

And more specifically, what would you do with it now? How would you proceed? What changes would you or would you not make?

If you ever given god-like powers, what would they be worth?

And it's these very thought-provoking ideas that leave the viewer in a sense of awe.

Moving away from the plot and the beauty of the movie itself, it does have its draw backs. For one this movie is NOT a science fiction, adventure, survival movie. That is not the main focus of this movie, despite it being advertised like that. The second is that, as I mentioned before, it has many sex scenes. Now this may be opinion based, but I found no purpose for the sex scenes whatsoever other than to offer a slight insight to character relationships and why everything is so complicated. A decision which I believe could have been done without adding them into the movie. Now many critiques will say that it is essential to the movie as it shows the humanity, and how sloppy it can be, in full force but again, there are different ways to go about that then to disrupt the flow of a movie with such scenes.

Overall, this movie was stunning. (I mean, just look at these clips!)

And was definitely with the watch simply because of the visuals that you will encounter, but as for the rating of this, I give it a 8.7/10.

So many things went right with this movie but I still have to acknowledge the fact that some aspects, probably, could have been handled better but overall, it is definitely a movie that you want to watch when you can.

[acidburningalivebutimokay]

A Quiet Place --Honest review

[Please notice that my review is constructed n ot only from plot, but characters, atmosphere, storytelling as well as acting and directing. This review is not to praise or condemn the creators of A Quiet Place, rather, analyze their work.]

This is my first movie review and the reason why I'm even bringing this up at all was because this movie was INCREDIBLE. I mean it when I say there are truly very few scary movies that just blow me away with how excellent they are, but this one did that AND so much more.

So what would I rate this movie, you ask?

10/10.

And my opinion will probably be very different from many others who critique and criticize this movie but this is the first and most important reason why I rate this movie so highly:

Never, have I ever seen the portrayal of sign language so genuinely true.

Now I've seen The Shape of Water,

And other similar movies that have their main characters sign, and while these characters signing is very, very well done, it's very clean and practiced, it's fails on the most important aspect of the language.

As someone who spent a whole year in ASL language classes and partook in ASL cultural events for some time, the most important thing about sign language is the facial expressions.

These are two recent gifs of The Shape of Water, but perhaps you'll be able to tell the difference when you place A Quiet Place and The Shape of Water side by side.

Do you see the difference?

While The Shape of Water is having a full conversation in another language, A Quiet Place is having a TRUE conversation in another language.

One of the greatest things about sign language is the ability to identify the subject of the conversation just by watching the facial expressions, but pair a true, full fledged sign-language based movie with one who's intent may not have been sign language entirely, but portrayed it well, and any ASL speaker will choose the latter because it is the TRUE language.

In the Shape of Water, the signing is very stiff and very formal, even when she's telling her employer to go **** himself, which is a sentence that should have portrayed an incredible amount of emotion but received none. (Essentially making her the Bella Swan of the ASL community)

In A Quiet Place, the signing is natural, it's full of emotion and personality, it's describes what the characters do not say on screen, just like sign language is supposed to.

And you might say, "sign language is signing not showing emotions!", but sign language, without emotions, cannot be sign language. There are many people in the world who cannot fully sign what they want to say due to physical limitations and the only thing that can cover for that is the clear portrayal of emotions.

And for that alone, for that one, solo success, this move should be given an award and a ten star rating. But the movie itself is so much more complex and brilliant than you could have ever imagined.

The amount of detail and thought that went into making EVERYTHING, and literally, EVERYTHING, quiet is absolutely astounding. The ingenuity of this movie is truly breath taking. Even the smallest things have been planned out. Such as, no shoes, sand for quieter walking, toys designed to be soundless, mattresses and tarps covering the floor, etc. There is so much thought just put into the little details of this movie that I am flabbergasted and doubt I could name all of them off the top of my head.

Now as for the plot, the story line itself probably only gets about a 8/10. To avoid giving away spoilers, the daughter of the family makes a mistake, one that she can't take back and gets to carry for the rest of her life. This mistake drives a wedge between her and her father, her father, who lovingly tries to reach out to her multiple times in the movie, is pushed away by the girl's guilt. Already this builds strong relationships between the two and builds conflict. As for the mother, you clearly see a strong woman who will do anything to survive, and without this character, there wouldn't even be a plot. The mother is the TRUE main character and the strengths and weaknesses she brings to the aspect of the movie truly makes this movie what it is. As for the two male characters, you clearly see them trying to bond throughout the whole movie. It's obvious that the son is closer to the mother than the father, and the father not only wants to protect his son but strengthen him as well, causing his character to grow and overcome. In the short space of two hours, we see a scared little boy become confident, brave, loving, and wise. A kind of character arc that television series with eight seasons and a stable cast still couldn't pull off. So, while there is some somewhat cliche moments, the plot of this story is unforgettable.

Oh. And you thought that was the end of the review? You thought that it couldn't get much better than what I've already described to you?

Think again.

For being in the horror genre, this movie has to take the cake of 2018.

For those who often watch Horror, you'll notice there is a very consistent pattern: 1. Characters get in a situation they don't understand and fail to fear and end up dead. 2. Those related are then somehow forced to interfere and discover the truth. 3. The last half an hour of the movie is spent being truly frightened as the main characters deal with the monsters/creatures themselves. The formula is very simple and consistent, an hour of very little to no action whatsoever, and then a half an hour of pure unadulterated terror.

But A Quiet Place?

A Quiet Place doesn't have an hour of no action whatsoever.

A Quiet Place is filled with unease, intensity, fear, worry, and terror.

There is no long segment of minor jumpscares and plot and character building. Unlike other horror movies, A Quiet Place has weaved fear through its plot and character building. The characters become who they become because they're afraid. The plot moves the way it does because of fear.

This whole movie is a visual diamond in the rough and I can't even express how GOOD this movie was. Now this might be drawn partially from bias as I relate to the sign language aspect, but even without sign language, this movie would have still been absolutely, undoubtedly incredible and I'm beginning to think that any actors or directors who want to accurately portray the Deaf and hard of hearing community need to have this movie as a mandatory, visual training session.

[acidburningalivebutimokay]

Teenage boys infuriate me

Now I know that it may or may not be their fault granted our society has a crappy view on pretty much everything anyway, but teenage boys really just piss me off.

Whenever I begin to debate one about a political issue that is affecting multiple lives instead of proving me wrong, they call me an ugly bitch.

Whenever I try to show the seriousness of the topic that I am attempting to hold a conversation about, I am laughed at and am told to shut up.

Whenever I ask for privacy or try to explain why I take certain extra precautions to protect myself, I am instantly villainized, and am treated like a global offense that should be erased from off of the face of the earth.

Whenever I attempt to call them out on these things, I am then, once again, called an ugly bitch and am told to go take my "feminazi" attitude elsewhere.

I know it might not be their fault as upbringing and societal views of women can be poor, but damn son. I don't care if I just had my nails done I am three steps away from taking your sexist ass outside and beating the "white-fuck-boy" out of you.

[acidburningalivebutimokay]

ANTI-NAZIS

Can we call ourselves the White Roses? I just found out that quite a while before all of the Nazism happened, a college began to put out anti-nazi pampletes, peacefully protesting it and 6 college students and a professor were executed. The group that produced these pamphlets called themselves the White Roses. Can we call ourselves that in honor of their memory as we begin to fight these new Nazis? Just a thought.

[acidburningalivebutimokay]

"Humans are like flowers"

I don't really consider myself as "normal", I mean, no one should, but I always find that I stick out way more than most people. And as an introvert, that's a really difficult thing I struggle with. Because I can either A: wear normal brands and blend into the crowd, or B: wear brands/make the clothes that I like and stand out. So a way that I have been coping with this is imagining myself as a flower.

I am Ivy.

I spent most of my years in depression before I overcame it. As such I don't have a normal style. I like odd pieces of jewelry, leather, chokers, ripped jeans, boots, bright t-shirts with dark humor. I like flower crowns, fish-net tights, pastel clutches, studded jackets and earrings, and dramatic makeup. I like to mix brights with blacks and pastels with darks and I am a rebel only for myself because I took my darkness and, instead of banishing it, I decided to wear it with pride. I am Ivy. I grow on walls where I do not belong and survive in places I shouldn't and that's okay because that's apart of what makes me beautiful.

But the girl on the bus you see everyday?

She's a Fuschia.

She dresses in bright warm colors and always has a smile underneath her skin. She likes Netflix and long calls and she goes shopping sometimes just to feel fabrics under her fingertips. On weekends she sits in the bath, soaking in lotion, sunlight and bathbombs. She ends up staying up a little too late because she's texting her boyfriend and she's grinning from to ear but she has no problem waking up and covering up her shadows the next day. She always seems to be full of compliments and she gives her friends sass only to let them know she loves them. That girl that you see on the bus everyday? She's as lovely inside as she is on the outside.

But the girl you try to avoid eye contact with?

She's a Beavertail Cactus

She only lives with her dad because her mom is a drug addict. She's tall, thin, wears heavy black eyeliner and punk, rock band t-shirts who she thinks are some of the only people who understand her. She takes swigs of alcohol with her best friends on the weekend and she dies her hair a new outrageous color every month because she wishes she could afford going to nail salons and fancy clothes but her dad barely just scraped by this month and all she has is a couple dollars so a box of cheap hair dye will have to do. She's loud, she's happy even though she's sad a lot more, she listens to music to fall asleep and she's always putting one worn tennis shoe in front of the other. She's not going to be a millionaire and she knows that. She's not going to be famous and she knows that. But she still kisses cute skater boys and jocks because she's got the brightest boldest lipstick and she's happy to flaunt it. She's a flower born in a heap of nothing and she doesn't care who sees her because she wants to be seen, even if you don't quite make eye contact with her.

And that boy you always thought was a little too fat?

He's a ranunculus.

He's heavy and he knows that. He wishes he could be a bit thinner but that doesn't change the fact that he loves pizza and wouldn't give it up for the world. He always seems to be pulling accidental all-nighters as he games with his international friends. On weekends he bingewatches Criminal Minds and researches Sherlock episodes wishing he were as smart as them. He practices piano but he's too afraid to show it off in front of the school so only the halls of his home and his parents will enjoy the masterpieces he plays. He's sensitive about making friends but finds that once he does, a grin rarely ever leaves his face. When his mom gets sick he makes chicken noodle soup and constantly fights with his little sister over Disney movies and secretly loves watching Barbie movies. He's a romantic and dreams about the girl that he hopes to marry someday and plays her piano in his head. He's beautiful but he's overweight and he's okay with that.

That girl you see working at the mall?

She's a hollyhock.

She wears baggy t-shirts because she lost sixty-five pounds last year and she's covered in stretch marks and she hates it. She doesn't wear makeup but adores perfume and smelling nice. She fails at doing hair and she can barely put her current hair in a pony tail so she's considering cutting it off but she thinks that it's too risky. She lives with her mom because her mom was a teen mom and her dad was never around but that's okay because she loves her mom. She goes to the gym at 2 am because she's afraid to be seen but will bust out a perfect rap of The Real Slim Shady after singing A Whole New World. She pretends to plan for the future and she acts like she has money to afford it but she knows her mom is struggling financially so she will give up a future to stay behind because her mom is everything. She's got almost six identical dogs and she refers to them as fictional characters based off of their habits and always finds she's constantly giving in to their puppy eyes. You only see her for a brief moment, but in that time, you've captured her in happiness, sadness, grief and exhaustion when you asked her how her day was.

That boy who drove past you in the Camaro and flipped you off for driving the speed limit?

He's a plumeria.

His mom and dad have been cheating on each other for years and would have divorced if he weren't in the picture. Half the time his mother is in New York, dating some rich old guy. Half the time his father is in the E.R. saving patients instead of facing his problems. And to keep him quiet so he wouldn't complain, they bought him a sports car. And every single time he asked for love, he was given money. He plays the guitar and ditches half of his classes. He drinks all of his dad's fancy champagne and swears every fourth word. He's vulgar and he treats people as horribly as he can so they hate him because at least when people hate him he can feel for hate for them as well because he is so tired of feeling sad. He's sensitive and he's dying inside, wasting his money on cheap thrills while watching his parents grow farther apart. When he tries to tell his friends they laugh at him and say they would do anything for the money he has so he no longer asks for help. He was going to commit suicide on the weekend but the house cleaner convinced him not to so now he's driving on the road, listening to heavy metal and flipping you off, hoping he'll crash his car and that when he goes to the E.R., he'll be the one person his father can't save.

That Latina girl that you whistled at earlier?

She's a Hibiscus

She's foreign in her own world but unusually bright. Her parents work without stopping so she tries to as well. She wears a little too much makeup and she doesn't speak Spanish because her parents wanted her to be fluent solely in English, hoping they could avoid some of the stereo type that plagues their world. Yet even though she doesn't speak Spanish, she plays spanish music and tries to sing along in a broken accent. She spends her Friday night's and Saturdays working at a fast food restaurant and she's gotten so good at rejecting boys she's forgotten to count. She wears heavy earrings and she hangs out with her "friend" that she's dating in secret because her parents couldn't handle it if they found out she was a lesbian. She likes bright colors and eyeliner and she always seems to have the best advice. And yes, she's got so accustomed to boys whistling that she doesn't even bother to look anymore.

That boy that you saw running down the side walk?

He's a sunflower.

He spends every morning and every evening running, hoping that he'll win a scholarship that will drag him out of poverty. He knows he's black and that he has a stereotype he will fight for the rest of his life and he knows that if he doesn't get out, he may be stuck, forced to follow in his parents' footsteps. Yet he has a 3.7 GPA, he plays the guitar and he's a master at checkers. He's a little genius in his own might, and he's hoping to become an architect. He's friendly with his two younger siblings, who he encourages to draw and play music instead of following their friends choices. He barely has any time to read yet he tells himself he has to read at least one chapter a day. He's busy, so busy that he barely gets six hours of sleep a night as he balances sports, high school, and a job, but he does it because he knows the end goal is worth it. And you just thought he was running.

The Native American girl you saw on the cover of a magazine at your nail appointment?

She's a Bromeliad.

She's Bisexual and transgender and her tribe accepts her how she is, refusing to hate her for something so trivial. She's proud and she wears feathers in her hair because she's earned them, not because she's decorating. She loves potatoes and loves sweet potatoes even more. She's skinny as a stick yet somehow she can never put on any fat (which she is slightly bummed about as she wishes she looked more like her favorite actresses). Her fathers are openly gay and their favorite times of the year are halloween, even though it's not traditional, and pride and every time they get the chance they go to a special ice cream joint outside of their reserve to get the rainbow combination that's served specifically for that day. You might see her and think she is unusual, but all she sees is you who is beautiful. She walks around with sunlight in her smile and a rainbow slowly trailing behind her and she'll happily fight someone to protect those she loves. She's not flawless, and she knows that, but she decides that the earth and animals are her friends and she loves herself like they love her.

I know this is a long post, but what I'm hoping you'll see is the beauty in each of these people. Some of them are simple, others are painfully relatable and even, if I daresay, tragic, and then there are a few that make you aspire to be them. But regardless of who they are, what their flaws are, or how they think of themselves, I hope you see that each and everyone of them is beautiful. And so are you. You've had your trials. You've had your complications. You've had the world beat you down and build you up in ways that only you can say. But you ARE beautiful. You are as beautiful as these flowers and you're as magificient and amazing as every single one of these people are.

Take it from the Ivy, no matter where you grow, what color you are, or how you grow, you're always, ALWAYS, beautiful.

Please if you have some time to spare, share with me your story and flower. I wish the world could see you as I do, and how lovely all of your flaws and your strengths are. If not, then I hope you have a good day, a good week, a good year, and a good life. And believe me when I say, I really mean it.

[acidburningalivebutimokay]

STOP ROMANTICIZING ABUSE

I saw a girl on Whisper today post that she wouldn't tell her boyfriend that he hit her when he was drunk. This alarmed me and immediately I sent her a private message in which I expressed my concern for her well-being and life, stating that if she didn't tell him and/or she didn't do something about it, she could jeopardize her life.

I was then blocked, reported and had my privileges revoked on Whisper for attempting to warn a girl that she was putting herself in danger.

LADIES.

If you live in the US and your boyfriend hits you, that is called domestic violence. That is called physical abuse. This is not fifty shades of grey where hitting someone is considered okay. When YOUR partner or boyfriend hits you, your probability of being beaten to death/or killed begins to skyrocket. This is not a joke.

Statistically you are most likely to be killed by someone you know, and when your partner/boyfriend hits you, the odds are pretty much in his favor as the executor.

He may not know he hits you.

He may says that he doesn't mean it.

But those two reasons alone are the reasons you need to get the hell away from them because, statistically, the odds are he's going to do it again and next time it will be MUCH worse.

DO NOT ROMANTICIZE ABUSE.

THOUSANDS of women are killed in the US yearly because of domestic violence between them and their partner. THOUSANDS. And even if they don't kill you, your statistics for being physically/emotionally/or sexually abused go from, unlikely, to very, very likely.

So please! DO NOT ROMANTICIZE ABUSE!

If you are a woman in a position where your boyfriend has hit you and/or commonly hits you, here's what you need to do:

-a restraining order is good in terms of court but do not expect it to protect you. Women get restraining orders all the time only to be killed by their ex weeks or months later.

- If you are in a relationship that you need/want to end, and you know that they know your house address or where you live, ask if you can stay over at a friend's or parents house. DO NOT go back alone, or attempt to continue living there. By doing so you are putting yourself at risk.

- If you have to go back there to live, it would be smart to make your neighbors aware of the situation. If you are being attacked, chances are you will not be able to access the phone to call 911. However, if your neighbors are aware that you and your boyfriend/partner have broken up, they can call 911. This is also a safe way to keep your ex from prowling around. Remember: safety in numbers.

- Search for a women's crisis center. They specialize in helping women who are targeted by people that they know who want to hurt them. This can save lives so PLEASE search for it. This is one of the few things that can actually protect you outside of the police.

- if you used to go on runs or to the gym together, avoid using the same spaces. Try to keep contact as minimal as possible. If you have schedules together, ask if you can switch shifts or if a change can happen in the work place. You may need a restraining order to convince your boss but it's necessary.

- If you feel you are being followed and/or stalked by your ex, DO NOT attempt to confront them. Find somewhere public with people and/or security cameras and call the police. Do not risk your life over a small confrontation and if they try to confront you, try to put distance between you. You may or may not be physically fit, but the last thing you want to do is attempt to fight them.

- if it does come down to a fight, there are many things you can use that will strengthen your attacks and/or do more damage. Use keys, they're like pointed brass knuckles and if you can get them in the face, you have a chance at buying yourself time to escape. If you're wearing heels, you can use the heel as a brick or a knife. If you have pepper spray, aim for the eyes or nose. Ideally these are some of the most sensitive areas that will slow them down. If you have nothing on you to use as a weapon and you have to fight bare-handed, remember that your strength is in your legs. This means that in order to strengthen any punches or throws you want to do, you'll need to use those hips. If you don't feel comfortable punching, use your elbow. Fight dirty and fight hard. You might just be fighting for your life. If you feel like you can learn it, learn open palm strikes. Hitting the chin or temple area fast enough and hard enough can drop someone like a bag of rocks or temporarily disorient them. Remember, this is not a fair fight. And your goal is not to finish the fight, but to buy yourself time to escape.

- If you are being attacked, instead of yelling "help!", yell, "fire!". You're more likely to catch people's attention and people WILL call the police for fire hazards.

- If you are not in a public area and feel that you are vulnerable, call 911 but pretend to order food. They will not hang up on you, and they will figure it out. Act as normal as possible and answer their questions as much as you feel that you can.

- If you are not in a public area and you don't have access to a phone, order pizza online and when it asks for special directions, ask them to call the police. If you need to add other details, such as, your abuser has a gun, do it. These details are crucial and will save your life. And if you're hesitant to try this, know that it has happened before and they will do it.

Ladies, I'm sorry to say that we had the unfortunate luck of being born female as we will be held accountable for actions that weren't even ours, but you can do this. The more educated and aware you are, the safer you are. I hope this helps you. If you feel like you need to add something such as a link or another piece of information that you feel like women can use, please please please add to this. Women deserve to be safe and have the tools to become safe.

[acidburningalivebutimokay]

Women's international day

Sorry this is a little bit late but hopefully you'll still enjoy this.

Anyway. I wanted to say that all girls who take on their period happily, you go. But what if we did this. Now you can thank Deadpool for this logic but...

Can we bring back red and maroon skinny jeans? Or any type of red at all? We could make it so popular that wearing red would be an all the year thing and then we would never have to worry about periods again because having blood on red only makes it look like you spilled on yourself. Plus no one would have to worry about stains.

[acidburningalivebutimokay]

Victims are not the problem.

If we follow by the logic of: "it's her fault for being drunk and slutty" then the media would look a lot like this.

"Attack of 9/11, president apologizes for poor protection"

"Man mugged in the street, how to dress safer"

"ISIS bombs concert, people outrage on why the builders made the building so bomb-ible."

"Man runs over child, released on the charges that the child shouldn't have stood in the way"

"White man rapes girl at gunpoint, is released on charges that the girl looked mature,"

Now you know how stupid you sound.

(Oh, and the last one actually happened.)

[acidburningalivebutimokay]

Marvel

I am absolutely thrilled about Black Panther. The whole movie was exquisite to watch and the culture of Africa that was weaved through the whole story was beautiful. But now that I see it, it makes me realize how much representation truly matters.

This movie will empower African-American and any type of dark skinned people for the rest of their lives. But what about other POC? Where did they shine through?

I love Marvel but I've just got to say that it's diversity is very, very, very small. The main superheroes are a group of white men who each get really good character arcs that transform them into the heroes/anti-heroes that we love. Even the women of Marvel, such as Pepper, Black Widow, Scarlet Witch, etc, seem to take a back seat in terms of character development. Yes, we love the women of Marvel but there is so much more that can be done. I want to see women who have short hair, covered in warrior scars and don't care about love and refuse for their story to get intertwined into a romance, so all the guys just accept her as their badass friend. I want a movie of Black Widow, going on a mission alone and showing just how incredible she is.

Like I said, there is so much that Marvel has yet to tap into and we, the audience, are dying for it. We want representation in race, gender, and sexual orientation. I want women to stop becoming plot devices for the men and have their own stories. I want a bisexual Captain America and a pansexual Bucky. I want Chinese superheroes and Indian superheroes. I want Native Americans to fight alongside Hawkeye.

I want diversity. And if there is anything that Black Panther proves, it's that diversity is loved.

[acidburningalivebutimokay]

Go ahead

Maybe it's just a slytherin thing or maybe it's not but I honestly don't care if men underestimate me. Sure, alright, compare your weakest dudes to me. Go on. Come ahead and wreck me. Tell me that everything I do is terrible and that I am the worst thing on earth as a woman. Tell me what I can and can't do.

And while you do that, I'll pass you in ways you can't even imagine until you're spinning because you don't know how I beat you.

Go on.

Underestimate me.

It might just be the last thing you do.

[acidburningalivebutimokay]

"Just think for a moment..."

Just think for a moment... that females are more likely to be raped than to drown. That females are more likely to be raped than to die in a car crash. That females are more likely to be raped than die by an animal attack. That females are more likely to be raped than die in playing a game of Russian roulette. That females are more likely to be raped than to die before they're 60. Let's just take a moment to think about that. And still people wonder what they fight for....