dana-faust

[dana-faust]

Dana's eyes goggled, immediately setting the clothing down to press both palms against Adrian's chest. "Montgomery!" Nearly a foot taller than Dana, Adrian's smile might as well have been the sun. "How'd you get to Paxton under my radar? A touch early for a birthday surprise."

Fussing over him, Dana smoothed the fabric along Adrian's shoulders, tugging the seams back into the right places. "Afra, of course. Daddy is always easy to buy for. He thinks kitsch makes him more relatable." Her droll tone turned energetic. "Doesn't matter now, of course. Much more important to hear everything about what you're doing here. Your mom still sends holiday cards to my mom but there's been suspiciously little about you."

The Montgomery family almost went as fair back with the Faust family as they did with the Gallagher family. In that way, social circles were small but stretched wide. Such was the case when Adrian's mother was a force of a woman. While Lindsey pulled a few strings to get Adrian back in the United States, he decided to make his arrival sort of a surprise. It was happenstance that led him directly to Dana's side. He was surprised to see her in Trailblazer Threads, shopping the clearance rack of all places. He laughed at her question. "You know, it hasn't been that many years since you've last seen me," Adrian teased. "What options are you considering? Is this for Walter or Afra?" The parent did make all the difference.

[dana-faust]

"Oh, you're a father!" Dana was tempted to show him the pin, but held herself in check. "I don't think it's an insult to you as much as commentary on whose favor they're courting." Peer approval mattered at every age to some degree. Nobody was wholly immune.

The scarf was a watercolor blend, the jacket a classic Western cut just south of bolero. "Now, if you were a sophisticated but spirited older woman, who pretends not to observe seasonal fashion trends while coincidentally always being on point - which would you prefer?" Dana held one in either hand, watching him. "You also like scarves but you have a lot. No fringy denim - which might be a clue."

Gray only wound up at Trailblazers as a peace offering. For the last week Jesse was a powder keg; Gray, unfortunately of similar temper, was shaper-tongued than intended; this weekend and a promise of a new pair of boots was the white flag. So, as Jesse tried on a few pairs, taking pictures to send to his friends, Gray went over towards the clearance racks. The holidays always sneaked up on him, but he was determined for some of the gifts to not completely break the bank.

He was in the middle of eyeballing a few t-shirts when a woman's voice asked a question. At first Gray thought she was talking to someone else, but a quick glance around proved otherwise. Gray nodded and angled himself to face her a little better. "Sure, but I have to warn you that I'm a little out of practice -- my kids ask their friends for opinions these days," he said with a half smile. "What do you got?"

[dana-faust]

Dana: Some will find a way for a time, no doubt.

Dana: But, Jemma, we all know that increased rent allows for better amenities, more prompt maintenance, access to employment in the very same building as well as proximity to said businesses.

Dana: If Obsidian has to ground up reno to bring things to code it would make sense that those quality of life improvements would also add to the cost for value.

Dana: Right?

Jemma: Okay, bigger fish to fry... Jemma: Oceanview Jemma: Is anyone actually putting up with the rent hike? I figured that high an increase is purely to boot people.

[dana-faust]

"Is coffin still in? Otherwise an almond shape is fine." She was watching another stylist chattering away across the shop while wrapping her client's hair in layer after layer of foil. Shameful, the way some snobs looked down on work like Julie's - multitasking was a hell of a skill. Interpersonal skills just as vital.

She returned to Julie then, smile just as easy as ever. "You enjoy working with your hands? Any arts - clay sculpting or charcoal sketching, maybe?" That inner nose for potential was active. "I love an artist, whatever medium they prefer." Designers were nothing if not artists, though some more gifted than others. What was Julie if not an artist, as well? "I was never very good with that kind of creative work, myself. Doomed to be a patron."

Julie carefully worked on the forms, pausing for a moment as she listened to Dana talk some more about her family. It was interesting listening to how other families lived, their dynamics, their quirks. The added factor of the Faust family’s money was also a peek at a world Julie would never live in herself. The reality of that came to the forefront as Dana asked her about retirement.

“Before I get too distracted — what shape are we going for? As for retirement dreams. Not quite. I think I’ll be a lot like my grandmother and work until I drop; if not here than doing something with my hands; in that way we’re similar,” Julie said with a brief smile. Deep down she knew they weren’t really, but there was no reason to be negative. Dana would be able to afford to retire; Julie likely would never have enough to do the same; classic have versus have not. Technically, she could do what Dot did and sell the place, but she’d still need something to do to keep everything paid. Unless one of her kids decided she was done working and paid her way, which was a thought.

[dana-faust]

"Oh, honey, no. Never from one of those places." It curled Dana's lip to even imagine such drastic measures. Still, she understood the point being made. "Right. Sign up, avoid the wrath of Dorca, handle the decorations yourself. Think I can manage it. Thank you."

The mention of the studio had her ear. No point in bringing up Faye's music career immediately. It'd only put her back up. "Do you have a barn cat? I keep hearing about them but I've yet to see one in person." Dana returned the wave of a shop owner. "You could decorate the studio - those window gel things, maybe."

Faye cast her a sidelong glance and shook her head at her. "That takes the fun from it, you gotta do it yourself. Otherwise it's just another big box store experience," Faye nodded. As they ambled along, Faye glanced at the beginnings of the decorations. This part of the year was really fun, everything got a little bigger, a little scarier, a little more gruesome right up until the last day of the month. Faye liked how the neighbors would all size each other up and continue to evolve and compete right up until the end.

"I've never participated. I practically live at the barn or the studio," Faye said with a shake of her head. She wouldn't have it any other way, because the studio and the barn were essentially one in the same. The woman herself lived on the same property in a house on the corner of the property. "You do have to sign up so the judges know what properties to visit."

[dana-faust]

"Elena!" Dana's smile brightened once she'd placed the face. Not Dana's deal, but she supervised all account managers. Knowing the local faces associated with Obsidian's work was bare minimum knowledge. "It's always a treat to see you." Genuine, that. Elena was lovely and always presented well.

"My darling, I'm trying to decide on a gift for my mother. She loved a scarf, but I've also given her dozens. Denim layering is back this season, so I was also looking at this jazzy little fringe number." Dana shot the woman a helpless smile. "Indecision strikes so rarely, but please don't go telling anyone."

What: Open Starter @ Trailblazer Threads

When: The Clearance Clear-out Sale, early October

Sales shopping was a nostalgic sort of treat for Dana. Trailblazer had an online presence, and no doubt her parents would find the gifts a cute souvenir. Dad would likely wear the Paxton: Limited Edition button for a bit of brag flair. Mom's gift was trickier. Scarves were always pretty, but the sight of fringed denim jackets summoned her stylist's voice to remind Dana that layering denim was going to be in for Fall.

Not for Dana. She'd just have to be a little less on point that season. But for her mother? The lady that she was could make any outfit work, trending or not. Tempting, then. But the scarves looked handmade...

"Sorry," she started, trying to nab the attention of another browsing customer, "Do you have a moment? I need a second opinion." Not something she'd have done back home, but Dana was adapting to Paxton ways more quickly than expected.

[dana-faust]

Dana: You'll have to come see.

Dana: Maybe she'll dose Mr. Astor and we'll all get another lecture from Legal.

Jemma: Wait, so...are you telling me she brought a giant edible to work? Jemma: Or did she just bring a cake recipe for us to try? Jemma: 'Cause my heavy work is done for the day, not opposed to taking the edge off, but I do not trust that woman to dose things right.

[dana-faust]

One's appearance spoke volumes in their world and income bracket, but taking appropriate care of one's possessions mattered even more to Dana. Her father had taught her about how leather had to be maintained, her mother about what fabrics should never be permitted near rain. And her first business had taught Dana that there was still plenty of value in upkeep. Even in Paxton, there were better options than to resort to arts and crafts.

Dana smoothed her expression out and smiled. "I'm fresh out of glue, but..." She gestured for Ms. Gallagher to have a seat, and offered her own extra office heels. "See if anything fits you." The Toteme was probably too mature a look for the other woman, but beggars could hardly be choosers. Before assuming and taking charge, Dana asked, "Do you have someone local already?"

who: dana @dana-faust where: obsidian holdings offices

Lindsey should've known better than to wear stilettos in this town. Honestly, it had only been a matter of time before one had caught on something and broken or she'd stepped in something altogether undesirable. It was a wonder that she'd managed not to snap an ankle in all of the months that she'd been here. "You wouldn't happen to have crazy glue, would you," Lindsey asked as she stood in the doorway of Dana's office. She lifted one hand to show the shoe she now clutched, the heel of which was broken. Typically, she kept a number of extra pairs in her office (one never could anticipate when a change would be necessary) but unfortunately, she'd yet to do that after having moved into a new office. "It's that or go barefoot and heavens knows what diseases may be lurking in these floors."

[dana-faust]

[dana-faust]

Dana: The carrot of profit helps one overcome many things.

Dana: It's legal in more states now. Research shows it trending among WASPs and TT influencers.

Dana: That's more like it. Dana: The idea is baking kits specifically to use with cannabutter or oil. Dana: Take-and-Bake. 🥁

[dana-faust]

Janae Roberts

[dana-faust]

she’s really crying cause she’s too rich

[dana-faust]

[dana-faust]

Which Animal Are You? x

The Prairie Dog

If the words "infectiously mischievous" remind you of anyone, chances are that you have a prairie dog in your life. Petite, attractive and intelligent, this creature's free time is spent in bucolic surroundings, playing socially bonding games with friends and family. But despite its insatiable curiosity, the prairie dog is cautious about venturing into the unknown and the conflict between its homebody tendencies and restless intellect defines its personality.

[dana-faust]

ALEXIS ROSE APPRECIATION WEEK 2022 Day Six: Favorite Quote

[dana-faust]

What: Open Starter @ Trailblazer Threads

When: The Clearance Clear-out Sale, early October

Sales shopping was a nostalgic sort of treat for Dana. Trailblazer had an online presence, and no doubt her parents would find the gifts a cute souvenir. Dad would likely wear the Paxton: Limited Edition button for a bit of brag flair. Mom's gift was trickier. Scarves were always pretty, but the sight of fringed denim jackets summoned her stylist's voice to remind Dana that layering denim was going to be in for Fall.

Not for Dana. She'd just have to be a little less on point that season. But for her mother? The lady that she was could make any outfit work, trending or not. Tempting, then. But the scarves looked handmade...

"Sorry," she started, trying to nab the attention of another browsing customer, "Do you have a moment? I need a second opinion." Not something she'd have done back home, but Dana was adapting to Paxton ways more quickly than expected.

[dana-faust]

“My father used to say, “Don’t raise your voice. Improve your argument.”

— Archbishop Desmond Tutu (via locsofpoetry)