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Too many writers are using generative 'AI' to make their book covers, so I've written a guide on how to make your own cover for free or cheap without turning to a machine.

If you can't afford to pay an artist, you CAN make your own!

I hope this is a helpful overview that covers the basics and points to some free resources.

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A little kiss

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In this video, take a flight through millions of galaxies mapped using coordinate data from DESI.

Credit: Fiske Planetarium, CU Boulder and DESI collaboration

astrohumanist

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Pat Cleveland @ Thierry Mugler Fall/Wint 1984

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A childhood favorite G/t Story…

“The Rainbabies” by Laura Melmed

Old man and woman wanted a child.

They find 12 tiny Rainbabies outside and take them in.

The couple love their babies so much and protect them from many dangers.

Eventually the moon goddess (or something) wants to take the babies back. She thanks the old couple for taking care of her children, and in return, she gives them a human girl to raise.

Idk about you, but I would have told the 🌕moon🌕 goddess to shove it 🖕 they are MY tiny babies and I want to keep them! 😤😠

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if you're subscribed to Microsoft word, you probably received an email recently saying they're upping their prices. Like, a lot. ($9.99/month instead of $6.99)

guess what though? you can log into your account, click Cancel Subscription, and get the option to continue your subscription at the same price WITHOUT their bullshit AI.

That's right, the new, higher price is actually a different subscription that includes AI that everyone is being opted into by force! What a cool and fun product that clearly everyone wants.

you can also choose to buy Word 2024 without AI for a single lump sum that will be yours in perpetuity, with no updates, for one computer.

Check your subscription if you need Word for work! Don't get duped into paying for something you might not even want

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Lilliput Adventures Ch. 8 How to Escape a Jar

@gt-daboss @voraciousvore

Tori huddled in the corner of the glass jar, her knees pulled tight to her chest. Her mind raced, replaying Trina's final moments over and over.

"No, no, no," she whimpered, rocking slightly. "This can't be happening."

The oppressive silence was broken only by the occasional creak of the ship. Tori's eyes darted around, searching desperately for some means of escape, but finding none. The jar's opening loomed far above, impossibly out of reach. But Hilgard had left the lid off. It was like a mockery of her ability to get out.

"I can't die like this," she murmured, clenching her fists. "I have to find a way out."

But as she gazed up at the jar's distant opening, despair washed over her anew. There was no escape. She was trapped, powerless, at the mercy of a monster who saw her as nothing more than food.

Tori buried her face in her hands and began to sob.

Tap. Tap. Tap.

A sudden tapping sound jolted Tori from her despair. She froze, her breath catching in her throat.

Tori's heart raced as she slowly raised her head, peering through the curved glass, a familiar face came into focus, and her eyes widened in disbelief.

"Uncle Jim?" she whispered, her voice trembling.

There, pressed against the outside of the jar, was the weathered face of her uncle. His brow was furrowed with concern, his eyes darting around warily as he mouthed something Tori couldn't quite make out.

"Uncle Jim!" she called out, her voice cracking with emotion. "I can't believe it's you! How did you—"

He quickly pressed a finger to his lips, signaling for her to be quiet. Tori nodded. She watched as her uncle's eyes darted nervously towards the door, then back to her.

A mix of emotions washed over Tori – relief, hope, and a gnawing fear for her uncle's safety.

But the determined look in Uncle Jim's eyes told her he wasn't going anywhere. He was here to save her.

Tori pressed her forehead against the glass, her breath fogging the surface. "What's the plan?" she mouthed.

Uncle Jim's eyes dart around, assessing the situation. He holds up a finger, then mimes rowing. Tori’s heart leaped – he has a boat! But how? Where?

"Driftwood," he mouths, pointing towards the ocean. "We'll use it as a raft."

Tori nods, understanding dawning. It's risky, but it's our only chance.

"Hilgar?" Tori asks silently, jerking her head towards the deck.

Uncle Jim grins, and he mouths back. "Fishing."

He pats the jar, mouthing, "Ready?"

Tori nodded.

As Uncle Jim stepped back from the glass, Tori's eyes widened in astonishment. Perched on his broad shoulders and peeking out from his pockets were several tiny figures. Captain Mavri's fiery red hair was unmistakable, her blue eyes sharp with determination as she clung to Jim's collar.

"Captain Mavri?" Tori gasped, her voice barely a whisper. "You're all here?"

The Lilliputian captain gave a curt nod, her tiny face set with resolve. Tori's heart swelled with a mixture of relief and renewed hope at the sight of her miniature allies.

Uncle Jim began his ascent, the makeshift grappling hook sailing through the air and catching on the jar's rim. He tugged it secure and started to climb, his movements careful but swift.

"Please be careful," Tori murmured, her hands pressed against the glass as she watched his progress. She could see the strain on his face, the jar's smooth surface offering little purchase.

As Jim reached the top, straddling the wide opening, Tori's breath caught in her throat. He reached down, his hand seeming impossibly far away.

"You've got to jump, Tori!" he called. "I can't reach you otherwise!"

Tori's heart pounded. "But what if I can't reach?" she asked, panic rising in her chest.

"You can do it!" Silvo’s tiny voice rang out, fierce and encouraging. "We believe in you!"

Taking a deep breath, Tori steeled herself. Bending her knees, she sprang upward with all her might, her arm outstretched.

For a heart-stopping moment, she felt suspended in the air. Then, her hand slapped into Jim's, his fingers closing around her wrist in a vice-like grip.

"I've got you!" Jim grunted, pulling her up with a mighty heave.

As Tori scrambled over the edge, she felt her uncle’s strong arms steady her. The Lilliputians cheered.

Tori's legs trembled as she steadied herself on the sold ground, her uncle's strong hands supporting her. Relief washed over her like a tidal wave, threatening to sweep away her composure. She looked up, her eyes meeting Captain Mavri's fierce gaze as the tiny woman still perched on Jim's shoulder.

"You did it, lass," Mavri said, her voice carrying pride.

Tori's gaze shifted to Jim's pocket, where Telwin's tousled blonde head poked out, his blue eyes shining with excitement. A grin spread across her face, despite the gravity of their situation.

"I can't believe you're all here," Tori whispered, her voice thick with emotion. She threw her arms around her uncle, burying her face in his chest as sobs wracked her body.

Jim patted her back gently. "Shh, Tori. I know, I know. But we've got to hold it together for now. You can cry all you want once we're safe, okay?"

Tori nodded, wiping her eyes. "You're right. I'm sorry, I just—"

"No need to apologize," Telwin piped up, his words tumbling out in excitement. "We're just glad you're okay!"

Jim's expression turned serious. "We need to move. That giant beast could return any moment."

Captain Mavri nodded. "Agreed. We need to move.”  

Tori’s uncle grabbed her hand and pulled her along. “We have to get to the top deck, that’s where our ride is.”

**** Tori's heart raced as she watched Uncle Jim drag a large piece of driftwood to the ship's edge. The makeshift raft looked fragile against the vast, dark ocean.

"Alright, little ones," Jim muttered, carefully transferring Mavri to his pocket with the other Lilliputians. "In you go. Hold on tight." He had two pockets, one on his left chest and one on his right. His left chest pocket held Mavri and Fildor, and the right chest pocket held Telwin, Silvo, and Linric.

Tori's voice quivered. "Uncle Jim, are you sure this will work?"

He flashed a reassuring smile. "It has to, sweetheart. Now, watch closely."

With a grunt, Jim pushed the driftwood into the water. Tori gasped as he leaped over the side, disappearing beneath the waves.

"Uncle Jim!" she cried.

Seconds later, his head bobbed up. "I'm okay!" he called, climbing onto the raft. He patted his pockets, nodding with relief. "Our tiny friends are safe too."

Tori's relief was short-lived as the deck beneath her feet began to vibrate. Heavy footsteps approached.

"Tori, jump now!" Jim yelled, waving frantically.

She froze, paralyzed by fear. The footsteps grew louder, accompanied by an angry bellow.

"Where are you going, my little morsel?" Hilgar's deep voice rumbled.

A massive shadow fell over Tori. She trembled, she was frozen with fear.

Hilgar chuckled darkly. "Trying to escape, are we? How... entertaining."

Tori's mind screamed at her to move, but her body refused to cooperate.

"Tori, please!" Uncle Jim's desperate voice cut through her panic. "You have to jump!"

In that moment, as Hilgar's enormous hand reached for her, something snapped inside Tori. With a strangled cry, she launched herself over the railing, plummeting towards the water below.

Hilgar's booming laughter echoed across the water as Tori plunged into the frigid sea. "Oh, I do enjoy the hunt!" he bellowed, his voice dripping with malicious glee.

Tori surfaced, gasping and sputtering. Uncle Jim's strong arms grabbed her, hauling her onto the makeshift raft. "I've got you, sweetheart," he grunted, his eyes darting nervously towards the looming ship.

"He's... he's getting a fishing net," Fildor yelled from one of Jim’s pockets.

Jim's face hardened. "Then we'd better move." He seized the crude oars, his muscles straining as he began to row with fierce determination.

Tori clung to the raft, her heart pounding. The vast, dark ocean stretched endlessly before them, promising both escape and untold dangers. "Uncle Jim," she whispered, "what if we don't make it?"

"We will," he assured her, though his voice was tight with exertion. "We have to."

A whooshing sound filled the air. Tori looked up to see an enormous net descending upon them. "Look out!" she screamed.

Jim veered hard to the left, nearly capsizing their fragile vessel. The net crashed into the water mere inches from them, sending up a massive spray.

"Hang on!" Jim yelled as he redoubled his efforts, rowing with desperate speed.

Tori gripped the raft tightly, her knuckles white. "He's reeling it back in," she warned, watching the net rise from the water.

Jim's face was a mask of grim determination. "We're not going to be his catch of the day," he growled, pushing himself to the limit.

Hilgar huffed in equal parts annoyed and amused as he watched the tiny raft disappear into the distance. He lowered his fishing net, a smirk playing on his features.

"Aw, I suppose I can let them go this time, pesky prey earned its escape," he mused aloud, rubbing his chin. "Besides, I've been fortunate this month. More will come."

Out on the open sea, Uncle Jim's labored breathing filled the air as he continued to row. Tori sat in stunned silence, her mind reeling from their narrow escape.

Suddenly, a small movement caught her eye. Telwin was climbing down from Jim's pocket.

"Whoa there, little fella," Jim grunted, scooping Telwin up in his large hand. "Where do you think you're going?"

Telwin squirmed in Jim's grasp. "Put me down!" he demanded, his voice high and indignant. "I want to sit with Tori!"

Jim frowned. "You might get knocked into the ocean. It's not safe."

"Please," Telwin said.

Jim sighed heavily. "Fine, but be careful." He extended his hand towards Tori.

As Telwin was placed in her palm, Tori blinked, snapping out of her daze. She cupped her hands protectively around the tiny Lilliputian, feeling a lump form in her throat.

"Tori?" Telwin's voice was gentle. "Are you alright?"

Tori's lower lip trembled. "I... I don't know," she whispered, tears welling in her eyes. "Everything that happened... Trina... I can't..."

Telwin patted her thumb soothingly. "It's okay, Tori. We're safe now. Everything's going to be alright."

As tears streamed down her cheeks, Tori managed to smile. "How can you be so sure?" she asked.

Telwin stood up in her palm, his tiny face full of determination. "Because you’re not alone! Come what may, we can handle it.”

Ch. 1

Ch. 7

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cr 小风车手工

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Linh Phung "La Sylphyde" Fall 2024 Collection

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Him and his little wife

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LGN LOUIS GABRIEL NOUCHI Fall/Winter RTW 2025 if you want to support this blog consider donating to: ko-fi.com/fashionrunways

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From Dazzling Lights to Bursting Geysers, Jennifer Esseiva Captures Iceland’s Diverse Scenery

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how do people make papers for traditional painting and calligraphy in the past by chinese artist 山白shan bai

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Hey, @ratcatcher0325, I've already done this, but thank you for thinking of me! 🤭

// 10 People I'd like to know better //

I got tagged by @kbthebearcat and @captain-clandestiny THANK YOU GUYS

🎧Last song🎧: I am not sure to be honest 😭 i was listening a mixed playlist on shuffle but i last remember listening to return to forever and when i fall in love

🎨Favorite color🎨: THE ONE AS MY BLOG BACKGROUND i am obsessed 💔 AND A WARMER TONE OF MUSTARD YELLOW tbh all the natural colors really 🤭

📚last book📚: I am not much of a reader, but i read "Ağrı Dağı Efsanesi" as homework. (Browsed the recap but sshhh)

🍿Last movie🍿: Ugh i am so embarrassed but Sonic 3. MY FRIENDS FORCED ME OKAY?!. Like you can't expect someone who likes "The Game", "Silence of the lambs", "there will be blood", "Jane Eyre" etc to like such a movie- i am REALLY picky about what i watch. But yeah it was Sonic 3 I'm sorry 💀

📺 Last tv show 📺: It was "Baby Raindeer" i guess... It was alright.

🍔 sweet/spicy/savory 🍔: Savory 😌

🌀Current obsession🌀: ASSASSIN'S CREED ASSASSIN'S CREED ASSASSIN'S CREED ASSASSIN'S CREED ASSASSIN'S CREED

Finished the ezio trilogy and now playing unity and black flag. Torturing myself by replaying missions (in unity) over and over until i perfectly ghost them. People hate that game for some reason but i like it a lot tbh

🔍 Last thing searched 🔍:

I was answering the ask then i called Hargrove "passed away recently". i was sure it was not as "recently" so i searched to find out. 2018 was the date. He was such a nice trumpeter. I found about him after coming up with Roy and now one of his songs i think is roy if he was a song. Here's the song for those wondering !

👀looking forward to👀: nothing specific. But i am curious about the gt of that upcoming fable game. Probably can't afford it and don't have the hardware to run it so I'll watch the gameplays 💀

People I'd like to know better:

@justagiantpotato @pipinpali @pacthesis @ohnobrooo @paxmorgana @guaxinimraccoon @olivexing @territorialrain