#/SILLY /NM this is fascinating...

[phosphorus-noodles]

also! if the entire knuckle wasn’t removed then the claws would grow back, but it would be all messed up and grow like into the flesh iirc? which would be super uncomfortable if not painful. so like if whoever declawed oli didn’t go all the way to the knuckle…

anon please you're making me feel bad for declawing my catboy,

[smolbonbon]

I believe Old Moon is underestimating Nexus

Long ramble

Sure Moon easily reached the goals that Nexus took a longer time but I think that's because Nexus is still young and doesn't have as many experience as him.

Hear me out every of the animatronics from TSAMS, LAES and MAFS went through a kid-to-adult phase ish (aside from Puppet and Foxy)

Sun used to be the silly, energetic and optimistic animatronic. But as time went by he changed to be less energetic or optimistic and understood the world isn't always working out for the better. Sure trauma is also playing a big part in how he or the others behave now but I'm pretty sure it's also he grew up. Moon used to be also very energetic, fascinated and curious by the abnormalities.

(I mean he still is but way less than he used to if you compare it to the episode "When Sun and Moon first separated in Vrchat")

Similar thing with Lunar, Earth and Monty. (But I'm a bit too lazy to go into that)

My point is Nexus is still very young but his identity was always to prove and be the better version of his past self. He couldn't really do anything without the fear of being like OG Moon. People looked at him and only saw the bad shadow of OG Moon and I'm sure at some point he had enough of trying to prove himself. To fix the problems of someone who had the same name as him.

Many things NM did were for the family and he rarely got a thank you or was appreciated. And when he finally broke due the pressure/expectations everyone put on him, he fell into a deep hole of depression, psychosis and identity/existential crisis.

Well and there's Dark Sun he reached out his hand to help NM who was abandoned and hated by his family. (Understandable dealing with the consequences of his actions)

Dark Sun lets Nexus choose his own identity and gives him the freedom to experience. Dark Sun even immediately accepted his name without laughing at him or giving his opinion to it. (Let the teenager run free lmao) It's probably because Dark Sun is manipulating him but in Nexus eyes he finally has someone who is supporting him and doesn't judge him.

Nexus doesn't suffer from the pressure and expectations to be the better version. Everyone already sees him as the evil guy so why prove it otherwise?

I have the feeling that Nexus is gonna show Moon he isn't as incapable as Moon keeps saying.

"I'm not holding myself back anymore, Moon~"

[genderstarbucks]

HELP we found comments from your Pinterest from 2022 😭 it was on an “anti toothpaste lesbian flag” and you said “this is so silly /pos”

/nm btw we just found it kinda funny and honestly kind of fascinating how opinions and ideologies can change so quickly and be a completely different person in comparison to like 2 years ago

HELP I do NOT remember doing that

So much can change in just 2 years it's crazy, now I'm an avid toothpaste/ocean flag user LMAO

[dropthedemiurge]

Fic authors self rec! When you get this, reply with your favorite five fics that you've written, then pass on to other writers. Spread the self-love~ 🫶🏻

Thank you for the request, I finally got to it :D Five fics that I've written which are my favourite - (and I had to choose only those I've already finished, but a lot of my fav settings are in the long long chaptered poly fics x)) 1. Caught In the Downpoor – Sky/Rain, Love in The Air I love the entire trilogy I wrote because it was a silly whimsy idea that we had a lot of fun developing on discord and then I started writing it, and other people supported it too and now there are so many awesome SkyRain fics out there that absolutely fit my taste with ADHD, platonic bdsm and close friendship vibes. This is just such a comfort ghost ship for me that is popular enough to constantly return to xD I might even write fourth story for them one day! Who knows when inspiration hits but I'm not really done with those weather besties.

2. Young And Menace - Sand/Ray, Todd/Black, Not Me + Only Friends I love this one because crossovers of any Thai BL with Not Me is an amazing idea, in my opinion. And since we got to know Sand lived in the same building as Black, and we didn't get to see him using his bat, I took the headcanon of them being friends and ran with it xD Plus, I think, this story just poured out of me in one sitting and I didn't really know what was going to happen, but all of them ended up very emotional. And poetical. And I consider it well written so yeah, my fav!

3. I let you paint me in black - Black/|Yok, Not Me I am back with my Not Me fics and ghost ships :D We joked on NM discord that Yok definitely tried to get it on with all of gang members, and he's also the kinky one - meanwhile Black is on the violent side. I put handcuffs on Yok, gave Black some tools and played with them like dolls. And as expected, they had a lot of fun! This and its sequel fic are some of my short stories that I write in one sitting simply for an idea but I think I managed to capture some tension between these characters which I don't usually have in my stories.

4. Capturing the sight of a broken soul - Nick/|Sand, Nick/Boston, Only Friends Uh... I don't need to put a disclaimer about another ghost ship, do I? I just love platonic bonds and close friendship that are borderline romantic or touchy. And somebody needed to comfort Sand after everything he's been through! Come on! And Nick had to repay with his kindness and softness back. Also I challenged myself to write Boston's POV here which was... extremely fun! I was thinking how he and Sand could get to a more friendly side, and I think I found the way.

5. Boredom is a crime - Korn/Wai, Bad Buddy Last but not least, this was my first ever fic I wrote for Thai BL series. Which was on itself fascinating, as I haven't been really writing for years in my other kpop fandom. But meeting other fans and ficwriters, getting overwhelming support and attention for my works and forming community felt so inspiring that I started writing and drawing for myself and for fun again. It was also the time when I challenged myself to write coherent stories in English, and I practiced on BBS and NM. Also I should really write more (even more) asexual and ADHD characters... Anyway, Korn's POV is still my favourite and I had a lot of fun and it's a very important milestone.

It was a nostalgic journey, and I remembered once again what I love writing about. I never know what message do I give but I hope my stories are simply comforting or fun to explore for other people =)

I'm passing the torch to @ullvide @xagan @springkitten @doyou000me @wereflamingo-in-thai-dramaland (or tag me if you already did such post!)

[livingcorner]

The History of the Garden Gnome

Jami has been an online writer for several years. Her articles focus on everything from pet maintenance to ear piercings.

Have you ever wondered about the history of garden gnomes?

You're reading: The History of the Garden Gnome

Running via Wikimedia Common, Public Domain

What Is a Garden Gnome?

A garden gnome (also known as a lawn gnome) is a figurine of a small humanoid creature, typically wearing a tall, pointy, red hat, that serves as decoration for gardens and/or lawns.

The gnomes are believed to protect the owner from evil. The figurines originated in Germany in the 19th century and were called Gartenzwerg, which literally translates to “garden dwarf.” It wasn’t until the 1930s that the English term “gnome” came to be.

Garden Gnome Typology

There are many different types of garden gnomes. They appear in different positions, and they can be made from different types of materials.

Typically, the gnomes are male dwarfs with long, bushy white beards who wear tall, pointy red hats. They are typically smoking (or holding) a pipe. They are seen in various positions, including standing, lying down, sitting, etc., and they engage in various activities (fishing, napping, etc.). Garden gnomes can be made from wood, porcelain, ceramic, or terra cotta.

The History of the Garden Gnome

Garden gnomes have always had a unique history in Europe, and they have even wedged their way into American pop culture, becoming quite the craze. Now, they are seen everywhere, from the lawn next door to the lawn across the world.

Garden decorations, especially statuary, have been common throughout Europe since the Renaissance. It was believed that these small human-like beings would ward away evil from the owner.

In 1616, the statues only depicted Gobbi (an Italian hunchback). By the late 18th century, porcelain “house dwarfs” were created and produced on a wide scale (at this time, Switzerland was also producing wooden statues of dwarfs and gnomes, as well). Soon enough, gnomes became a very popular house, lawn, and garden ornament and this popularity steadily grew throughout the 19th century.

They have been manufactured, produced, and distributed for centuries, but the “title of manufacturer of the first garden gnome is hotly contested,” according to Wikipedia. It is possible that their first manufacturer was in 1841, when these early gnomes were being produced by Baehr and Maresch of Dresden. However, there is evidence suggesting that they were being produced by many other countries as early as 1860, as well.

“Philip Griebel made terra cotta animals as decorations, and produced gnomes based on local myths as a way for people to enjoy the stories of the gnomes’ willingness to help in the garden at night. The garden gnome quickly spread across Germany and into France and England, and wherever gardening was a serious hobby.” (Wikipedia)

Ever since gnomes came onto the hobby scene in the 19th century, small manufacturers have popped up all over Germany. Their manufacturing has spread all across Germany, and each manufacturer had their own style and design.

Germany was the first (or one of the first) countries to manufacture and produce gnomes for collectors since before the 19th century. They became very popular in Germany (there are an estimated 25 million gnomes spread across German lawns).

Gnomes are also considered to be a huge part of eastern and western European culture, and were even seen in the tales written by the Grimm brothers.

“The Brothers Grimm featured gnomes in ‘The Gnome’, a series of short stories detailing the lives of gnomes. These stories depict gnomes in benevolent and malevolent lights, but the first one is perhaps the most important: in it clothing is given to two helpful gnomes and they decide to serve a cobbler and his wife for the rest of their days. Other stories exist of gnomes’ helpfulness in the oral tradition and relate the willingness of gnomes to assist in gardens.” (Gnomefrenzy).

Garden gnomes were first introduced into the United Kingdom when Sir Charles Isham came home from his vacation in Germany and brought 21 of the terra cotta figurines with him, displaying them in his home and lawn in 1847.

In recent history, they have made a resurgence in the United States and Western Europe. They have popped up in films, television shows, commercials, books, advertising, etc.

Today, garden gnomes are seen across the lawns and garden of many all over the world. Their popularity continues to grow and the production of garden gnomes continues.

Pranks have even been created around the stealing of garden gnomes (most commonly referred to as gnoming). Some have even begun to travel all over the world collecting (stealing) gnomes from gardens in different countries.

Garden gnomes even have their own holiday; International Gnome Day was instituted in 2002 and is celebrated on June 21st by over a dozen countries.

The history of garden gnomes is unique, long, interesting, and even comical. They may always be popular and will likely survive and live in peoples’ gardens for centuries to come.

Fun Facts

The traveling gnome prank later became the basis for Travelocity’s “Roaming Gnome.”

In 2008, a 53-year-old French man was arrested on suspicion of stealing upwards of 170 garden gnomes.

A garden gnome plays an important role in the 2001 French-German film, Amélie.

How to Make Your Own Garden Gnome

Sources

https://ift.tt/2Vr2cas

https://ift.tt/2VwclCw

Read more: Gardening tips for raised beds

Comments

Marlene Bertrand from USA on June 27, 2019:

This is interesting information about gnomes. I saw a gnome at a home improvement store about 10 years ago and could not resist buying it. They are adorable little “creatures.” Knowing the history of them adds to my enjoyment. Thank you for providing such an in-depth article.

William Grant from Wisconsin on April 06, 2013:

What about the garden gnomes inner-city cousin: the metro gnome?? I’ve seen them growing along the road-side near construction zones… I think they live underground… All I usually see are their hats.

Or maybe that’s where they bury them when they die��. Not sure.

Adrian Palmer Edwards from Valley, Anglesey UK on March 26, 2013:

Not a gnome lover myself, but my parents liked them and had some in their garden, I grew up with them. Nice job keep it up.

summerberrie on March 25, 2013:

I love garden gnomes. We have a copy of the gnome book by Gnomes by Poortvliet and it is a favorite. Love sticking those little garden gnomes on fun places around the yard. Great hub.

Jenna Estefan from Seattle, WA on March 25, 2013:

super cute hub!

Bishop55 on March 25, 2013:

Love this! Voted up. Creative, cute, funny.

Brenda Durham on March 25, 2013:

I don’t like garden gnomes either. They seem silly and creepy at the same time to me; and are a symbol of superstition that I disagree with. Like keeping a rabbit’s foot for good “luck”.

But I think your hub is well-written.

Mary Hyatt from Florida on March 25, 2013:

Congrats on HOTD. Very interesting article. My neighbor has about 10 of these little guys in her yard. I think they are adorable.

Voted UP, etc.etc.

Stephanie Bradberry from New Jersey on March 25, 2013:

I have a bog book about gnomes. When my niece saw it a few weeks ago, she wanted to take the book home. As a bibliophile it was tough to part with it, but I did not want to be a hypocrite as an English professor by not promoting and encouraging the love of reading and books. So I made my 7 year old niece sign a contract to return the book to me. She loved the pictures so much and kept asking everyone to fill in the words she could not read that she was driving them crazy. She has a garden gnome coming in the future as a present!

Sheri Dusseault from Chemainus. BC, Canada on March 25, 2013:

Well now I have learned something today. I didn’t know anything about gnomes. But someone in my hometown took the local pubs gnome traveling. Then it just showed back up one day. Congrats on the hub of the day! You deserve it as this is great. Love the pictures!

Jennifer Brummert on March 25, 2013:

There was a newstory on NPR recently about gnomes in Oakland, CA. Should check it out..Aah, gotta love a gnome really.

Dawn from Canada on March 25, 2013:

Congrats on the Hub of the Day! I too am not a fan of gnomes, ewwww I say! Great hub on them though and I enjoyed the history!

Liz Elias from Oakley, CA on March 25, 2013:

Congrats on HOTD!

Very interesting history. I have a few ceramic molds for gnomes, and can make as many or as few as I want. LOL Until recently, I had a small, wholesale ceramics business, and the gnomes were never ordered much at all. I guess you have to live in a “gnomy” area. I don’t see them displayed around here.

Suzette Walker from Taos, NM on March 25, 2013:

What a charming hub and congratulations on HOTD! I thoroughly enjoyed reading this as I love these little guys. I have had some of these gnomes at different times, but I did not know the history behind them. And it is quite a history. Thanks for a really fun and informative hub!

Your Cousins from Atlanta, GA on March 25, 2013:

Hey, I remember the story about the cobbler and the gnomes! This was an interesting feature. Voted up and interesting. Great HOTD.

Subhas from New Delhi, India on March 25, 2013:

Through your fantastic hub only I got an enriched knowledge about this figures. Very nice of you!

Edmund Custers on March 25, 2013:

I played a garden gnorm screen game sometime ago. Now I know where those guys came from.

Thanks for sharing!

Read more: Vertical vegetable garden ideas

Melvin Porter from New Jersey, USA on March 25, 2013:

I always wonder where these guys came from. Thanks for the interesting information.

Marites Mabugat-Simbajon from Toronto, Ontario on March 25, 2013:

I have a fascination on gnomes, dwarves, elves, to name a few of these characters in their own worlds, but I have no collection of any of them, or in my backyard garden. I do wish in some moments that they come visit me *smile*. I read about them and this is one nice read here. Thank you, JamiJay, and congratulations to Hub of the Day!

Heidi Thorne from Chicago Area on March 25, 2013:

I gotta get me an army of gnomes… especially if they actually do help out in the garden at night as reported. That’ll save me a whole bunch of time.

mr-veg from Colorado United States on March 25, 2013:

I love the concept and also the movie Smurfs

… Good One and Congrats for being hub of the day !

Cindy A Johnson from Sevierville, TN on March 25, 2013:

I love to put stuff in my garden but have never used a garden gnome. I might have to look into that if they are supposed to bring good luck. I need all I can get with my plants!

newusedcarssacram from Sacramento, CA, U.S.A on March 25, 2013:

I think garden gnomes are fascinating. Thanks a lot for sharing so much interesting information about them. Congratulation on becoming Hub of The Day, this is surely a deserving Hub.

Toy Tasting from Mumbai on March 25, 2013:

Lovely Hub, Jamijay! Brings back memories of the Grimm fairy tales. Extremely visual post, love the pictures

Kristi Patrice Carter from Chicago, Illinois on March 25, 2013:

I didn’t know anything about Garden Gnome until I read your article… I remember when I was a kid, I used to watch Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs…Now, I am loving more to recreate my backyard and put some Gnomes on my garden…Thanks for this wonderful idea that I can do this Springtime…

Ashok Goyal from 448 Dalima Vihar Rajpura 140401 Punjab India on March 25, 2013:

Beautifully Beautiful Hub indeed. I showed the photos to my grandchildren and they insisted we want it.. we want that….!

Thelma Alberts from Germany on March 22, 2013:

I love this hub. I like gnomes in the garden although I don´t have even one gnome in my garden. Seeing these photos inspire me of buying one or two from Germany and bring them with me to the Philippines. My garden would be the talk of the town because no one has a gnome in their garden. Besides that, I might put the gnomes inside the house at nighttime to avoid being stolen, lol. Thanks for sharing;-)

Laura Brown from Barrie, Ontario, Canada on March 21, 2013:

I don’t have a garden of my own. But I still like the garden gnomes. https://ift.tt/3jvpjZw

Martin Kloess from San Francisco on March 20, 2013:

Thank you for this. As I get older, I see no harm in allowing fantasy back into my life.

RodNapeda on March 20, 2013:

haha! Actually I not a reader guy, but this one got me.

Jami Johnson (author) from Somewhere amongst the trees in Vermont. on March 20, 2013:

billybuc, haha. I have never anyone who willing admitted they did not like garden gnomes

I have always liked them and I have a lot of friends who make them themselves, but I do not own any myself, because here in Vermont there are a lot of gnomenappers. I had friends in high school that were involved with gnomenapping and they even created a special place in the woods (off trail) where they set all of them up, “releasing them back into the wild” lol.

Bill Holland from Olympia, WA on March 20, 2013:

I have a confession to make….I don’t like garden gnomes. LOL Having said that, the history you shared was pretty interesting, so thanks. If this ever comes up in Trivial Pursuit I’ll be ready to score.

Source: https://livingcorner.com.au Category: Garden

source https://livingcorner.com.au/the-history-of-the-garden-gnome/

[justjen523]

Teaching You A Lesson (Part 6)

 Zyglavis x MC

(Rating E 18+)

So sorry my dear ladies that it has taken this long to post! I did however try to write a longer chapter to make up for all of it. 

                       A Dangerous and Scintillating Wish

     “Wait, did you say “anything” I want?” You ask wide eyed and surprised. For Zyglavis to offer such a gift has you completely flabbergasted.

     “Anything that I am able to grant that is. I cannot break any laws of the Heaven’s nor am I a genie that will grant a wish for more wishes. That is the rabid Lion’s department, not mine.” His sexy smile and smoky eyes gaze down at you while his long, elegant (and extremely gifted) fingers glide gently through your hair spilled across his duvet. How you craved this touch of his. So gentle yet confident and comforting. You could spend forever under his touch. 

     It was hard to think of anything when he was looking down at you in a way that made your body instantly submissive. That’s when the idea came to you. It was definitely ballsy but if granted...oh my god. Your imagination starts to run wild and the darker the fantasy gets the redder your cheeks begin to glow. 

     “And just what is my darling girl dreaming up hmmm?” It was too late, after letting your fantasies get the best of you there was no way you couldn’t ask now. A devious smile stretches your lips as your pupil dilated eyes meet his.

     “My wish, I know what I want.”

     “Is that so? Then by all means, let me hear your desire little one.”

     “You.”

     “Me? But you already have me baby girl.”

     “Nm-Nm. Not like this. For twenty four hours I want YOU to belong to ME.” His eyebrow raises as his smile widens.

     “Oh? My you are awfully confident wishing to own and control a powerful god. And what pray tell do you intend to do with your new toy?” His posture shifts and he hovers over your body, his aura radiating intensely reminding you well of the vastness between the two of you. Suddenly you are reconsidering your wish when he leans in and whispers in your ear.

     “Very well. As I am not required for work tomorrow we can begin immediately if you so desire.” 

     “Y-Yes...I do!” You almost too eagerly accept overly excited at the endless possibilities before you. 

     “Alright then. What would you have me do my Mistress?” Oh boy now you’ve done it. Zyglavis, The Minister of Punishments himself is now on his knees before you obeying your every command for the next twenty four hours. Those were some big desires and you know you had better back it up with some bigger actions. 

     “Oh dear...don’t tell me you hadn’t thought this through. Are you sure you are up for this little girl?” His predatory smile quickly reminds you that you are in the realm of the gods right now. This is the big moment, either take the reigns or step down and obediently return to your master. You take a deep breath and center yourself, then you begin.

     “I don’t believe I gave you permission to speak let alone in such a displeasing way to your Mistress. We have only just begun and I already have to discipline you? Tsk Tsk, what a naughty boy you are Zyglavis.” You’re wicked smile and perfectly executed words have him back on his knees bowing before you. The excitement you noted in his eyes at your words let you know you definitely chose well when making your wish.

     “Seeing as I only own you for twenty four hours and it was your first offense I shall go easy on you. However, that being said, I want you to strip.” You snap your fingers pointing to where you wish for him to move and remove his clothing.

     “As you command my Mistress.” He obeys and does so elegantly making you wonder how to do the same in the future as you watch him begin to undress.

     “Mmm. Good boy, nice and slow. You are an exquisite gift and something this beautiful needs to be unwrapped slowly.” His eyes lock with yours and his naughty smile has the fire inside you raging wildly. He does exactly as he is instructed removing one article of clothing at a time very slowly and letting it glide off his skin like silk. Once he is completely nude before you your eyes can’t help but take in every inch of the truly heavenly sight before you.

     “Seven Hells Zyglavis. You...”

     “Is my Mistress pleased with what she sees?” Pleased? As fucking punch. This is what the perfect man looks like in every single possible way. You approach him and glide your hand over his toned arms and torso practically drooling. You have never seen a god fully naked before and now that you are you find yourself actually grateful. It’s almost too much for the human female brain to comprehend. 

     As you circle him slowly you make sure to cast to memory every single curve, angle and feel of this divine being before you. Your hands explore his entire body out of sheer curiosity and appreciation and you love how well behaved he is being allowing you to do whatever you wish to his glorious naked form. Once you have made your way back to stand directly before him your eyes meet and you smile at how much he appears to be enjoying this side of you.

     “Zyglavis....you are....seriously just utterly gorgeous. Perfect in every possible way.” His smile widens sweetly seemingly pleased by your words of approval.

     “I know we have a whole different vibe going here but this might be the only chance I ever have to tell you how I truly feel at the moment.” He subtly nods signaling for you to continue.

     “To be perfectly honest, I....” You trail off a moment as if you are looking for the right words. His eyes are still very kind as they search yours curiously. 

     “I’m...I’m so very sorry. This may sound silly but I never thought in a BILLION years I would....COULD ever see you as anything other than my enemy. But look at us now! I...I can’t believe I said such horrible things to you like that. It was such an ugly and immature way to interact with you and it was all because I was bitter about the past.” You’re eyes had fallen to the floor a while ago and they remain there as you reflect on what happened in the past. 

     “You never deserved that...no matter what may have happened in the past. I hope someday you can find it in your heart to forgive me.” A few moments of silence pass before you hear a response.

     “Is it important for you to have my forgiveness?” He asks gently still curious as to why you would wish for such a thing from him.

     “Y-Yes of course! I mean....I care about you. I....” You pause a moment before rolling your eyes and coming clean.

     “Oh who am I kidding?! Yes it’s important because Zyglavis, I love you. I...I’m IN love with you! And yes, I know gods and goldfish are never meant to be and you only see me as your plaything but....that’s okay. I-I’m happy just being near you. Even if you never love or care about me the same way I just want to spend the rest of my life near you serving you any way you desire.” Now that you’ve actually outwardly confessed your true feelings tears begin to spill from your eyes in relief and bittersweet sadness at the reality of it all. 

     A moment later you hear a snap. When your eyes shoot up you see the two of you are once again clothed and he offers you his hand. Reluctantly you take it and he smiles leading you over to the couch where he offers you a seat before sitting beside you. You regard him curiously as he makes himself comfortable facing you wondering what is going through his mind.

     “Forgive me, the conversation transformed into something that required more appropriate surroundings. I felt it would be much easier to speak to one another about such things this way.” Though he is being friendly his eyes are as unreadable as ever. You just confessed your love to him and you have no idea what he’s actually thinking. You want to ask but think better of it. What if it’s something you can’t handle hearing? What if he simply laughs at your childishness? 

     “You are assuming the worst. It is simple to see merely from the expression you are wearing.” When you snap to you still can’t find the appropriate words to say and instead you simply say nothing biting your lip. He regards you a moment before responding.

     “You are correct, this is indeed the first time in which we have spoken to each other in such a way. I believe it is my turn now to respond to what you have told me.” You take a deep breath, your stomach in knots as you wait to hear what this powerful ancient god sitting before you has to say.

     “When you spoke of the past were you referring to the the unfortunate situations that led to me trying to extinguish you?” His face is serious but the way he asks this is genuinely gentle and cautious. You nod in response saying nothing and allowing him to continue.

     “I cannot presume to understand the confusion and terror you must have felt during that time as I am a divine being who is immortal and cannot fathom the idea of living a life that is destined to end. I have spent nearly an eternity ruling over and passing judgement upon humans and yet if I am to be honest, it wasn’t until the way you looked into my eyes when you told me that you had never been my enemy that I felt an affinity for your kind. You, a being with every reason to fear, hate and resent me were somehow able after everything you had experienced at my hand, to see past it all and desire to know and experience more.” You can’t hide the tiny smile tugging at the corner of your lips as you listen to him explain his perspective.

     “You are utterly fascinating to me. Even as we continued these private encounters of ours you confess to me that not only do you feel love for me and give me your heart for the rest of your mortal life, but you do not even care whether or not those feelings are ever reciprocated. If I am to be honest, it is difficult for me to know how to respond to something so....honest and pure. Not even the noblest gods of the Heaven’s are capable of such selflessness. Your soul is....beautiful beyond words.” His gorgeous grey eyes seem to sparkle under the dim glow of the light above. When he looks at you like this you feel like he can see deep into your very soul. His hand brushes the dangling strand of hair behind your ear before caressing your cheek lovingly.

     “I....am forbidden by the laws of the Heaven’s to reciprocate your love. I must not love one human more than any other, I cannot lie with a human. While these laws may not make much sense to you or your kind the consequences should I break any can and would be catastrophic. That does not even begin to speak of what should befall you if I were to do such a thing.” His eyes seem to be looking at something far away as you feel your heart slowly sink. You knew from the beginning this was what was fated to be. It was beyond presumptuous to desire a romantic relationship with a god. What did you expect? For him to break the divine laws for you? A lowly human seen as nothing more than a pet so easily discarded and replaceable?

     “I know. Forgive me, it was out of place for me to say such things to you to begin with.” You try your best to keep your voice from breaking as you stare at the seam of fabric on the cushion you are sitting on.

     “Do you resent me for saying all of this to you?” His words sound pained yet you know if you were to look into his eyes you would only burst into tears. You shake your head timidly as you continue gazing absentmindedly downward, the tears beginning to pool in your lashes.

     “I could never resent you. Especially knowing that you actually care about me. That is more than enough. A mere human should be so lucky to have what we already have shared. It’s selfish of me to want or ask for more.” You offer though your insides are screaming. You love him. You love him so much it hurts. You would die for him without a second thought. He cares about you, but he doesn’t love you. Not the way you love him and regardless if it’s silly you can’t help but feel dejected and heartbroken over it. There’s no holding back the tears any longer. They are spilling over and honestly you don’t care if he sees it anymore. You are hurting inside and regardless if you are only human you cannot help the way you were designed to feel this deeply. 

     The instant you finally let go the flood rushes forth and you start to sob into your hands trying to hide your face from him. It nearly startles you when you feel yourself suddenly pulled tightly to him and his strong arms wrap around you holding you tenderly. He says nothing but strokes your hair touching you so softly as though you were something very valuable and precious to him. Though it just hurts more to be held by him this way you rest your cheek on his broad shoulder breathing him in and feeling soothed by his comforting and familiar scent. 

     After several moments of silence pass and you are able to at least stop sobbing, the tears continue to fall silently now slowly soaking his shirt. You don’t want to ever let go. It feels so good to be held like this by him. Seemingly out of nowhere he lets out a long conflicted sounding sigh.

     “Fuck it. It is too late as I have already broken one of the Divine Laws the night you told me you were not my enemy. I...already love you more than any other. Human or god. If I am to be punished than so be it.” His arms gently but firmly pull you away so you are facing each other. 

     “You belong to me and me alone. No other shall ever have you let alone look upon you the way that I do. You are far too beautiful in every possible way for me to ever allow you to leave my side. It is time. Time to make you mine and show you body and soul who you belong to now and forever.” You stare at him in awe and disbelief. Did he really just say what you think he had?

     “Prepare yourself little girl. The love of a god is no small endeavor. I will etch my godliness so deep inside of you that your body will yearn for no other. Let me show you the depth of my love for you. Give yourself to me and I swear this to you, I will protect you no matter the cost. Even if it costs me the stars in my eyes, you will always be with me for all eternity.”

-TBC-    

[theworstjedi]

Free

Friyr deposited the fluffed blanket onto his mattress. Another amidst the silky green fabric he’d picked up on Corellia and the plump pillow he’d found on Alderaan. Small trinkets in addition to the simple beddings he’d stripped from the temple. They were nothing fancy if of quality make. A Jedi lived in moderation perhaps, but Friyr had a lifetime of sheets that kept just enough of the chill out. He’d roughed it, endured desert nights and the swampy monsoon rains of Kaas in the wet season. He’d lived on simple cots full of molding straw and threadbare weave. Then there had been the simple white pallet.

Friyr closed his eyes rather than remember that comfortable cruelty. He shook his head. He exhaled in the silence until his lungs emptied. The tap of his index finger kept time with the breath until there was no more. A blanket of calm settled over his shoulders, making them heavy. Friyr wanted something a little bit more than learning to make do. Then again, he always did. 

He settled into what was quickly becoming a nest of blankets and soft things with a heavy sigh. s he reached for his pillow, the back of his knuckles grazed something cold and hard. He stroked his fingertips over the metal surface, knowing intuitively the touch of his friend even at the most unexpected moments. There was a soft warmth to the cold buried under layers of NM-1′s hibernating circuitry. Friyr patted him gently, then forewent the pillow, pushing it beneath his head, to pull him arms around the droid instead. The metal edges pressed into his forearms; a cold snowdrop against his heart and belly for a moment. 

He was home. Friyr absently stroked the carapace. It was lonely in the absence of company. Bendo left with Master Tabris’ new apprentice, leaving Friyr alone again. NM hummed gently in his arms and Kyuga’s breaths were clear across the small dwelling. Friyr was not a lonely man in any respect, but the feeling sank in during the between times with an ardent need to be felt.

Friyr squeezed the droid unconsciously and gazed at the dim gray in his vision reflected from moonlight spread over NM’s hull. He knew the semblance of things that were said about his recent absences. The prolonged galaxy tramping that took him to the edges of wild space and turned the council into a distressed collection of tinny voices over the holofrequency. 

Friyr’s a free spirit; Troubled; I don’t think Friyr knows how to care about people who care about him.

It didn’t bother him, but he knew that in some way they danced around a knot of unsettled reasons all snarled together in a ball of discontent. He didn’t think that the galaxy would undo them, but the challenge of finding his way back home had occupied a troubled heart for a while.

Friyr had quickly learned that Force bonds were not lightly made for the sole reason provided in the ache of separated hearts. He had said goodbye in ten different ways every morning and evening to Kurt Wax, known what they shared was a fluke of proximity, and yet. Yet. It still hurt feeling the intensity of an emotion Friyr had never known from the man given to another. Someone Friyr didn’t know beyond Kurt’s stray feelings and dreams where Friyr imagined himself a watery version of the Pureblood. But he knew enough to know that Kurt had finally fallen in love.

It was the reason he’d leaned over with a smirk and bitten into Sahley’s fruit all those months ago. Friyr hadn’t really expected to be led out onto a porch by the hand and asked if he felt the sun on his skin. He’d slept with the man as a sort of flippant pasttime only to have that flippancy flipped on its head by a particularly tender Republican. 

Friyr didn’t know what he felt for Sahley other than an infrequent need to hold him or steal a kiss when they were alone. To be around him. Sometimes Friyr wondered in particularly painful moments - where he could feel Kurt’s heartbeat a little too strongly - if Sahley was a key - not to twist in a lock - but to wedge against the fabric of the Force bond as a makeshift knife and sever the ties. 

It was that alone that convinced Friyr he didn’t deserve stolen kisses or the precise time of day from the tenderhearted soul. Friyr wedged space between the two. Rebuffing Sahley’s need to reaffirm their tender friendship with a firm shove instea. Friyr had never shared something so gentle with a friend before. But it had felt so right to not call the mirialan his own but rather someone he expressly cared for just a little bit more than he did for others. Sometimes a very silly part of him that was always running off on fantasies about giving boys flowers would doubt with a certain sincerity that bruising their friendship - not letting things progress into a comfortable but ultimately platonic intimacy with the potential for more - was wrong. It was easier to listen to that part of him while Master Tabris grieved the death of her late husband, her one love. It was easier to pine for someone to care for Friyr the way she had wanted Rajjaet to care of her.

Friyr left. Confused, anxious, and with too much time on his hands - he pulled on the green cloak Teran had given him, strapped his lightsaber on, and went to try and be a Jedi the best he knew how. He settled a few disputes on Carrick station by placing his body between others and flashing the lightsaber on his hip without revealing once its color. 

He had a panic attack in Nar Shaddaa, then fell in love with the bastions of opportunity and freedom the Hutts cultivated, while also finding poverty of the worst kinds that made his giddiness an uncomfortable feeling. 

Wild Space held people he had once sought for. Friendly, dishonest, and genuine to a fault. Friyr had stayed there longer than he liked to admit. The aliens and humans there reveling in an unjudging company that cared very little about Jedi, Sith, or some down on their luck spacer. For a few days there was no war; just people who understood the gripe of being alive.

He came back, and Kurt was still tied somewhere behind his naval, Sahley no doubt lingered - but he was just grateful to be home. In truth, the wide galaxy scared him as much as it fascinated. 

Friyr burrowed into his covers and felt the empty space in his heart. He didn’t make a resolution with it, didn’t seek for peace. He would have to feel this for a while. A long while perhaps. As long as this night might last because he couldn’t sleep. Not yet. There was so much to feel before his bones settled, but Friyr had the time to do so. He could accept it or let it eat him. 

[fic-dreamin]

I wonder what laptops turn into in the territories. I read the Talisman many times in my youth. It was an amazing story that was not tailored for kids, and that is what drew me to it. It does not hold your hand, nor does it sugar coat life on the road. Go to Amazon

One of the greatest books ever written As my review title says, this is one of the greatest books ever written. I have 2 favourite books of all time & this is one of them. Unsurprisingly the other is also written by Stephen King, The Stand. My words will never do justice to this book so I won't even try. Just trust that if you ever have doubt in Stephen King's ability to transport you into another world, read this book & you'll never doubt him again. Thank you Mr King, this book helped shape my world. Go to Amazon

Good story adaption, but missing key supplimental material While this is a creditable adaptation of the novel, each issue of the comic had material in the back that was a delightful addition to the main tale. The hardcover seems to have excluded the meat of it. While it does contain a character sketchbook, a how-to section on the art, and a partial interview with King and Straub that takes up barely a half page, it is missing sections written by Robin Furth in every issue that, frankly, I found a lot more interesting than the aforementioned filler. Her articles gave fascinating insight into the authors, the story, the characters, etc. Go to Amazon

A Long Journey Stephen King and Peter Straub joined forces to produce this mediocre novel about young Jack Sawyer's travels through a fantastical dual-verse on a quest to save his mother's life. Along the way Jack makes some new friends, encounters some old enemies and ultimately spends a lot, and I do mean a lot of time, perambulating across the country. This book fell short of its potential and because I am a Stephen King fanboy I will blame Peter Straub. Sorry Peter. Go to Amazon

3.5, to be fair... This book kept me engaged throughout, and had many high moments. However, some of the key passages that moved the plot forward (phrasing not storyline) were oddly repeated. Also, there were many moments that were written as tender but came off as creepy. (And they were unnecessary, to boot; I kept getting kicked out of the story because I had to reckon with these bizarre interjections of creepy tenderness that were not meant to be creepy.) Go to Amazon

One of the best books. One of my all time favorites. Thank God for the paperback copy. The hard bound was hard to hold. I like to read my favorite books over again. I have my own personal library of my favorites. Maybe a 1, 000 books. This goes right in next to the hard bound copy. Go to Amazon

One of my all-time favorite books to read & reread One of my all-time favorite books to read & reread. Bought this copy for my 20 yr old daughter-it's the 3rd that I've bought HER (nm how many I've bought myself)-but I loved the originally rec'd 2 so much I kept them. Thank you for drop-shipping directly to her, Amazon! Go to Amazon

Blane the mono does wolf A good reading by frank muller. My only issue was he used the same (small gruff voice) as he used for blane the mono. Making it sound like blane was speaking wolfs' lines. Kept expecting wolf to tell jack not to ask him silly questions, because he won't play silly games. NOT enjoyable. The rest of the reading was good. Go to Amazon

Five Stars Great read Very recommened I really really enjoyed it. Fantastic Exciting Awesome read Five Stars Amazing story A frustrating reading experience

[ozsaill]

From Cape Town to Connecticut: Totem’s 2016

Looking back on the milestones, adventures, and misadventures of 2016: what a year it was! Jamie’s a database guy: thanks to him we have some serious metrics and some silly ones. We closed out with 3,057 days as cruisers, one of our biggest mileage years yet, and a host of unforgettable experiences.

Logbook stats

14 – countries/territories visited in 2016: South Africa; Namibia; British Overseas Territories of St Helena, Ascension, Montserrat, and Bermuda; Barbados; Dominica; overseas departments of France: Martinique, Guadeloupe, and Saint Martin; territories of the Netherlands, Saint Eustatius and Sint Maartin; USA

11,027 – miles in 2016 (9,582 NM)… a daysail less than our 2010 miles sailed.

50,244 – miles total (43,661 NM), yeah, we passed 50k!

266 – miles of best 24-hour run (231 NM), Ascension Island to Barbados

3,570 – miles of longest passage (3,102 NM), Ascension Island to Barbados completed in 17 days

Somewhere in the Atlantic. March or April

Misadventures

1 – number of kayaks lost at sea, between Bermuda and USA – big waves + broken stanchion = sad day!

1 – number of medical events, when a barefoot Siobhan stepped on a cactus on Ile Au Cabrit, Guadeloupe. Spines removed and patient remains a staunch barefooter!

8 – bells tolled for Totem’s beloved first hamster, Jiaozi, who joined us in Thailand and ended her watch in Martinique

Ghost town of Kolmanskopp, Namibia. February

Crew adventures

90 – kilograms of propane (198 lbs) for cooking…and some cabin heat, late in the year

13 – presentations given from Cape Cod to the Chesapeake

66 – fieldtrips! – epic hikes, rich museums, fascinating people, incredible experiences: a mid-Atlantic BBC relay station, Napoleon’s (first) tomb, JFKs birth home, sea turtles laying eggs at dawn, the White House’s West Wing, science lessons from The Global Dude for starfish, ghost towns in the desert, etc. Lucky humans we are.

1 – number of boats we watched sink for an artificial reef in Barbados

What a kid! Guadeloupe. May

Fauna

11 – cuteness rating (1 to 10 scale) of baby goats on cactus-laden Ile Au Cabrit that certain barefoot girls liked to chase.

0 – number of elusive f@&#ing whale sharks seen in St Helena, at yet ANOTHER place “everyone” sees them (that’s four hotspots now)

500ish – number of visitors on Totem in 2016. Total speculation, and probably low, between a couple of open boat parties and a general bias for socializing with our fellow humans

Legal capacity? Noank, Connecticut. August

Local conditions

55 – degrees Fahrenheit (12.8  C) of the Benguela Current along the edge of the Namib Desert made for amazing animal life: sea birds, whales, dolphins, sea lions, PENGUINS, and jellyfish

3.9 – depth in feet (1.2 meters), the least we’ve been ever (by far!), is the marina we’re now in – dock master said we may touch at low tide with Totem’s draft of 6.0 feet – he was right…

3.6 – number of feet (1.1 meters) by which we did NOT fit under bridges Totem was required to pass under, engendering creativity to squeeze beneath.

Rooftop drinks with Mike & Kim before the White House. November

This is about the numbers… but the year was really about people. The new friends, like Mike & Kim (above) who gave us indelible memories along the way. It was about the many reunions with familiar faces, and thanks to the internet, all the “old friends” we could meet for the first time.

Manhattan. September

The data on 2015– 365 days, 7,988 miles, 2 oceans, 1 boat–is posted here for giggles and judgment.

South Carolina. December

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