#<- (note from 04/10/23) yeah you do. you had to go through all your art again to tag it. dumbass

[downn-in-flames]

let’s keep it casual

this was written for a trope stew challenge on @hpfanfictalk​ - my assigned tropes were 1) roaring rampage of revenge, 2) snowball lie, 3) friends with benefits, 4) it's personal, and 5) mistaken for betrayal. somehow, i think i managed to squish them all in here :P

read it on: hpft | ao3

[Tuesday 10 May, 15:04]

james potter: u up?

lily evans: it’s 3pm

james potter: good observation

lily evans: you need to get more creative with your ‘hi i’m bored can you come over and fuck me’ lines

james potter: did it work though?

lily evans: be there in 15

*

[Tuesday 10 May, 16:42]

sirius black: ran into lily in the lobby a few minutes ago sirius black: tell me, when are you going to finally own up to the fact that you fancy the shit out of her and aren’t just casually fucking her with no feelings involved

james potter: hmm, but see, that would require that statement to actually be true james potter: seriously, it’s just hooking up james potter: we’ve got a good thing going, i’m not going to ruin that by catching feelings

sirius black: ~catching~ feelings? sirius black: dude sirius black: feelings have long since been caught sirius black: by both of you

james potter: ur wrong but i’m not arguing that point with u anymore

sirius black: because your counterarguments are shit and you know it

*

[Wednesday 11 May, 20:53]

lily evans: i’m going to kill him i’m going to kill him i’m going to kill him lily evans: I’M GOING TO KILL HIM lily evans: give me ONE good reason not to commit murder right now

james potter: you can’t fuck me if you’re in prison?

lily evans: damn you have a point there

james potter: also why are you contemplating murder, that seems extreme

lily evans: two words for you: severus fucking snape

james potter: that’s three words

lily evans: do you want me to kill you too, bud??

james potter: you can’t fuck me if i’m dead james potter: but seriously, what did that greasebag do

lily evans: remember when i beat him to checking out the last copy of that chemistry research journal from the library?

james potter: i believe you described it as ‘the most victorious day of the semester to date’

lily evans: and i stand by that lily evans: but ANYWAYS lily evans: the creepy fucker SNUCK INTO MY ROOM and STOLE IT lily evans: and had the nerve to leave me a fucking LOVE NOTE in its place

james potter: he left you a love note?? james potter: what does it say?

lily evans: that is not the part of this story you should be fixating on lily evans: he wheedled his way through the front desk security and came into my room and WENT THROUGH MY STUFF lily evans: not to mention, the damn journal is still checked out in my name lily evans: so if he doesn’t return it on time, I’M going to have to pay for it lily evans: those things are expensive as FUCK

james potter: what a fucking twat

lily evans: i just lily evans: i can’t with him lily evans: the creepiness and borderline obsession with me is one thing lily evans: the fact that he acts like i owe it to him to be in love with him is another lily evans: but straight-up violating my privacy AND sabotaging my perfect reputation with the university library?? lily evans: i’m taking him down

james potter: hell yeah, you show that fucker once and for all

lily evans: wanna be my accomplice

james potter: that’s perhaps the sexiest thing you’ve ever said james potter: ofc i will be

lily evans: will text u when i come up with the appropriate revenge scheme

*

[Thursday 12 May, 13:02]

lily evans: meet me at the library in an hour

james potter: is this part of aforementioned revenge scheme?

lily evans: obviously

james potter: i shall be there

*

[Thursday 12 May, 15:23]

james potter: okay what the fuck was that

lily evans: in my defense it was not supposed to go that far

james potter: mind telling me what you DID have in mind when telling the librarian that we’re engaged?? james potter: because i’ve been wracking my brain and i’ve got nothing

lily evans: she was supposed to give me edit access to my account to fix my last name lily evans: which she did lily evans: and thanks to my BRILLIANT computer skills from there, the journal is checked out in snape’s name instead of mine lily evans: but clearly i underestimated how close i am with the uni library staff

james potter: no shit

lily evans: anyways, what do you want on our wedding registry

james potter: what

lily evans: i’ve got to give her a wedding website link!! she asked for it, i can’t very well show up at the library next week and not have a wedding website for her lily evans: i also ordered a £5 ring on etsy lily evans: it’s huge and tacky and exactly the sort of thing a trust fund baby like u would propose with

james potter: jfc james potter: put one of those mini waffle makers on there james potter: also i’m offended that you think so poorly of my ring-picking skills

*

[Friday 13 May, 9:10]

lily evans: hi, i have a weird request

remus lupin: that’s always a concerning sentence

lily evans: can you take fake engagement photos for me and james?? lily evans: will pay you in bourbon and chocolate

remus lupin: ……. literally what the fuck, lily remus lupin: why on earth do you need fake engagement photos

lily evans: i need them for our fake wedding website

remus lupin: somehow, that still doesn’t make this make any more sense

lily evans: it’s a long story lily evans: can you though?

remus lupin: *sigh* yes

lily evans: bless u

*

[Monday 16 May, 8:57]

lily evans: thoughts?? lily evans: Attachment - 12 Images

james potter: wow james potter: those look… really good

lily evans: we actually look like an engaged couple lily evans: like….. go us lily evans: alright, time to upload these bad boys onto the website

*

[Monday 16 May, 9:12]

james potter: sirius james potter: oh dear brother of mine james potter: who is nothing but kind and supportive and never gives me shit for anything james potter: how are you this fine evening?

sirius black: spit it out

james potter: as you know, i have been pulled into the most hare-brained of schemes with none other than lily evans james potter: and it spiralled into remus taking a bunch of fake engagement photos for us this weekend

sirius black: i am well aware sirius black: you stole my boyfriend from me on what would have otherwise been a chill saturday morning and used him to take pictures in a fucking flower field

james potter: that is correct james potter: anyways james potter: it has come to my attention that we make a Very Cute Couple

sirius black: are u saying what i think ur saying

james potter: and now i feel weird because i kind of... wish they weren’t fake??

sirius black: u ARE saying it sirius black: oh my GOD sirius black: took you long enough

james potter: hey now, you agreed not to give me shit

sirius black: if you scroll up, you’ll see i never agreed to anything

james potter: i can’t believe you’re being so rude to me in my time of dire emotional distress

*

[Monday 16 May, 15:32]

remus lupin: heard you finally got your head out of your ass and admitted you like evans as more than a friend slash hookup

james potter: i’m going to kill sirius, he wasn’t supposed to tell anyone

remus lupin: he’d like you to know that he never agreed to that either remus lupin: but seriously, it was about time

james potter: :( stop making me feel like an idiot for having feelings

remus lupin: you’re not an idiot for having feelings remus lupin: you ARE an idiot for taking so long to realise you’ve had them

james potter: this is a new development james potter: i only had friendly feelings for her until yesterday

remus lupin: …… james remus lupin: you once woke up in the middle of the night to drive to that 24-hour ice cream shop on the other side of town at 3 a.m. so you could take lily her favourite milkshake while she was studying remus lupin: that is NOT something you do for someone you only have friendly feelings for

james potter: it isn’t???

remus lupin: would you do that for me or peter?

james potter: no

remus lupin: hence, not friendly feelings

james potter: … oh

remus lupin: you are useless remus lupin: absolutely useless remus lupin: truly do not know what lily sees in you

james potter: well that’s mean

*

[Monday 16 May, 16:53]

lily evans: is it sad that i keep forgetting this wedding website is fake?? lily evans: like, i am putting Way Too Much Effort into this given that it is an elaborate ruse to appease some librarians and i keep catching myself fantasising about a real wedding lily evans: literally what is wrong with me

remus lupin: jfc remus lupin: you two really ARE meant for each other

*

[Monday 16 May, 23:49]

james potter: wait what do you mean ‘what lily sees in me’?? james potter: remus?????

*

[Tuesday 17 May, 10:03]

lily evans: stage 2 of burn snape’s life to the ground begins tomorrow lily evans: are you ready?

james potter: should i be prepared for a fake marriage this time?

lily evans: haha no, i promise i won’t spring any fake relationship statuses on you this time lily evans: but now that you mention it… lily evans: check out this work of art lily evans: theknot . com / deerlybeloved

james potter: fucking hell, evans james potter: you went all out

lily evans: umm yeah lol lily evans: turns out designing a wedding website is a really fun way to procrastinate

*

[Tuesday 17 May, 10:16]

james potter: she used a deer pun in the fake wedding page name i actually can’t breathe

sirius black: the transition from complete denial to pathetic sod happened even faster than i expected

james potter: you are ruthless

sirius black: remember when i was the pathetic sod about remus and you gave me SO much shit about it?? sirius black: this is payback, bitchhhhhhh

james potter: you’re right, i deserve this

*

[Wednesday 18 May, 19:34]

james potter: truly, evans, i don’t understand why you’re studying chem when you’re this good at hacking into things james potter: in other news, i’m having the absolute fucking time of my LIFE on snape’s reddit account rn james potter: i just wrote a long essay about how i’ve learned the errors of my bigoted ways and am embracing the blm movement and intersectional feminism and i’ve never seen something get so violently downvoted so fast

lily evans: see, this is why i knew you were the right accomplice for this lily evans: keep destroying his internet reputation and trolling his weird alt-right community with all your research and logic lily evans: you’re doing amazing sweetie

james potter: studying human rights law does occasionally have its perks james potter: this, plus ya know the whole ‘making the world a better place’ thing

lily evans: i was about to say lily evans: i should hope the only perk isn’t trolling the internet

james potter: ahahahahah yessss one of the admins is threatening to kick me out james potter: also he keeps using mudblood as an insult and i’m like ??? james potter: what does that even mean??

lily evans: somehow i feel like you don’t want to know

james potter: update i found out, and yes you were right, i didn’t want to know

lily evans: in that case, not gonna ask

*

[Thursday 19 May, 17:35]

severus snape: Potter.

james potter: fuck i really thought i’d blocked your number

severus snape: You’ve pulled childish pranks in the past, but getting me banned from the Death Eaters Messageboard is a new low.

james potter: i’m sorry what james potter: i don’t know what you’re talking about

severus snape: Cut the bullshit. severus snape: In the process of reinstating my account - with none of my reputation points, might I add, thanks for that - I’ve acquired photo evidence of the posts that resulted in my expulsion. severus snape: I know no one else who would both make a play on words about deer and quote a Taylor Swift song in the same sentence. It was obviously you, you childish buffoon.

james potter: haters gonna hate, hate, hate, hate, hate

severus snape: I’m not joking around here.

james potter: baby i’m just gonna shake, shake, shake, shake, shake

severus snape: You’re going to regret this, mark my words.

james potter: i shake it off, i shake it off

james potter has blocked severus snape

*

[Thursday 19 May, 19:03]

lily evans: come over i’m bored

james potter: is this a ‘come over so we can have sex’ type of come over or a ‘come over so we can watch the good place for the hundredth time’ type of come over

lily evans: why does it have to be one or the other?

james potter: touché james potter: omw

*

[Thursday 19 May, 22:38]

james potter: RED ALERT I HAVE FUCKED UP james potter: you’re 1000% gonna roast me for this and i don’t fucking care because if i don’t tell someone i’m actually going to explode

sirius black: what happened with lily this time

james potter: bold of you to assume this has to do with lily

sirius black: does it have to do with lily?

james potter: ….. yes

sirius black: my bold assumption proven correct

james potter: anyways, we were shagging, as we do james potter: and it was the ~heat of the moment~, you know??

sirius black: i am not qualified to give you sex advice, if that’s where this is going

james potter: and i might’ve accidentally told her i loved her

sirius black: oh fuck that’s not where this was going

james potter: and now i don’t know what to doooooo

sirius black: well, what did you do after you said it?

james potter: honestly i blacked out james potter: i think i backtracked by telling her i meant that i love fucking her and then just like….. left as soon as we were done

sirius black: jesus fucking CHRIST

*

[Thursday 19 May, 22:54]

remus lupin: sirius is banging his head on the table repeatedly and given that he was texting you a few minutes ago i can only assume you said something on a whole new level of stupid

*

[Thursday 19 May, 23:01]

james potter: sirius??? james potter: help???

sirius black: i have never gone out on a date with a woman and even i can tell you that that is absolutely NOT what you do when you tell a girl you love them for the first time sirius black: you absolute knob

james potter: so what do i doooooo

sirius black: tell her the truth maybe? sirius black: the cat’s out of the bag now anyways and it’s not like you can make things any worse than you already have

james potter: but we agreed no one was going to catch feelings when we started sleeping together!! james potter: we pinky swore james potter: i can’t break a pinky swear

sirius black: ffs the fact that you two pinky swore on a sex agreement is something i’ll need to give you shit for at a totally separate time but that’s not the most pressing issue at the moment sirius black: my point stands, breaking a pinky swear is still an improvement on the current situation sirius black: just tell her the truth so you two can become that nauseatingly adorable couple and overtake me and remus as the most vomit-inducing pair in college

james potter: ughhhhh james potter: curse my blood-deprived brain for getting me into this mess

*

[Saturday 21 May, 9:37]

lily evans: phase 4 of fucking up snape’s life starts today - you ready?

james potter: uhhh yeah james potter: listen, are you okay?

lily evans: yes? why wouldn’t i be?

james potter: idk james potter: but good, that’s good

lily evans: yep, it’s good

james potter: how many phases are there to this snape plan anyways? james potter: will i get to know any of the phases in advance?

lily evans: 4 phases lily evans: phase 1 was putting the world back in its rightful order, phases 2-4 are all about destroying the things he holds most dear lily evans: see: his top 5 placement on that alt-right message board (phase 2), and his good reputation with all the chem professors (phase 3) lily evans: (i handled phase 3 on my own, btw)

james potter: fair enough, don’t know how i would’ve helped with chem professors anyways james potter: pretty sure one of them (slughorn i think?) hates me from that one time sirius and i let chickens loose in the science building

lily evans: oh god yeah he definitely probably does lily evans: anyways, phase 4 is sneaking into his room like he did to mine, and you’re gonna leave the note lily evans: he’ll be properly pissed off if he knows you got in, but he’d probably just wank to a note i left

james potter: thanks for the most cursed mental image of my life james potter: but you’re prob right tbh

lily evans: anyways, i’m pretty good at picking the locks on the dormitory windows, so i’ll go in that way and unlock his room from the inside - all you’ll need to do is show up lily evans: tonight at 7

james potter: roger that

*

[Saturday 21 May, 13:46]

remus lupin: have you talked to lily about the infamous mid-coital ‘i love you’ yet?

james potter: jfc must sirius tell you everything james potter: and no, i’m getting there i swear

remus lupin: get there faster

*

[Saturday 21 May, 22:40]

sirius black: is everything okay?? sirius black: actually wait i know the answer to that sirius black: you came in soaking wet two hours ago and grabbed the bottle of whiskey from the kitchen and have been blasting all too well at top volume ever since sirius black: everything is definitely not okay

james potter: fcuk lily evans james potter: and not in the fun way james potter: i’m never gonna fuck her in the fun way again

sirius black: what happened?

james potter: rememember how we were sabotaging snep’s life james potter: *sneep james potter: *snape james potter: turns out, she and sneep go way back james potter: motherfucker james potter: sneep is jsut his name now james potter: anyways, she set me up and betrayed me james potter: sneep knew i was gonna be there and put a booby trap on his door, and he and lily were inside LAUGHING at me

sirius black: wait what the fuck sirius black: lily would never

james potter: but she would apparently james potter: she even has pictures of them in primary school together james potter: i just james potter: fuck

sirius black: that’s actually beyond fucked up

james potter: originally this whole revenge on sneep thing was just me following along with lily’s rage james potter: but now it’s personal james potter: the lily revenge plan didn’t have a phase 5, but the james version does james potter: and i’m taking both of them dwon james potter: is it petty? yes james potter: will it actually fix th fact that evans betrayed me? no james potter: but will it make me feel better? yess james potter: and that, i think, is a valid reason james potter: will u hlep me??

sirius black: i mean, i’m always down to fuck with sneep sirius black: but uhh, maybe sleep off the alcohol first sirius black: and stop playing all too well

james potter: okye

sirius black: that was not an invitation to start playing you’re not sorry

james potter: taylor swift is th eonly person who gets my sadness right now i cant’ help it

*

[Sunday 22 May, 9:21]

lily evans: i called you like 5 times last night, why didn’t you pick up

james potter: i wasn’t aware you’d want to talk to me james potter: too busy hanging out with your bff sneep

lily evans: jfc you’re such a drama queen

james potter: excuse me

lily evans: also god no i’d never hang out with snape lily evans: sneep? lol

james potter: it was a typo that i’m making into an Official Thing james potter: you two seemed awfully cozy yesterday james potter: you know, when you betrayed me and led me straight into a trap

lily evans: ffs i didn’t betray you lily evans: if you would’ve picked up any of my calls last night, i would’ve been able to explain to you that this was all part of the plan

james potter: wait what

lily evans: i had to make you think i’d betrayed you because you can’t act for shit

james potter: why did you need me to think that

lily evans: for the real phase 4 lily evans: i’m destroying everything snape holds dear lily evans: which, yes, includes both his weird messageboard reputation and his teacher’s pet status, but you know what’s at the very top of that list? lily evans: his perpetual wank that i’m going to realise he was the perfect man for him all along lily evans: hence, i have lulled him into a false sense of believing his fantasy has finally come true so i can crush it under my heel once and for all

james potter: that is… downright diabolical

lily evans: i take revenge crusades very seriously

james potter: ok but how do i know you’re not double crossing me again?

lily evans: bc for fuck’s sake in what world would i EVER want to be with someone who treats me like a fucking prize that he’s owed for being nice to me as a kid?? lily evans: c’mon potter, you know me better than that

james potter: it felt SO REAL yesterday though

lily evans: that is because i, unlike you, am excellent at acting

james potter: why do you keep implying i’m a bad actor??

lily evans: because you are lily evans: exhibit a - you told me you loved me and then proceeded to full-on panic so hard that you gave the world’s worst cover up and ran away at the first possible moment

james potter: oh god, you noticed that

lily evans: of course i noticed that, because once again, you are the world’s worst actor

james potter: yikes james potter: i’m sorry, i know i managed to break literally the only rule we had going into this arrangement

lily evans: it’s actually kinda convenient, tbh lily evans: considering i broke it as well

james potter: you what

lily evans: as it happens, i have somewhat recently come to the realisation that my feelings for you are somewhat outside the bounds of what one would consider ~friendly~

james potter: was it the wedding website james potter: is that what did it

lily evans: embarrassingly enough…. yes

james potter: SAME

lily evans: wait seriously??

james potter: so serious i’m not even gonna make a sirius pun james potter: i mean, did you SEE how good we look together?? james potter: evans, we are a POWER COUPLE

lily evans: hell yes we are

james potter: a power couple who takes sneep down once and for all

lily evans: hell yes we are x100 lily evans: come over in a bit? gotta discuss the actual plan lily evans: i may have an idea that makes it even better

*

[Sunday 22 May, 10:21]

james potter: on second thought, plans have changed yet again

sirius black: i take it this is a positive change sirius black: given that you have now taken to blasting call it what you want

james potter: :)

*

[Sunday 22 May, 13:05]

james potter has unblocked severus snape

james potter: hey bro i just wanted to say i’m sorry for trying to sneak into your room

severus snape: You’re not my bro. Don’t call me that. severus snape: We both know you’re only apologising because you wanted to get into Lily’s pants.

james potter: not what this is about but go off i guess

severus snape: You’re just jealous because for once, the nice guy did get the girl. severus snape: Apology not accepted, by the way.

*

[Sunday 22 May, 13:13]

james potter: Attachment - 1 Screenshot james potter: at what point do i get to tell him i’ve actually been in your pants

lily evans: your time will come lily evans: but for now, stop texting sneep and put your phone down so that you can cuddle with your naked girlfriend who’s literally on the other side of the bed waiting for you

james potter: don’t have to ask me twice

*

[Sunday 22 May, 13:57]

lily evans: hey sev? wanna meet me at the founder’s garden this afternoon?

severus snape: Of course. Let’s do 4.

lily evans: looking forward to it xx

*

[Sunday 22 May, 18:59]

sirius black: heard sneep had a temper tantrum so dramatic half of the college overheard it

james potter: it was iconic

sirius black: also heard you and evans are engaged now???

james potter: ah, that part is just hearsay james potter: we decided to lean into the fact that we’ve already got a fake wedding website and just throw a fake proposal in there for good measure james potter: it’s still not an actual engagement james potter: but sneep doesn’t know that, and he never will

sirius black: that is so fantastically stupid, but then again, i don’t know why i’d expect anything less from you two at this point

james potter: i am going to buy her a less shitty ring though - not like an actual diamond one, but something in the middle ground, ya know? james potter: if she’s gonna wear it all the time it might as well be nice

*

[Sunday 22 May, 23:41]

severus snape: You are despicable. severus snape: You stole the girl who was clearly MINE. Lily loved ME first.

james potter: first of all, lily doesn’t belong to anyone james potter: second of all, she picked me

severus snape: And we all know you’re just going to drop her as soon as you get your dick wet.

james potter: not that our sex life is any of your business, but i can assure you that i have already disproven that theory

severus snape: That’s disgusting. I didn’t need to know that.

james potter: i mean, you’re the one who keeps bringing things back to getting into lily’s pants james potter: just wanted to share that the experience is indeed a pleasant one, 10/10 would recommend, not that you’ll ever get to experience it for yourself

severus snape: Fuck. You.

james potter: you know what i think, sneep?

severus snape: My name is Snape. Surely your pea brain can at least spell that properly.

james potter: i think you need to calm down james potter: you’re being too loud

james potter has blocked severus snape

*

[Monday 23 May, 12:54]

lily evans: fyi the uni library staff sent us one of those mini waffle makers as an engagement gift

james potter: oh my god james potter: best fake engagement ever

lily evans: figured you’d enjoy that

[enjwrites]

red

rating: T for swearing and mild emotional distress

word count: 2155

relationships: enjolras/grantaire

Enjolras tries to drive home. He gets about halfway there before tears well up in his eyes and he has to pull into a corner store’s parking lot. He shuts off his car and rests his head on the steering wheel as he tries to control his breathing.

He calls Combeferre.

“Enjolras? Wh- it’s three in the morning,” Combeferre says on the other line, voice raspy from sleep. “Are you okay?”

Enjolras takes in a deep breath before replying. “We fought.”

Courfeyrac chimes in, a little distant from the phone, it seems, but clear enough. “You two always fight.”

“I’m putting you on speaker,” Combeferre says.

“I know we always fight. We… I…” He takes in another breath, trying to focus on what he’s saying. “We didn’t really fight. I don’t think it was a real fight, anyway. He just…” And he chokes back a sob. His abdomen tightens and twists, though he doesn’t really notice; he can’t stop thinking of the uncertainty showing on Grantaire’s face - the hurt, the insecurity.

“I love him, guys.”

“We know.”

“He doesn’t.”

“Sure he does!” Courfeyrac’s voice lifts a few octaves. “Who else are you willing to get naked around?”

Combeferre shushes Courfeyrac. “Why do you think-”

“Because he... He said he loves me. And I fucking -” a choked sob, “I froze, god, I’m so fucking stupid.”

“So you froze, what’s the big deal -”

“He left, Courf. He got up and ran.” With a look of terror on his face.

“But you were at his apartment?”

“I have no fucking idea where he went, I checked the cafe and the bar, but he doesn’t wanna see me, I fucked it up, he thinks I’m -”

Combeferre shushes Enjolras, now. “Do you think you can come home? I’ll make some hot cocoa, and warm up that cake you liked so much.”

Not much of a phone conversation, Enjolras thinks, but agrees, and does his best to hold back tears as he drives back to the apartment he shares with Combeferre.

Combeferre is waiting with a blanket and a glass of cocoa, with a peppermint candy cane in it, and a place of warm cake on the coffee table.

“I froze,” Enjolras repeats. Combeferre lays a hand on his back comfortingly. Courfeyrac anxiously paces the living room.

“You froze. He ran.”

Enjolras hums. We’ve already been through this.

“He must have thought you were mad,” Combeferre says. His voice is soothingly even, that’s a talent of his - he can always manage to comfort Enjolras. “He jumps to conclusions, you know that. He must think you don’t feel the same -”

“God, I fucked it all up.”

“Try texting him?”

“I’d call him,” Courfeyrac interjects.

Combeferre nods. “Yeah, that, actually. What were you doing when he said it?”

“Cuddling, sort of? On the couch. We watched a movie.”

Enjolras, in all his anxiety, has already finished the cocoa and cake. Combeferre lets Enjolras rest his head on his shoulder. “I don’t think I could call him.”

Courfeyrac decidedly sits next to Enjolras on the couch, rubbing his shoulder sweetly - it’s been a while since Enj has needed this sort of comfort, but they fall into the rhythm quickly. “Enj, love, if I were you,” he sighs, “I’d give him his space. You know how stubborn he is.” Enjolras nods - once, Grantaire said, laughing, “I’m a Taurus, being stubborn is my job.” It was funny at the time. Enjolras can’t laugh, now. “You can text him. Let him know you’re not upset with him, tell him you were just shocked. He probably won’t read them, now, but he’ll read them later.”

Enjolras’s phone buzzes on the coffee table and Combeferre picks it up. “It’s from Bahorel,” He says, relieved, and shows Enjolras the screen.

Bahorel (3:47 AM): grantaire’s being an idiot rn

Another text comes in seconds later.

Bahorel (3:48 AM): listen dude i know he’s overreacting but… (Enjolras then opens his messages to see the full text.) you gotta let him know how you feel. i don’t know what happened but he’s freaking the fuck out

Bahorel (3:48 AM): he keeps saying you don’t love him and i know for damn sure that isn’t true

Bahorel (3:48 AM): just text him or something okay. he’s not mad i think he’s just sad

Bahorel (3:49 AM): luv you xx hope it works out

Enjolras huffs a little, wanting to smile at Bahorel’s instantly-nurturing nature.

You (3:50 AM): I’m going to give him some space, get some sleep. I’ll text him in the morning. Tell him that. I know he probably doesn’t want a text from me right now.

Bahorel (3:50 AM): he may not think he does but he does. he’s starting to pass out so yeah text him in the morning x

Enjolras falls asleep on his couch, and wakes up late. His eyes hurt; they’re swollen, from crying last night. He has a text from almost every one of his friends - he expected this, because Bahorel doesn’t know how to keep his mouth shut, neither does Courfeyrac, so between the two of them, everyone had to find out.

Jehan (6:23 AM): I heard what happened. You should text him. I can help you with that.

Marius (7:31 AM): hey i hope ur feeling ok

Cosette (7:46 AM): Call me later we need to talk

Eponine (8:09 AM): i’ll fucking kill you if you don’t patch things up with him i swear to god

Feuilly (9:45 AM): I’m here if you need to talk buddy :(

Bossuet (10:32 AM): Hey r is here he says you hate him? Did you fight? :( Talk to him soon he looks like he’s been crying.

Joly (10:34 AM): Come get your mans we all have work

Musichetta (10:40 AM): I’m taking the boys to work, if R isn’t out of here by the time I get off tonight, you’re getting the death penalty. I love him, but you need to work shit out.

Musichetta (10:41 AM): I love you, too, jsyk. Stop being stupid. Talk to him.

Courf (11:04 AM): hehy i had to leave for work but i will interrogate you on my break you need to talk to r he loves you n  so do i you looked so sad. i hope ur feeling better. Gotta go in now love u xx

Combeferre (12:21 PM): You awake? I’m bringing burgers.

1-555-XXX-XXXX (12:42 PM): its gavroche i stole ur number off ponine i heard what happened im on the way to lunch rn so i cant talk but you better fucking talk to him

Gavroche (12:43 PM): u dont wanna get ur ass kicked by a teenager

Enjolras’s eyes water as he reads the next message.

R♥ (12:57 PM): hey sorry about last night. its cool if you wanna like . break up.  i thought we were there and i was wrong. im sorry.

He locks his phone and tosses it onto the couch next to him, resting his head in his hands, willing away tears. He feels a warmth and a depression in the couch on the other side; Combeferre comes bearing a cheeseburger and hand-cut fries. “From that gelato place on 6th you like so much. I got gelato, too, but you were still asleep when I got home.”

Enjolras takes the place graciously, and notices that there’s already a cool glass of water on the coffee table for him. Can you be alive and still be made a saint? Enjolras thinks, idly, as he chews. His phone buzzes, and on instinct, he looks down at it.

R♥ (1:17 PM): you there?

R♥ (1:18 PM): i know i fucked up but the silent treatment still kinda sucks

Enjolras sighs deeply and sets his plate on the table, picking up his phone.

You (1:18 PM): Yeah, I’m here. Sorry. I slept late. Give me a minute, to type up what I want to say, okay?

You (1:19 PM): And I’m not mad. You didn’t fuck up.

R♥ (1:20 PM): you can say that but it’s not gonna change my mind.

Another deep sigh, and at that point, Combeferre squeezes Enjolras’s shoulder gently, then stands and goes to his bedroom.

It takes a minute to type it all up. He’s sure his food is getting cold. He doesn’t care.

You (1:31 PM): I’m sorry. I’m so, so fucking sorry. I froze. I didn’t know what to do, because I’m an idiot, and I’ve never felt anything like this before, it’s new, and I’m not used to not knowing what to do. You know that. So I froze. I fucked up, so badly. You deserve so much more than that. Grantaire, I don’t hate you. I don’t dislike you. I can’t get mad at you, or at least I can’t stay mad, because every time I see your face, I lose my ability to form words, you’re so fucking beautiful in a way I can’t begin to describe. And then you open your stupid mouth and even though you piss me off a lot I can’t be mad that you said anything because your voice is like fucking velvet and you drive me nuts every second you speak because I want to kiss you but that’ll make you stop talking. Please don’t ever stop talking to me. Listening to you talk is like reading the most interesting book in the world; the Library of Alexandria pales in comparison. You always say I’m an angel, but I think you’re confused, you’re so gentle and kind, behind all that sarcasm and bitterness is a sweetheart who just wants to see people smile; I’ve seen the way you are around kids and sometimes that makes me think maybe I want kids, I want kids with you, because you’re so fucking sweet to them it hurts. You’re so fucking talented, I’ve never cared for art or music but yours makes me feel in a way that makes Monet and Bach look like pussies. Just as a note: I can’t tell you what to do, but if you ever cut your hair, I think I’ll die, because you have the most beautiful hair in the world and I want to spend the rest of my life playing with it. Your eyes are so incredible and I know you see me staring sometimes, but you never comment on it, because you’re amazing like that, and I fucking love you, Grantaire.

You (1:32 PM): I love you so fucking much, and I froze, and I hurt you, but I want you to know that I love you.

You (1:32 PM): I don’t want you to ever think I don’t love you.

You (1:32 PM): I love you.

You (1:33 PM): And I’m well aware I’ve just written you a full-length novel. Sorry haha

Enjolras sees Grantaire typing for a second, then the dots disappear. They reappear again, then disappear - this repeats a few times before Enjolras actually gets a message.

R♥ (1:35 PM): holy shit

R♥ (1:35 PM): just

R♥ (1:36 PM): you made me cry you shithead

R♥ (1:36 PM): can you like. come over? Combeferre’s home on his lunch break right

You (1:36 PM): Yeah, let me get dressed, first. Give me, like, half an hour and I’ll be there.

R♥ (1:37 PM): ok

R♥ (1:37 PM): i love you

R♥ (1:37 PM): aaAAA i’m still nervous about saying that!!!!!!!!!!

You (1:38 PM): :’) Cute. I love you too.

R♥ (1:38 PM): !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Enjolras gets dressed in a rush, throwing on a band tee and those black jeans that Grantaire loves.

He gets to Grantaire’s place in 15 minutes flat.

He doesn’t even really need to knock on the door - Grantaire swings it open and pulls him into the apartment, kissing him fiercely, pushing him against the wall.

Enjolras lays his hands on R’s hips, while R lands one hand on Enjolras’s chest, the other cupping his cheek, rubbing gentle circles with his thumb.

When Grantaire pulls away, he’s panting, his cheeks are rosy and his eyes are watering. He stares up at Enjolras; there’s a heartbreaking uncertainty behind those eyes - he waits for Enjolras to speak. Enjolras rests his forehead against Grantaire’s, taking his hands in his own. Blue eyes meet deep brown, and for a moment, Enjolras is enchanted. Back to business, he thinks.

“Grantaire.” Grantaire hums in response, and holds up on of Enjolras’s hands to kiss his fingers. “I love you.”

There’s a shaky exhale. Then R is pulling Enjolras impossibly tight, burying his head in Enj’s shoulder, quivering as he whispers, “I love you so fucking much.” Enjolras can’t help but smile as he presses a kiss to Grantaire’s neck.

Well, that’s the shortest fight we’ve ever had, Enjolras thinks.

//

[bittersweetiepie]

I posted 245 times in 2021

7 posts created (3%)

238 posts reblogged (97%)

For every post I created, I reblogged 34.0 posts.

I added 401 tags in 2021

#lol - 94 posts

#funny - 87 posts

#video - 73 posts

#tiktok - 41 posts

#lmao - 27 posts

#cute - 25 posts

#art - 16 posts

#reference - 13 posts

#music - 13 posts

#useful - 12 posts

Longest Tag: 138 characters

#i’ve been on the net for nearly 2 decades and i’ve never heard of that but someone got upset at me for doing it a few months back like wut

My Top Posts in 2021

#5

Tried an incorrect quote generator with some content I like and had a good laugh with it

0 notes • Posted 2021-03-21 04:42:00 GMT

#4

Went searching through Steam for anything interesting and Mmmm yeah look at that “good” deal

2 notes • Posted 2021-07-05 16:06:55 GMT

#3

Me: *Emails myself some useful links for later*

My email: *notification sound*

Me: “Oo! An email! I wonder who it’s from!”

My email:

2 notes • Posted 2021-07-02 04:31:17 GMT

#2

Review of the Trollhunters Rise of the Titans movie (spoilers ahead)

I thought ppl complaining on tumblr were being overly critical so after putting it off (out of fear that it would disappoint), I sat down to watch it with my Mother who I got into the series years ago. And apart from some confusing or goofy choices during the movie I was loving it! The animation was amazing, the voice acting, the designs, the kaiju, the drama? *chef’s kiss*

It was fantastic… UP UNTIL the last 5 mins of the movie. That ending. What the hell was that??!

Now, I’m usually the kind of person to see the best in a movie or series. I’m known as the flexible and forgiving one. A reboot or live action interpretation done by someone who’s never seen or liked the original? Heck I’ll take it at face value and consider it separate from canon.

But I have never in my entire life felt so angry at an ending as I have after watching the Trollhunters Rise of the Titans movie. It felt, dare I say, disrespectful to the years of story we just went through to go “lol fuck it, all for naught, where’s the eraser?”. Are they trying to set up another series? Because it opens a lot more questions about how everything goes down now, and I dunno about you but typically when you finally end a series you don’t immediately introduce new questions with an AU!

All those years of investing time in the stories and characters of three separate series that makeup this one universe? The action? The adventure? Character growth? Relationships? The characters sacrificed? The friggin “this is what would happen if you weren’t the Trollhunter-see it would be bad!” episode that we had in Trollhunters to satisfy any of that curiosity? And THAT was the ending they gave us?? Wow.

So if you haven’t watched it yet or you feel the same then I’d suggest stopping the movie right after the final battle is over and the Krohnisfere is picked up, and read a fanfic or something. Heck, imagine your own ending or go watch one of the other series again. Because, for me, the rest of the movie? 9/10 but that end is a 1/10.

5 notes • Posted 2021-09-05 20:15:51 GMT

#1

I logged in this evening and... ??? W-What is this? Where did it come from? I clicked it and it just brings me to a shit ton of posts with the Guy Fieri tag

5 notes • Posted 2021-01-23 00:42:19 GMT

Get your Tumblr 2021 Year in Review →

[powerfulkicks]

I posted 10,473 times in 2021

158 posts created (2%)

10315 posts reblogged (98%)

For every post I created, I reblogged 65.3 posts.

I added 193 tags in 2021

#ref - 43 posts

#true - 24 posts

#me - 23 posts

#games - 20 posts

#:) - 20 posts

#🥺 - 14 posts

#ellie talks - 14 posts

#awesome - 13 posts

#cool - 11 posts

#art ref - 11 posts

Longest Tag: 139 characters

#there’s a place for the other kind of story but tbh i think it’s more empowering to be like hey. you don’t have to kill you self to be hero

My Top Posts in 2021

#5

I want a sci fi story about cyborgs but like.... invisible cyborgs. Like:

“Yeah, I’m a cyborg, I have implants in my brain to keep me from having seizures.”

“The nerves on the right half of my body? All metal. How is that any different than having a bionic arm?”

“Nope, that’s not real blood! All synthetic! Looks just like the real thing, too!”

Invisible cyborgs man!!!

32 notes • Posted 2021-05-29 20:21:02 GMT

#4

John Mulaney Delta Airlines Bit But It’s About Trying To Get Any Sort of Treatment For Chronic Pain

I make an appointment with my primary care doctor. So I show up at the doctors office and I say “Can I please get treatment for my chronic pain?” And they say “No. We have to do tests.” And I go “okay!” and I do the tests and come back in two weeks and I say “Any results?” And they say “yeah, you’re perfectly healthy and we don’t know what the fucks wrong with you. Now go take this referral to a specialist that doesn’t have an opening for three months go fetch!” And I say “Okay!” And I wait three months and go to the specialist and I say “can I have some treatment please?” And they go “NO!” And I go “okay!” And they say “You’re just not exercising enough aren’t you,” and I go “no…” and they go “SAY IT!” And I go “I’m just not exercising enough.” So I go back to my primary “care” doctor and I go “Can I just get one pill so I can get through the day without crying” and they go “no, in fact we’re gonna refer you to another specialist, and they don’t have another opening for thirty years!” And I go “why are you doing this to me?!!?” And they go “Because were the American healthcare system, and life is a fucking nightmare.”

36 notes • Posted 2021-10-10 12:45:56 GMT

#3

Improv comedians are like my pronouns are yes/and

65 notes • Posted 2021-11-02 15:34:06 GMT

#2

Hey y’all remember that episode of adventure time where finn had to keep his eyes closed or he would go back to the moment he went through some secret magic door thing and he spent like months or years doing this over and over again until he figured out he had to go back through again with his eyes closed? That was fucked up why did they write that. Could literally be the plot of a horror show with a little tweaking

223 notes • Posted 2021-04-05 23:21:37 GMT

#1

Martin is FAT and he is HOT and I would like him to CRADLE ME IN HIS BIG FAT STRONG ARMS

1202 notes • Posted 2021-03-21 06:16:43 GMT

Get your Tumblr 2021 Year in Review →

[thelastspeecher]

NaNoWriMo ‘17 Day 17 - Courting Rituals

Day 01   Day 02   Day 03   Day 04   Day 05   Day 06   Day 07   Day 08 Day 09   Day 10   Day 11   Day 12   Day 13   Day 14   Day 15   Day 16 Day 17   Day 18   Day 19   Day 20   Day 21   Day 22   Day 23   Day 24 Day 25   Day 26   Day 27   Day 28   Day 29   Day 30

Summary: Stan and Ford struggle with their significant others’ different culture.  Suggestion from @darfichihrenhundstreicheln.  [Birb Guck AU] Word count: 1467

               Ford took a steadying breath before knocking on the door.

               “Yeah?” a voice called from within the room.

               “May I come in?”

               “Sure,” came the lazy response.  Ford opened the door.  Angie was standing in front of the mirror on the dresser, carefully plucking a stray canary-yellow feather from her hair.  “Howdy, Stanford.  Have ya come to fin’ly kick me out?” she asked, frowning with concentration.  

               “Um, no.  Although I would like to point out that you’ve been staying here much longer than you needed to.”

               “Mm-hmm.  So, if yer not here to tell me to pack my bags, why are ya here?” Angie said.  She grinned in success.  “Ha!  Gotchya, ya lil bugger!”  She dropped the feather on the dresser.  “That sucker’s been stayin’ in my hair when I go to human form lately.  Can’t have that.”

               “No, I suppose that wouldn’t be beneficial,” Ford agreed.  He closed the door behind him.  Angie turned around.

               “Oh.  Yer closin’ the door.  That must mean this is serious business.”

               “It is.”  Ford clasped his hands together behind his back.  “When your parents visited, to see Tate, they mentioned that your species has a series of distinct…courting rituals one undergoes with a potential mate.”

               “Well, sure, we do.”  Angie grinned crookedly.  “But I reckon yer a bit past courtin’.  Ford, you and Fidds already have a hatchling.  The rules what someone goin’ on a first date would use don’t apply to you. Not anymore.”

               “Still, since Fiddleford and I do have a son together, I feel that I should at least attempt to follow some of his culture’s traditions,” Ford said. Angie crossed her arms.

               “That would be the nice thing to do.  Hmm, some of ‘em won’t work out so well.  Ya can’t speak Gucklish, since ya have human vocal cords.  And ya can’t give him a gift of yer feathers.”  Angie’s eyes widened.  “Oh, do ya have any of Fidds’ old feathers layin’ ‘round?”

               “I might.  Why?”

               “Usin’ a potential mate’s feathers in some sort of creation, such as a piece of art, or jewelry, or even givin’ ‘em a book with the feather as a bookmark, those are some good courtin’ things.”

               “Sounds simple enough,” Ford muttered.  “Your father made a joke about rocks during the visit?”

               “Ooh, that’s right,” Angie said in a low voice.  She tsked.  “I always forget that one.  I mean, I haven’t ever been ‘round another Guck what’s tryin’ to woo me, so I s’ppose it makes sense, but-”

               “What is it?” Ford asked impatiently.

               “If’n yer plannin’ on makin’ a move at takin’ yer relationship to the next level, ya gift the person a shiny rock.”

               “…Really?” Ford asked.  “That seems juvenile.”

               “It’s one of our most revered traditions!” Angie snapped.

               “Yet you forgot it.”

               “Hey, forgettin’ and disrespectin’ are different things.” Angie huffed.  “Good luck gettin’ any more information from me.”  She walked over to him.  “Get out.”

               “This is my house.”

               “Uh-huh.  And if we go toe-to-toe, yer not goin’ to win,” Angie said shortly.  She bared her teeth at him.  Ford swallowed and exited the room.  Angie slammed the door shut.  

               “Dammit,” Ford muttered.  Another door down the hall slammed.  

               “Jeez, Fiddlebird, relax!  I was joking!” Stan shouted.  There was a muffled response.  “Come on, man, let me back in!”  More muffled shouting.  Stan sighed loudly.  Ford looked over at his twin.

               “Stanley, what’s going on?” Ford asked.  Stan walked to him.

               “Just Fiddlebird getting all pissy, just ‘cause I asked him why Gucks think it’s romantic to wake up before their girlfriend or whatever and trim a love note in the front yard.  Seems weird as hell to me.”  Stan shrugged.  “Then again, I’m not an alien.”

               “No, you are not.”  Ford sighed. “Nor am I.”

               “What’s going on with you, Poindexter?” Stan asked, leaning against the wall next to Ford.

               “I had a similar discussion with Angie.  Now that Fiddleford and I have a child, I thought it apropos to apply some of the Guck culture’s customs to our relationship.  I inadvertently insulted one of the courting rituals, however, and Angie kicked me out.”

               “…Out of a room in your own damn house?”

               “You remember what Fiddleford was like while he was nesting,” Ford said. “Do you really think it’s surprising I opted not to fight an avian alien that has no qualms about going for the eyes?”

               “Good point.”  Stan rubbed the back of his neck.  “So, uh, what- what did Angie tell you?”

               “I only got two courting rituals out of her before she kicked me out.  One was giving a potential mate something made with their own feathers, and the other was giving a potential mate a shiny rock.”

               “What sorta shiny rock?” Stan asked, interested.  

               “She didn’t say, and she shut down the conversation before I could get specifics.  I assume any shiny rock would rock.”

               “Any shiny rock,” Stan repeated.  He frowned.  “Hang on, didn’t I give Angie that one rock ages ago?”

               “The one you were planning on throwing through the mayor’s window, but got caught by the police before you could?”

               “That’s the one.”

               “Yes, you gave it to her.  It’s on her dresser.”

               “It was pretty damn shiny,” Stan said in a low voice.  “Holy Moses, did I come on to her without even knowing it?”

               “I’m sure she didn’t think anything of it,” Ford said reassuringly. “She knows you lack knowledge of the Guck culture.”

               “Still.”  Stan grimaced.  “Really hope that wasn’t like, a proposal or something.”

               “If it was, it’s rather rude of her to not give you a response yet.”

----- 

               Stan knocked on the guest room door.

               “Hey, Angie, I’ve got something for you,” Stan said cheerfully.  

               “A gift?” Angie asked, opening the door.  

               “Yep.”

               “Oh, how sweet of you!  I adore gettin’ gifts.”  Angie grinned at him.  “‘Specially when they’re from handsome roosters like yourself.”

               “Uh, roosters?”

               “Do ya really want me to call ya a co-”

               “Not until we get to know each other better,” Stan interrupted.  Angie laughed.  “Here.”  Stan handed her a wrapped box.  Angie beamed at him, then tore the wrapping open.  She gasped in delight.

               “Oh!  How incredibly charming,” Angie gushed, picking up the hat.  “Did ya stitch this yourself?”

               “Yeah.”

               “Such neat handiwork.  And- oh.” Angie looked up from her gift.  “Are these- are these my feathers, ‘round the brim?”

               “Yeah.”

               “That’s, um, quite- quite the design decision,” Angie stammered, beginning to blush.  “Quite darin’.”

               “I was going more for ‘flirty’, but whatever,” Stan said, feigning indifference.  Angie blinked.  “I, uh, I talked to Fiddlebird about what you bird people do when you wanna date someone and, well…”  Stan gestured at the hat.  A small grin began to creep its way onto Angie’s face.  “Do you like it?  And, um, do you agree to go out with me?”

               “Of course, I do,” Angie said.  She let out a small bark of laughter.  “I think it’s a bit funny, that ya went the opposite direction of courtin’ rituals.”

               “Huh?”

               “First ya give me a rock, then ya give me a gift with my feathers?  That’s like proposing on the first date, but asking to keep it casual on the fifth.”

               “Dammit, I was right, you did think it was weird.”

               “No, I thought it was nice,” Angie said.  She put on her hat jauntily.  “I’ve still got the rock, actually.  I mean, ya don’t just toss out a courtin’ rock, but I was more thinkin’ ‘bout how it’s a gift from you.”  

               “That’s cheesy as hell.”

               “Yeah, but so are you, Stanley Pines,” Angie said with a grin.

               “Don’t insult me like that,” Stan protested.  Angie chuckled.  There was a loud gasp from the kitchen, where Fiddleford was getting breakfast ready.

               “Stanford, that’s so kind of ya!  I- I don’t know what to say!” Fiddleford gushed.

               “Sounds like Ford’s ‘courting’ worked out, too,” Stan said idly.  “Good for him. Woulda sucked to have been dumped by the person who laid his son.”

               “Ford decided to court Fidds?” Angie asked.  “It’s about time.  Do ya know what he did?”

               “I think he went the rock route.”

               “Ah.  Man, Fidds deserved a rock ages ago.”  Angie shook her head.  “It’s shameful, it is, that Ford didn’t decide to officially intensify their relationship until now.”

               “You wanna talk the whole shiny rock thing?” Stan said.  “McGucket, I gave you that shiny rock weeks ago, and you still haven’t given me an answer.”

               “What are ya talkin’ about?  I just did,” Angie said.  She winked at him.  “How’s ‘bout we head out at seven?”  Stan grinned at her.

               “Sounds good.”  Loud noises emanated from the kitchen.  “Actually, what if we leave sooner?  Those lovebirds are gonna be all over each other the entire day, just ‘cause Ford gave Fiddlebird a shiny rock.”

[peanutdracolich]

Peanut Dracolich Watches Horror: The Final Reckoning

So over the course of this month I’ve watched a lot of horror. 15 days ago I ranked those I’d watched then, and now I’ve watched a fair bit more. Now some aren’t making it onto the list, and some have had their ordering changed, but I will discuss that later.

Again I am judging these as Horror Movies. If the movie’s value is not as horror primarily it suffers. I really enjoyed Alien Covenant and either it or Dracula Has Risen was my most enjoyed movie of the month, but Alien Covenant is good because it is sci-fi and horror in a 55/45 mix I’d say, and Dracula Has Risen is more about Christopher Lee vampire than horror, I mean yeah vampires are a type of horror but it’s not the same. When I want a horror movie I want... well actually it’s a large genre and I want different things from it at different times. Sometimes I want a Horror Film, a film to cause a visceral fear reaction. Sometimes I want a slasher, which is a type of horror film but with a specific narrative (I rarely want slashers). Sometimes I want a Horror Story and while horror films in theory have horror stories I mean something different with it, something that’s actually more about creep and tone, more about the gothic fantasy elements, or the eldritch terror, and less about the visceral reaction. Sometimes I want a monster movie, or a vampire flick. So I tried to balance it based upon the things I want in a horror movie. And so... the list is below the cut, but before it is those that weren’t included.

Non-included Entries: Chronos (I intend to talk about it), Young Frankenstein, and Captain Kronos all are not included on the list because of them only Chronos really fits Horror Movie and even then only sort of kind of. They were all good movies, but to judge them for horror movie would be misleading. Chronos was more dark supernatural tragedy with elements of horror (in fact the supernatural elements were horror and not fantasy) but still the enjoyment is as a tragedy more than anything I’d think of with Horror. Young Frankenstein is a fairly famous horror parody, a better film than many on the list, but impossible to properly judge as horror. Captain Kronos is the same way, one of the most fun films I watched this month, but although it has vampires it was a heroic adventure film.

Also absent from the list are Alien, The Horror of Dracula, and Evil Dead because they’re all rewatches and Alien/ED not particularly close ones (I’m watching Evil Dead while typing). It would go Evil Dead, Alien, and then the list if I included those anyway as they’re my 1 and 2 of Horror (Dracula would get tied with Has Risen beating it out slightly).

1)     Ju-On the Grudge (02)

2)     The Descent (05)

3)     The Vampyr (32)

4)     Dracula Has Risen from His Grave (68)

5)     Mouth of Madness (93)

6)     Prince of Darkness (87)

7)     The Whisperer in the Darkness (12)

8)     Call of Cthulhu (05)

9)     Dr Terror’s House of Horrors (65)

10)   Alien Covenant (17)

11)   The Omen (76)

12)   The Vampire Lovers (70)

13)   IT (90)

14)   The Mummy - Hammer Horror (59)

15)   The Mummy - Universal (32)

16)   The Oblong Box

17)   The Exorcist (73)

18)   Poltergeist (82)

19)   The Kiss of the Vampire

20)   Friday the 13th Part 2 (81)

21)   Frankenstein (31)

22)   The 7 Golden Vampires (74)

23)   The Return of the Living Dead (85)

24)   Child’s Play  (88)

25)   Saw (04)

26)   Alien 3 (92)

27)   Uzumaki (00)

So like last time some thoughts:

Ju-On: A legitimately good film, even though I have no desire or intent to rewatch it. It is a good horror film, though. While something does bother me about it which kept me from wanting to see more of the universe, it still manages to do what a horror film is supposed to do best of the ones I watched this month.

The Descent: This film moved up! Because I refigured how much emphasis ‘egads this film is actual art’ should be given. Also watching Evil Dead scenes with them driving and then their cabin remind me even more of Evil Dead scenes (the near crash, the stuff coming in through the window, the approach to the cabin). Evil Dead did a better building creep/horror with them, but The Descent was repurposing them and did that well, while taking advantage of the subconscious connections. Well done film.

The Vampyre: While I may have liked this film better than Ju-On or The Descent that’s for the artistry and probably in part because I was dehydrated. Still it’s a good film and it does have its spell. It doesn’t have the terror that really spells horror film for me, but it has the spell of nightmare like a true horror story.

Dracula Has Risen from His Grave: And here we have the best of the vampire films of the year (including Chronos) and possibly the best film of the year for pure enjoyment (though Captain Kronos and Alien Covenant might rival or beat it). But wait didn’t The Vampyre get higher. Yes, because it is better horror, but I don’t want vampire stories primarily for horror and this gave me what I wanted from a vampire story. It’s a good film and quite enjoyable.

Mouth of Madness: This meta-Lovecraftian film was while not my personal favorite of the John Cameron apocalypse films I watched, the better story and probably the better film, the other merely hit my buttons better. The concept alone makes it so much fun, and I do almost want to rewatch it now... except I know it will be better to do so in several years where I still vaguely remember the twists but don’t remember the film.

Prince of Darkness: As you can see I do still include ‘I personally really liked this one’ rather highly. It actually does the early horror set up better than most of the rest, it’s just that the cheese is too high and not stylistic but earnest enough to feel detrimental because the film is good enough that the joy is not in the cheese.

The Whisperer in the Darkness: A fun film, a good film. This film’s cheese is stylistic and adds to it plain out. It does a good job of the Cold War Alien Film take on the story, and in general is just a good film that I enjoyed.

Call of Cthulhu: This film was hard to place. It’s artistic. It feels it. If it didn’t have some ‘this stylistic suck went to far compared to what it was imitating’ it’d probably be higher because it very much has the spell, but in the end it’s not as fun as Whisperer, not got the spell of The Vampyre, and ends up feeling like it belongs here.

Dr Terror’s House of Horrors: Nothing new to say really.

Alien Covenant: I really liked it, but as sci-fi first and horror 2nd. I mean it was fully functional horror despite that, but it was not how I enjoyed it.

The Omen: This is still my B- film of the year. This and above are good films, below it are lukewarm or something else more than horror. It’s also where ‘listening to Evil Dead while not looking at the screen’ gets ‘better horror’ (note Evil Dead’s visuals are creepy and good horror that enriches it).

The Vampire Lovers: This might should switch with IT, in fact they’ve switched already once. It was not like IT ever considered for the B- film role because it’s close enough to erotica to be hard to place, but it definitely was pretty good and better at being a horror story than part 2 of IT and more enjoyable than IT for its length. So it squeezes past.

IT: If I was judging just part 1 this would be the B- film. Judging both parts, Part 2 is definitely lukewarm. Overall it’s a C+. Good enough, but 3 hours and Evil Dead is scarier just by listening to it.

The Mummy (Hammer): Probably better than Part 2 of IT, worse than Part 1 and closer to the latter in quality. It’s a functional monster movie, but nothing to really write home about. Alright if you want a monster movie, but  I won’t be rewatching it any time soon.

The Mummy (Universal): And here we get to the Frankenstein issue where I’m scared I’m inflating it for the sake of ‘historical place’. Still Boris Karloff was interesting, the story left less of a hollow feeling in my mouth and it was almost good and all the films below here are at best almost good. I think it deserves this place.

The Oblong Box: Is another hard placement. While Vincent Price and second tier relatively non-villain Christopher Lee were fun the film was not great. It might swing up to beat The Mummy (both versions) but I was too tired of the type of horror at the time to really say. On the same note it might swing down to below Poltergeist. It is however in the Lukewarm area.

The Exorcist: Is not my type of movie. I mean I can see its influence; girls crabwalking down stairs, demons talking about your mother being lewd in Hell. It has some very memorable bits... It’s just not a scary movie, not that enjoyable movie, and with the exception of a few very memorable bits sort of forgettable. It was too long, and too slow in that I sort of started getting bored of it faster than I did the Universal Studio’s Mummy which I could understand my nephew leaving after 20-30 minutes because it was sort of boring. Where The Mummy picked up afterwards, The Exorcist waits another hour to pick up. That said the drama to someone who is watching for a drama has its value and art and I have to respect it. I’m probably rating it higher than I would otherwise due to sacred cow status, but at the same time it has some very good elements it just mixes them with stuff that leaves it lukewarm. The music does it too. Never got to me and... Well Evil Dead just went quiet and it got me spooked. The Exorcist goes quiet and I don’t notice because quiet felt like the default. The sound was bad is what I’m saying. Still it does have those classic moments that are better horror if you just watch them alone than some of the films lower down.

Poltergeist: This film was lukewarm. I probably enjoyed it better than the Exorcist, but I’m guessing the last 40 minutes of the Exorcist is a better movie than Poltergeist.

The Kiss of the Vampire: It’s really hard to place this. I was sick of Hammer Horror by the time (though watched the Mummy the next day). It was definitely worse than the Oblong Box, though, and the Mummy, and I enjoyed Poltergeist more and Poltergeist was more horror. So yeah I’m going here. It’s above the ‘must find alternative enjoyment’ line but it’s probably the worst of those that are.

Friday the 13th Part 2: This marks the line of ‘I don’t actually enjoy this as horror if I enjoy it at all. The film was so bad it was good. I will probably watch 3 or 4 at some point (whichever the internet tells me is good).

Frankenstein: More and more I thought where I put it before was really just Sacred Cow. It fails to hit any of my horror buttons, it fails to be a good Frankenstein story. It’s worth watching for its historical place and because it has one or two good scenes, plus is short increasing the relative impact of those. But still I have to work to find some other means of enjoyment from the film.

7 Golden Vampires: This film is not good. It is enjoyable. But it is not good. Still I enjoy Peter Cushing and the bad horror bad kung fu was nice even if there are better films later that mix bad horror with good kung fu and comedy (Mr. Vampire) or good ghost story with good kung fu (Chinese Ghost Story) which are legit pretty good films (watch those over this one, though).

The Return of the Living Dead: First and foremost I didn’t watch it too closely. It’s horror comedy, but it is horror comedy and not just comedy about horror. The comedy, though, was less funny than Friday part 2 and the horror wasn’t that scary. I’d rather watch Peter Cushing fight kung fu vampires (which have trouble with limping old men). Candidate for so bad it’s good I guess.

Child’s Play: Nothing has changed here. If The Omen is my B- this is my D-. It passes... barely and it’s not getting real credit. Still I can see so bad it’s good vibes... still would watch Fright Night instead.

Saw: Nothing has changed. Still contemplate whether this should be below Alien 3. This is still in the ‘I sort of regret watching this.’

Alien 3: This film is worth watching if you like the franchise and want to see it all. This film does not stand on its own, though. Too long. Too confused. Not good enough. Still in fairness it might be up to Ft13-2 level, but I can’t judge it fairly so I’m going with here because trying to judge it from ���not in love with the Alien franchise’ (I sort of love the franchise) I don’t think I could see a reason to watch it.

Uzumaki: I want the time I spent watching this film back.

Random Observations:

Best and worse films are Japanese horror and the only Japanese horror on the list (I intended to watch more J-horror but).

4 Out of 6 Cosmic Horror films were in a row (5-8).

Only 4 vampire movies got on the list despite watching 7.

[cutiesaeran]

The Star in the SKY - Chapter 6

A Yoosung x Saeran College AU (You can read this on AO3 here)

CH 1 | Ch 2 | Ch 3 | Ch 4 | Ch 5 | Ch 7

I'm staring at the paper in front of me, pleasantly surprised at the grade. “A Study In How Floor Patterns Can Affect How People Walk” managed to somehow garner nearly top marks, despite how sure I was that it would be a disaster.

After he stormed out on me in class, I kinda gave up on working together with Saeran. I dutifully laid out the plans, resigned myself to compiling the data alone and then had him write about half of the paper. Since the main part was split into fourths, that wasn't all too difficult to divvy up and I was impressed with how much content he'd actually returned to me. Regardless, I hadn't bothered reading through it - I just didn't have the energy or drive to fix any errors if I found them - and had simply slapped the paper together and pulled together sorry excuses for the opening and closing paragraphs. I had expected a mediocre grade at best.

It's a nice way to start out the class, especially considering the topic I have decided upon for my solo paper; I'm going to look into why identical twins can grow up in the same environment yet still be so different. There may be a little personal interest in it… fine, a lot. It'll be a good topic, though! There's tons of research out there, plus I happen to have two friends- err, one friend and one… something - that qualify as identical twins, so I can sneak in a personal interview too.

That is, assuming I can get either of them to talk to me about it. Saeran seems less closed off about the past than Seven, but he’s made it fairly clear that he has no desire whatsoever to be near me. Seven will probably agree to the interview but be irritatingly vague, as usual. Oh well, at least it’ll count as a source even if I don’t get usable material and hey, I could be surprised, right? Probably not, but I’m going to try to be optimistic about this one.

The professor claps to get our attention, starting right into the lecture. Instead of listening, I pull out my phone and set it on my lap, flipping it open to shoot a quick text to Seven.

Me [12:50] Hey Seven ^^ Got a question for you!

I’m about to put it away when it buzzes softly; I should’ve known he’d respond immediately, he pretty much always does. Even in school.

Seven [12:51] wassuuuuuuup, homie? Lolol

Me [12:52] I was wondering if you’d be willing to let me interview you for class?

Me [12:54] You and uh… Saeran.

Seven [12:55] lolol

Seven [12:55] I can’t speak for brother dearest, u know that.

Me [12:57] I know, but… he won’t tlak to me adn I figurde he might sya yes if you ask

Seven [12:58] I’m sorry, I couldn’t read that with all the typos, could you send it again?

Me [12:59] Seven;;; please be serious

Seven [12:59] I’m always serious

Seven [13:00] are u really that scared of him?

I pause; am I scared of him? No, that’s not the right word. I don’t find him frightening or anything, but I’m not really in a hurry to approach him to ask for anything, either. He obviously doesn’t like me and I get this weird… feeling in my stomach when he says that. Kind of like dread, but that doesn’t make sense. Why would I feel dread over him saying he doesn’t like me?

Seven [13:03] Earth to Yoosungie, are you still there?

Me [13:04] I’m not scared of him, he doesn’t like me

Me [13:05] I don’t think he’d say yes if I ask. T_T

Seven [13:06] ...u think he doesn’t like you?

Me [13:07] yeah?

Me [13:10] I mean, he’s outright said that he doesn’t so why would I doubt that?

Me [13:15] Seven?

Seven [13:19] sorry, got busy

Seven [13:19] yah, I can ask for u, do u have a time you want to do this?

Me [13:21] the paper isn’t due for weeks yet, but soon?

Me [13:23] I just want to make sure I have plenty of time to get ready and then I can ask follow-up questions if needed?

Seven [13:25] ya

Seven [13:25] I’ll ask him later and let you know

Me [13:26] Thanks!

Seven [13:27] Anything for my cutie pie

Slumping in my seat in relief, I slip my phone into my pocket and smile absentmindedly at the notebook in front of me. That went pretty well, all things considered. Not that I expected Seven to turn me down, but it wasn't outside of the realm of possibility. Hopefully he'll be able to convince Saeran to talk to me, too; the interview will be useless if I can't talk to both of them. I doodle some stars on the side of the paper, not even bothering to take any notes during the remainder of the class. I’ll have to see if someone will loan me theirs later; at this point, there’s really no reason to start. I’ve missed too much already.

When it’s finally over, I take my time putting my stuff away. My next class is cancelled, so I plan to go to the library and start looking up things for my paper. It’s nice not having to rush for once, and the room in nearly empty by the time I stand up and sling my bag over my shoulder. I’m about to start heading toward the door when the sound of a throat being cleared behind me gives me pause. Turning around, I see Saeran standing there, looking at the ground and for once I’m glad that’s the case. I can tell I am doing a poor job of concealing my shock despite how much I’m wrestling with my face, and that fact is causing heat to flood my face in embarrassment.

I hate how easily I blush.

“Hi, Saeran. Um… did you need something?” Upon closer inspection, I see that he is holding his copy of our paper, clutching it with both hands tight enough that the paper is wrinkling between his fingers. Is he not happy with the grade? I shift uneasily, my arms tense at my sides as I nervously tap my fingers against my legs. Scrunching my mouth to the side, I dip my brows in concern and hope that I didn't somehow mess things up even more between us. 

He ducks his head a bit, shaking his red hair into his eyes, giving him a fringe to look through when he finally makes eye contact with me. The paper crunches a little in his grip and he leans a little to the left, placing his weight mostly on that foot. "I just wanted to say thanks. For how hard you worked on the paper, and-" A sigh and then he brings his hand up to swipe the hair aside, eyelids fluttering closed as he takes a large breath and releases it slowly. Blinking his eyes back open, he stands up straighter and seems to steel himself for whatever he's about to say. "I'm sorry for being such an asshole, Yoosung. You didn't deserve any of that, and I- I'm sorry."

Whoa, I didn't see that coming. "O-oh, it's okay!" I say, unable to help the smile crossing my face. "I forgive you." People often tell me that I'm too quick to forgive but looking at the relief that crosses his face, I don't know if I believe what they say is true. Honestly, I find the very act in itself incredibly freeing, and it helps me bounce back to my cheerful mood that I like to be in. Chewing on my lip a bit, I keep smiling at him, bouncing a bit on the balls of my feet out of excitement. If he is doing this, if he is apologizing, then maybe there is hope for a friendship between us yet?

Silence descends between us quickly, and I can sense the awkwardness emanating from him. I'm not sure how to make it more comfortable but I think maybe I can at least give it a shot. "So... how is school going for you? You're an art major, right?" The two pictures of me he's drawn immediately pop to the forefront of my mind, but I try to push them back; there's no way I'm asking about those anytime soon. Honestly, I'll probably never ask about those. For some reason I can't seem to identify, it feels like I glimpsed something meant to be private when I saw them.

"Yeah." The answer is short, but it's lacking the coldness that I've become used to hearing from him. He narrows his eyes at me a moment before sliding his bag off of his shoulder and unzipping it, shoving the paper in and pulling out a folder. Mint eyes linger on the black cover for a few moments before he offers it to me, his gaze back on the floor. "Here. I, um. I thought of you when-well. You'll see. Anyway, h-have a good rest of your day." As soon as I accept it, he shuts the bag and turns to leave, one hand going up to ruffle his hair. Confused, I blink down at the folder a moment before realizing something.

"W-wait!" I call out, hurrying forward to try to catch him, but he's already almost out the door. When he turns back, I falter a bit in my steps when his eyes meet mine; there's an intensity and warmness to them that I've never seen there before, and is that the beginning of a blush on his cheeks? "I-I, uhm. I sorta zoned out today and missed most of the lecture," I start, running my hand over the back of my neck and smiling at him sheepishly. Eyebrows furrowing, he tilts his head to the side as he waits for me to continue. "Is there any chance that I can, uh, borrow your notes to copy?"

The air between us is suddenly heavy, and I can't help but feel like this is a crossroads in our relationship, that the answer he gives me is going to be indicative of the path we travel on from here. I'm clasping my hands together in front of me, one of my thumbs rubbing over the other as I wait for what seems like eons for an answer. The ghost of a smile flickers across his face suddenly and he nods, one again grabbing his bag and reaching in, this time pulling out a notebook and opening it to rip out a couple of pages. My grin stretches to the point of taking up most of my lower face and I reach out to take them, shivering when my fingers brush against his. Retracting his hand as though the touch burned, his face turns a little pinker than before and he mumbles something about returning them at the next class before rushing away, disappearing down the hallway.

Shrugging off my own bag so that I can put both the notes and the folder in it, I wonder for a moment what it was about that small touch that caused my heart to start racing. It makes no sense to me, unless it's just because we've never really touched before? Whatever. I stare for a moment at the folder before quickly exiting the room completely, leaning against the hallway wall. He'd said he'd thought of me in some way in connection to what is inside; there's no way I can't look, I'm too curious. So I open it, my eyes widening and letting out an awed breath at what I see.

It's a painting of the night sky, vivid in its use of color and absolutely breathtaking to see. There's a gorgeous shooting star crossing in the middle, and I run a finger over it, marveling at the contrast it casts against the dark background and the other stars. It's just so beautiful, and he thought of me when he saw it? Or wait... there's some initials on the bottom, I think. I peer at them, gasping when I make out what I think is "S.C."; can it be? Flipping it over, I see a short note on the back:

[r0syghost]

70 Questions

Note: Currently procrastinating and adding “read more” because I know it’s pretty long. This was pretty fun and some of the questions actually forced me to reflect a bit. You should try it!

01. Do you have a good relationship with your parents? Yes! I’m very lucky

02. Who did you last say “I love you” to? My mom

03. Do you regret anything I’m the happiest I’ve been in a very long time so I would say no (although I do have the occasional cringe moment when I remember something extremely embarrassing)

04. Are you insecure? Of course but I’m constantly working through it

05. What is your relationship status? Newly single and I’m really diggin it rn

06. How do you want to die? In my sleep please

07. What did you last eat? Ice cream

08. Played any sports? Definitely not lol I’m one of the most uncoordinated people you will ever meet

09. Do you bite your nails? Nope

10. When was your last physical fight? Never been in one because I hate serious confrontation lol

11. Do you like someone? I like a lot of people! But romantically, yes and no? I’m not really sure yet. It’s too soon to say

12. Have you ever stayed up 48 hours? No but I’ve been close! Thanks, college!

13. Do you hate anyone at the moment? Not anymore. I learned a long time ago hate will only make you feel worse. Now, do I highly dislike someone? Yeah maybe haha

14. Do you miss someone? I miss who he used to be but not who he is now. And also my best friends who both live in two different states!

15: Have any pets? Sadly no

16: How exactly are you feeling at the moment? Stressed, mentally exhausted, but still pretty happy surprisingly

17: Ever made out in the bathroom? Not that I can remember? lol

18: Are you scared of spiders? YES

19: Would you go back in time if you were given the chance? Yes and no. Yes because I could’ve gone to art school if I wasn’t so afraid. I would’ve also experienced more. But no because I’ve got some really great peeps in my life right now that I wouldn’t have met if I did go.

20: Where was the last place you snogged someone? My bedroom

21: What are your plans for this weekend? Well I’m filling this out at 11:42 pm on a Sunday so

22: Do you want to have kids? How many? I always say no but I know when I meet the right person I’d feel differently about. They’re adorable little monsters but idk man. I would definitely consider adopting (including the older kids because they need love too, y’all)

23: Do you have piercings? How many? If we’re counting ears, only 5

24: What is/are/were your best subject(s)? Art always and forever

25: Do you miss anyone from your past? Like I said, I miss the person he used to be haha can we drop it now? geeeez

26: What are you craving right now? Sleep and a nice cup of coffee

27: Have you ever broken someone’s heart? I think so

28: Have you ever been cheated on? I fuckin hope not

29: Have you made a boyfriend/girlfriend cry? Yes. My bf at the time was about to deploy for the first time and I said I was gonna miss him. Is that too detailed? Actually idc

30: What’s irritating you right now? My perpetual procrastination and lack of motivation and drive 31: Does somebody love you? Friends and family. Again, I’m very lucky

32: What is your favourite color? Red

33: Do you have trust issues? With the wrong people, I do. But I guess that means they’re the wrong people for a reason

34: Who/what was your last dream about? My friend and current partner for a project at school took me out for lunch so we could discuss our final project. He blurted out that he loved me when I was inhaling my food and not paying attention to him at all (but I totally heard him) and I was so uncomfortable I woke up

35: Who was the last person you cried in front of? My two friends/coworkers

36: Do you give out second chances too easily? I did until this year

37: Is it easier to forgive or forget? forgiveness is just words, forgetting can’t be pretended 

(keeping this answer from the last person to take this quiz because it’s perfect)

38: Is this year the best year of your life? Yes. I didn’t think it would be but I started my internship at just the right time in my life and met some amazing people

39: How old were you when you had your first kiss? 15 or 16 (thanks for bringing these memories back ugh lol)

40: Have you ever walked outside completely naked? Yeah no

51: Favourite food? Filipino food!

52: Do you believe everything happens for a reason? I’m not really sure anymore if I’m being honest

53: What is the last thing you did before you went to bed last night? Now that’s just a bit personal lmao

54: Is cheating ever okay? Definitely not. If you’re in a situation where you’re feeling really attracted to another person when your s/o isn’t around, it’s called controlling yourself and staying faithful lol if it happens more than once then you’re probably with the wrong person.

Fuck cheating. I don’t care what you say, it’s stupid as fuck.

55: Are you mean? If you push me hard enough, sure

56: How many people have you fist fought? Zero

57: Do you believe in true love? I don’t know. In my experience, one person has always wanted it more than the other. But I do believe it’s possible to be in love more than once.

58: Favourite weather? 70′s (that’s fahrenheit, sorry), breezy, not a cloud in the sky

59: Do you like the snow? Never been in it!

60: Do you wanna get married? Only if I know my person is 2000% all in

61: Is it cute when a boy/girl calls you baby? Yeah I like that sort of thing

62: What makes you happy? Good coffee, good naps, good weather, good people, and finally myself because I’m a fuckin ray of sunshine (or at least I like to think I am)

63: Would you change your name? Nope. It’s super basic and common and I wish my parents stuck with what they were originally going to name me (Jasmine) but I wouldn’t be me if I had a different name lol

64: Would it be hard to kiss the last person you kissed? Lord yes. I don’t want anything to do with him and his toxic ass anymore. I’m the happiest I’ve been since I met him

65: Your best friend of the opposite sex likes you, what do you do? Not gonna lie, I can be pretty shallow. If I’m not feeling it romantically, then I would have to be honest and turn him down. If can’t accept me as just his best friend then that’s his loss

66: Do you have a friend of the opposite sex who you can act your complete self around? Yeah I’ve got a couple

67: Who was the last person of the opposite sex you talked to? My uncle lol

68: Who’s the last person you had a deep conversation with? My friend Jessie

69: Do you believe in soulmates? I believe in all different types of soulmates. Three of my best friends are my soulmates. Jessie is my foodie soulmate lol

70: Is there anyone you would die for? Family and best friends

[aliciahydevisualartist-blog]

Open Call for Artwork - Flora and Fauna Exhibition 23rd May – 12th July 2017 Main Outpatients, Nevill Hall Hospital, Brecon Road, Abergavenny We would like to invite artists – amateur and professional - with framed artwork suitable for hanging on a wall (sized between A3 – A0 approx) to show in an open exhibition at Nevill Hall Hospital. In Main Outpatients we have a hanging system that allows us to show up to 30 pieces of framed work depending on size. The system supports work on high tensile nylon cable hooks. The space has security cameras and a steady flow of people throughout the day. We also have 6 display cabinets in the main corridor which are approx 240x120cm (landscape) with a blue pin board surface that also works with Velcro fastening for light work. If you would like to show your work as part of this exhibition, please email the following information to Sarah.Goodey@wales.nhs.uk by 18th May 2017 – we will review all of the entries and try to include something from everyone. Please ensure that:-       Your work is ready to hang: i.e: It is framed and has d-rings attached to the back of the piece. For canvases, please attach d-rings to the back of the piece-       You have included all of the information asked for below-       You can deliver your work on Tues 23rd May from 4pm to the hospital and arrange collection for 12th July from 4pm. Please note that:-       The exhibition will be unsupervised-       We would ask that your work remains on display for the whole of the exhibition even if there has been a sale-       We can include contact information for members of the public to contact artists directly but cannot offer any sales support – there are no members of staff dedicated to the exhibition on site-       Once the exhibition has been hung, we will publish and display a list of all artworks, artists and prices (if applicable). Name: Email: Address: Contact Phone No:   Website / FB: Artwork 1Title: Dimensions (framed): Media: Price: Artwork 2 Title: Dimensions (framed): Media:Price: Artwork 3 Title: Dimensions (framed): Media:Price: Artwork 4 Title: Dimensions (framed): Media:Price: 

The images above illustrates the flyer and open call created to promote the ‘Flora and Fauna’ exhibtion at Nevill Hall. Me and Sarah (the Arts Development Manager of GARTH) collaboratively created them to send out to our contacts via e-mail and to be displayed on the GARTH website, which can be found on this link https://www.facebook.com/319223891519998/photos/pcb.1202411186534593/1202410539867991/?type=3&theater.  During my recent meeting with Sarah, she explained that GARTH have set templates for the flyer and open call to promote their exhibitions. Their style of template is illustrated above, representing a clear and consise format that informs the reader on the relevent information they need to know about the exhibition. It reveals the dates, point of contact and the appropriate artwork needed for display. I feel fortunate that GARTH have planned the Flora and Fauna exhibition based on my art practice and research- they included an image of my artwork, which was planning to be displayed in my ‘Colour in Bloom’ exhibition held at Whest Wharf Gallery, Cardiff. Sarah and I agreed that this image effectively represented the theme flora and fauna, which would reveal to the viewer the type of artwork to create for the exhibition. This also helped to publicise my work as an artist, as it was shared to all of GARTH’s followers on Facebook.   Due to GARTH having their own template for the open call and flyer, I didn’t have complete control over the content. For example, the Nevill Hall hospital have their guidelines already set in place for the appropriateness to display artwork in the outpatients waiting area (a piece of artwork sized between A3-A0). However, Sarah and I collaboratively agreed on the dates for the exhibition and the image to include on the flyer, which was included in the open call.  Prior to helping create an open call for the ‘Flora and Fauna’ exhibition, I wasn’t certain on what an open call was. Therefore, being involved in the process of creating one enhanced my profressional development and has given me an insight to create my own open call in future exhibitions.  E-main Correspondance about the designed open call 11/04/17 Hi Alicia Sorry this is a bit later tan planned but i;ve put together the flyer - what do you think?

11/04/17 Hi Sarah, Hope everything is good with you! Looks really great! Has all the information on there too- looks clear. Have you had any interest in people wanting to partake yet? Alicia 11/04/17 Hi Alicia I haven't sent it out yet as i wanted to see what you thought. I need to make the registration form and add guidelines. i'll do these tomorrow and share them with you so you can tell me what you think. Then i'll email it out and put it on the garth website and Facebook page - it would be great if you could circulate it too. Is there a title for your image that we’ve used? Best wishes Sarah 12/04/17 Hi Sarah, Sounds great!  Looking forward to see it. I'll share it on my Facebook and perhaps send out a few e-mails to my contacts. The painting we’ve selected is called ‘Colour in Bloom. Hope you're day's going well!   Best wishes, Alicia  12/04/17 Hi Alicia I haven't got to it yet today, but i'll let you know when I'm ready to go - wont be long, Best wishes, Sarah 18/04/17 Hi Alicia I've adjusted the poster and finished the notes - have a look through and see if I need to include any other information Best wishes Sarah 18/04/17 Hi Sarah, The open call looks good! It doesn't look like there's any information missing- people will have an idea in terms of the hanging arrangements which is helpful too. Shall I sent these two attachments to various contacts? I'll also share it on my Facebook page from the GARTH page once it's up. Best wishes, Alicia   - I sent the flyer and open call to all of my e-mail and Facebook contacts to help promote the exhibition ‘Flora and Fauna’. The e-mail I sent is below.  24/04/17 Hi there, I am forwarding an e-mail from the Arts Development Manger of GARTH (Gwent Arts in Health), regarding an opportunity to display artwork at Nevill Hall Hospital. Details of the exhibition will be in the forwarded e-mail and attachments below. It would be great if you could forward the attached information to your friends and networks to generate interest. Many thanks, Alicia Hyde  03/05/17 Hi Alicia I hope things are going well with you. We've already had a few entries for Flora and Fauna so its looking good. I'm aware that we'd originally arranged to meet on 16th May to review the entries, but I made a mistake on the publicity and have asked for entries on the 18th (Thursday) instead. Would it be possible to meet on Thursday 18th instead? We could meet at NHH (3pm onwards) or at my office, Best wishes Sarah 03/05/17 Hi Sarah! Everything's good thank you- hope things are good with you too! That's brilliant! I know my tutor forwarded the e-mail onto her contacts too, which was helpful. On the 18th I have to start taking down my exhibition in Cardiff, which I will most probably take a whole day with travelling etc. I also have an appointment in Cardiff on Friday 19th.  Would Wednesday 17th work  with you? I could meet you at your office in Newport after I finish work? Best wishes, Alicia  10/05/17 HI Alicia, Sounds like you have a busy week! I can come and meet you after work in the town centre on Wed 17th - what time do you finish? Best wishesSarah 10/05/17 Hi Sarah, Good to hear from you! Yeah it has been, but all exciting stuff! It's the opening night of the exhibition tomorrow. Yeah that's brilliant, do you need me to bring anything? I finish usually finish work on a Wednesday at 2.30. Where did you want to meet? Best wishes, Alicia  16/05/17 Hi Sarah, Hope you're well! I was wondering whether we are still arranging to meet tomorrow afternoon once I've finish work at 2.30. I could meet you at 2.45pm if this time is suitable for you? Where's best for you to meet?  Best wishes,  Alicia 

16/05/17 Hi, good to hear from you, im afraid im now in a workshop till 3.30, so can you meet then? Reflection Sarah and I arranged a meeting a week before the set up of the exhibition to discuss any preparations that need to be made.  During the meeting, Sarah highlighted that she would like to have a JPG image of the finished art piece that i’m planned to display at the ‘Flora and Fauna’ exhibition. The aim of this was to have an image of each artists’ work displayed on the exhibition poster. It’s important to note here that this wasn’t initially planned and was unaware that my paitning would essentially need to be completed before setting up the exhibition on the 23rd May, so at this point my painting was half complete. I mentioned this to Sarah during the meeting and she realised that this wasn’t discussed before, but wondered whether it would be possible for me to complete my painting before the exhibition date. She further mentioned that she doesn’t work a weekend and she was in London on the following Monday, so would preferably need the JPG image of my work by Friday the latest. My meeting was on the Wednesday with Sarah, so this meant I had a day and a half to complete my painting that was planning to be displayed. On reflection, at the time I did feel slightly pressurised, as I didn’t expect to complete my painting before the exhibition date. However, I responded to the pressure well and managed to complete my painting and have it framed by the Friday, so that I was able to e-mail over a JPG image of my work. At this point of the project I realised how fast paced the work load can be and changes and alterations can happen so quickly. This unexpected experience has definitely prepared me for planning future exhibitions in this field, and to anticipate any changes that may happen. Even though at the time I felt pressurised to complete the rest of my painting in two days, I felt accomplished knowing that I was able to fulfill Sarah’s request.  If I wasn’t able to complete my painting in time before the weekend, we came up with a back up plan to include a different painting of mine to be displayed on the poster- but in my mind I wanted the painting of for the ‘Flora and Fauna’ project to be included on the poster.  We also discussed during the meeting eachothers roles and duties when setting up the exhibition. Sarah mentioned that it can become quite hectic once all of the artists have arrived at the hospital, waiting for their artwork to be displayed. We both agreed that my role would be to take pictures of each artist with their artwork and to generate a discussion about their work. The purpose of this was to act as a distraction from Sarah setting up their paintings. Due to health and safety reasons, Sarah didn’t want the artists to set up their artwork as the display wall is behind a set of chairs, so this meant someone would have to stand on the chairs to hang their work. This hanging procedure is something Sarah is used to doing, so she preferred to hang that side of the exhibtion on her own. Sarah and I further discussed the timing of when to arrive at the hospital to set up the exhibition and this was at 4.30pm. All I needed to bring with me to the hospital was my framed painting with D-rings attached on the back, so that they can be hooked onto the wall and my artist statement mounted on foamboard. During the meeting Sarah and I also discussed the process of evaluation for this project. As explained earlier in this blog, uncontrolable circumstances that occured led to a short-timescale to have a completed in-depth evaluation. Although my original aim for this project was to create a questionnaire to send out to staff, one month didn’t leave enough time to generate evaluative responses, as I would also be working against the staff’s extremely busy schedules. I needed to professionally respond to this alteration and think of other alternative ways I could evaluate this project. Sarah and I agreed that I could gain evaluative feedback on the evening of the exhibition, even if it’s general comments from staff and patients, as they will most probably be present when we’re setting up the exhibition. Sarah mentioned that what can tend to happen when arranging and hanging the paintings in the outpatients waiting area, it promotes interest and intrigues either patients and the staff to come over and have a discussion. The evaluative feedback i’ll gain from staff and patients will be general comments and discussions, however I will also utilise the secondary research I’ve collated to reflect and evaluate the aims and objectives of this project. My current art practice is constantly being informed through conducting secondary research on how artwork depicting flowers and natural forms may produce positive health and wellbeing outcomes and how the impact of colour in paintings can positively affect mood, within healthcare contexts. I can use this research to draw upon their findings in order to  strengthen my evaluation for the ‘Flora and Fauna’ exhibition.  E-mail from myself to Sarah, sending over a JPG image of my completed work, as requested during the meeting  19/05/17 Hi Sarah, I have attached a JPG image of my painting that I plan to exhibit next week at the hospital, which you requested from our meeting. Best wishes, Alicia 

Title- Colour in Bloom at Abergavenny Castle  19/05/17 Thanks Alicia - well done for getting it to me today, i know you've been working hard on it,

best wishes, 

Sarah

[nwolf6]

All 70 question 😂😂😂

YOU LIL FUCK, WHYYY

01: Do you have a good relationship with your parents? - Yes, definitely02: Who did you last say “I love you” to? - My big brother 03: Do you regret anything? - I regret a lot of things, actually.04: Are you insecure? - Sometimes, but I think I can usually handle myself.05: What is your relationship status? - Single as fuck06: How do you want to die? - It sounds SO stupid, but in the most theatrical way possible. I want to die slow, knowing that I’m dying, being conscious about all the things I’ve done in my life. And, as tragic as it is, I want to die young. I don’t want to be old, insecure, lonely lady. I’m afraid of that. 07: What did you last eat? - Cake, lol08: Played any sports? - If judo and MMA counts as a sport, than yes. I beat the shit out of people “for sport” all the time. 09: Do you bite your nails? - Hell no10: When was your last physical fight? - Uhm, yesterday on my judo training 11: Do you like someone? - I like my dog. 12: Have you ever stayed up 48 hours? -  Yes, oh god13: Do you hate anyone at the moment? - I’m extremely hateful person, sadly.14: Do you miss someone? - Yes15: Have any pets? - MY PRETTY DOGGO16: How exactly are you feeling at the moment? - A little bit lost and stressed.17: Ever made out in the bathroom? - Yep :| 18: Are you scared of spiders? - I’m not scared, more like disgusted19: Would you go back in time if you were given the chance? - Yes20: Where was the last place you snogged someone? - I can’t remember, fuck. Literally, I have no idea. Cinema I guess?21: What are your plans for this weekend? - Work. 22: Do you want to have kids? How many? - I don’t know. I can’t imagine myself as a mother of any other creature than my dog. 23: Do you have piercings? How many? - I used to have a nostrill piercing, but now I only wear earrings. Actually, one earring, on my right ear. 24: What is/are/were your best subject(s)? - History. 25: Do you miss anyone from your past? - Yes. 26: What are you craving right now? - Warm arms of a loving friend and plans for the future. 27: Have you ever broken someone’s heart? - Yes, I think. 28: Have you ever been cheated on? - Yes29: Have you made a boyfriend/girlfriend cry? - I don’t think so. 30: What’s irritating you right now? - Cold. 31: Does somebody love you? - My family. (maybe) 32: What is your favourite color? - Dark blue33: Do you have trust issues? - Definitely yes. I don’t even trust myself. 34: Who/what was your last dream about? - It was FUCKEN CRAZY. I was, like, playing Outlast, but in real life. I was wandering through some creepy houses full of sick, terrifying people. 35: Who was the last person you cried in front of? - Oh shit, I don’t know. I can’t remember last time I literally started crying with someone in front of me, I’m always trying to avoid such a situations. 36: Do you give out second chances too easily? - Yes37: Is it easier to forgive or forget? - Forget. 38: Is this year the best year of your life? - I have no idea, but probably no 39: How old were you when you had your first kiss? - That’s so embarrassing. I was like 12 or 13, and this kiss was disgusting. 40: Have you ever walked outside completely naked? - YES. NO MORE QUESTIONS LIKE THAT. 51: Favourite food? - Fucken sweet-sour chicken. I can eat it till the rest of my life52: Do you believe everything happens for a reason? - Yes. 53: What is the last thing you did before you went to bed last night? - Writing a note to myself to remember about grabbing phone chargers for a trip. 54: Is cheating ever okay? - It’s never okay. 55: Are you mean? - Yes 56: How many people have you fist fought? - I have no idea, man. I TRAIN MARTIAL ARTS HOW AM I SUPPOSED TO KNOW HOW MANY BUTTS I’VE KICKED 57: Do you believe in true love? - Honestly? I don’t know. 58: Favourite weather? - Dark, cold days with a lot of rain. 59: Do you like the snow? - SNOW IS LIFE 60: Do you wanna get married? - I don’t know. I mean, it’d be nice, but do I really need this? 61: Is it cute when a boy/girl calls you baby? - HELL YES. I love nicknames, like baby girl, doll, princess. It’s so simple, but I feel so appreciated being called like this. 62: What makes you happy? - Food. My car. Traveling. 63: Would you change your name? - I’d change my surname. 64: Would it be hard to kiss the last person you kissed? - Nah. 65: Your best friend of the opposite sex likes you, what do you do? - I tell him square the fuck up and stop being a weirdo. We’re best friends and grown up people, not some kids who doesn’t have a control over their feelings. 66: Do you have a friend of the opposite sex who you can act your complete self around? - Yes. I don’t know what I’d do without J. 67: Who was the last person of the opposite sex you talked to? - My boss 68: Who’s the last person you had a deep conversation with? - My bff, J. 69: Do you believe in soulmates? - Definitely70: Is there anyone you would die for? - Yeah, my big brother, I’d throw myself into flames for this lil sheit

[waxandwanemusic]

Primer #7 - Guided By Voices

The Primer is our column wherein contributors compile a 60 minute playlist of a band near and dear to their heart. Using personal listening anecdotes, notes about specific tracks and a brief overview of each artist, The Primer is both a way for our contributors to trace their musical genealogy and for our readers to gain a new perspective on an artist they may have missed or dismissed.

Installment seven of the Primer series features drummer extraordinaire Joel Kuiper preaching the Gospel of Dayton, Ohio's Guided By Voices.

Be sure to listen to the one hour podcast episode we recorded with Joel about his Guided By Voices Primer.

It must have been early in the summer of 1994 when I first heard about Guided By Voices (Dayton, OH). The source was the now long defunct Grand Rapids area zine "Slak" Magazine. One of it's writers gushed on and on throughout the issue about the bands then new release, "Bee Thousand". He also gushed about seeing them on a side stage at Lollapalooza that year. He described the music as pop rock melodies that sound both timeless and fresh at the same time, and are at once both sophisticated and completely raw. The lead singer was a 4th grade teacher. That did it for me. 

On the occasion of my next trip to East Lansing record shop Flat, Black & Circular (a multi weekly event at this point in my life), I purchased a CD copy of "Bee Thousand". Listening as I drove home, I liked what I heard. The songs were poorly recorded, but had the sheer energy and enthusiasm to easily overcome any fidelity issues. Melody after melody poured effortlessly out of my Subaru wagon's speakers. I could hear The Beatles in there (Robert Pollard is the Blatz to John Lennon's Two Hearted Ale). I could hear R.E.M. in there. 

Even though there were similarities to what I had heard in the past, there was a freedom to this music I had never experienced before. And then came Track 9. "Gold Star For Robot Boy". I remember it clear as day. I was on Foster Street heading south towards Michigan Avenue.  Then Pollard sang - "If I waited for you to signify the moves that I should make - I'll be on the take - Gold Star For Robot Boy - well then that's OK". Genesis 1:1. The heavens opened. I heard it - and it was good. No - actually it was fucking great! 

This had only happened to me once before - when I was 9 years old and heard The Beatles for the first time. But the Beatles record had came from my Aunt Carole - this band was mine. And they still are. 

Guided By Voices are my favorite band. Robert Pollard is my favorite singer. He is my favorite songwriter too. He has written a few. Like over 2000. That is not a typo. And at least1000 of them are good! The fact that Pollard exists at all is the real story. As I mentioned - he was a 4th grade teacher for cryin' out loud. Making music in the basement with his buddies, having trouble getting gigs in his own hometown and releasing record after record of great songs that no one except the band and their families ever heard. (Sound familiar anyone :) ????) As a matter of fact, GBV was about to call it a day on the doorstep of its breakthrough way back in 1993 after a decent 7 year run. 

Then someone sent a tape to Cleveland. And then from Cleveland to NYC. The rest is history. GBV is not The Beatles. Pollard can't lounge in the French Riviera collecting paychecks. But he has carved out a great and lengthy career - which shows no sign of letting up - by doing things his own way and creating great music for himself - whether anyone actually heard it or not - which is endlessly inspiring to a lifelong musician like me. 

When Matty asked me to do this - he told me I had time for an hour long playlist. GBV has 23 proper records - and twice as many EP's and other assorted goodies. And I am not even going to touch Robert Pollard's solo records (He has over 20 of those too). Thousands of songs whittled down to these 26 standouts. Get ready to rock!

Listen to all 26 songs on Joel Kuiper's Guided By Voices Primer in the YouTube playlist below.

1. Over The Neptune/Mesh Gear Fox

Alright Rock N Roll! GBV! GBV! Is anybody ready to rock? This song does not rock. These very words are spoken as this track begins - and you'd better be ready to rock - cuz your gonna. From the arena rock swagger in the songs beginning, to the weird progish middle section through its melodic conclusion, "Over The Neptune/Mesh Gear Fox" is the archetype for what GBV is all about, fitting most of its many influences into just one song. No wonder it clocks in at over 5 minutes which qualifies as an magnum opus for these cats. And yes, the song does rock.

2. Your Name Is Wild

Truthfully I was sold by the title alone ( GBV has the best song titles), but the minute the song kicked in I was hooked by the uber hooky hook. Even though I can still barely figure out what he is singing - the melodies are brilliant and I can't stop mumbling along! 

3. When She Turns 50

Just Bob and an acoustic. Simple and clear recognition of one of the great voices and songwriters in the history of recorded music. And those lyrics...........sigh.....

4. Things I Will Keep

My favorite track from the Ric Ocasek produced Do The Collapse, which was GBV's attempt at major commercial success. Even though "Hold On Hope" and "Teenage FBI" are two of the bands most well known songs - both have been featured on TV shows and in Movies - the band never achieved the success they (or the record company) was hoping for with the release. It still holds up well however.

5. Hank's Little Fingers

Great title. Great execution. Great lyrics (Unless you've got the answers - don't patronize the mountain men". Great Chorus. Totally irresistible. Try and resist. I dare you.

6. Dodging Invisible Rays

As good as Pollard is - and he is that good - his main foil in the early classic years of GBV was one Tobin Sprout - who is himself good enough to shame most songwriters. Despite his thin voice, Sprout shines in all that he does with a gifted sense of melody and song craft as evidenced in this catchy number. He is worthy of his own separate career - and he has achieved just that. Sprout has released multiple impressive and acclaimed solo efforts. Without question Sprout should get his own highlight someday here at Wax & Wane. I'll start begging Matty now. Sprout is also an accomplished and successful painter - he had a gallery in Leland, MI for years and is renowned throughout the world in those art circle thingys.

7. Secret Star

 This was the tightest and most talented lineup GBV has had (so far). Sounding like something The Who could have recorded in the early 70's, the song is complex and compelling. The payoff at the end is sublime. "To wish for you to fall. To wish for you to burn. To wish for your return". 

8. Gold Star For Robot Boy

1:39 of pure bliss. The first time I ever heard it I listened to it 27 times in a row. 

9. If We Wait

One of my favorite Pollard vocals. What he does with the single word "anymore" alone is worthy of rock glory. A genius at work. In the basement.

10. Everyone Thinks I'm A Rain Cloud (When I'm Not Looking)

An easily overlooked (in GBV's massive catalog anyway) gem from the bands last record preceding its 10 year hiatus, which began in 2004. The band toys with the arrangement like the pro's they are and create plenty of magic to accompany Bob who never disappoints. Well almost never. For 90% of bands - this would be the best they have to offer. Its just another day in the office for the Wizard from Dayton.

11. Non-Absorbing

Oh. it's gonna absorb all right. "Do you see me dee dee dee deedeedeedee - Like I see you do do do dodododo" You'll never get it out of your heard again. Ever.

12. Atom Eyes

Tobin strikes again! See what I mean? His damn songs are soooooo good. This one is jangle pop heaven. "There's a million heartstrings ready to fly - let's pull them now" Pull away Sprout!

13. Planet Score

A song reminding us all to go to the record before they are "like the ghosts of Motown you just don't see them anymore" or "like the spectres of L.A. haunting the buildings of New York". One of the best tracks post the reunion of the classic lineup.

14. Indian Fables

This quick 43 second toss-off perfectly illustrates the simple musical magic that ensues when the golden throated Pollard easily whips up yet another charmer.

15. Fly Into Ashes

This is a B-Side on the "Hold On Hope" single. A better song, in my opinion. I can't believe it didn't make the record. GBV's throwaway's are most band's prime rib. Doug Gillard - wunderkind guitarist and musical foil for Pollard in GBV's second act - really shows his mettle here. That guitar solo really flies!

16. Dayton, Ohio 19 Something & Five

Nostalgia never sounded so good. We are not worthy.

17. Little Whirl

A delicious Tobin Sprout rave-up. You can't not like this. "I DON'T CARE! I DON'T CARE"

18. Girls Of Wild Strawberries

Gorgeous. Better than the fruit - but not better than Girls.

19. Echos Myron

Usually coupled with "Yours To Keep" (both are from the seminal Bee Thousand), "Echos Myron" has been a staple of GBV's legendary live shows (The Best live band in America for two decades now) -  and is guaranteed to have the whole house doing the pogo up and down from the first chord. "We're finally here - and shit yeah it's cool!" Bass Player/Lawyer/Wearer of the Striped Pants Greg Demos offers a great final argument as he shreds his way through the last part of the song as rock n roll nirvana is reached.

20. 158 Years Of Beautiful Sex

Sounds good to me. The song is great too. A drum machine never sounded so good. Notice how Pollard drops the bass out of the song at the :54 mark of the song and then brings it back in at 1:04. Are you fucking kidding me? No joke. "Loads of creamy music - and lots of time to make it". Indeed.

21. The Hard Way

In lesser hands this early standout could potentially be just another generic rocker - but when The Prince of Northridge (the Dayton neighborhood Pollard hails from) adds that damn voice of his - it's like when the color hits during The Wizard Of Oz.

22. Not Behind The Fighter Jet

The last song the classic lineup recorded before its 18 year hiatus (1996-2014). Love those keys at the end. Glad it didn't end!

23. Universal Truths & Cycles

The title track of "Universal Truths and Cycles" is a slinky number with a great chorus (aren't they all?) with some standout bass work by Todd Tobias. "And the lost hierarchy of land - and land owners - and down will go back up forever more - I must try to believe this". I believe! Hallelujah I believe!

24. The Other Place

 First song. First record. First classic. Pollard shows us from the very first seconds that he is a force to be reckoned with. Already 30 years old, it is not dated at all and seems even more fresh today than it must have in Dayton in the mid 80's. The first of many Pollard songs that R.E.M. wish they had written. Again - those damn vocals. Sweet lord.

25. Game Of Pricks

Maybe GBV's finest hour. A tale of the death of a relationship that is so damn catchy that the CDC is still working on an antidote some 20 plus years after this rock n roll virus was unleashed. "I climb up on the house - weep to water the trees - and when you come calling me down I put on my disease". Take that Dylan. The band would re-record this for the Tigerbomb EP. While it was recorded better - and had some nice new guitar parts - the original version cannot be matched. This song is so good it inspired at least one book (Perfect From Now On) and just may be the most played song in my personal collection. 

26. The Ascended Master's Grogshop

Sure the title is weird - but the song's melody is devastating. A melancholy masterpiece - that's less than a minute long. Sigh with me.

Joel Kuiper owns and operates a non-emergency medical transport service called Outpatient Express. He also plays drums in The Stick Arounds, Scary Women and Icey-Dicey.