#[p]: cynthia | we can be heroes

[malewifehenrycooldown]

mixed platonic, familial, crush f/o tag dump

[don’t reblog]

[sistahscifi]

We were introduced to Sisters of the Never Sea during the ABA's #Ci10. We were so excited to learn of this story of sisterhood and adventure written by a Native American (Muscogee Creek) author and centering a Native American main character. You can get a copy on our @shopify, @instagram, @facebook, @tiktok, @twitter, @librofm, and @pinterest stores. Link in bio: @sistahscifi | www.sistahscifi.com. Better yet, check it out from your local #library!!! Reposted from @cultivatediverselibraries ⭐️STEP ASIDE, Peter Pan!⭐️ ⭐️Lily and Wendy lead the way in this this new novel from Cynthia Leitich Smith (Muscogee Creek). ⭐️This is a MUST have for your library. An important story that offers readers fantasy and adventure, but also inclusivity, justice, sisterhood, and Indigenous voice and perspective. 🔴Activity Alert: Consider Reading and unpacking it alongside the original Peter Pan, as well as Disney’s screen version. Using both novels in tandem can help readers strengthen their ability to identify and understand the harms of stereotypes and false narratives, and provide them with the lexicon to explain this to others and strengthen their ability to critically examine texts. Be sure to read AICL review of this book. The audio book is read by Katie Anvil Rich (Chickasaw and Cherokee) and is wonderful. Also, be sure to frequent Heartdrum, an imprint of Harper Collins… “Heartdrum, a new imprint by Native American authors for kids 8+! Heartfelt, groundbreaking, and unexpected, these children’s books emphasize the present and future of Indian Country and the strength of young Indigenous heroes.” - Harper Collins/ Heartdrum 📘 : @cynthialeitichsmith 📚 @harperkids , 2021 Suggested Grades: 6 ⬆️ @americanbooksellers . . #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #librariansofinstagram #librarian #kidlit #booksforkids #schoolibrarian #cultivatediverselibraries #teachersofinstagram #readaloud #inclusivestories #middlegradebooks #nativeamericanchildrensbooks #muscogeecreeknation #peterpan #cynthialeitichsmith #harpercollinskids #heartdrumbooks #sistersoftheneversea #indigenouslit #weneeddiversebooks #nativelit #nativeamerican #SistahScifi (at Sistah Scifi) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cgt3k_JLyr3/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[jamespeppersalt]

Vaike/Cynthia PC Support

One of my friends said Cynthia would be “goofy” with Vaike as her dad

She was right but the support is not nearly as goffy as the original draft :^P

Feat. lots of heroing!

Vaike/Cynthia PC Support

C Support

 Villager: Thank the gods you two arrived just in time! Our village can never thank you enough.

 Cynthia: You don’t have to thank us, civilian!

 Vaike: My daughter’s right. It’s all in a day’s work!

 Cynthia: And if you’re ever in trouble again, don’t be afraid to call after us again!

 Villager: We’ll certainly keep that in mind.

 (Villager leaves)

 Cynthia: That was AMAZING, Papa!

 Vaike: Well, shoot, squirt! You think so?

 Cynthia: Yeah!! You’re, like, the coolest EVER!

 Cynthia: And our entrances were uber-awesome! I told you that chrysanthemums were totally your color!

 Vaike: We should do this again sometime, kiddo! Although I may need to work on my entrances...

 Vaike: But I can’t stay and chat; I’ve gotta skedaddle.

 Cynthia: Huh? Where?

 Vaike: Oh, you’ll see! It’s where I first took the steps to becoming the great Teach!

 Cynthia: Really?! I can’t wait to see it, then!

 Vaike: You will soon, trust me! See you in a bit, Cynthia!

   B Support

 Vaike: Alright, just a little detour before we leave Ylisstol.

 Vaike: Wonder how everyone’s been...

 Cynthia: Daaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaad! Where have you been?!

 Vaike: Cynthia? What are you doing here?!

 Cynthia: You weren’t in the barracks! I thought we were going to meet up to work on your heroic entrances!

 Vaike: Oh, geez. I forgot…

 Vaike: Uh, sorry, sweetheart, but I needed to come here before we left, or I wouldn’t have time.

 Cynthia: Huh? Where are we?

 Vaike: What? Don’t you know this place? This is the place I told you I was going after we saved that village!

 Vaike: This is my home!

 Cynthia: I-It is? It looks so…

 Cynthia: ...Different.

 Vaike: I’m surprised future me never took you here! C’mon, you’ve got to meet everyone!

 Woman: Ah, Vaike! If it isn’t the neighborhood hero. What brings you here?

 Vaike: Hey, Hilda! Just a routine visit before the Vaike has to march off.

 Woman: And who’s this then? One of your Shepherd pals?

 Vaike: This is my daughter! Say hi, Cynthia!

 Cynthia: ...Hi.

 Woman: Oh, she looks just like her mother! You’re a lucky fella.

 Woman: Well, any child of Vaike’s is family to us. You’re always welcome here, sweetie!

 Vaike: C’mon! I’ve got to introduce you to the rest of the family!

 Vaike: ...Hm? Why the long face, hon?

 Cynthia: E-Er, no reason!

 Vaike: Hm. Well, okay! But we gotta hurry.

 Vaike: Hey, there’s Cousin Lenny. Hey, Lenny! Teach’s back to see ya!!

 (Vaike leaves)

 Cynthia: This place… it’s just like he always said it was…

  A Support

 Girl: Oh, Cynthia, do it again!

 Cynthia: Alright!

 Cynthia: Look upon my might, ye wicked, and despair! HIYA!

 Man: Now isn’t that just nifty! You’re a hoot, Cynthia!

 Cynthia: I’d love to stay, but I’ve got to march out soon! A Shepherd’s work is never done!

 Vaike: Cynthia? What are you doing here?

 Cynthia: D-Dad! I didn’t know you were coming for a visit today.

 Vaike: I wasn’t going to originally, but I thought I’d find you here.

 Cynthia: What?! How’d you know I was here?

 Vaike: I figured you’d come; you’d been asking about this place for days after I first showed you around.

 Vaike: When I couldn’t find you or Belfire anywhere at camp for the fifth time, I put two and two together and figured you’d come here.

 Vaike: I know it’s nice to visit home every once in a while, but we have a duty, Cynthia! This is an unauthorized absence!

 Cynthia: I know! And I’m sorry! It’s just…

 Cynthia: In the future, a lot of Ylisstol was destroyed. Some places were left mostly intact, but others were… worse off.

 Cynthia: Places where there weren’t a lot of soldiers, full of poor, defenseless people that nobody higher up would miss…

 Vaike: ...Places like this. The slums.

 Cynthia: You never took me here because our enemies razed it. You never forgave yourself for not being able to save it.

 Cynthia: I wasn’t deserting, I swear! I didn’t know if or when it’d happen, so I wanted to be here whenever I could to check on it, just in case.

 Cynthia: But as I did my patrols, I got to know a lot of people here! They’re so friendly, but they’re also really sad.

 Cynthia: They don’t deserve to be destroyed or forgotten… or to be sad.

 Cynthia: So I’ve been helping out here or there, fixing stuff, strengthening defenses, doing perimeter checks on Belfire--

 Cynthia: Even just to doing a cool routine or flower fortunes to cheer people up!

 Cynthia: I know it’s been taking out of heroing it up with the Shepherds, but… I think it’s worth it.

 Vaike: Cynthia…

 Vaike: I think you’ve learned a lot, but you’ve forgotten one thing.

 Cynthia: Huh?! What’s that?

 Vaike: It’s just as important to be a hero OFF the battlefield as ON!

 Vaike: You’re doing a lot for the people here when not many people are. Even something as little as cheering up people who are sad…

 Vaike: If those people have next to nothing else, you can be just as much there hero to them as the guy whacking people with swords!

 Cynthia: You really think so?!

 Vaike: Of course! If I’d had someone like you here to help me out and cheer me up, it would’ve meant the world to me!

 Vaike: I’m proud of you, kid.

 Cynthia: R-Really?!

 Vaike: Of course! I just hope you’ll let your old man join you!

 Cynthia: Ah! Of course!

 Cynthia: I think there are some kids around here who wanted to learn how to do flower fortunes!

Cynthia: C’mon, Dad! There’s heroing to do!

[zoemaxumus-blog]

DEH fanfic/script Part 1

Pan in on CONNOR and EVAN in the living room of their small apartment. They are cleaning up from game night that just took place. EVAN is putting the pieces to Monopoly back in the box.

Evan: Can we just take a minute to laugh at Jared and Alana? *giggles*

Connor: I know *smiles that huge smile and swipes a piece of hair behind his ear* they're not fooling anyone.

Evan: Not to mention them pretending not to partner up in monopoly.

Connor: Definitely under the table black market kind of shit.

EVAN laughs and puts the box in the closet.

Evan: Looks like we're done. I'm gonna head to bed *fidgets with shirt then walks toward the hallway*

CONNOR grabs EVAN'S wrist and spins him into a tight hug.

Connor: *whispers in his ear* Not without me you’re not.

EVAN pushes up on his toes to brush a long strand of hair out of CONNOR's eyes then kisses him sweetly (P u r E)

CONNOR takes EVAN's hand and leads him upstairs where CONNOR helps EVAN remove his red polo shirt and then lowers him onto the bed. CONNOR places sweet kisses on EVAN's shoulder while EVAN removes CONNORS shirt. They kiss until the kiss d become deeper. Stronger. More passionate.

PAN OVER TO a pair of black pants that have now been thrown on the ground. Out of the corner we see a message from MOM on the screen but we don't see the message.

PAN OVER TO the now entangled CONNOR AND EVAN. They are facing each other with their legs entwined and CONNOR's arm around EVAN's waist. EVAN is tracing patterns on CONNOR's free hand.

Connor: *sighs heavily* How are you so perfect? You surprise me every night.

Evan: I-I don't know *he chuckles nervously*

Connor: Well however you do it doesn't really matter, I'm lucky to have you Evan.

Evan: *huge smile spreads across his face// he never feels this accepted unless he's with Connor* *all he can muster to say is-* I love you Connor Murphy.

Connor: *kisses Evan's forehead* I love you too Evan Hansen.

They fall asleep together and then BLACK OUT

FADE IN on CONNOR's bed side table where we see a clock say 3:13 and their home phone starts ringing with the caller ID of Cynthia Murphy.

CONNOR stirs but as the ringer gets louder he finally wakes up and reaches for the phone. EVAN wakes up as soon as the answer button is pressed.

Connor:

Mom why didn't you just call my ce-

*pause*

What? Wait mom slow down.

*pause*

Wait Zoe is?

*pause*

Okay I'll be right there

*line disconnects*

*turns to Evan* I have to go.

Evan: What's going on babe?

Connor: Nothing. I don't want you to worry. You're always trying to be my hero. You deserve a break so go back to sleep.

Evan: Listen, if something's the matter I need to know.

CONNOR hesitates. EVAN places his hand over CONNOR's.

Connor: I-It's Zoe. She's- *more hesitation* *Evan stares at him with earnest eyes* She's in the hospital. There was an accident and I have to get there.

Evan: *squeezes his hand* I'm sorry but you must know that I'm coming with you. It's your sister. I want to support you.

Connor: *turns face away cause hair to shield his face* You are always trying to protect me and I-I appreciate it but you don't need to be my guardian angel.

Evan: And you are stubborn and believe you can do everything alone. *Connor scoffs* Listen, do you remember the first day we ever hung out? *Evan used his finger to brush hair behind Connor's ear*

Connor: Ya, I guess. At the orchard right? *now facing Connor*

Evan: Exactly. The summer before senior year of high school we were sitting under a tree and we promised each other that we'd never have to feel alone as long as we had each other. We're 22 now and I still stand by that promise Connor. I am always going to stand by your side.

Connor: *a single tear pools at the base of his eye and when he blinks trails down. Evan kisses his cheek stopping the tear from reaching his chin* Th-thank you (he barely whispers)

CUT TO: CONNOR racing through the doors of the ER wing with EVAN trailing not too far behind. To the left we see Larry, Cynthia, and Heidi huddled together in the waiting room. Both EVAN and CONNOR yell MOM! in unison and embrace their mothers.

Cynthia: Oh Connor thank god you're here. I tried to get ahold of your cell but it must've been dead.

Connor: Yea mom it's fine, I'm fine, but where's Zoe?

Larry: Like you care.

Connor: Nice to see you too dad.

Larry: Sorry it's just I'm surprised to see you showed up. You act like you hate your sister and you can't even bother to answer your mother's calls because you’re off doing god knows what with him *points a disapproving finger at Evan*

Connor: *getting angry* Me and Zoe aren't close because of the (sorry mom) SHIT I put her through in high school, but she's still family. And "him" has a name. Evan. And he's my boyfriend and I could care less if you disapprove of my (sorry again mom) FUCKING SEXUALITY. Oh and- *Evan rushes over and squeezes his hand* *Connor takes a deep breath and sighs* Look dad, can we please just put the past behind us for one night and support Zoe.

Larry: I'm here to support my daughter but I don't have to sit here and pretend I approve of you and forgive you for everything. *stands up and storms out*

Heidi: I'm sorry Connor. Your dad is just tense. Thank you for sticking up for my son though.

CYNTHIA nods in agreement.

Cynthia: Your sister is in room 9. She got hit by a drunk driver. Luckily there is no damage to the head or spine so she's not in critical condition. But her left leg did get trapped under the dash and it broke in two places. You can't go in yet but the doctor is supposed to let us know when we can. Oh and about your dad, he's just worried for his daughter. He didn't mean any of that.

Connor: Thanks mom, but you know better than anyone that he meant every word. *plops down on a chair and rubs his forehead*

DOCTOR walks into the waiting room.

Doctor: Zoe lost a lot of blood but is in stable condition. We are going to take her into immediate surgery, and only family can have 15 minutes with her. Be warned, she is heavily medicated and slightly confused. Her speech may be shaky.

EVAN squeezes CONNOR's thigh.

Evan: Tell her I say to get better soon and good luck in surgery.

CONNOR nods.

Connor: I wish you could come in with me.

Evan: Me too, but you're strong. You've got this.

Connor: You should be a coach. You're really amazing at pep-talks. *laughs nervously*

Evan: *grins and kisses Connor's cheek* Go! Go on! I'll be right here.

CONNOR and CYNTHIA round the corner and make their way down the hall where LARRY is waiting by ZOE's door. They all walk in and we PAN back over to EVAN and HEIDI.

Evan: I'm gonna call Alana and Jared. They're gonna want to be here.

Heidi: *nods* you're a good kid Evan.

Evan: *walks over and hugs her* thanks mom.

CAMERA follows EVAN as he walks down the hall, toward the elevator, and out the front doors.

CUT TO: ZOE's ER. ZOE is laying with her leg propped up and a tube in her nose. LARRY and CYNTHIA are on either side of the bed holding both of her hands and CONNOR is pressed up against the wall. Half in the shadows/half in the light.

Cynthia: Hey honey, we're here.

Zoe: Mom? Dad? I'm s-so sorry-- th- the car.

Larry: You lost a lot of blood sweetheart, you need to rest. Don't worry about the car.

Cynthia: The doctor told us they would be taking you into surgery for your leg. We wanted to see you before you went under.

CONNOR steps out of the shadows and makes his way to the foot of the hospital bed.

Connor: I have faith that you'll make it through this. You're a strong girl.

Zoe: C-connor? W-why are y-you here?

Connor: To support my sister.

Zoe: N-no you hate me. I-I'm confused. You're never w-worried about me.

CONNOR rushes to her side, pushing LARRY out of the way.

Connor: No no! Zoe, I know I've treated you terribly in the past but I've grown up and hopefully after this surgery we can become close again. I'm very sorry, but you're still family. Of course I'd be here.

Zoe: A-again?! W-we were never close c-Connor! You screamed at me and t-told me you hated me and you were going to k-kill me in high sc-school!

LARRY notices the machine beeping.

Larry: Connor! Her blood pressure is going up! Get out of here! Now!

Connor: I'm so sorry. I love you Zoe. Good luck.

CONNOR races out of the room, past EVAN, HEIDI, and now JARED and ALANA, through the halls, down 4 flights of stairs, out the front doors, and straight to the car where he gets in the passenger side and hang his head. He starts balling. EVAN is soon tap-tap-tapping on the glass, and climbing into the car.

Connor: Just when I think things are going good, they're fucking not. It seems like my sister will never forgive me for the past. And don't even get me fucking started on fucking Larry. He can go rot in hell for insulting us like that.

Evan: Hey, your sister will forgive you. It takes time and perseverance. As for your dad, he's an asshole, but not everyone is going to approve of us.

Connor: *waves hands around violently* I know, but it all still pisses me off. I'm just trying to be okay and move on, but it's days like this I wish I took those fucking pills.

EVAN looks shocked, then hurt. He looks down and fidgets with his shirt. CONNOR realizes what he just said.

Connor: Shit. Evan. I didn't mean it. I have you, and wouldn't have if I did take them, but it still…

Evan: P-pisses you off?

Connor: *sighs and slumps down* Yep.

Evan: Let's just go home. Zoe will be okay. It's an easy surgery and you need some sleep. *puts the car in gear and pulls out*

CONNOR whispers a “thank you”. BLACK OUT.

-----------------------------------------------

If you made it down this far, you fucking rock. Part 2 coming soon!!

[lboogie1906]

The Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and the Council of Presidents of the National Pan Hellenic Council, Inc. (NPHC) are encouraging our Brothers and Sisters to support the inspirational and impactful major motion picture, Harriet – in theaters nationwide Friday, Nov. 1. Harriet (portrayed by Cynthia Erivo), is the extraordinary tale of Harriet Tubman’s escape from slavery and transformation into one of America’s greatest heroes, whose courage, ingenuity, and tenacity free hundreds of slaves and changed the course of history. The film, directed by Kasi Lemmons and produced by Deborah Martin-Chase, also stars Leslie Odom, Jr., and Joe Alwyn. “Alpha Phi Alpha supports films that accurately and appropriately depict the African American experience,” said Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. General President Dr. Everett B. Ward, who is also chairman of the Council of Presidents for the NPHC. “Harriet offers African Americans, and the public-at-large, a glimpse into the life of one of America’s most courageous heroes, who should never be forgotten. The bravery and selflessness of the real-life Harriet Tubman is an example and embodiment of unwavering will and determination in the cause for freedom and justice against almost insurmountable odds. If she could do what she did alone, we all should recognize how our power wielded collectively can realize dramatic change for our people and communities. Let this film be the spark that inspires and motivates us all!” https://youtu.be/GqoEs4cG6Uw #africanhistory365 #africanexcellence (at Western Branch North, Chesapeake, Virginia) https://www.instagram.com/p/B4FJQGWnOGHcH7LHP5J4uq5SnOCjMHelMXNR3U0/?igshid=4xhepi1xnn1m

[tipsycad147]

Arianrhod Goddess of the Milky Way

James Wappel Studios Created by Bianca

Come into My Silver Web I am the change that transforms I’ll spin you a silent silken shroud A tomb from which to be born.

Arainrhod’s Shrine

Her Role

Sacred Source

Arianrhod is the Mother aspect of the Triple Goddess. She embodies the Mother and is forever a Virgin. She can birth children but is by no means obligated to any man. She represents silver, wheels and a sheaf of wheat. She is the Goddess of Moon, Fertility and Fate. Her name literally means "Silver Wheel". She is the Goddess of reincarnation and over sees the dead between their incarnations and protects us between as we leave this life and move into the next life. The ancient astrologers in Wales took their forecasting from the Moon’s position and her relationship to the stars ‘Arianrhod’, as we know as the "Milky Way." Her spirit has an eternal quality, no beginning and no end. A lady of destiny. She symbolises dreams and prophecy.

http://elfwood.lysator.liu.se/loth/p/e/peters/goddess3.jpg.html

Her Story

Arainrod is a Welsh Goddess that was conceived in the writing of a medieval story called Mabinogion. She lived in the palace in the heavens known as Caer Arianrhod (Aurora Borealis). Her story begins with Gwydion who is the counsellor to Math the King. The only way he could stay alive was to have his feet resting on the lap of a virgin at all times. The only exception was when he went into battle. During a battle the virgin who held his feet was raped so there was a need for a replacement. In order for Gwydion to get back in good graces with the King he suggested Arainrhod as a substitute. To test her virginity she was asked to step over the King’s magick wand. As she did she gave birth to a child. Feeling humiliated she ran away and as she did she dropped something. The first child has lost to the sea. It turns out what she had dropped was another child that had been kept secret from her. When this was known to her she was angry and placed three curses on the child. Gwydion worked hard to break the curses. The final curse was that the child have no human wife. King Math and Gwydion worked magick to make a woman out of flowers to be his wife. The third curse was broken. She felt humiliated by King Math, thwarted by her son and forsaken by her brother. With that she retreated to her castle Caer Arianrhod.

Arianrhod’s Message for Women of Today

Courtney Davis

When you look into the sky at night and see the vastness of space filled with millions of stars that defines our universe know that we all come from the same cosmic dust. Everything originated from there and we are directly connected to her through time and space. Arianrhod’s presence gives us our sense of eternity and our timeless journey through the process of living, dying and being reborn. Our mother the moon is her voice that translates the wisdom, courage and independence all women need to stand on their own. Our sense of well being is not defined by men or the laws of men. Men can not have power over us as long as we know who we are and what we need to do for ourselves. We are not a possession to be owned. Arianrhod reminds us that our soul is eternal and forever learning and growing through each incarnation. Life gives us many challenges to work through and we are exactly where we should be at all times. The Silver Wheel that is Arianrhod is our home amongst the stars. There are those difficult times in life when we need to feel safe and protected and this is what Arianrhod stands for. She is there to help us through the process of changing whatever is getting in our way of growing. She reminds us to be gen

Ritual for Arainrhod

Each year there is a Festival on December 2nd to celebrate Arianrhod. I thought I would create a ritual keeping in mind the time of year and it’s Astrological influence. This falls in the sign of Sagittarius. With this in mind I am reminded that the Archer’s arrow is aimed directly towards the heaven’s which is her home in the stars. Always striving for a higher purpose in this life from the previous one. One guiding principle of this energy is clear insight and the joy that is associated with living a life that is aware of a higher purpose. This fits very well with her aspect of the protector of the soul as it awaits a new birth. Offerings for Arianrhod are silver coins, candles of green and silver. Use twelve votive candles and place them in a circle around you. Each one representing the signs of the Zodiac. Take a wand, a silver kitchen utensil or a shaft of wheat to use as a conductor for energy. Burn incense of your choice.

Place a circular silver object (coin, plate or anything that to you represents a silver wheel) in front of you on the floor. Ground yourself and cast your circle. Spin your silver object and focus your attention on the light that is reflected from your candles onto this object.

How are you evolving and what do you want to bring into your life right now that will bring you a greater sense of purpose and joy. When this picture is clear hold your wand or whatever you have chosen high in the air.

Feel the life giving energies of Arianrhod flowing down through this conductor into your fingers, hand, arm and filling up your entire body. When the energy has manifested within you rest your wand in your lap and meditate on the areas of your body that have been opened up. Hopefully this ritual can get you in touch with some area of your life that needs special attention in order to grow. Open your circle and blow out your candles

Poem for Arianrhod

From behind the Moon she appears Her gown shimmering brightly Each thread of her Garment Woven from the Silver threads of time Silver Lady of the Moon Spin your web of Dreams Hold me gently in your arms And rock me fast to sleep Mother Arianrhod Create a web for me a place in between the world’s when life set’s me free As we lay sleeping Dreaming of what went before She guards our Soul and protects our Spirit Mother Arianrhod Create a web for me a place in between the world’s when life set’s me free Since time began she’s Mothered us all In the Meantime of the Soul Her web protects us Cosmic Mother of us All Mother Arianrhod Create a web for me a place in between the world’s when life set’s me free

References

Graphics Ender Design James Wappel Studios Cynthia Worthen Vascak Norma A. Peters Courtney Davis Articles, Books Gods, Heros, Myths http://www.taliesin.clara.net/arianrho.htm (no longer active) " Moon Wisdom " by Sally Morningstar Twistress's Realm

http://www.orderwhitemoon.org/goddess/arianrhod/Arianrhod.html

[cooperjones2020]

Nobodies Nobody Knows, chp. 4

Summary: She is the lamp in Hero’s tower, the scissors in Delilah’s hand, the blood in Guinevere’s bed. She is a million and one metaphors and all of them are his undoing. (Some of the scenes from Second City but from Jughead’s perspective. More a character exercise than a story.)

ao3–>http://archiveofourown.org/works/11434950/chapters/25935420

Nobodies Nobody Knows one / two / three 

Second City one / two / three / four / five (ao3)

“Okay, let’s get back to Sweetwater Subtext for a second. As we’ve said, The Final Fissure had an obvious ending point with the reveal of the murderer. I know you can’t give me any spoilers, but what’s next for these characters? Will there be a third entry in this series?”

“Unclear.” She looks at him then, confused, he thinks. Fair enough, so is he. He has no idea what he’s projecting, what signals she is receiving that he may or may not intend.

“Oh. Um, okay. Any idea what does come next then?”

“Well, The Final Fissure is gonna be a TV show. We’re still working out if I’m going to be involved, though right now I’m leaning no.”

She moves to put up her hair and—he can’t be sure, but—he thinks he sees the lightest of tan lines on her left ring finger. His stomach bottoms out. It insists this is the Worst. Thing. Then his liver quips back, no it’s the Best. Thing. At that point his brain comes back online and shuts the conversation between his bodily organs down by reminding them that it’s actually a completely irrelevant thing cause this is a job anyway, not Betty back in his life. Also, it’s probably just the dim light in the bar. His stomach growls.

“Would you mind if we took a break? I could use some food.”

“Oh of course, I’m sorry.”

“No need to apologize, I was just on a roll earlier and skipped dinner.”

“Jughead Jones voluntarily skipped a meal?”

“I wouldn’t call it voluntary. Sometimes the muse is actually a slave driver.”

When he has recovered, in no small part thanks to some fried pickles and mozzarella sticks, he says, “I didn’t mean it like that earlier. It’s just, I don’t know, I think it would be kind of weird if me and Archie talked about you. That whole same-ex-girlfriend thing.”

“You know, sometimes I even forget we dated. It was such a weird, hazy time in my life. I fought so hard for so long to be my own person, not Polly’s sister or Alice’s daughter. By the time senior year came around, I was tired of fighting everyone’s expectations. Veronica was back in New York, you were on the south side. We were the only two left, of the core four, and it just made sense, you know? So we went to the back to school dance together, and then homecoming, and then winter formal. And before you know it was prom and we’d been dating for eight months.”

“I always thought you two would get married and have the 2.5 kids and white picket fence thing. You know, even when we were dating, I think I thought that in the back of my mind.”

She rolls her eyes at him. “I know. It wasn’t in the back of your mind. I seem to recall a certain speech in a certain red-headed person’s garage at a certain other person’s birthday party.”

“God, I’m never going to live that one down. Once I managed to go an entire eleven months without thinking about it, and then the memory just crept back in. Here, Jughead, you think you’re making progress on your social skills, well remember this?” He feels his sympathetic nervous system begin to stir just at the memory.

“Well that was never in the cards for me and Archie, and I didn’t want it to be. Dating him was just…comforting you know? Comfortable. And I could really use that then.”

“Do me a favor and promise me that you will never tell Archie that. You guys may be best friends and he may be ass over elbows for Veronica now, but no guy wants to know that sex with him was just comfortable.” That sounds light, teasing. Not like hypotheticals about her and Archie tortured him for years. Right?

Betty holds up a pinkie and waits for him to take it. “I promise.”

“I was surprised, when I walked into Mary’s and found you.”

“I had gathered that. Though you were probably no more surprised than I was.”

“What made you decide to move?” He’s wanted to ask her since that night. Has almost asked Mary a dozen times, but has chickened out each and every one.

“I was just so sick of New York, sick of my job. I was running on a cycle of adrenaline—benzodiazepines—caffeine—melatonin that was unsustainable. I got home from a stakeout one morning at 5 am and I realized I was doing important things for other people, breaking big stories, but as a result I missed out on doing important things for myself. I was making decisions I otherwise wouldn’t have made.

“Then I got a call from Cynthia—my editor—offering me the job here. It was a deus ex machina, just what I needed at just the right time dropped out of the sky. It felt like a good time to pull the rug out from under myself. To look for a new dream.” God preserve him from a girl who drops literary devices into everyday conversation.

“And that’s okay, you know? I feel like the hardest part is telling other people, people who knew me then. Like I’m afraid they’re going to think I’ve compromised, but I’m happy. Dreams change. Well, at least for most of us.” She bumps her elbow into his arm.

Weirdly, now he wants to hug her. Well, he’s wanted to hug her, to touch her, since she came in, as much as he’s also been terrified to. But he wants to tell her he’s proud of her. Which is dumb. She doesn’t need his pride. She doesn’t need anyone.

“I think you probably filled your quota of breaking big stories before you even left high school. I’m glad you realized you weren’t happy and did something about it.” He pauses and takes a big breath. “And I’m glad you’re here. Glad we could do this.”

She smiles his favorite smile at him, the one where the corners of her lips curve down. “Me too.”

“Polly said Jellybean works at Pop’s now.”

“Yeah, for about a year.”

“Does that mean you get free burgers?”

“No.” He wishes. “Only half-price. But yeah, she mentioned last week that Polly and your mom come in sometimes with the twins.”

“Yeah. Her and my mom have gotten a lot closer the past couple years. Since my dad died.”

“Oh, Betts, I’m sorry.” It’s not as hard to be sincere as he would have expected.

“It’s alright. He’d been sick for a while. We…made our peace with it. With each other. But you know what’s sick? My mom’s been happier since. Like thirty fucking years and I’m pretty sure they were both miserable almost the whole time. How do you get to the point where it’s not even worth trying to go after happiness?”

“Sometimes you fall into a pattern that isn’t worth the effort it would take to break. Not everyone is as brave as you. I’m certainly not. And they had other things they were living for. Polly. You. I think that’s something I’ve learned since FP got out. My mom died, too, before— well, before. I think that’s that one thing that really fucked my dad up. That he didn’t get a chance to make it right with her. I’m sure it’s why he’s been a model citizen ever since.”

“No, Juggie. He was always so proud of you. I’m sure it’s for you. For what you’ve done for him, and for Jellybean.”

His anecdote about Archie and the Thanksgiving mashed potatoes makes her laugh, and this reinsertion of Archie into the conversation seems to find the balance, to negate his earlier slip-up. Archie’s antics sound like childhood and friendship and fun, and the air around them now is thinner. He breathes easier. He thinks he manages to achieve that lightness, that ease that he fought so hard for earlier in the night.

She’s playing with her water glass, twisting it back and forth in her hand, when he remembers. There are no red marks or indentations, but he at least expects to see the silvery threads of her half-moon scars cutting across the palm of her hand. Maybe it’s the bad lighting again? Or his eyes. Honestly, probably his eyes at this point. She catches him staring.

“I don’t do that anymore. I…haven’t since college.”

“Can I ask what made you stop?” He resists the urge to cup and kiss her hands, like he did in a booth at Pop’s, all those years ago.

“I had to de-escalate. It didn’t work at first. I just switched to picking at my skin—my nails or acne or scabs. I still have pretty bad scars on my shoulders. But when I got to college, I was able to see a therapist who my mom couldn’t interrogate so that helped. She told me to hold an ice cube when I have the urge to do something destructive.”

He wants to confess something to her in return, wants her to know how much he appreciates her sharing these pieces of herself with him, of all people. But he’s afraid he’ll open a door he won’t be able to close again. So he just urges her to go on. “An ice cube?”

“Yeah, to cup it in the palm of my hand. Anyway, I’m a work in progress.” Her eyes jump from her hand to his face. “Wait. How did this turn into you interviewing me?”

“Well technically we’re still on our dinner break.”

“Okay, whatever.” She asks him a few more questions, but his mind is still on her hands and her battle scars and the memory of them in the booth at Pop’s.

“I should probably go home soon.” He doesn’t process her words until she stands and begins to pack up her bag.

When the check comes, she grabs it before he can. “Nope.” She elongates the word, lips popping on the p. “My interview, my expense report.”

He can’t convince her to get back on his motorcycle, so he makes her promise to let him know she’s gotten home safe. He swipes her phone, inputs his number, and closes the uber door behind her before she has a chance to protest.

He’s already home, laying on top of his bed with his clothes still on, when she texts: “home and locked in where the bad guys can’t get me.”

He shoots back: “don’t forget to check under the bed. sleep tight, betts.”

He grins at the darkened ceiling like an idiot and waits a long time for sleep to come.

[mahalo831]

So i got to meet one of my heroes today! ⛹🏾‍♀️🏀 Thanks to legendary Cynthia Cooper @ccooper14 for coming to speak to the elite girls camp @gyblv. Look her up! She is a pioneer in women’s basketball and someone we can all see as an amazing and inspirational woman. Also coming soon more things from @weareheroesleague and how @lvwbball players in the league will continue to help build the youth girls in the city. #biggerthanbasketball #love #basketball #girls #womenempowerment https://www.instagram.com/p/BvaV2FsH90fyVyyH0WS3a83fcVCBgblWeHWtXs0/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=f6a5m5bt4tou

[bongaboi]

59th Annual Grammy Awards Winners Part 2

Country

Best Country Solo Performance

"My Church" – Maren Morris

"Love Can Go to Hell" – Brandy Clark

"Vice" – Miranda Lambert

"Church Bells" – Carrie Underwood

"Blue Ain't Your Color" – Keith Urban

Best Country Duo/Group Performance

"Jolene" – Pentatonix featuring Dolly Parton

"Different for Girls" – Dierks Bentley featuring Elle King

"21 Summer" – Brothers Osborne

"Setting the World on Fire" – Kenny Chesney & P!nk

"Think of You" – Chris Young with Cassadee Pope

Best Country Song

"Humble and Kind"

"Blue Ain't Your Color"

"Die a Happy Man"

"My Church"

"Vice"

Lori McKenna, songwriter (Tim McGraw)

Clint Lagerberg, Hillary Lindsey & Steven Lee Olsen, songwriters (Keith Urban)

Sean Douglas, Thomas Rhett & Joe Spargur, songwriters (Thomas Rhett)

busbee & Maren Morris, songwriters (Maren Morris)

Miranda Lambert, Shane McAnally & Josh Osborne, songwriters (Miranda Lambert)

Best Country Album

A Sailor's Guide to Earth – Sturgill Simpson

Big Day in a Small Town – Brandy Clark

Full Circle – Loretta Lynn

Hero – Maren Morris

Ripcord – Keith Urban

New Age

Best New Age Album

White Sun II – White Sun

Orogen – John Burke

Dark Sky Island – Enya

Inner Passion – Peter Kater & Tina Guo

Rosetta – Vangelis

Jazz

Best Improvised Jazz Solo

"I'm So Lonesome I Could Cry" – John Scofield, soloist

"Countdown" – Joey Alexander, soloist

"In Movement" – Ravi Coltrane, soloist

"We See" – Fred Hersch, soloist

"I Concentrate on You" – Brad Mehldau, soloist

Best Jazz Vocal Album

Take Me to the Alley – Gregory Porter

Sound of Red – René Marie

Upward Spiral – Branford Marsalis Quartet with special guest Kurt Elling

Harlem on My Mind – Catherine Russell

The Sting Variations – The Tierney Sutton Band

Best Jazz Instrumental Album

Country for Old Men – John Scofield

Book of Intuition – Kenny Barron Trio

Dr. Um – Peter Erskine

Sunday Night at the Vanguard – The Fred Hersch Trio

Nearness – Joshua Redman & Brad Mehldau

Best Large Jazz Ensemble Album

Presidential Suite: Eight Variations on Freedom – Ted Nash Big Band

Real Enemies – Darcy James Argue's Secret Society

MONK'estra, Vol. 1 – John Beasley

Kaleidoscope Eyes: Music of the Beatles – John Daversa

All L.A. Band – Bob Mintzer

Best Latin Jazz Album

Tribute to Irakere: Live in Marciac – Chucho Valdés

Entre Colegas – Andy González

Madera Latino: A Latin Jazz Perspective on the Music of Woody Shaw – Brian Lynch & various artists

Canto América – Michael Spiro/Wayne Wallace La Orquesta Sinfonietta

30 – Trio Da Paz

Gospel/Contemporary Christian Music

Best Gospel Performance/Song

"God Provides" – Tamela Mann

"It's Alright, It's OK" – Shirley Caesar featuring Anthony Hamilton

"You're Bigger [Live]" – Jekalyn Carr

"Made a Way [Live]" – Travis Greene

"Better" – Hezekiah Walker

Kirk Franklin, songwriter

Stanley Brown & Courtney Rumble, songwriters

Allundria Carr, songwriter

Travis Greene, songwriter

Jason Clayborn, Gabriel Hatcher & Hezekiah Walker, songwriters

Best Contemporary Christian Music Performance/Song

"Thy Will" – Hillary Scott & The Scott Family

"Trust in You" – Lauren Daigle

"Priceless" – For King & Country

"King of the World" – Natalie Grant

"Chain Breaker" – Zach Williams

Bernie Herms, Hillary Scott & Emily Weisband, songwriters

Lauren Daigle, Michael Farren & Paul Mabury, songwriters

Benjamin Backus, Seth Mosley, Joel Smallbone, Luke Smallbone & Tedd Tjornhom, songwriters

Natalie Grant, Becca Mizell & Samuel Mizell, songwriters

Mia Fieldes, Jonathan Smith & Zach Williams, songwriters

Best Gospel Album

Losing My Religion – Kirk Franklin

Listen – Tim Bowman, Jr.

Fill This House – Shirley Caesar

A Worshipper's Heart [Live] – Todd Dulaney

Demonstrate [Live] – William Murphy

Best Contemporary Christian Music Album

Love Remains – Hillary Scott & The Scott Family

Poets & Saints – All Sons & Daughters

American Prodigal – Crowder

Be One – Natalie Grant

Youth Revival [Live] – Hillsong Young & Free

Best Roots Gospel Album

Hymns That Are Important to Us – Joey + Rory

Better Together – Gaither Vocal Band

Nature's Symphony in 432 – The Isaacs

Hymns and Songs of Inspiration – Gordon Mote

God Don't Never Change: The Songs of Blind Willie Johnson – (Various Artists); Jeffrey Gaskill, producer

Latin

Best Latin Pop Album

Un Besito Más – Jesse & Joy

Ilusión – Gaby Moreno

Similares – Laura Pausini

Seguir Latiendo – Sanalejo

Buena Vida – Diego Torres

Best Latin Rock, Urban or Alternative Album

iLevitable – ile

L.H.O.N. (La Humanidad o Nosotros) – Illya Kuryaki & The Valderamas

Buenaventura – La Santa Cecilia

Los Rakas – Los Rakas

Amor Supremo – Carla Morrison

Best Regional Mexican Music Album (Including Tejano)

Un Azteca en el Azteca, Vol. 1 (En Vivo) – Vicente Fernández

Raíces – Banda El Recodo de Cruz Lizárraga

Hecho a Mano – Joss Favela

Generación Maquinaria Est. 2006 – La Maquinaria Norteña

Tributo a Joan Sebastian y Rigoberto Alfaro – Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea

Best Tropical Latin Album

Donde Están? – Jose Lugo & Guasábara Combo

Conexión – Fonseca

La Fantasia Homenaje a Juan Formell – Formell y Los Van Van

35 Aniversario – Grupo Niche

La Sonora Santanera en Su 60 Aniversario – Sonora Santanera

American Roots

Best American Roots Performance

"House of Mercy" – Sarah Jarosz

"Ain't No Man" – The Avett Brothers

"Mother's Children Have a Hard Time" – The Blind Boys of Alabama

"Factory Girl" – Rhiannon Giddens

"Wreck You" – Lori McKenna

Best American Roots Song

"Kid Sister"

"Alabama at Night"

"City Lights"

"Gulfstream"

"Wreck You"

Vince Gill, songwriter (The Time Jumpers)

Robbie Fulks, songwriter (Robbie Fulks)

Jack White, songwriter (Jack White/The White Stripes)

Eric Adcock & Roddie Romero, songwriters (Roddie Romero and the Hub City All-Stars)

Lori McKenna & Felix McTeigue, songwriters (Lori McKenna)

Best Americana Album

This Is Where I Live – William Bell

True Sadness – The Avett Brothers

The Cedar Creek Sessions – Kris Kristofferson

The Bird and the Rifle – Lori McKenna

Kid Sister – The Time Jumpers

Best Bluegrass Album

Coming Home – O'Connor Band with Mark O'Connor

Original Traditional – Blue Highway

Burden Bearer – Doyle Lawson & Quicksilver

The Hazel and Alice Sessions – Laurie Lewis & The Right Hands

North by South – Claire Lynch

Best Traditional Blues Album

Porcupine Meat – Bobby Rush

Can't Shake the Feeling – Lurrie Bell

Live at the Greek Theatre – Joe Bonamassa

Blues & Ballads (A Folksinger's Songbook: Volumes I & II) – Luther Dickinson

The Soul of Jimmie Rodgers – Vasti Jackson

Best Contemporary Blues Album

The Last Days of Oakland – Fantastic Negrito

Love Wins Again – Janiva Magness

Bloodline – Kenny Neal

Give It Back to You – The Record Company

Everybody Wants a Piece – Joe Louis Walker

Best Folk Album

Undercurrent – Sarah Jarosz

Silver Skies Blue – Judy Collins & Ari Hest

Upland Stories – Robbie Fulks

Factory Girl – Rhiannon Giddens

Weighted Mind – Sierra Hull

Best Regional Music Album

E Walea – Kalani Pe'a

Broken Promised Land – Barry Jean Ancelet & Sam Broussard

It's a Cree Thing – Northern Cree

Gulfstream – Roddie Romero and the Hub City All-Stars

I Wanna Sing Right: Rediscovering Lomax in the Evangeline Country – (Various Artists); Joshua Caffery & Joel Savoy, producers

Reggae

Best Reggae Album

Ziggy Marley – Ziggy Marley

Sly & Robbie Presents... Reggae For Her – Devin Di Dakta & J.L

Rose Petals – J Boog

Everlasting – Raging Fyah

Falling Into Place – Rebelution

SOJA: Live in Virginia – SOJA

World Music

Best World Music Album

Sing Me Home – Yo-Yo Ma & The Silk Road Ensemble

Destiny – Celtic Woman

Walking in the Footsteps of Our Fathers – Ladysmith Black Mambazo

Land of Gold – Anoushka Shankar

Dois Amigos, Um Século de Música: Multishow Live – Caetano Veloso & Gilberto Gil

Children

Best Children's Album

Infinity Plus One – Secret Agent 23 Skidoo

Explorer of the World – Frances England

Novelties – Recess Monkey

Press Play – Brady Rymer And The Little Band That Could

Saddle Up – The Okee Dokee Brothers

Spoken Word

Best Spoken Word Album

(includes Poetry, Audio Books and Storytelling)

In Such Good Company: Eleven Years of Laughter, Mayhem, and Fun in the Sandbox – Carol Burnett

The Girl with the Lower Back Tattoo – Amy Schumer

M Train – Patti Smith

Under the Big Black Sun: A Personal History of L.A.Punk (John Doe with Tom DeSavia) – (Various Artists)

Unfaithful Music & Disappearing Ink – Elvis Costello

Comedy

Best Comedy Album

Talking for Clapping – Patton Oswalt

...America...Great... – David Cross

American Myth – Margaret Cho

Boyish Girl Interrupted – Tig Notaro

Live at the Apollo – Amy Schumer

Musical Theatre

Best Musical Theater Album

The Color Purple – Danielle Brooks, Cynthia Erivo & Jennifer Hudson, principal soloists; Stephen Bray, Van Dean, Frank Filipetti, Roy Furman, Joan Raffe, Scott Sanders & Jhett Tolentino, producers; (Stephen Bray, Brenda Russell & Allee Willis, composers/lyricists) (New Broadway Cast)

Bright Star – Carmen Cusack, principal soloist; Jay Alix, Peter Asher & Una Jackman, producers; Steve Martin, composer; Edie Brickell, composer & lyricist (Original Broadway Cast)

Fiddler on the Roof – Danny Burstein, principal soloist; Louise Gund, David Lai & Ted Sperling, producers; (Jerry Bock, composer; Sheldon Harnick, lyricist) (2016 Broadway Cast)

Kinky Boots – Killian Donnelly & Matt Henry, principal soloists; Sammy James, Jr., Cyndi Lauper, Stephen Oremus & William Wittman, producers; (Cyndi Lauper, composer & lyricist) (Original West End Cast)

Waitress – Jessie Mueller, principal soloist; Neal Avron, Sara Bareilles & Nadia DiGiallonardo, producers; Sara Bareilles, composer & lyricist (Original Broadway Cast)

Music for Visual Media

Best Compilation Soundtrack for Visual Media

Miles Ahead – (Miles Davis & Various Artists)

Amy – (Various Artists)

Straight Outta Compton – (Various Artists)

Suicide Squad (Collector's Edition) – (Various Artists)

Vinyl: The Essentials Season 1 – (Various Artists)

Steve Berkowitz, Don Cheadle & Robert Glasper, compilation producers

Salaam Remi & Mark Ronson, compilation producers

O'Shea Jackson & Andre Young, compilation producers

Mike Caren, Darren Higman & Kevin Weaver, compilation producers

Stewart Lerman, Randall Poster & Kevin Weaver, compilation producers

Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media

Star Wars: The Force Awakens – John Williams, composer

Bridge of Spies – Thomas Newman, composer

Quentin Tarantino's The Hateful Eight – Ennio Morricone, composer

The Revenant – Alva Noto & Ryuichi Sakamoto, composers

Stranger Things Volume 1 – Kyle Dixon & Michael Stein, composers

Stranger Things Volume 2 – Kyle Dixon & Michael Stein, composers

Best Song Written for Visual Media

"Can't Stop the Feeling!" – Max Martin, Shellback & Justin Timberlake, songwriters (performed by Justin Timberlake, Anna Kendrick, Gwen Stefani, James Corden, Zooey Deschanel, Walt Dohrn, Ron Funches, Caroline Hjelt, Aino Jawo, Christopher Mintz-Plasse & Kunal Nayyar)

"Heathens" – Tyler Joseph, songwriter (performed by Twenty One Pilots)

"Just Like Fire" – Oscar Holter, Max Martin, P!nk & Shellback, songwriters (performed by P!nk)

"Purple Lamborghini" – Shamann Cooke, Sonny Moore & William Roberts, songwriters (performed by Skrillex & Rick Ross)

"Try Everything" – Mikkel S. Eriksen, Sia Furler & Tor Erik Hermansen, songwriters (performed by Shakira)

"The Veil" – Peter Gabriel, songwriter (performed by Peter Gabriel)

Composing

Best Instrumental Composition

"Spoken at Midnight"

"Bridge of Spies (End Title)"

"The Expensive Train Set (An Epic Sarahnade for Big Band)"

"Flow"

"L'Ultima Diligenza Di Red Rock – Verisione Integrale"

Ted Nash, composer (Ted Nash Big Band)

Thomas Newman, composer (Thomas Newman)

Tim Davies, composer (Tim Davies Big Band)

Alan Ferber, composer (Alan Ferber Nonet)

Ennio Morricone, composer (Ennio Morricone)

Arranging

Best Arrangement, Instrumental or A Cappella

You and I

Ask Me Now

Good 'Swing' Wenceslas

Linus & Lucy

Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds

We Three Kings

Jacob Collier, arranger (Jacob Collier)

John Beasley, arranger (John Beasley)

Sammy Nestico, arranger (The Count Basie Orchestra)

Christian Jacob, arranger (The Phil Norman Tentet)

John Daversa, arranger (John Daversa)

Ted Nash, arranger (Jazz At Lincoln Center Orchestra With Wynton Marsalis)

Best Arrangement, Instruments and Vocals

Flintstones

Do You Hear What I Hear?

Do You Want to Know a Secret

The Music

Somewhere (Dirty Blvd) (Extended Version)

Jacob Collier, arranger (Jacob Collier)

Gordon Goodwin, arranger (Gordon Goodwin's Big Phat Band Featuring Take 6)

John Daversa, arranger (John Daversa Featuring Renee Olstead)

Alan Broadbent, arranger (Kristin Chenoweth)

Billy Childs & Larry Klein, arrangers (Lang Lang Featuring Lisa Fischer & Jeffrey Wright)

Packaging

Best Recording Package

Blackstar

Anti (Deluxe Edition)

Human Performance

Sunset Motel

22, A Million

Jonathan Barnbrook, art director (David Bowie)

Ciarra Pardo & Robyn Fenty, art directors (Rihanna)

Andrew Savage, art director (Parquet Courts)

Sarah Dodds & Shauna Dodds, art directors (Reckless Kelly)

Eric Timothy Carlson, art director (Bon Iver)

Best Boxed or Special Limited Edition Package

Edith Piaf 1915–2015

401 Days

I Like It When You Sleep, For You Are So Beautiful Yet So Unaware Of It

Paper Wheels (Deluxe Limited Edition)

Tug of War (Deluxe Edition)

Gérard Lo Monaco, art director (Edith Piaf)

Jonathan Dagan & Mathias Høst Normark, art directors (J.Views)

Samuel Burgess-Johnson & Matthew Healy, art directors (The 1975)

Matt Taylor, art director (Trey Anastasio)

Simon Earith & James Musgrave, art directors (Paul McCartney)

[bethestaryouareradio]

Healthcare Heroes

“The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others” 

-Mahatma Gandhi

As part of our Operation Disaster Relief Outreach Program, Express Yourself! continues to feature Super Smart Sundays celebrating new authors who have had their personal appearances canceled because of Covid-19.

Have you thought about your future career? What line of work will be most fulfilling to you? And most importantly – how and what do you need to do to get there? The American public and the world has seen healthcare heroes in action, saving lives in the wake of COVID-19. There are many heroes amongst us, those who go above and beyond to make this world a better place for others. Besides expressing appreciation for the health heroes on the front lines, radio host Siri Phaneendra interviews pharmacists, authors, and educators Drs. Mary Choy and Michele Kaufman from New York City to discuss the power of reading, networking, and careers. Their love of teaching, writing, and helping others led them to publish their first book, a healthcare career guide for youth, aptly titled, “Healthcare Heroes: The Medical Careers Guide.” The duo tells us what it’s like to work in the healthcare profession and offer insights for youth to set personal goals that will benefit them for their future and to empower our youth for success.

The Medical Careers Guide provides expert insights and strategies to help readers find their best career path in healthcare...it's like having a personal career panel of doctors, nurses, pharmacists, emergency medical technician, biomedical engineer, art/music therapists, and many more. They advise taking advantage for the free virtual camps online to get more information about a career in the medical professions.

Mary Choy Bio:

Mary Choy is a doctor of pharmacy, educator, and author who lives in New York City. For over 15 years, Dr. Choy has trained countless healthcare professionals and shared her personal strategies for success at different venues throughout the United States. She is the Director of Pharmacy Practice for the New York State Council of Health-System Pharmacists. She has been recognized with some of the most prestigious national awards for achieving excellence and exemplary service in healthcare. She has authored numerous articles and her first book, Healthcare Heroes: The Medical Careers Guide, features inspiring stories from 28 healthcare professionals and has been called “a young adult’s personal career fair.” She loves visiting schools and presenting to kids of all ages. Learn more about her at www.healthcareheroesbook.com; Twitter/Instagram @DrMaryChoy; www.facebook.com/healthcareheroesbook

Michele B. Kaufman Bio:

Michele B. Kaufman is a doctor of pharmacy and medical writer who lives in New York City. She is a Pharmacist at NewYork Presbyterian Hospital Lower Manhattan, where she evaluates ordered medications to ensure patients have the best outcomes. Dr. Kaufman has authored over 300 articles and was a contributing editor for P&T and Formulary Journal for many years. She is also a patent-holder for pineapple-flavored Colyte. She is the recipient of prestigious awards for her significant contribution to clinical pharmacy practice and the medical literature. She co-authored Healthcare Heroes: The Medical Careers Guide, to demystify the diverse group of healthcare professionals who comprise the modern healthcare team. She plays the saxophone and has played at Lincoln Center and Carnegie Hall. Learn more about her at www.healthcareheroesbook.com; Twitter @PharmDGuru; www.facebook.com/healthcareheroesbook

• Listen at Voice America Network, Empowerment Channel: https://www.voiceamerica.com/episode/124329/health-heroes-with-dr-mary-choy-and-dr-michele-kaufman

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LionsHeart Podcast: Lions Heart Podcast interviews Cynthia Brian about Be the Star You Are! charity and volunteerism. Tune in. Episode #39 Inspirational, motivational, informational. https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/toby-talk-all-things-teens-and-volunteering/id1434233808?mt=2&uo=4

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[democratsunited-blog]

ALS sufferer using last breaths to help Democrats win

https://uniteddemocrats.net/?p=7500

ALS sufferer using last breaths to help Democrats win

(CNN) – It isn’t easy for Ady Barkan to raise his right fist anymore, but he’s been doing it a lot lately.

Diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, an incurable neurodegenerative disease better known as ALS or Lou Gehrig’s disease, 34-year-old Barkan is a progressive activist who has spent the past two years fighting the GOP’s 2017 tax bill and trying to help Democrats take back Congress.

From his wheelchair in Minneapolis last month, Barkan addressed a crowd of hundreds.

“I am willing to give my last breath to save our democracy,” he said. “And I’m here to ask you: What are you willing to give?”

Getting his message out

According to Barkan, his voice is getting weaker every month, but that hasn’t stopped him from being a vocal supporter for Democratic candidates in swing districts across the country.

He recently released an advertisement endorsing Danny O’Connor, a Democrat running for Congress in Ohio’s 12th District, called “This dying father has a message for Ohio voters” — and Barkan’s PAC purchased $100,000 worth of airtime to broadcast it.

“I was shocked when the Republicans in Congress proposed a tax bill that would take away my health care to fund tax cuts for billionaires,” he says in the ad. “Your family and my family are going to pay the price, so now I’m asking you to be a hero.”

Barkan told CNN he created the ad because Ohio’s upcoming special election will be seen as a sign of what to expect in November’s midterm election.

It’s also another election, and with 23 seats needed for Democrats to take back the House, every race matters, he said.

This is only the latest effort from Barkan’s Be a Hero Fund, a project of the Center for Popular Democracy that focuses on electing Democratic candidates who will protect health care programs like Medicare, Medicaid and the Affordable Care Act.

The fund created a similar ad campaign in April to influence a special election in Arizona, and Barkan said his team hopes to run advertisements in other districts before the midterm election.

“I just want people to know that their future is in their hands and our democracy is what we make of it,” he said.

Mobilizing Democrats across the country

Last month, Barkan embarked on a six-week speaking tour from coast to coast to campaign for Democratic congressional candidates. As part of the 22-state “Be a Hero” tour, Barkan has joined forces with activists and politicians like Sens. Kamala Harris, D-California, and Elizabeth Warren, D-Massachusetts, to mobilize voters and raise awareness about health care.

“Our elected officials in D.C. are refusing to be heroes on our behalf, and I am asking Americans all across the country to be heroes by organizing their neighborhoods and co-workers and friends and family, and making sure that everyone votes in the election to preserve our health care and protect our democracy,” he said.

Barkan made headlines last year when a video of him confronting Sen. Jeff Flake, R-Arizona, at 30,000 feet on a cross-country flight surfaced on social media. In the video, Barkan asked Flake to vote against the GOP’s proposed tax-cut bill, which Barkan said would have a devastating effect on his disability payments and medical costs.

“You can be an American hero, you really can,” Barkan said on the plane. “You can save my life.”

His career as a political activist didn’t end there. Barkan was arrested on Capitol Hill less than a week later while protesting the same bill.

The tax plan passed, but Republican leaders did agree to prevent a $25 billion cut to Medicare, a cut Barkan had aggressively protested.

Fighting for a future he won’t see

In an Op-Ed he wrote for CNN last year, Barkan said he never imagined he would be in this position.

“A year ago, I was healthy, taking morning runs on the California coast and looking forward to a new life with my newborn son, Carl,” he wrote.

Barkan was diagnosed with ALS in October 2016, when his son was 4 months old.

“My wife and I, it felt like we had the perfect life until that moment, and it’s obviously been very difficult and very sad that I won’t have as much time with my son as I would like,” Barkan said.

Now, he says he is using what years he has left to fight for democracy and to make the world a better place for his son.

The road ahead

Barkan has a busy few weeks ahead as he finishes his speaking tour August 12.

After stops in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, D.C. and Delaware last week, his next events are in New York, where he will speak alongside gubernatorial candidate Cynthia Nixon and with Democratic congressional candidate Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

Although it’s becoming more difficult as his illness progresses, Barkan said he will continue giving speeches until he is no longer able.

To his followers on Twitter, he has made one thing clear: “I may be dying, but I’m definitely not going quietly.”

Copyright 2018 by CNN NewSource. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Read full story here

[unassumingvenusaur]

So, hey! Aaages ago I claimed Cynthia/Kjelle, and I did end up submitting it, but it was right in the middle of the Floranslaught (Floravalanche? Florapalooza?) so it might’ve gotten lost? And then I got kinda nervous so I didn’t submit it again for a while;; But here it is now!

A note: I based this on the idea of them both having fangirls. For Cynthia, that’s revealed in her Inigo C support. But for Kjelle, I first read it in the trivia section of one of the wikis, but when I skimmed through her supports, I couldn’t seem to figure out where it was revealed in the text? It’s (hopefully) not too implausible anyway, though - Fire Emblem certainly seems to take the view that all girls are really gay for butch girls in general, anyway. :P

C Support

(“Eeee! It’s her! It’s really her!”)

Cynthia: Hehe, hey girls! Back again today, huh?

(“We love you, Cynthia!!”)

Kjelle: *enters* …Cynthia.

Cynthia: Hey, Kjelle! Come here to train, too? We should team up!

Kjelle: I did. But there’s a more pressing issue right now…

Cynthia: What do you mean?

(“Oh Gods! It’s Kjelle too! I knew we’d see her!!”)

Kjelle: …what, precisely, are all these girls doing here?

Cynthia: Ahah, well… I guess I kinda tend to get a lot of fan mail, from place to place?

Kjelle: As do I.

Cynthia: Ooh, I thought so!

Cynthia: Well, anyway, since we’re camped pretty close to a city this time, I guess word got ‘round!

Cynthia: So, they’re here to see us!

(“They’re talking!! I can’t hear, what are they saying?!”)

Kjelle: They’re certainly…enthusiastic.

Cynthia: Haha, yeah…

Cynthia: But, don’t you think it might be kinda fun, actually? We could show them all our coolest moves!!

Cynthia: Having such an immediate audience could really help me work on my poses!

Kjelle: …I really don’t care about that at all. Having so many people gathered around is quite tiresome.

Kjelle: But if they’re going to be watching anyone, it’s probably better that they’re watching us.

Kjelle: They’ll be able to learn what true strength looks like.

Cynthia: Exactly! The opportunity we have to inspire all of these girls is amazing!

Cynthia: So, what do you say? Work-out buddies?! Kjelle: …just this once.

Cynthia: Yay!

B Support

(“Is Kjelle here yet? I really hope we see her again today…”)

Kjelle: *enters* Cynthia.

Cynthia: Hey girls! We’re both back here again!

(“They’re standing together!! They’re so gorgeous I can’t breathe…”)

Kjelle: …over the past few days I’ve noticed something.

Kjelle: These girls… aren’t interested in our training at all.

(“Cynthia’s so cute, she’s a perfect partner to a cool girl like Kjelle!”)

Cynthia: Hm?

Cynthia: Oh, I guess not. They’re more interested in the two of us, really!

Kjelle: *sigh*

(“Are they fighting?! I don’t think my heart could take that…”)

(“But they’re so perfect together! They must be a couple!”)

Kjelle: …wait, what was that?

Cynthia: Ehe, they’ve really gotten into it!

Cynthia: Hey girls! Having fun over there?!

(“Ahh, She’s talking to us!! You guys are totally dating, right?!”)

(“Kiss her! Kiss her!!”)

(“Kiss!” “Kiss!” “Kiss!”)

Kjelle: What?! There’s no-

Kjelle: Mmph!

Cynthia: *kisssss*

(“Oh Gods! Oh gods!! They’re kissing!!! CynKjelle is real!!!”)

(“This is the greatest day of my life!!!”)

Kjelle: Mf- Cynthia! You’re coming with me. Now.

Cynthia: That’s right, girls! If you work hard and always keep up the fight for justice, you too could meet the girl of your dreams!!

*scene transition*

Kjelle: Cynthia. What the seven hells was that?!

Cynthia: Huh? I just…

Kjelle: Encourage your own annoying fangirls all you want, but I have no interest whatsoever in taking part.

Cynthia: Oh… oh! Oh Gods… I’m so sorry!

Cynthia: I just got so caught up in the moment… I didn’t think at all! Kjelle: No. You didn’t.

Cynthia: I’m sorry… I promise I won’t do that again!

Kjelle: See to it.

*Kjelle leaves*

Cynthia: Oh man…

A Support

Kjelle: *enters* Cynthia.

Cynthia: Ack!!

(*crash*)

Kjelle: …are you done?

Cynthia: Sorry, you just… startled me.

Kjelle: You’ve been avoiding me.

Kjelle: And considering how loud you always are, it’s pretty obvious.

Cynthia: Oh…sorry.

Cynthia: I just still feel so bad for what I did before. I should never have kissed you without asking you first.

Cynthia: It was an awful violation of your boundaries. It’s not what a hero would do.

Kjelle: Hm? I don’t care about that at all.

Cynthia: You – what?

Kjelle: Oh, please. I’m not some wilting farm girl. I’ve faced attacks from some of the crudest and most brutal enemies known to Ylisse.

Kjelle: I can handle one single little kiss.

Cynthia: Oh. Then…what were you mad about?

Kjelle: I was mad that you drew me in to your silly, unnecessary sideshow!

Kjelle: I was willing to tolerate those girls as long as they might be able to learn what a proper soldier looks like.

Kjelle: But they have no interest in that whatsoever. Only the stupid fantasies of weaklings.

Cynthia: …is that what you really think about them?

Kjelle: Yes. They are weak. I am not going to encourage that.

Cynthia: Don’t say that about them.

Kjelle: What?

Cynthia: Call them annoying, or silly, or invasive, or loud, or whatever else. But don’t call them weak.

Cynthia: I mean, what do you expect them to do? Just conjure up a suit of armour and single-handedly enlist on the spot?!

Cynthia: These girls are just villagers, y'know?! They don’t have the money for that!

Cynthia: Not to mention, like, families! Even children! And farm stuff to take care of!

Cynthia: They haven’t got time to spend six hours a day doing push-ups, or whatever it is you do every morning!

Cynthia: They watch us because we give them a glimpse into the life they could lead. The heroes they want to be, but can’t.

Kjelle: …you know an awful lot about them.

Cynthia: Yeah. Because they’re the people we’re trying to protect, you know?

Cynthia: What’s the point of all this if we’re not actually helping people or making the world a better place?

Cynthia: Working to make peoples’ lives better… And serving as an inspiration to keep everyone’s spirits high…

Cynthia: That’s what I mean by 'true strength’.

Kjelle: …I have to admit, I didn’t expect this from you. I admired your ability in battle, but I never knew you had this fierceness in you.

Cynthia: Well, yeah. I know you think it’s silly, but being a hero of justice… that’s what it means to me, deep down.

Kjelle: I underestimated you. I apologise.

Kjelle: And… I will concede that you have a point. I…may have been too harsh, earlier.

Cynthia: Well, I got someone to shoo them away, so you won’t have to deal with them any more, anyway. No more yelling, no more training buddies.

Kjelle: I’m very grateful for the former.

Kjelle: But I see no reason why we can’t continue to train together, on our own.

Cynthia: Really?! Hehe, yay!

S Support

Cynthia: Hey Kjelle! Ready to begin our morning training?!

Cynthia: Ooh, you look mad already. Meet some dumb boy on the way? Kjelle: Not this time. Ugh, on my morning run I happened to see another one of those fangirls.

Cynthia: Oh no! What’d she say?

Kjelle: She was just sad that I wasn’t with you, actually.

Cynthia: Aww, hehe! It’s probably a good thing they don’t know we’re still training together, huh…

Kjelle: Absolutely. Honestly – I can understand why they would look up to us individually.

Kjelle: But why this fixation on the two of us as a couple?! Cynthia: Heh, well… it probably means different things to different girls. Cynthia: But, um… For a lot of them, I’d probably say… it’s that they themselves have a girl they have a crush on.

Cynthia: And by watching us, they can imagine what it’d be like to be with their crush… And know that it’s possible…

Kjelle: Tch. More pointlessness.

Cynthia: …

Cynthia: I wanted to ask you something.

Kjelle: Go ahead.

Cynthia: Why do you think romance is pointless?

Kjelle: I don’t.

Cynthia: It’s really just another – wait, really?!

Kjelle: Yes. As I said before – I’m not a blushing maiden. There are people I like and people I don’t, like anyone else.

Kjelle: And I have no objection to finding a partner to spend my life with, as long as they are worthy.

Cynthia: So…

Kjelle: What I find pointless is projecting your own feelings onto totally unrelated people.

Kjelle: If you like someone, just tell them. Moping around isn’t going to do anything at all.

Cynthia: …

Cynthia: …okay.

Cynthia: All right then. In that case…

Cynthia: Kjelle, I like you!

Cynthia: You’re totally cool and strong, without even trying to be like I’m always doing!

Cynthia: Even if I must seem childish to you, I’m always really pleased when I can impress you or make you smile!

Cynthia: When I kissed you back then, I did it because of the heat of the moment. But also because I really, really wanted to kiss you!

Cynthia: So – go out with me!

Kjelle: Heh. Good work.

Kjelle: I accept.

Cynthia: !! Really?!

Kjelle: Yes. You are an adept soldier – I know how much strength it takes to keep yourself on those pegasus steeds, and how much skill to fight there.

Kjelle: You are the least cowardly person I have ever met. Almost to a fault.

Kjelle: But… you are honest and determined. You never give up. I have always admired that.

Cynthia: O-oh wow… I never thought I’d hear you say something so nice to me…! Kjelle: It’s just the truth. I couldn’t deny it.

Cynthia: Hehe… Wow, who’d have thought those girls would become right about us being together, after all?

Kjelle: Ugh.

Cynthia: Don’t worry – we don’t have to tell them. Just being with you is enough for me!

Cynthia: But… well, I can’t say I can blame them, at this point. We make a pretty sweet couple!

Kjelle: Now that I can agree with!

Ending text:

Cynthia never gave up on becoming a hero and traveled the land in the name of justice. Kjelle joined her as her shield, and together their names  were spoken throughout the land - especially by women.