#*saints legacy

[flipjack]

Olivia Wilde at Paris Fashion Week

[duusheen]

Businesswoman

[averlym]

litany of the martyrs (click for better resolution!)

[a-spacecadet]

Harriet, star actress~ ⋆｡°✩

(She’s playing Glinda the Good Witch! 🫧)

[oldtvandcomics]

Compound Fracture is a Book About History and Legacy

Finally finished Compound Fracture by Andrew Joseph White. There is A LOT that this book has got going for it, but what sticks out the most to me is just how heavy it is with history.

It's something that you see a lot in Black fiction, this emphasis on ancestry and family heritage. Black Panther (2018), to name the example that everyone knows, or if we are at queer horror novels, Virginia Black's Consecrated Ground. Both a very much about family, about the land the family has ties to, and about the new generation's responsibilities to carry on this legacy. I haven't really seen it in white fiction before, at least not US American white fiction.

I especially have not seen it in queer fiction before.

Queer fiction deals a lot with alienation from the family. Characters either get kicked out, leave on their own free will, or have this strong feeling of alienation hanging over their heads. There is no connection to the past. Even the ones who are on good terms with their families, like the movie Runs In The Family (2023), which is genuinely one of the best father-son relationships I have ever seen ANYWHERE, are very much stuck in the present. You can be on good terms with a parent, or sibling, or grandparent, even your extended family, but the previous generations remain silent. The ones who manage to find queer role models within their family do so within someone who is still alive.

And, well, that's all of us, isn't it, doing whatever research into queer history we can however we can (word of mouth on the Internet, mostly), looking for people who might have been like us, but it's still so uncertain, and also, given the nature of the Internet, the names we find are from some random corner of the world that is pretty much never ours. It's Silas in The Spirit Bares Its Teeth latching on to James Barry, because who else is there?

Compound Fracture is all about legacy, and that legacy goes back four generations. It is no wonder that Miles' main Special Interest is history, it's the major theme of the book: How systems of power and oppression get passed down from one generation to the other, how everyone is basically a child caught in the sins of their parents, doomed to repeat it, over and over again. How the ones in power have the possibility to rewrite history, and use it to erase people they don't like, or simply don't care about, and how it takes conscious work and effort to preserve their memory.

And in the middle of it all, a revolutionary, a true role model, not from some random other place, but from Miles' own family. A figure he can look up to, a figure he can admire, a figure whose life and deeds still influence his everyday reality a hundred years later.

A figure he has pretty solid proof to have been a gay trans man.

Silas in The Spirit Bares Its Teeth already had this connection over time with Barry, but that was still quite distant, in that it was completely parasocial. Silas may have seen himself in many ways as Barry's spiritual successor, and he may have even been right, but there was no direct connection between them. If James Barry's consciousness still exists in that world, as a ghost or whatever, then he is pretty guaranteed not to know of Silas' existence. Like, why would he. But with Miles and Compound Fracture, Andrew Joseph White goes this one step further. There IS a direct link between him and Saint Abernathy. Saint Abernathy DOES exist in this book in the form of a ghost, and he DOES care about Miles, and he DOES make it abundantly clear that he is proud of him. Looking further, at the symbolism, it becomes clear that Miles is Saint's heir, and that he is worthy of that role.

I'm pretty sure that every queer person has dreamt of a similar situation regarding members of their own family before. Just knowing that there was someone would be amazing. But to have the founder of your family share your exact identity? To have a sign that they would be proud of you??

Yeah.

As I said, Compound Fracture is a very good book with many strong themes and consequently many reasons why it will appeal to a reader. But this weight of history and legacy are definitely going to be one of the major reasons. I think that we are all secretly STARVED for this kind of queer story.

[sweetreveriee]

I wanna read games untold but it’s so hard for me to get past that night in Prague cause I DO NOT CARE FOR AVERYJAMESON JUST TELL ME WHAT HAPPENED IN PRAGUE

[think-like-a-poet]

Continue the legacy Pt 1

Leclerc son x Verstappen daughter

masterlist

WC: 1,5 K

A/N: First Chapter. I promise that it gets better with time as we still have to come to the better part. This is some background information. Please let me know what you think. <3

2028

As Max crosses the finish line in first place, a wave of euphoria washes over the entire Red Bull garage. The sound of cheers and applause echoes through the pit lane, with crew members rushing to congratulate the newly crowned five-time world champion. GP's voice comes through Max's earphones, "Max Verstappen, you are a five-time world champion! What a phenomenal achievement!" 

As Max drives around the track, he takes a moment to soak in the adoration of his team and the crowd. He looks around at the sea of faces, taking in the sheer joy and elation that are palpable in the air. "Thank you all for this great season," he says, his voice filled with gratitude. "The car was incredible, and each and every one of you has worked tirelessly to get us to this point. I'm so grateful to have had such an amazing team behind me."

As he continues to speak, his emotions become more raw and heartfelt. "Since the start of this season, I've felt like I've been on top of the world. The team has been so supportive and kind to me, and it means the world to me. This is an incredible way to end my career, and I'm so grateful to have been able to share it with all of you." The team erupts in applause once again.

Max parks his car at Parc ferme behind the number 1 board. Next to him were Charles Leclerc and Lando Norris, the two of his friends and newly world champions themselves. Standing on top of his car with five fingers in the air before running towards his team and launching himself on them. His mechanics ruffle his hair and give him pats on his back. 

Later on the podium, he stands on the top step, his face looking into the crowd. He sees his wife and daughters smiling up at him with proud faces. Well, Sofie wasn't really showing emotion because she was only a couple of months old, but Penelope was clapping with joy. For the last time, the Dutch anthem would be played for him.

As the Austrian anthem ended and the trophies were given to the three drives, champagne was flying around the place. Lando and Charles have made it their mission to shower the Dutch in the sticky liquid and celebrate his last podium. 

"Congratulations, mate." Charles pats his friend on the back before setting his champagne bottle down. 

"We are grateful that you let us win these last three years." Lando adds. 

"No problem. Sharing is caring." Max jokes and the other two drivers laugh in response.

As they settle in for the post-race interview, the three drivers are seated comfortably in front of a backdrop of gleaming trophies and team logos. Max sits in the middle, flanked by Charles to his left and Lando to his right. 

"Max, congrats on your fifth world champion and probably your last one as you retire from racing. Can I ask what your reason for your decision was?" 

"Firstly, thank you for your congrats. My decision to retire came from myself. At the beginning of this year, my daughter was born and I love to be able to spend time with her and the rest of my family. With racing, you are always all over the world and training and I don't think I can live with the fact that I am not home enough." The other people in the room listen intently, their faces sympathetic. On the sidelines, Max's family had been watching the interview, but his youngest daughter, who had been quietly observing from her mother's lap, suddenly began to cry. Her mother quickly whisked her away to a private area, trying to comfort the distressed child. 

"Charles, you're a father too, do you have any plans on retiring soon?" the interviewer asks, turning to the Ferrari driver.

Charles picks up his microphone and thinks a bit before speaking. "At this moment not. Of course, I have some years of racing behind me, so time will tell when I quit. Jules is a year and a half right now and I try to be there as much as I can." The man on the other side nods and thanks them both for their answers. 

"I don't really have plans on retiring. Thank you for asking," Lando jokes in a lighthearted tone, trying to lighten the mood. "Just being an uncle for now," Charles adds with a chuckle. Max laughs along with him, grateful for the distraction from his own emotional revelation.

Another person stands up to ask a question. "Max, is there already a person who is going to take your seat?"

"I don't think that is my place to tell. Just wait for the announcement." He sounds a bit annoyed at the end of his answer and the person just nods and doesn't ask any further. 

"Lando, you were champions last year, do you think you will be again with Max leaving?"

"Max is a great driver, it is no surprise he wins."

"I think that is a negative way to ask this question."

The interview went on some more, asking about the race and plans for the summer break. Max felt a bit sad knowing that this was his last time. but thoughts about his family made him know that it was the right decision.

"As the last question, Would you support it if your child chose to be a racing driver?" The three friends look between them to pick out who would answer first and Max just nods. 

"Of course. If Penelope or Sofie want to start racing, I can help them both. I take P karting sometimes with her father and she always likes it. I don't know if she wants to do it professionally, and time will tell for Sofie."

After Max puts his mic down, Lando starts. "I don't have a child now, but of course I will. Dreams are made to come true, and I support them in all of their decisions. If it is racing or not."

"As Lando said, dreams are made to be true. If Jules wants to do karting, I take him karting." They wrap up the interview and leave the room.

▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄ ▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄▀▄

Later, when Max is back home in Monaco, he enters the apartment with Sofie in his arm. "Home sweet home." He places a kiss on her forehead and puts her in the crib next to the couch.

"Can we have pizza for dinner?' Penelope asks as she goes to sit on the couch. Max looks at his wife for approval and she smiles and responds. 

"Of course we can. What kind do you want?" Just when P wants to answer, her sister starts to cry and move around in her crib. 

Later, when Max is back home in Monaco, he enters the apartment with Sofie in his arm, relieved to be back after the busy season. The familiar sight of their living room brings a sense of comfort as he softly whispers, "Home sweet home," planting a loving kiss on Sofie's forehead before carefully laying her down in the crib next to the couch.

Penelope eagerly plops down on the couch and asks, "Can we have pizza for dinner?" Max glances at his wife, a grin tugging at his lips, seeking her approval. Kelly replies, "Of course we can. What kind do you want?" Penelope's eyes light up with excitement as she begins to rattle off her favorite toppings.

However, the rattle is interrupted by the little girl, who starts to cry and wriggle in her crib. Max and Kelly exchange a knowing glance, immediately springing into action to tend to their baby girl's needs. Max gently scoops her up, cradling her in his arms as he softly hums a soothing tune while Kelly prepares a bottle. The apartment is filled with the soft murmur of comforting words and the gentle rustle of a diaper change.

As the night progresses, the family gathers around the dining table, with different kinds of pizza laid out before them. Sofie, now content and snug in her high chair, beams up at her family, her innocent giggles adding to the joyous ambiance.

"My mom wants to know if we are coming for Christmas." Max points out between his bites. 

"I want to see Luka and Lio," P says.

"We can spend Christmas in the Netherlands and the New Year with my family." Kelly says. Max nods and lets his mother know that they will be there. 

After dinner, Penelope starts to get ready for bed after an exhausting day. Max and Kelly take a seat on their couch, ready to watch a movie, before heading off to bed. Sofie had been put in the crib in the master bedroom to not get interrupted from her sleep. The two cats jump on top of the couch and nestle against their dad as he gives them pats over their heads. The night went on and the couple drifted of to sleep on the couch

In the apartment not far from theirs, Charles enters his own. His wife quickly walks up and kisses him, their dog follows behind her. "Bonsoir, chérie. " Charles kisses the top of Alex head and kneels down to pet Leo.

"Jules is sleeping, I was just waiting for you." He smiles and walks over to the baby room. Jules was sleeping in a little Ferrari sleeping suit. Charles walks over and presses a soft kiss on his head, careful not to wake him up.

"Lets get to bed."

[gabbileonisonhere]

| meet updated Benjamin Saint and China Mckinght <3

[acecroft]

I never said that it was.

[antirepurp]

i keep finding fascination in the way maria is portrayed in-universe and also in meta sense, especially the latter, because so often she gets depicted as a kind of saint or an angel or god forbid a martyr, and the palatable things about her like her kindness and "inherent" goodness get focused on. it makes her character less about who she was and more about her death i think, and i get it she wasn't intended to be much more than that. her purpose was to be shadow's driving motivation in sa2 and that's fine sometimes you need characters like that when you're telling a story. but in the wider sense it becomes kind of twisted.

like you're a terminally ill teenager. you've been quarantined onto a space ship to buy you some time, and you're surrounded by people who coddle you and tell you not to do things and have your blood taken and shit. whatever normalcy you used to have is long gone and every day you come to better terms with your own mortality, or you don't think about it, whatever gets you through. you have good days when you almost feel like there's nothing wrong with you, and days when you can't get out of bed and your body aches and you feel like today might be the day you finally die

you are kind. you've been as good of a person as a child could have been so far. but you're also tired and angry and frustrated and bored. you have barely any meaningful social connections outside of your grandfather, and maybe one or two kids you run into on occasion who are younger than you and could never truly process the kind of life you're living. you are 16 and living in a hospital gown, sick of being treated like inspiration porn when you do normal things without showing your pain. you are the furthest thing from an angel. you don't want to be seen as anything comparable to an angel

you are kind and there's so much love in your heart, enough that you take a bullet for the brother who was created for you. but would you have done it if you had known how much it were to strip you from your humanity down the line?

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Always Praying

praying at all times with all prayer and petition in the Spirit, and to this end, being on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints, — Ephesians 6:18 | Legacy Standard Bible (LSB) Legacy Standard Bible Copyright ©2021 by The Lockman Foundation. All rights reserved. Managed in partnership with Three Sixteen Publishing Inc. Cross References: Mark 13:33; Luke 18:1; Acts 1:14; Romans 8:26; Philippians 4:6; Colossians 1:3-4

Read full chapter

Praying in the Spirit: A sermon on Ephesians 6:18

[simplyamazingsims]

Fletcher Household Update

I've updated Saint, his now Fiance Amber and baby Anari 🥺🥰

[4ever2000lover]

flirt / harassment

[craigpetersennz]

Had a great convention at Vic Freak in Vic, Barcelona, Spain this weekend! I turned several of my Yori: Hidden artworks into postcards and I think they ended up looking pretty nice!

I also made a couple of additional postcards of some art I did of LadyDevimon from Digimon and an older Mass Effect piece of Garrus Vakarian.

I created some A4 prints especially for the con of Bulma from Dragon Ball (an Akira homage) and The Ghoul / Coop from the Fallout TV series. These were very fun to make!

Lastly, I revised some old art of mine that I still like of Jun from Gatchaman / Battle of the Planets and Hyoga and Seiya from Saint Seiya / Knights of the Zodiac.

[simspaghetti]

Time for a Blossom family tree update! 🌳

You can view a more extensive version of the tree here, which includes Elliot's other relatives along with ex-partners etc...

The template can be found here by sterinasims :)

[afterlife-2004]

Reminds me of “The World Was Wide Enough”, a song from the musical, Hamilton!