#5) use local play to visit and take these oranges

[thesaintelectric]

i love how my therapist taught me coping mechanisms for social interaction or whatever but instead im formulating a 5 step plan to get oranges in animal crossing

[lostitude]

Sims 4 Rainbow Siblings Challenge

Sims 4 Rainbow Siblings Challenge Rules

This isn't a rule, but it can be really fun to incorporate your sim's color into both their appearance, clothes and house/room!

Money cheats are not allowed, although you can use the "freerealestate on" for building.

No other cheats are allowed except exclusively building related ones (bb.moveobjects on).

Your sims must all live together in one house, they can only move out when they complete all their goals (or get married).

You may not use mods to exceed the 8 sim max (remember to leave room for a pet since it is required to complete yellow's aspiration).

Lifespan can be set to anything (short, normal, long, etc).

Use the #sims4rainbowsiblings to show off your challenge!

SIBLING 1 - RED

The color red describes burning emotions such as anger, passion, ambition, desire, and more. Growing up, your anger and impulsiveness got you in trouble, constantly ending up in the principals office or being scolded by your parents. When your siblings and you moved out, you began to work out and prank other, wanting nothing more than to hurt others as they hurt you. Despite your initial beliefs, something led you to a change of heart in which you joined the military and became a General, using your anger to help rather than hurt others.

Traits: Hot-Headed, Romantic, Ambitious

Aspiration: Serial Romantic

Career: Military - Officer

Goals

Must max fitness, mischief, and charisma skills

Reach level 10 of Military Officer Career

Must complete aspiration.

After completing the aspiration, your sim must marry a colleague met at work.

Sim (or their significant other) gets pregnant and quits their job to focus on family. 

╰── ⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅ ──╯

SIBLING 2: ORANGE

Orange represents energy, charisma, and laughter, all these traits are present in you. You love making new friends and the feeling you get when you make others laugh, therefore you do everything you can to do it. When you realize you could earn money from making people laugh, you immediately jump on the bandwagon. After marrying a famous celebrity, your popularity only rose further and you became a well known comedian.

Traits: Goofball, Clumsy, Outgoing

Aspiration: Joke Star

Career: Entertainer - Comedian 

Goals

Must max comedy, charisma, and acting skills.

Reach level 10 of Comedian career. 

Must complete aspiration.

Marry a 3 star celebrity.

╰── ⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅ ──╯

SIBLING 3: YELLOW

Yellow is a color reminiscent of happiness, warmth and sunshine, and you do not fall short of embodying these traits. From a young age you loved animals, dogs, cats, hamsters, everything! All you wanted to do growing up was to become a vet and spend every day of your life caring for animals, and so you did. Aside from running a 5 Star Vet and playing with your pet, you love donating to charity and volunteering.

Traits: Good, Cat Lover, Dog Lover

Aspiration: Friend of the Animals 

Career: Veterinarian

Goals

Must max pet training, veterinarian, and charisma skills. 

Complete aspiration. 

Own a 5 star vet 

Marry a customer within 3 days of meeting them (they must have a pet)

Divorce this customer and keep the pet. 

Adopt 2 more pets. 

Move in with blue sibling. 

╰── ⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅ ──╯

SIBLING 4: GREEN

You love everything green in nature, from plants to bustling forests you feel at home in the wilderness. You take frequent trips to granite falls to assess the local plants and flowers. You love spending your free time caring for your garden and making bouquets out of the flowers you grow. You desire to one day move to a house inside a forest, maybe even a tree house, but who knows if that will come true...

Traits:  Loves outdoors, Green fiend, Freegan

Aspiration: Freelance Botanist

Career: Gardner - Botanist 

Goals

Must max gardening, flower arranging, and herbalism skills. 

Must complete aspiration.

Reach level 10 of Botanist career. 

Visit Granite Falls every day off.

╰── ⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅ ──╯

SIBLING 5: BLUE

The color blue represents your calming and responsible nature. Some may describe you as depressed or "down", but you try your best to get work done despite that. You deal with your sadness by writing, ever since you were a kid you wrote books about everything from your daily life to stories of long lost dragons. Now that you're grown up, you desire to become a bestselling author who can inspire other kids to write their feelings away.

Traits: Gloomy, Bookworm, Loner

Aspiration: Bestselling Author 

Career: Writer - Author 

Goals

Must max writing, logic, and photography skills. 

Reach level 10 of Author career. 

Complete aspiration. 

Write an award winning book. 

Move in with yellow sibling. 

╰── ⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅ ──╯

SIBLING 6: PURPLE

Luxury, wealth and success are all words to describe both the color purple and you. Second place was never an option for you, especially if you wanted to life a life of luxury. Despite your never-ending riches and successful career, you find an absence in your life. You try to fill it with romance, but quickly realize people only want you for your money. Instead, your try giving back to the world by adopting 2 kids, in doing so you begin to reconnect with a childhood friend, one who knows nothing of your wealth but talks to you anyways...

Traits: Materialistic, Snob, High Matinence 

Aspiration: Fabulously wealthy 

Career: Doctor

Goals

Must max logic, handiness, and violin.  

Reach level 10 of Doctor career. 

Complete aspiration.

Marry a gold digger but then divorce them. 

Adopt 2 kids. 

Get married to your childhood friend. 

╰── ⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅ ──╯

SIBLING 7: PINK

Romance, kindness, love, these traits are all associated with the color pink, luckily everything about you is also pink. You love to be the center of attention, but you don't actively try to be, rather, your cheerful nature draws other to you. You never felt like any career suited you, but after your friend told you that you should be a YouTuber you decided to try it. You immediately fell in love with content creation and started making daily vlogs and dancing videos, gaining fame quickly. But after finding out the person you were dating was cheating on you, fans from both sides lashed out at the two of you. You had always had a crush on their best friend, but can you manage to keep a good reputation while also following your love instincts?

Traits: Childish, Cheerful, Romantic 

Aspiration: Soulmate

Career: Style Influencer - Trend Setter

Goals

Must max charisma, media production, and dancing skills. 

Reach level 10 of Trend Setter Career. 

Complete aspiration. 

Become a 3 star celebrity. 

Date a famous e-sports gamer but break up with them. 

Date your ex’s rival and get married.

╰── ⋅ ⋅ ── ✩ ── ⋅ ⋅ ──╯

[online-delivery-12]

The Benefits Of Incorporating Fresh Fruits and Vegetables into Your Diet

In this fast forward life, how often do we think of taking a break in our day to day activities to have a fruit?

In this hasty lifestyle, we tend to forget to take time out to visit a nearby market and buy fresh fruits and vegetables

This Blog talks about what fruits and vegetables tends to offer when we include them into our diet.

These food items have uncountable benefits like boosting your immunity, help in weight reduction and reducing the risk to chronic diseases.

So, let us dive into the world of nutrition and find out how these food items can make a way to a healthier lifestyle.

Benefits Of Incorporating Fruits and Vegetables

1.Boosting Immunity

Accepting Fruits and vegetables in your daily meal can make your immunity stronger. They contain Vitamin and specifically Vitamin C that plays an important role in boosting your immunity system.

Oranges, dragon fruits, broccoli, amla are such fruits and vegetables that contain the most amount of Vitamin-C. It gives body a shield from all the diseases.

2. Reducing Risk to Diseases

Fruits and vegetables give your body defenders, which defends the body from all the chronic diseases like heart problems and cancer. So, fruit and vegetable create a protective barrier for our well being.

3. Improves Digestion

It is often said that the way to your heart leads through your stomach. So, to feel happy your stomach needs to feel happy too.

Fruits and vegetables contain fibres which helps in digestion and make sure that you do not overeat. Also avoids constipation.

4.Weight Management

Fruits and Vegetables are best way to keep your weight in check they have a wonderful sweet taste with low calories which is better than processed sugar items. Also helps to control appetite. They are healthy snacks that keep you satisfied and make it easier to stay at a good weight.

5. Stay Hydrated

Most of the fruits contains 85% or more water content which contributes to your daily hydration needs. Staying fully hydrated is very necessary for your body to fully function properly and perform daily activities. Cucumber watermelon oranges are some examples of tasty water filled snacks.

6. Mental Health

 Fruits and vegetables contain elements which promote brain function, reduce stress and enhance mood. It is like giving your brain a friendly hug to keep you smiling. It gives your brain a boost for positive mindset.

7.Healthy Hair and Skin

Fruits and vegetables keep your skin and hair healthy. They have special vitamins that make your skin glow and hair super strong. Plus, fruits with lots of water keep your skin moisturize, making both your hair and skin feel great.

8. Eat for the Heart

Fruits and vegetables reduce cholesterol levels, stops your blood pressure from getting too high and keeps your heart feeling super happy. So, when you enjoy and eat them, it is like giving your heart a big friendly hug.

9. Keep it Simple and Yummy

A huge variety of recipes are available which includes fruits and vegetables into your diet from salads to vibrant smoothies, the versatility of fruits and vegetables allows creative and delicious meals that make healthy eating yummy for your tummy. Every Meal can be a little celebration.

10. Environment Friendly

When you Choose local and fresh you are doing a favor to your body as well as to the environment. Plant based diets generally use fewer resources promoting sustainable farming. Opting for this eco-friendly choice contributes to a healthier planet, preserving water, reducing pollution, and supporting environmentally responsible agricultural practices.

So, to wrap up our journey because fresh fruits and vegetables are your pals for a fantastic life!

These little wonders are not just good for you; they are your partner in building a better brighter you. By munching on these delicious goodies, you are not just doing yourself a favor you are being a friend to the planet. Think each bite as a ticket to a world of health benefits.

So, whether you are having a crispy carrot or savoring the sweetness of a peach, remember you are not just eating you are making a choice for a vibrant life.

Let every meal be colorful, celebration and goodness that nature serves up on your plate. Here’s to a world filled with vibrant health and joyful munching! Where every bite leads to healthy Lifestyle.

But what if you want fresh fruits and vegetables delivered at your doorsteps

The best solution to this problem is the VegEase app. They provide doorstep delivery and the products are at an unbeatable price. This app is very friendly to your wallet. Visit the VegEase app now to cherish the goodness.

[naturecoaster]

Insider's Guide to the 27th Annual Kumquat Festival on January 27, 2024

Known as the family-friendly alternative to Tampa's Gasparilla Festival, Dade City's Annual Kumquat Festival offers a more relaxing event with great vendor shopping, homespun talent, an amazing car show, and activities to satisfy all ages! Best of all, it is free to attend and shows off a community's dedication to its little orange citrus fruit, the kumquat. Have you ever tasted kumquat pie? Kumquat beer? Kumquat wine? Kumquat jelly? How about the little orange fruit that is both sweet and sour at the same time? Whether your answer is yes or no, you will want to attend the 27th Annual Kumquat Festival for all the best in kumquat fun, food, and finery. It's time to bite down and feel that delightful burst of deliciousness that is nearly as joyful as saying the word, "kumquat" is to the silly side of our lives! The 2024 Kumquat Festival will take place on Saturday, January 27, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Dade City, Florida. Vendors, activities, and entertainment will be located around Pasco County’s iconic historic courthouse.  This year's festival's headline sponsor is once again AdventHealth.  The Festival is also sponsored by the City of Dade City, among other local and regional organizations, including yours truly, NatureCoaster.com. Once again Kumquat Festival features over 350 vendors, food trucks, a classic car show, a kid's corral play area, and more. This year's event promises great shopping, as well as generating a lot of excitement from the local merchants and the City itself. Festival goers will be able to enjoy classic kumquat favorites like kumquat pie, kumquat wine, and kumquat beer, of course, but what else can you expect at the 27th Annual Kumquat Festival?  "Historic Downtown Dade City will be transformed into a gigantic marketplace focused on local businesses, hundreds of specialty vendors, dozens of partner sponsors, and the friendly, down-home, unique old Florida experience that the Annual Kumquat Festival has come to mean," says Vicki Wiggins, CEO of the Dade City Chamber of Commerce. "Join us to try all the wholesome food available including kumquat pie, kumquat salsa, and numerous kumquat recipe specialties. Shop for crafts, enjoy the art displays and visit our sponsors' section. There will be a children’s activity area, a classic car show, craft kumquat beer and wine, and lots of fun things to do," adds Melody Floyd and Jo Uber, the Dade City Chamber of Commerce's dynamic duo. Guide to the 27th Annual Kumquat Festival Today, NatureCoaster provides a behind-the-scenes guide to the 27th Annual Kumquat Festival. Learn all about kumquats and taste one at the 27th Annual Kumquat Festival. Everyone who visits may taste one of the little orange fruits that are both sweet and tart! (Unless they run out, which has never happened before...) Image courtesy of Richard K. Riley. What is a Kumquat? The little golden citrus fruit is native to China and was given as a traditional gift on New Year’s Day. Translating to “golden coins,” the kumquat represents prosperity, according to information from TV horticulturist Roger Swain. The inside is sweet, and the skin is sour. These tasty little citrus gems are eaten whole, so when you bite in a unique sensation greets your taste buds. They are great to cook with, too. There is great vendor shopping at the 27th Annual Kumquat Festival in Dade City, with 350+ vendors signed up for the family-friendly alternative to Gasparilla. Image courtesy of Richard K. Riley. Why a Kumquat Festival? The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce began holding a festival over 20 years ago in conjunction with Kumquat Growers, Inc. to celebrate the little fruit and all it has contributed so much to this area. On January 27, 2024, this wholesome, fun, and delicious event features over 350 vendors and sponsors coming together throughout the streets of a historic, charming Southern town to celebrate the community as well as the agricultural heritage of the little citrus fruit that is both sweet and sour. This is the family-friendly alternative to the Gasparilla event in Tampa. Kumquats for sale, fresh and ready to eat. Image by Diane Bedard. The Festival Car Show The Festival Car Show is hosted by Ronnie Setser's Car & Truck Shows and features an amazing variety of classic cars and trucks in the large parking lot of the downtown Judicial Courthouse. Organized by Ronnie Setser, there are trophies, dash plaques, and a well-organized show that attracts some of the nicest vehicles to be seen in the Southeast U.S. Show runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pops 54 by Mike Groseclose at the Kumquat Festival Car Show. Ronnie Setser's Car & Truck Shows puts on the annual event, drawing great vehicles from around Florida and the southeast U.S. Image courtesy of Ronnie Setser's Car & Truck Shows. Sponsors Make the Festival Happen East Pasco Quilt Guild has a show at the Dade City Historic Courthouse around the fountain. A raffle was held last year for one of these heirloom pieces. Image by Diane Bedard. AdventHealth Dade City is the headlining sponsor for 2024, leading dozens of business and government partners who come together to make the day memorable, including NatureCoaster.com.   Stop in one of the Friendly Local Shops and Restaurants Local storefronts are decorated for the festival in kumquat themes, and it can be nice to duck into a shop or restaurant (if you plan to visit one of the restaurants on the day of the Festival, you will likely have to wait for a table and may want to call in advance to see if they take reservations for that day) and rest during the festivities. Downtown Dade City merchants decorate their show windows in kumquat themes. There are some great shops to visit. Image by Richard Riley. Dade City is a great town to visit any day and the unique shops and restaurants that make up this vibrant downtown are another wonderful way to spend part of your day. Antiques, toys, books, jewelry, and pet supplies are some of the types of shops you will find. Restaurants vary from the classic Florida Cracker Lunch on Limoges to an authentic tea house, sandwich shops, coffee shops, Mexican, Italian, craft beer, and fine dining. Although Dade City is a pet-friendly city, please allow your pets to stay at home during the festival. Come out for Kumquat pie, one of the crowd favorites. It's available at the Festival and it is light, creamy and delicious! Image courtesy of Richard K. Riley. Hundreds of Vendors provide Unique & Kumquat-y Items The “Kumquat Growers” are located in the Wells Fargo parking lot along Meridian Avenue, where you can learn about and purchase kumquats. Unique arts and crafts are fun to discover in many of the vendor booths lining the streets of this quaint city in eastern Pasco County. Many of these artisans return year after year to sell their wares. How about kumquat ice cream? Image by Richard Riley. Delicious foods, as well as many ethnic offerings, are available to festivalgoers. There is a myriad of opportunities to sample the tasty little fruit, whether it be as marmalade, cookies, salsa, ice cream, refrigerator pie, or a sip of kumquat beer or wine. The Kumquat Quilt Show Kumquat Kids Corral The Kumquat Kids Corral provides entertainment for the youngest visitors. Image by Digwen from Pixabay A Kumquat Kids Corral offers families the opportunity to let off some steam with bounce houses, games, face painting, and more. Come to Dade City a Day early to Enjoy the Kumquat Growers Open House Kumquat Growers claims to be the largest producers of kumquats and kumquat products and no one around here questions that! This year they will hold their traditional Open House at the packing house, located at 31647 Gude Rd in St. Joseph from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM on Thursday, January 26 and Friday, January 26 (the two days before the Festival). Frank Gude, the patriarch of the Kumquat Growers, is seen here teaching all about kumquats. Image by Richard Riley The Gude and Neuhoffer families are the founders of the Kumquat Growers. They are the descendants of farmers who in 1883 settled in the community now known as St. Joseph, Florida. At the Kumquat Grower's Open House, there is a talk about the history and origin of the little citrus fruit that packs a punch and how it is used, followed by a packing house tour and a tour of the grove where you can see kumquat fruit in its native habitat. There is a nice Hampton Inn just south of downtown Dade City, and several hotels in Wesley Chapel along the I-75 and SR 56-SR54 corridor. Camping and RV hookups can be had at the Travelers Rest Resort. Now you can stay in a former jail in downtown Dade City, called The Locke Inn. Of course, a stay at one of Brooksville's B & Bs with a short drive to the festival is another alternative. Things to Know about the 2024 27th Annual Kumquat Festival A decorated "kumquat tree". Image by Richard Riley. Historic downtown Dade City will be transformed into an open-air marketplace featuring local businesses, hundreds of specialty vendors, dozens of partner sponsors, and the friendly authentic old Florida experience that the Annual Kumquat Festival has come to represent.  This event is attended by tens of thousands of visitors each year.  The 1909 historic Pasco County courthouse is in the center of the Festival. Entertainment is held on the courthouse steps, usually by local groups. This gorgeous structure is registered on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Image by Diane Bedard. Free Admission and Parking Admission is FREE, city-owned public parking downtown is free and the experience of a unique, authentic, and fun-filled festival is unforgettable. Visitors can look at antique cars, shop for arts and crafts in vendor booths, or at Dade City's charming local merchants, to find that perfect item, and enjoy delicious food indoors or out.Fun Activities to see and do at the festival include arts and crafts, delicious food from local restaurants, food vendors and food trucks, an amazing car & truck show, Farmer's Market vendors, Kumquat Kids Corral, kumquats, kumquat pie, kumquat beer, kumquat wine, kumquat jam, kumquat artwork, kumquat quilts, and the wonderful sponsors, including yours truly. NatureCoaster will be on-site with area maps and stickers to give away, as well as caps, bucket hats, and mugs for sale. The citrus industry has been an important part of Florida’s Nature Coast, and the 27th Annual Kumquat Festival on January 27 from 9 am to 5 pm in downtown Dade City promises to be one not to miss. For more information, click here. Read the full article

[touristattractionstovisit]

Jodhpur – Top Experiences in the Blue City

Rustic and appealing with a tiny speck of chaos – This is how I would describe JODHPUR, the famed Blue City of Rajasthan. The city welcomes you with pretty lakes, vibrantly painted lanes and iconic monuments. At the same time, stray animals wandering along the streets and cacophony of honking vehicles trying to make way through the dusty alleyways are also quintessentially Jodhpur. This striking contrast is probably the reason why the city still maintains its primordial charm. And as you start settling in, it wraps you in its cocoon of colours and warmth.

Tempted to visit Jodhpur?  Here is our list of top experiences in the Blue City.

Best Time to visit Jodhpur

November to February: The climate of Jodhpur is normally hot and humid. So winter months are the best time to visit the city. Day time temperature is pleasant during this time and great for exploring. Mornings and evenings are cold. Expect more crowd as this is peak season.

August to October: During or just after the monsoons is also a great time to visit Jodhpur.

How to Reach Jodhpur

Jodhpur has a domestic airport which is well connected by flights to/from major cities.  The airport is around 5 kms from the main city area.

The city also has a major Railway station connecting to a number of Indian cities by train.

Many Volvo and Deluxe buses also ply from Delhi to Jodhpur on regular basis.

Things to Do in Jodhpur

Mehrangarh Fort

One of the largest forts in India, Mehrangarh Fort is the focal point of tourism in Jodhpur. Perched on a cliff high above the city, the fort radiates unrivalled splendour. The huge almond coloured fort may have a rugged exterior, but its interior is as exquisite as it could be. There are expansive courtyards boasting of elaborate stonework and stunning rooms that are sheer manifestation of opulence. Where Sheesh Mahal amazed us with lavish mirror work, Phool mahal won us over with its vibrant motifs, dazzling ceiling and stained glass windows.

Once you complete exploring the fort complex, head towards the back gate (exit gate) of the Fort. The compound outside the gate offers panoramic views of the city including the blue houses. We recommend to time your visit in a way so as not to miss the magical sunset from this point. Be awed by the city bathed in an orange hue at one side and the fort shimmering like liquid gold at the other. 

Jaswant Thada

A sublime marble structure set beside a bluish fresh water pond and rimmed by the city walls – Jaswant Thada is a beauty that is not to be missed.  Resembling a temple from outside, it is actually a cenotaph that was built in the memory of the late King Maharaja Jaswant Singh II. Since then the area around the Thada has been used as cremation ground for the Kings and the members of the royal family. So you will see a lot of small cenotaphs around the main structure sitting amidst the impeccably manicured garden. 

Many people might tell you that Jaswant Thada is just a place for a quick visit and few pictures. But if you are an architecture enthusiast or a nature lover, then we recommend spending an hour or two at this place. Visit during early morning hours when other tourists have not arrived and you will be surprised how much the place has to offer. Take your time to relish the intricate marble carvings and designs all around the structure. Inside the thada, check out the  distinctive marble sheets on the walls that emit a warm glow in sunlight like they are ablaze inside. As you come out, do not forget to stop by the exceptionally skilled local artist playing musical instrument in tune with the folk and famous Bollywood songs.

Bishnoi Village Tour

Jodhpur’s real charisma lies in its villages. If you are interested in having an insight in to the rural life and witness the work of its local artisans, then opt for the Bishnoi Village tour. This tour usually consists of a jeep  safari, visiting houses of different local artisans and a delectable home cooked meal at a local’s house. There are many operators who provide half and full day tours. We chose a half day tour with Mr. Chhotaram Prajapat who hails from one of the local villages. And this became the most memorable part of our entire trip.

Driving through the dusty roads in an open jeep, we entered into the rural hinterlands of Jodhpur where everything looked so different, so magical. The arid landscape was peppered with large Sangri trees and was brimming with wildlife. We spotted deers, nilgai, peacocks and many other colourful birds up close. But the highlight of the trip was spotting the gorgeous blackbucks playfully running around in the open, in their natural habitat. The next part was visiting the houses of different local artisans. It was amazing to witness the fine block printing work, the delicate art of making earthen pots and dhurrie making. Read More…..

[goatgot5566]

General Information Monster Hunter Verse is where all, if not but most, Aus within one universe in the form of either civilians, hunters, or monsters. These three races decide what factor they’ll play in. Civilians will live normal lives, hunters seek out monsters and keep those who can not defend themselves safe, and monsters are dangerous creatures with the knack of causing trouble for hunters.

There are many locations to explore, from Haven to Dodbridgia. Each with their own unique monsters, dangers, and riches. Between each kingdom are small towns that rarely get attacked or targeted by bandits. Though towns closer to forest linings will regularly get attacked by monsters, since monsters live there.

Magic-Dwellers: In Undertale terms, they are monsters or humanoids that are made entirely of magic.

Humans: Just humans.

Haven Haven is a union of magic-dwellers and humans that co-side with one another. Either they live within the kingdom’s walls. The kingdom is called “Capital” and surrounds a massive tree known as the Tree of Ancients. Haven was discovered by a human and magic-dweller, whose names were lost to history. (Chara and Azerial(?)) The union itself prefer peaceful routes with other kingdoms, besides Dodbridgia and monsters. The union is commonly filled with humans of all kinds, some not happy with monsters living within their country, but never speak it. Hunters are mostly found here, working up in their ranks or defending their homes (towns). There are many things to do here and many places to visit!

Ebbit Ebbit is known to be a country of ONLY humans. The people here rarely produce hunters and rather send an army against monsters than simple “hunter.” For instance, the mountain North of their capital, Or-Chol, was once an imprisonment for magic-dwellers. It wasn’t till a human and magic-dweller came together and freed everyone, going off in their own part of the world to create a country of safely.

Dodbridgia Aside from magic-dwellers and humans, monsters live across the world and many locations. Though most live within a large, dense forest/territory. They live here to escape hunters and live free of being called "terrible beasts" (etc.)

Tree of Ancients The tree (of good and evil) holds artifacts of great power. These items can only be used by the blessed. The blessing is given to many races, no matter how vile or great they are. For example, the apples of truth were blessed upon its children, allowing great magical properties and outlooks of all races. Each artifact on the tree takes the shape of fruit till it senses a chosen one. There are a handful who have an artifact.

Hunters But there is one job many fortune seekers and peace-makers go to: Hunters. Hunters are people who risk themselves to kill monsters for gold and fame. Like any mmo, a hunter will start at a low rank and after many monsters they will be able to climb up the ladder. Not all hunters take this job for gold and fame. Some earned the title from locals or just live to kill monsters. The titled earned hunters will not be given a rank. To become a ranked hunter, you must sign up at any city's town hall. Higher the rank one gets, the better rewards and discounts they'll have (but not for greens). A common rank would be white and rare ranks are black and blue. Below are what ranks Hunters can aim for. (Low rank to high rank) If you need more explanation about the ranks, please ask.

Green, purple, white, brown, orange, yellow, red, pink, grey, black, blue.

RANKS BENEFITS

Green NONE Purple -1 discount on store goods White -5 discount on store goods Brown -10 discount on store goods, free bed in any Inn Orange -15 discount on store goods, free bed in any Inn, daily +20 gold Yellow -20 discount on store goods, free bed in any Inn, daily +25 gold, horse Red -25 discount on store goods, free bed in any Inn and Tavern, daily +30 gold, once a month free basket of goodies Pink -30 discount on store goods, free bed in any Inn and Tavern, daily +40 gold, once a month free basket of goodies, gifted house Grey -40 discount, free bed, daily 40 gold, goodie basket, land owner Black/Blue -50 discount, free bed, daily 50 gold, goodie basket, King's favorite!

Hunters may be honored for what they do, but some have ruined their status. Well known one who did is Ink, a soulless hunter ranked in yellow (without his bonuses and rewards), had been seen a few times with a monster and hadn't killed said monster. This is a big crime, for hunters and humans/magic users! A costly one too, life sentence and nearly 1000 G toll for break out. Actions similar to this one are seen wrong and will result in the same thing.

MONSTERS Monsters have gems somewhere on their body. Gem colors are based on their power colors. These can be in any shape (cut, defined, raw). They are also their life support, if taken away, they no longer have magic/health/life. Gems in good condition can be sold for pretty good prices, depending on color (and if their cut, raw, or defined) (Cut sales for most, while raw isn't) Magic users or mages can buy/use these gems to regain a massive amount of magic. (Gives a +20 over the maximum amount of the user's original magic)

When it comes to monster types, it goes over ALL mythical creatures.

Known characters as type of monsters/hunters. Depending on the alignment, evil will be monster (unless you personally want them to be a monster and be kind and good, then go for it. Good, though some hunters can be rude or mean is hunter or civilians)

Nightmare Sans (Corrupted) Warlock Horror Sans Cyclops Killer Sans Faroes Error Sans Arachne Ink Sans Souless Hunter Geno Sans Cursed Hunter Reaper Sans Death (monster) UnderSwap Sans Hunter Dream Sans Blessed Hunter Dusttale Sans Vampire Underfell Sans Hunter

[oldsalempost-blog]

The Old Salem Post

   Our  Local Tamassee-Salem SC Area News each Monday except holidays                                          Contact: theoldsalempost@gmail.com                              Distributed to local businesses, town hall, library.                                             Volume 7 Issue 19                                                                                                  Week of May 8, 2023                https://www.tumblr.com/settings/blog/oldsalempost-blog                                                         Lynne Martin Publishing

EDITOR:  People are attracted to our upstate areas for the feeling of community. People are seeking to belong and they find it here.  They want to feel that sense of community again where neighbors help and share with one another. They are running from what is lost in big cities and commerce.  People want earth, a spot of land to garden and have a little farm.  Community is lost where people covet and are mean to one another.  Our area is a rich community of love.  I hope we only attract people who love what we have here, and not change it into what they ran from.  LRMartin  

Town of SALEM: Don’t miss the First Cruise-in this Saturday, May 13th at 5pm. We will have Cloggers, Fire Department BBQ, Classic vehicles and more.   * The next Town Council meeting is Tuesday, May 16 at 6pm.    More information call 864-944-2819                                    

SALEM LIBRARY:  Open Monday 10am-6pm– Tuesday-Friday 9am-5pm.  864-944-0912                    

Jottings from Jeannie:   "Treasuring Our Talents"  We need to stir things up!  The Pandemic was rough on all of us, so now we need to get moving again.  You?  Yes! YOU! You need to take on a challenge of reviving your enjoyable skills and abilities.  If you HAD to support yourself with your GOD given talent, WHAT WOULD THAT BE? Singing? Dancing? Playing an instrument?  Juggling? A Trained Dog Act? My talent is writing songs.  WRITING the songs is easy-- singing them will be a challenge-- But, I am up for a challenge. and I need you to do this, too Let Lynne know if you are thinking of participating. Basic rules are: No dangerous acts like sword swallowing. Acts should be 5 minutes or less.  --All ages invited to perform. Everyone is a winner! Ohh!  This will be so much fun! No one in the T-S area should be bored! The date will be announced SOON! Love ya forever; Like you for ALWAYS!  Miz Jeannie *                                                       *This is a fun idea brought by many that the ENAC should host a Talent Show just for fun this summer.  Please call Lynne at 864-280-1258 if you have a gift or talent you would like to share.

CLASS REUNION **The T-S Class of 1978  is having their 45th Class Reunion at the ENAC on July 28, 6pm-8pm.    We invite any former friends and alumni to join us at our beloved alma mater. **                                                        

JOCASSEE VALLEY BREWING COMPANY,(JVBC) & COFFEE SHOP 13412 N Hwy 11 Open  Wed–Sat-Sat 8am-9pm.  Sun-Closed for Mother’s Day.   Events this week:  Thurs: Old Time Jam 6:30pm  Food: Kiss My Asada.    Fri– Food: Wing Wagon  Music: Jef Wilson  at 6:30pm.  Sat–Food: EL CHARRO at 12noon ( welcome first visit to JVB!) Music: Matt Phillips at 6:30pm   Closed Sunday for Mother’s Day.  Coffee shop features Pisgah Coffee Roasters and Dough-Dough pastries.                                                                                                                          JVB Book Club meeting Wednesday, May 17 at 10am  to discuss Meet Mr Mulliner  by P.G. Wodehouse.              

CONSERVATION CORNER:                                                                                  Palmetto Trail:  Imagine hiking 500 miles across our beautiful state from the mountains to the coast of South Carolina!   Learn more about the Palmetto Trail at Jocassee Valley Brewing Company on May 18, 2023 at 6pm . For patrons over 21 enjoy a free Palmetto Trail Ale.  Learn more about our local conservation/preservation nonprofit OPUS Trust.  Members will be present to support this educational opportunity.                              

HEALTH CORNER! Have a nice cup Chamomile ( also spelled camomile) tea to enjoy and treat  insomnia. It has  anti inflammatory properties and has  no caffeine.  It could help Prevent diabetes by lowering blood sugar levels and aids  digestion.   Brew a pitcher of chamomile or other flavored teas in place of black tea for your guests for a nice change.  Add a little orange or lemon juice for a nice zing and serve over ice.              

Please Share: News, your church news or a story you like to share to theoldsalempost@gmail.com

                            Ashton Recalls:  By Ashton Hester

DAR SCHOOL STUDENT FROM 1942-46 RECALLS EXPERIENCES (Eighth Installment of Pauline Kelley Cannon's memoir) - Our first year in scouts we went camping at Camp Jocassee. We stayed in rustic cabins, and at night we could hear the scary sounds of bobcats and panthers or cougars hollering. . .During the day we had a pool to swim in, and we also played games such as horseshoes, jump rope, hopscotch, and others we would make up. We would also go hiking and look for wildflowers. . .At night we would build a campfire. Sometimes we would roast wieners and marshmallows, but mostly we ate sandwiches and pork and beans. We would pour water on the campfire to put it out before we went to bed. . .The camp is now covered by Lake Jocassee. . .The boys' cottage at the school was called the Illinois Cottage, and it was the farthest away from the main campus. Mrs. Rogers was the house parent for the boys. . ."Ma Rogers," as the boys called her, was a little on the hefty side, or in other words, a bit overweight. After we finished our evening meal we could go back to our dormitories. The boys would follow Mrs. Rogers back to Illinois Cottage, and some smart aleck would use his hands to make the shape of a woman and then say, "Oh, what a shape!", and if Ma Rogers turned to look he would drop his hands and say, " . . . this world is in." But I think she knew they were having fun at her expense. . .At times the DAR ladies would visit the school. We called them our "DAR mothers," and they called us their children.--TO BE CONTINUED NEXT WEEK

EAGLES NEST ART CENTER , 501c3, 4 Eagle Lane, Salem  

GET YOUR TICKETS: OCONEE MOUNTAIN OPRY:  May 20, 2023 at 7pm-9pm  Enjoy an evening of  unique local flavor of a mix of Old and New Music  by Local and Regional musicians.  Get a good dose of laughter with our Family friendly comedy.  You will love the sounds of  Tim McWilliams, Helen Campbell, and Duo Chad Rawlings and Joey Morgan.   Tickets are $10 available at Salem Town Hall and on Ticketleap or call 864-280-1258.  Doors open at 6pm to mingle in the halls, visit the alumni room, concessions and shop for Treasures.                                                                                                                                                GIFT IDEA:  We have opened the opportunity for the community to place your name on a seat.   A single name is 200 and a couple or family  is 250.  This makes a wonderful memorial, Mother’s Day or Father’s Day gift and helps support your local Eagles Nest Art Center.   Call Darlene at  710-8758 or email eaglesnestartcenter@gmail.com for more information.                                     Rentals for birthday parties and class reunions.  $100 for 4 hours rental minimum for the commons area

CHURCH NEWS:   Boones Creek Baptist Church will hold VBS June 4th - 8th.from  6 to 8:15 p.m. Ages 4 thru teenagers.  The theme this year is Stellar    "Shine Jesus' Light". Any questions or more information contact Darlene at  864-   710-8758      

Continue Prayers for: Our nation and the world.  Our leaders.  The Lost.  Our brothers and sisters.  The homeless.  For health and comfort for Anna, Syd and family.  Patricia and family. Debbie. Shirley. Jane. Donna.  O Lord, hear our prayers!          

Psalm 18: 30 “As for God, His way is perfect; the word of the LORD is flawless. He is a shield to all who take refuge in Him.” 

Showing love is different from just saying it. LRM

 .  

[a-tale-of-2-sloths]

Day 2 - San Jose to Cahuita

Good evening from Cahuita! Georgie and I are led on the bed, writing in our journals surrounded by a variety of wild sounds from both the jungle outside and our neighbours next door. (The walls are wooden and you can hear everything, but it’s just their kids, no funny business… yet!)

After perusing the menu for some time we both had a couple of house favourites, made up of eggs, rice and beans, a hash brown and ham for me, cheese for G as well as fresh coffee, orange juice, a pancake and fresh pineapple and papaya, which looked so enticing even I had a few chunks! It was a very tasty breakfast, which really hit the spot and set us up nicely to return to the hostel, pack and get on our way to Cahuita.

As per usual time was slipping away from us and we wanted to make the 10am bus from San Jose, so instead of battle with the local buses we played the millennial card and jumped in an Uber, which got us there with 20 minutes to spare. Something public transport would certainly not have done! However, our high 5s would have to wait as the 10am bus was fully booked… Not to worry, this was predominantly a travel day so we bagged ourselves a couple of seats and played some ‘Love Letter’. It’s a sort of top trumps meets the werewolf game (in G’s words!) followed by a bit of travel admin. Turns out the sloth sanctuary we were hoping to visit on Monday is actually closed, but we’re confident we’ll see some out in the wild so no biggie!

At 12pm our chariot in the form of a fully packed coach began the 5 hour journey from San Jose to Cahuita. As long drives go it was extremely scenic as we climbed up the mountains through the rainforest. You could feel the atmosphere change as the temperatures dropped and the windows began to mist up with the condensation from the weather outside. My eyes scanned every tree for the first part of the trip in hope of getting a glance at a sloth, but travelling at such speed I’m not sure there was any chance of seeing so much as a sl…! As we made our way out of the jungle we passed by farm land with cattle, goats and little horses and shanty type houses each with their own pooch on guard. Aside from taking in the scenes of country side flashing by, the time was filled with music, big bang theory and a little bit of snoozing. We stopped in Limon for a comfort break and a snack and this is where G and I differ. She opted for a lovely locally sourced banana, I on the other hand went for a Willy Wonka sourced chocolate ice cream.

We departed at Cahuita bus station and headed for the taxi rank. Well, it was less of a rank and more of a ‘only taxi in the village’ situation. There weren’t any signs to suggest this guy was a taxi driver, but through the power of Google Maps we managed to show him where we wanted to go and were joined by some other backpackers who were heading in the same general direction. Unsurprisingly no one fancied sitting upfront with him where the window was laden with cracks! It was only a ten minute drive but as we left the main road and began the climb upward toward Shamana Eco Lodge, we got the feeling that he may have put too much faith in the old guff bucket. Rev as he might the van simply would not get up the hill, so we had to leap out quite swiftly and avoid rolling down the jungle ourselves! G nearly refused to pay him the full amount as we weren’t at the top, but it was only a very short walk and there was no way he was going to make it!

We were greeted by the lovely couple that run the eco lodge. One of which is from Venezuela, the other from Ireland who kindly offered to take us back in to town as there’s no dinner served on site (despite what it says on the website) and they were heading that way for pizza. Our room is immersed in the forest, with slatted wooden walls, a squeaky four poster bed and a waterfall like shower, which is very cool. Quite literally as it’s solar powered so you’re not guaranteed hot water as we found out! Refreshing! The view is dense green jungle with a constant chatter of insects, birds and possibly the odd monkey?!

Cahuita has real Afro Caribbean vibes and as we sat outside with our beer and Cuba Libre (rum, lime and coke) we could hear reggae music in the distance and see people dancing in the street. Once again we were surrounded by a different type of Costa Rican culture and had some local cuisine (although not actually the meal we thought we chose!) but according to the menu it was a classic and very tasty so alls well that ends well! As there were no desserts on offer and I’m a chocoholic we swang via a shop before following our ears to a bar with some live music. It turned out this next bar had churros, so there’s a very good chance we’ll be back there again tomorrow!

As I round off this entry I can hear all sorts of movement beyond the confines of our room and I’m hopeful that I’ll wake up to a sloth chilling outside the window. Even though we’ve only been here less than 48 hours, we’ve already seen a lot of interesting birds, but not too many other exotic creatures… Unless you count the huge spiders in the lobby area… And the odd local!

Photos to follow with better signal

G’s highlight: Falling asleep to the sound of the jungle

[justfront]

Sunriver nature center animal jumping line

#Sunriver nature center animal jumping line full#

Even on an August night, we braved the 40 degree temps to see the night sky through their many (donated) telescopes and hear all about the different configurations of stars, clusters, constellations and planets. Arrived Now – Where Dream Vacations Come Trueįor more information on the Sunriver Nature Center in Oregon and other great places to check out during your time in Sunriver, call or email our reservation specialists today to discuss reserving your lodgings through us. 18 reviews of Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory 'Terrific non-profit educational center with a fantastic observatory and educated, friendly staff. be found on-line at the following Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center. and Animals for sale in Kalamazoo, MI Age: 3 months 979 West River Center. This summary of the animals and plants encountered by Lewis and Clark is. The Sunriver Nature Center features interpretive exhibits. Michigan Phone (616) 536-1735 Animals from our lines are fully pedigreed. You can also learn more by calling (541) 593-4394 or speaking with one of our representatives at Arrived Now. Mount Bachelors super pipe and many jumps, jibs, rails and boxes are a freestyle skiers and. You’ll find the Sunriver Nature Center at 57245 River Rd., Sunriver, OR 97707. Solar viewing at the observatory lasts from 11:00am – 2:00pm. Sunriver Nature Center is open daily from 9:00am – 5:00pm during the summer season, which lasts from Memorial Day through Labor Day. And theres a reason we play leap frog - frogs take long, high jumps but toads. Sunriver Nature Center Bird Walk Friday, Ap 08:00 10 Walk with us on the wild side Join Tom Lawler, expert local birder and nature photographer, to discover the rich bird habitats of Sunriver. Animals that inhabit the area include deer, elk, coyote, raccoon, and a variety of. Included with the price of your admission is a solar viewing session at the Oregon Observatory, as well as events such as the Raptor Talk. Frogs and toads belong to the same animal group but are very different.

#Sunriver nature center animal jumping line full#

(KTVZ) - Sunriver Nature Center & Observatory has welcomed a female Eurasian eagle-owl ( Bubo bubo) to its ambassador. Sunriver Nature Center & : Exempt Type: Full Time Reports to: Executive DirectorSummary/Objective This position is. Children under the age of 4 years old and members of the Sunriver Nature Center are admitted for free. Known as world's largest owl, with distinctive orange eyes SUNRIVER, Ore. The Creature Cave and the Lake Aspen Loop exhibit provide a firsthand look at the animals that call Sunriver and the rest of Central Oregon home.Īdmission for the Sunriver Nature Center in Oregon costs $5.00 for children ages 4 – 12 years old and $7.00 for adults. Summer brings on hands-on exhibits such as toad and snake viewing. Inside, exhibits vary throughout the year. Visit the botanical garden and learn about the native flora of Central Oregon. Start off with a walk on one of the nature trails, where you’ll traverse forest and wetland terrain while seeing the resident raptors, or birds of prey, that live at the nature center as a part of the facility’s active bird rehabilitation efforts. Here, visitors of all ages can enjoy hands-on activities, live animal exhibits, nature walks on the Sam Osgood Nature Trail and Lake Aspen Loop, and even solar viewing at the adjacent Oregon Observatory at Sunriver. Sunriver Nature Center is a fun and educational place where visitors come to experience the wonders of the forest and learn about the natural world in the scenic setting of Central Oregon. Read on for more details on what makes the Sunriver Nature Center in Oregon such a fantastic attraction to visit during your vacation! Experience the Wonders of the Sunriver Nature Center in Oregon Located next door to the Oregon Observatory at Sunriver not far from the Deschutes River, the Sunriver Nature Center is a must-see destination for visitors who love nature and are fascinated by science, history, and the environment. What is a Combining Zone?Ī "combining zone," or sometimes referred to as an “overlay zone,” is a special zoning district, placed over an existing base zone(s), which identifies unique conditions and regulatory standards in addition to those in the underlying base zone.Home Charming Vacation Rentals in Sunriver Oregon Sunriver Attractions Sunriver Nature Center in Oregon A "base zone" is a county zone that specifies allowable uses for real property and land use requirements including minimum parcel size and development standards.

[trianglebilliards]

Things to do in Tustin

The city of Tustin lies in Orange County, California. It is a part of the Los Angeles city. As of the 2010 demographics, Tustin has an estimated population of 802,761. The city adjoins the county seat, Santa Ana, and is located in the Los Angeles County sub-region. The city does not include the unincorporated community of North Tustin.

The town of Tustin is home to numerous attractions. From whale seeing to theme parks, there is plenty to do. In addition to whale viewing, you can visit Sea World, a medium-sized theme park. This park is conveniently walkable and features lots of rides, pet exhibits, and also shows. It is an outstanding area to spend a day with the entire family members.

The city of Tustin also has various beautiful parks that deserve going to. Most of these parks are within walking range as well as consist of play areas, hiking routes, and bbq facilities. Its proximity to the Tustin Marketplace makes it a dreamland for a barbecue. You can likewise go to the community's gallery and also find out more about the background of the city. Tustin has something for every person.

Marconi Automotive Museum

The Marconi Automotive Museum is a not-for-profit company that exhibits deluxe, unusual, and historical cars and trucks. Its admission charges are contributed to charity. The museum has a selection of events and programs that are both instructional and also enjoyable. For more information, take a look at its site. The clients of Triangle Billiards & Bar Stools understand that this is the area to obtain the most effective quality video game tables.

This museum features vehicles and also bikes of all periods, including the famous Ford Mustang. The collection features greater than 70 vehicles as well as motorbikes. It also contains competing souvenirs. The museum's owner, Dick Marconi, contended in the Long Beach Grand Prix in 1994 as well as ended up eighth in the race.

The Marconi Automotive Museum is a nonprofit and also is open for trips Monday via Friday. Kids and also grownups can buy a ticket for $5. Earnings from admission aid sustain numerous local charities that benefit at-risk children. The museum likewise consistently hosts private occasions. The Marconi Automotive Museum is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m

The Marconi Automotive Museum is located in Orange County. You can take a trip of the museum on your own or with an overview. The museum's collection consists of timeless race as well as road automobiles, along with numerous models of American muscle autos. The museum supplies both self-guided and also guided excursions that last between 30 and also 90 mins.

Citrus Ranch Park

The park lies in a citrus valley. Its features consist of a lemon orchard, play ground, grills, hill gazebo, as well as picnic areas. A hill gazebo provides views of the surrounding area. It is excellent for families to invest a day. The park is cost-free to get in.

The park's landscaping shows lasting style concepts. It makes use of indigenous plant materials, decomposed granite tracks, and decayed swales to gather overflow. It likewise includes a weather station to check irrigation. It is also equipped with toilets, picnic sanctuaries, as well as a neglect structure. There are additionally open locations for open play.

The Citrus Ranch Park is found off Portola Parkway, between Jamboree and also Tustin Ranch roadways. It is a 17-acre park with 2 playgrounds. It cost $4.4 million to develop. The park was as soon as a grapefruit orchard and also was contributed to the city in the 1980s as part of an offer to produce the Tustin Ranch neighborhood. In the 1990s, lemon trees were grown on the park's land, producing a distinct grove. The grove's hunt point supplies a scenic view of Orange County and Catalina Island.

Tustin Ranch Golf Club

Tustin Ranch Golf Club is a leading Orange County golf links providing a champion fairway as well as excellent solution. Located in Tustin, this golf course is excellent for golf enthusiasts of all skill levels, and also flaunts panoramas as well as sparkling lakes. The fairway also includes private caddie services, a full-service club, banquet center, and golf school. There are also four unique spaces offered for occasions that includes a swimming pool table or a texas hold'em table from Triangle Billiards & Bar Stools depending on the room.

The Tustin Ranch Golf Club features a lovely course designed by Ted Robinson. The 18-hole training course functions beautiful cascading falls, cascading lakes, and also rich, environment-friendly landscapes. This training course consistently earns four-star ratings from Golf Digest and has actually been named the most effective golf course in Orange County.

The fairway is likewise house to several of the nation's top trainers. Erik Horve, a 2011 PGA Teacher of the Year, is amongst the golf teachers at the Tustin Ranch Golf Club. The full team likes to show as well as help students lower their scores. The team is dedicated to bringing the game of golf to new levels.

Tustin Legacy Park

Tustin Legacy Park is the first stage of a planned linear route system that will attach the whole community of Tustin. The park is composed of 26 acres and also will certainly be mostly easy. FLIGHT at Tustin Legacy lies beside the park. It is expected that stage among the park will certainly be ended up by late springtime 2017.

The park features a multitude of play structures for huge children, usually suited for kids in between 5 and 12 years of ages. Nonetheless, there are likewise components for older kids, including a sprinkle pad. This water attribute is a huge draw throughout the summertime and is regulated by a blue switch.

The city has actually additionally dedicated to developing a Veterans Sports Park. The 32-acre park will consist of several courts for numerous sporting activities, a play ground and also a skate park. It will likewise feature a memorial to veterans. A Veterans Memorial will certainly stand at the entryway of the park near Lansdowne Road.

Yearly Tustin Chili Cook Off

The Annual Tustin Chili Cook Off is just one of Orange County's biggest annual occasions. It includes fun carnival trips, chili competitions, and great music. It's a family-friendly event that can be a fun time for the whole family members. The event likewise includes the third area's booth, where Supervisor Don Wagner will be representing the neighborhood.

The event is a huge fundraiser for local non-profits and also service teams. The occasion will certainly also include vendors and also amusement. The festival runs from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on August 15th. To learn more, go to the website. Right here, you can acquire tickets to go to the event and sample the chili.

You need to bring your own cooktop. Generally, individuals make use of propane camping cooktops. We do not allow open flames (i.e. charcoal BBQ pits). A fire extinguisher as well as cleaning terminal might be required (call personnel for details). You are called for to bring all your own devices including all cooking materials. We strongly recommend you bring a cover for color that fits into the 8ftX8ft wood area.

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Triangle Billiards & Bar Stools 1471 Nisson Rd, Tustin, CA 92780, United States +17147715380 https://www.tribilliards.com/

[dirtywresling102]

Neighbors - Jeff Hardy (18+)

Young!Jeff Hardy x Female!Reader

Summary: Reader gets a new neighbor who is bit of an asshole.

Warnings: None really, fluff, mention of death, foul language, Jeff lowkey being a dick.

Word Count: 2,675 

Follow my main blog!: @dirtywrestling

Like my writing? Leave a tip!

Enjoy!

Living alone and being young had its perks; You could leave whenever you pleased, arrive home no matter what hour of the day it was, your money went towards your bills, food, and things for your cat, Snuffles. 

No parents nagging in your ear about curfew or other problems you didn't care about. You weren't a trouble maker: Straight A's, great attendance, a goody two shoes, but you were tired of living under your parents rules and high expectations. 

Once you graduate you went full time at your job and searched for a cheap but nice apartment. Luckily, the one bedroom and one bathroom apartment was in your price range. While meeting up with the landlord to look at the apartment, you took it in a heartbeat. 

While living in the small apartment, you decided to get some company. You went to the local animal shelter and asked about adopting a pet. Krystal, the one in charge of the shelter, talked about a stray they’ve had for some time now. “We don’t know how he’ll react to being an indoor cat but we’re going to be forced to euthanize him if he isn’t adopted soon.” She said as the two of you walked into the cat room. Your eyes were immediately drawn to some beautiful orange fur. Attached to the fur were some big green eyes that looked like emerald jewels. Your heart became so warm that it felt like it was going to burst out of your chest. “His name is Snuffles.”

After quickly filling out an adoption application, the shelter contacted you the very next day to bring Snuffles home. Ending the phone call, you quickly grabbed your keys and headed out the door to bring Snuffles home. 

You tried to maintain yourself, not wanting to scare the little guy. You placed his cage in the middle of the living room, opened it and walked away, letting him explore on his own. 

That was nearly a year ago. Snuffles got used to his new environment quicker than you expected. He realized he had a home instead of being cooped up in a small cage and only getting fed once a day. Snuffles quickly became attached to you and he loved to play with you and his toys. 

The neighbors in the apartment complex were nice as well. You visited a single mother that lived below you often. She gave you a plate full of cookies and left overs. Her 5 year old son was cute too, he loved Snuffles. Snuffles paid no mind to the toddler grabbing his tail or tugging at his fur. The old cat understood the child's intentions. 

There was an elderly couple, The Johnson’s, across the hall from you. They were talking about leaving for a retirement home, which made you upset, but glad that they'd be in a home supervised and they wouldn't get hurt in their apartment. 

Walking up the first flight of stairs, you frowned as EMT's rushed past you, heading down stairs. Quickly jogging up to your floor, you saw a police officer by Mr. and Mrs. Johnson’s apartment. "What's going on?" You asked, approaching the officer. 

"Do you know these people?" His voice was gruff with a stone cold look on his face.

"Well, they're my neighbors. I've known them for almost two years now. What happened?" You asked again, getting worried. Your eyes darted to his name tag. D. Knicks. "Please, Officer Knicks."

Officer Knicks sighed, taking his cap off and running his fingers through his thin dark hair. "Mr. Johnson," He started, "he suffered a heart attack." He placed the blue and black hat upon his head again. "I'm sorry, he didn't make it." 

"And Mrs. Johnson, what of her?" You tried to get a look at the Johnson's apartment, only to see an EMT zipping up a black body bag. Your face instantly becomes white at the sight. 

"She's with her daughter. Mrs. Johnson is going to live with her for a while." 

You nodded your head in sorrow. "At least she's okay." You maneuvered your way past the tall officer, unlocking your apartment, you walked in and were greeted by Snuffles. "Oh Snuffles, Mr. Johnson passed away." You bent down and patted his head. 

"Meow." He rubbed his body against your leg as if he was trying to say 'Don't worry, everything will be okay.' 

"You're right Snuffles, Mrs. Johnson is with her daughter, she'll be alright." You tried to reassure yourself.

Fixing up dinner later that night, You heard a knock at the door. "Coming." You walked towards the front door, looking through the peephole to see your friend from downstairs, Lexi and her son, Dawson. 

Unlocking both locks, you swung the door open. "Y/N!” Lexi wrapped her arms around you. "I heard what happened to Mr. and Mrs. Johnson." She released the hug and walked in, Dawson was already in the apartment looking for Snuffles. You sat down on the sofa and Lexi joined you. 

"They were just about to go to a retirement home together." You explained to her in a sad voice. You don't want to think too much about it, dying alone must be terrible. It encourages you to go out and start dating, to search for your soul mate. But only being in your early twenties, you brush off the whole dating idea and remind yourself that you're still young. 

"Sad. Did you hear about their apartment?" 

"No?" You arched my eyebrow.

"Well, Mrs. Johnson has to get her things out before the end of the week because someone is going to be moving in."

Your eyes widen. "How morbid!" You nearly shouted, the poor woman lost her husband and now the landlord isn't giving her any time to move out. "Her husband just passed away." You frowned. 

"At least she has her daughter. I'm sure they'll figure something out." Lexi patted your knee in comfort.

"Yeah, I guess so. No matter who moves in across from me, they'll never be as nice as The Johnson's." 

"Y/N, calm down. I'm sure whoever moves next door will be nice." Lexi explained. She stood up from her place and picked up Dawson who whined slightly. "Well, it's getting late. Somebody has school in the morning and if they don't get enough sleep, they will be cranky." Lexi groaned out. "Don't have kids." She whispered with a teasing wink.

You scrunch your nose. "No thanks, I'll stick with my cat." 

"You'll have kids, Y/N. You just wait." Lexi headed towards the door, exiting herself out. 

"No, thank you." You mumbled to yourself. 

The week went on and by the end of it you were exhausted. You ran to the grocery store to buy cat food, food for yourself, and other things that you ran out of. You were almost late for your shifts down at the cafe which made some coworkers upset. Some of your bills were almost overdue but, luckily, you paid them off right at the last second. 

Christmas was coming up and you had no idea what to get your friend Lexi or your family members. The Holidays were drawing near.

Stomping up the steps with your arms full of shopping bags, you tried your best trying to see where you were walking. You heard a door slam shut, you grew worried that someone was in your apartment. "Ooph!" You stumbled backwards, it was like you just walked right into a brick wall.

"Watch where you're going." A male voice snarled. 

You made a sour face. "Well, I would if I could." You snapped back at the man. "But obviously my hands are a bit full." 

"Ever heard of a second trip?" He retorted back.

You turned your body to the side to see who you were dealing with. A young male that was nearly the same age as you or a bit older stood in your way. He wore a fishnet shirt that exposed his muscles and nipples, his hair was dyed different colors and shoulder length. His pants were black and ripped with a couple of chains hanging off of them. You scoffed. "Nice, did the circus come to town?" You snorted.

"No, I'm a professional wrestler." He gloated, puffing his chest out as if you were supposed to worship him. "Jeff Hardy is the name." He smirked, as if I should know who he was.

"Right, whatever Jeffy." You pushed past him and to your apartment. 

"Don't tell me you're my neighbor, goody two shoes." Jeff groaned.

Your blood boiled, this guy was your new neighbor?! You'd rather take back the Johnson's. "You got a problem with it, then move." You snapped, fishing your keys out of your pockets.

Jeff smirked, watching you struggle and trying to juggle the grocery bags in your hands trying to get your keys. He could offer to help but he liked to see you suffer already. 

"You could help instead of staring at me." You stopped trying to fetch your keys. 

"Yeah, I could." You heard Jeff chuckle. "Have a good one neighbor." Jeff started to walk down the steps. 

Your arms grew weak, the bags fell to the floor. Foods and gifts poured out of the ripped brown baggies. Groaning you glared down the steps to see that Jeff was already off of this floor and to the next. Ripping your house keys out of your pants you opened up the door to your small apartment. 

You hated your new neighbor, Jeff Hardy. He was obnoxious, loud and apparently, he had lots of friends because he threw parties almost every damn night. You called the cops but since you were the only one who complained. They told you to take it up to your landlord. You grit your teeth and do what they suggested. Taking it to your landlord, he just shrugged his shoulders and explained that Jeff was a paying tenant.

You couldn't catch a break. You were losing sleep, getting headaches on the regular. You confronted Jeff about the loud noises, he promised to keep it down but he was just louder the next night, you didn't think that was possible. 

"Dude, you look terrible." Lexi said, smirking as she sipped her soda. 

"Don't remind me." You grumbled, drinking your beverage. 

Dawson chased Snuffles around the apartment, the cat meowed while the toddler giggled away. "Can you seriously not hear anything from underneath him?" You asked, eyes droopy. You thought you were gonna fall asleep in the middle of a sentence. 

"Not a thing." She chuckled into her cup. "You should take a vacation, get out of town for a while."

"I guess that sounds fun." You murmured. Your attention went to Snuffles running underneath the coffee table. "But who would take care of Snuffles?" You looked over at Lexi, wondering if she'd do it.

"Nuh- Huh, I have a child to take care of. That's already a handful. I have a friend, a guy friend." She wiggled her eyebrows. "Maybe I can hook you two up when you get back. His name is Randy." 

You bit your lip, looking down at the hard wooden floor. You heard stories about Randy, you were scared he'd hurt Snuffles or throw a party in your apartment. Sighing out you scratched the back of your head. "I don't know." You sounded reluctant to have this man come to your apartment.

"I say yes, you're going out of town for the weekend." Lexi already had her phone pulled out, texting away to Randy.

It looked like you didn't have a choice. "I do have the weekend off.." You trailed off into thought. What's the worst that could happen? 

The weekend felt more like a week. You visited your parents a few towns over and all you did was text Randy. Not in a flirtatious way but questions about Snuffles. How was he? Was he eating? Can you send pictures? You knew you were annoying the man but you didn't care nor did you have any interest in dating him. 

Walking up the stairs to your apartment, you faced your door. About to place the key into the socket, you stopped and listened. It was quiet. That was new. You turned your head behind you, looking at your neighbors, Jeff Hardy's door. There wasn't a peep coming from behind the wood. Raising your eyebrows, you grew curious but that left your mind as quick as it came. 

Twisting the key you pushed open the front door. "Hey Randy." You greeted the man who was sprawled out on your leather sofa. You placed your bags in your room and looked around your apartment, there was no sign of Snuffles. You looked at his cat bowls, both the water and food were empty. 

His litter box was scooped clean and toys not even touched. Rushing back into the living room Randy still was in the same position. "Where the hell is Snuffles?"

"Who?" He asked groggily.

"My Cat!" You shouted, the man flinched, getting up and stretching.

"About that, he escaped." 

Your heart sank. "Escaped?" You whispered, almost in tears. 

"Yeah, bolted right out of the apartment the day you left." Randy stalked towards you.

"That's why you never messaged me back." You looked up at the olive skinned man with the green eyes. 

"So, should I get my reward now or later?" He licked his lips, eyes shined with want. 

You didn’t believe what he said. You raised your hand, slapping his face as hard as you could. Randy stumbled back, shocked. "What the fuck!?" He shouted.

You approached Randy, grabbing him by the shirt and shoving him towards the door. "Get out!" You screamed. You kicked your foot at him, hitting his ass. 

"I'm leaving!" He hollered, Randy fell onto all fours when you kicked his ass "Crazy bitch!" Randy stumbled to get onto his feet and rushed to the stairs. 

Slamming your door shut, you covered your face, crying. Tears started streaming down your cheeks. You blame yourself for not getting Snuffles microchipped just in case something like this would happen. 

Three loud knocks came from the door. "I swear Randy, if that's you." 

"It's not, it's me." A voice with southern drawl said through the door. 

The door seemed like miles away, grabbing the handle you swung it open, the hinges creaked. "What do you-"

"This belong to you?" Jeff teased, holding out a big orange tabby cat. 

"Meow." Snuffles purred.

"Snuffles!" I exclaimed, grabbing him out of Jeff's arms. "What- How did you?" You looked at Jeff with sparkling eyes. 

"Well, that boyfriend of yours threw him out. I guess Snuffles here kept bothering him, then scratched him and Randy kicked him out of your apartment. Snuffles kept meowing, wanting back in but that douche wasn't going to let him in so I scooped him up and let him stay here for the weekend." Jeff smiled. 

"What about food or cat litter?" 

"I got a small bag of food and a litter box with some litter." Jeff petted Snuffles head.

"Wh- Why?" You asked, "Why would you do it?" 

Jeff looked down, his eyes shining in the light. "Well, to be honest I know I was a big dick when we first met." He sighed. "I just wanted to make it up to you." 

"By saving my cat." You smiled. 

"What, you want me to bake you a fruitcake?" 

"Tis' the season." You teased.

Jeff rolled his eyes letting out a low chuckle. "If you say so." 

Snuffles jumped out of your arms and rushed over to the toys, pawing at them. 

"Well, I have pizza rolls in my freezer. It's not a perfect dinner but I'd love to make you dinner sometime?" 

Jeff let out a hearty laugh. "Pizza rolls sound amazing right now." He smiled down at you. "You got netflix?" 

"Of course I do." 

Jeff walked into the apartment, shutting the door behind him. 

"So, you say you're a wrestler. Care to show me some moves?" You giggled.

[caleiiiii]

mcyt subway au pt 4 - ELECTRIC BOOGALOO

check out the master post here !

halloween

phil lets everyone dress up for the halloween weekend as long as they wear the nametag and hat

tubbo dresses up as a bee (it matches the pin on his visor :D)

tommy tries to “dress up” as schlatt, but gets denied as soon as he walks in the door

wilbur, the shift lead, decides that tommy can just. wear a sheet over his head with the eyes cut out

he has to wear the hat and nametag on the sheet tho

wilbur, quackity, and fundy decide it would be hilarious to all wear their uniforms backwards

hats, shirts, aprons, pants, it’s all backwards

wilbur asks fundy if hes gonna wear his fursuit (this is before the philza smackdown)

fundy is Not Pleased 

the dream team + karl dress up as hogwarts students

instantly the favorites from all the kids who come into the store

technoblade dresses up as a vampire 

isnt allowed to ring people up because of the fake fangs

eret dresses up as a king, also attempts to wear those like 5 inch platform heels

the reason he cant is because he kept hitting his head on things

niki dresses up as wednesday addams

phil told her she wasnt allowed to keep the crossbow on her :(

schlatt just shows up in his everyday clothes

when quackity asks who hes dressed up as schlatt just responds

“God”

no one else asks any questions

the proofer incident

one time tubbo was sick and couldn’t work his shift

everyone else was busy so phil let tommy and wilbur work it alone

since tubbo always bakes the bread, tommy had to do it

(for context, you have to proof bread before you bake it so it rises)

so tommy placed all the dough in the proofer to proof

but he didnt set the timer right

cut to a few hours later

the two are just finishing up a big rush when wilbur looks into the proofer

“tommy, you do know how to set the timer on the proofer, right?”

“what timer?”

tommy looks into the proofer

its just

dough

so much dough

(when you overproof dough it gets really big)

wilbur starts CACKLING 

tommy just. stares

they run out of bread that evening

languages

tubbo asks niki to teach him german one night

niki decides to hang up a bunch of sticky notes on items around with the store with the german word for it

fundy and quackity begin to do the same for dutch and spanish respectively

phil tells them as long as its in the back room he doesnt mind

speedrunning sandwiches

dream is hella good at making sandwiches

prides himself on being pretty damn good at his job

one day he hears rumors about a worker from another subway store who is super fast at making sandwiches

dream, curious, asks what location and decides to pay a visit to this newfound competitor

when he gets there, he meets illumina

the guy is just so fast at making sandwiches

dreams internal monolouge: “oh, this is my new rival”

as illumina is making his sandwich hes just like. mentally taking notes

he starts going to the other subway like about 3-4 days a week

everytime he asks for illumina to make his sandwich

every single time

time skip to two ish weeks later or smth

dream has made way too many google docs and spreadsheets over this

once he was editing it on the company computer and sapnap caught him and just stared in horror

he goes into the subway to order another sandwich and asks for illumina again

as dream is paying illumina kinda asks

“hey, so uh, is there a reason that you come in here like every day and always request that i make your sandwich?”

dream just. Freezes

its a weird conversation

the kitten incident(s) -an expansion on an idea by @trademarked-but-not-really !

schlatt, despite the façade he puts up, is a big softie

one time he finds a tiny kitten on his way to work

in a split second decision he just. brings the kitten to work

places the cat in his cubby behind his sweatshirt

during his lunch break he goes to the back room to play with the kitten

quackity catches schlatt holding the kitten and baby-talking it

“who’s a good kitty? you are! you-”

“uh, schlatt, what are you doing?”

quackity gets so much blackmail

“if you tell anyone about this you’re dead.”

quackity uses his blackmail to get out of so much stuff

after that incident, schlatt gets better at hiding the kittens

there are still some slip ups tho

phil: “is that cat hair on the floor?”

schlatt, hiding a kitten in his apron: “no... hopefully”

after his shift he always brings the kittens to the local animal shelter

he also volunteers there during his free time

one time niki comes in to adopt a cat and walks in only to see schlatt holding 3 small kittens

one in each hand, and another climbing up his shoulder

they just -stare- at eachother

needless to say, another person gains blackmail on schlatt that day

trade-offs

tommy, tubbo, and wilbur haggle and trade doing certain tasks

mainly sweeping the store and stocking the chips display

these trades get VERY intense

“i’ll start on freezer pulls if you sweep and mop” “only if you do prep work tomorrow” “deal!”

“i’ll let you bake bread and cookies if you also stock the chip display” “ugh, fine”

one day phil comes in to do inventory just to see the three boys standing by the task list screaming at each other

luckily only bad and skeppy were in the shop

schlatt and wilbur origins

when schlatt  first started working at subway, he always got paired with wilbur on shifts

(this is before tommy and tubbo started working at subway)

they got along like a house on fire

they always made up bets to complete while they worked

on their first shift alone they decided to play a hellish rendition of “the floor is lava”

whoever lost had to buy the others meals for a month

skeppy and bad agreed to be the referees for the day

they took extra chairs from the back and placed them around the shop so they could get around without touching the floor

they even put chairs behind the bain (the area behind the counter)

after they set everything up, the game began

from then on, they spent the whole day perched on chairs

customers were

very confused

to say the least

many tasks were done poorly or not at all in an attempt to win the bet

the two survive until the end of the day with no major failures

in a last ditch attempt to win, schlatt made a dramatic final speech and pushed wilbur from the chair he was standing on

skeppy recorded the whole speech

unfortunately, wilbur hit the floor just as phil arrived

the manager in question was PISSED

wilbur and schlatt were banned from working together in the future

feel free to send my asks about this au!! also, if you write/draw anything for this au, please tag me!!! i’d love it see it :D

tag list :)

@i-am-a-wizard @eva-ticket @oakskull @thesmpisonfire @trademarked-but-not-really @orange-is-salty-tm @pixelatedrose @hollow-hypocrite @astrono @nootella23 @hot-dumbass @jen-dot-net @karlljacobs @gearstorm @nico-nat @marvel-snowbaz

[kaypeace21]

Analyzing the 5 plays in this drama club poster .From the bts pics of stranger things 4.

So... some of ya’ll know I'm going through the st s4 films given to us by the official st twitter + the films reffed in the show itself or mentioned by the Duffers in interviews .

So I decided to look at the plays mentioned here. Because even if we don't see the monologues in the show directly - the Duffers wouldn't name drop anything unless it inspired them in some way. Similar to films name dropped in the show. Tw : for some dark themes .

This is just a quick little analysis I decided to do since we probably won't get any new st content today (3/22). Nothing too deep. Just mentioning things that caught my interest especially cause these plays have a lot of narrative connections to the st s4 movies I've been watching.

Invitation to a march (Authur laurents)

Reminds me of the stancy/jancy love triangle. "A young woman is having second thoughts about doing the right thing and marrying a respectable , rich, kind, young man with good prospects.By way of a prewedding diversion, this woman becomes interested in the passionate but poor and entirely unsuitable son of a local landlord.Basically, the plot concerns the efforts of Norma Brown to choose between a conventional fiance who "puts her to sleep" but is wealthy (like what her own mother did) or go for this new-poor guy. The play is principally interested in how this youthful love triangle affects the three mothers involved (whether the kids like it or not)

12th night (Shakespeare)

 - viola (el) wrongly assumes a family member (hopper) is dead. She dresses up as a man named 'cesario'. A girl named Olivia falls for 'cesario' (violet dressed as a man). "Finally, when 'Cesario' and Sebastian (violet's twin brother: assumed to have drowned - Will) appear in the presence of Olivia there is more wonder and confusion at their physical similarity. Taking Sebastian for 'Cesario', Olivia asks him to marry her, and they are secretly married in a church. Cough if Olivia is 'straight' cause she fell for Viola (as a doppleganger dressed like her twin brother).Mike being into el who multiple characters in s1 said looked like a boy and specifically like Will is...suspish and a hint he's not straight lol. just like Olivia they're both into guys . plus, this play just has a butt load of love triangles (ugh i hated that aspect). There was also romantically coded letters (which was in the s4 films) . One character is also thrown into an insane asylum and framed as 'insane'.'Pretending that Malvolio is insane, they lock him up in a dark chamber. Feste visits him to mock his insanity'. We all know the psych hospital will be narratively important- talked about it more here.

The seagull (Anton Chekhov-russian)

similar to how I believed s4 will show m*#even already broken up since the months between s3-4 : act 3 (s3) ends with Nina begging for one last chance to be with Trigorin before he leaves/moves away. They kiss and make plans to meet again in Moscow.And in act 4 there's a timeskip where it shows they've been broken up for a long time between acts- and its established they never actually loved eachother. Do i even have to spell out why this parallels the m*#even ending in s3? There is also a play within the play (this is common in a lot of the st films- they have plays- or a story within a story- which illustrate certain themes or emotions of the characters within said film : blackswan, children of paradise, highschool musical, Rushmore, book of Henry, welcome to marwen, never ending story, romancing the stone, wet hot American summer, etc).The play is Konstantin's latest attempt at creating a dense symbolist work. There is also alot of love triangles in the seagull. TW!: for se#ual ab*se/su*cidal thoughts/ inc*st (here and in other play segments). The seagull motif reminds me a lot of Jonathan's rabbit story.Konstantin romantically into Nina shows up to give her a gull that he has shot. Nina is confused and horrified . Trigorin sees the gull that Konstantin has shot and muses to Nina on how he could use it as a subject for a short story: "The plot for the short story: a young girl lives all her life on the shore of a lake. She loves the lake, like a gull, and she's happy and free, like a gull. But a man arrives by chance, and when he sees her, he destroys her, out of sheer boredom. Like this gull."  This immediately reminded me of jon's rabbit story and some of the movies on the s4 list . Like in forrest gump- Jenny (who is poor) was se*ually ab*sed as a very young girl by her father. As a child she runs away into a field-away from her alcoholic father yelling at her -there she prays that she can "be a bird so I can fly far far away" .

Jenny as an adult struggles with this unresolved trauma- being with ab*sive partners, doing dr*gs, and having su*cidal thoughts . She as an adult when contemplating su*icide, jokes 'you think i can fly like a bird ?' while looking down at a bridge.God-i'm worried about jonathan (Jenny was also a musician sort of like jon). In another s4 movie example ' mystic river ' :(in the 80s) a preteen baseball playing boy is r*ped by men in the woods. He later says he wishes he could become an undead monster to not feel the pain of that experience - cause quote " if I'm not human anymore maybe the pain will stop" (Will) . slightly off topic but he also has another personality, imagines a alternate word that dissappears when he turns his head. And as a less direct animal parallel to the play - the boy from the film also imagined his perpetrators as monsters and wolves to cope.In 'getout' the photographer character sees a dead deer in the woods and it represents a parent/his own childhood tra*ma relating to his past. similarly in 'prince of tides' the 2 siblings as kids were ra*ed by men. The older brother remembered it and the younger sibling developed DID (so didn't remember but she would draw wolves- as the perpetrators/villains in her picture stories she created . In the film they also had an ab*sive dad and were very poor. She also tried k*ling herself multiple times-but started to get better after remembering the source of her pain and trauma.  There is also the theme of multiple attempted su*cides in the play- and the play ends with yet another attempt- and the audience is left unaware of the artist's fate at the end of the play.

The tempest (Shakespeare)

Prospereo - (the perceived antagonist) is a wizard with monstrous looks, storm powers , and ability to create monster-dogs

He wants revenge on a man who tried ra*ing his family member & revenge on his other family member who wronged him years ago. I mean... pretty much my did theory.But in the end.Prospero decides to show his enemies the mercy that they did not show him twelve years earlier. He tells Ariel to bring the men to him, he will restore their sanity and then renounce magic forever.Prospero breaks the spell that the men are under .

Diary of a scoundrel (Alexander Ostrovsky-Russian)

-  I suppose this could loosely relate to Jonathan? Glumov, is a young man from an impoverished family lacking status seeking entrance into society's pampered class. A 19th-century Russian scoundrel must scheme his way out of his meager life in a small apartment -whatever it takes.He has a quick mind and some talent for seeing through the hypocrisies of people around him ( Jonathan does make a lot of social critiques about society). That gives him some advantages. A tale of one man's mission to finagle his way into upper-class society and find a cushy job. Set in 1874, this social comedy follows Glumov, a Russian youth who begins his ambitious ascent to social esteem. He progresses by wit, guile and rhetoric. Pitting one stupid person against another, he soon gains his ends. To reach these goals, Glumov will lie, flatter, and cater to the vanities of the wealthy. Unable to contain his disgust with his victims, Glumov decides to relieve his unvoiced satirical comments by recording his schemes in a diary. But he is tripped up by his uncle's wife, to whom he has made passionate love on his way to success. At the end of the play, his diary is stolen and his duplicity exposed, but he can nevertheless suceeds. The author is much more critical about the high society itself than about the main character, so the play keeps attracting generations of directors by opening possibilities for political criticism while also avoiding naming names of the current rulers.The play's aim was to overthrow bourgeois tradition and establish a class-conscious art called eccentricism giving a deliberately comic portrayal of reality.

I suppose I notice some possible commonalities-  besides s3 critiquing the wealthy/capitalism in comedic ways . jonathan since s1 has worried about his family's finances / had some resentment toward the rich . In some of the s4 movies ‘orphan’ & ‘ girl interrupted’ someone reads their diary out loud to get at them (in girl interrupted the winona character’s diary even had critiques of her new friends).  Alot of movies also have someone (usually a teen/young adult) making a documentary about their life -which could narratively replace said diary? A few movies have a poor guy adjusting to snobby rich social circles (or being poor and then getting money)- titanic, kingsmen, karate kid, the craft , godfather,  wardogs,into the spiderverse,flashdance, and many others . And movies like wardogs has a poor-young-character do shady things to finacially support his family . There’s also that whole uncle’s wife thing- which makes me uncomfortable for obvious reasons (but I’m just thinking of Lonnie’s creepy gf who was into him). A few movies had the guy’s step mom innappropriately hit on him- orange county & you got mail. And him trying to avoid her advances. Or...not to mention ... it may be a problematic coincidence /trope. But in enter the void -the guy who needs to finacially support his sibling/ does dr*gs -hooks up with his dr*g dealing friend’s married mom (who would give him money).  Or in gilbert grape- the poor teen-who has to finacially support his siblings/single mom-has his endgame relationship be a girl his own age. But before that he h*oked up with a married woman -who would give him money. Don’s plum -young film guy-propositioned by older female film director (for dream job). Not even mentioning the other films that have the guy hooking up with toxic older women (like ‘the graduate’). Or analyze this-where the therapist accuses him of having an Oedipus complex (not touching that one... but the guy in ‘enter the void’ a 100% had one). It’s possible those movies were just- inspo for s3?  A coincidence? Or s3 was foreshadowing for this in s4- but unlike s3 it will accurately be played as wrong  and a sign of Jonathan recreating past tra*ma caused by Lonnie (cough like the photos) /being desperate for money. And not played ‘comedically’ like how it mostly was in s3. But shown as self destructive  (for Jon) and immoral on the Woman’s end. Like... Billy and Jon are character foils. Both are older siblings into rock music, with ab*sive dads who shoved them into walls. Both lose it (and beat steve to a pulp when Steve accidentally triggers their daddy issues). In s3 it’s established womanizer Billy has mommy issues, than he tries ho*king up with someone his mom’s age, and the characters ref ‘back to the future ‘ and Steve incorrectly says it’s about “alex p keaton trying to bang his mom.” This could illustrate his subconscious issues with parental figures/adults cause of Lonnie’s  possible past se*ual ab*se . One film the friend even says to the guy “you don’t have friends!” guy b: i have friends! him:  no you have acquaintances! ADMIT IT! YOU’RE AFRAID OF MEN!I mean-Jonathan liked Nancy- but he initially hooked up with her cause he wanted to prove he didn’t have ‘trust issues’ from his dad. Also it’s prob a bit of a reach (and maybe a coincidence)- but the fact Murray in the same breath compares Steve (Nancy’s then bf) and Lonnie  ... uh... if you think too long about it ... it’s very sinister .  Especially because in s3: muray tells Joyce  that despite her wanting to be with a nice guy, she’s curious about “the brute” Hopper despite him reminding her of a past “bad relationship”(aka Lonnie). Like- yeah connect some dots.  Quite a few films (other than forrest gump) also have the character who (as a kid) was  r*ped by their dad/parent-  begin to do dr*gs/be pr*miscuous as adults since they never learned to properly cope with their trauma (’girl with the dragon tattoo’,  ‘black swan’, and ‘magnolia’). Unfortunately the whole relative doing such things to kid-relatives is in at least 30+ movies. 

Personally, i would be MUCH happier if Jon had a age appropriate romance- and had not a single creepy adult near him. A few movies actually imply Lonnie gets yet another ‘new model’  replacing his gf in her 20s with a new gf- who is ‘barely l*gal” and just turned 18. so there’s that possibility as well- that she’s jonathan’s age.I just want Jonathan-happy &safe. GOD. IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK?

[naturecoaster]

Insider's Guide to the 27th Annual Kumquat Festival on January 27

Known as the family-friendly alternative to Tampa's Gasparilla Festival, Dade City's Annual Kumquat Festival offers a more relaxing event with great vendor shopping, homespun talent, an amazing car show, and activities to satisfy all ages! Best of all, it is free to attend and shows off a community's dedication to its little orange citrus fruit, the kumquat. Have you ever tasted kumquat pie? Kumquat beer? Kumquat wine? Kumquat jelly? How about the little orange fruit that is both sweet and sour at the same time? Whether your answer is yes or no, you will want to attend the 27th Annual Kumquat Festival for all the best in kumquat fun, food, and finery. It's time to bite down and feel that delightful burst of deliciousness that is nearly as joyful as saying the word, "kumqat" is to the silly side of our lives! The 2024 Kumquat Festival will take place on Saturday, January 27, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in downtown Dade City, Florida. Vendors, activities, and entertainment will be located around Pasco County’s iconic historic courthouse.  This year's festival's headline sponsor is once again AdventHealth.  The Festival is also sponsored by the City of Dade City, among other local and regional organizations, including yours truly, NatureCoaster.com. Once again Kumquat Festival features over 350 vendors, food trucks, a classic car show, a kid's corral play area, and more. This year's event promises great shopping, as well as generating a lot of excitement from the local merchants and the City itself. Festival goers will be able to enjoy classic kumquat favorites like kumquat pie, kumquat wine, and kumquat beer, of course, but what else can you expect at the 27th Annual Kumquat Festival?  "Historic Downtown Dade City will be transformed into a gigantic marketplace focused on local businesses, hundreds of specialty vendors, dozens of partner sponsors, and the friendly, down-home, unique old Florida experience that the Annual Kumquat Festival has come to mean," says Vicki Wiggins, CEO of the Dade City Chamber of Commerce. "Join us to try all the wholesome food available including kumquat pie, kumquat salsa, and numerous kumquat recipe specialties. Shop for crafts, enjoy the art displays, and visit our “Health and Wellness” section. There will be a children’s activity area, a classic car show, craft Kumquat beer and wine, and lots of fun things to do," adds Melody Floyd and Jo Uber, the Dade City Chamber of Commerce's dynamic duo. Guide to the 27th Annual Kumquat Festival Today, NatureCoaster provides a behind-the-scenes guide to the 27th Annual Kumquat Festival. Learn all about kumquats and taste one at the 27th Annual Kumquat Festival. Everyone who visits may taste one of the little orange fruits that are both sweet and tart! (Unless they run out, which has never happened before...) Image courtesy of Richard K. Riley. What is a Kumquat? The little golden citrus fruit is native to China and was given as a traditional gift on New Year’s Day. Translating to “golden coins,” the kumquat represents prosperity, according to information from TV horticulturist Roger Swain. The inside is sweet, and the skin is sour. These tasty little citrus gems are eaten whole, so when you bite in a unique sensation greets your taste buds. They are great to cook with, too. There is great vendor shopping at the 27th Annual Kumquat Festival in Dade City, with 350+ vendors signed up for the family-friendly alternative to Gasparilla. Image courtesy of Richard K. Riley. Why a Kumquat Festival? The Greater Dade City Chamber of Commerce began holding a festival over 20 years ago in conjunction with Kumquat Growers, Inc. to celebrate the little fruit and all it has contributed so much to this area. On January 27, 2024, this wholesome, fun, and delicious event features over 350 vendors and sponsors coming together throughout the streets of a historic, charming Southern town to celebrate the community as well as the agricultural heritage of the little citrus fruit that is both sweet and sour. This is the family-friendly alternative to the Gasparilla event in Tampa. Local Pageants are held, and the winners are part of the Kumquat Festival's fun. Image courtesy of Richard Riley. The Festival Car Show The Festival Car Show is hosted by Ronnie Setser's Car & Truck Shows and features an amazing variety of classic cars and trucks in the large parking lot of the downtown Judicial Courthouse. Organized by Ronnie Setser, there are trophies, dash plaques, and a well-organized show that attracts some of the nicest vehicles to be seen in the Southeast U.S. Show runs from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Pops 54 by Mike Groseclose at the Kumquat Festival Car Show. Ronnie Setser's Car & Truck Shows puts on the annual event, drawing great vehicles from around Florida and the southeast U.S. Image courtesy of Ronnie Setser's Car & Truck Shows. Sponsors Make the Festival Happen Get your tickets to the upcoming Pasco County Fair while you are visiting the Dade City Kumquat Festival. Image by Richard Riley. AdventHealth Dade City is the headlining sponsor for 2024, joining Florida’s Sports Coast and dozens of business and government partners who come together to make the day memorable, including NatureCoaster.com.   Stop in one of the Friendly Local Shops and Restaurants Local storefronts are decorated for the festival in kumquat themes, and it can be nice to duck into a shop or restaurant (if you plan to visit one of the restaurants on the day of the Festival, you will likely have to wait for a table and may want to call in advance to see if they take reservations for that day) and rest during the festivities. Downtown Dade City merchants decorate their show windows in kumquat themes. There are some great shops to visit. Image by Richard Riley. Dade City is a great town to visit any day and the unique shops and restaurants that make up this vibrant downtown are another wonderful way to spend part of your day. Antiques, toys, books, jewelry, and pet supplies are some of the types of shops you will find. Restaurants vary from the classic Florida Cracker Lunch on Limoges to an authentic tea house, sandwich shops, coffee shops, Mexican, Italian, craft beer, and fine dining. Although Dade City is a pet-friendly city, please allow your pets to stay at home during the festival. Come out for Kumquat pie, one of the crowd favorites. It's available at the Festival and it is light, creamy and delicious! Image courtesy of Richard K. Riley. Hundreds of Vendors provide Unique & Kumquat-y Items The “Kumquat Growers” are located in the Wells Fargo parking lot along Meridian Avenue, where you can learn about and purchase kumquats. Unique arts and crafts are fun to discover in many of the vendor booths lining the streets of this quaint city in eastern Pasco County. Many of these artisans return year after year to sell their wares. How about kumquat ice cream? Image by Richard Riley. Delicious foods, as well as many ethnic offerings, are available to festivalgoers. There is a myriad of opportunities to sample the tasty little fruit, whether it be as marmalade, cookies, salsa, ice cream, refrigerator pie, or a sip of kumquat beer or wine. The Kumquat Quilt Show Kumquat Kids Corral The Kumquat Kids Corral provides entertainment for the youngest visitors. Image by Digwen from Pixabay A Kumquat Kids Corral offers families the opportunity to let off some steam with bounce houses, games, face painting, and more. Come to Dade City a Day early to Enjoy the Kumquat Growers Open House Kumquat Growers claims to be the largest producers of kumquats and kumquat products and no one around here questions that! This year they will hold their traditional Open House at the packing house, located at 31647 Gude Rd in St. Joseph from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM on Thursday, January 26 andFriday, January 26 (the two days before the Festival). Frank Gude, the patriarch of the Kumquat Growers, is seen here teaching all about kumquats. Image by Richard Riley The Gude and Neuhoffer families are the founders of the Kumquat Growers. They are the descendants of farmers who in 1883 settled in the community now known as St. Joseph, Florida. At the Kumquat Grower's Open House, there is a talk about the history and origin of the little citrus fruit that packs a punch and how it is used, followed by a packing house tour and a tour of the grove where you can see kumquat fruit in its native habitat. There is a nice Hampton Inn just south of downtown Dade City, and several hotels in Wesley Chapel along the I-75 and SR 56-SR54 corridor. Camping and RV hookups can be had at the Travelers Rest Resort. Now you can stay in a former jail in downtown Dade City, called The Locke Inn. Of course, a stay at one of Brooksville's B & Bs with a short drive to the festival is another alternative. Things to Know about the 2024 27th Annual Kumquat Festival A decorated "kumquat tree". Image by Richard Riley. Historic downtown Dade City will be transformed into an open-air marketplace featuring local businesses, hundreds of specialty vendors, dozens of partner sponsors, and the friendly authentic old Florida experience that the Annual Kumquat Festival has come to represent.  This event is attended by tens of thousands of visitors each year.  The 1909 historic Pasco County courthouse is in the center of the Festival. Entertainment is held on the courthouse steps, usually by local groups. This gorgeous structure is registered on the U.S. National Register of Historic Places. Image by Diane Bedard. Free Admission and Parking Admission is FREE, city-owned public parking downtown is free and the experience of a unique, authentic, and fun-filled festival is unforgettable. Visitors can look at antique cars, shop for arts and crafts in vendor booths, or at Dade City's charming local merchants, to find that perfect item, and enjoy delicious food indoors or out.Fun Activities to see and do at the festival include arts and crafts, delicious food from local restaurants, food vendors and food trucks, an amazing car & truck show, Farmer's Market vendors, Kumquat Kids Corral, kumquats, kumquat pie, kumquat beer, kumquat wine, kumquat jam, kumquat artwork, kumquat quilts, and the wonderful sponsors, including yours truly. NatureCoaster will be on-site with area maps and stickers to give away, as well as caps, bucket hats, and mugs for sale. The citrus industry has been an important part of Florida’s Nature Coast, and the 27th Annual Kumquat Festival on January 27 from 9 am to 5 pm in downtown Dade City promises to be one not to miss. For more information, click here. Featured image from previous Festival by Richard K. Riley. Read the full article

[millenniumfae]

Video Game Cooking: Tangerine Crab (Tears Of Themis)

I love replicating recipes based off of wacky video game foods, and this is the first time I'm working with a game that's not fantasy or science-fiction based. After all, what's the point of replicating fictional food if you're not gonna take the opportunity to puzzle out what Fallout's Bloatflies are supposed to taste like? It's always disappointing to pick up a 'Harry Potter' cookbook and discover that the recipes are just ... regular foods named after Hippogriffs or something.

This time around, we're looking at Tears Of Themis' 'Tangerine Crab' dish! ToT has no magic nor sci-fi outside a sort of, 20-years-from-modern-day use of holograms and 6g mobile networks. There's no giant spider salads or glowing mushroom risottos. You don't have to go to the compendium to look up what the heck a 'Duscaen Orange' or a 'Hyrule Herb' is supposed to taste like. The food of ToT is very much rooted in real life.

Tangerine Crab is, so far, the only story-based food to have no real-life counterpart. It pops up in Luke's personal story, and plays a role in MC and Luke's relationship. Story goes, MC is asked whether they've ever had a particularly good food, and their answer is this 'tangerine crab' they ate at a business dinner. The way they describe it (crab and roe cooked within a tangerine peel) isn't a known recipe in real life. In the ToT world, however, they're able to open a random cookbook and find the recipe immediately 'cause it's a 'famous dish'.

Today, we're gonna whip together our own version of Tangerine Crab, and also take the opportunity to explore the lore of ToT through its food!

Ingredients:

One blue crab for every one tangerine/orange

Spray of mirin/white wine

Pinch of kosher salt

Pinch of white pepper

Ginger slices

All four boys have a particular relationship with food, and ToT occasionally takes the opportunity to explore their characters through cuisine. Artem in particular is very good at cooking, and many of his stories are about him cooking for/with the MC - the food isn't changed in localizations, so Artem notably makes things like rice congee and other foods native to China. In contrast, Vyn has the baking talent, his penchant for delicate puff pastries and frosted cakes highlighting his European heritage, complete with expensive tea. Marius' billionaire background means lavish corporate dinners and 5-star cuisine; the CEO lifestyle of Asia means drinking and eating with other business people on the reg, plus there's the whole 'Sexily-Feeding-Him-Cake' thing in his Eye Of The Beholder card.

Luke, like with Vyn and Artem, is another dead ringer counterpart to rich boy Marius - all the food he mentions are commoner dishes like tomato-and-egg omelettes, beef noodle soup, one of his comments in the 'visit' feature is him perking his head up at his takeout delivery arriving, and his food quality even goes a step further down to military spartan levels with the energy bars he used to eat during missions/training. Not to say that ToT's story is secretly about Artem versus Vyn, and Marius versus Luke, just that Mihoyo makes a habit of fleshing out the boys through their food.

(Luke was MC's childhood friend and unofficial foster sibling, while Artem's your conservative work superior. The 'Veronicas' that contrast these two 'Bettys' are much more flirty in comparison, the exotic doctor Vyn and the rich brat Marius. When all four boys are in a room together, it's these two groups that butt heads most often.)

Artem, Vyn, and Luke all try to cook for MC at some point. But unlike the first two, Luke isn't good at preparing food, and it took him a long time to nail his signature dish - tomato eggs - just because it was one of MC's favorite foods. The Tangerine Crab dish was a complicated venture into multi-step cooking that neither Luke nor MC are comfortable with, but they do manage to pull it off. As a reward, Luke gets another clue from the mysterious phantom thief that's leading them on a scavenger hunt for Luke's stolen box of sentimental items.

A little later, it turns out that the thief was Luke's prescribing doctor, who was trying to bring MC and Luke closer together in an effort to give Luke more drive to battle his terminal illness. The Tangerine Crab clue was about having Luke and MC share a beloved meal. Cooking together, dining together, sharing good memories ... It's no surprise that food plays a big role in many dating games.

Luke's Shape Of You card also involves creating and eating food together in the form of the Chinese festival malt sugar drawings. You take a ladle of molten sugar syrup and draw shapes onto a flat, greased surface, putting a lollipop stick onto it before it dries, and then you pry off your candy creation! Popular shapes to draw are each other's names, or hearts, etc. Again, it's about sitting together and sharing not only the food, but the preparation.

The only other character to have so many bonding moments over food is Artem, who goes up and beyond thanks to his cooking skills - you catch fresh fish with him, pick veggies and pumpkins, etc. But Artem's food-love analogy is different precisely because he's so good at cooking; MC spends a lot of time just standing next to him and admiring his skills, rather than pouring over the cookbook together. In the Fixated On You card, Artem gets stuck in 'work mode' as he's picking tomatoes, examining them like they're candidates for the law firm. MC has to come in and help get the stick out of his ass.

(All four boys are - almost frustratingly - largely more skilled and competent than the MC. Artem it makes sense 'cause he's your superior at work, but he's also much better at cooking, Luke carries the both of you come anything physical, Marius is this 20-year-old art and business prodigy, Vyn in particular is shockingly good at near any task that comes up except in the Mercury In Retrograde card, where you find out he's bad at housekeeping and he's unwilling to appear anything less than skilled in your eyes.)

Meanwhile, MC and Luke have to buy a steamer 'cause MC didn't have one, they ponder over how much water is 'just enough', and then the live crabs go crazy so the kitchen is overrun by rebelling crustaceans. Whereas in the Sparks card, again live ingredients rebel against their fate but Artem is spared the indignity.

And we can also look at Vyn's food-love analogies. Baking requires more precision than cooking, since you're likely to be working with live cultures and delicate decor. The chemistry and fitness involved fits Vyn's perfectionism well. The only time we see Vyn mess up in baking? During his personal story when MC had to hook up with a pick up artist, and the disguised Vyn squirts too much filling in the pastries out of a fit of jealousy.

But who knows how much thought Mihiyo puts into the details, 'cause if I had one critique of Tears of Themis, it's about the effort put into its graphics and gameplay compared to the writing and characters. There's so many stand alone storylines 'cause of the cards mechanic and the various limited events and the 'visit'-based independent stories, and it all totals up to 237594385 separate moments where MC and (insert boy here) could have hooked up, but didn't. Almost every card contains at least one heart-stopping moment of held gazes, near-confessions, or outright confessions that don't go anywhere.

It also means you can't explore any of the boys in a completely linear way. Depending on the random cards you manage to scramble together, you may not know about Vyn's old money European background, or Artem's love for cooking, or Marius' inner-family business conglomerate troubles. It's worse for us Western players, 'cause we're effectively more than a year behind in terms of what content has been translated and released on our servers.

So we don't know when MC and Luke decide to cook Tangerine Crabs - it might be mere weeks after they're reunited, or several months, or longer. It might not matter in terms of the overall story, but the more you think about it, the more it gets confusing how much character development has happened behind the scenes and how their relationships have evolved.

(TOT takes place in a fictional city called Stellis, and Mihoyo went to lengths making sure it didn't resemble any one place or country. All the signage looks to be localized, the architecture isn't indicative of culture, and Stellis apparently has these weird places like a 'Victorian district' and its 'airport district'. It is, however, confirmed to be seaside.)

Luke and MC buy the ingredients needed for Tangerine Crab, including a brand new steamer that neither of them know how to use. Even watching a video tutorial doesn't help 'cause it just says to "add just enough water", which is a struggle I'm sure many of us can relate to. At one point, the live crabs escape and the pair have to scramble to regain their kitchen from the rebelling crustacean forces.

They eventually succeed, though, which is impressive for two people who can't cook. Steaming live crabs isn't a super easy task, neither is the idea of stuffing the meat into tangerine peels. Shelling crabs require a bit of know-how to maximize the taste and quantity, plus working a steamer to properly cook the seafood without undercooking it (which is a health hazard), or overcooking it (which makes the meat tough).

Here's how we're going to make Tangerine Crabs!

Get live crabs - when it comes to crustaceans and shellfish, the longer they're dead the more ammonia it produces within itself, and ammonia is very toxic. Frozen varieties are often already cooked to combat this, which isn't what we want 'cause we're aiming to get that citrus taste within the meat. Depending on where you live, getting live crabs can be a real task - I never find any in my mainstream groceries, I go to ethnic Asian grocers where they stock blue crabs. Right now in autumn and winter are when crabs are in season, they're big and tasty. Buy then the DAY you're planning on cooking them.

Then you get tangerines, which is tough if you're buying in-season crabs during the colder months 'cause that's when tangerines are not in season. It makes me doubt the foresight TOT's writers put into this dish, or maybe the food seasons are different in China; I'm Taiwanese, but grew up in America and I've very little knowledge about China's diverse flora and fauna.

So if you can't get tangerines, you can get oranges which are in season during the fall and winter. The taste of oranges are pretty different compared to tangerines, but it's better if you get a fresh, affordable substitute that's readily available rather than a tough, bruised tangerine that's been shipped from halfway across the continent.

For the seasonings; mirin is a Japanese rice cooking wine that's as ubiquitous for their cuisine as butter is for the french. It adds a fragrant savoriness that's great for soups and steamed dishes.

White pepper is the same species as black pepper, but it's harvested and prepared in different ways that strip some of its bitterness and strength, and is another staple in East-Asian cuisine.

Kosher salt is salt that hasn't had iodine added to it; consuming iodine is vital for humans, but it makes iodized salt taste bad, so kosher salt is often used by food enthusiasts.

Lastly, fresh ginger is something added to Asian crab dishes a lot, partly because it accompanies the taste very well, but also because according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), crabs are a dangerously 'cooling' food and the ginger helps warm it back up again, making it safer.

(Luke's interest in repairing antiques, his photography skills, the key he wears around his neck, him constantly feeling guilty about leaving MC for so long - he's a man consumed by the past and unwilling to face an uncertain future. Both his cards and personal story have people come into his shop to talk about remembering those lost through memorabilia, which is bittersweet. But MC isn't willing to let Luke wallow, we keep dragging him back into our life to make up for time lost. Something he has trouble accepting.)

As for steaming tools; I used a traditional bamboo steamer which is placed atop any wok/wide pan, the water boils underneath. You can use, like, bougie automatic digital steamers, or maybe you've got a steel accessory that fits atop a pot. If you have no steaming tools whatsoever, you can indeed scrap together a disposable cooking steamer using aluminum pie pans or other materials. But the cheapest, most accessible, and longest-lasting-for-its-buck option is the bamboo steamer that you can get in any Asian grocery for $12.

Steaming these crabs will require a certain amount of water to boil and become steam to cook them properly. A digital steamer might do the calculating for you, but if you don't have that, you can just throw a ton of water into the pot below the steamer, and it'll be down to time spent cooking to determine when the crabs are ready; remember, the water has to be at a full boil and a ton of steam is coming out for the steamer to be properly ready. Also, the wider your pot the quicker the water will boil and boil out, which means you might need to add more water than what a narrow, deep pot might use. For our recipe, use at least seven cups of water, add more to be safe.

Next, take a tangerine/orange, slice the top off to make a hole two inches in diameter, and hollow it out; the smaller, thinner-skinned tangerine requires a delicate hand to make sure you don't rip the skin aside from the hole on the top. Make one hollow tangerine for every crab you have.

So now that we've got all our ingredients and tools, here comes the hardest part; cooking these live crabs.

I insist you kill them humanely. Don't throw live crabs atop a steamer and have them slowly die. You need to kill them right before cooking them, so have your steamer ready to go and billowing steam at full blast. Right after you bring your crabs home and you're putting away all the other groceries, put the crabs in a large bowl, cover them with ice cubes, and stuff them into the fridge. Crabs go to sleep at low temperatures.

When the steamer is raring to go, get your crabs out and place them belly-up on a cutting board. You can tell the crabs are asleep if their limbs move at a slow, languid pace at the most. Pull out a heavy, sharp blade like a steel or iron wrought cleaver, and pull back the crab's bottom fin so that a divot down their abdomen is exposed. Quickly slam the blade right down that divot, deep and at least two inches long in length, and then you're taking that blade in between their eyes to knife them deep a second time.

(Looking closely, you can tell that neurodiversity plays a big role in TOT's various stories, even in the NXX file room analysis ... but not amongst the main characters and not super respectfully, either. The autism character was later revealed to be misdiagnosed around the same time he began to open up and be more verbal, a DID character is a classic 'split personality murderer', and there's even an instance of autism being 'treated'. But on the other hand, examples of anxiety and depression are taken seriously and with sympathy. None of the boys are so far revealed to be neurodivergent, the only chronic illness we have amongst them is Luke's terminal nerve damage.)

The crab is now completely dead, but its thinner limbs might continue to move and twitch; if their larger front claws are limp and still, then they're definitely dead. Now, rip apart the crab with the help of the incisions you just made, so its body meat and every limb is stuffed inside the hollow tangerine. You'll notice that there's some hollowness in its circular body, but there's still plenty of meat and maybe some roe in there, you might have to scoop out the body meat to put into the tangerine. Raw crab meat has the texture of, like, a slightly tough loogie, so be gentle.

Once all the meat is inside the tangerine, sprinkle it with a pinch of pepper and salt, add a few drops of mirin, and put a slice of ginger right in there. You can also add sliced ginger to the steam water below the steamer.

Put the crabs atop the steamer, and cover it completely with a lid. Any gaps in a lid will prevent the crabs from cooking thoroughly. Cook for 20-30 minutes; the meat inside the peel will take longer to cook than if we were steaming the crabs alone.

Immediately after steaming and plating, the crabs are ready! MC was right to call this dish unforgettable. The taste of hot citrus might take a second bite to get used to, but once you do it's addicting. Ginger especially compliments the flavors really well.

Enjoy your Tangerine Crabs, and good luck on wooing your favorite TOT boy!

[kissinginkitchens]

You Bring Me Home — Chapter One: Flightless Bird, American Mouth

a/n: I've been working on this story for mooonths now and I'm so excited to finally share it with the world! It's heavily inspired by Harry's Behind the Album mini doc, except I changed the setting to Hawai'i because I've personally spent some time there and as they say, write what you know! YBMH takes place in the period between One Direction's hiatus and Harry's first album/tour, but with that being said, this is entirely a work of fiction and some events don't follow the true timeline. Thank you so much for taking the time to read my little story, I hope you love it as much as I do! It will be updated every Friday at 5 PM PST. My inbox is open, so feel free to talk to me once you've finished reading! I'd love to hear from you :) Much love, Mel <3

Pairing: Hawai'i!Harry x Original Character

Warnings: swearing

Word Count: 5.5k

May, 2016

Harry watches LAX get smaller through the airplane window and visualizes all of his worries stuck at the terminal gate, their magnitude also diminishing as he takes flight. He sinks lower in his seat and skims through playlists on his phone when a nagging feeling at the back of his mind pulls his attention away from the screen. Looking up from the song choices, he spots a cell phone quickly lowered from his line of vision and a girl with flushed cheeks who quickly averts her gaze. Harry shoots a tight-lipped smile in her direction and goes back to his phone with a sigh. The days when he could roam the streets freely without fear of recognition—or worse, harassment—feel like an entirely different lifetime. He sometimes imagines that he’ll wake up back in his childhood bed as if the past five years had all been a dream, but he never does. In fact, his privacy and anonymity seem to dwindle with each minute of radio play that One Direction receives. It’s a bittersweet pill to swallow, but one he hopes will go down easier with some time in the Hawaiian sun.

His close friend and new manager, Jeff Azoff, had suggested the vacation as soon as the band privately agreed to take a hiatus.

“You’ll go home for a few weeks,” his voice had crackled through the speakers of Harry’s phone. “Visit your mom and Gem, lay low for a while until the smoke blows over,”

Harry mulled it over in his mind, eyes flickering over the rolling landscape outside of the tour bus window.

“Then what?”

“Then you go for a little vacation. The label offered to cover a house in Hawaii so you can start working on the album,”

“Alone?”

Jeff chuckled lightly on the other end before responding. “I mean, if that’s what you want,”

“No,” Harry corrected. “You and Tom should come. Mitch and Bhasker, too,”

“The dream team,”

“And there’ll be a studio there?”

“Yes,” Jeff started, almost hesitant. “But I don’t want you to think about that too much,”

“But you said the label—"

“I also said vacation. Look, Rob said ‘it will all happen in due time,' did he not?”

Harry twisted the rose ring around his finger, tracing over the silver petals and thinking back to his conversation with the CEO of Sony Music, Rob Stringer. Upon the proposal of his debut solo album, Rob had told him that the most important ingredient for a successful debut would be patience. The singer had agreed in the moment, but every day not spent in the studio felt like a test he hadn’t studied hard enough for.

“Yeah.”

“So you take the free vacation,” Jeff suggested. “You go out, live, get some writing material. Maybe mess around with some tunes. And then we come back to L.A. and get to work. But until then, I just want you to focus on taking it easy.”

So take it easy he had. Or at least he had tried to when he was back home in England. Harry quickly grew restless after what felt like the millionth awkward conversation with past friends and acquaintances, all of which eventually led to the topic of One Direction and it’s unexpected hiatus. After one month at home, his mind and journal were full of ideas for songs, things that he wanted to say before he lost his nerve. One night as he tossed and turned in bed, he shot Jeff a text, just two words that would kick off a three month getaway to the Big Island of Hawai'i:

I’m ready.

********

“Sounds great, I'll go put in your order.” Alani offers sweetly, trying not to overdo it with the customer service voice. After waiting on the family at her designated table, she heads back to the kitchen and finds her younger sister, Pua, crouched in the corner taking what appears to be a serious phone call.

“I don’t know, I just saw it!” Her sister cries in a hushed tone. “Where do you think he’s going?”

“Is everything okay?” Alani cuts in with concern.

Pua whispers into the speaker before bringing the phone to her shoulder.

“Harry Styles was just spotted on a plane this morning,”

“Who?”

“The guy from One Direction,” her sister explains with a hint of irritation in her voice. “The band who sings that song you secretly like, ‘Fireproof,'”

Alani vaguely recalls the melody, but she waits expectantly for Pua to elaborate. “And this is news because…”

“Because the band just broke up, so where could he possibly be going?”

"The unemployment office?”

Pua rolls her eyes and returns to her phone call while Alani envelops her in a tight hug.

“I’m just kidding!” Alani apologizes, squeezing tighter despite her sister’s attempts to break free. “I’m sure he’ll be living off of royalty checks until he’s, like, eighty,”

“Get off me, freak!” Pua cries out, finally breaking the embrace.

Alani clutches her chest and pulls out an invisible knife. “Ouch. I’m telling Harry you said that,”

“This is exactly why I don’t tell you things.” the younger sister huffs, storming out of the kitchen through the employee entrance where Alani’s best friend, Maleah, has just arrived.

“Looks like someone forgot to eat their Cheerios today,” she remarks, tying her curls into a high ponytail.

Alani shrugs and leans against the counter. “She’s going through something. Just discovered that boys in pop bands are, in fact, just regular boys.”

“Poor thing,” Maleah frowns. “We all have to learn eventually.”

********

The sky is a blend of cotton candy pink and burnt orange when Alani returns home from the café with a strawberry smoothie in tow. She empties the mailbox and sorts through the various bills and advertisements, but her stomach drops when she sees a familiar return address label. After a quick greeting to her excited dog who waits at the door, Alani bolts up the stairs and quietly shuts the bedroom door behind her. Breathe, she reminds herself before tearing into the envelope and discarding it onto the wooden floor.

Dear Ms. Hale,

We are very grateful to have received your submission to Rolling Stone magazine. However, we regret to inform you—

She doesn’t read the rest, slumping to the floor in defeat. The sixth rejection letter from Rolling Stone lies crumpled at Alani’s feet and she kicks it across the room with a frustrated grunt. She had worked for over two months perfecting her analysis of Joni Mitchell’s Big Yellow Taxi and its allusions to the environmental impact of urban development in Hawaii. As part of her initial research, Alani had even traveled to both the Royal Hawaiian hotel in Honolulu, which is the famous Pink Hotel mentioned in the song, and Foster Botanical Garden that Mitchell referred to as “the tree museum.” She was certain that her effort and persistence would result in at least a consideration. The second third time's the charm! Maleah had joked watching Alani submit the piece. Six articles in the span of two years, each one facing the same rejection despite the increased effort Alani had put in over time. The fact that the rejection letter hadn’t changed over the course of the two years brings an incredulous smile to her face, and her stomach turns when she considers that the editors probably hadn’t even read her work, anyway. All that effort, she thinks to herself, all that time, for nothing.

“It will take time,” her favorite professor, Dr. Hudson, had reassured her three months after the Joni Mitchell article was submitted. “Every great writer faced countless rejection until that one piece. Yours will come. Keep your eyes open and your pen ready.”

Alani sighs and lifts herself off the floor, choosing to crawl into her unmade bed instead of slumping onto the hardwood. She hears a soft scratching at the door before her King Charles Spaniel, Freddie, pads into the room.

“Come here, bubs,” Alani whispers. He obeys and burrows into the duvet, giving her temple a gentle lick before nuzzling into the nape of her neck.

“You still love me, right?” she asks, voice cracking. “Even if I’m a failure?”

Freddie sniffs her ear in response.

********

“Right,” Harry says, his tongue peeking from the corner of his mouth as he reads the map. “No, left, sorry,”

“Do you actually know how to read a map?” Jeff teases, correcting the turn.

Harry pouts in response, his brows furrowing. “In my defense, we’re literally in the middle of fucking nowhere,”

“There are worse places to be,” Mitch pipes up from the back seat. “England, for example, where they say things like ‘litchrally’,”

“Very well said, Mitchell,” Jeff Bhasker adds with a fake British accent of his own.

Harry turns to his friends in the back seat with a finger pointed like an agitated mother. “If you lot don’t shut up, I’m gonna lead us to a volcano and push you in,”

“Where are we even going? I forgot,” Tom complains.

“To get food,” his manager responds from the driver’s seat. “I think,”

“Why can’t we just stop there?” Mitch asks pointing to a café pulling up on their right.

Jeff merges into the turning lane quickly without a second thought. “Good enough for me, I’m starving.”

“Sorry, H.” Mitch pats his friend on the shoulder.

Harry scoffs. “You’re the one who wanted poke.”

The Aloha Nui Loa Café is much more spacious than the exterior suggests, yet it still feels cozy. The walls are painted sage green and adorned with various local art pieces, as described by the plaques that accompany them. A skylight fills the center of the room with plenty of warm lighting, leaving the space along the walls in a bit more shade for an intimate feel. In one corner, a hanging disco ball leaves freckles of sparkling light along the walls where the sunlight hits, making the whole image very idyllic in Harry’s mind. As if he couldn’t enjoy the setting more, he hears the beginning of an Otis Redding song that he’s had stuck in his head drift through the restaurant speakers.

“Welcome in!” a voice calls, which pulls him from his survey of the room. His head whips to the source—a girl around his age with wavy, dark hair and honey skin. “For here or to go?”

Harry takes a hesitant step up to the counter. “For here,”

She smiles warmly and pulls some menus from under the counter. “How many in your party?”

“Five.”

“Great, follow me.”

Harry and his friends follow the waitress to the corner of the room under the disco ball and take their seats at the round table.

“My name is Alani,” she introduces herself, setting the menus down. “I’ll be serving you today. Can I get you started with some drinks?”

Harry continues scanning the restaurant while his group orders. His eyes land on the shirt that Alani is wearing, a white tee with the words “Enjoy Health, Eat Your Honey” in blue lettering that surrounds a picture of a cartoon bee.

“Harry,” Jeff says gently, catching his drifting attention.

The singer turns to his manager, who nods to Alani waiting with a pen pressed to her notepad. Harry feels a rush of embarrassment creep across his cheeks and he clears his throat to cover it.

“Just water,” he says, eyes glued to the menu. “Thanks.”

“You got it.” Alani nods, flashing a toothy grin at the rest of the group before turning back to the kitchen. Harry. Her mind repeats, finding a hint of familiarity, though she doesn’t know why.

When Alani arrives at the drink station, she finds her sister staring at her, mouth agape, while Maleah unsuccessfully conceals her laughter.

“What?” she questions, checking herself for any embarrassing stains or smells.

“You were—and he—” Pua stammers. “He was—and then he—”

“That’s Harry Styles,” Maleah translates, her voice hushed as she peers over her friend's shoulder.

Alani turns to steal a glance at the table she just seated, but Pua and Maleah latch onto her and shake their heads frantically.

“Don’t look!” her sister hisses.

Alani smirks, amused at their reactions. “No shit. That’s One Direction?”

Maleah snorts, clasping a hand over her mouth as Pua huffs. “No, dumbass! It’s just Harry. I don’t know who the other guys are,”

“But the blonde guy? That’s not—?”

“No!” Pua and Maleah giggle in unison.

“Okay, geez,” Alani relents. She manages to steal a quick glance at the table over her shoulder, immediately searching for Harry. Her eyes scan over the long, curly hair kept out of his face by a pair of white sunglasses that she had seen on Kurt Cobain once. All of his features are sharp and striking, from his pointed nose and defined jawline to the bright blue eyes. Or maybe they were grey? Alani wonders, trying to remember the exact shade. He doesn’t look anything like the fresh-faced teeny bopper she’d had in mind, the one from a music video her sister had shown her a long time ago. She would have never guessed that the What Makes You Beautiful singer had so much dark ink trailing down his bicep and forearm, though her knowledge of One Direction was very limited.

“What did he order?” Pua questions, her eyes wide.

Alani quickly snaps back to reality and resumes filling the drinks. “A water,”

“Oh my god,” Maleah swoons. “I’m never drinking anything else ever again,”

“I didn’t even know you liked him,” Alani teases with an eyebrow raised.

Maleah sneaks another peek at the table and catches her lower lip between her teeth. “I mean, I didn’t really think so either but look at him. What a fucking dream,”

Harry was objectively handsome, this Alani could admit, but she personally didn’t see the appeal and had a strong feeling that he was just like every other male celebrity. The fact that he hadn’t even bothered to make eye contact with her only served as further proof of what she knew to be true.

“Okay, well, your dreamboat is waiting for his water. So excuse me,” Alani winks, making her way back to the table.

The singer spots Alani returning out of the corner of his eye and the sight of her causes a strange flutter in the pit of his stomach that makes him want to duck for cover. Instead, he pulls his phone from his back pocket and pretends to be occupied with something on the screen.

“Okay,” she greets, setting the drink tray down. “I have a Blue Hawaii, a Mango Mama, two Loco Cocos, and a water,”

The group graciously accepts their drinks with a chorus of “thank you," but the only one under Alani’s scrutiny is Harry. He still doesn’t meet her almond eyes, and though she figured he wouldn’t, she can’t help the inkling of disappointment that washes over her. After taking their meal orders, Alani heads back to the kitchen, checking on her other customers along the way. Harry’s eyes follow her and he observes the way customers light up at her presence, indulging her conversation with laughter. He watches as she lingers by the jukebox in one corner of the room, a detail he had missed in his initial scan, and waits anxiously to see what song she chooses. Baby I’m-a Want You begins softly and Harry feels the corner of his lip curl ever so slightly. Good choice, he thinks.

********

“He’s still here,” Pua muses, peering through the tiny window in the kitchen door. It had been nearly two hours and the five men were still seated around their table cracking jokes and doing a lot of talking with their hands.

Alani doesn’t look up from her bowl of sliced kiwis, offering a hum in response. “And what do you want me to do about that?”

“Nothing,” Pua shoots back. “Don’t bother him,”

“What kind of girls do you think he’s into?” Maleah asks, attempting to peek through the window.

Alani shrugs, bored of the conversation and of thinking about Harry. “I don’t know, but I’ll bet he’s a real sucker for the ones who stalk him while he’s eating,”

“How does he make eating a salad look hot?”

“Can we talk about something else now?” Alani whines, poking holes in a lone kiwi with her fork.

Pua tosses a wet dish rag in her sister’s direction and cheers when it lands in her face. “Go see if he wants more water, he looks thirsty.”

“I already refilled it,” Alani defends. “Twenty minutes ago. I’ve refilled it a hundred times, I’m surprised he hasn’t peed his pants.”

I’m gonna piss myself. Harry thinks, his right leg bouncing to distract himself. He really wasn’t all that thirsty, but he couldn’t stop himself from finishing each glass of water that Alani placed in front of him. He really wasn’t all that thirsty, but he couldn’t stop himself from finishing each glass of water that Alani placed in front of him. Like clockwork, she would return to fill his glass almost as soon as the last drop had been drained, and so what began as a little experiment slowly turned into a bladder hazard. But if the trend was to be trusted, she would be back any minute and he wasn’t going to miss it; afterall, there were only so many ways to casually linger in a small café without making it weird. Unable to bear it any longer, he heads to the restroom and hopes that Alani doesn’t clear their table before he has a chance to see her again.

Harry pads down the back hallway with his eyes cast down at the floor, which proves to be a mistake when he walks directly into another person.

“Sorry!” they both apologize quickly, Harry’s palm taking purchase on the other person’s upper arm.

“I wasn’t paying attention,” he offers, finally meeting the dark, mocha eyes already looking back at him.

Alani presses her lips into a tight smile. “Me either,”

Harry’s heartbeat picks up when he realizes it’s her, and he isn’t aware of how close they’re standing until he detects the faint scent of kiwi on her breath. He takes a step back and rakes a hand through his hair.

“So I guess I’ll just—”

“Yeah, sure.”

Green. Alani notes to herself. His eyes are green.

********

Shortly after Harry returned from the restroom, him and his friends settled their bill and headed out. Alani cleared their table and her eyes nearly fell out of her head when she saw the hefty tip left behind. The word mahalo was also left behind on the receipt, underlined twice, and she wondered if it was his handwriting.

Later that night, she settled into bed with her laptop and hesitantly typed his name into Google. As she expected, countless articles about the split of One Direction emerged, most of them speculating what was next for each member. To her surprise, however, Harry’s name seemed to be mentioned more than his fellow bandmates as various sources labeled him “the next Justin Timberlake” and rising star of the group. Upon further investigation, she learned that the demand for information about the elusive Harry Styles was high, especially concerning any possible solo music. No news had yet been confirmed by Styles himself, nor anyone claiming to represent him, but she still wondered if his presence in Hawaii had anything to do with a possible solo project. Almost as soon as she thought it, Alani dismissed the theory in favor of the idea that he was most likely just taking a vacation. And from the buzz that she saw surrounding the news about One Direction, she couldn’t blame him.

The more Alani read, the more she wanted to know, and something deep down told her that his was a story worth telling. Of course, the only problem was that she had hardly talked to him, and there were only so many things she could say about the fifteen glasses of water he downed. There was no way of knowing if she would ever see him again, either, or if he was merely stopping in Hilo on his way to another island or somewhere else entirely. Alani sighed, thinking back to her most recent rejection from Rolling Stone. She knew that there was no possible way she would ever see or talk to Harry ever again, and even if she did, why would he bare his entire soul to a stranger? Still, she let her mind wander through the possibility.

Dear Ms. Hale, the letter would read, we are very grateful to have received your submission to Rolling Stone magazine and are pleased to inform you that your piece on Harry Styles will be featured in next month’s issue. Additionally, we would be honored to have you on staff, effective immediately.

It was far-fetched, Alani knew this, but she dozed off that night with endless ideas swimming in her head.

********

By the third day after his visit, the only trace of Harry is in Alani’s search history. She would have completely forgotten about him if it weren’t for her sister’s constant reminiscing and multiple attempts to rename the house salad to the “Harry Special.” As a result, a part of Alani’s thoughts periodically linger back to that day and the subsequent hours spent on Google that she’d rationalized as research instead of stalking. Somehow the knowledge that she’ll never see him again only adds fuel to the questions still burning in her mind, but a customer clearing their throat while she sorts menus below the hostess podium interrupts her thoughts.

“Welcome in!” She calls, standing. “What can I—”

She stops in her tracks, unable to believe her eyes. Harry blinks and waits for her to continue.

“What can I get started for you?” Alani tries again, hoping that he hadn’t noticed her shock. Luckily for her, Harry had been too focused on choosing his next words to register her mistake.

“What’s in the Honu smoothie?” he asks, mentally kicking himself for asking such a stupid question when the menu just inches above her head clearly spells it out.

Alani hums, thinking back to the times she had made the smoothie herself. “Kiwis, spinach, mango, avocado, and a hint of lime,”

“I’ll take one of those,” Harry says, reaching for his wallet.

Alani punches in the order with trembling fingers and nods. “For here or to go?”

“To go,”

Disappointment fills her chest. Sure, she hadn’t planned on seeing him ever again, but the fact that she did felt like a sign. If she wanted to take the chance, she’d have to do it fast.

“Anything else?” she asks, weighing her options while he skims the menu.

“No thanks.”

Alani makes the smoothie quickly, head spinning. She had spent most of the night after their initial meeting planning out exactly the type of questions she hoped to ask him and what kind of article she would write. She was used to writing about what she knew—artists and music she’d admired for years— but she figured that starting fresh with someone she hardly knew would be a good challenge. Not to mention that it seemed like just the thing Rolling Stone would jump for. Alani finally works up the courage as she finishes his smoothie, but when she returns to hand it to him and hopefully strike up a conversation, his ear is pressed to his cell phone. She holds out the drink and he graciously accepts, giving her a small nod as a “thank you” and rushing out of the restaurant.

Two days later he returns and is seated at the counter, typing away on his phone. Alani feels both a rush of optimism and annoyance at the universe for dangling his presence so unexpectedly. She starts heading over to him, but Maleah cuts in.

“Trade me?” she proposes, eyes wide.

Alani blinks. “Oh, I would but I—”

“Please,” her best friend pouts. “I’m leaving to see my grandparents in stupid California for two months. Who knows when I’ll get the chance to see him again?”

Alani sighs, but gives in, reluctantly exchanging Harry for the family of four seated by the window. A strange feeling settles into the pit of his stomach when he sees that she heads in the opposite direction after a hushed conversation with another waitress. He doesn’t know why she traded him for a different customer, but he takes the hint.

A week goes by without another sighting of Harry and Alani has permanently taken on the role of greeting hostess in hopes of seeing him again. Her heartbeat temporarily speeds up when she sees a long haired customer approach the door, but her spirits quickly fall when the face doesn’t match his.

Another week brings another disappointing realization that Harry might be gone for good. One rainy morning when the restaurant is quiet and only two customers huddle together in a booth near the back, Alani hunches over the hostess podium and doodles on a stray receipt— a sunflower, a crescent moon, and two hearts. The bell above the door jingles but she doesn’t look up, too absorbed in her scribbles.

“Do you serve coffee?”

The familiar accented voice stops Alani’s pen dead in its tracks. She lifts her eyes first to confirm, and then straightens up when she sees that her ears haven’t deceived her.

“Yes,” she swallows.

“Great. I’ll take it to go,”

She slightly deflates, but Harry thinks he’s reading too much into it.

“Actually,” he corrects anyway, just in case he isn’t. “I think I’ll stay for a while,”

Alani flashes a warm smile and nods in the direction of the counter. “Right this way,”

Harry sheds his windbreaker onto the back of the seat, revealing a black and white Rolling Stones t-shirt that makes Alani’s blood pressure rise. A sign, she thinks.

“What do you want in your coffee?” she questions carefully.

“Nothing,” he responds, shaking out his damp hair gently. “Or actually, uh, butter...if you have some,”

Alani blinks, not sure if she’d heard correctly or if there had been some transatlantic miscommunication.

“Butter?”

“Yeah,”

“Like the—”

“Spread, yeah,” Harry confirms. “It’s weird, I know,”

She lets out a light-hearted laugh and nods. “It’s a...unique request,”

“I thought the same thing at first,” Harry confides. “It’s not bad, actually. But maybe I’ve just been in L.A. for too long.”

“I’ll take your word for it.”

She offers a polite smile and heads to the kitchen where the cook and two other waiters talk amongst each other. Alani is grateful that the restaurant is slow this morning because she knows that it means minimal interruptions to her time with Harry. To ensure this, though, she asks one of the other waiters to cover the podium and returns to Harry with his coffee.

“One butter coffee, free of judgement,” the waitress announces, setting it down.

Harry grins softly, stirring the drink with the spoon Alani provided. “You can judge, it’s alright,”

“I just wanna know why,”

The coffee had been part of a fad diet while on tour in order to boost Harry’s energy on stage and stay trim for the hundreds of photo-ops he would be a part of. He doesn’t know how to communicate all of this to Alani, however, not sure how much she knows about that part of him, so he shrugs and tells a simplified version of the truth.

“I read about this trend a while back, it's called bulletproof coffee. Supposed to get your energy up and I needed it for my job,”

“Which is…” Alani trails off, downplaying the knowledge that she had acquired from Google.

“I make music,” is all Harry says and he takes a sip of the drink to avoid elaborating.

“Anything I would have heard?”

He swallows hard and listens to the faint rumbling of thunder outside before replying. “Possibly,”

“Try me,” Alani challenges.

He narrows his eyes and takes another sip of coffee. “Why don’t you tell me something about yourself first?”

“What do you wanna know?”

Everything, Harry responds internally, though he reigns it in. “How you got into waitressing,”

Alani sighs, resting her elbows on the counter across from him. “There’s not much to tell, it’s a family business. What I really wanna do is write,”

“Music?”

“Articles. I’m studying Journalism at UH,”

Harry hums in response, filing the detail away in the back of his mind. “Sounds interesting. You ever publish anything?”

“Not yet,” Alani shakes her head gently, toying with the sleeves of her green University of Hawaii crewneck. “Hopefully soon, though,”

Harry racks his brain for something else to say, but before he can, Alani speaks up again.

“Is it my turn to ask something now?”

He offers a curt nod and stirs his coffee.

“What kind of music do you write?”

Harry chooses to be vague again. “Different stuff. Pop, usually. Been messing with some classic rock, though,”

“Explains the shirt,”

He peers down at the design on his tee and agrees. “Yeah, I guess so,”

“Do you like it?” Alani asks, her eyes begging to make contact with his again. “Writing music, I mean,”

“Yeah,” Harry confirms, tapping his spoon against the rim of the mug. “I really do,”

Alani’s heart pounds. This is her chance, a moment to finally secure her breakthrough piece. She doesn’t know how to approach it, so she opts to dive right in without looking back. The worst he can say is no.

“Can I ask you something else?”

“That’s cheating,” Harry teases lightly. “It's my turn,”

She pouts playfully, but obliges. “Fire away,”

Harry doesn’t know which question to ask first, but when he glances down at the crescent moon inked on her wrist, he decides to start there.

“What’s with the moon tattoo?”

Alani isn’t sure what she expected him to ask and wonders what purpose such a detail could possibly serve him, but she answers anyway.

“Oh, well,” she begins, tracing her index finger over the outline. “It’s kinda the meaning of my full name. It’s Mahealani, Hawaiian for ‘heavenly moon,'”

Fitting, Harry comments to himself. Every detail he learns about her makes him want to learn that much more, from her favorite foods to the last thing she thinks about before falling asleep. Studying her expectant eyes, he suddenly remembers that it’s his turn to respond.

“That’s cool,” is all he says.

Alani doesn’t know what to make of the faraway look in his eye, but she decides to pose her most burning question while he appears to be in good spirits.

“I know this is gonna sound totally out of the blue,” she starts, working past the lump in her throat. “But when you mentioned how you write music, I was just reminded of this assignment I’m working on in my class,”

Harry waits for her to continue, nursing his now lukewarm coffee.

“I’m supposed to write a piece about someone who I don’t know that well,” she continues. “You know, to practice our interviewing skills. And, well, I was just kind of wondering if you might be interested in helping me out—being the subject, I mean,”

Alani had every intention of telling Harry the truth, about how she really planned to submit the article to Rolling Stone in hopes of securing an internship before her college graduation next Spring. But as she started speaking, she quickly realized how it would come off: a complete stranger asking for personal information to submit to a well-known publication. She knew that there was a chance he would shut down and never return, so she lowered the stakes and hoped that this route would be less risky. Was it ethical? Alani hadn’t decided yet, but she would work out the details later. After six failed articles and two years of rejection, she saw a ray of hope and wasn’t going to let it slip away.

Harry ponders her offer for a moment, which confirms that she had recognized him. Normally he would be off-put by such a request, and to a certain extent he is, but there is something sincere in her voice that he trusts deep down. Before he agrees, however, he decides to fish around a bit to test her reaction.

“You know who I am,” he says gently. “Don’t you?”

Alani’s heart drops into the pit of her stomach, not sure what to say next. She hopes with every fiber of her being that she hasn’t upset him, or worse, ruined her chances, so she decides to offer some truth to throw him off her scent.

“My sister recognized you,” she explains. “That day you came in with your friends. I thought they were your bandmates at first,”

This lets Harry know that she isn’t a total stalker, which is comforting, but he wouldn’t have been minded if she were a fan simply engaging in conversation.

“Oh,” he laughs weakly.

“I totally understand if you say no,” Alani offers quickly, trying to smooth things over. “I just thought it was worth a shot. And that it might be more interesting than interviewing our produce guy,”

Harry decides to give her one last scan for any sign of insincerity. He’d always felt that his gut instinct was strong and it hadn’t led him astray thus far.

“An interview?” he clarifies.

“Just one,” Alani promises. “An hour, tops. And you can proofread all of it once I’ve finished, too.”

Harry waits a beat, already knowing his reply, but he wants to see how she will react to his silence. She doesn’t budge, almond eyes set and determined.

“Okay.”

next chapter