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birds-galore · 2 years ago

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Hi, I was wondering, what do birds do around your home and how do they interact with you? I feel like we know so much about other animals as pets but not birds.

This is a great question! I really wish more information about birds existed in the cultural ether, especially because so many birds are surrendered to rescues by people who didn't know what to expect. I am going to talk more generally about birds as pets, (long answer incoming), with specifics about my own birds at the end:

Birds are a very diverse group of pets. Unlike dogs and cats, pet birds comprise many different species (not breeds) that exhibit their own behaviors and personalities. This includes everything from pigeons to macaws to songbirds, originating from different regions all around the world. Alongside owning and fostering multiple bird species, I also write bios for my local rescue and create educational materials, so I know a lot about the daily challenges and joys of owning birds as companion animals. While it's true that no two dogs or cats are the same, it's even truer that no two birds are alike.

Based on my volunteer work and personal experience, here are the primary factors that influence daily life with a bird: species, tameness, flightedness, personality.

More info under the cut for those interested -- plus information about my life with personal and foster birds!

SPECIES: Some species, like finches, aren't super interactive or hands-on with humans. Other species are highly social and can become tightly bonded with owners. Cockatiels often bond with one person, for instance, and can be quite clingy. Some species, like Quakers, can be very territorial around their cage but are often friendly and goofy outside the cage. All species have their own unique vocalizations and body language. Birds like cockatoos and African Greys are talented talkers and can have a rich vocabulary. Other species (and female birds) are less likely to talk. Behavior, diet, and cage requirements vary drastically between species.

TAMENESS: This refers to how comfortable a bird is with human handling. Many birds we get at my rescue are not hand-tame, meaning they won't step up onto an outstretched hand and might even bite if threatened. We do rehabilitative fostering, which means we teach birds to trust human contact and companionship. Hand tame birds will step up and hang out with their owners. Some (but not all) will even request head scratches --though this also depends on personality. Trusting, trained, and hand-tamed birds can be taught tricks. Birds are very discerning animals, and they are picky about who they choose to trust. They are more likely to trust people who respect their boundaries and read their nonverbal cues.

FLIGHTEDNESS: This refers to whether a bird is a capable or active flyer. Not all birds are skilled at flying, or even want to fly. Some owners will clip feathers to prevent birds from flying, usually for safety reasons (though this is controversial practice among certain circles.) Flighted birds have more autonomy when outside the cage, exploring, stretching their wings, and perching in high up places. Even fully flighted birds in a bird-proofed home still need a cage to sleep in and feel secure.

PERSONALITY: Some birds are clowns, others are sassy. You get meek, brave, prissy, adventurous, gregarious, docile, reserved, etc... Bird personalities are every bit as complicated and diverse as human personalities. Some birds enjoy scratches and show affection by snuggling against their owner's neck, chin, or hands. Other birds don't want to be touched and will bite or hiss if provoked. Likewise, some will want to spend every waking moment with their owner, while others will be more independent. Birds are highly intelligent. They can learn to understand words, hand gestures, and environmental cues. As flock animals, they also have social and emotional intelligence.

Now that I've gotten the general facts out of the way, here are some details about my own feathered friends:

Pixel the cockatiel: She's the main bird on this blog, because she's also my most interactive companion. Pixel is a fully hand tame cockatiel, meaning she will step up onto my hand and hang out on my shoulder. She has a big flight cage full of colorful toys with confetti shredders and woodblocks for stimulation, plus rope boings, noisemakers, and popsicle sticks (she's spoiled). I buy her new toys often and cycle them so she won't get bored. I cover her cage at night to regulate her hormonal cycles and prevent egg laying (birds need about 10 hours of darkness every night.) I uncover her in the mornings and feed her breakfast (a mix of nutriberries and Zupreem pellets, supplemented with fresh veggies for lunch and dinner). Once she is finished, she will often fly to my head or shoulder and hang out with me while I work at my desk. She loves distracting me by chewing on my earrings, grabbing my pencils, and walking on my keyboard. Lately I've been letting her play with my grandmother's button collection. She will toss them around and make a mess! She also looooves head scratches and will gently peck my hand and bow her head to request more. She gets frustrated when I'm too preoccupied to give her attention. She takes naps in the late morning, sometimes on my lap or shoulder, and occasionally on the back of my desk chair.

On slower days, we have training sessions. I've taught her how to spread her wings, spin around, and wave her foot/make a little fist. Since Pixel is fully flighted, we also do flight training to ensure she remains healthy and coordinated. She will fly to my shoulder or hand from across the room. This kind of training is important in case Pixel somehow escapes outside, so she will know to fly back to me. I also plan on microchipping her soon.

Because birds are prey animals, they can get spooked easily. When Pixel is scared she will take off and fly around my house (this probably happens once a day, or a few times a week minimum). While she's a skilled flyer, this can be dangerous around mirrors and windows. She has several spots throughout the house where she knows to land, but it's important not to make sudden threatening movements or loud noises around birds to prevent them from getting spooked or losing trust.

When I'm away, I put on music for Pixel so she won't feel lonely -- usually a mixture of piano and birdsong, but sometimes aviary videos. When I get back home, she contact calls (AKA “screams”) because she wants to be with me. Contact calls are vocalizations that cockatiels make to locate flock members (AKA me). I let her out of her cage and she will ride around on my shoulder while I do chores or prepare food. We eat dinner together. She has a little stand with food dishes that I keep next to the table. I put her to bed around 7:30-8:00. When I climb into bed a few hours later, I will say “good night!” and she will answer with the softest, sweetest little “bweeep?” It melts my heart every time. Weekly, I will clean her cage and give her a spray bath, and every 3 or 4 months I take her to the vet for a nail trim.

She's quiet compared to some bird species, but she does squawk if I leave the room when she wants to be near me. I've also been socializing her with other people. When I first got her as a foster, she was terrified of my dad, the maintenance man, friends. But now she will perform tricks for my friends and family, and even step up on their shoulders if coaxed with treats. I've also traveled with her multiple times, both to the vet and on longer road trips. She's pretty adaptable and becoming better every day. She will climb into a bird backpack, and I have a smaller travel cage for her.

I had a childhood cockatiel named Kiiro, and I've been a bird-sitter for tiels at the rescue. They all have their own personalities and opinions. Some are more social with other birds, and some prefer human company. Pixel was my first foster bird and now she's an amazing family member. I'm so grateful that fate brought us together.

Jitterbug the canary: Jitterbug is the love of my life, and the first pet bird I got as an adult. I've had him for about 4 years now. He's a tiny, happy boy -- not hand tame. I don't let him out to fly, since he gets spooked easily and he's a clumsy flyer, but he lives in a HUGE bird mansion (even bigger than Pixel's cage) which I position next to a window. Male canaries are great singers. I usually don't cover him at night, so I wake up when he starts singing around 7:30/8:00am. His songs sound like laser beams. In the mornings I get him fresh food and water. I also clip spinach to the side of his cage which he eats with gusto. He takes little birdbaths throughout the day, splashing in his water dish. He likes watching videos, especially live birdfeeder webcams (I call them his "soap operas"). I put him to bed at sunset. He's super low maintenance and enjoys compliments.

Mr. Kazoo the zebra finch: My foster Mr. Kazoo is an elderly zebra finch, now partially hand tame. My routine with him is similar to Jitterbug, except I also give him a vitamin supplement in his water. He will hop onto my hand for millet, and he's vocally responsive to humans. If it were up to him, we would beep back-and-forth all day. He also builds tiny nests in a coconut hanging toy, using little sprigs of confetti and paper. The cutest little dude.

Parakeets (Bob and Helen): Throughout the spring and early summer, I fostered a pair of parakeets who had been found outdoors in a birdhouse. Most likely they had been released or abandoned by previous owners. These two were not hand tame, (they would bite when I tried to interact), but they were fully flighted and would zip together around my apartment. I gave them time to exercise outside of their cage a few times a week. They were a cute, chatty little couple. Much messier than any of my other birds though.

General notes on living with birds: It's easy to romanticize life with birds (it's really great), but I also want to note some of the quirks and inconveniences.

Molting is crazy. Be prepared to have feathers everywhere once or twice a year (depending on the species).

Seeds will be all over your floor. (I hope you like vacuuming).

Keep tissues or toilet paper handy for the poop. Most species will poop about every 20-30 minutes.

Birds can be loud. I have auditory sensitivity, but I've gotten used to them.

Avian vets are sometimes hard to find and expensive. Birds also hide illness, so you have to be attentive to catch health issues early.

Birds can live a looong time. Some species can live as long as us. Make sure you are financially and emotionally ready for the commitment.

Not all birds enjoy human company, and they do things on their own terms.

Birds like getting into trouble, chewing on things, stealing shiny objects, breaking necklaces, etc. Pixel once threw 3 consecutive pieces of jewelry into the sink drain while I was preparing for a formal event. Due to their intelligence, they will misbehave if they aren't getting enough attention or stimulation.

I know this was a long response, but I hope it was entertaining and clarifying! I wish information about daily life with birds were more readily available. It's a joy coexisting with them :)

#Ask #birblr

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ben1d · 1 year ago

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The Complete Truth About Parrots as Pets: What You Need to Know

Parrots, known for their vibrant plumage and remarkable intelligence, are captivating creatures that have charmed bird enthusiasts for generations. As potential pet owners, it's vital to uncover the complete truth about parrots as pets to ensure a harmonious and fulfilling companionship. In this brief guide, we will unveil the essential facts and considerations that will help you make an informed decision about welcoming a parrot into your home.

Section 1: Parrot Personality and Characteristics

Parrots are renowned for their vibrant personalities and striking appearances. They exhibit traits like:

a. Intelligence: Parrots are exceptionally intelligent and can learn various tricks and even mimic human speech.

b. Long Lifespan: Parrots have a long lifespan, often living for several decades, which is a long-term commitment.

c. Social Nature: Parrots are social animals that require regular interaction and mental stimulation.

Section 2: Parrot Species Diversity

There are over 400 species of parrots, each with unique characteristics and requirements. Popular species kept as pets include the African Grey, Amazon, Cockatiel, and Budgerigar, among others. Research the specific needs and traits of the species you're interested in to make an informed choice.

Section 3: Parrot Care and Maintenance

Parrot ownership comes with responsibilities, including:

a. Diet: Parrots require a balanced diet of high-quality pellets, fresh fruits, vegetables, and a variety of nuts and seeds.

b. Cage and Space: Providing a spacious cage and regular out-of-cage time is essential for their well-being.

c. Mental Stimulation: Parrots need mental stimulation through toys, puzzles, and social interaction to prevent boredom and behavioral issues.

Section 4: Noise Level

One crucial aspect to be aware of is that parrots can be noisy. Their vocalizations, including squawking and mimicking sounds, can be loud and may not be suitable for quiet living environments.

Section 5: Lifelong Commitment

Parrots are a long-term commitment. Some species can live for 50 years or more. Potential owners should be prepared for a lifelong bond and the financial and emotional responsibilities that come with it.

Section 6: Legal Considerations

Check your local regulations regarding parrot ownership. Some species may be protected, and permits might be required in certain regions.

Section 7: Allergies

Parrot feathers and dander can trigger allergies in some individuals. Make sure no one in your household has severe allergies before bringing a parrot home.

Conclusion

Owning a parrot can be a rewarding experience, but it's essential to be aware of the complete truth about parrots as pets. Their intelligence, longevity, and social nature make them unique companions, but they also demand a high level of care and commitment. Before deciding to bring a parrot into your life, thoroughly research the species you're interested in and consider the long-term implications of their care. By understanding what you're getting into, you can create a loving and lasting bond with your feathered friend.

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themosleyreview · 2 years ago

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The Mosley Review: The Woman King

Every year we have films from Marvel, DC, or Disney and for the most part they have dominated the meaning of "Event Film". It is rare for another film to have that title bestowed on them that is not connected to a franchise. From the very first image that was released, this film became my number 1 most anticipated of the year and I didn't even bother watching the trailers. I wanted to be taken into a new corner of history that I didn't know and this film did that. It has been a while since an epic like this had moved me so much with its powerful true story. Many will say that it may follow a certain formula, but that doesn't mean it is not amazing. This film features the best portrayal of themes like strength, independence, coming of age, sisterhood, family and surviving your trauma and defeating it. All of that and more is featured in this amazing and heroing true story that I loved every second of.

Viola Davis leads this film with the such power and strength as General Nanisca. We have seen her deliver knockout after knockout performances, but this is one that I've never seen done so compassionately. Nanisca was not all fight, but rather a very complicated woman whose past is her strength and a weakness that she has to face late in the film. I loved how she was well rounded as she dealt with the politics of a kingdom and how respected her voice was. Sheila Atim was awesome and great as her closest friend Amenza. She was as strong and cunning as her and she was so spiritual. The layers to their friendship run so deep and I loved their scenes together so much. Lashana Lynch was brilliant as Izogie and I loved her wit, charm and fun personality. When it came to getting into the action, she was unbeatable. Thuso Mbedu was outstanding as Nawi and through her eyes, you get to see the themes of inner strength, determination and independence as her coming of age story begins. Her chemistry with her other trainees of the Agojie was great, but the standout moments were with her and Izogie. Their bond was the strongest in the film for me and I also loved her scenes with Nanisca. John Boyega was excellent as the young King Ghezo. He was so regal, powerful with the most humbleness and a smart man to see a brighter future for his people. I loved every moment he was on screen and his chemistry with Nanisca was so great. Their bond is another pillar of strength for the film that stands firm. Jordan Bolger was great as Malik and I loved that through he got to see his home, he witnessed the horrors that were going on with the trading system he was apart of.

The score was truly epic, emotional and downright perfection. Terence Blanchard has delivered yet another amazing film score that I could listen to with a smile and a tear streaming down my face. It is so elegant and as beautiful as the motion picture it is tied with. Visually the film was gorgeous to behold as we get to see the lushes greens and dark tans and greys of the African landscapes. I can't rave enough about how amazing and badass the action is in this film and I loved that it was shot simply and not overly done. The amount of work and training the cast went through to portray these warriors was on full display. This was the event film of the year for me and I loved every second. This is a MUST see film and hands down one of the best films of 2022! Do stick around for a quick and beautiful mid credit scene. Let me know what you thought of the film or my review in the comments below. Thanks for reading!

#the woman king #viola davis #thuso mbedu #sheila atim #lashana lynch #john boyega #jordan bolger

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stclairandco · 4 years ago

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ambrose’s pets (and london conservatory)

ambrose has had a fascination with exotic birds – especially parrots – since he was thirteen years old. on one of his early travels limited to the far reaches of the british isles, byron had made acquaintances with a couple that owned their very own african grey parrot. knowing ambrose’s tendency for trouble and assuming it had much to do with an intelligent mind unchallenged, byron inquired about their breeder. the day he came home those many years ago was the day ambrose met his life companion. a sweet baby bird, donned zabia, was gifted to him. absolutely obsessed, ambrose read every book he could on the parrot’s natural habitat and tried to recreate it as best as he could in their home conservatory. only a few years passed, and ambrose brought home a partner for zabia, a handsome young grey he named quill. after the two bonded so well, ambrose’s interest exploded, and now their country home conservatory has been converted into a massive home for ambrose’s exotic birds.

coming to london, he absolutely couldn’t bare to part with all of his birds, especially not those most bonded to him with also the most fragile emotional states: so, ambrose ordered another, admittedly smaller, conservatory built behind their london townhouse so zabia, quill, and a scarlet macaw named rawden that he was currently training to free fly like he’d done with most of the others. much of ambrose’s day, especially now that gambling has been taken out of the picture, is spent in his london conservatory, and often when he is not there, one of the three birds is out with him.

#; musings #ambrose things #just a lil headcanon of mine #yes he has many scars on his palms from training unruly birds

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dustedmagazine · 3 years ago

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Dust, Volume 7, Number 7

What are Grandbrothers doing to that piano?

Greetings from under the heat dome, where shipments of vinyl are melting mid-journey and even the coolest of cool jazz sounds a little wilted by the time it reaches your ear. We are sitting in the shade. We are drinking lemonade and iced tea. We are looking for the window fans and lugging old air condition units up from the basement. We are, perhaps, headed to the community pool for the first time since our kids were young, though also, perhaps not. In any case, we are still getting through piles of recorded music, even in this heat, and finding some gems. Here are dispatches from the furthest reaches of Japanese psych, European free jazz, self-released indie folk, Irish lockdown angst, Moroccan raging punk and lots of other stuff. Contributors included Mason Jones, Jennifer Kelly, Bill Meyer, Tim Clarke, Bryon Hayes, Jonathan Shaw, Arthur Krumins and Chris Liberato. Stay cool.

Yuko Araki — End of Trilogy (Room40)

End Of Trilogy by Yuko Araki

These 16 tracks whoosh past in just 35 minutes, with most of them clocking in around two minutes in length. Many don't reach a conclusion: they simply end abruptly, and the next one starts. Araki manipulates electronics to create whirling, sizzling atmospheres of confusion, sometimes fast-moving burbles of percussion and synths, at other moments pushing distorted hissing and confrontational tones to the front. The aptly-named "Dazed" begins with a cinematic feel, then its galactic drones give way to static and metallic scrapes. "Positron in Bloom" is like a chorus of machine voices shouting angry curses into space, and "Dreaming Insects" sounds as if the titular creatures are being pulled downstream in fast-moving rapids. Oscillating between menacing and humorous, End of Trilogy's bite-sized pieces of surrealist electronics are never boring.

Mason Jones

Alexander Biggs — Hit or Miss (Native Tongue Music Publishing)

Hit or Miss by Alexander Biggs

Alexander Biggs blunts sharp, stinging lyrics in the sweetest sort of strummy indie-pop, working very much in the Elliott Smith style of sincerity edged with lacerating irony. “All I Can Do Is Hate You” finds a queasy intersection between soft pop and tamped down rage, Biggs murmuring phrases like “I want you to fuck me til I can’t say your name,” but melodically, over cascades of acoustic guitar. “Madeline” is the pick of the litter here, a dawdling jangle of guitar framing knife-sharp lyrics about romantic disillusionment. “Miserable,” sports a bit of lap steel for emotional resonance, demonstrating once more, if you had any doubt, that very sad songs can make you feel better somehow. Biggs is good at both the softness and the sting, and for guy-with-a-guitar albums, that’s what you need.

Jennifer Kelly

Christer Bothén 3 — Omen (Bocian)

Omen by Christer Bothén 3

Dusted’s collective consciousness has spent a lot of time considering Blank Forms’ recent publication, Organic Music Societies, which considers Don and Moki Cherry’s convergence of artistic and familial efforts during the 1960s and 1970s, as well as the two archival recordings by Don and associates, which shed light upon his Scandinavian musical activities. All three are worth your attention, but their liveliness is shaded by the awareness that almost every hopeful soul involved is no longer with us. But Christer Bothén, who introduced Don to the donso ngoni and subsequently played in his bands for many years, is not only among the living, he’s got breath to spare. This trio recording doesn’t delve into the African sounds that bonded Bothén and Don. Rather, the Swede’s bass clarinet draws bold and emphatically punctuated melodic lines, driven by a steaming rhythm section that takes its cues from Ornette Coleman’s mid-1960s trio recordings. This music may not sound new, but it’s full of lived-in knowledge and vigor.

Bill Meyer

Briars of North America — Supermoon (Brassland)

Supermoon by Briars of North America

New York-based trio Briars of North America take patient, painterly, occasionally cosmic approach to folk music. With “Sala,” Supermoon sounds like a backwoods Sigur Ros. A falsetto voice intoning a made-up language arcs elegantly over sustained waves of electric piano. Soon after, the album touches down into more grounded guitar-and-cello territory on pieces such as “Island” and “Chirping Birds,” which bring to mind Nick Drake, albeit less contrary or withdrawn. At the album’s midway point, the listener is carried into the aether with the eerie sustained brass and wordless vocals of the eight-minute “The Albatross of Infinite Regress.” A similar space is explored at the album’s end with the 12-minute “Sleepy Not Sleepy,” as strings and warbling synthesizer tones intermingle with the return of the made-up language. Though the band’s more conventional vocal-led songs, such as “Spring Moon,” are decent enough, Briars of North America touch upon something expansive and ineffable when they explore their more experimental side.

Tim Clarke

Bryan Away — Canyons to Sawdust (self-released)

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Chicago-based actor, composer and multi-instrumentalist Elliot Korte releases music under the moniker Bryan Away. His new album, Canyons to Sawdust, begins with what feels like two introductions. “Well Alright Then” is a Grizzly Bear-style scene-setter for wordless voices, strings and woodwinds, while “Within Reach” sounds like a tentative cover of Radiohead’s “Pyramid Song” that runs out of steam before it had the chance to build momentum. The first full song, single “The Lake,” gets the album up and running in earnest with its melancholy piano and string arrangement spiked with pizzicato plucks and bright acoustic guitar figures. Half Waif lends her vocal talents to “Dreams and Circumstance,” another highlight featuring some lovely interplay between guitar arpeggios and drum machine. One pitfall of exploring romantic musical territory is the risk of sounding a tad saccharine, and the weakest links in the album, companion tracks “Scenes From a Marriage” and “Scenes From a Wedding,” have the kind of performative tone you’d expect to find on the soundtrack of a mainstream romantic comedy. Elsewhere, though, Korte’s judgment is sound, and there’s plenty of elegant music to be found. Fans of Sufjan Stevens will no doubt find a lot to like, and it’ll be interesting to see where Bryan Away ventures next.

Tim Clarke

Jonas Cambien Trio — Nature Hath Painted Painted The Body (Clean Feed)

Nature Hath Painted the Body by Jonas Cambien Trio

On its third album, the Jonas Cambien Trio has attained such confidence that it’s willing to mess with its signature sound. The Oslo-based combo’s fundamental approach is to stuff the expressive energy and textural adventure of free jazz into compositions that are by turns intricate and rhythmically insistent but always pithy. This time, the Belgian-born pianist Cambien also plays soprano sax and organ. The former, stirred into André Roligheten’s bundle of reed instruments, brings airy respite from the music’s tight structures; the latter, dubbed into locked formation with the piano and jostled by Andreas Wildhagen’s restlessly perambulating percussion, expands the music’s tonal colors. The tunes themselves have grown more catchy, so much so that their twists and turns only become apparent with time and repeat listening.

Bill Meyer

Ferran Fages / Lluïsa Espigolé — From Grey To Blue (Inexhaustible Editions)

From Grey To Blue by Ferran Fages

When discussion turns to a pianist’s touch, it’s tempting to think mainly of what they do with their fingers. But it must be said that Lluïsa Espigolé exhibits some next-level footwork on this realization of Ferran Fages’ From Grey To Blue. Fages is a multi-instrumentalist who functions equally persuasively within the realms of electroacoustic improvisation and heavy jazz-rock, but for this piece, which was devised specifically for Espigolé, he uses written music and an instrument he doesn’t play, the piano, to engage with resonance and melody. The three-part composition advances with extreme deliberation, often one note at a time, turning the tune into a ghostly presence and foregrounding the details of the decay of each sound. This music is so sparse that the shift to chords in the third section feels dramatically dense after a half hour of single sounds and corresponding silences. The elements of this music have been sculpted with such exquisite control that one wonders if Catalonia has looked into insuring Espigolé’s feet; her way with the piano’s pedals is a cultural resource.

Bill Meyer

Grandbrothers — All the Unknown (City Slang)

All the Unknown by Grandbrothers

The duo known as Grandbrothers hooks a grand piano up to an array of electronic interfaces, deriving not just the clear, gorgeous notes you expect, but also a variety of percussive and sustained sounds from the classic keyboard. In this third album from the two—that’s pianist Erol Sarp and electronic engineer Lukas Vogel—construct intricate, joyful collages, working clarion melodies into sharp, pointillist backgrounds. The obvious reference is Hauscka, who also works with prepared piano and electronics, but rather than his moody beauties, these compositions pulse with rave-y, trance-y exhilaration. If you ever wondered what it would sound like if the Fuck Buttons decided to cover Steve Reich, well, maybe like this, precise and complex and shimmering, but also huge and triumphant. Good stuff.

Jennifer Kelly

id m theft able — Well I Fell in Love with the Eye at the Bottom of the Well (Pogus Productions)

Well I Fell in Love With the Eye at the Bottom of the Well by id m theft able

Al Margolis’ Pogus Productions imprint has cast its gaze toward the strange happenings in Maine, netting a mutant form of electroacoustic wizardry in the process. Scott Spear is the one-man maelstrom known as id m theft able, an incredibly prolific and confounding presence in the American northeast. He draws influence from musique concrète and sound poetry, but adds a whimsical spirit, a tinker’s ingenuity and the comedic timing of a master prankster to his compositions. Sometimes this leads to the bemusement of his audience, but he tempers any surface madness with an endless curiosity and a playful sense of the meaning of the word music. Well I Fell in Love with the Eye at the Bottom of the Well ostensibly came to be via Spear’s desire to create a doo-wop tune. Only Spear himself knows whether this is fact or fiction, because it is clear from the opening moments of “Shun, Unshun and Shun” that this disc is full of sonic non-sequiturs, amplified clatter and delightful mouth happenings that are as far removed from doo-wop as possible. The madness is frequently tempered with beautiful moments: a broken music box serenades a flock of chirping birds in the middle of a mall, Spear hypnotically chants at a landscape of crickets, flutes pipe along to the patter of rain on a window. As one gets deeper into the record, the sound poetry aspects become more and more pronounced, such as on “The Curve of the Earth” and the closing piece, “Purple Rain.” Those seeking a humor-filled gateway drug into that somewhat perilous corner of the sonic spectrum would be wise to pop an ear in the direction of this frenetic assemblage of sound.

Bryon Hayes

Mia Joy — Spirit Tamer (Fire Talk)

Spirit Tamer by Mia Joy

Mia Joy turns the temperature way down on gauzy Spirit Tamer, constructing translucent castles in the air out of musical elements that you can see and hear right through. The artist, known in real life as Mia Rocha, opens with a brief statement of intent in a one-minute title track that wraps wisps of vocal melody with indistinct but lovely sustained tones. The whole track feels like looking at clouds. Other cuts are more substantial, with muted rock band instruments like acoustic and electric guitars and drum machines, but even indie-leaning “Freak” and "Ye Old Man,” are quiet epiphanies. Rocha sounds like she is singing to herself softly, inwardly, without any thought of an audience, but also so close that it tickles the hair in your ears. Rocha closes with a cover of Arthur Russell’s “Our Last Night Together,” letting rich swells of piano stand in for cello, but tracing the subtle, undulating lines of his melody in an airy register, an octave or two higher. Like Russell, Rocha sets up an interesting interplay between deep introversion and presentation for the public eye; she’s not doing it for us, but we’re listening anyway.

Jennifer Kelly

Know//Suffer — The Great Dying (Silent Pendulum Records)

The Great Dying by KNOW//SUFFER

It’s not inaccurate to describe The Great Dying as a hardcore record. You’ll hear all the burly breakdowns; buzzing, overdriven guitars; and grimly declaimed vocals that characterize the genre, which since the mid-1990s has moved ever closer to metal. But Know//Suffer have consistently infused their music with sonic elements associated with other genres of heavy music. Most of the El Paso band’s 2019 EP bashed and crashed along with grindcore’s psychotic, sprinting energy. The Great Dying is a longer record, and it slows down the proceedings considerably. There are flirtations with sludge, and even with noise rock’s ambivalent gestures toward melody: imagine Tad throwing down with a mostly-sober version of Eyehategod, and you’re more than halfway there. As ever, Toast Williams emotes forcefully, giving word to a very contemporary version existential dread. But there’s frequently a political edge to the lyrics on this new record. On “Thumbnail,” he sings, “I swallow what must be hidden / Hoping assimilation makes me whole / The whole that everyone thinks I am / Smiling under this mask knowing / I’m not hiding my face in public.” “Assimilation” is a loaded word, especially on the Southern Border, and it’s no joke walking around in public as a proud black man anywhere in Texas. Wearing a mask as you walk into Target? P.O.C. stand a chance of getting shot. Know//Suffer still sound really pissed off, but the objects of their anger seem increasing outside of their tortured psyches, located in the lifeworld’s social planes of struggle. That gives their grim music an even harder charge, and makes Williams’s performances of rage even more powerful.

Jonathan Shaw

Heimito Künst — Heimito Künst (Dissipatio)

HEIMITO KÜNST by Heimito Künst

The debut album from Italian experimental instrumentalist Heimito Künst, recorded over several years in his home studio, uses an array of electronic and primitive instrumentation to create an overall woozy, dark atmosphere. From groaning, atonal slabs of organ, like a detuned church service, to murmuring field recordings and scrapings, these seven tracks are less like songs and more like unsettling journeys through sound. Pieces like "Talking to Ulises" blend quiet Farfisa tones and a wordlessly singing voice in the distance. Ironically, although the final track is titled "Smoldering Life", it's unexpectedly brighter, with major-key synth notes over the cloudy sound of a drum being bashed to pieces before ending with an almost gentle, summertime feel.

Mason Jones

Jeanne Lee — Conspiracy (moved-by-sound)

Conspiracy by JEANNE LEE

Lots of 1960s and 1970s jazz reissues offer beautiful music, but few redefine how liberating improvised music can be. Conspiracy, originally recorded in 1974 by Lee on vocals with an ensemble that includes Sam Rivers and Gunter Hampel, falls into the latter category without feeling forced. It combines sound poetry, the conversation of spontaneity, and grooves that don’t stay on repetition but still get ingrained into your brain somehow. Best digested in a contemplative sitting, the album demands you give your whole attention to the direction of the music and words mixed with extended vocal techniques. The sound shifts from a full-on medley of flutes, drums, bass and horns with voice, to more minimal experiments. The recording is clean and uncluttered, even at its busiest. A lushly enjoyable listen.

Arthur Krumins

Sarah Neufeld — Detritus (Paper Bag)

Detritus by Sarah Neufeld

Sarah Neufeld’s third solo album grew out of a collaboration with the Toronto choreographer Peggy Baker, begun before the pandemic but dealing anyway with loss, intimacy and grief. The violinist and composer works, as a consequence with a strong sense of movement, underlining rhythms with repeated, slashing motifs in her own instrument and pounding drums (that’s Jeremy Gara, who, like Neufeld, plays in Arcade Fire). You can imagine movement to nearly all these songs. “With Love and Blindness” rushes forward in a wild swirl of strings, given weight by the buzz of low-toned synthesizer and airiness in the layer of denatured vocals; you see whirling, bending, graceful gestures. “The Top” proceeds in quicker, more playful patterns; agile kicks and jumps and shimmies are implied in its contours. “Tumble Down the Undecided” has a raw, passionate undertow, its play of octave-separated notes frantic and agitated and the drumming, when it comes, fairly gallops. This latter track is perhaps the most enveloping, the notes caroming wildly in all directions, in the thick of the struggle but full of joy.

Jennifer Kelly

Aaron Novik — Grounded (Astral Editions)

Grounded by Aaron Novik

Aaron Novik is a clarinetist with an extensive background in jazz, klezmer, rock and in-between stuff, but you wouldn’t know any of that from listening to this tape. Its ten numbered instrumentals sound more derived from the sound worlds of 1970s PBS documentaries, Residents records of similar vintage, and Pop Corn’s fluke hit, “Pop Corn.” Recorded during the spring of 2020, when Novik’s new neighborhood, Queens, became NYC’s COVID central, it manifests coping strategy that many people learned well last year; when the outside world is fucked and scary, retreat to a room and then head down a rabbit hole. In this case, that meant sampling Novik’s clarinets and arranging them into perky, bobbing instrumentals. The sounds themselves aren’t processed, but it turns out that when recontextualized, long, blown tones and keypad clatter sound a lot like synths and mechanized beats. There’s a hint of subconscious longing in this music. While it was made in a time and place when many people didn’t leave the house, it sounds like just the thing for outdoor constitutionals with a Walkman.

Bill Meyer

Off Peak Arson — S-T (Self-released)

Self Titled by Off Peak Arson

Presumably named after the Truman's Water song — a fairly obscure name check, indeed — Off Peak Arson hail from Memphis, TN. Their debut EP's five songs are less reminiscent of their namesakes than of heavier, noisier bands like Zedek-era Live Skull, Dustdevils and Sonic Youth. Which is not a bad thing at all. The four-piece leverage the dual guitars to nicely intense effect, and with all four members contributing vocals there's a lot going on, at times blending an interesting sing-song pop feel with the twisty-noisy guitar. The band have a way of finding memorable hooks amidst sufficient cacophony to keep things challenging while also somehow catchy. Keep your ears open for more from this quartet.

Mason Jones

Barre Phillips / John Butcher / Ståle Liavik Solberg — We Met – And Then (Relative Pitch)

We met - and then by Phillips, Butcher, Solberg

In 2018, ECM Records issued End To End, a CD by double bassist Barre Phillips which capped a half-century of solo recording. You might expect this act to signal the winding down of the California-born, France-based improviser’s career; after all, he was born in 1934. And yet, in 2018 he played the first, but not the last, concert by this remarkable trio, which is completed by British soprano/tenor saxophonist John Butcher and Norwegian percussionist Ståle Liavik Solberg. Recorded in Germany and Norway during 2018 and 2019, this CD presents an ensemble whose members are strong in their individual concepts, but are also committed to making music that is completed by acts of collective imagination. The music is in constant flux, but purposeful. This intentionality is expressed not only through action, but through the conscious yielding of space, as though each player knows what openings will be best occupied by one of their comrades.

Bill Meyer

Round Eye — Culture Shock Treatment (Paper +Plastick)

“Culture Shock Treatment,” the lead-off track from this unhinged and ecletic album, swings like 1950s rock and roll, a sax frolicking in the spaces between sing-along choruses. And yet, the gleeful skronk goes a little past freewheeling, spinning off into chaos and wheeling back in again. Picture Mark Sultan trying to ride out the existential disorder of early Pere Ubu, add a horn line and step way back, because this is extremely unruly stuff. Round Eye, a band of expatriates now living in Shanghai, slings American heartlands oddball post-punk into unlikely corners. Frantic jackhammer hardcore beats (think Black Flag) assault free-from experimental calls and responses (maybe Curlew?) in “5000 Miles, “ and as a kicker, it’s a commentary on ethno-nationalist repression (“Thank…the country. Thank…the culture”). “I Am the Foreigner” hums and buzzes with exuberance, like a hard-edged B-52s, but it’s about the alienation that these Westerners most likely experience, every day in the Middle Kingdom. This is one busy album, exhausting really, a whac-a-mole entertainment where things keep popping out of holes and getting hammered back, but it is never, ever dull.

Jennifer Kelly

So Cow — Bisignis (Dandy Boy)

Bisignis by So Cow

This new So Cow record is a mood. Specifically, that mood during the third and “least fun” of Ireland’s lockdowns, when you head to your shed and bash out an album about everything that’s been lodged in your craw during a year of isolation — including, of all things, the crowd at a Martha Wainwright show (on “Requests”). And while sole Cow member Brian Kelly might have dubbed the record Bisignis, the Old English word for anxiety, it’s his discontent that takes center stage. “Talking politics with friends/Jesus Christ it never ends” Kelly sings on early highlight “Leave Group” before employing a guitar solo that could pass for some seriously fried bagpipes to help clear the room. This album takes the opposite approach of The Long Con, the project’s 2014 Goner Records one-off where So Cow made more complex moves towards XTC and Futureheads territory but obscured its greatest weapon: Kelly’s deadpan wit. And while a couple of these songs overstay their welcome with their sheer garage punk simplicity, others like “Somewhere Fast” work in the opposite way and win your ears over with repeat listens. “You are the reason I’m getting out of my own way,” Kelly sings, and in doing so has produced the project’s best full-length in a decade. So what? So Cow!

Chris Liberato

Taqbir — Victory Belongs to Those Who Fight for a Right Cause (La Vida Es Un Mus)

Victory Belongs To Those Who Fight For A Right Cause by Taqbir

In our super-saturated musical environment, another eight-minute, 7” record of scorching punk burners isn’t much of an event. But the appearance of Taqbir’s Victory Belongs to Those Who Fight for a Right Cause (the title is almost longer than the record itself) is at the very least a significant occurrence. The band comes from Morocco and features a woman out front, declaiming any number of contemporary socio-political ills. So there’s little wonder that the Internet isn’t bursting with info about Taqbir; you can find a Maximumrocknroll interview, some chatter about the record here and there, and not much else. It must take enormous courage to make music like this in Morocco, and even more to be a woman making music like this. The long reign of King Mohammed IV has edged the country toward marginal increments of cultural openness — if not thoroughgoing political reform — but conservative Islam and economic struggle are still dominant forces, combining to keep women relegated to submissive social roles. And the band is not fucking around: their name is a Moroccan battle cry, synonymous with “Alu Akbar!” Their repurposing of that slogan in support of their anti-traditionalist, anti-religious, anti-capitalist positions likely makes life in a place like Tangier or Casablanca pretty hard. The songs? They’re really good. Check out “Aisha Qandisha” (named for a folkloric phantasm that ambiguously mobilizes the feminine as murderous and rapacious monster): the music slashes and burns with just the right dash of melody, the vocals go from a simmer to a full-on rolling boil. Taqbir! y’all. Stay safe, stay strong and make some more records.

Jonathan Shaw

TOMÁ — Atom (Self-Release)

Atom by TOMÁ

Tomá Ivanov operates in interstices between smooth jazz and soul-infused electronics, splicing bits of torchy world traditions in through the addition of singers. You could certainly draw connections to the funk-leaning IDM of artists like Flying Lotus and Dam-Funk, where pristine instrumental sounds—strings, piano, percussion—meet the pop and glitch of cyber-soul. Guest artists flavor about half the tracks, pushing the music slightly off its center towards rap (“A Different You featuring I Am Tim”), quiet storm soul (“Outsight featuring Vivian Toebich”), falsetto’d art pop (“Catharsis featuring Lou Asril”) or dreaming soul-jazz experiments (“Blind War featuring Ben LaMar Gay”). Thoughout, the Bulgarian composer and guitarist paces expansive ambiences with shuffling, staggering beats, roughing up slick surfaces with just enough friction to keep things interesting.

Jennifer Kelly

The Tubs — Names EP (Trouble In Mind)

Names EP by The Tubs

“I don’t know how it works” declared The Tubs on their debut single, but they’re diving right in anyways on its follow-up, Names, with four songs that explore the self and self-other relationship. Their cover of Felt’s “Crystal Ball” tightens the musical tension of the original in places but still allows enough slack for singer Owen Williams to stretch the lyrical refrain — about the ability of another to see us better than we see ourselves — into a more melancholy shape than Lawrence. Of the EP’s three originals, Felt’s influence is most obvious in George Nicholls’ guitar work on “Illusion,” especially when the change comes and his lead spirals off Deebank-style behind Williams while he questions his connection to his own reflection. “Is it just an illusion staring back at me?” “The Name Song” is the longest one here at over three minutes, and in a similar way to The Feelies, it feels like it could go on forever, which might prove useful if Williams adds more names to his don’t-care-about list. “Two Person Love” is the best track of the bunch, though, with its classic sounding riff that swoops in and out allowing room for the chiming and chugging rhythm section to do the hard work. The relationship in the song might have been “pissed up the wall,” as Williams in his Richard Thompson-esque drawl puts it, but The Tubs certainly seem to have figured out how this music thing works.

Chris Liberato

Venus Furs — S-T (Silk Screaming)

Venus Furs by Venus Furs

Venus Furs sounds like band, but in fact, it’s one guy, Paul Krasner, somehow amassing the squalling roar of psychedelic guitar rock a la Brian Jonestown Massacre or Royal Baths all by himself. These songs have a large-scale swagger and layers and layers of effected guitars, as on the careening “Friendly Fire,” or hailstorm assault of “Paranoia.” A ponderous, swaying bass riff girds “Living in Constant.” Its nodding repetition grounds radiating sprays of surf guitar. You have to wonder how all this would play out in concert, with Krasner running from front mic to bass amp to drum kit as the songs unfold, but on record it sounds pretty good. Long live self-sufficiency.

Jennifer Kelly

Witch Vomit — Abhorrent Rapture (20 Buck Spin)

Abhorrent Rapture by Witch Vomit

Witch Vomit has one of the best names in contemporary death metal (along with Casket Huffer, Wharflurch and Snorlax — perversely inspired handles, all), and the Portland-based band has been earning increasing accolades for its records, as well. They are deserved. Witch Vomit plays fast, dense and dissonant songs, bearing the impress of Incantation’s groundbreaking (gravedigging?) records. Does that mean it’s “old school”? Song titles from the band’s previous LP Buried Deep in a Bottomless Grave (2019) certainly played to traditionalists’ tastes: “From Rotten Guts,” “Dripping Tombs,” “Fumes of Dying Bodies.” And so on. This new EP doesn’t indicate any significant changes in trajectory or tone, but the songwriting makes the occasional move toward melody. See especially the second half of “Necrometamorphosis,” which has a riff or two that one could almost call “pleasant.” If that seems paradoxical, check out the EP’s title. Is that an event, a gruesome skewing of Christianity’s big prize for the faithful? Or is it an affective state, in which abject disgust somehow builds to ecstatic transport? Who knows. For the band’s part, Witch Vomit keeps chugging, thumping and squelching along, doling out doleful songs like “Purulent Burial Mound.” Yuck. Sounds about right, dudes.

Jonathan Shaw

yes/and — s-t (Driftless Recordings)

yes/and by yes/and

This collaboration between guitarist Meg Duffy (Hand Habits) and producer Joel Ford (Oneohtrix Point Never) is an elusive collection of shape-shifting instrumentals. Each piece is built around Duffy’s guitar, yet the timbre and mood tends to switch dramatically between tracks. The album’s run-time is fairly evenly split between dark, atmospheric pieces, such as “More Than Love” and “Making A Monument,” and hopeful, glimmering miniatures, such as “Centered Shell” and the wonderfully titled “In My Heaven All Faucets Are Fountains.” “Learning About Who You Are” looms large at the album’s heart, as nearly eight minutes of hazy, wind-tunnel drone pulses and reverberates across the stereo space. Despite the variation in tone, each track stakes out its own territory in the tracklist, and it’s only “Tumble” that comes across as an unrealized idea. While it’s only half an hour, yes/and feels longer, its circuitous routes opening up all kinds of possibilities.

Tim Clarke

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mayabishopapologist · 4 years ago

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station 19 - season 4, etc

this is long but i want to put down my thoughts before thursday comes and i guess i have A Lot To Say.

honestly didn’t pay much attention to this show until halfway through season two— always liked maya and was glad that they gave her more to do. going into season 3, i was excited for more character development &stronger storylines. however, by the end of 301 the dip in quality was glaringly obvious. a quick google search revealed that there was a new showrunner and, well, it showed.

while the show had been going in a really good direction with balancing the screen time between andy and the other regulars, this season, the plot was all over the place. it was uber dramatic and just. so much happened just to happen? seemed like every other episode had a major event(deaths alone; ryan,rigo,pruitt?!!?). they were so frequent, it was hard to process. it was also hard to get invested as the characters themselves moved on(or were shown to have moved on, extremely quickly!)

i enjoy the show for what it is and i have no delusions about broadcast tv shows (or shondaland productions, for that matter)but the suspension of disbelief.... i mean: a stabbing, a robbery, a shooting and a car crash? all in one episode? please! lmaooooo. drama for dramas sake is always boring and weakens the story.

& as for the characters... .

everyone felt like a hollow version of themselves this season and it was hard to watch sometimes, actually. characters switched motivations /personalities for the sake of the current episode and i know this show is very ‘monster/emergency of the week’ but. some consistency! please! like—

maya: she’s always been determined and focused but they went so far with it this season, it was almost cartoonish. her competitiveness was hinted at in season 2 but she was always portrayed as self aware. ‘the beast,’ as she dubbed it to andy, was something she knew of and tried to contain, because she knew it could get out of hand.

yet, in season 3 she suddenly forgets this and just. becomes the most power hungry/singularly focused person, ever. she goes after the captain position behind andy’s back, (citing andy’s emotional state, because of the death of her best friend as a reason she shouldn’t get the job?? huh. since when is maya this purely callous??!) she just doesn’t give af, suddenly, about andy at all, and goes for a job that she is hardly qualified for(she was lieutenant for like, a few months?)

and then after she gets the position, she just. loses all sense of reality? literally she was so unhinged(fun to watch but so much) and it was like. um?? maya has never been the uptight one (they've mentioned and depicted andy as being the one like this, multiple times!) and we know she knows how to have fun, so, for her to all of a sudden just. not know how to read the room? yeah okay. to make her so intense and severe, especially w the drills and training was, a choice. a bad one, on the writers part. like, i get that they needed her start as captain to be dramatic or whatever, but there were ways to do that. and even the animosity with the team and her went so far, i just think that whole storyline was amazingly lazy, honestly.

and the friendships!! andy and maya’s friendship is just, a mess. at this point they've spent more time at odds, and the idea that they're supposed to be best friends with this super close bond? yeah, i just... i dont buy it tbh. if they'd spent more time building up their connections and making us understand why they would be friends and showing them being there for each other past a few scattered scenes her and there? maybe. but so far, that hasn't been the case. making that bond real, solidifying that friendship, would have made this conflict have more of an emotional impact. but doing it now? making maya ‘turn’ on andy, this soon and this drastically just. it made her seem like she was extremely jealous and had been waiting to pull the rug out from under andy all along. and also, why would they stay friends when, so far, maya has showed, time and time again, that she’s willing to let her wants/ambitions leech on her loyalty to andy? (jack thing, job thing, etc). although, it’s not like andy’s a good friend to maya either, she’s selfish and seems to like it when maya is in her corner but isnt always there for her. they went so far with the idea that maya was this coldly calculating asshole that she was almost a villain?? it was so silly to me.

and the traumatic home life plot they gave to maya was clearly their attempt at some adding nuance to her character and trying to explain why she would act the way she did, but to me? it fell flat. it was rushed, and they went from zero to 100(why did her mother come to talk about her divorce/abuse at maya’s job? like she was literally working? idgi. no boundaries lmaoo)

and i actually relate and sympathize w maya a lot. and while i liked that they were exploring the many ways abuse can present itself, it was very... hm, ham-fisted. just super rushed and then wrapped up so quickly. they have, i think, written themselves into this dark place i fear they have no intention of exploring.

and while i understand it, i hated how far they let maya go, especially because i don't feel they’ll adequately address it. they move on so quickly( maya was deaf for like half a season and then. she just. wasn't) and i hate the idea of her just being ‘fixed’. a relationship and an apology doesn't undo years of abuse, idc. also will they ever address maya’s um, thoughts about death??? because that was super heavy and not just something someone gets over? going to need for her to get actual professional help. that isn’t her girlfriend, like. asap.

speaking of carina, i do like her and maya together a lot. big part of why i watch, ngl. but i need their relationship to be a lot more reciprocal. like, lets dial it back on the codependency, maybe. carina cant (and shouldn't have to) hold her up so much ! that’s not love. also maya needs to start being a good girlfriend. they started off that way, i know they can get back there. but like, we hardly got to see them settle into it, we got those cute 30sec clips of sweetness then maya was lashing out and cheating and it was like. wait a minute! what???

for s4, i want to see them working at reconciling—im talking, groveling, awkward in-between moments where carina isnt sure she can trust her. okay, tough conversations, hell, even jealousy because let's be real. maya working with jack is a lot for carina to just. take? i know i absolutely would not be happy about that, but i also wouldnt take maya back so... anyway! brushing over that would not just be a missed storytelling opportunity, but it would also be super unfair to carina and do a huge disservice to their relationship as a whole. as cute as they are, having cute moments with no real depth would get very old, very quickly.

carina: what can i say but-perfect, amazing, fantastic, WOW

seriously, carina is almost unrealistically perfect. she takes a lot and has been through the most (can they be nice 2 her this season? like just for fun) going forward, im going to need her to be more than a plot device to calm and soothe maya. i get that she was introduced as a love interest, but in season 4(as a season!!regular!!) that cant be all she is.

speaking of, it was really weird to me that she was promoted to station 19 and not greys because... what is a gynecologist going to do at a fire station? the general consensus seems to be that she’ll join warren’s PRT but like. she’s not a general surgeon so that’s a reach but, i want her around so ill buy it. i just want better and more for her tbh. not just screen-time, but also character development and depth! also friends! tired of carina being isolated, they did it on greys which. a waste! i meaaan, amelia was RIGHT. THERE. just look at the material! for s19, i want her, vic and travis to be friends or even just her and vic, like yesplease! i also want to know more about her and im tired of her being treated badly. like, i think society had progressed past carina being shitted on, thanks!

vic: my fave!!! they did so lazy by her this season ugh. she’s so charismatic and charming and just so good!! yet, her storyline was all over the place. we hardly got to see her sit with her grief (spontaneous crying aside; barrett doss is so good!) she was just kind of... around. and that relationship w jackson. lol. it was so obviously for crossover potential and well. i didnt hate it or like it. actually, i was mostly indifferent. bored, even when they were onscreen together. i just didn't care and wanted more of vic, not vic and whoever. i know they're up in the air rn but i wouldn’t be torn up if he doesn’t come back.

i want more for vic past just romantic entanglements. i know we’ve gotten a bit of her past, but i would like to see more! also, what about employment accomplishments? her artsy theatre friends? her family? just. more vic, please!!

she’s so fun and cool and when they let her, she shines. they need to let her!

jack: my boy! so dumb, but i love him sm. he def needs like. major help, though lmao. and maybe it’s just me but im tired of his sex addict plot. like, we get it, but can we move on now? kthanks. they need to let him work on himself especially, the constant self sabotage. it's getting old. for ALL of them, actually, seriously, how many times can they all get in their own way.

andy: don’t really think about her. the mom storyline seems like it would be wonderfully dramatic, im intrigued. she and sullivan are cute, i guess. hope they make it.

ben: no major issues w his storyline, hardly remember it honestly. i liked the rapport he was building w vic and want them to explore that relationship more, its cute.

travis: so funny and adorable, let him do more.

dean: loved him in all his entitled first born African son glory. i didnt so much love the baby plot but that always bores me. his sudden love for vic though. lol. since when? it def, came out of no where and while i really enjoy their friendship, to me, there is zero romantic chemistry there so i would prefer it if they just. stopped. lmao. also. the way he treated her because he could get a handle on his emotions? ridiculous. has humanity not like, gotten past the ‘he’s mean bc he likes you’ thing?? like grow up maybe?

and this isnt just about dean but like. are there not more single young people in seattle? why do they all have to sleep with the same 5 people. ik for the sake of plot, workplace relationships are easier but still. i think they should branch out. really.

overall, i want better for all of them, and i think if the writers would just. take a moment and stop trying to tell so many stories in such little time, they could do better! also, whoever’s out there. please, enough w the crossovers! dont want to be forced to watch greys just to know what’s happening on 19. i get that they're in the same universe. it’s only mentioned every other episode. we. get, it. i liked what they did with private practice, it was like once every few seasons. and i know they won’t do that, but maybe, two a season.

this is so much. but this how does have a ton of potential and i just really want it . like, get there.

#either way #im still watching lmao #h8 it here lol #station 19 #maya bishop #vic hughes #andy herrera #dean miller #jack gibson #ben warren #travis montgomery #s19 #mtxt #if u see spelling mistakes #no u didnt xx #me writing dissertations to justify why im stuck here lmaoo

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firstginger · 4 years ago

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What daemon forms do you think would fit an INTJ enneagram 5 ?

ohh INTJ 5 is our wonderful stereotypical INTJ! tons of options here, definitely let me know if you lean towards a certain species like cat (domestic or wild), bird (raptor, waterbird, etc), small animal, etc etc.

here are some that i think would fit an INTJ 5 as well as what seems to be your aesthetic based on your blog/blog name!

owls my first thought of course had to be owls. many species are quintessentially INTJ 5.

in particular i was thinking the barred owl, who is very independent, socially selective, and private, but at the same time (like most owls) deeply loyal and dedicated. they have a calm and confident temperament and aren't afraid to be assertive. generally habitual, they like to plan ahead and are opportunistic people. they're expressive and communicative in a thorough and honest manner, but not at the cost of rocking the boat as they tend to be cautious and tactful.

the little owl is also a good choice, who is similarly introverted and independent, but loyal and close-bonding to those they love. they're communicative and perceptive people who are boundary-keeping and conflict-avoidant. very anxious and sensitive people who need to plan ahead, and tend to be more opportunistic rather than ambitious... meaning that they'd rather adapt to pursue new opportunities rather than be perfectionistic or hardworking.

the ural owl is once again introverted and independent, very loyal to their people but boundary-keeping and wary of strangers and not inclined to make new friends. very down to earth and committed people with a protective and a little bit possessive streak. routine-oriented and likes to plan ahead, though adaptable and opportunistic when they need to be. overall very patient, deliberate, and precise. they're also perceptive and communicative people who don't beat around the bush.

and finally the saw-whet owl we're going to be looking at someone introverted and independent, still close-bonding, but overall less loyal and committed than these previous species. patient and perceptive, they aren't terribly ambitious but believe that timing is everything. willing to be cooperative and they tend to be tenacious and determined when they latch onto something. they plan ahead but are definitely the conflict-avoidant and withdrawing sort.

wild cats most wild breeds of cat are very classically INTJ 5w4s. all of these species are going to be very independent and private, conflict-avoidant but confident, opportunistic planners, and perceptive and intuitive. an important point is that all of these species are going to be fairly loose-bonding: in human behavior terms, i view this as someone who needs privacy and secrecy, and doesn’t enjoy commitments or emotional obligations/dependence.

the lynx is a fantastic option: very solitary, guarded, and patient. they're specialized and focused on their niche, but capable of being highly opportunistic and resourceful. they're very much planners and specialize in efficiency. loose-bonding as mentioned above and don’t open up easily. the eurasian lynx is more adaptable and cooperative than the iberian lynx, who is more particular, competitive, and assertive.

wildcats are also a good contender. all of these species are going to be independent and introverted, though retain their pride and are willing to be assertive. typically more adaptable and opportunistic than a larger breed, and would rather be prepared for anything rather than be the best at a particular area. check out the african wildcat (patient, conflict-avoidant, intuitive, defensive, guarded, stubborn, even-tempered, hardy) or jungle cat (private, highly adaptable, boundary-keeping, efficient, perceptive, resilient).

smaller leopardus like the margay (private, highly specialized, conflict-avoidant, opportunistic, perceptive, dedicated, thorough, focused) and oncilla (private, conflict-avoidant, more adaptable, more bold, opportunistic, efficient, communicative) could fit too.

herons species of waterfowl like herons or egrets also would fit an INTJ 5. not to go into too much detail, but herons are going to be generally introverted and independent, but socially tolerant and wiling to be cooperative. come across as patient and confident, very observant and perceptive. check out the grey heron (honest people who can be defensive, confident, deeply caring, habitual, routine-oriented but willing to be flexible if need be), green heron (more shy and reserved, careful, boundary-keeping, opportunistic, more willing to be flexible and deviate from routine), tricolored heron (goal-oriented and dutiful, particular, stubborn, opportunistic, perceptive and somewhat neurotic, boundary-keeping but typically avoidant), or white-eared night heron (very very independent and private, boundary-keeping, dutiful, committed and loyal, habitual and rather unadaptable, sensitive and easily stressed)

i don’t want to prattle on but you also might want to look at some species of snakes, muskrats, corvids, or nightjars/whip-poor-wills.

#thedaughteroftheforestland #form finding #hdm #daemonism #intj

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system-of-a-feather · 4 years ago

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I hope your hiatus goes well! As for a more interesting ask tho, if you could have any bird in the world be your pet(with no limitations, like u could fulfill all their needs and everything), what kind of bird would you choose?

(TW, animal welfare; animal neglect, animal SH, infodump; Putting that out there because uh, I went on a tangent cause I am passionate; Short caps)

Man that is such a controversial topic for me XD Because I’m very firm in the sense that raptors and sort shouldn’t be in captivity beyond conservation purposes (and falconry for conservation) and if they are, they should be given maximum range - and for parrots that are in mass bred in environments not suited for them and its a large issue that we’ve kind of dug a whole into, so parrots shouldn’t be pets, but if you have to they should be companions with almost the entire time out of the cage so like XD

I have a reactive response to birds as pets but the theoretical “could fufill all their needs and everything” does cover some of that - though I also would still have to sit and question if the dynamic between a human and a wild bird could ever simultaneously exist with having all their needs fufilled so I’m sitting here rubbing my chin as a overly complicate an otherwise relatively simple question.

In leu of the honor of the original question and what I get the intent to be (aka, if there was ABSOLUTELY no issues and it was 100% possible to maintain both a human-bird bond with said animal while having their full life) it would probably be a toss up between a Harpy Eagle, Barn Owl, Secretary Bird, and California Condor.... maybe a penguin or cormorant if I had a really nice water bed. OR A RAVEN SINCE THEY BRING SHINIES BACK. It really would be a different answer to who you ask in the system though. I probably would go uh.... I actually really don’t know. I might actually go Snowy Owl..? Maybe? Aesthetically I’d go Secretary Bird but personality wise I’d like a Raven hmmm

I really can’t put a finger on a favorite bird. Raven I feel would probably be the easiest to both have a fully wild and free relationship with but also an individual bond that would be enjoyable, but I dunno. Its really hard of a question to answer

As for the more technical - I would probably take the question and warp it to the alternative loop hole question of - hey, you are saying I could provide for an animal’s needs entirely?

I would take in the honest to god most torn up - feather plucking - self mutilating - anxious depressed bird; probably a cockatoo breed, and take it in.

I actually have a habit of trying to take in really anxious, sad, or mistreated cockatiels in and trying to bring them up and let them behaviorally adjust to people and other birds a lot and its actually a dream goal to help parrots get a renewal on life since some live just as long as we do, but often are much much much more neglected throughout their entire life as dependents.

Like I can go on and on about it, but a lot of the longer living birds (cockatoos, african greys, etc) can be bred for money, bought for aesthetic, and treated poorly, abandoned or put for adoption and bounce from home to home to home that was not prepared for them and getting so many behavioral issues and “bird mental health” issues as I put simply and some really just dont get the chance to have a happy life. Some have a good owner until they are 30, then their owner dies and their owner’s family doesn’t want to care for them so they are sold or abandoned or put up for adoption and after living a great life are put into the cycles others do so like

One of my dreams if I ever get the money would be to legitimately have an Aviary and / or be a part of a parrot rehabilitation and rescue center XD I was actually up front with my fiance when I started dating that my future with caring for birds and adopting / fostering ones in need is something he would have to accept as my package / baggage or I will not under any circumstances proceed with a relationship XD

AND IM RANTING SO AT THE ANON THAT SAID RANT GO AHEAD I WISH I GOT THIS DONE FOR YOU BECAUSE I HAVEN’T FOUND A TOPIC TO RANT ABOUT FOR YOU AND HERE I AM RANTING ON THE WRONG ANON

But like, since I’m part ways on this tangent, lemme share one of my princesses that I’ve been caring for. (Quick photo below the keep reading)

[cue Riku gushing about their bird]

We got her from a previous owner that really couldn’t care for her and named her “Crash” because she kept crashing every time she flew (which is btw very dangerous - even if I noticed she seemed to learn how to “crash safely) and I really didn’t find the name cute cause it clearly was an issue - so I renamed her to Avery Rose - Avery being like Ivory + Avian and Rose cause I like Rose; but she also was REALLY terrified of hands and people and if a hand was within like 2 feet of her she’d panic - fly (or try to) and crash - and if you got her she’d bite like, right through your hand. I figure (vet wasn’t sure and didn’t want to do unnecessary invasive procedures to be sure) that she either has some joint / motor issue that makes it hard to fly or she has poor vision that makes her anxious.

She also would pluck a lot out of stress and anxiety and isolation and stuff cause cockatiels are social birds and they need a lot of stimulus form their owner and/or other birds. She ALSO really didn’t get along with other birds either and would pretty much kinda avoid them. Even until today she kinda seems to miss the social cues of the other birds or not meld in since like, most birds get excited when small treats or “cookies” are brought over and they start pacing and heading to the food dishes, but she just kinda like.... waits or shows no interest XD

She’s a really unique personality. But anyways, my mom took her in originally and uh... as a typically kind of neglectful mom does, just kinda found her “too difficult” and just gave up on her, and I saw that and was like OH HELL NAH JUST CAUSE SHES REALLY ANXIOUS, SOCIALLY ABNORMAL, BITES HARD AND CRASHES DOES NOT MEAN YOU GET TO ABANDON HER so despite technically not signing up for it I was like “Mom she’s mine and I am taking over her care what you are doing is kind of cruel”

And like, one of the flock members we have is the son of my first cockatiel who I helped raise (aside from his parents who primarily raised him) and socialized as he is now a bit of my personal emotional support birb, but with insistent help from me and I’m guessing bird support from a slightly younger and annoying boy birb that really liked her, she actually managed to learn out to fly REALLY well (like my boy, my son here literally like, kept doing small loops around and following her around until she got it and literally repetitively flew up and down to help her figure out how to land it melted my heart) and she actually really likes me specifically holding her and coddling her or hugging her, which I think might be because it might give her security.

She still plucks as it is one of those things that can follow a bird for life (though its getting better) and she is still anxious and really odd in social behaviors to the other birds, but she really seems to function in a happy life and she has a bird partner and a human mother and unlike before she can fly like any other bird and crashes rarely ever and like

She’s one of the things that I am most proud of seeing and lights up my world and I am SO god damn proud of her and she has LOWKEY been an inspiration for my recovery sometimes cause GOD do I love her XD

Her and her partner / “my boy / son” are the two birds that follow me to and from college and they seem to actually like car trips now? XD But they are my roommates and I love them immensely ;w;

Anon: What bird would you have if you could have any of them and treat them perfectly to their need

Me: DID YOU ASK ABOUT BIRD WELFARE, TECHNICALITIES AND PROBLEMS WITH BIRDS AS PETS (other than typically domesticated ones), MY DREAMS ABOUT SAVING ALL BIRDS IN THE WORLD AND THE STORY OF ONE OF MY BABY GIRLS AND HER MENTAL HEALTH JOURNEY?!

I apologize I do this sometimes :v I hope you enjoy my infodump / ramble

-Riku (Host)

#alter: riku #birds #bird #birb #cockatiel #ask #asks #off topic #system questions #system question

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tiktokparrot · 7 months ago

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slashnatic · 5 years ago

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Hello love, I'd like to request a matchup if you don’t mind! I’m a 5'6" African American female with a curvy, athletic build. I'm panromantic and demisexual, with curly black hair, a deep honey complexion, and stormy grey eyes. I just got my Bachelor of Science in psychology and sociology and am about to transition into law school. People often describe me as charismatic, intelligent, honorable, sarcastic, adventurous, and selfless to a fault. I'm very artistic and musical, a nature enthusiast, animal lover, and a bit of an adrenaline junkie. I also have extensive training in gymnastics, dance, cheerleading, and krav maga (the most dangerous form of martial arts).

Despite being regarded as "logical" and analytical, I practice brujería/witchcraft and have blood ties to Voodoo, hoodoo, and Shamanism. I identify as an eclectic witch & empath, and I'm not afraid to use that to my advantage (but never to harm others). I can also be quite cynical of human nature at times and have a rather morbid sense of humor. Although I am selfless and kind, I may become vicious and calculating whenever my boundaries are crossed or harm comes to my loved ones.

this was submitted by @aut0matic-supers0nic and wow, you sound like such an interesting person :) ...that krav maga-thingy really impressed me, i wanted to learn krav maga too, but i already play two instruments and that takes up most of my time...but this is so amazing! :)

I‘d match you with:

Vincent Sinclair

Vincent has two sides to himself: The one he shows to strangers, which is rather cold and distant and brutal, both in a physical and emotional sense, and the one he shows to the people he loves, which is warm and caring, quiet but somewhat open. This is why he understands you and the person you are. He relates to you in a way, with you being a logical, yet caring and charming person.

Vincent doesn‘t like opening up to people and it takes a lot of time for him to do so, but he still craves someone to confide in. An understanding partner with a certain charisma helps him to not only open up, but also feeling confident while doing so. He needs to be able to entirely trust a partner, both because of traumatic events in his life and his lifestyle on its own. He learns to trust you pretty quickly.

Besides him being a sucker for kindness, he also doesn‘t like people to be too soft. He understands it, but has trouble with people who are one hundred percent soft; he enjoys the company of versatile people. Your charisma and selflessness are what helps him to be more himself, the way you approach things keeps him grounded and your sense of humor is a very much welcomed addition, something unique, something which makes you even more interesting to him than you already are.

Vincent is a calm and patient man too and he doesn‘t really hold grudges. He will never be angry at you for being cynical, but rather try to understand you and take care of you, if he thinks it‘s fitting in that moment.

He loves your adventurous side for the same reasons he loves your sense of humor, but on top of that it‘s practical. You never know what you come across in Ambrose, you never know what happens when the next visitors come. Knowing you enjoy adventures doesn’t make anything better in his eyes, killing isn‘t an adventure, but it still calms him down a little and makes him worry a little less. It helps him in others ways too; he goes outside more. He doesn‘t want to disappoint you and will leave the basement more often, hoping he can spend time with you in a way you will enjoy. Being alone all the time isn‘t healthy and while he can‘t necessarily socialize in Ambrose, leaving the basement is still a good thing. Since you love nature the two of you can go on a simple walk too, which puts him under less pressure. As mentioned before, he doesn‘t want to disappoint you and knowing you will enjoy a day out in the woods too makes him feel secure.

Being an athletic person is helpful when you are a part of the Sinclair family. You never know what kind of person a visitor is and being able to protect yourself is essential and also the only reason you‘re still alive, let‘s be real.

No matter if Vincent is single or in a relationship, he‘s a workaholic. He still works at most times and you need something to spend your time with as well. Your love for different kinds of art is something you bond over and he enjoys your company while he works, knowing you understand how important this is to him. He will ask for your opinion on most of his work and he will try to learn from you too. If you don‘t want to be around waxed-covered corpses all the time, why don‘t you spend time with the dog instead? Vincent loves animals just like you and he‘s protective of his little buddy, but he trusts you completely and likes it when you take care of the pet.

Vincent is a very curious and smart man and he enjoys learning about new things. He isn‘t entirely unfamiliar with witchcraft, he‘s read a little bit about it here and there, but other than that it exists, there are people who actually practice it and they are not burning children in the middle of the woods (haha), he doesn‘t know much. He loves to learn about it and is very eager to help you if he can or maybe practice it himself one day.

Vincent would definitely be my number one match for you, but another possible match would be:

Michael Myers

Michael undoubtedly is an extremely smart person and he doesn‘t even bother to put up with anyone who he believes is stupid. He would (almost, it’s still Michael) respect you for the things you‘ve already accomplished in life. You have reached goals in your life and figured yourself out, which gives him a reason to tolerate you.

Figuring out that you approach things with a logical perspective makes him accept the fact that he tolerates you. Although he is way more extreme than you are, it‘s something that makes him relate to you. He doesn‘t care much, but he cares enough to let this “impress“ him.

He would never admit it, in fact he doesn‘t even know it, but a tiny part of him enjoys your caring side as well. It‘s something he‘s never experienced, or at least something he hasn’t experienced in a while and while he is still cautious he will accept the offered kindness.

Being able to protect yourself is a must in a relationship with Michael. He will be both annoyed and excited about it and he will be more than happy to figure out how long you can stand against him (Spoiler alert: not very long and he will d e s t r o y you, but it will be worth it, trust me).

Michael won‘t let you teach him about it, but he will try to manipulate you -without ever directly asking you- into telling him more about witchcraft. He‘s a curious man and enjoys learning about possibly helpful things.

#vincent sinclair #house of wax #michael myers #halloween #halloween movie #slashers #matchups #submission

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wrecker-radioactive · 5 years ago

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BNHA X Green Lantern

Hey folks! Radioactive here with some Au ideas. I’d would like to thank @kibastray for the inspiration from their Miraculous Ladybug fic.

Now these are just some tidbits of ideas. I am working on getting out of my writing hiatus and maybe this will help.

Feel Free to use any of the ideas for yourself!!!! All I ask is a link or @ to read them! Thank you! Enjoy~

For these AUs the focus will be on Midoriya Izuku. Though it would be neat to use other characters, Izuku is the focus today.

Green[WILL] Corp AU---normal amount of angst

>Midoriya is still quirk-less but doesn’t meet All Might.

>Instead, He goes to mope on the school roof top after getting his notebook back from swimming with the koi.

>Not sure if this is where he starts contemplating anything suicidal like or other job/career prospects but

>He gets conveniently knocked over the head with the Green Lantern Ring

>Says the oath and gets dragged into space by the ring-after recharging it

>Meets up with the current Green Lanterns and gets some decent training in before he remembers his mother is waiting for him so they give him Earth sector’s Green Lantern’s number to discuss training and to just talk to for help.

>This AU follows the original plot with the differences being Izuku is more so focused on bringing Justice no matter what. He is more so Grey lining. Willing to learn the law and stand up for those mistreated by it. Izuku is willing to work to change it for the better. To improve the law.

>Personality wise, He is High Key Nervous but Willing and Ready to Punch(think greyhound in yellow sweater) Is EXTRA Creative and more focused on Analysis in defeating villains or preventing building collapses

>He is closer bros with Momo in this one. Creation Friends all the way.

>His Creations/Projections are weird. Like they are Out-Landish choices for doing what ever to defeat the opponent(s). Kinda like Miraculous Ladybug.

>His outfit is the regular standard for Green Lanterns but under it is his Hero Suit that has ALL THE POCKETS. You need a bandage? He’s got twenty. Disaster Child is Prepared Child but still problematic

Blue [HOPE] Corps----mild angst

>Rescue Focused Hero

>BIG {Magic of Friendship} Speeches TM

>PRONE to Greater Injuries now that he has power but it is mainly to prevent others from harm. Lacks self preservation this one does.

>Still Nervous but it is more overthinking and about others. Even if he doesn’t know them, you chat with this kid for two minutes and he’s already worrying about your health, your family, your goldfish

>Most likely to be a Vigilante than actual hero due to his insight on Quirk Laws and the impact they have on society. He ends up saving people more and visiting hospitals to bring hope to kids.

>He likes to knit and crochet hats for the kids. Sunshine child levels at Maximum

>Most likely to accidentally become a villain due to being vocal on the mistreatment of others at the hands of heroes or the lack of safety measures put in to protect kids from abuse ei from negative enforcement from teachers or bullies.

>Outfit is standard with a calm blue to help put people at ease around him. Difference is that he wears a helmet--motorcycle helmet. Maybe to hide his identity maybe for further protection.

Star Sapphire Corps--ALL THE ANGST

>Izuku becomes a Star Sapphire at a young age. Right after being told he will never have a quirk, with teachers and other parents talking badly about Inko over having a quirkless child and Izuku who would be five at the time so is thinking Momma Midoriya doesn’t want him and that his dad doesn’t want him either since he left shortly after Izuku was diagnosed. Add in our resident angry boi telling Izuku he’s useless and basically breaking off ties. All leads to a sad kid

>This leads to Izuku’s heart witnessing the breaking of his soul bonds from all those he loves.

>He gets turned into a giant crystal that transforms him into a Star Sapphire and the ring basically becomes his mentor. From there on, Izuku trains to become stronger. he doesn’t run away because he wants to fix the system. So no one has to hurt like he does.

>So Izuku decides to change the system from the inside out. Become a top ranking Hero, and then start leading more positive changes to the laws and how people view quirks.

>He is very lonely in this AU until he and Inko actually sit down and talk about what Izuku wants and Inko shows her support for his dreams. It is one of the few bonds Izuku allows to heal and mend. Up to the person if Katsuki ever mends fences or if Izuku’s dad does anything.

>Izuku is a tired nervous. Very done with life but very much would like a hug. If you hug this sad kid he will never let go.

>It isn’t until after USJ arc that Izuku finally meets other Lantern holders

>Scene<

Izuku shuffled after Aizawa-sensi holding back the panic swelling inside him. The voice of his ring--loving dubbed Star--cooed and murmured support and reassurances that if anything he feared happened that they would simple run away to space. They often tried to get Izuku to leave Earth and take to the stars but he wanted to change things on Earth. To change himself for the better. Taking a fortifying breath, Izuku followed Aizawa-sensi into the meeting room.

Three people turned to face the new arrivals. John Stewart nearly fainted at the sight of the small green haired kid following Easerhead. He didn’t want to believe a child had been chosen let alone for a Star Sapphire. Stars went through so much pain and for a kid not even sixteen to go through that? It broke his heart. A quick glance at his companions Salaak whose nerves shown in the twitching of his four hands and Brother Warth of the Blue Corps. Brother Warth’s trunk scrunched up at the sight of the tiny human child bearing the pink ring and if his training wasn’t so strong his rage would have most certainly taken over.

Izuku froze at the sight of the African American human in green and black, a dark pink humaniod with four arms, and a huge elephant like person in the blue version of the other’s outfit. They all had rings too. Does that mean he’s not alone? There are others who share his experinces? It was too much yet at the same time numbing after the whole facing a group of villains on a school field trip.

“Midoriya, these are the Lantern Corp members currently available to talk with you about your powers and situation.” Easerhead introduced nodding to the three before taking a step back to allow Izuku room to move but keeping within eye sight of everyone. He was here to just listen since he was still in recovery.

“Hello Midoriya, I’m John and these are my friends Salaak and Brother Warth.” With introductions out of the way, John stepped up to kneel in front of Izuku allowing a few feet of distance between them. “I heard about what you’ve been through, and I know what it takes to be a bearer of take ring. I’m sorry we didn’t find you sooner.”

It wasn’t the best apology nor would it be the last. To have left a child alone with the powers of the ring was a grossly irresponsible act. They would do whatever it took to help Izuku heal and grow into a hero. no, Into a healthy kid. Izuku deserved to be a kid.

Izuku couldn’t stop the tears from falling. After having teacher after teacher condemn him and never step up to protect him, after almost running away from his own mother based on misunderstandings and assumptions, and to the years consistently being told he deserved to suffer for not conforming to society thanks to the uncontrollable factors of genetics; to be understood. To have someone on his side outside of his mom. It was no wonder he threw his arms around John and bawled his eyes out.

-End Scene-

>His outfit is the most different. From my research on the outfits, Star Sapphires have no care for modesty and is mostly female based so take that as you will. So, Izuku’s form will have gauntlets in a purple-black that go up to his armpits and leave his shoulders bare. A magenta halter top with black/purple edging that ends just below his ribs. Skin tight shorts same color as gloves that stop at his knees before becoming knee pads with multi point starburst in silver on the fronts with the background being magenta. Knee high boots in magenta and silver buckles. Standard face thing in either black or magenta. The tips of his fade into magenta. [this is the best I could come up with. im sorry]

Indigo Corps [Compassion]

>Not sure how this one would go about anything since the corp is entirely based on an alien tribe in another system. BUT Compassion and chains.

>Basically Izuku slapping people with emotions to change their ways. I dont even know where this is going. Vigilante?

That’s all I have so far folks. Hope you enjoyed it! Don’t forget to Stay Safe

#my hero academia #green lanter corps #au #izuku midoriya #quirkless #blue lantern #star sapphire #the ramblings of a tired person

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alarriefantasy · 6 years ago

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Annoying neighbours? Thnx!

I got a bit carried away here! I ended up making an all-around neighbors fic rec - BUT, since you wanted specifically, “annoying neighbors,’ I put * next to fics that are what you’re looking for! :) :) Hope that’s not too confusing!

Neighbors Fic Rec

*Won’t Let Go of You for Nothing by AFangirlFantasy

Words: 3k

Louis’ new neighbor is playing their music offensively loud, and he’s fucking pissed. Every night this week he hasn’t been able to fall asleep because of it, but tonight, Louis refuses to suffer again. Taking matters into his own hands, Louis goes over to knock some much needed sense into their brain.

Things may or may not go the way he plans.

Or a Love/Hate neighbors AU

someone new by larrytale

Words: 3k

After realizing that standing around and worrying is only wasting precious time, Harry braces his hands on the wall and takes a deep breath, trying to will his nerves away. He needs wifi.

“PENIS!”

He has to stop himself from laughing after the word leaves his mouth, the absurdity of the situation finally catching up to him.

Return The Favor by Taayjaay

Words: 3k

Louis has a habit for almost burning his apartment complex down while cooking. His new neighbour helps him out.

it’ll all come up roses by neonmoonlight

Words: 4k

or the one where louis really doesn’t hate his neighbor who keeps waking him up at the crack of dawn. ft magic, liam, niall, and zayn barely being mentioned, harry and his fucking motorcycle, a date and a kiss.

Through the Wall (Through the Wall) by taggiecb

Words: 5k

The prompt

“We live in adjacent apartment and one day I accidentally knocked a hole in the wall and into your living room. I’m really sorry oh my God you’re naked” AU from qulcksilvers.tumblr.com

Gimme Gimme by CarlyLovesLarry

Words: 5k

or where Louis is a broke college student with a hot new hunk of a neighbor

Lust for Life by larryent

Words: 6k

AU. After Louis moves into a new flat, his fit next door neighbour who happens to be a baker brings him cupcakes to welcome him into the building.

*Can’t Shake You Out by fackinglouis

Words: 8k

Or the one where Harry and Louis have lived in the same building for three years but just meet now and bond over their crazy neighbors.

you've got a friend in me by graceana

Words: 8k

Louis talks to himself a lot so he buys a hedgehog and flirts through post-it notes with his fit neighbor who makes wonderful apple crumble.

there was a reason i collided into you by sockslwt

Words: 9k

AU where Louis and Harry are neighbors who meet in the elevator of their apartment one morning and it becomes a routine for them. Louis pines a lot. Then one day, Harry doesn’t show up at the elevator like he usually does, and well, Louis might panic.

*Get Off of My Cloud by Marora_Daris

Words: 9k

Harry is the most annoying neighbour that sexually frustrated Louis could have. Niall decides it’s a good idea to handcuff them together.

Featuring guinea pigs, animal print leggings and inappropriate boners.

London Calls Me a Stranger by Thatscoolbutwhataboutlarry

Words: 9k

“Hello, my beautiful, conceited coquette.”

“Hi, daddy.”

Or the one where Harry is a tease, and Louis is his new neighbour.

*3B Neighbour by orphan_account

Words: 10k

Dear Neighbour,I love the sound of your rooster alarm, it’s sucha joy waking up 5 in the morning. Can you get itany louder?

Or: a mysterious neighbour keeps slipping the worst sort of notes under Harry’s door.

You and Me and the Devil Makes Three by moodlighting

Words: 10k

AU. Louis moves in next door to Harry. Louis has a ghost, Harry has an extra futon and a crush.

*I’ll Make This Feel Like Home by 5ft9

Words: 12k

Harry can’t sleep because the cat next door won’t stop meowing. He goes over to confront its owner, things go surprisingly well, and the cat ends up being the cutest thing that he’s ever seen. Well, besides its omega owner.

A love story quickly blossoms.

in midnights, in cups of coffee by suspendrs

Words: 15k

Or, Louis is overworked and cold, Harry is stressed out, and they might be in love.

*Cut to The Feeling by ishiplouis

Words: 15k

Louis has just moved into his new apartment in the fancy Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea in London. All was well until he notices that his neighbour rarely closes the curtains which makes for an unlikely friendship to form.

Or AU where Louis is a ghostwriter working from home, and Harry is his firefighter neighbour who happens to have the cutest dog on Earth.

*Sweet Cheeks by NoShitSherlock

Words: 17k

Louis is an innocent, pretty in glasses, flustered mess of a high school sex-ed teacher who gets far too many dirty compliments and taps on the ass from his students. Harry, the lacrosse senior star and bad boy of Rowan High, gets transferred to Mr. Tomlinson’s sex-ed class after humiliating his previous teacher. It’s just what he likes to do.

Harry becomes set on humiliating Mr. Tomlinson who just so happens to be his next door neighbour, but it backfires when sexual comments get made. There’s one thing about Harry Styles: he doesn’t do teachers.

Until he does.

please don’t be in love with someone else by wildestdreams

Words: 18k

The one where Harry and Louis are neighbors and there’s a lot of overthinking, misunderstandings, Backstreet Boys sing alongs, embarrassing moments in the hallway, and pining. They somehow still make it work.

*That’s How I Know by allwaswell16

Words: 19k

Louis Tomlinson has just landed his dream job, coaching soccer at Augustus University. When he moves into a new house near campus, he meets his very fit new neighbor, English professor Harry Styles. Although their first meeting leads to an instant mutual dislike, the more Harry gets to know Louis, the more he likes what he sees.

Or the one where Harry’s African grey parrot spills his dirty secrets to his very hot neighbor.

In Dreams by dolce_piccante

Words: 23k

When Harry moves to a new city, his new flat come with a number of sweet, anonymous gifts and surprises that brighten his days. Could it be a friendly ghost? Another friendly presence in his new building is his tattooed neighbor, Louis, who seems determined to put a smile back on his face.

*A Whole New World by backonefish

Words: 24k

Louis has moved into his new apartment to start his new job as a teacher. Things would be great. If only his arsehole neighbour didn’t wake him up every morning by playing piano.Shenanigans ensue. Like a very inadvisable kissing bet.

hit me with your sweet love, steal me with a kiss by icedwaters

Words: 27k

or louis is a 22 year old photographer in his third year of uni, and harry is his 19 year old cat-loving neighbor.

Curtains, Cataclysms, and Constellations by aclosetlarryshipper

Words: 30k

Harry doesn’t understand the boy next door.

People don’t normally send surreptitious messages through the form of symbolic emotion and quick glances if they want to be left alone. Right?

No. His new neighbour is trying to say something to him.

(And if Harry decides to devote his entire summer to figuring him out, it will be a summer well spent.)

*Two Steps Behind by sacredheart (orphan_account)

Words: 38k

Or, Louis is two years younger than his neighbors, Harry, Liam, Niall, and Zayn, and he grows up bending over backwards to get their attention and acceptance. Especially Harry’s

Just Me, You, And This Box of Matches by tomlinsunshine

Words: 87k

Louis is fairly sure that his new neighbour is going to destroy him. And also their apartment building, and the dumpsters outside, and all the forests within a thirty mile radius. But. Mostly him.

updated: 03.24.2019

#ask

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shadowofadalekmightdeactivate · 6 years ago

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STAU Characters

Unfortunately, there wasn’t a lot in the way of notes for chapter 5. So have some character notes instead!

In order of appearance:

Virgil Goth Age: 18 Race: Err…Human Culture: Scottish Gender: Male (cis) Hair Colour: Black, bangs dyed a vibrant purple Eye Colour: Brown Height: 5’ 4” Appearance: (chap 1-?) Very thin, hair is forever caught between long and short, long fingers (always hidden with hoodie paws), wears eyeshadow under his eyes to disguise eye bags brought on by anxiety-induced insomnia, always hunched over subconsciously to avoid being seen (Chap. ?-?) Clothes: (chap. 1-?) Always wears a black hoodie and ripped jeans, not a lot of variety in shirts, purple converse (Chap. ?-?) Occupation: Student at NY’s University of Fake and Fiction Interesting facts: Homosexual, single, through-the-roof anxiety, has a trans brother who may or may not show up in the story, enjoys sewing, doesn’t have any particular major in mind, his canine teeth are (naturally) pointed

Lily Saxe Age: 21 Race: Human still Culture: American Gender: Female (cis) Hair Colour: Blonde Eye Colour: Green Height: 5’ 5” Appearance: Very petite girl, hair is usually left to do its own thing, shows her freckles with pride, minimal makeup worn Clothes: Usually short skirts if the weather allows, track pants if not, animal-inspired hoodies, several shirts with feminist quotes Occupation: Student at NY’s University of Fake and Fiction Interesting facts: Straight, single, she used to date John in high school, a nasty breakup ensued when he turned into a real prick

Emile Picani Age: 32 Race: Angel in human form (human) Culture: English Gender: Male (cis) Hair Colour: Brunette, fading pink bangs Eye Colour: Brown Height: 6’ Appearance: Average-looking, bright eyes Clothes: Owns one Steven Universe shirt (it’s pretty ratty so it’s only worn on weekends), professional jackets, ties in all kinds of colours, pink glasses Occupation: Administrator at NY’s University of Fake and Fiction Interesting facts: Asexual/Pansexual, single, had his left hand crushed in a car accident, it was rebuilt but it’s very stiff and often sore, read up on mental disabilities and diseases as he was studying to be a therapist, unfortunately was rejected and had to settle for something else due to money problems

Johnathon Tayler: Age: 21 Race: Asshole (human) Culture: American Gender: Male (cis) Hair Colour: Blonde Eye Colour: Black Height: 6’4 Appearance: Muscular, intimidating due to his height Occupation: Student/resident dickhead at NY’s University of Fake and Fiction Interesting facts: Straight, single, lords his height over all the others, honestly a little on the thick side, has pegged Virgil as his emotional punching bag

Roman Balthasar Age: 20 Race: Pure cinnamon bun (Human) Culture: English Gender: Male (cis) Hair Colour: Natural Red Eye Colour: Blue Height: 6’ 3” Appearance: (Chap. 1-?) A little on the squishy side (Chap. ?-?) Clothes: Strictly Disney shirts, Stitch hoodie, old prince costume from several Halloweens ago Occupation: Student at NY’s University of Fake and Fiction Interesting facts: Questioning sexuality as of chapter 5, single, has Autism, works hard to show his parents they don’t have to pity him, wants to major in EVERYTHING

Talyn Age: 19 Race: Human Culture: American Gender: Non-binary (unknown if cis or trans) Hair Colour: Honestly hard to pin down, they like to dye it Eye Colour: Green Height: 5’ 4” Appearance: Short Clothes: Usually wears sweaters, skirts, sometimes ripped jeans Occupation: Student at NY’s University of Fake and Fiction Interesting facts: Unknown sexuality, single, natural hair colour may forever be unknown, bonds with Virgil over their shares interest in writing and dark clothes

Watson Ester Age: 3 Race: Dog Culture: Borzoi Gender: Male Hair colour: White Eye Colour: Brown Height: 3’ Appearance: Skinny boi with a long snout and legs Clothes: Blue Collar Occupation: Resident pupper at Logan and Patton’s house Interesting facts: None

Logan Ester Age: 35 Race: Android (human) Culture: Irish Gender: Male (cis) Hair Colour: Dark brown Eye Colour: Brown Height: 5’ 8” Appearance: Lean, intimidating figure Clothes: Usually black or dark blue collared shirts, striped blue tie, simple black shoes, glasses Occupation: English professor at NY’s University of Fake and Fiction Interesting facts: Asexual/Bisexual, married, short temper catches his students off guard, god help you if you walk in late with coffee and an “arrogant” (read: flamboyant) attitude

Patton Ester Age: 33 Race: Pure Bean (human) Culture: American Gender: Male (cis) Hair Colour: Chestnut Brown Eye Colour: Brown Height: 5’ 6” Appearance: Smol boy, a lil tubby, hair is more often than not a mess Clothes: Most often a collared shirt of some kind, cat hoodie, will wear skirts Occupation: House husband Interesting facts: Homosexual, married, has Autism, is Logan’s ‘favourite pillow’ due to his slight chub, has no concept of self consciousness, usually unaware of the glares Logan gives people who question his decision to wear skirts

Sherlock Ester Age: 15 Race: Bird Culture: African Grey Parrot Gender: Male Hair Colour: Grey, red tail Eye Colour: Gold Height: 15 inches Appearance: Well-fed birb, feathers unclipped, usually ruffled due to amount of noise Watson makes Clothes: None Occupation: Was someone for Logan to talk to before he met Patton, now just resident birdie at the Ester’s Interesting facts: Allowed free reign of the house, was trained to only relieve himself in certain spots, VERY defensive of Logan, sometimes rides around on Watson’s back when he’s wandering around, knows how to speak English and Latin(Logan was bored)

#Still Human AU #Will be Updated when Remy and other characters join the cast #Sanders Sides

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elisabettacormac · 3 years ago

Text

Virginia Woolf: Mrs Dalloway in Bond Street

Virginia Woolf

Mrs Dalloway

Mrs Dalloway said she would buy the gloves herself.

Big Ben was striking as she stepped out into the street. It was eleven o'clock and the unused hour was fresh as if issued to children on a beach. But there was something solemn in the deliberate swing of the repeated strokes; something stirring in the murmur of wheels and the shuffle of footsteps.

No doubt they were not all bound on errands of happiness. There is much more to be said about us than that we walk the streets of Westminster. Big Ben too is nothing but steel rods consumed by rust were it not for the care of H.M.'s Office of Works. Only for Mrs Dalloway the moment was complete; for Mrs Dalloway June was fresh. A happy childhood--and it was not to his daughters only that Justin Parry had seemed a fine fellow (weak of course on the Bench); flowers at evening, smoke rising; the caw of rooks falling from ever so high, down down through the October air - there is nothing to take the place of childhood. A leaf of mint brings it back: or a cup with a blue ring.

Poor little wretches, she sighed, and pressed forward. Oh, right under the horses' noses, you little demon! and there she was left on the kerb stretching her hand out, while Jimmy Dawes grinned on the further side.

A charming woman, poised, eager, strangely white-haired for her pink cheeks, so Scope Purvis, C.C.B., saw her as he hurried to his office. She stiffened a little, waiting for burthen's van to pass. Big Ben struck the tenth; struck the eleventh stroke. The leaden circles dissolved in the air. Pride held her erect, inheriting, handing on, acquainted with discipline and with suffering. How people suffered, how they suffered, she thought, thinking of Mrs Foxcroft at the Embassy last night decked with jewels, eating her heart out, because that nice boy was dead, and now the old Manor House (Durtnall's van passed) must go to a cousin.

'Good morning to you!' said Hugh Whitbread raising his hat rather extravagantly by the china shop, for they had known each other as children. 'Where are you off to?'

'I love walking in London,' said Mrs Dalloway. 'Really it's better than walking in the country!'

'We've just come up,' said Hugh Whitbread. 'Unfortunately to see doctors.'

'Milly?' said Mrs Dalloway, instantly compassionate.

'Out of sorts,' said Hugh Whitbread. 'That sort of thing. Dick all right?'

'First rate!' said Clarissa.

Of course, she thought, walking on, Milly is about my age--fifty, fifty-two. So it is probably that, Hugh's manner had said so, said it perfectly--dear old Hugh, thought Mrs Dalloway, remembering with amusement, with gratitude, with emotion, how shy, like a brother--one would rather die than speak to one's brother--Hugh had always been, when he was at Oxford, and came over, and perhaps one of them (drat the thing!) couldn't ride. How then could women sit in Parliament? How could they do things with men? For there is this extra-ordinarily deep instinct, something inside one; you can't get over it; it's no use trying; and men like Hugh respect it without our saying it, which is what one loves, thought Clarissa, in dear old Hugh.

She had passed through the Admiralty Arch and saw at the end of the empty road with its thin trees Victoria's white mound, Victoria's billowing motherliness, amplitude and homeliness, always ridiculous, yet how sublime, thought Mrs Dalloway, remembering Kensington Gardens and the old lady in horn spectacles and being told by Nanny to stop dead still and bow to the Queen. The flag flew above the Palace. The King and Queen were back then. Dick had met her at lunch the other day--a thoroughly nice woman. It matters so much to the poor, thought Clarissa, and to the soldiers. A man in bronze stood heroically on a pedestal with a gun on her left hand side--the South African war. It matters, thought Mrs Dalloway walking towards Buckingham Palace. There it stood four-square, in the broad sunshine, uncompromising, plain. But it was character, she thought; something inborn in the race; what Indians respected. The Queen went to hospitals, opened bazaars--the Queen of England, thought Clarissa, looking at the Palace. Already at this hour a motor car passed out at the gates; soldiers saluted; the gates were shut. And Clarissa, crossing the road, entered the Park, holding herself upright.

June had drawn out every leaf on the trees. The mothers of Westminster with mottled breasts gave suck to their young. Quite respectable girls lay stretched on the grass. An elderly man, stooping very stiffly, picked up a crumpled paper, spread it out flat and flung it away. How horrible! Last night at the Embassy Sir Dighton had said, 'If 1 want a fellow to hold my horse, I have only to put up my hand.' But the religious question is far more serious than the economic, Sir Dighton had said, which she thought extraordinarily interesting, from a man like Sir Dighton. 'Oh, the country will never know what it has lost,' he had said, talking of his own accord, about dear Jack Stewart.

She mounted the little hill lightly. The air stirred with energy. Messages were passing from the Fleet to the Admiralty. Piccadilly and Arlington Street and the Mall seemed to chafe the very air in the Park and lift its leaves hotly, brilliantly, upon waves of that divine vitality which Clarissa loved. To ride; to dance; she had adored all that. Or going long walks in the country, talking, about books, what to do with one's life, for young people were amazingly priggish--oh, the things one had said! But one had conviction. Middle age is the devil. People like Jack'll never know that, she thought; for he never once thought of death, never, they said, knew he was dying. And now can never mourn--how did it go?--a head grown grey . . . From the contagion of the world's slow stain, . . . have drunk their cup a round or two before. . . . From the contagion of the world's slow stain! She held herself upright.

But how jack would have shouted! Quoting Shelley, in Piccadilly, 'You want a pin,' he would have said. He hated frumps. 'My God Clarissa! My God Clarissa!'--she could hear him now at the Devonshire House party, about poor Sylvia Hunt in her amber necklace and that dowdy old silk. Clarissa held herself upright for she had spoken aloud and now she was in Piccadilly, passing the house with the slender green columns, and the balconies; passing club windows full of newspapers; passing old Lady Burdett-Coutts' house where the glazed white parrot used to hang; and Devonshire House, without its gilt leopards; and Claridge's, where she must remember Dick wanted her to leave a card on Mrs Jepson or she would be gone. Rich Americans can be very charming. There was St James's Palace; like a child's game with bricks; and now--she had passed Bond Street--she was by Hatchard's book shop. The stream was endless--endless endless. Lords, Ascot, Hurlingham--what was it? What a duck, she thought, looking at the frontispiece of some book of memoirs spread wide in the bow window, Sir Joshua perhaps or Romney; arch, bright, demure; the sort of girl--like her own Elizabeth--the only real sort of girl. And there was that absurd book, Soapy Sponge, which Jim used to quote by the yard; and Shakespeare's Sonnets. She knew them by heart. Phil and she had argued all day about the Dark Lady, and Dick had said straight out at dinner that night that he had never heard of her. Really, she had married him for that! He had never read Shakespeare! There must be some little cheap book she could buy for Milly--Cranford of course! Was there ever anything so enchanting as the cow in petticoats? If only people had that sort of humour, that sort of self-respect now, thought Clarissa, for she remembered the broad pages; the sentences ending; the characters--how one talked about them as if they were real. For all the great things one must go to the past, she thought. From the contagion of the world's slow stain . . . Fear no more the heat o' the sun. . . . And now can never mourn, can never mourn, she repeated, her eyes straying over the window; for it ran in her head; the test of great poetry; the moderns had never written anything one wanted to read about death, she thought; and turned.

Omnibuses joined motor cars; motor cars vans; vans taxicabs, taxicabs motor cars--here was an open motor car with a girl, alone. Up till four, her feet tingling, I know, thought Clarissa, for the girl looked washed out, half asleep, in the corner of the car after the dance. And another car came; and another. No! No! No! Clarissa smiled good-naturedly. The fat lady had taken every sort of trouble, but diamonds! orchids! at this hour of the morning! No! No! No! The excellent policeman would, when the time came, hold up his hand. Another motor car passed. How utterly unattractive! Why should a girl of that age paint black round her eyes? And a young man, with a girl, at this hour, when the country-- The admirable policeman raised his hand and Clarissa acknowledging his sway, taking her time, crossed, walked towards Bond Street; saw the narrow crooked street, the yellow banners; the thick notched telegraph wires stretched across the sky.

A hundred years ago her great-great-grandfather, Seymour Parry, who ran away with Conway's daughter, had walked down Bond Street. Down Bond Street the Parrys had walked for a hundred years, and might have met the Dalloways (Leighs on the mother's side) going up. Her father got his clothes from Hill's. There was a roll of cloth in the window, and here just one jar on a black table, incredibly expensive; like the thick pink salmon on the ice block at the fish monger's. The jewels were exquisite--pink and orange stars, paste, Spanish, she thought, and chains of old gold; starry buckles, little brooches which had been worn on sea-green satin by ladies with high head-dresses. But no good looking! One must economise. She must go on past the picture dealer's where one of the odd French pictures hung, as if people had thrown confetti--pink and blue--for a joke. If you had lived with pictures (and it's the same with books and music) thought Clarissa, passing the Aeolian Hall, you can't be taken in by a joke.

The river of Bond Street was clogged. There, like a Queen at a tournament, raised, regal, was Lady Bexborough. She sat in her carriage, upright, alone, looking through her glasses. The white glove was loose at her wrist. She was in black, quite shabby, yet, thought Clarissa, how extraordinarily it tells, breeding, self-respect, never saying a word too much or letting people gossip; an astonishing friend; no one can pick a hole in her after all these years, and now, there she is, thought Clarissa, passing the Countess who waited powdered, perfectly still, and Clarissa would have given anything to be like that, the mistress of Clarefield, talking politics, like a man. But she never goes anywhere, thought Clarissa, and it's quite useless to ask her, and the carriage went on and Lady Bexborough was borne past like a Queen at a tournament, though she had nothing to live for and the old man is failing and they say she is sick of it all, thought Clarissa and the tears actually rose to her eyes as she entered the shop.

'Good morning,' said Clarissa in her charming voice. 'Gloves,' she said with her exquisite friendliness and putting her bag on the counter began, very slowly, to undo the buttons. 'White gloves,' she said. 'Above the elbow,' and she looked straight into the shop-woman's face--but this was not the girl she remembered? She looked quite old. 'These really don't fit,' said Clarissa. The shop-girl looked at them. 'Madame wears bracelets?' Clarissa spread out her fingers. 'Perhaps it's my rings.' And the girl took the grey gloves with her to the end of the counter.

Yes, thought Clarissa, if it's the girl I remember, she's twenty years older. . .. There was only one other customer, sitting sideways at the counter, her elbow poised, her bare hand drooping, vacant; like a figure on a Japanese fan, thought Clarissa, too vacant perhaps, yet some men would adore her. The lady shook her head sadly. Again the gloves were too large. She turned round the glass. 'Above the wrist,' she reproached the grey-headed woman; who looked and agreed.

They waited; a clock ticked; Bond Street hummed, dulled, distant; the woman went away holding gloves. 'Above the wrist,' said the lady, mournfully, raising her voice. And she would have to order chairs, ices, flowers, and cloak-room tickets, thought Clarissa. The people she didn't want would come; the others wouldn't. She would stand by the door. They sold stockings--silk stockings. A lady is known by her gloves and her shoes, old Uncle William used to say. And through the hanging silk stockings quivering silver she looked at the lady, sloping shouldered, her hand drooping, her bag slipping, her eyes vacantly on the floor. It would be intolerable if dowdy women came to her party! Would one have liked Keats if he had worn red socks? Oh, at last--she drew into the counter and it flashed into her mind:

'Do you remember before the war you had gloves with pearl buttons?'

'French gloves, Madame?'

'Yes, they were French,' said Clarissa. The other lady rose very sadly and took her bag, and looked at the gloves on the counter. But they were all too large--always too large at the wrist.

'With pearl buttons,' said the shop-girl, who looked ever so much older. She split the lengths of tissue paper apart on the counter. With pearl buttons, thought Clarissa, perfectly simple--how French!

'Madame's hands are so slender,' said the shop-girl, drawing the glove firmly, smoothly, down over her rings. And Clarissa looked at her arm in the looking-glass. The glove hardly came to the elbow. Were there others half an inch longer? Still it seemed tiresome to bother her perhaps the one day in the month, thought Clarissa, when it's an agony to stand. 'Oh, don't bother,' she said. But the gloves were brought.

'Don't you get fearfully tired,' she said in her charming voice, 'standing? When d'you get your holiday?'

'In September, Madame, when we're not so busy.'

When we're in the country thought Clarissa. Or shooting. She has a fortnight at Brighton. In some stuffy lodging. The landlady takes the sugar. Nothing would be easier than to send her to Mrs Lumley's right in the country (and it was on the tip of her tongue). But then she remembered how on their honeymoon Dick had shown her the folly of giving impulsively. It was much more important, he said, to get trade with China. Of course he was right. And she could feel the girl wouldn't like to be given things. There she was in her place. So was Dick. Selling gloves was her job. She had her own sorrows quite separate, 'and now can never mourn, can never mourn,' the words ran in her head. 'From the contagion of the world's slow stain,' thought Clarissa holding her arm stiff, for there are moments when it seems utterly futile (the glove was drawn off leaving her arm flecked with powder)--simply one doesn't believe, thought Clarissa, any more in God.

The traffic suddenly roared; the silk stockings brightened. A customer came in.

'White gloves,' she said, with some ring in her voice that Clarissa remembered.

It used, thought Clarissa, to be so simple. Down down through the air came the caw of the rooks. When Sylvia died, hundreds of years ago, the yew hedges looked so lovely with the diamond webs in the mist before early church. But if Dick were to die tomorrow, as for believing in God--no, she would let the children choose, but for herself, like Lady Bexborough, who opened the bazaar, they say, with the telegram in her hand--Roden, her favourite, killed--she would go on. But why, if one doesn't believe? For the sake of others, she thought, taking the glove in her hand. The girl would be much more unhappy if she didn't believe.

'Thirty shillings,' said the shop-woman. 'No, pardon me Madame, thirty-five. The French gloves are more.'

For one doesn't live for oneself, thought Clarissa.

And then the other customer took a glove, tugged it, and it split.

'There!' she exclaimed .

'A fault of the skin,' said the grey-headed woman hurriedly. 'Sometimes a drop of acid in tanning. Try this pair, Madame.'

'But it's an awful swindle to ask two pound ten!'

Clarissa looked at the lady; the lady looked at Clarissa.

'Gloves have never been quite so reliable since the war,' said the shop-girl, apologising, to Clarissa.

But where had she seen the other lady?--elderly, with a frill under her chin; wearing a black ribbon for gold eyeglasses; sensual, clever, like a Sargent drawing. How one can tell from a voice when people are in the habit, thought Clarissa, of making other people--'It's a shade too tight,' she said--obey. The shop-woman went off again. Clarissa was left waiting. Fear no more she repeated, playing her finger on the counter. Fear no more the heat o' the sun. Fear no more she repeated. There were little brown spots on her arm. And the girl crawled like a snail. Thou thy worldly task hast done. Thousands of young men had died that things might go on. At last! Half an rich above the elbow; pearl buttons; five and a quarter. My dear slow coach, thought Clarissa, do you think I can sit here the whole morning? Now you'll take twenty-five minutes to bring me my change!

There was a violent explosion in the street outside. The shop-women cowered behind the counters. But Clarissa, sitting very upright, smiled at the other lady. 'Miss Anstruther!' she exclaimed.

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