#Apricot Blossom Design

[lasaraconor]

[silvermoon424]

what do each of the main PMMM girls names mean?

Here's that info in one handy-dandy post:

Madoka Kaname:

Madoka: Written in hiragana, so there's no way to know for sure. But a popular interpretation for her name is that it should contain the kanji for "round" or "circle," referencing her role as the Law of Cycles. It could also be written with the character for "wish" or "ambition," the connotations of which should be obvious.

Kaname: The characters mean "deer" (鹿) and "eye"(目), respectively.

Homura Akemi:

Homura: Like Madoka, it's written in hiragana which has no special meaning. However, in the show itself Madoka takes it to mean "flame" so that's what the fandom has gone with.

Akemi: The first character (暁) means "daybreak," while the second one (美) means beauty.

Mami Tomoe:

Mami: It's written in katakana and has hundreds of potential meanings when we take all the potential kanji into account. I'm really not aware of the fandom's popular take on the meaning of her name. However, she may be named after another magical girl, Creamy Mami.

Tomoe: The character for her last name (巴) literally means "comma design," a Japanese swirl pattern. She may be named after Sailor Saturn (Hotaru Tomoe), a fellow magical girl.

Sayaka Miki:

Sayaka: Her name is written in hiragana- noticing a trend? Some of the potential meanings of "Sayaka" are "clear," "fresh," and "bright."

Miki: The first character (美) means "beauty." The last character (樹) means "tree."

Kyoko Sakura:

Kyoko: Finally we have an exact meaning! Kyoko's given name is in kanji and means "apricot."

Sakura: Even casual anime fans should know this one: it means "cherry blossom."

Bonus round: Nagisa Momoe

Nagisa: Aaaaaand we're back to hiragana. Some potential meanings of Nagisa are "beach, shore."

Momoe: The first character for Momoe (百) means "hundred", but also carries the connotation of "a lot of things". The second character (江) means "inlet" or "bay." "Momoe" could be translated as "a hundred rivers."

Thanks a bunch to the PMMM Wiki for providing etymology for every single PMMM character, including all spinoffs! Or at least for every magical girl character, which to be real are the only characters who matter.

[demonslayedher]

A messy ramble about sword decor

Kimetsu no Yaiba was sleeping on menuki, man.

That came back to mind today while visiting a museum exhibit of very fancy sword mountings (like so), because I am me and admiring very realistic metal insects and tiny metal carvings of Tale of Heike battle scenes will always come back to my fandom brain rot. The menuki specifically were on my mind because they are decorative pieces on the handles that hide the mekugi, which are key structural elements--pegs where the handle is attached to the blade, and where some might say a soul is put into a sword.

And, a few years ago while KnY hype was at its height, I heard some people who seemed to try to talk down the hype, saying, "the swords don't even have mekugi! Those aren't real Japanese swords!" Which means a lot to most non-nerds, I'm sure.

True, a lot of the Nichirin-to don't include visible pegs in their design, which you could argue is just because they are covered up with other wrappings on the handles. But realism really isn't a concern since Sanemi and Shinobu would probably constantly stabbing themselves with those tsuba.

So anyway!! The tsuba! The handguards and what they say about the characters is a very, very nice touch, and I love wondering if the swordsmiths designed those fully based on their own imaginations and perhaps what crows told them about the kids (like "he was a charcoal farmer" or "he's a Rengoku") or if the swordsmen got any chance to put in their own requests on the regular ("I was a charcoal farmer, I don't know what to ask for" or "Sabito had one like this"). It's also fun to see the creativity involved in creating the scabbards for unique swords like Shinobu's and Iguro's.

But we can do so much mooooore!

I love the simplicity of the Nichirin-to. They are elegant and purposeful, with engravings being earned and standardized. But they are also beautiful, and the general idea must be "if those swordsmen are putting their lives on the line, we will give them powerful tools, but they might as well get to enjoy something decorative for the rest of their likely short life." The menuki would have been such an opportunity for this, though the details would be hard to spot in both anime and manga format. So instead I just want to ponder the possibilities.

Shinobu:

I was very inspired by all the metal inlay bugs and the butterfly motifs I saw today. I love the elegant engraving on the scabbard, and that her tsuba takes part of the traditional Shippou (Seven Treasures) pattern to make a vague butterfly shape. But I also saw one today that have a wisteria shaped menuki (and other bug motifs!!). But also, knowing her, she might be pleased to have a decorative little fish tucked behind the cords.

Sanemi:

I LOVE THE VIOLENT PINWHEEL. What a whimsical way to express wind! Speaking of bugs, why not give him a rhinoceros beetle, symbolic of fighting spirit? After all, I even saw realistic little snail ones today, anything goes. And while we're thinking wind--

Rengoku:

Wind chime??? Even the balloon flower pattern like was on the wind chime in that scene makes a lovely metal engraving pattern on other mountings on the scabbard. Totally unrelated, but today I say a brand of tangerines called "Shiranui" (the same name as the First Form of Flame Breath) for sale at the store, so heck, why not an apricot theme somewhere too? Orrrrrr you can also work with a "heart" theme to compliment all the flames. Oh, speaking of hearts--

Mitsuri:

Mitsuri's tsuba might look like four hearts, but this is actually an uncommon but traditional spin on a cherry blossom motif. Aside from all the possible ways you play with a cherry blossom motif, the traditional "inome" protective pattern is nowadays considered romantic because it looks like an upside-down heart. There's a lot of nice ways of using that shape, like a window in the a tsuba, or in her case, maybe to frame some other pattern used as part of an engraved piece. Speaking of "inome" though--

Inosuke:

"Inome" means "boar's eye," though it looks more like a boar snout. Kanamori could have done all kinds of things with this motif, or even used little boar-shaped menuki! Not that any of those efforts would have mattered.

Iguro:

Clearly the snake theme could be used a lot, but why not be more creative? He's actually a pretty sensitive dude, and my read on him is that he seems to like scenes that imply "purity," partly because he ses himself as so tainted and doesn't dare taint anything pure. Nature motifs like snow, or the elegant snow-moon-flowers triple motif suit his poetic soul nicely, and snakes are considered a water element (makes sense that his Breath stems from Water Breathing), so some water related theme could work too. In this same vein, snakes are generally considered as much as water element as dragons, so giving him a dragon item would also fit just fine with a snake theme.

Himejima:

Hard to think of this one in the same way as the others, but I'm sure there are methods for decorating it. Like, what does he even use as a scabbard? Maybe he has a nice strong brocade or woven cord for wrapping up the chains? There are so many ways you could work in Buddhist themes for him, especially the six characters used to write "Namu Amida Butsu" (but that's already all over his haori). There's gotta be good themes out there (both of Buddhist origin or general Japanese folk and/or poetic culture) to play on the idea of "strength." Oh heck, just give him a little Benkei-related motif, or a motif related to a famous demon slayer of the past.

--ON THAT NOTE--

Wouldn't it be cool if, like there are "Tale of Heike" themed menuki, there were menuki celebrating famous moments in Corp history? Maybe it was suddenly very popular to make menuki of Uzui vs Gyutaro once that momentous battle occurred? Uzui would love that. You could also have more subtle history, like motifs shaped like The Marks, which the swordsmiths have maintained in their traditions without knowing why certain symbols became associated with certain Breaths. If Yoriichi hadn't been disgraced, he probably would have been a common theme too.

Uzui:

ALL THE DECOR, but what about fireworks all over the shiny lacquer? Or the scene in Tale of Genji in which Genji stands in a storm at the beach (a hidden reference to the names of each of Uzui's wives)?

Muichiro:

GINKGO LEAVES, MAN. And the moon because it would be ironic.

Tanjiro:

What if he had a little SUNSHINE on a simple menuki?? Something nice and understated! Or even his fox mask!!! Or--oh, oh, oh---

Giyuu:

WHAT IF THEY HAD MATCHING FOXES

Also, it would be very nice if there was some useful of the waves and clouds pattern on the metal pieces of his scabbard.

Zenitsu:

There's already a lot of lightning and triangle on this sword, and I like how his matches Kaigaku's. I could see this being a situation of Zenitsu getting his sword polished and using the opportunity to ask for any number of cute and auspicious decorations and being flat out told, "no, this is what Thunder Breath swords look like."

Kanao:

Freaking flowers everywhere, but I also saw a crest today that had three butterflies in a circle around a flower, and it was repeated all over the sword, especially the lacquer of the scabbard. Wouldn't that be a cute reference to the sorts of people who inspired her to learn Breath technique and then sneak off to the Final Selection?

Genya:

He has such a very typical straightforward tsuba you'd actually see in real life. You one of the menuki themes I saw today? One one side, it is a "speedy demon" running off with a stolen stupa (which has the relics of Buddha inside), and on the other side, a Buddhist protective deity running after the demon with a sword. WHAT A FUN PAIR. Something like this would be such a cool way to reference his reliance on the Nenbutsu for Repetitive Action, too. But give that deity a glock.

I realize that a lot of this is very casually referencing motifs and hidden cultural details I've referenced elsewhere in various posts throughout this blog. I am far, far too lazy to go link those. Hopefully they're all properly tagged as "KnY Nerdery." Anyway, since you've come this far, here is an obligatory "SWORD BABY" photo because I always like photos when I get to hold tamahagane.

LOOK, A BABY SWORD, ISN'T IT BEAUTIFUL???

[klaus-littlestwolf]

I have put together a list of all of the Smells that I think each designation would possess, mostly good, natural smells but some bad as well that come from negative feelings like Fear and Anxiety

Alphas Good Smells:

Pine Trees

Fireplace

Aftershave

Whiskey

Leather

Old Spice

Burning Wood

Brown Sugar

Apple Pie

Peppermint

Coconut

Toffee

New Car Smell

BBQ

Tequila

Matches

Fresh Money

Dark Chocolate

Bacon

Freshly Brewed Coffee

Maple Syrup

Sandalwood

Gasoline

Patchouli

Seawater

Ginger

Hay

Mahogany

Gunpowder

Pears

Cedar Wood

Amber

Pesto

Sautéed Onions

Funnel Cake

Cigarettes

Blackberry

Fresh Cut Grass

Ink

Snap Fire Crackers

Bad Alpha Smells:

Wet Dog

Rancid Meat

Blue Cheese

Blood

Sweaty Feet

Tar

Betas Good Smells:

Lilies

Bamboo

Champagne

Apricots

Pumpkin

Shortbread

Almonds

Tulips

Pina Colada

Mochi

Raspberry

Macaroons

Sharpies

Baby Powder

Butterscotch

Mangos

Sautéed Garlic

Key Lime Pie

Dove Soap

Peanut Butter

Coal

Black Tea

Wet Forest

Marigolds

Fresh Basil

Lilacs

Vanilla

Soda Flavored Lip Smackers

Bad Beta Smells:

Rotting Fish

Oil

Burnt Popcorn

Tuna

Dog Food

Vinegar

Omega Good Smells:

Chocolate Covered Strawberries

Chamomile Tea

Jasmine

Spearmint

Roses

Old Books

Crème Brûlée

Honeysuckle

Eucalyptus

Marijuana

Citrus

Caramel

Cherry Blossom

Cinnamon Bun

Lavender

Whipped Cream

Apples

Dryer Sheets

Fresh Bread

Aloe Vera

Sea Breeze

Peaches

Magnolia Trees

Thunderstorms

Honeycomb

Cherries

S’mores

Cookies Fresh from the Oven

Blanket Fresh out of the Dryer

Sky After it Rains

Smell of Baskin Robins

Bad Omega Smells:

Burnt Rubber

Rotten Eggs

Bleach

Nail Polish Remover

[cleolinda]

This does not spark Joy (Dior, 2018 & 2019)

PREVIOUSLY ON: Jean Patou's Joy (1930) was voted the Scent of the Century, but for some mysterious reason, it's not manufactured anymore.

Dior fucking killed Joy.

I won't bury the lede here at all. It was Dior. And I love a good Dior, don't get me wrong. But in August 2018, LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton (which owns every damn thing, including Sephora and half the brands in it) bought the Jean Patou company (which had already changed hands twice). More importantly, they bought the name "Joy." And, somehow, their subsidiary Parfums Christian Dior had their own Joy, complete with Jennifer Lawrence ad campaign, ready to release two weeks later.

For a while, Designer Parfums was at least allowed to manufacture and sell Jean Patou's Joy in France. But now, according to the Patou website, the company's fragrances "are no longer in production." When "authorized outlets" run out, they're out. Because apparently, it was that important for Dior to keep anyone else from using the name "Joy."

So what did they replace the Scent of the Century with?

I had heard that Joy by Dior Intense was a huge improvement on the initial Joy by Dior (which infuriated fragrance aficionados itself by existing, clearly), and I'm glad I tried it first, because if I had started with the original ("original") Dior, I would have punched a wall. But let's start with that: I kept trying Dior Joy #1 over and over because I couldn't remember what it smelled like. It is literally, in the literal sense of literally, forgettable. I tried it one more time today in order to write this paragraph, and: it's soapy white musk. Which upset me initially, I remember now, because I'm just really not a fan of soapy/laundry white musk, but that's on me; I've seen user reviews that do really like Joy by Dior. On me, it's just bubblebath froth, eventually a sweet citrus that peeks up from under it, and a drydown that adds some vanilla to that. That's joyous, I guess?

What I will say is, unlike the other perfume that made me think of bubble baths, it didn't give me a panic attack, so it's got one up on Chanel. But it's just... was this necessary? Did we not have enough soapy white citrus-vanilla musks in the world? At the time, I was just asking myself this rhetorically, but then I kept reading up on the Dior Joy(s). As Victoria at Bois de Jasmin points out, the actual fragrance is a copy of yet another perfume:

The result is that Dior Joy is Allure Lite. The rose and jasmine are folded into a sandalwood accord reminiscent of Chanel’s fragrance. From the top notes to the drydown, Joy follows the course of Allure, but in a softer, more transparent interpretation. The mandarin peel dusted with sugar, the rose blended with the lemony jasmine, a touch of apricot and orange blossom that melt into the sandalwood and custard-like vanilla. Even the same contrast between the sweet citrus and creamy woods is maintained.

Mark Behnke at Colognoisseur:

[Dior perfumer François Demachy] chose to create a mash-up of two huge best-sellers. The citrus opening is straight out of Chanel Allure and the floral heart is Dior J'Adore. In other words, it is just a re-tread.

DIOR! WHAT ARE YOU FUCKING DOING!

I won't say that Joy Intense (Dior #2) is more like Jean Patou's, but at least it has less of a soapy musk opening. Let's compare the notes:

Joy by Dior (2018): White musk, Grasse rose, Grasse jasmine, mandarin orange, patchouli, bergamot, cedar, sandalwood.

Joy by Dior Intense (2019): Neroli, bergamot, Grasse jasmine, Grasse rose, vanilla, patchouli, musk, sandalwood.

[Note: Grasse, "the perfume capital of the world," is a region in France famous for its role in the history of French perfume; it is especially known for jasmine and roses. "Grasse rose," "May rose," and "Rose de Mai" all refer to Rosa x centifolia. "Grasse jasmine" is Jasminum grandiflorum, as opposed to, say, the licorice-friendly jasmine sambac.]

Further info from dior.com:

Get the absolute fuck out of here with this BOTTLE and this LOGO, what are you even doing. I did not even know a perfume could eat crackers

Joy by Dior, per the official website:

JOY by Dior Eau de Parfum is a bright smile, and a pure concentration of joy in a bottle. A juicy, vibrant top note gives way to an enveloping white heart of flowers and musks, just like a soft caress.

Again, I hated Dior's first Joy when I first put it on, but that's my own bias. It was just sheer disappointment that they centered this on synthetic white musk—you vaulted the Scent of the Century for this?

The "Intense" version:

Oh well if there’s a star on the bottom I guess I’m not mad anymore??

JOY by Dior Eau de Parfum Intense is a new olfactory burst, a scent of joy wherein flowers celebrate and explode in all their faceted beauty. The dazzling light of the juicy Citrus blends with the colorful shine of Rose and Grasse Jasmine, and is heightened by an enveloping woody echo of Sandalwood tinged with Vanilla. The fragrance results in a floral firework.

Fuck the actual fuck outta here. "Firework" my ass. It's fine, I guess. It smells like vanilla lemonade and some jasmine on me, with a pleasant lingering drydown. Not just the smell of lemonade, but sort of the feeling of happiness you get when drinking a sugary glass of it on a hot summer day. Don't ever say I don't try to be fair. And it's 1000% better without the white musk. I honestly wouldn't mind wearing this under a different name, but it's just so adequate. I put on Jean Patou's Joy, even a diminished Joy, and it was a revelation. I put on the Dior, even the "good" version, and it smells like copying what the popular girls wear in hopes that they’ll like you. Thank God they didn't stuff some Ambroxan in there while they were at it. The only reason Dior didn't dupe some trendy note from Baccarat Rouge 540 is because Francis Kurkdjian didn't work for them yet. What the fuck are you people doing.

Back to Colognoisseur:

[It] is puzzling why Dior would make the decision to produce a new perfume with the same name of a masterpiece. The cynic in me says because they’ve unleashed their market research staff and found out most consumers have no idea there is a previous classic perfume called Joy. [...] Joy by Dior is a good perfume put together via the perfume assembly line of focus groups and market research; as cynical as it gets in other words.

This is absolutely my take as well. I wore Jean Patou on one hand and Dior's Joy Intense on the other and compared how they unfolded in real time, and what struck me most at that point was how gourmand-adjacent the Dior is. Not entirely so, but the vanilla lemonade I get is far more in line with the cupcake and burnt sugar notes (WHICH I LIKE!) that fragrance brands have put in everything since Mugler’s Angel, rather than just let a floral be good—superlative—at being a floral. But the marketing department says that the Costliest Perfume in the World isn’t on trend in the 21st century; we can charge plenty for something simpler, more predictable, more pandering.

My other take is that Dior's Joy perfumes are formulated to inevitably be cheaper than Jean Patou's Joy, even what Joy was at the end of the company's life. I have smelled at least a Platonic shadow of the Costliest Perfume in the World, and (I don't care how much Grasse jasmine Dior claims is in theirs) this ain't it. I don't blame François Demachy; he was given a brief and he did his job. The man made not one but two versions of Hypnotic Poison. He has done more interesting things than this. Dior’s Joy has "cash grab" written all over it and it's not even bad. It's just WHY. Why would you DO THIS. I am going to stay mad and die mad about this. Jesus Christ. You can't even, like, gently reformulate the Jean Patou, put out the Demachy versions as flanker fragrances, and market them all? You have four kinds of Poison RIGHT NOW and you can’t figure this out?

And I wore these three perfumes for three weeks, I want you to know that. I alternated them day by day, sometimes wearing two at a time to compare. I gave them all many, many chances. And besides the fact that I personally don't like white musk very much, the two Dior Joys are not bad. They're not! They're just accessories to a minor act of cultural vandalism, is all. Imagine taking Botticelli's The Birth of Venus and saying, we're going to throw this out so we can have a photographer recreate it with Jennifer Lawrence. Everyone's wearing Dior Spring/Summer 2023 designs (including Venus). It actually looks pretty cool, I guess. Great, so we don't need the Botticelli anymore? When does the trash get picked up, Tuesday?

Even Disney doesn't vault its animated movies anymore after it remakes them as live action. Maybe I can scrape up enough couch change to buy a bottle of Real Actual Joy and some DVDs before anyone else gets some big ideas.

Perfume discussion masterpost

[reverieparacosm]

Smut: Sir Gideon Ofnir x F!Reader

Sir Gideon Ofnir (Elden Ring) x F!Reader

Warnings/Tags: Smut, Age Difference (all characters portrayed are 18+ legal adults), light possessive behavior, orgasm delay/denial, plot what plot/porn without plot, vaginal sex, vaginal fingering, kind of mask kink

Synopsis: In the midst of a perilous quest for an item, a strong and compelling bond begins to flourish between you and Sir Gideon Ofnir. As the shattered ruins of the once majestic royal capital provide a haunting backdrop, a shared moment by the crackling fire ignites a passionate and electric encounter that transcends the boundaries of your mission.

Note: First time writing Smut, so have mercy on me! Shout-out to @velvet-apricots Without her this fanfic would not have been possible

The wind howls eerily through the streets of Leyndell, now littered with rubble and the decaying remains of past grandeur. Amidst the ruined splendor lie traces of once-luxuriant opulence - shimmering gold, ornately designed mosaics, and colossal statues that bore witness to the lost glory of days gone by.

Despite these reminders of former wealth and power, Leyndell exudes an air of somberness, a sense of hopeless desolation that permeates its walls.

As Sir Gideon Ofnir leads the way into a dimly lit chamber devoid of furniture, save for a crackling fire burning brightly amidst piles of rubble, your heart races with anticipation.

The room is ensconced in a vibrant tapestry of nature's embrace. Overgrown with lush plants and entwined roots, it exudes an enchanting aura. Bookshelves, adorned with glistening golden ornaments, stand as silent sentinels, guarding the treasures of knowledge within. As you step inside, the air becomes an intoxicating blend of damp earth and the intoxicating perfume of blossoming flowers, beckoning you further into this forgotten sanctuary. Your eyes are drawn to the majestic columns and intricate golden accents that adorn every corner, a testament to the opulence that once graced these hallowed walls.

You both have been searching for rare items in the Leyndell Royal Capital.

While it seems unlikely to find anything valuable among all the wreckage, the thrill of exploring such places fills you with excitement and anticipation. This very intensity, fueled by adrenaline and desire, slowly ignites a flame within you both.

With every step closer to the smoldering embers, you feel your body grow increasingly restless, yearning for relief from the mounting pressure simmering beneath your clothes. Unable to resist any longer, Gideon moves toward you, gently brushing your hair away from your face.

His touch sends waves of warmth cascading down your spine, sparking an uncontrollable surge of need deep within your core.

With the faint glow casting mysterious shadows across the walls, it seems like some secret hideaway where lovers would find solace amid the chaos outside. Unbeknownst to him, you feel an irresistible pull towards him, an almost uncontrollable urge to explore his body. 

Despite everything, his gaze softens as it settled upon yours. "This war-torn city may seem barren," he begins, his voice husky yet gentle, "but tonight, I wish for us to make our own sanctuary."

As his fingers grazes your cheek, sending delicious chills down your spine, you could no longer resist the undeniable attraction you feel for him. Desire burns within you, igniting the embers of raw passion buried deep inside.

Yearning to feel his flesh against yours, you reach out to him tentatively.

Gently grasping his hand, you guide it upwards until it rests beneath your cloak, exploring the contours of your soft body. The silk fabric slithered off, leaving your breasts exposed and aching for his touch. Your breath hitches as his calloused hands trace circles around your supple curves, eliciting moans of desire.

"This...this is so forbidden," you whisper, your voice trembling with a mix of desire and apprehension, as your fingertips delicately trace the contours of his armor. "The age gap...it feels wrong, so wrong." His touch lingers on your cheek, a gentle caress that sends shivers down your spine. Slowly, his hand glides downward, inching closer to your chest, igniting a maelstrom of conflicting emotions within you. "Don't worry," he breathes against your ear, his voice dripping with reassurance and a hint of mischief. "The boundaries we defy, the passions we explore...they transcend the constraints of time. It's more than fine."

As if drawn by an invisible force, Gideon Ofnir hovers over you, his heavy breath melding seamlessly with yours. Feeling his dick pressing against your leg, you slowly part your legs further apart, inviting him closer. 

You gaze in awe at his resplendent armor, gleaming like a constellation of stars illuminated by the dancing flames. A surge of longing fills your voice as you whisper, "Could you, just for a moment, remove your mask? I need to see you."

Gideon Ofnir, his voice tinged with dark allure, responds, "Not yet, my love. Allow me to savor this exquisite anticipation, relishing the sight of you vulnerable and quivering before me."

His large hands remove every piece of cloth from your body. It feels erotic having such skilled hands removing your clothes. Every inch of your skin becomes visible under his expertise. Naked before him, you revel in your vulnerability, feeling incredibly turned on knowing someone who is so capable will be seeing you nude.

Feasting his eyes on your body, his arousal intensifies. With his hands firmly holding onto your waist, he pulls you close.

"My, my... you look so perfect like this. Shivering under my gaze", he says.

You feel a surge of pride mixed with excitement. Reaching forward, you stroke the back of his armor, lingering there tenderly while brushing your lips along his mask.

You shiver as the chill of his armor presses against your skin, sending a tantalizing wave of sensation coursing through your body.

His rough, callused fingers tease and pinch your nipples, causing you to arch your back involuntarily. Moaning softly, you grind your hips against his growing erection, seeking release from the torment building inside you. He kneads and squeezes your ass, his thumbs circling your entrance.

Your hands instinctively reach for his armored thighs, attempting to guide him closer, deeper into you. His frame presses against your sensitized skin, evoking images of conquest and dominance.

You lay down on a table. You try to control the soft little whimpers leaving your mouth when Gideon teases your entrance. He plunges his fingers deep inside you, his movements are relentless and skilled.

He knows exactly what makes you squirm and scream, driving you mad with pleasure. You can tell from the intensity in his eyes, he enjoys making you beg for more. You open your mouth, preparing to say something, anything, but words escape you as you’re caught in a whirlwind of ecstatic emotions.

"We're going to fuck right here? What if someone sees us?" You say it with an edge of fear.

"I don't care if someone sees us. I need you, now."

Gideon enters you, burying himself entirely within your wet heat. You both groan loudly, echoing throughout the room.

Embracing the moment, you entwine your legs around his shoulders, drawing him deeper still. Clenching your inner muscles, you buck your hips rhythmically, meeting each thrust with enthusiasm.

"Oh, darling, you're really not that innocent, are you?" Every stroke drives you ever closer to the edge of blissful ecstasy. Increasingly aware of how tightly your sheath envelops him, Gideon picks up pace. His powerful movements match the ferocity of your cries as you surrender yourself fully to him.

"You look so perfect like this. An absolute mess. You have a beautiful young, soft body." murmured Gideon Ofnir, appreciating your form thoroughly.

You lift yourself up slightly, wrapping your arms around his neck and locking your legs behind his, creating a tantalizing position.

Gideon Ofnir finds it hard to contain his excitement as he reaches down to play with your breast.

Grasping the sensitive bud, he begins to tweak and massage it, watching intently as the color rises in your face. Meanwhile, he continues to penetrate you deeply, claiming possession of your body and soul.

"It’s just me and you now," Gideon murmurs softly, planting a kiss on your lips.

Your body shivers with delight as he plunges deeper into your core, claiming every corner of your being.

Each time he withdraws, only to thrust again, harder than before, bringing you ever closer to the peak of pure ecstasy. Your muscles quiver, ready to snap at any second, as wave after wave of pleasure courses through your veins.

"Please...oh, please," you whimper, your voice laced with a desperate yearning. "Take off your mask." Every plea that escapes your lips is a testament to the overwhelming desire that consumes you.

A smile curls on his lips as he observes your surrender. "Begging is a good look for you, my love," he murmurs, his voice dripping with a sinful delight. With a deliberate slowness, he begins to peel away the mask, unraveling the enigma that hides his true face. The anticipation swells, thick with anticipation and a heady blend of fascination and trepidation.

The gleaming metal falls away, exposing his determined features framed by gray hair. Even without his helmet, his eyes remain shielded, adding to his mystique.

You lean in, captivated by the sight of his weathered face illuminated by the flickering flames. You watch closely as he unfastens his chainmail, layer by layer. Each link reveals a new scar, another battle won, a testament to his resilience.

Caressing his arms, you trace patterns of old wounds hidden beneath the smooth surface of his skin. This rugged exterior belies the tenderness found within; a gentleness reserved exclusively for those who earn his trust.

Leaning in, you place a tender kiss on his lip, savoring the salty taste of him. 

"I’m yours. Only yours", you whisper against his lips.

The warmth of his stare held a mix of hunger and tenderness; they were feelings so powerful; words alone couldn’t express them adequately.

You appreciate his beauty. You start moaning, as he starts to thrust against you.

Every movement made your entire body feel electric with pleasure. His rough, calloused palms pressed against your hip bones, giving you goosebumps and heightening your sensitivity.

His piercing gray eyes met yours, sparkling with unspoken promises. "Don't close your eyes. Look at me. Let me see the desire burning within them", he growls seductively, gripping your hips more securely, pulling you closer.

It dawned on you, then, why people say that love is blind.

Amidst the smoldering ruins of war-torn cities and the endless cycle of life and death, you discovered true companionship in the eyes of this Stoic Tarnished. Your hearts beat as one, your souls are connected, intertwined, and bound forever.

Gideon's strong arms encircle you protectively, your bodies moving in harmony. It is an age-old dance of love and lust, fueled by the mutual longing that has brought you here.

Each touch sends ripples throughout your entire being, intensifying the sensuality coursing through every nerve. With unwavering intensity, Gideon Ofnir moves closer, his lips brushing lightly against yours before plunging deeper. His tongue teases and dances with yours, driving you wild with anticipation. The tender kiss turns into something fierce, his teeth nipping playfully at your lower lip as he pulls away, only to return even more hungrily than before.

Gideon's eyes narrow as he abruptly stops his movements, his grip on your waist tightening. A cruel smirk plays on his lips as he leans in, his voice dripping with sadistic pleasure. "Not yet, darling. You don't get to come until I say so."

He pulls out of you entirely, leaving you feeling empty and frustrated. Gideon's hand trails down your body, his touch teasing and maddeningly gentle. He circles his fingers around your sensitive bud, but doesn't apply the pressure you so desperately crave. "You see, lass, I control every aspect of your pleasure. Your release is in my hands," he taunts, his voice filled with dark amusement. "You're going to have to beg for it. Beg me to let you come."

He continues to stroke and tease you, his touch sending shivers of need coursing through your body. Gideon leans in close, his breath hot against your ear as he whispers, "Tell me how much you want it. How badly you need to come. Beg for it."

The ache between your legs intensifies, and the need for release becomes unbearable. You find yourself succumbing to his dominance, to the power he holds over your pleasure. With a desperate edge to your voice, you plead, "Please, Gideon. Let me come. I need it. I need you."

A wicked grin spreads across Gideon's face as he finally relents, his fingers applying the pressure you crave. The pleasure crashes over you like a tidal wave, your body convulsing as you ride the waves of ecstasy. He watches you, his expression one of smug satisfaction as he revels in the control he has over your pleasure.

Without a word, he positions himself back at your entrance and thrusts inside you once again, his movements forceful and unrelenting. His grip on your hips tightens as he sets a punishing rhythm, his hips meeting yours with a primal intensity. The sound of your moans and the slap of skin against skin fills the room, echoing with the raw passion between you. Gideon's voice is filled with a mix of dominance and lust as he leans in close, his breath hot against your ear. "You can't get enough of me, can you? Your body craves my touch, my control. You're mine to use, to pleasure." His thrusts grow faster and harder, driving you towards the edge once more. Gideon's grip on your waist leaves marks, a testament to his possessiveness. 

As the rhythmic movements continue, your body becomes a symphony of pleasure. Pleasure swells inside you, reaching its crescendo, and finally bursts forth in glorious abandon.

Lost in a sea of ecstasy, you cry out his name, unable to hold back anymore.

With his own climax approaching, Gideon Ofnir quickens his strokes, as his control slips away. As you reach the crest of pleasure together, he slides deep inside you one last time, pulsing powerfully.

Exhausted and spent, Gideon collapses beside you. He traces gentle circles around your checks, brushing the locks off your forehead. As he studies your sleeping visage, the intensity of his regard seemed almost tangible.

The moonlight casts a dreamlike luminescence over your body, rendering it ethereally beautiful. The silhouette of your profile stood proud against the wall, highlighting the sharp angles of your nose and jawline. Yet despite your delicate appearance, you possessed a steely resolve, evident in your unflinching gaze and steadfast determination during training sessions. You were more than a pretty face – you were a force to be reckoned with.

During these quiet moments, Gideon allowed himself to admire the bond forming between you two.

For someone so young, your understanding of the world around you far exceeded that of most of your peers. It amazed him how swiftly you assimilated knowledge and developed skills beyond your years. However, your innocence remained undeniable, especially when it came to matters of the flesh.

Despite your shared desire for physical gratification, Gideon takes immense satisfaction in mentoring you in the ways of passion. While other men might see you merely as a sexual object, Gideon views you as a worthy partner capable of satisfying his needs intellectually, emotionally, and physically.

[bumblebeeappletree]

Visit http://TED.com to get our entire library of TED Talks, transcripts, translations and personalized Talk recommendations.

Artist Sam Van Aken shares the breathtaking work behind the "Tree of 40 Fruit," an ongoing series of hybridized fruit trees that grow 40 different varieties of peaches, plums, apricots, nectarines and cherries -- all on the same tree. What began as an art project to showcase beautiful, multi-hued blossoms has become a living archive of rare heirloom specimens and their histories, a hands-on (and delicious!) way to teach people about cultivation and a vivid symbol of the need for biodiversity to ensure food security. "More than just food, embedded in these fruit is our culture ... In many ways, these fruit are our story," Van Aken says.

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Originally posted on YouTube on October 1st 2019

[parfumieren]

Anaïs Anaïs (Cacharel)

My younger sister and I always cultivated more thorns than roses between us. Since childhood, our relationship was fraught with ongoing rivalry. We tried and tried to meet in the middle of the vast ocean separating us-- but we always ended up on the rocks.

During our mid-twenties, I had this grand idea of presenting her with a gift, one that would simultaneously express all my unspoken admiration and heal the scars of our past. I knew what that gift would be the day I happened across a tiny, cluttered downtown shopfront that housed a bespoke perfumer.

Inside sat my miracle worker-- a bird-boned elderly woman dressed all in black, wearily doling out essential oils into tiny bottles, drop by precious drop. Here was the person who would convert my difficult emotions into legible form, who would facilitate communication between two warring sisters using the peace offering of scent.

Leaning back in her chair, she fixed me with tired, bloodshot eyes and commanded me to describe my sister in five words or less. "Feminine…. confident…. artistic…." I stalled. Then, out of nowhere, the last two words leapt to my lips: "Anaïs Anaïs!"

As a teenager, I explained, my younger sister pledged herself to this perfume so thoroughly that even her bedroom color scheme -- apricot, sage, and forest green -- mirrored the Anaïs Anaïs package design. This might have smacked of safe conformity during the 1970's, but for a high-school girl in the late 1980's, it amounted to a revolutionary manifesto. While all her friends subscribed to the horrid, clean-cut, sporty stylings of Bennetton, she shimmered in a cloud of archaic sandalwood and vintage powdery rose, all the while managing to stay safely conventional. It was an interesting form of social camouflage that hid a slightly subversive heart.

The perfumer rolled her eyes as though she'd heard it all before. "Thirty dollars. Come back in a week," she said.

The finished scent came bottled in the pretty pressed-glass phial I'd picked out. It contained many of the elements of Anaïs Anaïs (rose, neroli, vanilla, ylang ylang) but smelled somehow bloodless-- soapy, safe, devoid of counterculture. I felt disappointed, less in the perfume than in myself. I'd had this one chance to express how I felt about my sister, and like so many times before, it hadn't come out right. And whatever ambivalence the perfumer had picked up on, she'd poured it right into this bottle.

My sister gave her bespoke perfume one sniff, restoppered the bottle, and never touched it again. So profoundly indifferent was she to its olfactory message that when she moved out of my parents' house, she pointedly left the bottle behind.

A few years later, I found the bespoke perfume still sitting on the abandoned dresser in my sister's old apricot-and-green bedroom. My well-meant gesture, my peace offering-- unwanted, unclaimed, grimed with dust. If I didn't take it, it would be thrown away. I decided on the spot to rescue it. It stayed with me through three separate moves, packed and unpacked and occasionally opened for a quick sniff. Each time I tried to imagine what unforgivable insult my sister had detected in this otherwise inoffensive perfume. As with our relationship, I could never quite tell how I'd gone wrong-- but I knew, with sinking heart, that I had.

Every so often I come across a half-used bottle of Anaïs Anaïs in a thrift store. I twist off the cap and take a sniff; invariably, I smell melancholy. There's something in there I can't put my finger on, and maybe I never will be able to. Just like my relationship with my sister, maybe I just have to accept Anaïs Anaïs for what it is-- sweet but imperfect, hopeful yet flawed, its welcome long worn out.

Scent Elements: Orange blossom, hyacinth, rose, ylang ylang, lily, jasmine, amber, sandalwood, incense

[stellamarium]

My F/Os and their Associated Flowers

A fun little thing I decided to do in which I associate certain flowers with my F/Os.

I used the site, hananokotoba, and while I tried to cross-reference with other sites to the best of my abilities, the meanings may not be fully accurate. I mostly chose flowers based on meaning; however, the appearance of the flowers and how well they go along with my F/Os’ designs also played a factor into them!

All flower images taken from Pexels and Unsplash

Alfonse Cosmos, White Pansy Harmony, peace, modesty, the joys that love and life can bring, beautiful, thoughts of love

Líf Purple Pansy, Purple Hyacinth You occupy my thoughts, I am sorry, sorrow, please forgive me

Louis Amamiya Red Lily, Red Tulip Warmth, desire, declaration of love, true love, eternal love, romantic love, believe me

Seox Apricot Blossom, Aster Timid love, doubt, distrust, patience, daintiness, symbol of love

Tor Hepatica, Iris Confidence, message, hope, faith, friendship, wisdom 

Diluc Ragnvindr Red Chrysanthemum, Red Geranium I love you, protection, preference

Barbatos Cornflower, Gladiolus Delicacy, refinement, strength of character, sincerity, preparedness, remembrance

SilverAsh White Jasmine, Amaryllis Amiability, sensuality, pride, splendid beauty

Zelos Wilder Pink Rose, Red Rose Grace, gratitude, happiness, I love you, love, beauty, passion, romance

[magpiejay1234]

One more for today, this time the Yuuz.

Yuzu’s Kanji name is spelled 柊 柚子, Hiiragi Yuzu. The Kanji 柊, hiiragi refers to hiiragi plant. Plant’s name etymogolically comes from the old Japanese verb, hiiragu, which means pain, or suffering + ki, tree, since this plant is prickly. So its alternate spelling is 疼木, hiiragi/hiiraki, suffering tree. This is similar to sakaki, divine tree.

The plant’s historical context:

It is mentioned twice in the Kojiki, the oldest surviving historical record of Japan.[8] The first mention, under the name hihiragi, is in connection with the name of a kami, Hihiragi-no-sono-hana-madzumi-no-kami[12] (translated by Chamberlain as "Deity Waiting-to-see-the-Flowers-of-the-Holly"[13]), with the word madzumi (rarely seen) being used to describe the plant's characteristic of its flowers rarely blossoming, as interpreted by the scholar Tominobu.[8][14] Its second mention occurs during a passage referring to how a holly wood spear, made of material from the tree and spanning "eight fathoms long",[15] was presented to the Prince Yamato-take by the Emperor prior to him being sent to subdue the East.[8] Its prickly and non-prickly variations are sometimes described as "male" and "female" respectively, though this does not have a relation to the plant's gender.[8][16]

The plant, unlike Sakaki, has no direct religious significance, though. Hiiragi is an uncommon, but real surname in Japan, much like Sakaki. Much like sakaki, it is an evergreen plant with white flowers.

The Kanji 柚, yu, just means citron, or yuzu. It can also be read as yuzu on its own. The reason it is seperate from 柚子 is because to make it superficially look like the “Yu” (Play) Kanji going on with Yu-Gi-Oh! protagonists.

The Kanji, 子, spelled zu here, but is generally used as ko, means child, though in this context it is diminutive suffix, so Little Citrus, or Little Citrus. It has other meanings that we discussed before, though.

The zu Kanji’s uncommon spelling here is borrowed from Anzu’s name, since Yuzu’s name is a scrambled version of Anzu Mazaki/Masaki’s name, 真崎 杏子 (Truth Peninsula Little Apricot).

The alternate spelling would be Yuzuko, or Yuko, which would allude to Yuya’s mom, Yoko. Thanks, Shin Yoshida.

Yuzu’s name also contains the 渦, uzu, vortex/swirl, sound (as in Naruto Uzumaki), which generally means maelstorm, or eddy, though in the context of Yu-Gi-Oh!, it refers to Fusion (see Odd-Eyes Vortex Dragon), as Fusion is generally characterized as a vortex/black hole monsters get sucked into. It can also indirectly refer to lightning bolt, since Katakana spelling of Vortex ボルテックス, contains ボルテック, Voltic, which is why GX, and ARC-V Fusion animations have lots of lightning.

A bit deeper dig into this:

**The vortex pun is likely partially why some of the classic Fusion Monsters are WIND Attribute (Chimera, Flame Wingman etc.) Though each of them have their own symbolisms.

**Uzu pun might be partially why both Ruri, and Rin use WIND Decks, since unlike the Yu-boys, who were designed by Naohito Miyoshi invidiually for both manga, and animé, the rest of the bracelet girls, and Ray are merely designed off Miyoshi’s design of Yuzu by the ARC-V animators (which means in a meta sense, Ray, and Zarc are clones of Yuzu, and Yuya). It is also likely why they all use Fusion in the animé.

**This might be part of why DoSolfachord Coolia is a WIND Attribute, since Duel Links seems to trying to retcon Solfachords for Yuzu due to absence of Pendulum Melodious.

**Vortex can also refer to Synchro (Vortex the Whirlwind), but much more rarely.

**Uzu can also be spelled as “ka”, referring to both the song Kanji, and flower Kanji, both used in relation to Yuzu.

Yuzu’s name has no direct melodic connection, except maybe allusion to suzu (little bell), which can also be spelled as rin, or tsuzumu, drum, which can also be spelled as ko. The common spelling of zu Kanji ko can also allude to ko as in light, or koe, voice.

As a final addendum, the reason why Yuzu has pink hair despite her name being literally yuzu is because pink hair is often used in animé in replacement of blonde hair, due to assumption of strawberry blonde hair being a type of blonde hair (it is actually a type of red hair). This is also why Ruri isn’t blonde despite her bracelet’s color, since Yuzu already covers the “blonde” slot.

[perfumea]

Malone Sakura Cherry Blossom Spray For Gift

Malone Sakura Cherry Blossom Spray For Gift At the top, opens with a splurge of sparkling notes featuring peach and sweet apricot, which immediately make one recall a celebration and warmth. These fruity accords accompany a citrusy veil that brings freshness in fragrant brightness, thereby leaving it fine and light. In the middle, the fragrance develops into a floral heart, where rose and jasmine intermingle to create a lush bouquet. This floral core is deep and sophisticated enough to be worn as either an everyday sundress or an after-hours evening gown. Warm and sensual, base notes make all the more desirable. Ample amber and vanilla envelop the wearer with a comforting, hugging embrace. The juice lingers on the skin, and one is enhanced with appeal and depth by this grounding element, giving this scent an expensive feel. A great fragrance with a perfect combination of fruity, floral, and warm notes, creating a well-balanced scent profile that is strong, uplifting, and irresistibly attractive.is not just a perfume but a declaration of confidence and joy. It is designed for that modern woman who falls passionately in love with the pleasures of life. Perfect for special occasions or to turn ordinary days into special ones, it radiates with the beautiful bottle-a true gourmet of vintage elegance. As one is drawn to the timeless magic of the fragrance itself, Yves Saint Laurent invites you into the art of seduction and celebration with Yvresse.

[zenasflower]

Flowers in Liverpool

Joseph Massie’s mesmerizing floral creations challenge perceptions, evoke emotions, and transform spaces. His impact extends beyond his awe-inspiring designs through his commitment to nurturing the next generation of florists worldwide with revolutionary online education and coaching.

Liverpool flowers reflect the city’s diverse culture and rich history. From celebrations to condolences, flower arrangements reflect deep-rooted traditions.

Lilies

Lilies add a touch of elegance to Flowers in Liverpool, especially when combined with other classic flowers such as roses and tulips. They’re also the perfect choice for corporate offices and upscale hospitality spaces, as they create a sense of sophistication and refinement.

When Spring’s gentle warmth coaxes Liverpool out of its icy embrace, a mosaic of floral hues unfurls across the city’s landscape. From delicately scented crocuses () to the iconic Welsh heritage flower, the daffodil (), the delicate blush blooms of cherry blossoms () contribute to this ephemeral display of renewal and rebirth.

Lilies, however, add a touch of sophistication to the season with their long-lasting presence in the garden. Whether you opt for the Asiatic lilies displayed in pots in formal gardens or Martagon lilies grown as part of woodland understory planting in naturalistic gardens, these perennial beauties complement all gardening temperaments and styles. And best of all, they’re easy to grow. Unlike tulips or narcissi, which are often grown from bulbs, lilies are hardy plants that require minimal winter protection.

Tulips

Tulips are the quintessential symbol of spring. They're a big contender against roses in the battle to be the spring’s most popular flower and are the embodiment of fresh starts and new beginnings.

For a show stopping display plant bulbs in drifts at the front of a mixed border or use them to edge paths. They can also be planted in grassy areas to form a naturalised meadow. Species tulips, such as 'Spring Green' and 'Greenland', are particularly good for this. Allow 50-75 tulips per square metre to give a dense and long-lasting display.

Many tulips are perennial, relying on 'offsets' or daughter bulbs to grow and mature into flowers each year. However, to achieve a full bed coverage solely through this method will take several years. Planting a few reliably perennial varieties will speed things up. Some include 'Anna Pavord', 'Mabel' and 'Crispa' (pictured above). These were bred by a Lancashire weaver more than 165 years ago and look beautiful with red, rusty orange or apricot tulips.

Daisies

As a child, you probably made daisy chains in your garden or on the school field and this perennial is still one of the UK’s most popular flowers. Commonly referred to as ‘the gardeners’ friend,’ it is a hardy plant that thrives in many different climates and soil conditions. It is a popular addition to rock gardens, cottage gardens, and wildflower meadows and will often self-seed.

Daisy plants come in a variety of colours and each flower has its own meaning. For example, white daisies symbolise innocence and purity so they make a great choice for wedding bouquets and spring gifts. Yellow daisies can be used to convey happiness and optimism so they are great for congratulating new parents or friends who’ve just got engaged!

In contrast, pink daisies are a symbol of gentleness and love, making them perfect for romantic gifting. And lastly, blue daises are used to symbolize loyalty so they make the perfect choice for long-term relationships and family members.

Orchids

The UK’s orchids are a Perfection flowers and diverse group, with some 50 species. Some are native to the rainforest and others hail from far-flung climes. But they all share the same flower structure: a spike of flowers with 3 sepals and one lower lip (known as the labellum).

The flowers of the bee orchid have evolved to look just like bees, and even emit a chemical pheromone that tricks male bees into trying to copulate with them, increasing their chances of pollination and seed-set. The bee orchid is a rare plant that you can see on the Wirral peninsula and the dunes at Crosby.

Another rare wild orchid to look out for is the Early Purple Orchid which can be seen amongst Bluebells and in older woodland or grassland in mid-May. It has a fuchsia pink/purple colour with spotted leaves and long racemes. Orchids like indirect sunlight, but not direct sun that can scorch their leaves.

[princess-of-purple-prose]

[ID copied from alt: Digital Illustration of Taako and Lup from TAZ Balance. Lup is an elven woman with light brown skin, her hair is brown with pink dyed tips tied into a messy bun. She wearing a red áo dài, her back turned partially to us to show the embroidered design behind that depicts a phoenix's wing and tail. Taako is an elven man with light brown skin, his shoulder-length brown hair has a small braid on the side, and has hints of purple dye. He is wearing a red áo dài, and is standing facing the viewer to show the dragon embroidery on the front. They are both holding red lucky money packets. The background is of an early morning sky, featuring yellow apricot blossoms. There is text in the middle that reads "Tết 2024". End ID]

Finally putting the twins in áo dài for Tết since its Lunar New Year!

[bethestaryouareradio]

Plant Poetry

“Once the relation between poetry and the soil is established in the mind, all growing things are endowed with more than material beauty.”  Elizabeth Lawrence

Have you ever wandered your garden and realized the growing landscape is poetry in motion? As you’ve read in my recent columns, I have been occupied with aggressive weeding on my land these past several months. Under the masses of foxtails, thistles, spurge, bindweed, black medic, pelargonium robertianum, hemlock, and wild grasses, fields of flowers awaited the sunshine. With only three garden rooms left in my quest to purge the pernicious invaders, my first round of weeding is almost at an end.

The plant poetry has begun. My orchard meadow is glorious with swaths of wildflowers, including golden poppies, sprouted seeds of calendula, nigella, seafoam statice, nasturtiums, blooming cornflowers, iris, geranium, roses, chamomile, lilies, acanthus, strawberry, bougainvillea, and more. My orchard is brimming with fruit trees that will ripen throughout the season. Apricots, cherries, peaches, plums, prunes, mulberries, apples, Asian Pears, elderberries, persimmons, pomegranates, guavas, loquats, figs, and vines of grapes provide edible delights for our household and the wildlife who frequent the meadow. I recently planted a banana tree and two avocadoes, keeping my fingers crossed that they will bear fruit in a few years. Footsteps away is my citrus grove with tangerines, oranges, tangelos, lemons, and cumquats. The hillside is a vibrant, pollinator paradise. 

Bees and bumblebees especially favor the blue nigella, buzzing from blossom to blossom, savoring the sweet nectar. Butterflies and birds flutter and fly through this heavenly fragrant celebration of color, scale, and texture. 

When I view photos from a month ago when this area was blanketed in suffocating weeds, I am grateful for the miracle of nature, this poetic painting abundant with stunning flowers.

The paths are filled with gravel and lined with recycled redwood planks rescued from a renewed deck, both a clever, sustainable, and frugal option. Like the balance of a colorful poem, this design is wild, yet civilized, celebrating the quirks of nature.

Another poetic surprise in my garden this week was the blooming of my cordyline, also known as the Ti plant. One day when I went out for my daily garden walk, iridescent shoots had sprung out of the top of this good-luck tree, glittering in the morning sun. It appears to change hues throughout the day and is impressive. 

I also harvested the first of my zucchini. This was exciting because last summer my plants were eaten by critters. This season I expect to enjoy plenty. 

Cascading over the raised bed in my vegetable garden, edible and tangy nasturtium in red, yellow, and orange shades reminds me of my Nonna’s garden.  Not to be outdone, my Bonica rose bush drapes over the mailbox with voluminous baby pink blooms flanked by fluorescent fuchsia corn flags creating a mesmerizing entrance.  

Each day promises something new and exciting. Plant poetry is indeed endowed with more than material beauty.

Cynthia Brian’s Goddess Gardener Guide for June

ü  It is time to remove the dried leaves from daffodils, naked ladies, woodland hyacinths, freesias, and other spring-blooming bulbs. A quick tug of the dried leaves is all you need to do. If you must pull hard, the leaves are not ready to be removed. I know they look unsightly in your garden, but if you remove the leaves before they have had the chance to provide nutrients to the bulb you won’t have any flowers next spring. Hang in there. You’ll thank me in a year!

ü  Apply snail bait to plants susceptible to snail and slug damage. They come out of hiding at night to nibble your new shoots and because of the rains are an abundant nuisance.

ü  Monitor water needs for your landscape. Water infrequently but deeply. Containers lose moisture more quickly and will need additional attention.

ü  Clean and arrange patio furniture, pads, and outdoor gear. With summer on the horizon, get prepared to party.

ü  Plant summer-blooming bulbs and scatter seeds to surprise you with their brilliance.

ü  If you haven’t finished cutting tall grass, clearing debris, maintaining a fuel break, and preparing for wildfires, do it this week. Be vigilant and a good neighbor!

ü  Deadhead rose blossoms as they fade to keep your bushes healthy and blooming until the end of the year. I have over 200 rose bushes and deadheading is a daily chore, albeit one that yields huge rewards. Wear protective gloves!

ü  Create a vibrant garden masterpiece in your backyard with prolonged performance perennials and annuals available at your favorite nursery.

ü  Celebrate graduations, birthdays, and more with a kaleidoscope of plant poetry.

For more gardening advice for all seasons, check out Growing with the Goddess Gardenerat https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/books. Raised in the vineyards of Napa County, Cynthia Brian is a New York Times best-selling author, actor, radio personality, speaker, media and writing coach as well as the Founder and Executive Director of Be the Star You Are!® 501 c3 which was just honored as the 2024 Nonprofit of the Year by the Moraga Chamber of Commerce. Tune into Cynthia’s StarStyle® Radio Broadcast at www.StarStyleRadio.com. 

Her newest children’s picture book, Books in the Barnyard: Oh Deer!, from the series, Stella Bella’s Barnyard Adventures is available for discounted pre-sales at https://www.CynthiaBrian.com/online-store. Hire Cynthia for writing projects, garden consults, and inspirational lectures. Cynthia@GoddessGardener.com  

StarStyle® Empowerment is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

[vihangamhomestay]

Discovering Mukteshwar: Your Ultimate Guide to Vihangam Homestay

Nestled amidst the serene hills of Mukteshwar lies a hidden gem awaiting your discovery - Vihangam Homestay. If you're seeking an escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, look no further. In this comprehensive guide, we'll delve into the essence of this picturesque destination and unveil the unparalleled luxury and comfort offered by Vihangam Homestay.

Embracing Nature's Serenity

Mukteshwar, renowned for its tranquil ambiance and breathtaking landscapes, serves as the perfect backdrop for your getaway. Imagine waking up to the melodious chirping of birds and the invigorating scent of pine trees permeating the air. At Vihangam Homestay, nature isn't just a view; it's an integral part of your experience.

Luxurious Suite Rooms: Your Sanctuary in the Hills

Step into a world of opulence and elegance with our luxury suite rooms in mukteshwar. Each room is meticulously designed to offer you the utmost comfort and relaxation. From plush bedding to modern amenities, every aspect is tailored to elevate your stay. Whether you're unwinding after a day of exploration or indulging in a cozy evening indoors, our suite rooms provide the perfect retreat.

Deluxe Rooms: Unparalleled Comfort with a Touch of Charm

For those seeking a blend of comfort and affordability, our delux rooms in mukteshwar Nainitalhttps://www.vihangam.club/ are the ideal choice. Featuring tasteful decor and essential amenities, these rooms exude warmth and charm. Whether you're traveling solo, as a couple, or with family, our deluxe rooms cater to all your needs. Experience comfort without compromise at Vihangam Homestay.

Indulge in Exquisite Dining Experiences

No vacation is complete without culinary delights, and at Vihangam Homestay, we take pride in offering a gastronomic journey like no other. Savour delectable local delicacies prepared with fresh ingredients and authentic flavors. Whether you're craving traditional Kumaoni cuisine or international fare, our talented chefs ensure a culinary experience that tantalizes your taste buds.

Immerse Yourself in Adventure and Exploration

Beyond the confines of Vihangam Homestay, Mukteshwar beckons with a myriad of adventures waiting to be explored. Embark on scenic treks amidst lush greenery, witness the majestic sunrise from Chauli Ki Jali, or experience adrenaline-pumping activities like paragliding and rappelling. Whatever your adventure quotient, Mukteshwar offers top homestay in mukteshwar.

Unraveling Mukteshwar's Cultural Tapestry

Immerse yourself in the rich cultural heritage of Mukteshwar with a visit to its ancient temples and historical sites. Explore the intricately carved architecture of Mukteshwar Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, and witness the spiritual fervor of devotees. Delve into the local folklore and traditions as you interact with the welcoming residents of this quaint hill town.

Tranquil Retreat Amidst Orchard Bliss

Vihangam Homestay offers more than just luxurious accommodations; it provides a gateway to the region's bountiful orchards. Spend leisurely afternoons strolling through apple, plum, and apricot orchards, soaking in the fragrant blossoms and scenic vistas. Engage in fruit-picking experiences and savor the freshness of farm-to-table produce, a truly rejuvenating experience for the senses.

Unwind with Yoga and Wellness Retreats

Elevate your stay at Vihangam Homestay with rejuvenating yoga and wellness retreats set against the backdrop of Mukteshwar's serene environs. Awaken your mind, body, and soul with expert-led yoga sessions amidst nature's tranquility. Indulge in holistic wellness therapies and spa treatments that rejuvenate your senses and leave you feeling revitalized and balanced.

Captivating Night Skies and Stargazing

Mukteshwar's unpolluted skies offer a mesmerizing canvas for stargazing enthusiasts. As night falls, step out onto the balcony of your homestay or venture to nearby vantage points for awe-inspiring views of the star-studded sky. Marvel at constellations, shooting stars, and the Milky Way, a celestial spectacle that leaves a lasting imprint on your memories.

Community Engagement and Sustainable Tourism Initiatives

Vihangam Homestay is committed to fostering sustainable tourism practices and community engagement initiatives. Participate in village walks and cultural exchanges with local communities, gaining insights into their way of life and traditions. Contribute to conservation efforts through eco-friendly practices and responsible tourism, ensuring that future generations can also experience the pristine beauty of Mukteshwar.

Conclusion: A Holistic Escape at Vihangam Homestay

In conclusion, Vihangam Homestay offers more than just accommodation; it provides a holistic escape where luxury meets nature, culture, and wellness. Whether you're seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, Vihangam Homestay caters to all your desires. As you embark on your journey to Mukteshwar, let Vihangam Homestay be your haven in the hills, where every moment is a celebration of life's simple joys.

[brookston]

Holidays 4.27

Holidays

Abolition Day (Mayotte)

Autism Super Mom Day

Babe Ruth Day

Battenberg Day

Button Mushroom Day (French Republic)

Celebrate Teen Literature Day

Day of Russian Parliamentarism (Russia)

Day of the Uprising Against the Occupying Forces (Slovenia)

Drone Safety Day

Ed Balls Eve (UK)

Flag Day (Moldova)

427 Day

Freedom Day (South Africa)

Free Feral Cat Spay Day

International Crow and Raven Appreciation Day

International Donor Conception Awareness Day

International Hyena Day

Koninginnedag (King’s Day; Netherlands)

Lapu-Lapu Day (Philippines)

Local Yarn Store Day

Marine Mammal Rescue Day

Matanzas Mule Day

Mayotte National Day

Moehanga Day (UK)

Morse Code Day

National Alicia Day

National Back Office Heroes Day

National Bubble Butt Appreciation Day

National D.J. Day

National Domestic Workers’ Day (Brazil)

National Little Pampered Dog Day

National Patricia Day

National Pimp Day

National Pneumatics Day

National Transportation Safety Day (Iran)

National Veterans' Day (Finland)

New Beginning Day

Poetry Day (Ireland)

Resistance Day (Slovenia)

Rogers Hornsby Day

Sleep Day

State Flag Day (Moldova)

Teach Your Children to Save Day

Tell A Story Day

Treasurer Day (Ukraine)

Trevithick Day (UK)

UnFreedom Day (South Africa)

Victory Day (Afghanistan)

Woody Woodpecker Day

World Bath Bomb Day

World Design Day

World Graphic Design Day

World Tapir Day

Write An Old Friend Today Day

Food & Drink Celebrations

Battenberg Day

Chips with Everything Day

Learn To Make An Apricot Cream Pie Day

Marselan Day

National Devil Dog Day

National Gummi Bear Day

National Prime Rib Day

Saison Day (Allagash)

World Marselan Day

4th & Last Saturday in April

Beer Clean Glass Day [4th Saturday]

Bob Wills Day [Last Saturday]

Canadian Independent Bookstore Day (Canada) [Last Saturday]

Celebrate Trails Day [4th Saturday]

Children’s Day (Colombia) [Last Saturday]

Day of Trees (Colombia) [Last Saturday]

Doo Dah Parade Day (Pasadena, California) [Last Saturday]

Eeyore's Birthday Party (Austin, Texas) [Last Saturday]

Go Birding Day [Last Saturday]

Independent Bookstore Day [Last Saturday]

International Marconi Day [Saturday closest to 4.25]

International Sculpture Day [Last Saturday]

International Table Top Day [Last Saturday]

National Day of Puppetry [4th Saturday]

National First Ladies Day [Last Saturday]

National Go Birding Day [Last Saturday]

National Herb Day [Last Saturday; also 1st Saturday in May]

National Kiss of Hope Day [Last Saturday]

National Pool Opening Day [Last Saturday]

National Prepare-A-Thon! Day [Last Saturday; also 9.30]

National Prescription Drug Take Back Day [Last Saturday]

National Rebuilding Day [Last Saturday]

National Sense of Smell Day [Last Saturday]

Penguin Day [Last Saturday]

Save the Frogs Day [Last Saturday]

World Aboriginal and Native Sacred Ceremony and Dance Day [Last Saturday]

World Activism Day [Last Saturday]

World Disco Food Day [Last Saturday]

World Healing Day [Last Saturday]

World Healing Meditation Day [Last Saturday]

World Reiki Day [Last Saturday]

World Sufi Day [Last Saturday]

World Tai Chi & Qigong Day [Last Saturday]

World Thespian Day [Last Saturday]

World Veterinary Day [Last Saturday]

World Yoga Day [Last Saturday]

Weekly Holidays beginning April 27 (4th Week)

Antigua Sailing Week (St. Johns, Antigua, Barbuda) [thru 5.3]

Just Pray No Weekend [4th Saturday] (thru 4.28)

Independence & Related Days

IKwaZulu-Natali (Declared; 1994) [unrecognized]

lundren (a.k.a. Viscounty of lundgren; Declared; 2020) [unrecognized]

Sierra Leone (from UK, 1961)

Togo (from France, 1960)

Festivals Beginning April 27, 2024

The Appomattox Oyster Festival (Concord, Virginia)

Austin Blues Festival (Austin, Texas) [thru 4.28]

Between the Bluffs Beer, Wine & Cheese Festival (La Crosse, Wisconsin)

Cherry Blossom Festoval (Monterey, California) [thru 4.28]

Clayton Art and Wine Festival (Clayton, California) [thru 4.28]

Comic-Con Cape Town (Cape Town, South Africa) [thru 5.1]

Craft Beer Festival (Long Grove, Illinois)

Dessert Wars (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)

Downtown Waterloo Sip-n-Stroll (Waterloo, Iowa)

Endless Mountains Maple festival (Troy, Pennsylvania) [thru 4.28]

Florida Taco Battle, A Fiesta Affair! (Boca Raton, Florida)

Gnarly Culpepper Block Party & Brew Fest (Culpepper, Virginia)

Hard-Pressed Cider Fest (Hood River, Oregon)

Lodi Beer Festival & BBQ Championship (Lodi, California)

Maifest (St. Louis, Missouri) [thru 4.28]

Mountain Mushroom Festival (Irvine, Kentucky) [thru 4.28]

National Cornbread Festival (South Pittsburg, Tennessee) [thru 4.28]

New Jersey Folk Festival (New Brunswick, New Jersey)

North Carolina Pickle Festival (Mount Olive, North Carolina)

Oklahoma Renaissance Festival (Muskogee, Oklahoma) [thru 6.2]

Oregon Cheese Festival (Central Point, Oregon) [thru 4.28]

Ozarks Beerfest (Springfield, Missouri)

Riverside Tale Festival (Riverside, California)

Sacramento Grilled Cheese Festival (Sacramento, California) [thru 4.28]

Schubertiade Vorarlberg )Hohenems, Austria) [thru 5.1]

Taste of Claremont (Claremont, California)

Thirsty Orange Brew Extravaganza (Johnson City, Tennessee)

Tweed Run (London, UK)

Waikiki Spam Jam (Waikiki, Hawaii)

Wine Fest (Kemah, Texas)

WineFest (St. Michaels, Maryland) [thru 4.28]

Feast Days

Alan Reynolds (Artology)

Anastasius, Pope (Christian; Confessor)

Anthimus of Nicomedia (Christian; Saint)

Assicus (Christian; Saint)

Beltane Quinoa Salad Day (Starza Pagan Book of Days)

86400 Seconds Day (Pastafarian)

Ennead Sail Through the Land, The (Ancient Egypt)

Floribert of Liège (Christian; Saint)

Furze-Hopping Event (Shamanism)

George Petty (Artology)

Hanuman Jayanti (Birthday of the Monkey God; Hindu)

John of Constantinople (Christian; Saint)

Liberalis of Treviso (Christian; Saint)

Olive (Muppetism)

Peter Canisius (Christian; Saint)

Pollio (Christian; Saint)

Rafael Arnáiz Barón (Christian; Saint)

Shemp Day (Church of the SubGenius; Saint)

Theodor Kittelsen (Artology)

Turbos of Mogrovejo (Christian; Saint)

Tyi Wara Festival (Mythical half-man, half-animal that teaches Farming to the Bambara Tribe; Mali])

Virgin of Montserrat (Christian; Saint)

Walpurgisnacht, Day V (Pagan)

Xenophon (Positivist; Saint)

Yom HaShoah begins (Holocaust Remembrance Day; Judaism) [27 Nisan; 8 Days]

Zita of Lucca (Christian; Saint)

Lucky & Unlucky Days

Lucky Day (Philippines) [23 of 71]

Sakimake (先負 Japan) [Bad luck in the morning, good luck in the afternoon.]

Premieres

Anna Karenina (Film; 1948)

Apollo, by Igor Stravinsky (Ballet; 1928)

Avengers: Infinity War (Film; 2018)

Can You Take It (Fleischer Popeye Cartoon; 1934)

The Chinese Nightingale (Happy Harmonies Cartoon; 1935)

Chips with Everything, by Arnold Wesker (Play; 1962)

Cold War (Disney Cartoon; 1951)

The Dish (Film; 2000)

The Fabric of the Cosmos, by Brian Greene (Book; 2004)

The Five-Year Engagement (Film; 2012)

Für Elise, a.k.a. Bagatelle No. 25 in A minor, written by Ludwig van Beethoven (Piano Music; 1810)

Goofy News Views (Phantasies Cartoon; 1945)

Heavy Cream, by Cream (Compilation Album; 1973)

Hooked Bear (Disney Cartoon; 1956)

Hoots Mon! (Film; 1940)

The Hungry Astronaut (Deputy Dawg Cartoon; 1963)

In His Own Write, by John Lennon (Poetry Book; 1964)

Justice Society: World War II (WB Animated Film; 2021)

Kill the Umpire (Film; 1950)

Koyaanisqatsi (Documentary Film; 1983)

The Krays (Film; 1990)

Last Week Tonight with John Oliver (TV Series; 2014)

Madeline, by Ludwig Bemelmans (Children’s Book; 1939)

The Manchurian Candidate, by Richard Condon (Novel; 1959)

Mary’s Little Lamb (ComiColor Cartoon; 1935)

Monty Python and the Holy Grail (Film; 1975)

Mrs. Robinson, by Simon and Garfunkel (Song; 1968)

Music for the Royal Fireworks, by George Frederic Handel (Orchestral Suite; 1749)

Now Hear This (WB LT Cartoon; 1963)

Personality, by Lloyd Price (Song; 1959)

Pink in the Woods (Pink Panther Cartoon; Theatrical; 1979)

The Pirates! Band of Misfits! (Animated Film; 2012)

Roméo et Juliette, by Charles Gounod (Opera; 1867)

Rufus Xavier Sarsaparilla (Grammar Rock Cartoon; Schoolhouse Rock; 1976)

Seventeenth Summer, by Maureen Daly (Novel; 1942)

Shape Ahoy (Fleischer/Famous Popeye Cartoon; 1945)

Shōgun (TV Mini-Series; 2024)

Spaced Invaders (Film; 1990)

The Streak, by Ray Stevens (Song; 1974)

We, by Yevgeny Zamyatin (Novel; 1924)

This Week with John Oliver (TV Series; 2014)

We’re Not Gonna Take It, by Twisted Sister (Song; 1984)

Today’s Name Days

Petrus, Zita (Austria)

Euzebije, Ozana, Polion (Croatia)

Jaroslav (Czech Republic)

Ananias (Denmark)

Haldi, Haldja, Halja (Estonia)

Meea, Merja (Finland)

Zita (France)

Montserrat, Petrus, Zita (Germany)

Zita (Hungary)

Zita (Italy)

Inars, Klementīne, Raimonda, Tāle (Latvia)

Anastazas, Aušra, Gotautas, Zita (Lithuania)

Charles, Charlotte, Lotte (Norway)

Anastazy, Andrzej, Bożebor, Kanizjusz, Martyn, Piotr, Teofil, Zyta (Poland)

Simeon (Romania)

Jaroslav (Slovakia)

Montserrat, Pedro, Zita (Spain)

Engelbrekt (Sweden)

Laverne, Sam, Samantha, Sami, Sammy, Samuel, Samuela, Ulises, Ulysses, Vern, Verna, Verne, Vernon, Zita (USA)

Today is Also…

Day of Year: Day 118 of 2024; 248 days remaining in the year

ISO: Day 6 of week 17 of 2024

Celtic Tree Calendar: Saille (Willow) [Day 14 of 28]

Chinese: Month 3 (Wu-Chen), Day 19 (Xin-You)

Chinese Year of the: Dragon 4722 (until January 29, 2025) [Wu-Chen]

Hebrew: 19 Nisan 5784

Islamic: 18 Shawwal 1445

J Cal: 28 Cyan; Sevenday [28 of 30]

Julian: 14 April 2024

Moon: 86%: Waning Gibbous

Positivist: 6 Caesar (5th Month) [Phocion]

Runic Half Month: Lagu (Flowing Water) [Day 3 of 15]

Season: Spring (Day 40 of 92)

Week: 4th Week of April

Zodiac: Taurus (Day 8 of 31)