#Calais Reno Tumblr posts

[cupidford]

Grow Old With Me by Calais_Reno

Johnlock Love Letters #2334

John makes a confession; Sherlock remembers.

[alexisnoir]

Look what I've purchased - yup When the Rose Speaks its Name a Sherlock Holmes Anthology, a charity anthology showcasing queer Holmes and Watson inspired by the original Arthur Conan Doyle canon.

I can't wait to start to read it but right now I need to finish something before I do so later today :)

@whentherosespeaks

[swissmissficrecs]

Word count: 127,409 Chapters: 18/18 Fandom: Sherlock Holmes & Related Fandoms, Sherlock Holmes - Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock (TV) Rating: Mature Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson Characters: Sherlock Holmes, John Watson, Mycroft Holmes, Mrs. Hudson (Sherlock Holmes), Mummy (Sherlock), Original Characters, Molly Hooper, Philip Anderson, Mike Stamford, James Moriarty, Lestrade (Sherlock Holmes) Additional Tags: Alternate Universe - Historical, Alternate Universe - Science Fiction, space travel, World War II, Aliens, Memories, Mind Palace, War, historical events, Sherlock is the Envoy, love in a time of war, Period-Typical Homophobia, Period-Typical Sexism, Gender Roles, Alien/Human Relationships, Cultural Differences, Falling In Love, Separation and Reunion, Undercover Missions, Eventual Happy Ending, They will always be together, Don't Post To Another Site, POV First Person, POV Sherlock Holmes, Serious Injuries, Hurt/Comfort, Injury Recovery, Abduction (and Rescue), Toxic Nationalism, Medieval History, Switzerland, Sussex, True Love Summary:

April 1938. As Europe moves towards another war, a lonely envoy arrives from a distant, dying planet.

======

Rec: I read this a while back but the rec got stuck in my drafts because I kept getting frustrated at finding the words to do it justice. But it’s even more of an injustice not to write anything, especially as it’s not getting an overwhelming number of hits.

This is a truly remarkable fic that would hands-down stand its own as an actual novel. It’s sophisticated, with professional quality writing that draws you in with its classic science fiction feel and intricate world-building.

Complementing the seamless blending of the familiar with an entirely new role for Sherlock Holmes, in which he must unravel the mystery of his own existence, the tension and mystery provide a compelling counterbalance to the tender romance that builds between them.

Wholeheartedly recommend if you’re looking for something a little different than the usual fare of series 4 fix-its and Reichenbach feels.

It’s tagged for both ACD and BBC, but I think that’s because it’s a historical AU set in neither canon era and as such could be read with either set of characterizations. There is no crossover. For me, it worked best as an ACD fic.

[calaisreno]

When Harry Met Mary by Calais Reno

What if Harry Watson had met Mary Morstan? What would they have thought of each other? This is a retelling of the events of Series 3 and 4, through the eyes of Harry Watson.

Author Note: As a sort of experiment, I'm telling this in short bits - scenes and conversations - and posting one bit a day for the month of October.

Dedicated to @totallysilvergirl - the mistress of ficlets!

(Yes, that is Kate McKinnon starring as Harry Watson. I think it was J_Baillier who first mentioned her as a possible Harry.)

[gooolabatooo]

This is art for the story "What Silent Love Hath Writ” by Calais Reno (@calaisreno) for the When the Rose Speaks its Name Sherlock Holmes Anthology!

You can check out their blog @whentherosespeaks . This is a non-profit project, Returns from sales will be donated to AKT, a UK charity benefiting LGBTQIA+ youth.

Image Description: The setting of this picture is in a villa in a Mediterranean city. The room overlooks the harbor and Holmes and Watson are kissing by the window, covered by a thin veil of curtain. Watson is cupping Holmes' cheek and head while Holmes puts his hand under Watson's arm, and his other hand on Watson's shoulder. Holmes is wearing a dark suit while Watson is wearing a light colored suit.

Website | Tumblr | Instagram

[meetinginsamarra]

mayprompts2024, #30 journey

Chapters 1 to 6 here on AO3

If you like the tattoo AU give it some love on my AO3, please. It would mean a lot to me. TYSM!

+++++

White Pony Tattoo - Part Ten (journey)

Eight days later, once again, John found himself hovering in front of 221 Baker Street. He wondered if there would ever come a time when he would be able to simply just walk inside because he was sure about it like every other normal person would probably do.

The days since he had last seen Sherlock had flown by, with John barely noticing the passage of time. He had thought a lot about what Mrs Hudson had said to him in her kitchen. Not the threat she had uttered. But the thing about Sherlock having had a hard time in his past.

John had pondered about what might have happened to him, what had hurt Sherlock so much that he had needed to put up that wall of protection around himself. To build an armour around his heart.

Of course, John wouldn’t ask. He also promised himself not to stalk Sherlock on the internet any further. If Sherlock wanted to trust John with telling him anything about his past, it was solely up to Sherlock to take the first step into this direction.

Calais Reno, the movie star, whom John had begun to follow on Instagram out of sheer curiosity, had posted a picture of the newly acquired tattoo yesterday. It had been placed on the outer side of the right calf and reminded John of a mixture between HG Wells’ steampunk-inspired time machine and Doctor Who’s Tardis. It was intricately detailed and although it was very close to a technical drawing, the image seemed three-dimensional. Given that the movie star was known to be a fan of stories about time travel, it was the perfect choice.

John would have expected nothing less, coming from Sherlock.

Which made him more and more curious about the phoenix Sherlock would put onto him this afternoon. Excited. Also, a bit anxious. What if he didn’t like Sherlock’s design after all? Sherlock had only texted John, giving him a time and a date when the tatooing would take place but he had not given the tiniest hint concerning its design.

John remembered very well the part of Sherlock’s shop sign that demanded no arguing. He would just have to trust Sherlock, John supposed.

Into battle. John opened the door.

Sherlock, dressed in a deep green shirt today, was already waiting and welcomed John with a radiant smile. This time, he reciprocated John’s firm hug with much more comfort and surety.

Without further ado, John was led into the tattoo parlour behind the curtain and Sherlock wordlessly gestured at the computer screen. It showed a black-hued phoenix. In a realistic 3D view that turned from side to side in an endless loop as if John was moving his arm. The firy bird totally eclipsed the Virgin Mary tattoo, depicted in faint red hues underneath, leaving not even the least bit of ink uncovered.

John stared with his mouth hanging open and didn’t know what to say.

“Given that you just perform the perfect impersonification of a gold fish, I take it that the design pleases you.” Sherlock deadpanned.

“Holy cow, Sherlock, this is,” John’s voice was hoarse as a multitude of feelings rushed through him, “this is… perfection.”

 John must have chosen the right word because Sherlock’s face flushed red.

“It had to be. More than any tattoo before.” Sherlock swallowed, fiddling awkwardly with his hands. “I made it for you, John.”

“Sherlock, I…”

But Sherlock launched into a flurry of rapid movements, starting to set up everything for the tattoo session. It looked like a meticulously rehearsed ballet performance and John was transfixed by the lithe beauty and grace.

“Get comfortable in the seat,” Sherlock said whilst putting various needles, phials and two tattoo guns onto a tray, “I estimate that it will take three and a half hours to tattoo the phoenix. If you need a break, to move or stretch, just say so.”

John did as he had been asked and then Sherlock took off his dress-shirt to put on sterile surgical gloves. Underneath it, Sherlock wore a skin-tight black t-shirt where the short sleeves had been cut off. For the very first time, John saw Sherlock’s arms and the sight made him grateful that he was already sitting.

Sherlock’s arms were nothing short of spectacular.

Beautifully muscled, like a dancer’s, skin milky-white and smooth like marble. His right arm was not tattooed, but the left was wholly covered with intricate lines of deep black and brilliant red. From John’s point of view, they looked like dancing flames.

Sherlock apparently felt John’s eyes on him because he suddenly kept still. He turned, stepped up to John and held out the tattooed arm so that John could take a look at its front side. He carefully watched John’s reaction.

“You also have a phoenix on your arm!” John gasped. “A huge phoenix surrounded by flames!”

“Brilliant observation, John.”

John realized that every time Sherlock had become sarcastic before, at least when he had talked to John, it had been an indicator of Sherlock being nervous. Something that he would never openly admit.

But what should Sherlock be nervous about?

The tattoo was beautiful and perfect and then John remembered what Sherlock had said about perfect tattoos. That they had to connect to their wearer’s personality and history. The implications of Sherlock’s professional credo in connection with chosing a phoenix for himself made John dizzy.

Did that mean…

“Are you a survivor, too?” John blurted, overwhelmed by his sudden epiphany.

Sherlock sighed. He fought an inner battle, the pros and cons of the choice he was about to make clearly written on his face.

John didn’t say anything, knowing Sherlock needed time for what this was. To find the courage and the trust to tell John about it.

When Sherlock had made his decision, he straightened his back and carefully wiped every emotion off his face, but his eyes stayed wary and apprehensive and he looked right over John’s head.

“It’s been a long journey before I’ve arrived where I am now.” Sherlock gestured with his hand to the tattoo parlour. “It’s not been a joy ride for a very long time. I’ve literally died, John! My heart had stopped and I’ve been brought back to life.”

John simply nodded one time. He did not dare move another muscle, lest Sherlock might get spooked and retreat back into his shell.

Sherlock took a deep breath, gathering his strength. He slowly searched for John’s eyes. After finding them, he asked silently.

“Have you ever wondered why I chose the name White Pony Tattoo?”

++++++

tagging some people @totallysilvergirl @peageetibbs @lisbeth-kk @raina-at @calaisreno

[ghostofnuggetspast]

Prompt Wrangler Herds Cats

Using the writing skills we know This group perked ears up and began to show Our tricks and our fics And our cool limericks With May Prompts from our Calais Reno!

Who made all these prompts happen? Calais Reno! Who made sure to reblog all the things on Tumblr? Calais Reno! Who gave a whole bunch of encouraging words to everyone in the game? Calais Reno! Hip Hip Hooray! Seriously, @calaisreno, I've never had so much fun writing. Thanks for the impetus and all the great comments. See you around the fandom!

Almost forgot the ao3 link!

@totallysilvergirl @weeesi @friday411 @helloliriels

[sohannabarberaesque]

Fancy-Fancy (nearly) crosses into Titus Moody

Another cool evening in Hollywood's rank-and-file working-class (or reasonable facsimile therefor) districts finding Fancy-Fancy, the Don Juan of Top Cat's clowder, on the prowl for perhaps his greatest passion: that of satisfying his own inate carnal desires and romance. A slight mist hanging in the air, and the marine layer is unlikely for another few hours close to sunrise.

And what luck hath Fancy-Fancy got: In a back alley close to where a decent view of the HOLLYWOOD sign can be had during daylight hours for the most part, a rather furry-looking cat made her wants and desires known with the inevitable hasty rolling around on the ground, her grayish-white fur being a somewhat confusing blob in the haste.

"And what hath we here, my lovely?" was how the feline Cary Grant made himself evident.

"The name's Skow," replied the rather fur-laden queen in a heavy Down East accent, "as in Skowhegan. As in Maine." Adding, after a short pause, "Making me a Maine Coon."

"A genuine Maine Coon have I as my company!" was how Fancy-Fancy responded. "You much for lobster?"

Skow responded, "Hardly. And forget the stereotypes about we Down Easters taking lobster all the time. Lobster can get to be rather expensive, and besides, while cats may prefer stuff like tuna and salmon, I wouldn't go for lobster. Even the Maine sort. And let's not forget about blueberries, especially in cobbler."

"Though I myself," Fancy-Fancy added, "can't resist Moxie on occasion."

"MOXIE?!!" was Skow's rather stunned response referring to Old Dirigo's rather legendary contribution to soft drinks, adding, "As we say Down East, you either love it or you hate it. And as I understand it, the taste is rather medicinal, if you ask me ... almost like horehound drops."

At any rate, the Maine Coon's tail and rump made themselves known to Fancy-Fancy that she wanted no less than such a flamboyant lover previously of Brooklyn himself to fulfill such desires inherent in her. And in a rather dim part of the aforementioned alley, feline romance became evident in a Don Juan hopeless romanic meeting a rather pragmatic Maine Coon otherwise trying to adapt to Hollywood.

And boy, Fancy-Fancy couldn't help but feel ever more relaxed in releasing of himself in Skow, the whole seeming to last nearly a third of an hour.... though not long afterward:

"Have I ever told you about Choo-Choo?" asked Fancy-Fancy.

"At least these conversations after mating are much better than smoking cigarettes, if you ask me," responded Skow. "Can I get you a bottle of Moxie, even if it tends to taste medicinal?"

Fancy-Fancy concurred, and over Maine's State Beverage the conversation picked up: "I have to admit there, Fancy-Facy," Skow remarked with Down East tartness in the voice, "I've heard much about Choo-Choo."

Fancy-Fancy explaineth: "He's pink for the most part, wears a white turtleneck, and would rather have dream dates with screen and TV stars. Or even those of the stage in Vegas and Reno."

"Yet doesn't manage to win out," Skow managed to respond. "Even if my own kind, mind you, was built for the rather rough shores of the Maine coast, Mount Katahdin and the Allegash Wilderness. Oh yes, and The Beeline between Bangor and Calais--it rhymes with 'Dallas,' I'll have you know."

"All I can say is 'Welcome to Hollywood!" as Fancy-Fancy gulped down some Moxie from his bottle.

*************

@warnerbrosentertainment @a-gang-of-silly-bananas @groovybribri @jellystone-enjoyer @restroom @archive-archives @thylordshipofbutts @thebigdingle @princessgalaxy505 @themineralyoucrave @screamingtoosoftly @warnerbros-blog1 @iheartgod175 @theweekenddigest @indigo-corvus @funtasticworld @warnerbrosent-blog

[elldotsee]

List of fics mentioned in our most recent fic chat (we discussed fics we reread, comfort fics, fave freebatch and Omegaverse, fics we’re currently reading) :

Drawn to Stars and The Nearer Your Destination by silvergirl

Everyone Needs a Place by PixChuu22

Do No Harm by calais reno

Many Happy Returns series by Calais Reno

Extraction by holmesianlove

A Gilded Cage by beautifulfiction

A Folded in the Universe by engazed 

A Fortuitous Oversight by dorothydonne

A Horse and His Doctor by khorazir

Survival Strategies for The Domesticated British Butthole by atiki

The Great Sex Olympics of 221B by xistensialangst 

Leave the Signs and the Sirens by out_there

Limping Forward by bendingsignpost

Brand of Gold by aquabelacquaSpeaker for the Bees by antietam

Cracks in The Wall by orphan_account (https://archiveofourown.org/works/1148099/chapters/2326200)

A Further Sea by i_ship_an_armada, ShinySherlock

Deflowered by Lorelai_Lee 

The Wedding Garments by cwb

Putting up Shelves by Khorazir

Just Like That, Gone and Changed by cwb

The Speed of Objects in Motion by holyfant

The Vapor Variant by 88thParallel

Permanent Fixture by vitruvianwatson

All the Best and Brightest Creatures by cwb

To Light Another’s Path by BeautifulFiction

The Moonlight and The Frost by caitlinfairchild 

The Slow Burn by caitlinfairchild 

Half a Dozen Dances by CeruleanDarkangelis 

Drift Compatible by JBaillier

Damage by lifeonmars

The very Unlikely Existence of a Flightless Bird by cwb

Just Transport by kinklock

The Ground Beneath Your Feet by chryse 

The deepest secret no one knows (elevator sex!) by raina_at

In a Changing Age by allonsys_girl

Who I Really Am by agirlsname

Dissecting the Universe by enterthetadpole 

Method Act (freebatch) by splix

Dog Days by all_i_need

De Veritate Unicornis Modernus by tepidspongebath

Gone is My Past by cyerus

Looks like something the cat digged out by HOverSeas

This is Your Song by agirlsname 

The Whore of Babylon is a Perfectly Nice Girl by out_there

[johnlockismyreligion]

A little update on the fics I'm writing / I'll write soon, all long / multichapers fics, all Valoris

Decay: the fic I'm currently writing. It follows the events of the tv show, so it's canon compliant with some liberties (mainly missing moments between the scenes).

A guiding light in the dark (provisory title): probably my next work, as I've enough material and ideas about it. It starts as a young!valoris, Boris is a Sentinel and Valery is a guide. They work for the government, and fall in love. Probem is they're both men, and romantic relationship between Sentinels and Guides are forbidden, as they can put the work in danger. Valery wants to pursue the relationship no matter what, Boris is reclutant, so in the end Valery leaves. Fast forward 30 years, things are changed, old regimes fell and so the prohibitions. Boris lives alone like a hermit, never had another Guide after Valery. One day, a froend from the past asks his help: Sentinels and Guides are dying under mysterious circumstances, and Boris must solve the mystery and deal with Valery again.

Untitled: a pandemic sweeps away almost all the human race, only few people survives in remote regions of the earth. One of them is Valery, a scientist working in an Antartic station. One day he intercept a radio communication from the space. It's Boris, stuck on the Mir space station. The ground crew failed to get him back before they all died. They started to communicate, and soon realize they have to do something: the food and water supplies on the space station are running low and technical problems are increasing, and Valery also has a supply and fuel problem and will have to leave Antarctica before next winter (the idea for this fic is born from Below Zero by Calais Reno).

Need a lot of research on this one to understand, at least roughly, how a space station and a earth landing work.

[cupidford]

I've not done a big rec list in months and have so many stories to share with you! Here are some...I went with a mix of 20, with more to come! Also I've got love letters for these queued for the next few months, so look out for 'em! xx

❤️‍���TOP FIC - One of the best fics I've read in a few years!❤️‍🔥

Indefinite Lines by ArwaMachine

Sherlock and John find themselves faced with a series of seemingly disparate cases, one involving murdered children and one involving ghosties that little Rosie tries to help solve. Except the cases are growing increasingly connected, increasingly personal. ~298.5k

🔥TOP HOT FIC🔥

Vicarious by CouldBeDangerous (VestedVestra)

John starts smoking with a woman at work. Sherlock couldn't be happier. The smoking kink spirals... ~44k

💗💗💗💗💗💗

The Man With the Cartier Frames by JRow

Sherlock's case will surely be solved quickly...in between trips to Putney to help with Rosie, collecting her from school, and preparing for her sleepover at 221B. ~32.5k

The Long and the Short of It by Accident, Hobbitsfeet

What if John and Rosie move back into Baker Street, and Rosie decides she is going to parent-trap them? Or so she thinks... ~44.5k

❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️❣️

Spare Parts by Raina_at

Futuristic sci-fi au, 24th century. On the Planet Titan, Sherlock comes back from the dead after two years. While figuring out why the biggest manufacturer or synthetic limbs in the System is going after veterans, Sherlock and John also need to find out whether there's a way to fix what's broken between them. ~63.5k

A Doctor in the House by KittenKin

S3 fix it. Sherlock returns, with John immediately taking care of him as his doctor. John uses index cards as a guide to speaking with him, and Sherlock in turn has questions. ~32.5k

Again by DiscordantWords

Christmas. It never seemed like the right time. And then time ran out. Until John makes a wish and gets a second chance. ~10k

💘💘💘💘💘💘

Cupid's Venom by SilentAuror

Stamford tells Sherlock that he wished he could have taken credit for being Cupid. Unfamiliar with the reference, Sherlock plunges into studies of toxins and Greek mythology... ~29.5k

Live from the Morgue by disfictional

Post trf. Molly interviews Sherlock on her podcast, Live from the Morgue. John listens. ~10k

A Rock, An Island by stopthat

TRF fix it/redo. John is not so blind. He sees a lot more than he’s given credit for. ~5k

💝💝💝💝💝💝

A not-so-meticulously prepared art by aquileaofthelonelymountain

Greg agrees to pick up Sherlock from a pub, and he's going to regret it soon - for Sherlock is drunk, talkative, and desperately in love with his flatmate. ~6k

Waiting in the Wings by standbygo

John finally gets the courage to ask Sherlock for a romantic relationship. But when they run into an old friend of Sherlock's, John wonders if it would be best to step aside. ~7k

All I Want for Christmas (is Proof) by Raina_at

Sherlock and John go undercover at a Christmas party in a gay club. In costume. Things... escalate. ~6.5k

💕💕💕💕💕💕

Hypotheticals by ArwaMachine

John finally manages to confess his love to Sherlock. Sherlock, of course, has questions. Lots of questions. Switchlock, Established Relationship. ~7k

A Second to Midnight by AlgySwinburne

John invites Sherlock out on January 29. It is, at face value, a date. If Sherlock weren’t a part of the equation, it would most certainly be a date. But because he is, it must be something else entirely. ~4.5k

January 6 by Gxlyleo

John keeps reliving the same day and has no clue why. He makes a list. ~14k

❤️ HONORABLE MENTIONS ❤️

Rhinestone Cowboy by consult_this_prick

After the death of his father, John drops out of college and returns home to take care of the family farm. He still hasn't processed the death of his father and new problems arise when his ex-best friend, Sherlock, comes home for the summer to work on his research. ~37k

Come Back to Me by BenAddictViolaBatch

A fusion of Sherlock and the classic 1980 film, "Somewhere in Time." In 1945, John receives a brief and mysterious visit from an elderly scientist, Sherlock. John researches Holmes and learns that he died on the same night of the visit. He realises that they are destined for each other. ~21.5k

A Strange Encounter by holmesian_love

John heads to the bank to speak his mind and instead finds himself distracted by a stranger who turns his plans around. ~7.5k

Accidental Magic by Calais_Reno

After his return Sherlock takes the case of a woman seeking stolen books hidden in her late husband’s library.Working together after so much time apart, John and Sherlock begin to discover more than stolen books. ~40k

[swissmissficrecs]

Word count: 55,540 Chapters: 10/10 Fandom: Sherlock Holmes & Related Fandoms, Sherlock Holmes - Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock (TV) Rating: Mature Warnings: No Archive Warnings Apply Relationships: Sherlock Holmes/John Watson Characters: Sherlock Holmes, John Watson, Mrs. Hudson (Sherlock Holmes), Original Characters, Mycroft Holmes Additional Tags: 1930s, POV Sherlock Holmes, Case Fic, Ghosts, Investigations, Reunions, Established Sherlock Holmes/John Watson, Boarding School, Period-Typical Homophobia, Period Typical Attitudes, Apologies and Forgiveness, Don't copy to another site Series: Part 2 of Do No Harm Summary:

After Holmes fakes his death and returns three years later, Watson isn’t ready to forgive him, but invites him to accompany him to his old school, where a ghost has been making things unpleasant for the headmaster. As they solve the mystery, they begin to understand things about one another, which leads to reconciliation (and Johnlock, of course!)

======

Rec: This is a real mystery story that delighted me with an unexpected handling of the ghostly aspect, as well as the absolute banger of a solution in the end. (Maybe others will see it coming, but I didn’t!) Add to that the intricacies of the case mirroring their own personal drama resulting from Holmes’s disappearance at Reichenbach and their tenderfooted approach toward finding their way back to working - and living - together in the aftermath, and you’ve got a fic that hits all the high notes.

Sequel to a previous fic which it is not absolutely necessary to read, although some references won’t make sense without it. (And it’s a great story itself.)

[calaisreno]

This is Family, Chapter 2: Rarely Pure, Never Simple by Calais Reno

“I didn’t know,” he whispers. “You grieved when I left. When I died. I hadn’t taken that into account, that you cared so much.” John is staring up at the ceiling. “You and Rosie are my whole world. I don’t want to mess this up. If she and I move in here…” He lets the thought trail off. “Worlds will collide,” Sherlock finishes. “But we’ll survive.”

Notes: This chapter is Sherlock, thinking on several levels as events unfold. As promised, I’m not replaying all the events of that episode. You may imagine those pretty much as we saw them (or not think of them at all). A bit stream of consciousness, some dialogue.

Thank you for reading / reblogging!

This is a prequel to People We Love.

[meetinginsamarra]

mayprompts2024, #22 night

White Pony Tattoo - Part Three (Night)

A loud metallic bang ringing behind John’s back made him startle. His heartbeat sped up and he instinctively ducked, looking for cover to avoid being shot again.

The sound of hushed voices and the clatter of high-heeled shoes on cobblestones had John realize that it had been the door of car banging shut. Also, John was remembered that suffering from PTSD might give him a break but will not go away even after a multitude of sessions with his therapist and more than two years after the original traumatizing event.

Embarrassed about his behaviour that had made him look like a nutjob, John feigned to have ducked in order to tie a loose shoelace.

Peeking up from under his fringe that had fallen over his forehead, John saw Calais Reno disappearing in the White Pony tattoo shop. He could not believe his eyes. Standing up, close to the shop’s window, John watched as the expensive limousine turned around a street corner, feeling slightly dazed.

The internationally acclaimed movie star and recent Oscar-nominee who currently dominated the news of London’s yellow press had vanished in Sherlock’s shop to get tattooed. Dear God!

Knuckles tapping on glass made John turn around and look straight into Sherlock’s grinning face on the other side of the window pane. Sherlock winked and then pressed the suction cups of a second metal sign against the glass, and disappeared behind the purple curtain. The sign simply read “closed, don’t disturb”.

It was still early in the afternoon and the sun was shining, so John took the opportunity to take a stroll through Regent’s Park nearby. He sat down on a bench, sipping the take-away coffee he had bought on the way and remembered how he had met his old friend Mike Stamford on a very similar bench in this park two years ago.

They had talked about their training time at Bart’s Hospital. Mike had taken on a carreer in educating medical students while John took an army engagement. In the end, it had been Mike’s pointer that helped John to get hold of his current job as a clinic doctor.

Shortly after, Mary Morstan had come around and quickly won over John’s heart with her open, charming and uncomplicated nature and her dark sense of humour that matched John’s own very well.

It had been a day like this when they had got married. Seven months of happiness followed, at least for John. As it turned out, Mary had not been happy but instead became bored of John and started to have an affair. With their mutual dentist of all possible men. Who was also married and bored apparently.

John had only found out by accident. Coming home early from an obligatory three-day refresher course in emergency medicine, he had literally caught them in the act on the sofa in their sitting-room. Not in their marital bed, thankfully. Small mercies.

John might even have forgiven her, had it been a one-time misstep. But it hadn’t. Mary confessed quickly in the following tumultuous row that the affair had lasted for two months and that Randy Bernard, the dentist, was about to divorce his wife for her and therefore, Mary wanted to divorce John.

Too hurt and betrayed to argue, John agreed. He spent the night alone in their bed, having banned his adulterous soon-to-be ex-wife to sleep on the sofa. The next morning, Mary had left John’s flat to move in with Randy.

Albeit John scorned his wife for her unfaithfulness, he also missed her at home and in the bed. Everything was too quiet, too cold, too empty, too lonely. The nightmares of Afghanistan and getting shot in the shoulder, bleeding out in the hot desert sand returned in all of their gory glory and terror.

This had been going on for nearly four weeks, every night and it wore John down.

Mary had long taken her things and moved out, not leaving a scrap of hers in the flat. Not that John would have wanted. The only thing that stayed with John, irremovable, was the damned tattoo of the Virgin Mary with Mary’s face on his upper arm.

Once, John had loved it. It was a very well-done tattoo and the artist had captured Mary’s face in ink beautifully. But now, it reminded John every time he saw it of all the hurt that Mary had unapologetically caused and John hated it. Therefore, it had to go.

Drinking the last sip of his coffee, John took out his mobile phone and began to search for images of tattoos that had been done by Sherlock. The artist himself did not boast with his work apparently because all the photos John could find had been posted by the people who had managed to get one.

Quite a number of the lucky persons who had been deemed worthy of Sherlock’s attention were famous.

There was the lauded crime writer couple who only went by their pseudonyms “Solarmama” and “Plantsareneat” and never showed their faces in public. They had posted a photograph of their backs standing beside each other and the tattoo was a stunningly intricate diptych of flowers on a sunny meadow.

Another very impressive tattoo was a full arm sleeve of a majestic grizzly bear in a mountain landscape. It looked so realistic as if the bear might jump right off Peanitbear’s skin. The Grammy-winning singer/songwriter beamed on the photo and proudly held the tattooed arm close into the camera.

This evening back home in his flat, when John fell asleep in the empty bed after stalking White Pony Tattoo and Sherlock Holmes – which apparently was his real name - on the internet for hours, he did not dream of Afghanistan.

John dreamt of getting tattooed by Sherlock Holmes lying naked on a sunny mountain meadow while a large group of faceless but famous people watched and applauded. John had never been so happy before in his life.

+++++

I hope you like your cameos as famous people @solarmama-plantsareneat @calaisreno @peanitbear

tagging some people @totallysilvergirl @peageetibbs @lisbeth-kk  @raina-at

[jfklabs]

Bae

A peine entrés dans le hangar, on s'est assis pour se ravitailler avant d'aller au son. Un para d'md pris une heure avant ne suffirait pas alors on se partagea un excsta.

On slaloma entre les junkies. Reno me devançait de quelques pas quand j'ai croisé Mathieu. Je me suis arrêté blablater. Quand je me rapprochai de la fosse, je ne trouvai pas Reno dans la foule et je restai par là à kiffer devant le dj set.

Plus tard après avoir goûté un truc un peu hard, je sentis mon estomac craqué. Je me dirigeai vers le stand de bouffe et demandai à Lola si je pouvais vomir dans sa poubelle. Il n'y avait pas de sac... Alors je me rendis vers les loges. On me laissa monter à l'étage. Je vomis tranquille et un mec m'apporta un verre d'eau. Je me calai dans un canap' avec une des membres du staff pour siester vite fait au milieu de la soirée.

Une bonne heure plus tard, Reno grâce à l'aide de Lola me retrouva. J'étais encore en vrac mais j'entendais leur conversation. Elle lui proposa de retourner danser. Ce à quoi, il lui repondit : "Mais non, j'peux pas le laisser là, je le ramène, c'est trop mon bae ce mec".

[keijay-blog]

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Buttery Radish Baguette

My dad and brother are crazy for radishes, and this peppery baguette appetizer is a big-time favorite. Add a sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley on top. —Kathy Hewitt, Cranston, Rhode Island

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Spicy Crab Salad Tapas

I served these at a party and everyone went wild! These delicious morsels have a crispy flaky outside filled with creamy sweet crab that has a little kick. I used scalloped edge cookie cutters to cut my pastry, but you can use a small biscuit cutter. —Vanessa Mason, Summerdale, Alabama

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Simple Waldorf Salad

This is my go-to salad when I need a quick little something for a meal. Sometimes when I want a sweeter taste I use whipped cream instead of yogurt. —Wendy Masters, East Garafraxa, Ontario

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Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs with Dill

My family is of Danish heritage, and my husband makes our smoked salmon. To use it, I came up with these dilly deviled eggs. They’re a real treat and nice addition to any meal. —Charlotte Giltner, Mesa, Arizona

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Cucumber Canapes

I always get requests for the recipe for these canapes whenever I serve them. They’re delicate finger sandwiches with a creamy herb spread and festive red and green garnishes. —Nadine Whittaker, South Plymouth, Massachusetts

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Layered Fresh Fruit Salad

People always pass on compliments when I take this salad to covered-dish suppers. It’s nice on a hot day…with a winter meal…or as a dessert! We live on a small farm where my garden gives me lots of possibilities for fresh food. —Page Alexander, Baldwin City, Kansas

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Oysters Rockefeller

My husband and I are oyster farmers, and this classic dish always delights our guests. It’s deliciously simple! —Beth Walton, Eastham, Massachusetts

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Herb-Roasted Olives & Tomatoes

Eat these roasted veggies with a crunchy baguette or a couple of cheeses. You can also double, or triple, the amounts and have leftovers to toss with spaghetti the next day. —Anndrea Bailey, Huntington Beach, California

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Rye Party Puffs

I can’t go anywhere without taking along my puffs. They’re pretty enough for a wedding reception yet hearty enough to snack on while the gang is watching football on television. A platterful of these will disappear even with a small group. —Kelly Williams, La Porte, Indiana

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Dilly Cheese Ball

The whole family devours this herby cheese spread—even my son, the chef. Serve it with your favorite crackers. —Jane Vince, London, Ontario

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Chicken Pot Stickers

Chicken and mushrooms make up the filling in these pot stickers, a traditional Chinese dumpling. Greasing the steamer rack makes it easier to remove them once they’re steamed. —Jacquelynne Stine, Las Vegas, Nevada

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Salmon Mousse Canapes

It’s so easy to top crunchy cucumber slices with a smooth and creamy salmon filling. Guests rave about the fun presentation, contrasting textures and refreshing flavor. —Barb Templin, Norwwood, Minnesota

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Spicy Shrimp & Crab Cocktail

I don’t usually like radishes, but I love them in this shrimp cocktail. Serve it straight up, with tortilla chips or on a bed of butter lettuce. A zippy Bloody Mary mix works just as well as spicy V8. —Heidi Knaak, Liberty, Missouri

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Meatballs with Cranberry Dipping Sauce

With their cranberry dipping sauce, these no-fuss appetizer meatballs make use of traditional Thanksgiving ingredients, so they’re ideal around the holiday or anytime you’re craving those favorite seasonal tastes.—Ann Baker, Texarkana, Texas

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Smoked Trout Pate

This tasty spread is easy to make in a food processor, and it’s a guaranteed winner at any party. The recipe is versatile, so feel free to substitute other favorite smoked fish.—Judy Walle, Toledo, Ohio

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Pancetta, Pear & Pecan Puffs

I was recently at a wedding reception where the menu was all small bites. Here’s my rendition of the pear pastries they served. They’re the perfect combo of savory and sweet. —Arlene Erlbach, Morton Grove, Illinois

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Three-Cheese Fondue

I got this easy recipe from my daughter, who lives in France. It’s become my go-to fondue, and I make it often for our family.—Betty A. Mangas, Toledo, Ohio

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Smoked Salmon Bites

Because smoked salmon is one of my favorite ingredients, it plays a big role here. Best of all, there’s no cooking involved. —Tom Faglon, Somerset, New Jersey

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Autumn Pepper Relish

This colorful pepper relish is a favorite with friends and family—everyone always asks for the recipe because it tastes great on just about everything. I like to serve it over cream cheese with crackers or a sliced French baguette. I also include a jar in gift baskets. —Barbara Pletzke, Herndon, Virginia

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Artichoke & Caper Cream Soup

I adore the flavors of oyster mushrooms, capers and artichokes. So after experimenting with several batches, I came up with this soup. Every year I’m asked to bring it to our office Christmas party.

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Roast Beef Finger Sandwiches

These simple sandwiches are ideal for a bridal shower, brunch or high tea, when the menu is a bit more substantial. The mustard adds a nice kick without being overly spicy. —Anndrea Bailey, Huntington Beach, California

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Pimiento Cheddar Spread

I was a theater major in college, and our director’s mother always made sure we were well fed. I was particularly fond of her pimento cheese sandwiches and tried making a similar spread for crackers. It tastes just as good as I remember! —Katrina Jameson, Brandon, Mississippi

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Crabbie Phyllo Cups

I always like a little extra chili sauce on top of these easy snacks. If you’re out of crab, try them with water-packed tuna. —Johnna Johnson, Scottsdale, Arizona

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Sesame-Beef Pot Stickers

I enjoy having these little dumplings as a late-night snack while I’m watching television. They also work well as a quick appetizer for parties. —Carolyn Turner, Reno, Nevada

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Mini Crab Cakes

Fresh crab is one of my all-time favorite foods so whenever I get the chance to cook with it I will often make this dish. It’s great for appetizers but you can make larger ones for a fantastic dinner with a simple salad. —Ellen Riley, Murfreesboro, Tennessee

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Garlic-Dill Deviled Eggs

In my family, Easter isn’t complete without deviled eggs. Fresh dill and garlic perk up the flavor of these irresistible appetizers you’ll want to eat on every occasion. —Kami Horch, Calais, Maine

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One-Bite Tamales

Clever little meatballs deliver the flavor and rich sauce of a traditional tamale in a bite-sized portion. They’re a delightfully different addition to a holiday spread. —Dolores Jaycox, Gretna, Louisiana

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Shrimp in Phyllo Cups

I almost didn’t make these appetizers for last year’s Christmas party because I was running out of time, but I knew they’d be a tasty hit. Simple to make, the cups have few ingredients and look beautiful on the plate—very gourmet! This turned out to be one of the night’s favorites, and they just flew off the plate. —Terri Edmunds, Naperville, Illinois

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Pressure Cooker Marinated Mushrooms

Here’s a terrific healthy addition to any buffet spread. Mushrooms and pearl onions seasoned with herbs, balsamic and red wine are terrific on their own or alongside a tenderloin roast. —Courtney Wilson, Fresno, California

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Sweet Pea Pesto Crostini

I made a healthier spin on my favorite celebrity chef’s recipe by using hearty vegetable broth and less cheese. To top crostini, use less broth for a paste-like pesto. For use on pasta, add more broth for a sauce-like consistency. —Amber Massey, Argyle, Texas

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Creamy Red Pepper Veggie Dip

I got this recipe from a college roommate. Thick and creamy with just a touch of sweetness, this colorful dip is a winner served with chunky veggies. —Lynne German, Woodland Hills, California

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Florentine Almond Artichoke Mounds

I always enjoyed traditional artichoke cheese dip, and for a drinks and appetizer party, wanted to create a new appetizer that was a spin on that. This original creation is a bit reminiscent of the dip recipe, and works well on a buffet. —Sherry Johnston, Green Cove Springs, Florida

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Calamari Salad

This is one of the seven fish dishes we serve at Christmas time. It is easy to make and quite delicious! I enjoy it served both warm and cold. Either way, it has become one of our traditional dishes each year. The recipe has been passed down to me through my grandparents, who were excellent cooks. —Paul Rinaldi, Easton, Pennsylvania

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Pina Colada Dip

If you like pina coladas, you’ve gotta try this fluffy fruit dip. Scooped up with a slice of fresh pineapple, it tastes just like the beloved beachside drink. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

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Slow Cooker Marinated Mushrooms

Here’s a terrific healthy addition to any buffet spread. Mushrooms and pearl onions seasoned with herbs, balsamic and red wine are terrific on their own or alongside a tenderloin roast. —Courtney Wilson, Fresno, California

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Shrimp Cakes with Spicy Aioli Sauce

I made these for our staff Christmas party last year; they were such a hit that I was flooded with requests for the recipe the next day. Throughout the year, whenever I needed favors done at school, people gladly helped as long as I promised to bring them shrimp cakes! This year’s Christmas party is coming up, and I’m already being asked if I am bringing the shrimp cakes—I guess I am! —Linda Zilar, Kennewick, Washington

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Italian Steak Bruschetta

This recipe combines my favorite things to eat: toast, steak, bruschetta topping and delicious pancetta. It’s looks so pretty on the plate! This five-ingredient appetizer is easy to prepare but will have everyone thinking you spent a long time in the kitchen. —Devon Delaney, Westport, Connecticut

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Chinese Meatballs

These were a huge hit at a cookout I attended recently! You can use two tablespoons of chopped crystallized ginger in place of the fresh ginger if you like. —Pat Barnes, Panama City, Florida

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Smoked Salmon Deviled Eggs

Flaky salmon and creamy sauce go so well over hard-boiled eggs. Drizzle the sauce or serve it on the side; it’s great either way. —Marinela Dragan, Portland, Oregon

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Chutney-Topped Cream Cheese Spread

I’ve had the pleasure of introducing many of my friends and family to chutney, that sweet and savory fruit sauce. Make the spread even faster by using chive-flavored whipped cream cheese. —Michelle Torkelson, Ham Lake, Minnesota

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Creamy Chicken Vol-au-Vent

My friends and I have been getting together for “ladies lunches” for years. These vol-au-vents are the perfect no-fuss fancy food; they look complicated, but are actually simple and fun to make. Whenever I think of good friends and good company, I think of these savory pastries. —Shauna Havey, Roy, Utah

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Oyster Cheese Appetizer Log

When you say “holiday tradition” around our house, this appetizer comes to mind immediately. Every winter, I make lots of cheese logs and freeze them for when I’m expecting company or need to take food to someone’s home. The blend of smoked oysters, chili powder, nuts and cream cheese tastes good-even people who don’t like oysters may enjoy this interesting appetizer. —William Tracy, Jerseyville, Illinois

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Spiced Pickled Beets

With spicy, robust flavor, these pickled beets are so good, they’ll convert any naysayers! —Edna Hoffman, Hebron, Indiana

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Three-Cheese Souffles

No matter when I’ve made these soufflés, they have always been a success. Although I’ve never seen the centers start to fall, it’s best to plan on serving them hot from the oven. —Jean Ference, Sherwood Park, Alberta

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Shrimp & Cucumber Rounds

I always make these appetizers for our get-togethers. They’re easy to prepare and a snappy addition to any party. —Kelly Alaniz, Eureka, California

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Microwave Pickles

You can enjoy a small batch of these sweet crunchy pickles anytime without the work of traditional canning methods. They’re loaded with flavor and so easy to make. —Marie Wladyka, Land O’Lakes, Florida

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