#Cape Town street art | Explore Tumblr posts and blogs

mostlysignssomeportents · 2 years ago

Text

All the books I reviewed in 2023 (Graphic Novels)

Next Tuesday (December 5), I'm at Flyleaf Books in Chapel Hill, NC, with my new solarpunk novel The Lost Cause, which 350.org's Bill McKibben called "The first great YIMBY novel: perceptive, scientifically sound, and extraordinarily hopeful."

It's that time of year again, when I round up all the books I reviewed for my newsletter in the previous year. I posted 21 reviews last year, covering 31 books (there are two series in there!). I also published three books of my own last year (two novels and one nonfiction). A busy year in books!

Every year, these roundups remind me that I did actually manager to get a lot of reading done, even if the list of extremely good books that I didn't read is much longer than the list of books I did read. I read many of these books while doing physiotherapy for my chronic pain, specifically as audiobooks I listened to on my underwater MP3 player while doing my daily laps at the public pool across the street from my house.

After many years of using generic Chinese waterproof MP3s players – whose quality steadily declined over a decade – I gave up and bought a brand-name player, a Shokz Openswim. So far, I have no complaints. Thanks to reader Abbas Halai for recommending this!

https://shokz.com/products/openswim

I load up this gadget with audiobook MP3s bought from Libro.fm, a fantastic, DRM-free alternative to Audible, which is both a monopolist and a prolific wage-thief with a documented history of stealing from writers:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/07/25/can-you-hear-me-now/#acx-ripoff

All right, enough with the process notes, on to the reviews!

GRAPHIC NOVELS

I. Shubiek Lubiek by Deena Mohamed

An intricate alternate history in which wishes are real, and must be refined from a kind of raw wish-stuff that has to be dug out of the earth. Naturally, this has been an important element of geopolitics and colonization, especially since the wish-stuff is concentrated in the global south, particularly Egypt, the setting for our tale. The framing device for the trilogy is the tale of three "first class" wishes: these are the most powerful wishes that civilians are allowed to use, the kind of thing you might use to cure cancer or reverse a crop-failure.

https://pluralistic.net/2023/01/11/your-wish/#is-my-command

II. Ducks by Kate Beaton

In 2005, Beaton was a newly minted art-school grad facing a crushing load of student debt, a debt she would never be able to manage in the crumbling, post-boom economy of Cape Breton, Nova Scotia. Like so many Maritimers, she left the home that meant everything for her to travel to Alberta, where the tar sands oil boom promised unmatched riches for anyone willing to take them. Beaton's memoir describes the following four years, as she works her way into a series of oil industry jobs in isolated company towns where men outnumber women 50:1 and where whole communities marinate in a literally toxic brew of carcinogens, misogyny, economic desperation and environmental degradation. The story that follows is – naturally – wrenching, but it is also subtle and ambivalent. Beaton finds camaraderie with – and empathy for – the people she works alongside, even amidst unimaginable, grinding workplace harassment that manifests in both obvious and glancing ways.

https://pluralistic.net/2023/01/14/hark-an-oilpatch/#kate-beaton

III. Justice Warriors by Matt Bors

Justice Warriors is what you'd get if you put Judge Dredd in a blender with Transmetropolitan and set it to chunky. The setup: the elites of a wasted, tormented world have retreated into Bubble City, beneath a hermetically sealed zone. Within Bubble City, everything is run according to the priorities of the descendants of the most internet-poisoned freaks of the modern internet, click- and clout-chasing mushminds full of corporate-washed platitudes about self-care, diversity and equity, wrapped around come-ons for sugary drinks and dubious dropshipper crapola. It's a cop buddy-story dreamed up by Very Online, very angry creators who live in a present-day world where reality is consistently stupider than satire.

https://pluralistic.net/2023/05/22/libras-assemble/#the-uz

IV. Roaming by Jillian Tamaki and Mariko Tamaki

The story of three young Canadian women meeting up for a getaway to New York City. Zoe and Dani are high-school best friends who haven't seen each other since they graduated and decamped for universities in different cities. Fiona is Dani's art-school classmate, a glamorous and cantankerous artist with an affected air of sophistication. It's a dizzying, beautifully wrought three-body problem as the three protagonists struggle with resentments and love, sex and insecurity. The relationships between Zoe, Dani and Fiona careen wildly from scene to scene and even panel to panel, propelled by sly graphic cues and fantastically understated dialog.

https://pluralistic.net/2023/09/11/as-canadian-as/#possible-under-the-circumstances

Like I said, this has been a good year in books for me, and it included three books of my own:

I. Red Team Blues (novel, Tor Books US, Head of Zeus UK)

Martin Hench is 67 years old, single, and successful in a career stretching back to the beginnings of Silicon Valley. He lives and roams California in a very comfortable fully-furnished touring bus, The Unsalted Hash, that he bought years ago from a fading rock star. He knows his way around good food and fine drink. He likes intelligent women, and they like him back often enough. Martin is a—contain your excitement—self-employed forensic accountant, a veteran of the long guerilla war between people who want to hide money, and people who want to find it. He knows computer hardware and software alike, including the ins and outs of high-end databases and the kinds of spreadsheets that are designed to conceal rather than reveal. He’s as comfortable with social media as people a quarter his age, and he’s a world-level expert on the kind of international money-laundering and shell-company chicanery used by Fortune 500 companies, mid-divorce billionaires, and international drug gangs alike. He also knows the Valley like the back of his hand, all the secret histories of charismatic company founders and Sand Hill Road VCs. Because he was there at all the beginnings. Now he’s been roped into a job that’s more dangerous than anything he’s ever agreed to before—and it will take every ounce of his skill to get out alive.

https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250865847/red-team-blues

II. The Internet Con: How to Seize the Means of Computation (nonfiction, Verso)

We can – we must – dismantle the tech platforms. We must to seize the means of computation by forcing Silicon Valley to do the thing it fears most: interoperate. Interoperability will tear down the walls between technologies, allowing users to leave platforms, remix their media, and reconfigure their devices without corporate permission. Interoperability is the only route to the rapid and enduring annihilation of the platforms. The Internet Con is the disassembly manual we need to take back our internet.

https://www.versobooks.com/products/3035-the-internet-con

III. The Lost Cause (novel, Tor Books US, Head of Zeus UK)

For young Americans a generation from now, climate change isn't controversial. It's just an overwhelming fact of life. And so are the great efforts to contain and mitigate it. Entire cities are being moved inland from the rising seas. Vast clean-energy projects are springing up everywhere. Disaster relief, the mitigation of floods and superstorms, has become a skill for which tens of millions of people are trained every year. The effort is global. It employs everyone who wants to work. Even when national politics oscillates back to right-wing leaders, the momentum is too great; these vast programs cannot be stopped in their tracks.

But there are still those Americans, mostly elderly, who cling to their red baseball caps, their grievances, their huge vehicles, their anger. To their "alternative" news sources that reassure them that their resentment is right and pure and that "climate change" is just a giant scam. And they're your grandfather, your uncle, your great-aunt. And they're not going anywhere. And they’re armed to the teeth. The Lost Cause asks: What do we do about people who cling to the belief that their own children are the enemy? When, in fact, they're often the elders that we love?

https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250865939/the-lost-cause

I wrote nine books during lockdown, and there's plenty more to come. The next one is The Bezzle, a followup to Red Team Blues, which comes out in February:

https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250865878/thebezzle

While you're waiting for that one, I hope the reviews above will help you connect with some excellent books. If you want more of my reviews, here's my annual roundup from 2022:

https://pluralistic.net/2022/12/01/bookishness/#2022-in-review

Here's my book reviews from 2021:

https://pluralistic.net/2021/12/08/required-ish-reading/#bibliography

And here's my book reviews from 2020:

https://pluralistic.net/2020/12/08/required-reading/#recommended-reading

It's EFF's Power Up Your Donation Week: this week, donations to the Electronic Frontier Foundation are matched 1:1, meaning your money goes twice as far. I've worked with EFF for 22 years now and I have always been - and remain - a major donor, because I've seen firsthand how effective, responsible and brilliant this organization is. Please join me in helping EFF continue its work!

If you'd like an essay-formatted version of this post to read or share, here's a link to it on pluralistic.net, my surveillance-free, ad-free, tracker-free blog:

https://pluralistic.net/2023/12/01/bookmaker/#2023-in-review

#pluralistic #books #reviews #science fiction #gift guide #graphic novels #2023 in review #novels

58 notes · View notes

slytherhys · 2 years ago

Text

Noctis Florere

Vampire AU - An Elriel Short Story

AN: Happy Halloween! 🎃

AO3

Chapter One: Bad Omens

In a village like Velaris, where the winters were deadly, and the nights deadlier still, there was no such thing as being too cautious.

Every afternoon, as the streets went from gold to cobalt, the echoes of locks clicking into place could be heard ringing through the village – such a definite sound, legend says, that it could too be heard across the Illyrian Mountains. As soon as the sun set, there was no window left open, no door left unlocked. To keep the cold away, of course, but something else as well.

As it was, everyone in the kingdom of Prythian knew just how strange Velaris was – they heard the tales of people going missing under mysterious circumstances, of houses that seemed to move during the night. They heard whispers of how no animal seemed to ever cross the village's borders, other than the occasional bat or two. It was why no visitor ever lingered for too long, why their carriages seemed to pick up speed as soon as the rusty brass sign announced the name of the town (Velaris, city of starlight). Why their gazes turned unfocused, their horses restless, no one really knew - some said it was fear, some said it was something older than fear itself. It was why no one ever moved to Velaris – you were simply born here, and then you never left.

That is until, merely 6 years ago, the Archeron sisters came. Their carriage – an old wooden coach that seemed a few miles away from collapsing on itself, pulled by a stubborn, stocky horse they tenderly called father– stopped in front of a small cottage just shy of the city limits.

Their arrival had been odd enough to raise some eyebrows, but that they had arrived just as the sun fled from the sky, clear-faced and a spring in their steps, had driven even the more sceptical into lightening three extra candles.

That night, not even the bravest dared look outside their windows. Nothing good ever graces the streets of Velaris at sundown, they would say, and so they ignored the wind that seemed just a bit more incessant against their windows, the noises that went beyond the arrival of three young girls. They simply turned off their lights, muttered three quick prayers to the Mother and rushed the youngest children to bed.

There was simply no need to show bad luck a curious eye. Not when it could stare back.

That the youngest Archeron sister – a pretty little thing with stars in her eyes and a talent for the arts – disappeared no longer than a fortnight later didn't come as a surprise. The people knew what had lurked in the shadows as the young girls made Velaris their new home. They knew it was just a matter of time until one of them would be taken away, gone as if she never were in the first place. She hadn't made a sound - not a scream, not a gasp - but everyone knew exactly who had gotten to her.

The older sister, however, ignored such tales. Only a few days later - the amount of time it had taken her to gather enough supplies to face the cold of the mountains - Nesta Archeron left home, a too-large wool cape around her shoulders, a too-heavy burlap sack on her back, and a determined look on her beautiful face. A quiet conversation had taken place between her and sister, Elain Archeron, which had ended in a hushed goodbye and a resentful agreement. What they had discussed had stayed between them and that cursed horse that always seemed to be paying entirely too much attention.

Don’t know how that girl thinks she’ll survive, the villagers had said as they watched her leave, bitter words hidden beneath soft voices, not when they crawl the streets at night. Elain Archeron had heard their whispers, but she hadn't need to ask who they were. She knew - just as everybody knew - exactly what lived in the mountains.

The Wicked - the only name the Velarians ever allowed themselves to utter when talking about the terrible creatures that lived in the Mountains of Illyrian– the very same creatures they claimed had stolen Feyre Archeron, the ones they believed would take Nesta Archeron as well. With their keen sight and their sharp fangs, there was little that could defeat an Illyrian - they were honed by centuries of survival, predators in the purest form. And as the weeks went by and no one word ever came about the sisters' whereabouts, the villagers grew sure of what it meant, even if Elain Archeron refused to accept it.

Still, no matter how cursed – how marked – the sisters seemed to be, what with their night travels and their eerie disappearances, nothing so stop the people of Velaris from asking Elain Archeron to tend their gardens.

The more cynical ones would say it was pity – the poor thing had lost both her sisters in a matter of days (something Elain still refuted ardently, that pitiful child) and all she had left was a rude horse and a small cottage to tend to. But the wisest ones - the people that were too smart to shrug it all off as superstitions - knew talent when they saw it, and there was no one more talented that Elain Archeron at keeping the Illyrian bastards away from their homes.

They hadn’t questioned how she knew, how she had learned such things, but it mattered little when, in just a matter of months, every single house in Velaris was surrounded by rosemary, thyme and just enough bushes of lavender. Purples and greens and pinks covered every garden in a lush display that ought to mock the vampires lurking in the shadows - and mock they did, for their wings weren't heard as often, for curses and hisses could be heard during the night, as if they kept trying to cross into places they weren't welcome in. Their fragrances, the people gathered, seemed to keep those damned fangs away from their backyards.

And so, Elain Archeron – sisterless, innocent, as lovely as she was lonely – became revered in the village of Velaris. Ivy seemed to grow in every corner, the sickeningly sweet smell of the flowers tainting even the foulest booths of the market. No one left their homes after dark – no one was stupid enough to - but now they seemed to breathe a little easier. To sleep a little more deeply.

Such was the relief, the glee, that no one ever remembered to ask why, exactly, the Archeron cottage seemed so different from all the others - instead of rosemary, there were evening primroses, blooming only from sundown to sunrise. Instead of thyme, thistles, their prickles as sharp as teeth. And instead of lavender - sweet, innocent lavender - poppies, as scarlet as fresh blood. You need only to open an ancient tome on Botany to find out exactly what they did - who they summoned.

Which explained why, when the people of Velaris seemed to finally lay down to sleep, the door of the Archeron cottage would open and Elain would emerge - ever so lovely - her hands bare, her smile innocent, her voice as sweet as dew as she hummed an old tune about lost souls and tended to her little garden. And she smiled even as the thistles bit into her skin, and she hummed even as the air behind her seemed to stir.

Yes, Elain was well respected for knowing how to keep the beasts that haunted the streets of Velaris far away, but had they ever wondered if maybe - just maybe - she knew exactly how to call to them as well?

Elain raised her head slightly when she felt the air around her go still, a curious tilt to her head as she felt a presence behind her. Still, she remained silent, the blood slowly dripping down her fingers, waiting for him to talk first.

And he did. He always did.

"Miss Archeron," A deep voice rumbled, dark as midnight and just as promising. Elain still didn't dare move. "I believe you called for me?"

#pro elriel #elriel #elain archeron #elain x azriel #azriel #azriel shadowsinger #acotar #halloween fic #elriel fanfic #elriel fic #my writing

54 notes · View notes

scotianostra · 10 months ago

Text

17th August 1871 saw the death in London of the Scottish landscape painter Patrick Naysmith.

Patrick was the eldest son of the more well known Alexander Naysmith, known as ‘the father of landscape painting in Scotland’. Patrick was named after his father’s friend Patrick Miller of Dalswinton. He was taught the rudiments of drawing and painting by his father before moving to London in 1807. He suffered from poor health and an accident to his right hand when he was young meant that he had to learn to draw left-handed.

He studied under his father, and travelled to London in 1807. Nasmyth was a landscape painter and although his subject matter was usually found in the countryside around London, his style was modelled on the Dutch seventeenth century artists, especially Meindert Hobbema, he was wrongly given the nickname “the English Hobbema, having said that from what I can gather he spent most of his life down south.

His landscapes are described as “pleasing and conventional” and achieved considerable success in their day, I’m not an expert, but enjoy some art, to me his work seemed boring and all the sameish, unlike others Scottish artist like Allan Ramsay Jnr, David Roberts or, in my opinion, the best of them all Henry Raeburn.

Naysmith exhibited at the Royal Academy, Suffolk Street and the British Institute and was one of the founder members of the Royal Society of British Artists. Many of his brothers and sisters were also painters, which led to much confusion about the family and their work he was one of eleven children, of whom Patrick was the eldest. Of the other ten Jane (b.1788), Anne (b.1798) and Charlotte (b.1804) were all landscape painters.

His studio sale was held at Christie’s 18th June 1831. Titles exhibited at the Royal Academy include “View of Windsor Castle”, “A View in the New Forest” and “A Windmill on the River Don, Yorkshire”. His works can be found in museums in: Cape Town; Edinburgh; Glasgow; Hamburg; Liverpool; London, National Gallery, Victoria and Albert Museum; Montreal; New York and Sheffield.

Pics are of the artist, Valley of the Tweed and Edinburgh from Craigleith

You can find a more detailed bio and more pics on him here http://www.thefamousartists.com/patrick-nasmyth

#scotland #scottish #history #painter #artist

10 notes · View notes

annabelle-creart · 28 days ago

Text

Paint the town the color of hope

Summary: Last time Jinx thought of her home was when sneaking inside a flying boat, not knowing what would she'll do next but sure no damage will be made by her hand again. Last time Aarrrgh thought of home was when seeing an angry soldier making itself powerful with children just before getting on the train with sun getting up

There's nothing funny about destiny, it is not a gift but neither a curse, it is just the excuse of the mighthy and the mistakes of the young combined

And at the end of the day, destiny is not purpouse but choices, the choice to escape or the choice to stay

CW: mentions of death and killing

Main Characters: Jinx (Arcane), Aarrrgh (Trollhunters)

Type of fic: One-shot

------

"Swift winds! Next stop, swift winds!" Jinx heard from the horn, finally! She had been stuck in that tiny room for what felt for ages! Running and hiding in any ship she finds without money was the worst mistake she had made, including the weapons and the deaths. In a couple of minutes the globe will be on ground, she just hoped sickness wouldn't hit her the moment the steps on a finally stabilized floor

Talking about Jinx... she didn't like that name anymore, it reminded her of the old times, of a place she wasn't sure to call home anymore, of a family she didn't know if to call family anymore, and of all the shitty things she had done, of all the sour memories that made her head hurt

But those are other things! This place was named so so weird nobody would find her even if she wanted to, hopefully, everyone thought Jinx was dead, just like Powder

She made herself one with the people and made herself smaller in her extra big jacket and hiding her hair in the hood. She didn't had anything to hide, so the guardian dogs let her pass by and at the sake of security check, she walked to a dark alley and climbed the verandas of a house, the rest of her travel was in the roofs of the houses like the first and last time Violet let her go in a robbing with her... she wouldn't forget the good and the bad times, right?

Some houses later, she climbed down another verandas and was again on the ground

And to admit it, everything in this place seemed nice. The streets weren't clean but the people just passed by with no worry, some other tried to sell things to the recently came tourists and the ground was made of rocks, the pattern of the rocks imitated a big painting on the floor, she even felt kind of ashamed for literally stepping on a work of art. The houses were colorful and simple, only two floors and some verandas had beautiful flowers that fell like waterfalls

"Nice place" she told to herself, but she couldn't stay long, no money and sun was about to set, streets in any place can and will be dangerous. She started to walk, to where? Who knows

...

"Officially, we're on Swift winds!" Aarrrgh heard the other's conversation despite how loud the train was, and damn it was loud, his ears hurted, same his eyes and his head, he was tired of being stuck in such a tiny place, but didn't had other option, the train was the only secure one, as much as the sun wasn't up

When the train stopped and everyone finally walked to the exit doors, he made himself as tiny as could and protected from the bits of daylight with an old cape that was actually pieces of leather and cloth he found on the way and parts of dented armor under it, unfortunately for his safety, he was way too big for everyone, no matter how tiny he wanted to be, he was easily recognizable, the only thing that saved him was that he wasn't the only troll getting out of the train.

When he noticed the station had soldiers in most of the exits, he scanned other doors and ways out, but the place was completely closed from exterior, his only way out was the main door. He walked like if he was just a normal being, just like the rest would, hiding how disturbed he was of the noise striking on his ears and the feeling of enclosement

One of the dogs started to bark in direction to Aarrrgh

"Hey, you!" He heard one of the guards call, but it was a long way, a long travel and Aarrrgh's nerves were on the edge of collapse, his escape was still recent, what is the dog recognized something? "excuse me, are you-?"

When Aarrrgh felt the nose of the guardian dog on his leg, he jumped back nervous, crashing with other guards and people

"Wow! Hey, big guy!" Another guard called his attention, humans, dogs and a vastayan, he didn't like the environment now. The common folk got away from the situation while the guards kept on place, one of the dogs started to bark with no mercy which disturbed even more the troll

Aarrrgh stood paralized in shock when, finally, the only light that could be saw at the nearest exit was the one of the lamps, and having no real reason to share in case of detention, he evaded the guards and started to run in a hurry in that direction, with a bit of trouble because of people but managed to get quickly out of the station, despite his big height and build

Aarrrgh ran away, not looking behind despite the guards probably stopped searched him, with no idea to where he was going but with no intentions of going back, the city was way to noisy for him and the strong smells everywhere overwhelmed him, the streets were too tiny for him and he sensed the people was looking, but every alley he turned, there were people everywhere, despite sun already set, the buzz of the lamps didn't helped. It was like if there wasn't any place to hide-

"AUCH!" When Aarrrgh turned around in another alley, he crashed against a human, a girl maybe, he thought it for the voice but used a big jacket that covered her completely, except her white face and blue hair "what's your problem?!" The girl smelled of smoke and paint, but also a hint of shimmer, Aarrrgh never expected smelling that thing again "dude? Are you okay? Don't look at me like if I'm a ghost, I'm not dead yet" she wasn't dangerous, despite she sounded mad, and didn't had anything with her, except the big jacket, just like him "what? There's something on my face?"

Knowing this conversation wouldn't go to any place, and this wasn't even a conversation, Aarrrgh changed direction and walked away, now walking instead of running, his nerves were still on the edge but at least that little distraction made him actually think or what to do instead of running like a scared animal

On the other hand, the girl just made like if nothing, ignored the guy and went in opposite directions- what was that?

Jinx stood in shock when, by pure curiosity looked behind in the guys direction and near him, saw a stand with a suspicious someone seeling to another person little tubes with a recognizable neon pink color

Aarrrgh recognized the smell, this time more concentrated the moment he passed by the stand, the person there looked strange, really strange, and his accent wasn't the same of the guards from before

"Hey! Are you interested?" The owner of the stand noticed Aarrrgh's presence when his client went. That smell probably was stuck on his mind of a way not even blood did, but his priority was to forget. He ignored the stand and continued his way

"I'm a bit interested, actually" Jinx took Aarrrgh's place and rested her elbow on the stand "from where are these?"

"From the best and last Piltover's launch" Jinx recognized that accent, but it wasn't from Piltover

"Didn't you want to say... Zaun?"

Even if he didn't wanted, Aarrrgh's ears were the best of his kind, when he heard the girl, something in his mind made a weird click. It wasn't a secret most of shimmer came from Piltover, but he also heard somewhere the shimmer was protected in the ships by a crazy, blue haired girl, and they knew because she was hidden there, protecting the globes and only appearing when it reached its destiny, but the ones who tried to stop the globes never made it out

Why was this girl with a similar description being so interested on a shimmer stand?

"Zaun? Of course no! What kind of place is that?" The owner laughed at her like if she was stupid "this is just the best quality!"

"When it was made?" She asked, this time seriously

"Last week"

"Really?" Aarrrgh wanted to ignore this and continue with his way but he was worried what was this... flesh-bag doing "Piltover is under re-building, and Zaun doesn't produce shimmer anymore since last month"

Piltover isn't the only producer?

When the owner noticed this girl knew too much, they started to run in a hurry, but like if something possesed the girl, she grabed them by their hair and crashed their head against the table of the stand, of course atracting unwanted gazes

"From where is it?"

"Who are you?!"

"Amateur. From where is it?!"

"Fuck you- AY AY AY AY-" the owner yelled when the girl started to twist their arm "UNDER THE SUBWAY!" She throwed the owner to the ground, when she noticed everyone was looking at her

"What? Did you lost something?" She yelled at the people who looked at her and... "where is the subway?"

"Down the hill" the owner replied with their hands on their nose

"Thank youuu" she replied in a funny voice and went on her way, coincidentially, on Aarrrgh's way "hey, are you going this way?"

"No" Aarrrgh replied but continued on the same path

"Ha! You talk!" She laughed surprised "what's your name?"

"Not your problem"

"Not of lots of words, eh?"

Aarrrgh didn't answer

"Okay... well. I'm going on my way to do weird stuff, wanna go with me?"

"No"

She made a bored face, then made herself dumb and went on her way

The street that led to the subway went down, where the ilumination was less or even unexistent and one way only and separated with a grid from a tall, good fall, Aarrrgh wanted a place to hide, and the farest from the people, the easy to hide, but the girl went on the same way, until she noticed another garbage can

She opened the can to see if there was anything valuable, but her face went upside down

"Ahg, just food garbage" she closed the can and continued her way, which took the troll by surprise "on purpouse, big guy, what are you exactly?"

"Not your problem"

"Damn, you're like a big rock, you know? There!" She exclaimed when she noticed that a near there was actual metal... nothing she could use, actually, just broken and melted metal "meh" she left it there, Aarrrgh gave it a quick inspection and gave it a good bite "WO! CAN YOU DO THAT?!" She was really, really confused about what did just happened

"Aren't trolls in Piltover?" Aarrrgh asked with an apathy and boredom that even deserved a prize if those existed

"No? What's that?"

Aarrrgh rolled his eyes and continued walking with metal on hand, by Odin he was getting tired of this girl

Minutes later of trash talk and the girl looking from garbage can to garbage pile and Aarrrgh getting as much metal as could to eat, and damn he was hungry

But a strange sound distracted him, something like wings? Down here?

"This place is creepy as fuck, eh-?" She accidentaly stepped where she shouldn't, Aarrrgh knew that

In at least one second, Aarrrgh grabbed the girl by the jacket, evading her being struck by an arrow

"What the-?!" She, surprised, and in mid air, got her arms up so she could fall from the jacket, revealing... Odin

Aarrrgh had seen many types of flesh-bags, but this? This wasn't a flesh bag, this was a bones bag, she was tiny like any female human but looked like a ghost, only covered in bandages, old paint and blue tattoes, but Aarrrgh didn't knew what it was, and her hair was only a weird shaped fringe and short hair, barely passing the neck, and part of her back looked reddish

She walked to where the arrow went but it flied too far

"Dammit... thanks for that, big guy" she was still in shock for what just happened, but stepped back, her eyes had big bags under that actually scared him, but what scared him the most was when her eyes glowed and her hand took her waist.

BANG!

Aarrrgh got out of the way by pure instinct and fast as a fly, leaving the girl's jacket behind, the last thing he sensed was the odor of smoke and gunpowder

She blow out her gun and waited, when a weird kind of big reptile bird fell from a hidden spot on the rock, she had heard of it, wild stalkings if she wasn't bad "I'm still good at this-"

"WHAT WAS THAT?!" Aarrrgh growled at her, too close to her to notice the terrible height difference and perfectly scaring her off, his eyes compared to before glowed on green, just as part of his body under the cape, and she finally noticed how big his teeth were, and he was... scared too. She knew perfectly that kind of angryness, the one made from the ugly feeling of panic and apathy. Maybe shooting without any warning was a big mistake...

"There was a stalking on the wall... sorry for not telling you" she excused, to say sorry wasn't common on her, but he deserved it

Aarrrgh still wasn't happy of it... but what else could he do, and a wild stalking is something to fear. He sighed and stepped back

"I didn't knew you could glow in the dark, is that normal?"

"Yes" Aarrrgh went to look at the dead body, as she took her jacket from the floor and put again on it. The stalking was already made stone, indeed, it was dead

"What an ugly thing"

"I didn't knew stalkings live here"

"Neither I..."

"...what are you doing here?" Aarrrgh asked, now curious and suspicious about the girls true nature

"I'm escaping"

"From?"

"Everything... I'm a jinx and a disaster, and everyone I love gets killed by my hand at some point. What about you?" She looked back at the troll, and holy shit, she didn't like his gaze either, not because he was scared, but because that was the gaze of someone who knew that feeling

"I'm tired of killing"

Silence fell on both as they didn't knew what to say next, yet, the feeling was mutual, to see the stalking down there by their own hands, just like the old times…

“I hate myself sometimes” she commented with bitterness “I talk that I want to ran away from everything and yet I’m again on the same damn hole of always- what am I doing by searching that shimmer fabric now?” Her voice broke a bit with angry essence “I’ll go there, I’ll kill the people who make it for doing it and then what?!” She throw her arms to the air in frustration “what am I doing?” For a moment she could hear all the voices that told her in the past how fucked up she was, all she did wrong and all her mistakes repeat again and again and again-

“You’re…” Aarrrgh distracted her from that vision “you’re doing what you were raised to do” Aarrrgh’s eyes were normal again, not black and neon green but the normal green, even if the rest of his body was still glowing, and he meant it with that look that he was sorry

“Why do you say that?”

“Your instinct” he replied “no common flesh-bag reacts like that, not with guns. You said you killed but want to ran from it. You were made to kill. Don’t be hard on yourself, is not your fault”

Despite she genuinely believed Aarrrgh wasn’t right, she never thought on the fact that actually, she was made and raised to kill. She loved Silco, but the troll was right, he raised her to be a weapon, he made her apathetic and easy for her to kill, and it was so easy, she loved him, but he raised a monster too…

“Will I ever change that? Change my nature? My destiny?”

“Destiny is crap” Aarrrgh replied sourish to that

“What?”

“Destiny is nothing but choices… I learned it on ugly way”

“How ugly?”

Aarrrgh didn’t replied quickly, didn’t even wanted to reply. But for some reason he wanted to get that terrible feeling out of his living stone “I decided not to kill, and someone else did for me.” The girl’s eyes opened whole at that answer “People would from me and screamed, all since I was whelp. I was made to be a killer”

She really feared that, and feared a lot, she fears that part of him, but also still fears that part of herself, and for some reason, to have someone that actually understands that pain made her feel… nice, not someone who made her avoid her pain like Isha, not someone who wanted her forget that pain like Sevika, not someone who wanted her to use that pain like Silco, not someone who wanted her to make like if anything happened like Violet did once. She had someone at her side who knew what does that feel, that understands it and she fears that, but deeply inside, she’s happy she’s not alone on the feeling, that she’s not the only one in the world that feels like a disaster, like… a jinx

“I’m so sorry for all of that” she told to Aarrrgh, soft, calm, and when Aarrrgh looked at he properly, he saw she wasn’t afraid anymore. For Aarrrgh it was like a dream and a nightmare at the same time, how was that possible? He was indeed raised to kill, to be fearsome, to make people ran away from him at the mere sight and yet she was there, sharing their feelings and letting himself being vulnerable with a human…? And yet it felt nice, he knew he was making a mistake, but, it felt okay to have someone at his side that saw him like someone, not like a tool like Gunmar, not like dead weight like his “team”, not like a wild beast like humans did. Just someone who shared struggles, and actually, deep inside on his living stone, Aarrrgh of not being alone

“You know?” She started the conversation again “I had three fathers and a mother through all my life” she was supposed to say something interesting but that fact took Aarrrgh by pure surprise and confused him in the moment “my first dad told me that he would always be with me, and died with my mom while fighting for freedom, my second dad told me to always be kind to others, and kindness killed him, actually, I did too but he was in that place because of kindness” that definitely let Aarrrgh even more confused, and probably a bit scared of her ways and wondering if everything was real or she was cutting some parts “and my third dad told me that I was perfect the way I am…” that sounded normal “after making me a killing machine and just after shooting him” now Aarrrgh was getting scared of her “but my mom, I remember she told me once that I am still young, I still have lots of things to live, but told me that if I respected death, life would respect me, that it was something normal and irreplaceable just like time and my only duty as a living being is to enjoy life and respect death, so the cycle would continue, and I’ll became one with earth and air… I want to stay with that phrase” she started looking around “do you think there’s any shovel here?”

“What will you do?”

“Respecting death… I wanna make a tomb for the guy, wanna help me?”

Aarrrgh was kind of unsure about all the weird story, but he understood the point, so, he started digging with his own hands, which fortunately were big enough

“Thanks, big guy”

The girl started to look around for anything to decorate while Aarrrgh dig the hole, she found some fungi and took it, they were like the ones that glowed in the mines Silco and Vander used to work, so she put some on her mouth and used the others to mold something that she didn’t even understood what it was, but it was supposed to be the dead stalking

Both put with care the dead, made stone stalking on the hole and carefully put the dirt back, when finished, she put the stalking figure made of glowing fungi, and also offered some to Aarrrgh, which he tasted, and it wasn’t that bad, actually, nor the little ceremony they did

“Stalking, am… I’m sorry for shooting you… rest in peace, I hope” it was awkward, but she needed to say that

“Am… I’m sorry for not stopping her, I guess” Aarrrgh doubted, but also needed to say something after her interaction

“Thanks”

“No worries”

“…now that I noticed, you didn’t gave me your name”

“I, ah, don’t like it much”

“Why not?”

“It sounds like people screaming”

“Oh” she just said with a hint of surprise “I don’t like mine too… hey, I have an idea. You decide my new name and I’ll decide yours, eh?”

“Are you sure?”

“Yes!”

“Why don’t you like yours?”

“To resume it, that’s the name my third dad gave me after my sister called me like that for killing our second dad… but my birth name is Powder, I missed when I had that name, never called me that, tho, it would be weird”

“What about Night?” He offered, following the treatment

“Why?”

“Your hair blue like night before sun is up, and eyes shine like stars, and is night” he said with lots of meaning, but that didn’t stop her from laughing a bit at said logic

“I mean, is good, I just didn’t expected it!”

“You like it?”

“You can still change it if you want to, but I like it. Now yours! Is your birth name the same as your current name?”

“Something”

“Well, then, I’ll ignore it, what about… Mountain! Because you’re made of rock and are big”

Mountain… it was a weird name, but he liked it, it reminded him of Arghamount too. It was a nice name

Mountain smiled back at Night “I like it”

“In that case, Mountain and Night, Night and Mountain! Together for action!” Night gave Mountain a big smile as she offered her punch, Mountain didn’t knew what that meant “give me your hand” he doubted, but raised it anyways “close it” he did so, and then Night pushed Mountain’s hand with hers

And yes, it was nice to do that. Until someone started screaming

“HELP ME!”

It was a young voice, strange one too, and took both their attention. Night started walking through, trying to find the origin of the voice, turning around on an alley, they saw someone, maybe a young man, a teen, and was about to get robbed

“Nonononono, please” the teen begged to the robber, who didn’t gave a damn thing and threaten him with a knife, not before taking something from his hands and pushing him back

“Don’t make me ask two times!”

“Hey!” Night came out of the alley, despite Mountain tried to stop her “get that knife down and let him!”

“Make me” the robber didn’t move but was prepared for anything. For what the robber wasn’t prepared was for the ugly sight of a being that was double the size of the woman, and even his eyes and his body glowed of green, and to make it worse, the woman had a gun. The robber, scared, ran away as fast as could, leaving the three alone

“Are you okay?” Night got close to the teen and kneeled, putting her gun on her waist again, the teen looked for what the robber let fall before running away, and the fall broke it

“Yeh” the teen replied, still sad for about what happened to his artifact

“Is it broken?” Mountain asked softly

“Yes” the teen said

But it wasn’t the end yet “can I take a look?” Night recognized those pieces and those patterns, the teen gave it to her and from her bag on her waist took a multi-tool knife. She opened part of the carcass and looked inside “what’s your name?” She asked as she worked

“Ah- my name is Jim”

“Jim like Jimmy or just Jim”

“Just Jim, Jim Lake”

“How old are you? You look 11” Night mocked a bit of the kid

“I’m 13”

“Cute” Night closed the carcass and gave it back to Jim “try it” when Jim activated the toy on the ground, the music started playing and the little mechanic duckling started walking

“It works!” The little Jim celebrated and even hugged Night “thank you!” Night wasn’t sure if to reply the hug, for a moment she felt overwhelmed by the touch, but didn’t wanted to make the kid feel bad, finally he let her go “and thanks for defending me” he took the toy from the ground “how can I pay you?”

“1000 bucks and I don’t accept quotes” Night said, the kid for a moment was opened mouthed and kind of ashamed “I’m just kidding!” Night laughed at Jim as he sighed in relief “we’re good, kiddo”

“But, ah…” Mountain doubted if to ask or not, Night got her ear close to him and he murmured something to her

“Do you know any place we can stay the night?” Night asked

“And day” Mountain added. Jim thought for a moment

“I think I know. Come”

Jim lead them to an old, abandoned hangar, it was ugly, but it had a roof, no water from rain or sunlight from day would enter, and at least the walls were enough to not to let wind enter, yet, it was so dark Mountain illuminated the place

“I know is not much but is my only option for you”

“I actually don’t judge you kid, let it be” Night took a quick look at everything, mostly in case there was any plague or something

“Ah, thanks, Jim” Mountain told the kid with a bit of doubt, but despite Jim found himself kind of scared of how big Mountain was, he was more grateful of saving him

“No problem” then, Jim thought of something “ah, excuse me. You can fix anything, right?”

“Excuse me?” Night asked weirdly “I know of machines, but I don’t know if to fix”

“You fixed my toy, that’s a start. Please! Lots of people down here needs to get their things fixed”

Night looked at Mountain, but Mountain actually approved Jim’s proposal. Night thought of it carefully

And like Mountain told her, Destiny are choices, not a gift or a curse

***

The mid noon was accompanied of the ugly sound of wood against the table saw, which Mountain used to wake up Night, despite he told her to sleep on a proper schedule, she didn’t paid him attention and was most of the night working on fixing Jim’s sixteenth birthday’s gift, something that his friend, Toby, commissioned for them. Night walked from the beds to the main workshop, only to get a rubber ball, wait for Mountain to end cutting the piece of wood and throw the ball at him for waking her up

“Finally”

“What does that mean?!” Night yelled at her companion, but he just looked at her ignoring her tantrum and put his protection glasses, going again to his job “you’re a bad friend”

“I have to work too”

“Tsk” Night yelled and just walked away “wanna something?”

“Ice”

“On it” Night stretched a bit before looking at the fridge and not finding the glass baking dish she left yesterday “Moun?”

“Look at the oven” Mountain replied, she did so and confirmed it was there

“Aw! Thank you” Night greeted with a funny voice before getting the glass baking dish out of the oven to serve herself on a plate, and also serving Mountain some ices cubes because not even the toughest of trolls can support this damn hot

“Hi?” Because of the location and direction of the hangar, there was no way sun could get into, so, the iron gate was open most of the time

“Jim!” Mountain greeted the not anymore a kid but an actual teen “are you done?”

“No, school is getting the best of me”

“Hey, wingman!” Toby, Jim’s friend, went on a hurry and gave Mountain a good fist bump before sitting aside Jim “is actually not that bad, specially because SOMEONE passed the audition!”

“You passed?” Mountain stopped cutting and left the wood aside

“Really?” Night was actually surprised of the new, sincerely, she didn’t had any hopes for it “that’s a miracle! Boy, good for you” Night served two more plates and passed them all to the guests

“No miracle” Mountain shook Jim’s shoulder “he was made for that”

“That’s what I tell him!” Toby laughed, Jim was still a bit ashamed of it

“Let me just say, Jimbo, if you are good and you like it, make it your profession” Night gave Mountain his bowl of ice and she sat with the two teens and her plate of chicken and vegetable’s rice

The four of them talked so happily, despite Jim was still a shy guy, Toby would make the conversation vibrant, and Night always had something to make the rest laugh

And Jim liked this moments, since Mountain and Night saved him that day, they became something like family, and all the change was obvious, Night didn’t looked as tiny as before and despite her eye bags never disappeared, she had color on her face again and didn’t look like a skeleton, and she was really good at fixing things, most of the machines of the subway district and under the subway were damaged and yet she was able to bring everything back to life, with it, people from above would go there to get what they needed, moving economy again, and with the turbines and solar panels she installed almost all over the place, the subways district produced their own energy they and the under the subway lines could use when needed, and Mountain wasn’t as shy as before, the once silent and doubtful but intimidating troll now was something like a big marshmallow, he would use his strength to help Night install and fix, learning from her to fix her artifacts and also learning carpentry and welding on the way as he became kinder, they both smiled and laughed more than before

And what Jim would never know is that they actually found a say to escape their own lives, not just to leave behind the damage and the pain, but to live with it. Mountain found on Night and Night found on Mountain what they needed, someone to share the pain and learn to live again.

And above all, to paint the town the color of hope

5 notes · View notes

rareklub · 5 months ago

Text

10 Hidden Small Towns in the USA You Must Visit

The charm of small-town America lies in its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty. While major cities attract the spotlight, countless hidden gems across the country offer peaceful escapes and unforgettable experiences. These small towns are perfect for a weekend getaway or a memorable stop on a road trip. Let’s explore ten must-visit destinations.

1. Bisbee, Arizona

Tucked in the Mule Mountains, Bisbee is a historic mining town that has transformed into an artsy haven. Its streets are lined with galleries, quirky shops, and Victorian-style homes. Dive into history with a tour of the Copper Queen Mine or enjoy the cooler temperatures of this mountain retreat as you browse local boutiques.

2. Marfa, Texas

Marfa is where art meets mystery. Known for the unexplained Marfa Lights and the Chinati Foundation’s large-scale installations, this small town in West Texas has become a cultural hotspot. Spend evenings under the famously clear skies, stargazing or simply soaking in the desert’s tranquil beauty.

3. Eureka Springs, Arkansas

Eureka Springs offers a picturesque escape with its Victorian architecture, steep streets, and natural springs. Its vibrant downtown features unique shops and galleries, while the surrounding Ozarks provide ample opportunities for outdoor activities like hiking, biking, or kayaking.

4. Leavenworth, Washington

Experience a slice of Bavaria in Leavenworth, where alpine-style architecture and festive traditions bring European charm to the Pacific Northwest. Enjoy hearty German cuisine, wander the delightful shops, or venture to nearby trails for an unforgettable hiking experience.

5. Mystic, Connecticut

Mystic is a coastal treasure steeped in maritime history. The Mystic Seaport Museum brings the town’s seafaring past to life, while waterfront restaurants serve up some of the best seafood in New England. Take a stroll along the Mystic River to savor the serene ambiance of this charming destination.

6. Taos, New Mexico

Taos seamlessly blends culture, art, and nature. Explore the ancient Taos Pueblo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or marvel at the views from the Rio Grande Gorge Bridge. For adventure seekers, the Sangre de Cristo Mountains offer thrilling opportunities to hike, ski, or simply revel in their natural grandeur.

7. Galena, Illinois

Galena’s 19th-century charm is reflected in its historic homes, brick-paved streets, and local shops. Once home to Ulysses S. Grant, this town offers a perfect mix of history and leisure. Be sure to explore its scenic trails, which provide stunning views of the surrounding hills.

8. Cape May, New Jersey

Cape May is a Victorian gem known for its beautifully preserved homes and pristine beaches. From whale watching to exploring local lighthouses, this coastal retreat offers something for everyone. Its charming cafes and boutique shops add to the town’s timeless appeal.

9. Beaufort, South Carolina

With its antebellum architecture and moss-draped oak trees, Beaufort exudes Southern elegance. Take a boat tour through its scenic waterways, step back in time at its historic sites, or savor Lowcountry cuisine at a waterfront restaurant.

10. Whitefish, Montana

A short drive from Glacier National Park, Whitefish is an outdoor enthusiast’s dream. Whether skiing in winter or hiking during summer, this mountain town offers year-round adventure. Its cozy downtown, filled with breweries, shops, and art galleries, makes it a must-visit destination.

Pack Light, Explore More

Visiting these towns often means long walks, unexpected adventures, and memorable photo opportunities. The charm of these hidden gems lies in their ability to surprise you — be it a scenic trail, a quaint boutique, or a delightful local eatery. Moments like these make every journey special, and the right bag makes it easier to enjoy them fully.

A thoughtfully designed bag keeps everything you need close at hand, from a camera for capturing stunning views to a scarf for cool evening strolls. Rare Klub offers an elegant yet sturdy range of options — from weekender bags, backpacks, duffels, and totes, each crafted to fit seamlessly into your travels. Practical and stylish, they’re ready to accompany you wherever the road takes you.

Plan your next getaway to one of these hidden gems and immerse yourself in the charm of small-town America. With unique attractions, welcoming communities, and unforgettable landscapes, these destinations promise memories you’ll cherish for years. Happy exploring!

#travel bags #luggage #designer bags #rareklub #bags & purses #bags for women #bagstyle #fashion #travelbags #fashionbags #online store #leather bags #healthylifestyle #healthyliving #wellness

3 notes · View notes

lilllithdraagon · 6 months ago

Text

PART 10: Gorgeous world

MASSIVE SPOILERS FOR DRAGON AGE THE VEILGUARD. READ AT OWN RISK.

Main Post Link

Thedas has never looked better.

I mean it. Have you stopped to watch the waterfalls in Arlathan Forest? Have you looked down at Treviso from the rooftops? The amount of times I just paused to soak in the scenery... I wish I could forget the first time my Rook stepped out from the bar and into the streets of Minrathous so I can experience it all over again.

I’m not exaggerating when I say I kept going to new locations and forgetting to breathe.

Every few steps if you stopped to take a photo you’d be haunted by the most breathtaking scenery or horrifying atrocities. I would unironically live in that topsy turvy forest called Arlathan. Fight me. I have filled a folder with images of altars and aravels, lakes, and floating ruins.

I want to have a cup of coffee at a cafe in Treviso. I want to stick my legs in the water off the Dock Town pier. I want to... No actually I never want to go to Lavendel. It has really pretty flowers though. (Lunadys: yeah no the Anderfels can go die in a fire there is so much blight.)

The art department outdid themselves. The hair textures move so fluidly. The armour’s capes have motion. The water! God, the water. You can see droplets on the statues in the rain.

Some of the amour sets are goofy and dragon age will always be the silly hat franchise, but even if they aren’t my cup of tea, you can’t claim they’re poorly modeled.

It’s gorgeous. Not in a slapped together in a terrain generator and call it a day sort of way. In a someone took the time to add just the right touches at the corner kind of way. Even the gross stuff is done with a meticulousness that we can’t help but admire. That first, jarring, transition in D’meta’s crossing from abandoned village to absolute train wreck of the gods will never leave us.

Speaking of D’meta’s Crossing.

#dragon age #dragon age the veilguard #dragon age the veilgaurd spoilers #dragon age veilguard #dav #dragon age discussion #bioware critical

5 notes · View notes

thotsofsolidary · 1 year ago

Text

I took this photo in March of last year while in staying in Salt River, Cape Town. I ashamedly knew very little concerning the the 75 yr struggle that Palestineans had endured up until that time, and more importantly how its presence in Salt River revealed particularly sinister reminder of the global and interconnected struggle against neocolonial apartheid. Ahead of the ICJ hearing today, I began to reflect on my experience as a humble visitor of CT, a space that had resisted apartheid and persecution for 50 years at the hands of the same forces that are bombing Gaza at this very moment. I realized last year that my education up until that point was successful in conceslinv Salt River’s history of forced segregation, economic exploitation, and purposeful elimination of a community that was just one of many in SA. Apartheid isn’t just an abstract concept left to for historians to define or humanitarians to resolve. It’s a series of continued choices and policy changes brought down by our elected politicians all over the world as they work to maintain the demented and racist lie that one group of souls must enjoy the fruits of this earth at the violent expense of another.

Dehumanization campaigns on behalf of the state will never fail to do its job effectively, and us as a collective will continue to believe that these actions of violence are common and even necessary. These were the same campaigns that conceal/distort the history of my own ancestors as revolutionaries who were able to rise above the western imperialist project in 1804 as citizens of the first free black republic 🇭🇹🇭🇹🇭🇹 I’ve had to weep at the stories of my relatives and the conditions of my ancestors as they continue to pay the price for daring to escape from a sinister, systemic, and never-ending violence under the cruelest form of apartheid, chattel slavery. Resistance has and always willl be a continuing struggle against western hegemony and their hunger to reproduce the same value as the Transatlantic Slave Trade once did! We are fighting against the will of empires that view the labor, land, minerals of the global south as spoils of the game to win and not intrinsically tied to the indigenous that have/will continue to live there. Since columbus crossed into these shores and shifted the global order in favor of mass migrations and conquest, the world has never seen a turning tide in favor of restorative justice. We live in an age of globalized aparthied whether that therm is recognized or not by the state.

The place where I was set to study apartheid as it was EXPERIENCED, not as it was written after the fact, was itself a historical rembrandt of the Continuous Struggle. story having the familiar ending of spirits young and old gone in seconds by the “wrong” missle, or a “mistakenly”dropped bomb, or a “stray” bullet. Spirits so quickly taken away and never seen again in this realm. Imagine my shock when I passed the Statement of Significance (ZOOM IN) that welcomed visitors of the center. in CAPE TOWN SA, upholding its legacy as the literal first colonial outpost the slave trade for centuries! 30 YEARS AGO the imperial DA Party felt that the safety of the state could only be ensured though the dropping of a bomb here in 1987(Read Above). Despite this, I was able to enjoy a building that was standing tall and continued to be a center for education and community gathering despite this!

Crazily enough I was graciously given a tour of Salt River shortly after hearing the history of the SR Community Center and it’s activists, and was given incredible retelling of the street art located here. Not only fighting the hisotry of apartheid era violence, street artists of today’s time are struggling with state sanctioned gentrification efforts simultaneously eliminating the freedoms of expression and collective action calling for the end to Palestinean apartheid. Despite this, the level of Palestinean solidarity displayed so clearly across the homes of SR residents was incredible to witness despite hearing their bloody history of their oppression and continued resistance.

Bottom line, not only does the struggle persist, it is carelesslessly replicated and repackaged until it is acceptabe enough for us stomach on our TLs or news channels years after the fact. Genocides, ethnic cleansing, slavery, all exist and are being documented live! If you are so blissfully unaware…could you look back at your present self and take that as an excuse? if your children asked you where you were and asked what you stood for years from now, would you want to answer ‘I had no idea?’ You know what’s going on. you know that the carnage that has taken place is unconscionable!!! the people we elect, the state, whatever you want to call it at this point, has never atoned for their collective sins of the past few centuries. Not with actual fucking reparations, we’re far beyond expecting anything close to receiving back the value of systemic violence that was never contained. all that the opressed ask is to LEAVE US ALONE!!! it’s that simple. Stop sending your bombs! Stop sending your diplomats! Stop sending your twisted policies. This is only my second election cycle and I refuse to play these fucking mind games. Not that I belive voting really matters atp, but we must take back power where we can get it. I am of the opinion that this only comes from demanding MORE from OURSELVES than the people that end up on our voting ballots! How have you genuinely re-examined your position in this world and used the thinkers of today to challenge your position?

All I can ask of this world is for us to question where our collective allegiance rests. Are you fighting for or against western neocolonialism it’s quite literally that simple. the other side is clearly operating under delusion. this delusion…no this privilege…clearly knows no bounds! Our collective consciousness has long been shattered. From 🇭🇹 to 🇿🇦 to 🇵🇸 no land on this earth has been untouched by the dropping bombs and destroying community/culture in the name of successful western diplomacy. What can be changed is our individual alignment towards rge support of the oppressed, the dismantling of global apartheid, . Youtube/Google/Public Libraries are free belovedss 💔 If you have an iphone you can take a couple hours to hear the other side for maybe the first/only time in your life. play it in the background of whatever you need to do but even at 2x speed if you have to! challenging your own mind is the bare minimum…

youtube

#Youtube

17 notes · View notes

tangentburd · 10 months ago

Text

~ Oh So Fly! ~

From the rockin’ street doves to the coo-l Capuchines We’ll pick and peck apart every piece of bird-based bling Warmers, collars, capes… Gramma’s cornbread cowls? You might as well go back home with your head in a towel!

~ A nonsensical poem I wrote on pigeons and their Fabulous! Bread! Necklaces! for the recent "Toasty Mart" bread x animals zine hosted by @bycmykae. Thanks for the pun fun-filled experience!

Shoutout to @katsuayumu too for making all the super cute and delicious pigeon character art for this piece :D

🕊 [ Read the full poem on AO3 or under the cut! ]

🍞 [ Read the free zine via itch.io! ]

Greetings! Salutations! Birds of a feather! Welcome to the Bread Derby, sisters and brothers! The name’s Pasquale and I’m your host for today— Colomba of keen eye for fashions of the day ~✦

It’s party pigeon time down here in the square Where every-birdy’s decked in their fanciest neckwear Where the have-its flaunt it! And the have-nots want it! Where upper crusts and lower crumbs clash in showers of grit!

From the rockin’ street doves to the coo-l Capuchines We’ll pick and peck apart every piece of bird-based bling Warmers, collars, capes... Gramma’s cornbread cowls? You might as well go back home with your head in a towel!

We’ll see who’s the boss in their oven-baked best! And who’s burnt toast that’s only good for lining nests! Beaks up and b-ready, we’re starting the show Coo! Here’s our first lady—let’s fluffin’ go!

———

Behold! This uppity—I mean, blue-crowned royalty: The Duchess of Dovershire, come to visit from her county With her pearl-tipped crest as though dipped in icing And draped with a most exquisite braided bread ring Such graze! Delicacy! (Maybe a hint of power?) The air and flair of fresh-milled flour—

“How do you do? Your reds and greens are lovely!” Hold up, did... she just say something to me? Why yes ma’am, thank you! I adore them too! It’s just avocado bruschetta, nothing too frou-frou~ She chortles, nods; then away she struts: A portly, pleasant presence in her posh, plaited doughnut.

———

Kerfuffle from the crowds! Cue the world’s favourite Frillback: Pop idol Pae-Dae, in a cushy cape of flatbread Luscious curls of feathers bronze all across his wings A dishy dove indeed: he’s every fledgling’s prince! His shuffling feet pause, his misty eyes find mine I wonder what words might leave a beak so sublime...?

“Wish I could sleep, Mister Host, but I’ll do my best Ask me about the dramas I’ve been filming without rest Or how everyone thinks my wings are hazelnut flakes...” Sigh, a celeb’s life! You can’t ever get a break I’ll interview you next week! Now go and catch some Z’s Your tortilla blanket should be cosy—but don’t let your fans see!

———

An emerald dove patters by, sleeves shimmering green Donning the airiest, fairiest sourdough I’ve seen: Scored like a flower, flour dusted like a lace veil Aw, she’s proud of it! Look at her bobbing tail~ “My name’s Paige Pidgerton, I baked it just today I hope to open my artisan beak-ery someday!”

You’re a natural, miss, this here’s a work of art! But really, is that all you dream of deep inside your heart? She flusters, she flushes, her white headband askew The rosy eyes of a heroine’s fairytale come true! “Maybe... if I can’t bake for everyone in town Then at least for some-birdy I’m happy to be around.♥”

———

You hear them before you see them: Two lean, rugged doves Squabbling, squawking, crash-landing (on the) square from above “I told you to hurry, old man, now we’re late for the parade!” ‘Why don’t you stop by a corner shop again, you ingrate!’ Good day, gentlemen! I might have seen you somewhere, sir Aren’t you G.I. Low, that decorated war officer?

‘Some eye you’ve got, chap! Sharp as this one I’ve got left Better than my grandkid here who thinks he’s bloody EMS.’ “If this thumbdrive don’t reach later, I’ll be toast-er than my toast! Name’s Payload Swift, mister, I’m a racer turned pigeon post.”

(Aha! Do I sense a glorious generation gap? A question trap to set their wings and tempers aflap!) Living life in the fast lane? Your intake must be insane! Care to share with us your go-to holy grains?

“This grilled tuna sandwich melt from Leaven-Eleven’s Is the best thing since sliced bread—a taste made in heaven!” ‘It IS sliced bread, for heavens’ sake! See the junk this boy is eating? Not like this chipped beef on toast from back when I was serving It’s provisions! Nourishment! Blessings for the whole flock!’ “Yeah sure, if only you can eat it without a fork...”

———

A zig-zagging, a tango-ing, a high bird-song and dance A kererū, post-dine-and-wine, down on the bench in a trance That passé office plumage versus bland-as-heck handbag— Lady, your tastebuds are wrecked! And that fruit loaf’s a big red flag!

She waves her bottle—budget Pigeot Noir!—before my eyes “I’ve seen your shows on CooTube, you’re that real fly guy! That Nicobar fella who’s gone way up the pecking order...” Lady, your tastebuds are just fine! Ignore what I said earlier—

“Can you tell me how you’ve been eating every-birdy’s lunch? You’re now rolling in dough, but I’m just rolling off the branch... How can a common quill-pusher like me, Karolie Flee Fly to the top, eat all I want, and still be this carefree?”

Oh Miss Flee, let’s first put my inspiring haute coo-ture aside No matter what you’re doing, you should do it with pride! Push all the quills (and your bosses’ too) until you’re seen and heard But remember: there’s more to you than just this corporate bird!

Sure, your whites, greens and purples may not be the hottest stuff But if you’re a better you than yesterday then that’s good enough~★ That said, please just toss that brick of cursed candied fruit Get a loaf that tastes more chic! With marmalade to boot!

———

So there we go, folks—our roundup of this Derby: A true-blue cross-section of our bling-based society I’ve seen a future star baker, courier, wine connoisseur Stay inspiring, inspired and well rested, you youngsters!

Boast your bread-lace loud and proud, bake it till you make it The true slice-of-life is how you wear it and what you make of it! And to every-birdy else who’s stayed with us throughout— Beak thanks to you all! This is Col. Pasquale, signing out~♫

~ end ~

#toasty mart zine #zine #writing #poetry #pigeons #birbs #BREAD #art #shitpost #shitty puns #shitty trivia: i identify with the kererū best #happy reading!#contributor pieces #tangentials

4 notes · View notes

inside0ut-dotnet · 1 year ago

Text

As Pride Month approaches, many in the LGBTQ+ community are looking for welcoming destinations to celebrate their identities. Whether you're looking for a vibrant city experience or a relaxing beach getaway, there are plenty of amazing destinations to choose from. Let's explore some of the most welcoming states for the LGBTQ community and kick off your summer with flair and pizazz!

What Makes a Destination LGBTQ-Friendly?

When considering travel destinations, it's important to look for places that are inclusive and welcoming to all. LGBTQ-friendly destinations are those that have anti-discrimination laws, vibrant LGBTQ communities, and a variety of LGBTQ-owned businesses. These destinations often host Pride events and have a strong sense of acceptance and diversity.

Top LGBTQ-Friendly States

According to recent surveys and studies, some of the most LGBTQ-friendly states in the US include California, New York, Massachusetts, and Washington. These states have a long history of supporting LGBTQ rights and have vibrant LGBTQ communities. Cities like San Francisco, New York City, and Boston are known for their inclusive environments and diverse populations.

Amazing BEACH Destinations to Consider:

Provincetown, Massachusetts:

Looking for a summer getaway that's as fabulous as you are? Consider heading to Provincetown, Massachusetts, a charming coastal town known for its LGBTQ-friendly atmosphere and stunning beaches. Whether you're flying solo, with your partner, or with a group of friends, P-Town has something for everyone.

Provincetown, or P-Town as the locals call it, is a vibrant and welcoming community located at the tip of Cape Cod. It's a place where you can truly be yourself, surrounded by like-minded individuals who celebrate diversity and inclusivity. From the colorful houses lining the streets to the lively nightlife scene, Provincetown is a place where you can let your hair down and have a good time.

One of the biggest draws of Provincetown is its beautiful beaches. Whether you're looking to soak up the sun, take a dip in the ocean, or simply relax with a good book, P-Town's beaches have got you covered. Race Point Beach and Herring Cove Beach are two popular spots where you can unwind and enjoy the natural beauty of Cape Cod.

When the sun goes down, Provincetown comes alive with a vibrant nightlife scene. From drag shows to dance parties, there's always something fun happening in P-Town. Grab a cocktail, hit the dance floor, and let loose with new friends and old. You never know what kind of wild and wacky adventures await you in this lively town.

Aside from the beaches and nightlife, Provincetown offers plenty of other activities to keep you entertained. Take a stroll down Commercial Street and browse the unique shops and art galleries. Visit the Provincetown Art Association and Museum to admire the work of local artists. Or hop on a whale-watching tour for a chance to see these majestic creatures up close.

So, if you're looking for a summer getaway that's as fabulous as you are, pack your bags and head to Provincetown, Massachusetts. With its LGBTQ-friendly atmosphere, beautiful beaches, and lively nightlife, P-Town is the perfect destination for a fun and memorable vacation. Get ready to make some unforgettable memories in this charming coastal town!

Key West, Florida:

Key West, Florida, is not just your average beach destination. It's a vibrant LGBTQ paradise with a lively nightlife that will make you want to stay forever. So, what makes Key West so special? Key West is a small island city that packs a big punch. It's known for its inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, making it a haven for the LGBTQ community. The colorful and eclectic vibe of Key West sets it apart from other destinations, making it a must-visit for anyone looking for a good time. Key West has a long history of embracing diversity and celebrating individuality. The LGBTQ community has found a home in Key West, with numerous bars, clubs, and events catering specifically to them. From drag shows to pride parades, Key West knows how to throw a party that everyone is invited to. When the sun goes down, Key West comes alive. The nightlife scene in Key West is legendary, with bars and clubs lining the streets, offering everything from live music to drag performances. Whether you're looking for a wild night out or a laid-back evening sipping cocktails by the beach, Key West has something for everyone. Key West is more than just a destination; it's an experience. The laid-back attitude, stunning sunsets, and welcoming community make Key West a place like no other. Whether you're looking to party all night or relax on the beach all day, Key West has it all.

So, pack your bags, grab your sunscreen, and get ready to experience the magic of Key West. You never know, you might just fall in love with this quirky little island at the southernmost point of the United States.

For those seeking an urban city vibe, consider exploring these destinations:

New York City, NY:

Are you ready to dive into the vibrant and diverse world of New York City? From the bustling streets of Manhattan to the trendy neighborhoods of Brooklyn, the Big Apple has something for everyone. Let's explore how this iconic city offers a mix of culture, history, and LGBTQ-friendly attractions that will leave you wanting more. New York City is a melting pot of cultures, with residents from all corners of the globe calling it home. From world-class museums like the Metropolitan Museum of Art to Broadway shows that will leave you speechless, the city is a treasure trove of cultural experiences. Don't forget to sample the diverse culinary scene, where you can find everything from authentic Italian pizza to mouth-watering dim sum. New York City has long been a haven for the LGBTQ community, with iconic landmarks like the Stonewall Inn and the annual Pride Parade drawing visitors from around the world. Explore the vibrant LGBTQ-friendly bars, clubs, and events that make NYC a welcoming and inclusive destination for all.

So, whether you're a culture vulture, history buff, or simply looking for a good time, New York City has something for everyone. Pack your bags, hit the streets, and get ready to experience the magic of the city that never sleeps!

San Francisco, CA:

San Francisco, the city by the bay, is known for its eclectic mix of culture, history, and LGBTQ-friendly attractions. From the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to the vibrant Castro District, there is something for everyone in this diverse and welcoming city. San Francisco is a melting pot of different cultures, making it a mecca for art, music, and cuisine. Whether you're exploring the colorful murals in the Mission District or sampling dim sum in Chinatown, you'll find a rich tapestry of experiences waiting for you. With its storied past as a Gold Rush boomtown and a hub of counterculture in the 1960s, San Francisco is steeped in history. Take a stroll through the historic Haight-Ashbury neighborhood or visit Alcatraz Island to uncover the city's fascinating past. San Francisco has long been a beacon of acceptance and inclusivity for the LGBTQ community. The Castro District, known as the heart of gay culture in the city, is home to rainbow flags, vibrant nightlife, and the iconic Castro Theatre. The annual Pride Parade is a must-see event that celebrates love and diversity.

So, whether you're a history buff, a foodie, or a member of the LGBTQ community, San Francisco has something special to offer. Come explore this city of contrasts and discover the magic that makes it truly unique.

Seattle, WA:

Are you ready to dive into the vibrant and eclectic city of Seattle? This Pacific Northwest gem is not your average urban experience. Seattle offers a unique blend of culture, history, and LGBTQ-friendly attractions that will leave you wanting more. Seattle is not just known for its rainy weather and coffee culture. This city is a melting pot of creativity, innovation, and acceptance. From the iconic Space Needle to the bustling Pike Place Market, there is something for everyone in Seattle. Seattle is a haven for the LGBTQ community, with a plethora of inclusive and welcoming attractions. Whether you're strolling through Capitol Hill, known as the city's LGBTQ+ hub, or attending the annual Pride Parade, Seattle embraces diversity with open arms. Step back in time at the Museum of History & Industry or explore the rich Native American heritage at the Burke Museum. Seattle's cultural scene is as diverse as its population, offering a wide range of museums, galleries, and performing arts venues to explore.

Make sure to visit the iconic Space Needle for panoramic views of the city, indulge in fresh seafood at Pike Place Market, and take a leisurely stroll through the lush greenery of the Washington Park Arboretum. Seattle is full of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered.

So, if you're looking for a city that offers a little bit of everything, from culture and history to LGBTQ-friendly attractions, look no further than Seattle. This dynamic city will capture your heart and leave you wanting more.

Wishing you safe travels & a fun journey:

Whether you're looking to relax on the beach, explore a new city, or attend a Pride event, there are plenty of amazing destinations to choose from. So pack your bags, grab your rainbow flag, and kick off your summer with some flair and pizazz in a welcoming LGBTQ-friendly destination!

#lesibans #queer community #gay community #trans community #lgbtq community #warrior of light #rainbow warriors #same sex marriage #same sex relationships #same sex couple #same sex love #lgbt pride #queer pride #gay pride #trans pride #wlw #mlm #lgbtq travel #gay travel

5 notes · View notes