#Celebrating scaling milestones

[paktrendz]

Unleashing Success: A Comprehensive Guide to Scaling Your Business

Unleashing Success: A Comprehensive Guide to Scaling Your Business Table of Contents HeadingLSI KeywordsIntroductionBusiness growth, Scaling strategiesUnderstanding Business ScalingExpansion, Growth tactics, Company developmentThe Importance of ScalingSustainable growth, Achieving successAssessing Your Business’s Readiness for ScalingReadiness factors, Growth assessmentDeveloping a Scaling…

[luckyartdrawer]

100 FOLLOWERS MILESTONE!!! MER AU!!!

Y'all chose the MER AU to celebrate, and so say hello to some fishy boys! They are all quite happy to see you, though some seem to show it more than others!

Cookie cutter shark Sun can't wait to take a bite- I mean- erm- rather a hug out of you! Either way he's quite excited!

Threadfin Eclipse would rather all eyes be on him, but he would settle for just yours! His colors shifts in every way, he's hoping your eyes won't stray!

Jellyfish Moon doesn't mean to be so imposing -- towards you anyways. He just wants to see you and everyone happens to be in the way!

This is technically a PT 1 to the celebration, as we have a Royal AU to roll out the red carpet for as well due to a tie in the poll!

PT 2 is made!

vvv Sketch/line art and yapping below!!! vvv

Sketch/Line art

Hehehe I just had to share. I am so proud of how the lines came out. Sketch cleaned up as lineart method my beloved.

Uagh I keep looking back and seeing so many things I could do. I might update the images secretly one day, but for now I think I need to let it be free in the world before I just never finish lol

Welcome to my yap sesh! Thank you all for being here, I hope the wait was worth it! <3 I am very proud of this and spent soooo so long rendering it. (What was i thinking doing 3 characters end my suffering /J)

Here's some random factoids about these sillies!

Sun: Born in the depths. He is a dime of dozen of cookie cutter sharks, all of them insistent of taking chunks out of anything and anyone they can find. Sun at least has some restraint when it comes to mers he likes, but he always wants just one nibble! Sun tends to warm up fast to mers that give him a speck of attention and care. Cookie cutter shark mers are known to link up with mates as soon as possible, but Sun insists that he hasn't found the perfect fit yet. No one is tasty enough for it! Everyone needs to compliment the other! Sun is the fastest of the 3, relying solely on his speed and jumping out of hiding spots to catch prey. His sharp claws pierces easily and the long webbing between his fingers makes it really easy to ensnare prey in his grasp!

Moon: Born in the depths. Jellyfish mers are rather uncommon, being known as a mostly solitary species. Unlike their animal counterparts, Jellyfish mer go alone after maturing, not even inclined to search for a mate, though they can if they so desire. They live the longest of any mer species. Their transparent bodies keep their form hidden from prey as their bioluminescence lures them in. Moon is the slowest of the 3, but it does not matter to him. To hunt, he floats in a comfortable spot, amping up his bioluminescence and fanning out his ribbons to attract prey. If a victim gets within his vicinity, his ribbons will quickly wrap and tangle around them, sending painful stings and intense damage to the prey. While effective, there are times the mer will sit in one spot for days having not attracted any food. He can hunt directly like other mers, but he'd have to rely on his transparency over speed in order to get close enough to catch them, his melded fingers make it even harder to grasp prey directly.

Eclipse: Isn't actually born a deep sea mer but spent most of his life in the depths after finding out how delicious specific creatures are and how much attention his looks get him. His skin and scales are iridescent and he loves to flaunt them when he can. Eclipse tends to be very carefree, though also the most gentle when interacting with other mers. He is inclined to view anyone as a potential friend or more due to being omnivorous, though no many has caught his full, dedicated attention. He's not territorial, not competitive, and doesn't care where he goes as he can eat just about anything. Hunting wise he is the most tactical, using his colors and thick ribbons to lure and confuse prey. He isn't the fastest nor the slowest, but his long hands increase his likelihood of catching prey he otherwise would have been a little too slow to grasp.

Yeah i.... I ended up having a lot of fun coming up with these guys

Especially moon, those of you who know KNOW, but man... my moon bias is so strong.

I even have this cute expression idea where he can control how his cap looks and uses it for his own protection. When sometimes when sleeping or defensive, he will tuck in his tail, arms, and sometimes his ribbons within the cap and then, like a string bag, it closes off his entire body from the world. He's in his own cap bubble!!! When embarrassed or trying to physically interact with someone without fear of hurting them, he'll tuck in his ribbons and scrunch his cap around his head. He'll look a bit silly, and you can't touch his face, but you can hug him safely and play with the soft round cap that now encases his head. (His tail/neck ribbons have no stinging abilities, they're just glowy for lure purposes!) his coloration is mostly inspired by the Man-O-War but his species is more fantasy then based off only that like the other two are with their respective fish, so that's why I just call him simply a Jellyfish for now :3

Sorry about that... I still love all 3 of these goobas and have ideas for them though! Maybe one day I'll get a fic going for them, not saying anytime soon because I have TOO MANY to work on rn, but just know they are swimming in my head.

So many ideas, so little time......

Once again THANK YOU ALL!!! It is so lovely to see y'all here despite my whacky upload schedules. I always tell myself I should make more simple things sometimes just so I can get the ideas out faster, but then my hands always do something else smh. Hope you all find this art and my future works quite delectable! <333

[chiasaaa]

— truly, madly, deeply…

itoshi sae x f! reader

summary: everyone has a moment of weaknesses. you happen to have that after being overworked to your limit and sometimes, all you need is one person to feel better.

warning: english is not my first language. apologies for any grammatical or spelling errors.

— dating a football superstar like itoshi sae has its pros and cons. for someone as busy and goal-driven as you, the pros have always contributed the heavier weight on the scale. dating sae couldn’t be more perfect with the how you easily align in terms of career plans. he had always been destined to become one of the greatest football players in the world, and you have glued your eyes on your fashion empire from the very start.

even so, sae always made sure to have time for you the same way you did to him. while you bend heaven and hell just to watch his matches, he always whips through sand and snow to celebrate every milestone and every occasion with you.

truly, you couldn’t ask for more from the loyal guy.

or so you thought.

recently, with the amount of work you’ve been drowning in, you couldn’t help but wish he was by your side to hold you through a breakdown. you never allow yourself to be vulnerable, especially when you’re alone. you need sae to be with you for you to actually let out a tiny bit of your feelings.

quite ironic, if you think about it.

the only person you can be vulnerable to is the one person in the world who seems to be rid of emotions. contrary to popular belief, sae is just the perfect person to confide to at one’s worst—well, maybe only yours.

you: i miss you

it was an attempt to start a small conversation tonight as you’re drinking your frustrations away with a glass of wine kept in your shared home. though, it feels more like it’s a single-person house with how much he’s spent time overseas.

the scent of his cologne no longer lingers in your cozy home. the scented candles that he gifted you so you won’t feel alone had run dry. even the love note he left on the fridge before he left fell down just this morning.

it isn’t like you to be dwelling too much on the little things, and you simply brush them off when it does come to mind in passing. whether it’s the alcohol entering your system or the fact that you’re reading the tabloids as to how so many of your loyal customers are expectant of your valentine’s product line, you simply knew that your emotions are running your mind.

not an ounce of logic is with you right now. quite the rare sight, would be sae’s opinion if he were there.

four hours turned to five and sae’s yet to respond to your desperate text. by now, you’ve downed at least half of the newly opened bottle and finally allowed a few beads of tears slip down. not enough to bawl your heart out, but to allow your vision to clear up a bit as it already pooled to the limit.

itoshi sae had no idea you’re going through such a rough patch in the three weeks he’s gone. supposedly, it was only for three days to settle his passport back in japan, but the blue lock project certainly caught his attention and had him cancelling his flight. he informed you of the changes and the reason to do so, and you were completely fine with it.

if anything, you hoped it would help your boyfriend somehow mend his messy relationship with his brother, and you were fully supportive of the notion. no one could have expected this, and it wasn’t anyone’s fault at all.

three weeks passed by so fast that the tear-stained baby that was you didn’t even notice that tonight was his flight back home. you heard keys faintly jiggling from the other side of the wooden door, sniffing as you figured it’s just another neighbor mistaking your home for theirs.

“ya llegué,” i’m home.

sae didn’t know what to feel the moment he sees your disheartened figure sitting on a stool by the bar counter, but the moment he hears your sobs, he dropped his bags down the floor and hurriedly walked to your side.

“what’s wrong, mi vida?” he asks gently, taking you in his arms upon instinct. the stool complied as it twists you around to face him, allowing you to finally go full-on sobbing on his chest. the sound of your wails brought a crack to his heart with every cry, and sae could only wish he’d endure the pain in your stead.

in the three years you’ve been together, sae had only seen you break down twice. the first wasn’t even meant to be a breakdown if it weren’t for him encouraging you to be more honest with him. the second was a little more intentional, surrendering to the fact that you’re in need of comfort amidst a lonely year.

this time, however, he doesn’t know what plagues your mind enough to start talking. instead, he placed a hand at the back of your head to soothe your scalp while the other ran itself up and down your back. he silently stood there and let you release all of your pent-up frustrations until you’re capable of speaking again.

“w-why are you here so soon?” you snap back to reality after a few minutes, lunging back straight to wipe the remaining tears in your bloodshot eyes. “don’t you have that match against blue lock? it isn’t til the 25th, right?”

“it’s already the 26th, cariño.” sae cups your cheek with one hand, wiping away a stray tear with his gentle thumb. he hates seeing you like this. one moment you’re completely out of your wits, then the next is your body returning to its natural programming like you didn’t just feel human enough to express emotions. sometimes, he wonders if you look at him the same. with how he’s cut off from his feelings most of the time and how he’s yet to actually go through a breakdown within your presence, maybe it’s a little hypocritical of him to wonder.

“the 26th? oh, god! i need to email the suppliers for next week’s shipment!” you were about to hop off the stool when sae stopped you and kept you planted down. “sae, mi amor, i’m glad you’re home. i just—“

“this isn’t just about me stepping foot in this house five minutes ago, mi vida.” he takes your chin between his fingers, fixating your gaze at his teal-hued eyes. “you’re overworking, and i’m yet to understand why you’re crying.”

“but—“

“please, take a small break.” he leans his forehead down to yours, hoping for you to receive his sincerity. “stay in the living room for me, mi vida. i’ll make us some tea to relax.”

you took a glance at the clock, realizing it’s already past midnight. sae must be tired from his trip, and yet he carried you down the sofa so effortlessly before heading back to the kitchen to make tea. you turned to watch him from the living room, noticing how he glared at the half-empty wine bottle and the wine glass you were about to finish. he swiftly drank the rest of it in one go, muttering how it does taste good and he now understands why you kept drinking it.

he brewed, he cleaned, and he sat down with you like how a therapist would approach their patient. you didn’t know if it was the alcohol kicking in again, but you can feel tears brimming your eyes as you realized just how much he cares for you.

“god, i’m so stupid.” you mutter, hiding your face in your palms.

“what did we talk about?” sae sighed, pulling you against his chest once again.

you flinched. “don’t berate ourselves…”

he nods, then takes your hand in his. with a swift motion, he intertwined your fingers and planted a kiss at the back of your palm.

“what’s going on, mi vida?”

and so, you talked about the entire process that led to your ugly breakdown. how you hate the silence that comes after a long day and the realization that sae’s someplace else. how it hits you like a ton of bricks when you read the tabloids that a lot of people are expectant of your creations. how both worlds somehow collided when you read the morning newspaper with yet another scoop on how sae may be dating behind your back, and how sae was conquering the world out there and you’re stuck in spain to chase after your own golden egg.

“i’m sorry. i was just feeling a little sensitive, so the sadness grabbed the chance to use it against me.” you joked, chuckling awkwardly as you now played with his fingers out of anxiousness. “i’m not usually like this. please don’t take this seriously. you don’t need to worry about me whenever you leave—“

sae must have been annoyed by how you’re suddenly patching up your scarlet wounds with useless bandaids because he shut you up right away with a slow and passionate kiss. he was never good with words, and his progress is quite slow, but he knows that the best way for him to communicate with you is through his actions.

the kiss was no mere act of affection that night. it was an assurance, a promise telling her that he will take care of her no matter how messy she can get. that he will be more attentive to her feelings, especially when he’s away.

“you act too tough sometimes,” he whispered against your lips, “you don’t have to be like that with me. i’m here now, mi vida.”

that was all you needed to hear to finally get a proper rest. sae didn’t stop you from dozing off after you both finished your tea, carrying you back in your shared room after a long day. as he laid beside you, he watched in earnest how your nose would scrunch in your sleep. how you resemble a baby and how he wishes for your future children to look more like you one day.

“te amo, mi vida.” i love you, my life.

[ask-games-galore]

EEVEE ASK GAME

One more milestone has been reached! Let's celebrate with some more ask prompts!

Don't forget to send an ask to the person you reblog this from.

⭐Eevee - Do you believe you have the potential to change/become a better person?

💧Vaporeon - Would you rather hide from your problems or face them head-on?

⚡Jolteon - Are you a highly energetic person?

🔥Flareon - What gets you motivated to do something usually boring?

☀️Espeon - When do you feel most at peace?

🌙Umbreon - Rate your pain tolerance on a scale from 1 to 10.

🍃Leafeon - Favorite food?

❄️Glaceon - Favorite weather?

🎀Sylveon - Favorite example of looks being decieving?

❤️Partner - Do you have any specific talents you're proud of?

💢Gigantamax - Tell us your favorite thing about one of your friends!

[inmyglowupera]

Mindset shift #2: Plateaus are part of the process and key to the success of longterm weight loss.

Plateaus are not roadblocks—they’re milestones. They show that your body is adjusting to the progress you’ve made so far. Instead of seeing them as failures, view it as a reward for your hard work. As your body giving you a break so you can recharge and reevaluate.

Why Are Plateaus Important to Your Weight Loss Journey?

When you lose weight, your body needs time to recalibrate:

• Metabolism: Plateaus prevent metabolic adaptation, where your body slows down calorie-burning to preserve energy.

• Hormonal Balance: Hormones like leptin (which regulates hunger) and cortisol (stress hormone) stabilize during plateaus, reducing stress on your body.

• Muscle Preservation: Slower weight loss during plateaus gives your body a chance to retain muscle mass.

What to Do During a Plateau:

1) Don’t Rush to Make Changes: Give your body time to adjust to recent weight loss before altering your diet or exercise routine. Sometimes, patience is the key to moving forward.

2) Focus on Restorative Acts: Prioritize sleep management and stress management, as both play a critical role in weight loss. Poor sleep and chronic stress can disrupt hormones like cortisol, which can hinder progress.

3) Celebrate Non-Scale Victories: Progress isn’t just about the number on the scale. Look for improvements in strength, stamina, mood, energy levels, or how your clothes fit.

4) Reflect and Reassess:

Use this time to observe your journey without judgment. Ask yourself:

• What has been working so far?

• What feels difficult, and how can I make it easier or more sustainable?

• Have I become too restrictive or too lenient?

• Are my diet and exercise routines still aligned with my goals and needs?

Plateaus are a chance to adjust and refine your habits to better suit your lifestyle.

5) Consider Upcycling Calories:

Upcycling calories involves alternating higher and lower calorie days to prevent your metabolism from adapting too much. For instance:

• Increase your calorie intake slightly on one day with nutrient-dense foods like healthy fats or complex carbs.

• Return to your usual calorie range on the following days.

This strategy can help reset your metabolism and push past a plateau.

6) Reassess Your Workouts:

Once you feel ready to adjust, start by varying your exercise routine:

• Incorporate new movements or activities to challenge different muscle groups.

• Ensure your workouts include strength training, which boosts metabolism.

• Avoid overtraining—intense workouts with insufficient recovery can increase cortisol, working against your weight loss goals.

7) Review Your Diet: Plateaus are a good time to take a closer look at your eating habits with curiosity and without judgment. Ask yourself:

• Are you eating enough proteins and fibres to help you feel full and well nourished? Did you eat enough healthy fats to ensure proper satiety?

• Are you eating more calorie-dense foods than you realize, such as cooking oils, granola, nuts, nut butters, cheese, or avocado?

• Be careful of low calorie foods. These items are often ultra-processed with artificial sweeteners. Sugar substitute can negatively impact your gut microbiome and insuline response—paradoxically causing you to gain weight. Focus on fresh whole foods and bake your own little treats, even of they are higher in calories they will be more satisfying.

• Have recent stressors, celebrations, holidays, or vacations led to more indulgences than usual?

• Are you underestimating portion sizes or the amount of food you’re eating?

If you feel comfortable and it won’t negatively impact your mental health, consider tracking your food intake for a couple of weeks. Focus on accuracy by weighing your food rather than using cups or spoons, especially for non-liquid items. Be gentle and non-judgemental. The goal is to understand not punish.

If tracking feels too overwhelming, focus instead on visual portion control (e.g., smaller plates, filling half your plate with veggies, or limiting high-calorie extras like dressings).

[goldenstring6123]

A FREE SMALL GIFT FOR THE LNDS FANDOM!

Tumblr notified me yesterday and said i managed to get a thousand notes which was very surprising! I try not too look at numbers too much but they (tumblr) suggested that I should post to celebrate, and I thought I should celebrate with my readers and fellow hunters as well!

What you can do:

Leave a note, Leave a comment & Reblog (Will be highly appreciated)

Share to another platform while also sharing the link to the original post.

Use the design in a non-profit/private post/graphic material. (give credit if possible)

What you can't do:

Profit off of this design in any way shape or form. (I made it free for everyone!)

Include the stickers in a layout which you/anyone can profit from.

Claim that this is your design (Is this even worth stealing?)

Mechanics/Instructions:

Use a sticker paper if you have one. If not, use what's available around you! Bond paper is good, you can use glue and and or double-sided tape!

Download the stickers from the link below: If the first link fails, try the second/third one! Access here! Access here! Access here!

Open the sticker/s on a document app (Word, Google docs, etc.) or a design app (Canva, Photoshop, etc.)

Scale it too your preferred size (not too large!)

and save as a pdf file or print directly!

There's also a print-ready file, though sizes aren't adjustable!

Again, Thank you so much for reading my content. I'm still growing, learning and brimming with ideas! Maybe if i hit another milestone, I'll make another printable!

[animefeminist]

Visiting the CLAMP Exhibition in Tokyo to celebrate 35 years of the legendary manga collective

From July 3rd to September 23rd of 2024, The National Art Center in Tokyo held the CLAMP Exhibition, a major exhibition dedicated to the famous manga artist collective, showcasing around 800 original manuscripts in one of the largest exhibition spaces in Japan. In 2024 CLAMP are celebrating their 35th anniversary as professional manga artists and this exhibition is a culmination of that milestone.

CLAMP is a creative group of four women who have produced a range of iconic manga across a variety of demographics, from shoujo to seinen. Some of their most notable works include Tokyo Babylon, X, Magic Knight Rayearth, Cardcaptor Sakura, Chobits, Tsubasa – RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE – and xxxHolic. They started as a larger group of 12 women in the late 1980s producing doujinshis of popular works such as Saint Seiya and Captain Tsubasa. They made their professional debut in 1989 on the pages of the third edition of South magazine (Shinsokan) with their original story RG Veda. By that time, the collective had shrunk to six members, eventually leading to its ultimate formation with its four current members: Igarashi Satsuki, Ohkawa Nanase, Nekoi, and Mokona.

The idea to hold a dedicated CLAMP exhibition first came about in September 2019 from one of CLAMP’s main publishers, Kodansha, after the successful run of the Cardcaptor Sakura Exhibition – the Enchanted Museum exhibition at the Mori Arts Center Gallery, which would later travel to other cities in Japan and Asia. Soon after, other publishers and companies related to CLAMP and their works formed a committee and started planning the exhibition. It took five years of planning but, according to one of the exhibition producers from Kodansha, from the very beginning there was a desire to do the exhibition at The National Art Center, a grand museum with spacious, eight-meters high ceiling exhibition rooms that have hosted exhibitions of legendary artists such as Salvador Dali, Caravaggio, and Monet. As far as I’ve been able to discover, this is the first time the Center has put on an exhibition of this scale focusing on women artists.

Read it at Anime Feminist!

[black-arcana]

EVANESCENCE To Enter Studio In November

During an interview with 89 FM A Rádio Rock at the Rock In Rio festival in Brazil on September 15, EVANESCENCE's Amy Lee was asked about the band's plans for the coming months. She responded (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): "We're in the creative process right now, but we're not deep in the throes of it yet. We've been doing a lot of creating, and we just have, like, tons of ideas. So we're gonna get serious and get in the studio in November for the first round. Round one."

EVANESCENCE will embark on its first headline tour across Canada in 15 years this fall. Produced by Live Nation Canada, the trek kicks off on October 15 in Vancouver, British Columbia, hitting cities nationwide before wrapping on October 29 in London, Ontario. EVANESCENCE will be joined by special guests, post-grunge/metal rockers HALESTORM across all stops. Alternative sister trio THE WARNING will open all shows.

Delivering a number of dynamic rock hits over the last two decades, EVANESCENCE recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of its landmark debut album, "Fallen", originally released in 2003. They recognized the milestone with a special anniversary edition of the smash album, which spawned gigantic rock hits like "Bring Me To Life", "Going Under" and "My Immortal", kickstarting a thriving career they're still carrying out today.

To date, EVANESCENCE has released a total of five studio albums, including the multi-platinum "The Open Door" (2004) and "Evanescence" (2011),both of which topped the Billboard 200. In 2021, the band thrilled fans with their first album of new material in a decade, "The Bitter Truth". Now 20 years on, EVANESCENCE continues to scale new heights. Featuring a lineup of Amy Lee (vocals, keyboards),Tim McCord (guitar/bass),Will Hunt (drums),Troy McLawhorn (guitars) and Emma Anzai (bass, backing vocals),the band continues to travel the globe, staging some of the most successful shows of their career, having wrapped a run of sold-out shows in Latin America, including Allianz Parque, a soccer stadium in Sāo Paulo, Brazil, which was the biggest headline show of EVANESCENCE's career to date, drawing 40,000 fans.

Shortly following its release in March 2021, "The Bitter Truth" rose to the top of the iTunes Album charts in 22 countries and also landed the top spot on Billboard's Top Hard Rock Albums chart.

EVANESCENCE first topped the Hard Rock Albums chart in October 2011 with its self-titled effort. The album stayed atop the list for three weeks.

"The Bitter Truth" was recorded during the pandemic and confronted the dark realities of the world head-on. Yet its resounding message was one of light: pushing through is better than giving up.

[3liza]

i think celebrity and influencer age kayfabe has gotten so extreme in this century that a lot of people are just going to be permanently confused about what normal human age milestones actually look like. lot of very public women "in their twenties" walking around with very clearly 40+-year-old elbows, hands, neck tendons and knee topography. and those are just the ones who don't have doctors that are clever enough to cover that shit up, which I assume most of the A list celebs are doing already with fat transfer, LED therapy, fraxel laser etc. if we ever get stem cells working on a scaled basis we'll be able to grow custom molded bioidentical fat implants and then we're really going to see some shit

[kingsanddragonsandgods]

⁂Early life:

Princess Visenya Targaryen of Runestone was born on the last day of the year 90AC, at her mother's ancestral home.

The newborn child was named after the Conqueror Queen, Visenya, by her father and anointed by holy oils seven days after her birth at the Sept-by-the-Sea in Runesport.

Queen Alysanne, who held the child during the ceremony is noted for having remarking that ‘the girl has all of Viserra’s beauty, but Alyssa’s temper’ to which the King is said to have answered ‘Gods be good’.

As Princess Visenya grew, her parents continued to battle, using the young girl as a pawn in their conflict, with both parents appealing to the King and Queen to take their side on occasion.

During her early years she grew especially close to her natural born brother, Orys Stone, the illegitimate son of Prince Daemon by Lady Rowena Royce, Lady Rhea’s older third cousin. The young boy was brought into Lady Rhea’s household in the year 90AC, following the passing of his mother.

From the age of five, her parents’ estrangement was permanent, with Prince Daemon returning to the Crownlands and Lady Rhea and their daughter remaining at the Vale. After royal intervention it was agreed that the Princess time was to be split between living in Runestone with her mother, and between the Red Keep and Dragonstone with her father, alternating during the seasons, summer and winter was spent on the Vale, while spring and autumn in the Crownlands, special celebrations were shared.

Her education appears to have been strict and somewhat old-fashioned, thus, in addition to her studies, Grand Maester Runciter notes in his journals, she was taught spinning and weaving and had an innate talent for weaving intricate tapestry. From the year 92 forward, Visenya, who had been betrothed to her newborn cousin, Prince Aerion, was expected to become Queen Consort, and her education reflected it. Her betrothed passed away in his cradle two years later, and Visenya was then betrothed to his newborn brother, Prince Aelor.

Her tutors at the time, Maester Adelin, Archmaester Vaegon and Master Petrarca of Volantis, regarded Princess Visenya as an extroverted, lively, highly intelligent, and strong-willed girl. Prince Daemon was reported to be proud of her horsemanship and marksmanship.

Because of her outstanding intellect, and his blunt favoritism, King Jaehaerys named Princess Visenya as his cupbearer in the Year 96AC, at the age of six.

The young princess often was allowed to discuss the classics, philosophy, and the affairs of state with ambassadors and envoys visiting the court of Jaehaerys. Moreover, she was personally acquainted with the painters, musicians, writers, and scholars who lived in and around the royal court.

Princess Visenya if often considered one of, if not, the best educated women of her generation.

The year 96AC marked another milestone for Princess Visenya: on the eight moon of the year, the young princess bonded and became the first rider of a she-dragon she named Huraxes. The same dragon that as a hatchling had been brought to Princess Daenerys Targayen. Huraxes had pearly scales and iridescent wing membranes, with pale and pinkish flames. The princess was allowed to bond with the she-dragons by royal decree after falling ill with a bolt of Spring Fever that nearly took her life.

Matches for Princess Visenya started being discussed by the Small Council, brought up by the Lord Hand. Thought Visenya was heiress to the largest fortress in the Vale and to the Ladyship of Runestone, it was argued that as she was a Princess of the Realm, the matter of her marriage was a prerogative of the King, which infuriated Prince Daemon, who at the time occupied the seat of Master of Law, the Grand Master agreed that such line of thought might anger the Vale, as the Princess was highly regarded by her people and her second cousin, the Lady Jeyne Arryn. Lord Corlys suggested his own son as a match for the princess, four years her junior, most likely to tie another dragonrider to his house. His Grace put down all talks of marriage for his niece, agreeing that such was the right of his brother and good sister to choose her match.

For the celebration of his niece's fifteenth nameday, the king ordered seven days of celebrations, with a tournament and grand feasts. The Queen's absence was noticed, excused as Her Grace was in the early stages of her final pregnancy, and Visenya was allowed to sit in the seat usually reserved for the consort; she was crowned Queen of Love and Beauty by the Dornish Ser Eldric Dayne, the Star in the Morning.

Since the Princess's return to court early in the spring of 104 AC, Visenya had caught the king’s eye, and it is reported that Viserys and his niece have become very close, spending hours each day in each other's company, promenading in the gardens, hunting in the Kingswood, and dancing together during feasts and balls.

The king is said to have spoiled his niece with lavish gifts, including presenting her with a manse in King’s Landing, a country estate crossing the Blackwater Rush and later a sea palace in the Reach.

⁂Marriage and Queenship:

After the death of Queen Aemma Arryn in the Year 105 AC, Princess Visenya, aged 15, became the 2nd wife and Queen Consort of her uncle, King Viserys I Targaryen. Their betrothal was announced a month following the queen’s passing, and a private ceremony was held three months later in Dragonstone.

It was a scandal at the time, as not only the King’s new marriage was announced a moon after the late queen’s passing in childbed, but it had also been rumored for some time that Viserys and Visenya had been lovers.

More salacious tales propagated by the fool Mushroom during the Dance of the Dragons tells of the princess sitting on her uncle's lap during feasts, kissing him shamelessly, and nibbling his fingers sensually as he fed her like a beloved pet; of the king fondling her breasts in public, and announcing to his courtiers that he and his niece would retire to make love. These have no contemporary support, with Septon Eustace calling such tales absurd and slanderous.

Over the matter of his marriage to his niece Viserys claimed that the marriage was in the public interest and ordered a grand celebration for the occasion of his new queen's coronation, to happen after the end of mourning period for Prince Baelon. Visenya was the first Queen Consort crowned in a separate ceremony from the reigning King. During the occasion the apparent advanced state of the queen's pregnancy caused a new wave of rumors that Visenya had been the King's mistress while the queen was still alive and that their child was conceived out of wedlock.

In their more than two decades of marriage, Visenya and Viserys had fourteen children, all survived into adulthood, something that the maesters attribute to the queen’s management of the nursery. Visenya’s role as a mother was glorified throughout the realm, their young new queen’s obvious fertility was seen, by the smallfolk and nobles alike, as both a bless from the Mother and a sign from the gods. With the birth of her twin girls, Princess Viserra and Princess Rhaelys, coins were issued, portraying her as the Mother, an allegory that would repeat itself many times for the remaining of her husband’s and son’s reign. If in her maidenhood, as a young princess, Visenya posed as a model for sculptures of the Maiden, in motherhood and queenship, she was now the Mother.

Although it was not the norm of the age, and in fact, apart from the late Queen Alysanne, no other queen receive such a honor, King Viserys granted Visenya a seat on his Small Council, leaning on her for advice on varied subjects due to his respect for her opinion and good judgment. She became a formidable figure with far-reaching influence during this time. According to some sources, her influence was such that Queen Visenya effectively ran the government alongside the Hand of the King.

In the year 115AC, around the time of her stepdaughter’s wedding to Ser Leanor Velaryon and in the years that followed, the Queen Consort started to work and put her own trusted people in ever higher positions to strengthen herself and her sons through them.

Visenya acted as her first husband’s regent after his health decline, sat in her eldest son’s war table following Viserys’s death.

⁂Personality:

Some historians have contended that to some extent she deserved her negative reputation propagated by her stepdaughter following the death of King Viserys I, despite the inaccuracies of the claims that she was sexually disreputable or regarding the legitimacy of her children, other criticisms of her were valid: she was ambitious, proud, obstinate, and masked her cunning behind a sweet-toned voice and flawless manners.

Princess Rhaenyra described her as a woman of reckless extravagance and wantonness, who seduced a grieving man, and whom the King nonetheless loved passionately and faithfully. It is widely known that those part of the Black Court of the Princess of Dragonstone took to call the queen ‘the King’s Great Whore’ and ‘Lady Concubine’, however always away from both the queen and the king’s ears as well as her supporters, further spreading the rumors of an extramarital affair while the late Queen Aemma still lived and questioning the validity of the legitimacy of their children. Despite rumors spread on her sons legitimacy supported by the queen's supposed lasciviousness, all of Visenya’s children resembled those of her lineage.

In her youth, Visenya was celebrated as ‘the most beautiful creature in the world’ and that there was ‘nothing lacking in her that the most beautiful girl should have’. Ser Alyn of Hull would reflect later in her lifetime that regarding her appearance ‘there were few women who could compete with the Queen in her prime’.

Visenya was fiercely independent, a trait she shared with her mother. Mellos described her as having ambitions to match her pedigree. However, Archmaester Gyldayn notes that Visenya was fully aware that a woman in Westeros could not hold power in her own right. Instead, Visenya orchestrated the rise of her sons.

Capable of acts of extreme ruthlessness, she, in contrast, was also able to demonstrate uttermost kindness and charity.

⁂Issue:

At four and thirty of age by the time of their weeding, Viserys was already considered in his middle age. The union however proved itself to be a happy one, and together they had 14 children, nine sons and five daughters.

Visenya had been taught the importance of receiving an education and came to play an extensive role in her children' education, resulting in the creation of a "superior breed of princes."

Queen Visenya was know to call her children her 'precious jewels', and took great pride in all of them, she was particularly close to the princesses Alyssa and Elaena, however it is said, that from all her children, her favorite was Prince Aegon.

edited on 11/04/2024

[nonhumanhermitheadcanons]

The hybrids and players from the Nether, End, or Aether don’t really get Overworld Customs and Holidays.

Those dimensions are static in their climate, so any seasonal markings weren’t commonplace. Let’s just say, on their first time on the server, a good portion of the server was really alarmed by the world cooling down, freezing, and dying, while everyone was putting up bright colourful lights as all the plant life dies. Even today, they aren’t used to it.

In dimensions without seasons, celebrations tend to revolve around personal or community milestones; the Nether and End don't even really have day and night, making measuring time difficult. All the more reason to have patterns to one's life that *can* be measured... but a little startling when familiar patterns get disrupted by, say, leaves dying and falling off of trees! It's especially disconcerting to hybrid players who have lived in the Nether most of their lives, as they're used to constant warmth (and "plants" that mostly don't have bits that can fall off of them).

Netherborn habits are part of why Tango built Decked Out 2. Despite having lived with the hermits for a while, he still has a hard time seeing the appeal of winter; building a frosty fortress was his way of exploring the good things about cold and snow, and finding his own things to celebrate and count within it - marking time by number of dungeon runs; celebrating wins and discoveries; introducing new challenges and milestones. All things that someone from a relatively timeless dimension would typically single out to make a day for!

On the other end of the scale, Jevin is an Overworld player through and through. In the presence of many species, from many places, he kicks up his own holiday celebrations a notch or two, to make sure everyone knows what the winter holidays are about, and knows they're welcome to be involved.

[mimzkyu]

Lyric McMullen’s life had always been a balancing act, juggling her roles as a mother, student, and freelance artist. But everything changed when she received an unexpected job offer that felt like the break she had been waiting for. A prestigious art gallery had taken notice of her work and offered her the opportunity to become a professional artist. The chance to sell her pieces on a larger scale was a dream come true, one that would provide much-needed financial security for her and her family.

For years, Lyric had poured her heart and soul into her art, scraping by on commissions and hoping for her big break. Now, it had finally come. The transition from freelance work to a stable, professional career in the art world was a game-changer. The steady income allowed her to breathe easier, knowing that she could provide for Breanna and contribute more to their future. This success was more than just financial; it was a validation of her talent and dedication, a milestone that marked the beginning of a new chapter in her life.

To celebrate this significant achievement, Lyric and Ryan decided to go out for a special night together. It was a rare opportunity for them to relax and enjoy each other’s company without the usual stresses of their daily lives. They laughed, reminisced, and marveled at how far they had come since the early days of their relationship. The evening was a perfect blend of celebration and intimacy, a moment where they could truly appreciate the life they were building together.

But Ryan had more planned than just a simple night out. A week later, he surprised Lyric with a date at an upscale restaurant, the kind of place they rarely visited. Lyric, still riding high on the success of her new job, didn’t suspect that anything was out of the ordinary. They enjoyed a beautiful meal, the ambiance romantic and perfect, but as the evening progressed, Lyric noticed that Ryan seemed unusually nervous.

As dessert was served, Ryan reached across the table, taking Lyric’s hand in his. He looked into her eyes with a sincerity that took her breath away, and before she could fully process what was happening, he was down on one knee, holding out a ring. In that moment, time seemed to stand still. Ryan spoke from the heart, expressing his love for her and their daughter, and how he couldn’t imagine his life without them. Tears welled up in Lyric’s eyes as she realized the magnitude of what was happening.

With a joyful “yes,” Lyric accepted Ryan’s proposal, her heart swelling with love and excitement. The restaurant erupted in applause, but all Lyric could focus on was the man kneeling before her, the man she had fallen in love with, now her fiancé.

The days that followed were filled with planning and excitement. Lyric and Ryan began to envision their future together, discussing wedding plans and how they wanted to celebrate their love with friends and family. Breanna, their lively and curious toddler, was to be the flower girl, adding an extra layer of joy to the occasion. The thought of their daughter walking down the aisle with them made Lyric’s heart swell with happiness.

Amidst the excitement, Lyric couldn’t help but reflect on how far they had come. From the uncertainties of early motherhood and financial struggles to the joy of a new career and the promise of a future together, their journey had been anything but easy. But through it all, their love had grown stronger, and now, they were ready to take the next step, united in their commitment to each other and to the family they were building.

poses used: <3

[jonnysinsectcatalogue]

Question Mark - Polygonia interrogationis

To all fellow lovers of the insect world and those who are kind to bugs, with this post the blog now has 800 posts to its name! What a milestone to celebrate! I'm delighted to share all these brilliant animals with you and learn more about them with each new post. New species continue to join the blog, the last few months of posts have garnered well-deserved attention, older posts are experiencing a resurgence, and these insects are now shared on YouTube too! Here's to much more blog growth and expansion and to continue sharing insect photography with all of you, my dear readers! As always, to you and to and all those who’ve helped me on this insect journey, I extend my sincerest, heartfelt thanks for everything! As things grow, expand, refine and change, and questions abound over what may come next, I thought that this stunning summer Brush-Foot would be most appropriate to share today as #800. As a reminder, this specie's name is not a mystery, but rather based on the marking found on the underside of the hindwing (best seen on Picture 5).

The Question Mark's question mark marking is a stand out against the rest of the mottled underside that conceals this Butterfly as if it were a dried leaf. While normally cryptic colored, the sunlight shining down on this individual has caused the dorsal and ventral scales to blend together, obscuring the mottling against the display colors of the top (the effect is stronger on the forewings). This (along with mimicking the appearance of a leaf) is why Butterflies hold their wings together in order to remain inconspicuous. While this Butterfly isn't trying to remain hidden, I've last long last delivered on my promise in the previous post to feature this elusive insect. I have delivered a long awaited view of the dorsal side of this Butterfly's wings and am happy to share those beautiful, brassy-orange colors that highlight the summer. With a view like this, it should become apparent how similar the Question Mark can appear when compared to some of its punctuation-themed relatives such as the Eastern Comma (P. comma; yes, really), which necessitates a glance at the underwings to find that all-important marking.

The dorsal side of the wings can reveal other important information about your Butterfly find. For this individual, you may have noticed that while the forewings are vibrantly colored, the hindwings are darkened. This tell us that we are witnessing the summer brood form of this insect. This would certainly fit the emergence timeline which gives summer Question Marks a range of May to September to be seen in the air. From there, they lay eggs on elm trees and nettles which hatch and develop throughout the summer into the winter brood (overwinter brood may be a better name). Unlike the summer brood, winter brood Question Marks have vibrant orange and brown that extends into their hindwings as well. They also seem to have longer hindwing tails compared to the summer form, but I'll need to see a few more individuals in the wild before I can declare that with any certainty. These adults will fly from late August until temperatures fall, upon which they will seek out sights to overwinter as adults and begin the cycle anew with summer individuals like the one found in the yard for today's post. I hope fortune smiles upon you to find one of those (or perhaps their Caterpillars), but approach slowly, for they are quite skittish and swift!

Pictures were taken on June 23 and 25, 2024 with a Google Pixel 4. Happy 800th post! Thank you everyone for reading, watching and guiding my photography journey! I couldn't do this without you. And thank you to all the insects as well!

[palesweetscherryblossom]

I can imagine Dabi getting really into the parenting shit and stalking humans to figure out what the best thing to do would be. And he would then take over in the parenting and Tomura just watched happily and purrs to whole time as Dabi is taking their hatchling out into the sun and helping them stretch and help pick human clothes so that their baby doesn't get cold.

And I can just imagine the ones that don't like the two putting a target on Reader only for Tomura to hunt them down and kill them in cold blood, and leaving their bodies at the borders of their territory as a warning to everyone else. Like don't fuck with my baby and mate. And all that while Dabi takes Reader for a small bath and helps them stay clean and happy. He will be trice the father Enji was, may he die painfully, and he would do anything for his little one.

And later in the evening he would wash Tomura amd calm his bloodlust down after an enemy tried to destroy their family. And Tomura brings Dabi "throphies" from the killing to show his mate he cam take good care of their family and protect them. Like an arm or teeth or scales or anything else. And it inspires Dabi in a way.

So they end up just switching jobs from time to time and Dabi goes killing while Tomura takes care of the little one.

Also how do you think Tomura and Dabi would react at Readers milestones in life? Like talking, reading, hunting (collecting berries) ect. Would they throw a little party? Give them small trophies as gifts?

Shigadabi would be extremely proud of Reader adapting to their way of living, you could blink and they’d be all over you. They would probably celebrate your accomplishments by giving you gifts.

Dabi would be that dad when he finally gets in the swing of things. Holding you on his hip and shit.

Shigaraki has very precise methods of warning people, usually by wearing their bones, intimidation tactics or just being plain messy with his methods.

Yet people just refuse to accept that Shigaraki is more than a mindless beast.

[my-wellness-way]

Effective Strategies to Crush Your Weight Loss Goals in 2025

Are you ready to make 2025 the year you finally achieve your weight loss goals? With so much information out there, finding the right strategies can be overwhelming.

This guide will simplify the process and provide you with actionable, science-backed tips to crush your weight loss journey this year.

1. Set Realistic and Specific Goals

The first step to achieving your weight loss goals is defining them clearly. Instead of vague resolutions like "lose weight," aim for specific and measurable targets, such as "lose 15 pounds in 3 months by exercising 4 times a week and eating 1,800 calories per day."

Why it works:

Helps you stay focused and track progress.

Encourages long-term lifestyle changes rather than quick fixes.

2. Prioritize a Balanced Diet Over Extreme Dieting

Fad diets may offer quick results, but they are rarely sustainable. Focus on a balanced diet that includes lean proteins, healthy fats, whole grains, and plenty of fruits and vegetables. Limit processed foods and added sugars.

Pro Tip: Incorporate more plant-based meals, as studies show they can help with weight management and overall health.

3. Make Meal Prep a Weekly Habit

Meal prepping helps you control portion sizes and resist unhealthy choices when hunger strikes. Dedicate a few hours each week to prepare nutritious meals and snacks in advance.

Benefits of meal prep:

Saves time and money.

Keeps you consistent with your calorie and nutrient intake.

4. Stay Active with a Mix of Workouts

Exercise is key to burning calories and building muscle. Combine cardio workouts (like running or cycling) with strength training to maximize fat loss and boost metabolism.

2025 Fitness Trends to Try:

- High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT).

- Online fitness classes for convenience.

- Group sports to keep workouts fun and engaging.

5. Track Your Progress

Using a journal or app to monitor your food intake, workouts, and weight loss progress can help you stay accountable. Apps like MyFitnessPal or Fitbit offer tools to track calories and exercise effortlessly.

Pro Tip: Celebrate small milestones to stay motivated, whether it's fitting into an old pair of jeans or reaching a fitness goal.

6. Focus on Sleep and Stress Management

Poor sleep and high stress levels can hinder weight loss by increasing hunger hormones like ghrelin. Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep per night and practice stress-reducing techniques like meditation, yoga, or deep breathing.

7. Stay Hydrated

Drinking water not only keeps you hydrated but also helps with appetite control and metabolism. Replace sugary drinks with water, herbal teas, or infused water for variety.

Quick Tip: Drink a glass of water before meals to avoid overeating.

8. Build a Support System

Having friends, family, or online communities supporting your weight loss journey can make a huge difference. Share your goals and progress, and don’t hesitate to seek professional guidance from dietitians or personal trainers if needed.

9. Be Patient and Consistent

Weight loss is a journey, not a sprint. Plateaus are normal, and progress may vary. Focus on consistency and celebrate non-scale victories, like improved energy levels or better mood.

10. Leverage Technology and Tools

Use wearable fitness trackers, calorie counters, and AI-powered apps to personalize and optimize your weight loss journey. These tools can provide insights into your habits and suggest improvements.

Conclusion

Achieving your weight loss goals in 2025 doesn’t have to be daunting. By setting realistic goals, maintaining a balanced diet, staying active, and using the right tools, you can stay on track and see lasting results. Remember, consistency and patience are key.

Start implementing these strategies today, and watch yourself crush your weight loss goals this year!

#trending #workout #fyp #health

[s-soulwriter]

Let´s talk about your word goal

Writing can be incredibly rewarding, but let's be honest, there are times when it feels like scaling Mount Everest would be easier. When you're staring at a blank screen, and the words just won't flow, reaching your word goal can seem like an insurmountable challenge. But fear not! Here are some tips to make it not only achievable but also a tad less daunting:

Set Realistic Goals: The first step in reaching your word goal is setting one that's actually attainable. Be honest with yourself about how much you can realistically write in a day or week.

Create a Writing Schedule: Consistency is your best friend. Dedicate specific times for writing, and treat them like important appointments. Whether it's early morning or late at night, find what works for you.

Eliminate Distractions: Find a quiet writing space. Turn off your phone or use apps that block distracting websites. A focused environment can work wonders.

Use Writing Prompts: Writer's block happens to the best of us. When your creative well runs dry, turn to writing prompts. They can be a great way to jumpstart your imagination.

Break it Down: Your word goal may seem enormous, but remember, you don't have to tackle it all at once. Break it down into smaller, more manageable chunks. Focus on one section or chapter at a time.

Reward Yourself: Celebrate milestones along the way. When you hit your daily or weekly word count goal, treat yourself to something special. It's a great motivator.

Accountability Partner: Share your goals with a fellow writer. Having someone who can hold you accountable and provide motivation can be a game-changer. Fell free to always text me here on this app .I would love to connect with more writers!

Write First, Edit Later: During your first draft, don't get bogged down by trying to make everything perfect. Just write. Editing can come later.

Visualize Your Success: Imagine the sense of accomplishment when you complete your story. Visualizing your success can provide the motivation needed on tough days.

Stay Inspired: Seek inspiration everywhere—books, movies, nature, or even a random conversation. When you're genuinely excited about your story, writing becomes a joy.

Take Breaks: Writing marathons can lead to burnout. Schedule short breaks to clear your mind and recharge. A refreshed mind is more creative.

Track Your Progress: Use word count trackers or writing apps to monitor your daily achievements. Seeing your progress can be incredibly motivating.

Remember, reaching your word goal is a journey, not a race. It's about consistent effort and unwavering determination. So keep writing, one word at a time, and soon you'll find yourself at the finish line.