#Choosing Brass Bells

[cottageartsindia]

How to Choose the Perfect Brass Bell for Your Collection

When it comes to collecting brass artifacts, a brass bell can add a touch of elegance and tradition to your collection. Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting, selecting the right brass bell involves considering various factors to ensure it complements your collection beautifully. This guide will help you choose the perfect brass bell, including options like the Brass Urli Bell and the Brass Ganesha Laxmi Urli.

Understanding the Types of Brass Bells

Brass bells come in various designs, each with its own unique characteristics. Here are some popular types:

Traditional Brass Bell: Classic in design, these bells are often used in temples and homes for spiritual purposes.

Brass Urli Bell: These bells are designed to be placed in a brass urli, a shallow bowl used for decorative and ceremonial purposes.

Brass Ganesha Laxmi Urli: Featuring images of deities like Ganesha and Laxmi, these bells combine functionality with divine symbolism.

Key Factors to Consider When Choosing a Brass Bell

When selecting the perfect brass bell for your collection, consider the following factors:

1. Design and Aesthetics

Style: Choose a bell that matches the style of your collection. Traditional bells are often intricate and ornate, while modern designs may be simpler.

Finish: Brass bells can have various finishes, such as polished, antique, or matte. Decide which finish complements your existing pieces.

Size: Consider the size of the bell in relation to your collection. Larger bells make a bold statement, while smaller ones can be subtle yet elegant.

2. Functionality

Sound Quality: The primary purpose of a brass bell is to produce a clear and pleasant sound. Test the bell to ensure it has a quality tone that you find pleasing.

Usage: Determine if the bell will be used for ceremonial purposes, as a decorative piece, or both. This will help you choose a bell that suits its intended use.

3. Craftsmanship

Material Quality: Ensure the brass bell is made from high-quality brass. Authentic brass should feel solid and durable.

Artistry: Look for bells with detailed craftsmanship. Handcrafted bells often have intricate designs and unique features.

4. Symbolism and Meaning

Cultural Significance: Brass bells are often associated with various cultural and spiritual meanings. Choose a bell that resonates with your personal or cultural values.

Deity Representation: For example, a Brass Ganesha Laxmi Urli may appeal to those who value the symbolism of Ganesha and Laxmi, representing prosperity and good fortune.

Popular Choices for Your Collection

Here are some popular brass bell options to consider:

1. Brass Bell

Description: Traditional and versatile, the brass bell is ideal for any collection.

Features: Often comes in various sizes and finishes, with a classic design that suits both modern and traditional settings.

Uses: Can be used in homes, temples, or as a decorative piece.

2. Brass Urli Bell

Description: Designed to be placed in a brass urli, these bells are perfect for decorative displays.

Features: Typically features a charming design and is crafted to sit elegantly in an urli.

Uses: Commonly used in traditional ceremonies and home décor.

3. Brass Ganesha Laxmi Urli

Description: This bell features images of deities Ganesha and Laxmi, combining spiritual significance with artistic beauty.

Features: Often intricately designed with detailed images of the deities, adding a divine touch to your collection.

Uses: Ideal for those who want to bring blessings and prosperity into their space.

Where to Buy Your Brass Bell

When purchasing a brass bell, consider buying from reputable sources to ensure you receive a high-quality product. Cottage Arts India offers a wide range of brass bells, including options like the Brass Urli Bell and the Brass Ganesha Laxmi Urli. Look for vendors that provide detailed descriptions, craftsmanship information, and customer reviews to make an informed decision.

Tips for Maintaining Your Brass Bell

To keep your brass bell looking its best, follow these maintenance tips:

Regular Cleaning: Use a soft cloth and a brass cleaner to remove tarnish and keep the bell shiny.

Avoid Moisture: Keep the bell away from moisture to prevent rusting.

Proper Storage: Store the bell in a dry place, ideally in a protective covering to avoid scratches and damage.

Conclusion

Choosing the perfect brass bell for your collection involves considering design, functionality, craftsmanship, and symbolism. Whether you opt for a classic Brass Bell, a decorative Brass Urli Bell, or a spiritually significant Brass Ganesha Laxmi Urli, each bell has its unique charm and purpose. By keeping these factors in mind, you can find a bell that not only enhances your collection but also brings joy and elegance to your space.

Explore the beautiful selection of brass bells at Cottage Arts India and find the perfect addition to your collection today!

[bronzetomatoes]

this poll again but more thorough. if you play multiple instruments choose the one you're best at / like most / play most often. (example instruments are including but not limited to)

[magickkate]

We'll uncover the enchanting world of bells in witchcraft in today's topic. Bells are utilized for cleansing, protection, summoning spirits, and enhancing rituals. Let's look into their rich history, deep symbolism, and practical applications in magic. Warning, this is a bit of a long post, be prepared to read :)

What are Witch(es) Bells?

Magical bells are small, often ornate instruments used in witchcraft to produce sound vibrations that carry specific intentions. These bells can be made of various materials such as brass, bronze, or silver, and they often feature intricate designs and symbols. The clear, resonant tones of bells are believed to carry powerful vibrations that can cleanse, protect, and communicate with the spiritual realm.

Historical and Symbolic Significance

Historical Roots:

The use of bells in spiritual and religious practices dates back thousands of years. They have been used in ceremonies across many cultures, including ancient Greece, Rome, China, and India, to invoke deities, ward off evil spirits, and mark sacred time.

By the Middle Ages, bells were commonly used in churches and monasteries throughout Asia and Europe. They were believed to scare away evil spirits with their loud sounds.

In modern witchcraft, bells are often used as tools for spiritual protection and purification. They may be rung at the start of a ritual to clear the space of negative energies or to signal the end of a ritual. Bells are also used to call forth the spirit of a deity or to invoke the elements.

Symbolism:

Sound and Vibration: Bells symbolize the power of sound and vibration, which can influence energy fields, cleanse spaces, and elevate spiritual awareness. The word "bell" translates to mean "to roar" or "to make a loud noise" (think bellow)

Divine Masculine and Feminine Energy: The significance of male and female anatomy in the use of bells in witchcraft is rooted in symbolism. The bell’s body is often seen as representing the anatomy of a female, while the clapper represents the anatomy of a male. This symbolism extends to the idea of the bell’s body representing the womb and the clapper representing a child within. This union of male and female elements is believed to create a powerful protective amulet. The combination of these elements symbolizes the unity between yin and yang, male and female, and the Divine Masculine and Feminine. This balance and harmony are considered essential in many magical practices and rituals. This unity creates powerful and protective energies.

Communication:

Bells are often seen as tools for communication with the divine, spirits, and otherworldly beings. Their sound is believed to transcend physical boundaries and reach the spiritual realm.

Protection:

The ringing of bells is thought to drive away negative energies and entities, creating a protective barrier around the practitioner and their space.

Choosing and Consecrating Your Bell

Choosing Your Bell:

Select a bell that resonates with you both visually and audibly. The tone should be pleasing to your ear and evoke a sense of peace or power. Consider the material and craftsmanship, as these can influence the bell’s energy and effectiveness. Many bells are made with iron, brass, bronze, aluminum, or "bell metal", which is ~75% copper and ~25% tin to help make a sturdy, long-lasting bell that also produces a resonant sound.

Consecrating Your Bell:

Cleansing: Cleanse your bell to remove any unwanted energies. This can be done by passing it through incense smoke, sprinkling it with salt water, or placing it under moonlight. If you choose to use saltwater, be sure to dry it thoroughly as the type of metal of your bell could tarnish if the water remains on it over time. Be mindful! :) Charging: Hold your bell and focus on your intentions. Visualize it being filled with your energy and purpose. Blessing: Recite a blessing or incantation. For example, "I consecrate this bell to serve as a tool of cleansing, protection, and communication in my magical workings." This is just an example of a way to perform a blessing or consecration of this item for your practice. You are welcome to adjust this to your practice. It is best to make clear your intentions for the use of the objects in your magickal toolbox such as these bells.

Practical Uses of Bells in Witchcraft

Cleansing and Purification:

Ring your bell to cleanse and purify your space. The sound vibrations can dispel negative energies and create a harmonious environment. Walk through your space, ringing the bell, and visualize the sound waves sweeping away stagnant energy.

Protection:

Use your bell to create a protective barrier around your home or sacred space. Ring it at the entrances and corners while setting the intention of protection and safety.

Ritual Enhancement:

Incorporate the bell into your rituals to mark the beginning and end, or to signify transitions between different stages. The sound can help to focus your mind and elevate the ritual atmosphere.

Summoning and Invocation:

Bells can be used to summon spirits, deities, or elemental energies. Ring your bell to call upon the entities you wish to work with, inviting them into your space with respect and reverence.

Meditation and Focus:

Ring your bell before meditation to clear your mind and set the tone for a focused, serene session. The sound can help to shift your consciousness and deepen your meditative state.

Cord and Knot Magic:

Use the bell in cord and knot magic to charge your cords or knots with sound vibrations. Ring the bell as you tie each knot, infusing it with your intention and the bell’s energy.

Caring for Your Bell

Regular Cleansing:

Regularly cleanse your bell to maintain its energy. Use the same methods as when you first consecrated it.

Storage:

Store your bell in a safe, sacred place, such as on your altar or in a special box. Treat it with respect as a powerful tool in your practice.

Respect:

Your bell is a sacred tool. Avoid using it for mundane purposes or allowing others to handle it without permission.

Bells are magical tools that harness the power of sound and vibration to cleanse, protect, and communicate. By incorporating bells into your practice, you can elevate your rituals, create sacred spaces, and connect with the spiritual realm. Use them with intention and respect, and their enchanting tones will guide and support you on your magical journey.

[working on some info updates, will add sources/citations when finished! thank you for your patience.]

Share your experiences and tips with using bells in the comments. Let's continue to learn and grow together! 💜

[demigoddessqueens]

masterlist vii

Some links were going funky on my desktop so I’m adding a new masterlist to here so that it can be updated better

Tik tok tease 😈

Superman and Vash appreciation

Critical Role - coffee bae 💕 ☕️ //

Vox Machina - noble!reader // WEREWOLF PUPPY // taking care of them when exhausted // treating migraines // boys + period headcanons // you remember? // trouble in paradise // Birb Machina // reverse birb machina // Garmelie reveals through art // Grog romance // Vax and sweet bartender // Vax + childhood friend // you have beautiful eyes // close the door?? 🚪 // close the door 🚪 part 2 // day gone wrong 😅 // rizz them up ✨ // flying Treasure Planet style //

Song fic -Grog // song fic - (my) dandelion // song fic // Mothers Day - song - Percy // song fic - Vax angst //

Modern s/o series - different dance styles // bonding with Percy //

Mighty Nein - beach 🏝️ day // cuddle headcanons //

Song fic - Caleb // song fic - angst // song fic // song fic - outfield // song fic - 2 //

Bell’s Hells - song fic //

Crown Keepers - song fic + Dariax //

Ring of Brass - song fic //

Song fic for the ladies //

Castlevania - Hector A-Z NSFW // Dracula + fem!reader smut // drawing the boys // remember what they say // Alucard and his jealous lover // Alucard and art as a gift // got a black eye defending him // Isaac A-Z NSFW //

Marvel - Namor + nurse!reader // Guardians of the Galaxy fluff //

Star Wars 🌟- Poe fluff + Miguel //

Prey (2022) - Taabe smut //

Unicorn 🦄 Warriors Eternal - Edred headcanons // Aewulf HC’s //

Game of Thrones/House of the Dragon - horse riding with Aegon //

Ewan characters - Osferth and Tom //

Into/Across the Spiderverse - Miguel O’Hara fluff // biting kink headcanons // soft headcanons // angst headcanons // angst part 2 headcanons // sick headcanons // dancer!reader // touch-starved Miguel // Miguel and a shy reader // college boyfriend Miguel // fangs and claws oh my! 😍 // Miguel + parks & rec // incorrect quotes // Miguel AZ fluff alphabet // love nicknames // incorrect quotes + Gabriella O’Hara // good morning ☀️🌞// incorrect quotes part 2 // love me, choose me, pick me // Miguel Regency era // incorrect quotes part(s) 3-4 // wedding 💍 headcanons //

Assassin’s Creed - Connor Kenway fluff // AC OC Debut // Shay & Haytham + Assassin // Haytham NSFW // Desmond Mermay // barista bae ☕️ // Dad + kid just like mom // Haytham hurt & comfort // Haytham + hurt and comfort // love confession + “you” // Ezio birthday 🎂 headcanons // morning seggs + Haytham // codexmonthly - mirage // Ezio birthday headcanons part 2 // bath 🛁 headcanons 💕 //

Helluva Boss/Hazbin Hotel 😈 - Crimson SFW and NSFW //

Blood of Zeus - Apollo x daughter of Nyx // pantheon smut // ares and Amazon!reader // dating Seraphim headcanons //

Legend of Zelda/ToTK - Sidon and his illicit affairs //

Dragon Age

DA Absolution - Miriam + kisses on face //

[flashhwing]

Exandria's Next Top Blorbo: Preliminary Rounds

Hello, one and all, and welcome to Exandria's Next Top Blorbo! In this competition, 16 blorbos will battle against each other to determine once and for all who is Exandria's Top Blorbo.

(banner by @glossolali)

But first, we must choose who these 16 competing blorbos will be! That's where you come in, dear readers.

In this preliminary round, each of Exandria's five adventuring parties (Vox Machina, the Mighty Nein, Bell's Hells, the Crown Keepers, and the Ring of Brass) will duke it out, Battle Royale style.

You will get to decide who makes it into the competition by voting for your top blorbo from each group.

Four winners will be selected from each Vox Machina, the Mighty Nein, and Bell's Hells, and two winners will be selected from each the Crown Keepers and the Ring of Brass.

Once the competitors have been selected, they will compete against each other in a series of seeded one-on-one challenges until only one blorbo remains

That blorbo will be crowned

Exandria's Next Top Blorbo

prelims will go live Friday, February 17th at 10:00 am EST, and will be open for 24 hours

[mangoshorthand]

Arrow of Time: Chapter 5 [Five Hargreeves/ F Reader]

(Hard Feelings Part 5)

SUMMARY: When the mother of all teenage tantrums causes time itself to fracture, Five has to travel back to 1831 to repair the damage. But will he be able to cope with what he finds there?

Chapter 6 >> << Back to Chapter 4

A new face and and old one.

Chapter 5: Sir Lewis Danforth

As always after the ladies withdraw, the men stay at the dining table to enjoy a drink. It’s a particularly unusual dining room, and the owner of the house at Lafayette Place does as much as possible to show it off to his guests, although they almost always leave it feeling slightly bemused.

The room is dominated by an immense crystal chandelier overhanging the dining table. It hangs by brass chains from a gold-leafed peacock in flight affixed to the ceiling. The body of the immense light-fixture takes the form of a lotus flower in full bloom off which sparkling cut-crystal festoons hang, catching the light attractively.

The rest of the room is equally striking in a way that, if not quite offensive to the eye, is at least highly bewildering: the jade-colored velvet curtains, (held back by gilded snakes wrapped around them), the painted walls adorned with marble pilasters and arched alcoves…it’s as if somebody who once heard the interior of the taj mahal inaccurately described decided to try recreating it in 1830’s Manhattan.

At the head of the long dining table, Sir Lewis Danforth sits splayed in the high-backed mahogany chair, a cigar in one hand and a glass of brandy in the other. Rather like his dining room, Sir Lewis has a look of opulent anatopism about him. Unknowingly, he is around thirty years ahead of his time in wearing a smoking jacket, but his descendants would be unlikely to choose a silk Sherwani to serve as one. His broad, slightly flabby face is currently ruddy with the drink, and he laughs along amiably enough with the other men.

Mr Wilson, a mousy lawyer at the other end of the table, (largely invited for the sake of his much more fashionable wife), ventures a compliment:

“I admired the food today. Most unusual. Quite the culinary experience.”

Sir Lewis smiled with satisfaction. It seemed Wilson had his uses after all. He was desperate to show off a particularly unusual acquisition and Wilson had given him the perfect opening to do so.

“I have not visited the Indian subcontinent myself,” continued Wilson, “but my good friend, Sir Henry Lytton has, and the food we sampled today seemed quite authentic to the flavors he described. Do you keep a Hindoostanne cook?”

“Lord no,” Sir Lewis chortled, “though not for lack of trying. Lady Anne won’t have anybody browner than a pail of milk on the household staff. She nurses unfortunate prejudices, I'm sorry to say.” he swilled down another swallow of liquor, cleared his throat and continued, “No, I had quite the remarkable little find. Ring the bell for me, won’t you, Smyth?”

The visitor at the other end of the table crossed to the bells to summon a servant. When the footman arrived, he was instructed to fetch the cook.

“Now just you wait here, gentleman, and tell me what you think of my special cook. Spent a year on the subcontinent at nineteen years old: India, Ceylon, Bengal and came back with capital knowledge of curries, spice blends, oriental herbs: all you could want.”

“Remarkable. His name, Sir Lewis?” asked Smyth, retaking his seat at the table.

Another chortle rumbled from Danforth as if traveling up his body from his toes, wobbling in his belly before bubbling out of his mouth.

“ Her name, Smyth.”

“A woman?”

“Precisely! And that’s the best part- she commands less of a wage than a man and she provides other… compensations , if you take my meaning.”

Other men around the table joined him in his lascivious chuckle.

“I’ve had her for nearly a year now and I’m perfectly satisfied with her. Hargreeves, she’s called: Mrs Hargreeves. No relation, I hope,” he looks laughingly at one of his guests and then tilts his head as if suddenly struck by his appearance:

“That’s a curious eye-piece you have there, Reginald. A single spectacle?”

“It's called a monocle,” said Hargreeves, shortly, adjusting it slightly, "my own design.”

“And an excellent piece it is too,” said Sir Lewis, “I say, you’ve visited the subcontinent: what do you think of my Mrs Hargreeves’ work?”

“Quite authentic,” he said, simply, “I should have guessed she wasn’t a native but she is, nevertheless, extremely capable.”

To go upstairs to the dining room, it's necessary to wash and change into a clean apron and cap. Why you couldn’t simply take off the apron was still a mystery to you. So many social conventions seemed bizarre, but blending in and keeping in your employers’ good graces was a matter of necessity. Your wages provided you with what felt like your only chance of getting home. Posing as the wife of a missing and presumed dead husband had been your only claim to respectability in this world.Sir Lewis found you on the street one night and assumed you were a prostitute. By then, you had managed to scrape enough money together to buy a cheap dress but not enough to afford room and board any longer.

After you’d refused his offer of payment for your ‘company’, he’d taken pity on you and offered you a meal. From there, conversation had flowed; your tale of woe had appealed to romantic ideas he had held as a very young man and your way of conducting yourself gave a ring of truth to what you told him.

He also mentioned in passing his interest in the Indian subcontinent and you’d leapt upon the commonality: describing the dishes you enjoyed cooking at home and what you knew of the geographical and cultural influences on each region’s cuisine, embellishing your knowledge with well-placed inventions. He’d been easily impressed: it soon became clear that he actually knew very little about the area. 

Lady Danforth, however, had been less easy to impress. Although living in New York, she ran the household as if she still lived in England, underlining Sir Lewis’s aristocratic roots as much as possible as an attempted claim to prominence in this alien world. 

You knew your presence was a constant annoyance to her. Although the domestic arrangements were her domain, Sir Lewis had imposed you upon her, insisting that she hire you after he had sampled a simple curry you cooked at his request. You’d tried to ingratiate yourself with her but with no luck. You could hardly blame her: like most women of this era, she accepted her husband’s dalliances as a matter of course. She could have probably turned a blind eye were he pursuing a buxom young maidservant, but to have him hankering after a middle-aged cook only a year or two younger than herself was an insult she couldn’t be expected to ignore.

The injustice of this rankles: while you've successfully avoided Lewis's sexual overtures, the entire world (including himself) behaves as if you're actually sleeping together. 

The powerlessness is (and has long been) excruciating. For the first few days, you'd expected Five every moment, only leaving the vicinity of alley you arrived in briefly to find the site where the academy buildings would stand, several decades from now. You’d asked shopkeepers to convey a message to any frantic man who arrived but soon necessity had driven you to find this work. It wasn’t the nearest to where you arrived but trying to alert Five to your whereabouts cost money. Five knew what Viktor had done in Dallas when in a similar situation and trying to trace his family. Surely he’d check the newspapers?

That he’d do everything in his power to come was certain. That he hadn’t come yet was your major worry. You missed them both with intensity that had not waned over the months. Thanks to Sir Lewis’s favor, you were treated as an upper servant and this meant having your own small room in the basement servants’ quarters. Although you were suspicious of his reasons for this maneuver, (the hope of a private spot in which to visit you after dark), you hadn’t resisted it: the seclusion of your bedroom allowed you the space you needed to cry yourself to sleep  virtually every night. Aoife’s smile and the memory of Five’s caresses were a toxic sustenance in your lonely existence: they formed the anchor to your real life. Too bad if that anchor’s prongs dragged and dug in your gut as if searching for purchase in a too-soft seabed.

Standing outside the drawing room now, listening to their manly, drink-addled chuckles, you take a deep breath and knock.

“Come.”

You open the door, advance a little way into the room and bob a curtsey to the gentlemen still around the table.

“Come in, Mrs Hargreeves. Mr Wilson here was just complimenting our good table.”

“Thank you, sir.” you nod demurely first at Sir Lewis and then at Mr Wilson.

“Very impressive indeed.” said one of the guests in another, clipped British accent. “Under whom did you study?”

The face of the man makes your stomach drop. You’ve seen that face, though older, in portraits and photographs around the Academy. The monocle firmly in place, the mustache, the goatee. Hair fuller and darker than you’d ever seen it pictured. As if to confirm your impossible identification, Sir Lewis says,

“Oh Reginald, you’ve and your odd ‘monocle’ seem to have scared my Mrs Hargreeves. I hope you don’t do the same to your own Mrs Hargreeves?”

He puts a flabby arm around your waist and slaps your hip bracingly and he chortles, pulling you a little closer towards him. As you regain your balance, you answer the alien in a skinsuit who is your father-in-law, for now pushing aside the fact that he’s appearing here nearly one hundred years earlier than any of his children estimated.

“Um…nobody in particular. I traveled and picked up what I could from local women…sir.”

Reginald eyed you with what your paranoid mind was convinced was suspicion as Sir Lewis began to rub firm circles into your hip. You extricated yourself smartly but politely to stand beside the intricately-carved mantle. He chuckled low in his throat. This, in his eyes, was you ‘playing hard to get’.

“You have talent,” Sir Reginald stated, taking a sip of his drink.

“You most certainly do,” concurred another guest.

“But this is a most extraordinary story,” Hargreeves said, speaking over him, “under what circumstances does a nineteen-year-old born and bred American female have the opportunity to explore the Indian subcontinent?”

“Extraordinary circumstances, sir,” you smile, unable to keep the nervous laugh out of your voice. Sir Lewis joins you, chuckling indulgently.

How to tell him or Hargreeves that your knowledge actually comes from cookbooks, youtube and living in a multicultural future? When it becomes clear that this won’t satisfy him, you tell the already-concocted lie:

“My father worked for a spice trader. When my mother died, he sent for me and I spent a year with him until he could secure a position in New York.”

“Hm.” by his tone, you can’t tell whether the sound expresses approval or doubt.

You bob another curtsey and cast a look at Sir Lewis in a silent appeal to be excused.

He nodded, mustache twitching with his grin.

“Thank you, Mrs Hargreeves. You may go.”

The other servants are starting to talk.

As if it wasn’t bad enough that you were strange, made the servants quarters smell of pervasive, unfamiliar spices and seemingly came out of nowhere, you’re also clearly having an immoral relationship with the master. That private bedroom, those evening visits to his study. (“We might not have much schooling”, said the ladies’ maid to the housemaid, “but we weren’t born yesterday”)

When the butler stumps his way ill-naturedly back into the kitchen, he looks to you with gruff annoyance.

“We ought to give you your own bell. Master wants you in his study again.”

You try to conceal a sigh, marking the page in your book.

“Thank you, Mr Hill.”

“Women of your age should know better than to read novels, Mrs Hargreeves. It’ll give you funny ideas.”

“We wouldn’t want that, would we?”

He doesn’t return your smile.

You know you shouldn’t, but you can’t help but like Sir Lewis Danforth. It’s like being pursued by a horny old bulldog with a penchant for belly rubs. He always accepts your rebuffs with a good grace, perhaps even happier than if you’d given in. Yes, he can get a little handsy, but the thrill of the chase is the only thrill he really wants, even if he can’t admit that to himself. If only all sex-pests were as harmless. You’d learned quickly that 21st century feminist ideals were virtually useless here. It wasn’t a pleasant discovery but it had been a realization that helped you play the part you needed to play. It was no worse than keeping a smile on your face while being talked over in a sales meeting. 

“You’re quite the saucy little vixen, aren’t you?”

“I’m sorry sir?”

“Don’t play innocent with me, woman,” he said, waving an admonitory finger in your direction, eyes twinkling, “sit down, have a brandy.”

Before you arrived, you’d known little about this period of history, but it hadn’t taken you too long to realize that a sixty-five-year-old knight drinking in his study with his cook was not considered appropriate. These interviews probably aren’t wise but these times with Sir Lewis offer a rare opportunity to be yourself. This, you know, is why he thinks he has a chance of late-night rendezvous in your bedroom but it’s hard to let go of a small source of fun. He’s one of the few people who’s kind to you in this new life and, even more unusually, honest about his intentions.

Now, he wears a silk turban, a nightshirt and pajama pants: in this, like his improvised smoking jacket, he is an early-adopter. In all things, he takes his inspiration from India…or from the strange simulacra of vaguely eastern ideas he’s invented in his imagination. In your time, his cultural appropriation would be enough to get him canceled several times over: in his own time, he’s considered an eccentric sophisticate.

 “So,” he says, handing you a glass and raising his to you, “it wasn’t enough for you to bewitch me, you’ve bewitched Sir Reginald Hargreeves too. Isn’t one man enough for you?”

You roll your eyes, letting your guard down,

“My husband is more than enough.”

He harumphs good-naturedly.

“Admirable sentiment, I’m sure. It’s in woman’s nature to be constant and it’s quite to your credit that your feelings are so loyal. But, if your husband lives, (and, for your sake, I hope he does), I can assure you he won’t have such fine feelings. He’ll be taking every opportunity to enter into amorous congress with a game lass. It’s quite normal for a red-blooded fellow. I'm afraid we can’t help ourselves.”

“We’ll agree to disagree there,” you say, swilling the brandy around your glass.

“Hmph. Well, he stumbled upon a gem when he snagged you as his bride. Damn, him. To his good health and safe return.”

He raises his glass in grudging tribute to Five before continuing.

“As I was saying, Sir Reginald has become an unlikely ally to me, even as he tries to court you himself.”

“You’ll need more than Sir Reginald Hargreeves on your side, Lewis. And neither of you will be courting me.”

“That’s the spirit I like,” he rumbled, smiling at your informal use of his Christian name, “but I’ve broken many a wilder mare than you, believe me. But that’s by the by: humor me and take a look at this.”

You’re unsure you believe that he’s broken any ‘wild mares’ in his time, but you take the piece of paper he offers you without comment. He ensures he brushes your hand with his as he transfers it to you.

It was a richly printed invitation inviting him to a party at Reginald Hargreeves' house in only a few days. At the bottom, in a neat, compact hand was clearly a handwritten addition: 

Bring that intriguing cook of yours and tell her I'd like to claim her hand in the French waltz.

You look back up at him, a creeping sensation in your stomach. Because you can think of nothing else to say for the moment, you say:

“I don’t know the waltz.”

“I’ll teach you!” he said, clearly overjoyed at the idea of putting his hands on you.

You stare down at the invitation, taking a rather large swallow of brandy in order to give yourself time to think. You knew that trusting Reginald Hargreeves, especially when it came to maintaining timelines, was simply not an option. It was imperative that he learn nothing about who you are and why you’re here. You should refuse, you should stay as far away from him as possible…

But…

If Five’s anywhere in this time, he will sure as hell be paying close attention to anything his father does. Your other efforts have done nothing so far…so why not try a different approach?

“What about Lady Danforth?”

“That’s the best part, my dear. Staying with her niece. She won’t be home until the following afternoon. What Annie doesn’t know won’t hurt her, by God.  And to stop tongues a-wagging, I’ll introduce you as my cousin.”

He smiles proudly at his own ingenuity.

“I don’t have anything to wear.”

“Don’t concern yourself, my dear. I know you ladies can be very particular in matters of dress but will you allow me to select something suitable?”

You hesitate slightly. Knowing Sir Lewis, you’ll probably be turning up to this thing in the 19th century equivalent of stockings, suspenders and titty tassels.

“As long as you promise to keep it decent,” you say, warningly.

“Upon my honor,” he said, raising his right palm as if swearing on a bible, “it’s what’s underneath that counts, eh?”

You sigh again and down the rest of your brandy in one: sealing your decision.

“Then sure. I’ll go.”

After a lesson in the French waltz in which you had  to readjust Sir Lewis’s hands several times, you make your way stealthily back to the servants’ quarters. As always, he’d signed off your private audience with him with a hearty: ‘May I come to you tonight, my dear?’ which you, as always, denied him. Expecting nothing else, he’d waved you off genially.  

As you avoid the creaky floorboards outside Lady Danforth’s sitting room, you wish heartily that you could blink back to your room. Just as you think you’ve gotten away with it, her cold voice issues from within. 

“Mrs Hargreeves?”

You wince and turn around, reluctantly entering the sitting room and bobbing a curtsey to the mistress of the household.

“Yes, Lady Danforth?”

You try to look innocent as she surveys you suspiciously from under her frilled cap. She’s a beautiful woman: what people of this time would call ‘handsome’. About fifteen years younger than Sir Lewis and five years older than you. Her long nose and hard expression added to her formidable demeanor. Her hair is an attractive graying blonde and her eyes a shrewd hazel.

“What are you doing in this part of the house?”

“I was summoned to the master’s study,” you say. Then, to try and ingratiate yourself while forming an alibi, “he was requesting some dishes for your absence next week but I suggested to him that they should be subject to your approval, given that you know the household matters best.”

“You presumed to tell Sir Lewis what was and wasn’t his jurisdiction in his own house?”

“No ma’am.” you say, having accidentally dug yourself further into her bad graces. The old-timey language is easy, the body language is easy, but your understanding of this era’s social dynamics is still constantly wavering. It seems like you can barely breathe without mortally offending someone.

“You were rather a long time,” she says, delicately, “for one discussing meals.”

You waver slightly, needing to come up with a convincing lie on the spot,

“Sorry ma’am. Sir Lewis had questions about my time in Bombay.”

She stares at you in silence for a while, sitting perfectly upright on the sofa, hands and feet primly together. You wet your lips briefly. In the last year, you’ve had to lie constantly; the creativity gets easier but holding your nerve never does.

When she speaks again, she moves her hand to stroke a finger gently across the arm of the damask sofa.

“Do you have children, Mrs Hargreeves.”

“Yes Ma’am. One daughter.”

Lady Danforth nodded contemplatively, “I have a daughter too. Married just over a year ago to a Baronet in England.”

You nod, smiling unsurely, “All the servants speak fondly of Miss Catherine.”

“Hm,” she said, tilting her head in order to look down her nose at you, “my daughter had a housekeeper. A widow, Mrs Fredericks. Or not a widow, as it turned out. She was dismissed recently. It was discovered that she was, in fact, still Miss Fredericks, although she had a grown son. Not only this, she had been stealing from her employer.”

“Oh.” you say, dumbly.

“Can you produce a marriage certificate, Mrs Hargreeves?”

Shit.

“No ma’am. My husband had it about him when he went missing.”

“I’m very sorry to hear that, Mrs Hargreeves. How inconvenient for a woman in your position.”

“Yes,” you all but whisper.

“But surely church records are available?”

“Um…no.”

She tilts her head in mock confusion and you gabble out the latest twist in a long and convoluted series of lies.

“The church we were married in burned down. The marriage records were lost with it.”

“Another inconvenience,” she says, raising her eyebrows, enjoying the seconds she leaves you hanging, “very well, you may go.”

You waver for a second, “ma’am?”

“You may go.” she repeats.

It’s almost second nature to curtsey now as you leave the room.

 You don’t fall asleep for a long time that night. Your family seems closer than ever tonight, just tantalizingly out of reach. Your complex, intelligent and determined little girl and your Russian nesting-doll of a husband. The adult with a septuagenarian within and, at the deepest level of his precious heart, a scared, neglected little boy.

Tag list: (please comment to be added or removed.) @dilfjohhny , @sunsunhe, @w4stedtr4sh, @nevbrooke-555, @theredvelvetbitch, @td-miley01, @five-hxrgreeves, @rorygi1more, @jamiebower88, @nevillescomslut

On to Chapter 6 >> Masterpost

[therecordchanger62279]

MY 200 FAVORITE ALBUMS OF ALL-TIME

(Revised 2024 Edition)

To my way of thinking, a list of favorite albums changes over time. At any moment, there might be as many as 300 or 400 albums that are good enough to make a favorites list of 200. Where and how to cut is the question. I do a new list whenever the old one feels outdated to me. The criteria I use is pretty basic. I choose my favorite records to listen to, and those that get played more often are ranked higher. But my listening habits change from time to time, so when an album I love doesn't get played as often because I'm getting tired of it, it falls to a lower spot on the list, or disappears altogether. If I haven't played it in awhile, and it sound fresh to me, it goes back into regular rotation, and subsequently climbs higher on the list. I go through periods when I listen to one genre more than another, and that can also affect where the album lands on the list. Playability is the most important factor. That's why an album that has one great side that gets played all the time while the other side is ignored, won't rank as high as one that I enjoy playing from start to finish. And critics lists are things I often read, but completely ignore when it comes to doing my own. My list reflects my tastes, and my biases only.

This is my first revision since March of 2023. There are 28 new additions to the list this time marked with an asterisk. And, in case you're wondering, there were five artists that placed at least five albums on the list. They were The Rolling Stones (13), The Beatles (8), and The Beach Boys, Steely Dan, and Tom Petty each had five (though four of Petty's were with The Heartbreakers, and the fifth was a solo album). Here's my list, and I hope it encourages you to explore something you might not have heard, or to pull something out you may not have played in awhile.

    1. All Things Must Pass – George Harrison (1970)

    2. Revolver (UK) – The Beatles (1966)

    3. The Wild, The Innocent & The E Street Shuffle – Bruce Springsteen (1973)

    4. Blood on the Tracks – Bob Dylan (1975)

    5. Sticky Fingers – The Rolling Stones (1971)

    6. Close to the Edge – Yes (1972)

    7. The Dark Side of the Moon – Pink Floyd (1973)

    8. L.A. Woman – The Doors (1971)

    9. Surrealistic Pillow – Jefferson Airplane (1967)

  10. The Who by Numbers – The Who (1975)

  11. Help (UK) – The Beatles (1965)

  12. A1A – Jimmy Buffet (1974)

  13. Bitches Brew – Miles Davis (1970)

  14. Kind of Blue – Miles Davis (1959)

  15. Pet Sounds – The Beach Boys (1966)

  16. A Tribute to Jack Johnson – Miles Davis (1971)

  17. Pat Metheny Group (1978)

  18. A Hard Day’s Night (UK) – The Beatles (1964)

  19. Aftermath (US) – The Rolling Stones (1966)

  20. The Division Bell – Pink Floyd (1994)

  21. Heavy Weather – Weather Report (1977)

  22. Bridge Over Troubled Water – Simon & Garfunkel (1970)

  23. Sweet Baby James – James Taylor (1970)

  24. Surf’s Up – The Beach Boys (1971)

  25. Exile on Main St. – The Rolling Stones (1972)

  26. At Fillmore East – The Allman Brothers Band (1971)

  27. Born to Run – Bruce Springsteen (1975)

  28. The Hissing of Summer Lawns – Joni Mitchell (1975)

  29. The Doors (1967)

  30. Highway 61 Revisited – Bob Dylan (1965)

  31. Rust Never Sleeps – Neil Young & Crazy Horse (1979)

  32. Let It Bleed – The Rolling Stones (1969)

  33. Astral Weeks – Van Morrison (1969)

  34. (Untitled) (4th) – Led Zeppelin (1971)

  35. Teaser & the Firecat – Cat Stevens (1971)

  36. The Velvet Underground & Nico (1967)

  37. On the Road to Freedom – Alvin Lee & Mylon LeFevre (1973)

  38. Tea for the Tillerman – Cat Stevens (1970)

  39. The Complete Africa Brass Sessions – John Coltrane (1961)

  40. Holland – The Beach Boys (1973)

  41. Layla and Other Assorted Love Songs – Derek & the Dominos (1970)

  42. Heartbreaker – Free (1972)

  43. Pisces, Aquarius, Capricorn, Jones, Ltd. – The Monkees (1967)

  44. Beggar’s Banquet – The Rolling Stones (1968)

  45. III – Led Zeppelin (1970)

  46. Seventh Sojourn – Moody Blues (1972)

  47. Forever Changes – Love (1967)

  48. My Favorite Things – John Coltrane (1961)

  49. Meet The Beatles – The Beatles (1964)

  50. Can’t Buy a Thrill – Steely Dan (1972)

  51. Beautiful Vision – Van Morrison (1982)

  52. Days of Future Passed – Moody Blues (1967)

  53. Setting Sons (US) – The Jam (1979)

  54. The Captain & Me – Doobie Brothers (1973)

  55. The Dream of the Blue Turtles – Sting (1985)

  56. Willy & the Poor Boys – Creedence Clearwater Revival (1969)

  57. The Way It Is – Bruce Hornsby & The Range (1986)

  58. One Fair Summer Evening – Nanci Griffith (1988)

  59. The Beatles Second Album -The Beatles (1964)

  60. Who’s Next – The Who (1971)

  61. Idlewild South – The Allman Brothers Band (1970)

  62. Beatles ’65 – The Beatles (1964)

  63. Presenting the Fabulous Ronettes featuring Veronica - The Ronettes (1964)

  64. Chuck Berry is On Top – Chuck Berry (1959)

  65. First Circle – Pat Metheny Group (1984)

  66. The Allman Brothers Band (1969)

  67. Young Americans – David Bowie (1975)

  68. The End of the Day – The Reivers (1989)*

  69. Visions of the Emerald Beyond – Mahavishnu Orchestra (1975)

  70. Will O’ The Wisp – Leon Russell (1975)

  71. 461 Ocean Boulevard – Eric Clapton (1974)

  72. Band on the Run – Paul McCartney & Wings (1973)

  73. It’s Only Rock ‘N’ Roll – The Rolling Stones (1974)

  74. Manassas – Stephen Stills & Manassas (1972)

  75. Pretzel Logic – Steely Dan (1974)

  76. Peter Gabriel (3rd/Melt) (1980)

  77. Made in Japan – Deep Purple (1973)

  78. Where Have I Known You Before – Return to Forever (1974)

  79. Green River – Creedence Clearwater Revival (1969)

  80. Making Movies – Dire Straits (1980)

  81. Rock ‘N’ Roll Animal – Lou Reed (1974)

  82. Selling England by the Pound – Genesis (1973)

  83. Heroes – David Bowie (1977)

  84. Afro Blue Impressions – John Coltrane (1963)

  85. Some Girls – The Rolling Stones (1978)

  86. Diesel & Dust – Midnight Oil (1987)

  87. Mysterious Traveler – Weather Report (1974)

  88. Blues from Big Bill’s Copacabana – Various Artists (1968)

  89. Modern Times – Jefferson Starship (1981)

  90. Blow Your Cool – Hoodoo Gurus (1987)

  91. Ram – Paul & Linda McCartney (1971)

  92. Caravanserai – Santana (1972)

  93. Odessey & Oracle – The Zombies (1968)

  94. Black Market – Weather Report (1976)

  95. Heart Like a Wheel – Linda Ronstadt (1974)

  96. 12X5 – The Rolling Stones (1964)

  97. Santana (1969)

  98. In Concert: Live at Philharmonic Hall – Miles Davis (1973)

  99. Bridge of Sighs – Robin Trower (1974)

100. Pirates – Rickie Lee Jones (1981)

101. Benefit – Jethro Tull (1970)

102. Madman Across the Water – Elton John (1971)

103. Countdown to Ecstasy – Steely Dan (1973)

104. McCartney – Paul McCartney (1970)

105. Yesterday’s Wine – Willie Nelson (1971)

106. Howlin’ Wind – Graham Parker & The Rumour (1976)

107. Voice of America – Little Steven (1984)

108. Out of Our Heads (US) – The Rolling Stones (1965)

109. Blow by Blow – Jeff Beck (1975)

110. Robbie Robertson (1987)

111. Gaucho – Steely Dan (1980)

112. Desire – Bob Dylan (1976)

113. Vol. 4 – Black Sabbath (1972)

114. Abbey Road – The Beatles (1969)

115. Aja – Steely Dan (1977)

116. Yessongs – Yes (1973)

117. Rickie Lee Jones (1979)

118. Bare Trees – Fleetwood Mac (1972)

119. Something/ Anything? – Todd Rundgren (1972)

120. After the Gold Rush – Neil Young (1970)

121. Physical Graffiti – Led Zeppelin (1975)

122. Rock ‘N’ Roll – John Lennon (1975)

123. Abraxas – Santana (1970)

124. Hard Promises – Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers (1981)

125. A New World Record – Electric Light Orchestra (1976)

126. Ghost in the Machine – The Police (1981)

127. The Low Spark of High-Heeled Boys – Traffic (1971)

128. Dreaming My Dreams – Waylon Jennings (1975)

129. We’re an American Band – Grand Funk Railroad (1973)

130. Chicago Transit Authority – Chicago (1969)

131. What’s Goin’ On – Marvin Gaye (1971)

132. Don’t Cry Now – Linda Ronstadt (1973)

133. Goodbye Yellow Brick Road – Elton John (1973)

134. Jaco – Jaco Pastorius (1976)

135. Peter Frampton (1975)

136. Prisoner in Disguise – Linda Ronstadt (1975)

137. El Mocambo 1977 – The Rolling Stones (2022)

138. Document – R.E.M. (1987)

139. Harbor – America (1977)*

140. Love’s Melodies – The Searchers (1981)*

141. Doll Revolution – Bangles (2003)*

142. Learning to Crawl – Pretenders (1984)

143. Black & Blue – The Rolling Stones (1976)

144. The Yardbirds (Roger the Engineer) (1966)*

145. Lifes Rich Pageant – R.E.M. (1986)*

146. America (1971)*

147. Wildflowers – Tom Petty (1994)*

148. Aladdin Sane – David Bowie (1973)

149. Dusty in Memphis – Dusty Springfield (1969)

150. Everything – Bangles (1988)*

151. That’s Why God Made the Radio – The Beach Boys (2012)

152. Stephen Stills (1970)*

153. On the Border – Eagles (1974)

154. Baron Von Tollbooth & The Chrome Nun – Kantner, Slick & Freiberg (1973)

155. The Pretender – Jackson Browne (1976)

156. Under the Big Black Sun – X (1982)*

157. Stand Up – Jethro Tull (1969)

158. Let Me Up (I’ve Had Enough) – Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers (1987)*

159. London Calling – The Clash (1979)*

160. Live at The Star Club – The Beatles (1977)

161. The Joshua Tree – U2 (1987)

162. Eat to The Beat – Blondie (1979)*

163. One of These Nights – Eagles (1975)*

164. Scarecrow – John Mellencamp (1985)*

165. Live – Bob Marley & The Wailers (1975)

166. Tattoo – Rory Gallagher (1973)

167. Orange Crate Art – Brian Wilson & Van Dyke Parks (1995)

168. Damn the Torpedoes – Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers (1979)*

169. Hard Again – Muddy Waters (1977)

170. Valley Hi – Ian Matthews (1973)

171. In the Court of the Crimson King – King Crimson (1969)

172. One Live Badger – Badger (1972)

173. Automatic for the People – R.E.M. (1991)*

174. Trilogy – Emerson, Lake & Palmer (1972)

175. Sunflower – The Beach Boys (1970)

176. 80/81 – Pat Metheny (1980)

177. Moving Pictures – Rush (1981)

178. Blue and Lonesome – The Rolling Stones (2016)

179. You Broke My Heart So I Busted Your Jaw – Spooky Tooth (1972)

180. Quadrophenia – The Who (1973)

181. Go for Your Guns – Isley Brothers (1977)

182. Hearts of Stone – Southside Johnny & The Asbury Jukes (1978)

183. Get Happy! – Elvis Costello & The Attractions (1980)*

184. Long After Dark – Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers (1982)*

185. Master of Reality – Black Sabbath (1971)

186. Led Zeppelin (1969)

187. Sign O’ The Times – Prince (1987)

188. Ambient 1: Music for Airports – Brian Eno (1978)

189. Liars – Todd Rundgren (2004)*

190. Electric Ladyland – Jimi Hendrix Experience (1968)

191. Blonde on Blonde – Bob Dylan (1966)

192. Tattoo You – The Rolling Stones (1981)*

193. My Generation – The Who (1965)*

194. Going For The One – Yes (1977)*

195. The Tortured Poets Society: The Anthology – Taylor Swift (2024)*

196. Bloodletting – Concrete Blonde (1990)*

197. Fear of Music – Talking Heads (1979)*

198. English Settlement – XTC (1982)*

199. Brain Salad Surgery – Emerson, Lake & Palmer (1973)

200. Never Mind the Bollocks, Here’s The Sex Pistols – Sex Pistols (1977)

[cold-fins]

trick or treat! >^._.^<

Hi hi !! I noticed that you're a cat alterhuman, so I choose to bestow upon you...

A little brass bell! Cat's like bells, right-?

[thatmistersguy]

I don't know if you are still active, but I want to ask a question. What are the Little Misters personality traits???

hi!!! i'm still around, just on hiatus (since regular updates are way too stressful, being in college and all that) but asks are always welcome! :) here's a quick rundown, under the cut to save you the long post haha

Chameleon: nihilistic, mostly. He's tired of all this shit, cranky as hell, and doesn't like getting involved.

Headless: excitable and friendly. He isn't naive, not by a long shot- he just tends to cope with things via a love of Halloween.

Laugh: similar to Chameleon but less cranky. He's nihilistic, sure, but more resigned to his anomaly at this point. He prefers to watch life as a spectator rather than a participant.

Forgetful: cartoonishly goofy and clumsy with just about everything. He hides his more serious tone from other people.

Shapey: petty and creative, but burnt out as all hell. They find it fun to mildly annoy other people but damn it if life isn't coming too fast.

Soap: reckless, extremely insecure, and obsessed with theological conspiracy theories as a means of escapism... mostly tries to ignore the insecurity part.

Hungry: kind of just a chill father figure. Laid-back, responsible, and not at all book-smart but knows how to get things done.

Brass: scatterbrained and tries his best to stay calm despite incredible paranoia. Pretty modest, hates making a scene.

Hot: self-important and a little sleazy. Not a terrible guy, don't get me wrong, but he prefers overconfidence over processing his emotions, so he's kinda immature at times.

Sweetie: stand-offish southern belle. She can seem a little vapid, but she can be either really kind or really antagonistic, depending on her opinion of you.

Life/Death: they're a system, so it depends who you ask. Life is a reserved people-pleaser, while Death is a little more open and tends to throw caution to the wind.

Fish: GOD he is so tired. 30% cranky, 60% sarcasm, 10% the word "fuck". He doesn't want to be here but he'll do what's needed.

Moon: unhinged old man trope. He's quietly enthusiastic about life as well as highly energetic for someone his age.

Redd: there's a lot to unpack here. He's logical and strategic, sure, but it's easy for his emotions to get the better of him when cold anger turns to simmering rage.

Money: prefers being useful over being himself. As such, he usually seems cheery and supportive, but very shallow.

Lost: curious, but almost always has his head in the clouds- he's rarely ever mentally present. Likes being a nuisance, though.

Lie: tricky and charismatic, but the line defining him is pretty blurry. He's fiercely protective of Stripes and has a habit of pushing people's buttons just to see if he can. The world's his oyster.

Mad: spacey and scatterbrained, but wants to help everyone he can, even if he doesn't know how. Tends to put others before himself.

Smiles: uses optimism as denial. He chooses to be upbeat and naive because he's not anything if not happy-go-lucky.

Stripes: quiet and reserved, but very obviously dealing with something. Has extremely strong convictions but keeps it to himself.

[reddoll123]

Hey, so here’s my lil’ mini review of SHINee's 8th album Hard after listening to the whole thing twice:

Hard: First time I listened to it was from the mv, and I wasn't sure about it. And so after listening to it twice more via the album, I'm set in just not caring for it. Like, there are parts of the song that I love, like when they harmonize while singing Ohh~, the Hard like a criminal part, the bridge and classic high note at the end of it--but still not the full song. Like some parts felt too disjointed but not even in a good way. So, yeah this might be the first title track from them that I don't care for. Oh well, I know the b-sides will be amazing tho 'cause it's them~

Juice: Ooh the beat for this! 'Kay, I'mma have to disagree with my faves in that I think that this should've been the title track instead of Hard. Like it has Kenzie and Dem Jointz and Adrian Mckinnon as the writers? It was destined to be fire! So I can safely say, so far this is my top song lol. (This does feel like the sister song of DCM though, so I do kinda get it not being the title track at the same time since title tracks shouldn't be too similar.)

10X: Oooooh, such a smooth song already just from the start. Makes me feel expensive like I'm sauntering through a romantically lit downtown era with shopping bags in my hand lol. A nice finger snapping, foot tapping song aka it's really really nice!! SHINee never disappoints with their vocals and harmonies bruh <3. Another top fave!

Satellite: Gave me a nostalgic feeling right away, and kinda reminded me of an older song of theirs. This is such a pretty song, especially the chorus when they go all Ahhh~, really helps make the song feel lifted and light <3. Taemin being at the front as they sing really helps with that as well ^^.

Identity: Immediately thought this was a Key song 'cause it's sumn he would choose for his album (which is a great thing) with the retro yet futuristic vibe the song gives. Anyways, this is a nice bop!

The Feeling: I've already heard this one a few times from the pre-released mv, and it's still real nice. Love the brass, and drumkicks in the beat plus their vocals ofc :3.

Like It: That chorus is real nice! Song is like the definition of quintessential poppy SHINee--just feel good and bright~ I def like this one a lot hehe.

Sweet Misery: Song's okay, like I love the beat and melody but the chorus is a bit of a let down.

Insomnia: Song's also okay though once it got to the 2nd chorus, I started really vibing with this one lol, paying attention to the swing feeling, the piano etc.

Gravity: This is the closest to a ballad in this album, and they once again sound so beautiful together. And I really dig the punchy beat when they sing "Gravity, gravity, yeah" during the chorus. A really nice end to the album imo!

And so my favs from this album in order are: 10X, Like It, Satellite, Gravity, Identity, The Feeling, Juice, Insomnia, Sweet Misery >>>>>>>[a wall], Hard.

TL;DR: Another solid full album from 5HINee <3. It's not the type of album with like a whole new sound for them, bells and whistles, theatrics or whatever but not every album has to be like that. This one's a nice vibe with the bright, punchy side at the start leading towards the wistful yet beautiful latter end of the album. I'd def recommend listening to it, just for their vocals that always shine through and how they blend with each other so well. And as always, I look forward to hearing what they'll do next <333.

[kirua9]

Which instruments would diaboys play if they were ✨️musicians✨️ (part2)

Characters included: Ayato, Kou, Kanato, Laito

5. Ayato – trombone

No, I didn't choose that because of the meme with a guy in dark glasses, no 😎. Playing the trombone is kinda hard, because you produce the sound by lips vibration, which should be super close to the mouthpiece (trombone players blow there, just like clarinet and oboe players, they all have their special mouthpiece) SO the vibrations that lips do sound kinda funny (try to imitate the sound with wich coachman stops horse, it's like "prrrr"). I honestly think it is the only one thing Ayato would be fond of, lol. He'd certainly want to look cool, he'd think about drums or maybe guitar, or even vocals... but end up with : " oooh this thing moves forward and backward, again forward and backward FUNNY".

Jokes aside, you have to controle your lips to make an intonation on this instrument, since then I believe people, who play trombone ALL have good voices and control of intonation, inner music sense of how the voice/instrument should sound, therefore it'll suit Ayato, cause as far as I remember he has talent (???) for singing. It explains my position if it's true ofc.

Examples:

https://youtu.be/YDf4-TRM2Us

https://youtu.be/J2dqO5PQGTE

6. Kou – percussions (well actually vocal, but idc...)

Idk, I have the one thing in my mind: Kou has VERY good coordination. Remember, he is an idol, so he is able to sing and dance at the same time, so I can assume he'd be good at percussions of any type too.

However, it's more logical to put vocals with piano in one category, because ppl who's specialization is vocal/choir also have high level of piano education (well, should have).

But for me Kou doesn't look a person who'd be interested in piano. There's only one piano, BUT THERE ARE SO MANY DIFFERENT PERCUSSION INSTRUMENTS... I don't know, I think he'd be very excited about fancy marimba sounds or all those bells, you know. At least he'd orient in what orchestra play and never loose his moves/entries. It won't be hard for him, I think.

Examples:

https://youtu.be/ix-QW-BShPY

7. Kanato – harp

This decision is partly inspired by @eyelessdoll-y Kanato art, where he plays the harp. Then I thought: definitely. I personally think that string plucking instruments like mandolin or lute also suit him (they have medieval vibe, just like Kanato idk why), but harp is far above them, it's heavenly beautiful.

Also Kanato would complain about how most of harp players are women and he seems to be the only guy there. Kanato would enjoy using harp as an accompaniment instrument for singing. His delicate voice + harp sound are like heaven's doors. Also, Kanato would choose such instrument to make his mother to pay attention to him.. (I didn't want to put up this theme here, but kinda did, so sorry.)

Kanato would also be annoyed with his bros who play em... very loud instruments, comparing to his own. Hehe

Examples:

https://youtu.be/vVTPbLhlbfI

8. Laito – Accordion (+piano by canon)

Accordion associates with French meme music :)

But you know, this sound of harmonica, which produces accordion is rather miserable. It's like a mix of brass+woodwind+voice, weird but cool sound. Has elements, which are alike to piano keyboard, so should be relatable for Laito.

I believe that songs played with accordion are the most soulful... Maybe that's because it can make very long "pedal" long lasting sounds. Also requires virtuosity and hands which are able to take chords (tho I think Laito has such hands and fingers, since he plays piano).

I also have this hc when people assume you can only play some funny songs with this instrument, nothing serious, but when the player takes minor chords – accordion sounds as if someone's soul cries. It depicts the pain perfectly. It's like Laito for me...

Examples:

https://youtu.be/8PG6H4qQMxQ

https://youtu.be/-_es5g6KCVI

[viscousliquid]

maja, honeysuckle, broadsword!

maja - what does your dream home look like? who is there with you?

my dream home is very much a small yellow cottage or victorian style home, lots of windows and a mud room, absolutely FULL of plants and a dog and my partner, would ideally have many people coming and going during parts of the year. my ideal home is full of rugs and art and laughter, candles lit constantly and finger crossed for a fire place or woodstove.

honeysuckle - tell me about a fond childhood memory!

I grew up in BC canada on a tiny tiny little island, like 300 ish people small, so it had a lot of nature areas, i remember playing in the crik all day and getting soo muddy they had to hose me off before coming inside, i made a little pot out of clay and when it dried it turned this milky blue color thats been my favorite ever since.

broadsword - if you had to put your soul in an item, which item would you choose?

If i had to put my soul in any object i think i would choose a bell, a small brass one, very decorative (like those ones that are cranes) because i love the sound of bells, and they are something that brings joy but can also be used to inspire silence

thank u!! these sleepover ask games are always soooo fun 🤍🤍

[catboymettaton]

Mx. Minotaur

(after Carol Ann Duffy. I wrote this in 2020 be niceys)

Two doors stare at me, practically identical, yet the difference between them is infinite. I hold my hands in front of me, pointer finger out, thumb at a right angle, like a compass, lead the way. Daedalus, you bastard, these walls all look the same. I loosen my fingers and pluck at the thread tied to my wrist.

I know exactly what lies ahead, yet it’s a mystery still. I know every inch of these walls, though  I’ve never set foot in this junction before. I could run and be smothered – charred, scorched, and covered in ash before I would make it ten yards. I run my hands through my hair, shorn short and slick with sweat.

I see footprints crisscrossing before me and through the doorways, where many human travellers have passed. Spiders skitter past me to their inky lairs under the gaps between wood and dirt, taunting me: Watch this, it’s easy. I still need to find my crevice in this mess of a maze. I pace before the doors, dust clouds rising in my wake.

Shall I lie here forever and drown in this earth? Half human, half beast, a freak with hands and hooves and horns, I’m a horrible hybrid, a curse. How could I dare to dream any higher than this hell? Better by far for all if I stay here, beneath. I blink my eyes tight, feel the warmth of my lids.

The walls have shifted. The way out is gone. My pulse races, then I dig in my heels, clear my eyes, quiet  the bells in my skull. I can’t let this all go to waste. I fix my eyes on the twin brass knobs and press  my palms against the cold metal, heart drumming  through every inch of my veins. It’s too much.

I bow my head against the dirt, my energy spent. And then I feel it: the wall gives way to my horns. At last I can finally leave the doors behind. I lean in and shove, shaking and shuddering – The whole cavern shatters around me. I carve my own door, I choose my own path.

[aladeanblogs]

Decorative Christmas Bells: Rustic Harmony Cowbell Set – A Perfect Holiday Touch for Your Home 🎄🔔

The holiday season brings with it an air of joy, love, and celebration. One of the most wonderful parts of the festive season is the ambiance that fills our homes. The warmth, the lights, the smells of delicious meals, and of course, the sounds that herald the arrival of Christmas. If you’re looking for a special way to add charm and a dash of rustic beauty to your holiday decorations, look no further than the Decorative Christmas Bells: Rustic Harmony Cowbell Set from Aladean. These bells are more than just beautiful décor; they carry with them the spirit of tradition, love, and a timeless appeal that is sure to captivate the hearts of anyone who lays eyes on them. 💖✨

The Rustic Harmony Cowbell Set: A Touch of Tradition and Charm 🔔

The Decorative Christmas Bells: Rustic Harmony Cowbell Set are the perfect example of how traditional designs can be seamlessly woven into modern-day celebrations. Made with meticulous craftsmanship, these bells exude a rustic charm that instantly transports you to a simpler, more peaceful time. The set features beautifully crafted cowbells with an earthy finish that blends perfectly with both modern and classic holiday settings. Whether you’re decorating your tree, mantel, or even your front door, these bells bring a touch of old-world charm to any space.

But these bells aren’t just about looks. Their quality and craftsmanship make them a reliable and lasting addition to your holiday decor collection. Each bell has been thoughtfully crafted to ensure both beauty and durability, making it a meaningful piece that will be enjoyed for years to come.

Why Choose the Decorative Christmas Bells: Rustic Harmony Cowbell Set? ❤️

1. Beautiful Aesthetic Appeal ✨

One of the first things you’ll notice about the Rustic Harmony Cowbell Set is the rich aesthetic appeal they bring to your home. Their rustic charm is timeless. The natural finish and bell design offer an earthy vibe that beautifully complements any holiday decor. Whether your home embraces a farmhouse, vintage, or eclectic style, these bells are the perfect addition. They blend seamlessly with the warmth of a cosy fireplace or the twinkling lights of your Christmas tree, adding a unique touch of elegance that can’t be found in ordinary decorations.

2. Versatility in Decoration 🎄

The beauty of the Rustic Harmony Cowbell Set is in its versatility. You can use these bells in a variety of ways throughout your home. Adorn your Christmas tree, hang them from your front door, or use them as part of your table setting for a more rustic-themed holiday dinner. The bells can even be displayed in a vintage-style wreath or used to decorate your holiday mantle. There are no rules when it comes to decorating with these bells – their charming appearance works in a variety of settings, adding an extra layer of warmth and sophistication to your home.

3. Perfect for Gifting 🎁

Looking for that perfect gift for someone special this holiday season? The Rustic Harmony Cowbell Set is an ideal choice. Whether for a friend, family member, or co-worker, these bells offer a unique and meaningful gift that they will treasure for years to come. Their timeless beauty and versatility make them a wonderful present for anyone who appreciates the spirit of Christmas. Gift them to someone who loves traditional décor, rustic aesthetics, or simply someone who enjoys the charm of holiday bells.

The Meaning of Bells in Holiday Traditions 🔔

Bells have long been a symbol of celebration, joy, and unity. Their melodic chime is often associated with the holiday season, where they carry the message of hope, peace, and togetherness. For centuries, bells have been used in religious ceremonies, celebrations, and festive occasions. They are believed to bring good fortune and keep evil spirits away, making them the perfect addition to your home as you celebrate the holidays.

The Rustic Harmony Cowbell Set does more than just beautify your home – it embodies the very essence of the holiday spirit. Their charming sound, whether they’re ringing gently in the breeze or silently hanging from your tree, serves as a constant reminder of the love and joy that fill our hearts during this special time of year. The act of ringing a bell also signifies the start of something wonderful, much like the Christmas season itself – a time for new beginnings, cherished moments, and connections with the people we love most. 💕🔔

Uses of the Rustic Harmony Cowbell Set 🎉

As we embrace the magic of the holidays, the Rustic Harmony Cowbell Set can be used in a variety of ways to elevate your celebrations. Here are some ideas to inspire you:

Hanging from Christmas Trees: These bells can be used as tree ornaments, adding a touch of rustic beauty to your holiday tree. Hang them strategically for an extra layer of elegance.

Door and Window Hangings: Let your guests hear the joyful sound of the bells as they enter your home. Hanging them from your front door or windows is an excellent way to welcome the festive season.

Table Centerpiece Decoration: Place them in the center of your dining table as part of a rustic Christmas centerpiece. Pair them with pinecones, holly, or candles to create a charming display.

Gift Wrapping Touches: Use the bells as part of your gift wrap decoration. Their rustic appeal will make your presents stand out and add an extra layer of love and thoughtfulness to your gifts.

Home Decor: Add them to your mantle, shelves, or even your fireplace to create a cozy, festive atmosphere. The bells will infuse your home with warmth and charm.

How the Rustic Harmony Cowbell Set Enhances Your Holiday Atmosphere 🎅

Imagine this: It’s Christmas Eve, and your home is decorated beautifully with twinkling lights, a fragrant pine tree, and a cozy fireplace. The fire crackles, and the air is filled with laughter and love. In the background, the sound of gentle bells rings as the Rustic Harmony Cowbell Set sways slightly in the winter breeze. Their simple but beautiful chime reminds everyone that this is a time for togetherness, reflection, and celebration. 💖

It’s moments like these that make the Rustic Harmony Cowbell Set so special. They do more than just decorate – they create an emotional connection to the holiday season, reminding us of the peace, joy, and hope that Christmas brings. As you hang these bells or simply gaze upon them, you’ll feel the love that goes into every detail of their creation and the warmth they bring to your home.

Importance of the Rustic Harmony Cowbell Set in Your Holiday Decor 🎶

The Rustic Harmony Cowbell Set is more than just a decoration; it is a symbol of the Christmas spirit. As we decorate our homes for the holidays, we are not just adding beauty – we are creating a space for memories, for love, and for the traditions that we hold dear. These bells serve as a reminder of the importance of connection and togetherness, which are at the heart of the Christmas season.

In a world that can sometimes feel rushed and chaotic, the Rustic Harmony Cowbell Set invites you to slow down and appreciate the beauty of tradition. Their simple yet timeless charm evokes the feelings of nostalgia, family bonds, and the deep love that surrounds the holiday season. They are a reminder that, no matter where we are or who we are with, the true spirit of Christmas lies in the moments of love we share.

Embrace the Spirit of Christmas with Love and Tradition 💖

The Decorative Christmas Bells: Rustic Harmony Cowbell Set is more than just a festive accessory – it is a way to connect with the heart of Christmas itself. With its charming design, durable craftsmanship, and emotional resonance, this bell set is the perfect addition to your holiday decor. It’s a gift that keeps on giving, a piece that will hold its beauty and sentiment for many Christmases to come.

So, this holiday season, embrace the spirit of tradition, the joy of celebration, and the love that fills your home with the Rustic Harmony Cowbell Set. Let these bells become a part of your holiday memories, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that your family and guests will cherish year after year. 💖🔔

[mortarmagic]

Creating stone temple art at home can be a beautiful and spiritual addition to your space. Here are some ideas and tips to get started:

1. Choose a Focal Area

Select a dedicated wall or corner in your home for your temple art.

Consider areas with good lighting or where natural light can enhance the look of the stone textures.

2. Stone Panel or Wall Cladding

Use stone wall panels or cladding, which come in various designs and textures, to create a temple-like feel.

Materials like sandstone, granite, or marble offer authentic textures and colors for a temple vibe.

3. Carved Stone Elements

You can get custom-carved stone pieces such as deity figures, intricate arches, or pillars.

These can be sourced from local artisans who specialize in stone carving or even online art shops.

4. Stone Base for Idols or Statues

Create a small altar with a stone slab or pedestal for placing idols, lamps, or other sacred items.

Marble or granite bases add an elegant touch.

5. Incorporate Lighting

Use warm lighting, such as spotlights or LED strip lighting around the stone area, to accentuate carvings and textures.

Lanterns or brass oil lamps also complement the stone’s earthy look.

6. Flooring and Surroundings

Consider stone or tile flooring around the temple area for a cohesive feel.

Add traditional elements like brass bells, framed paintings, or hanging decorations to complete the look.

[shraddhabhatia]

Elegant Acrylic Mandirs: The Modern Take on Traditional Temples

In the world of interior decor, where every corner of the home reflects personal style, an Acrylic Mandir offers a stunning, modern alternative to traditional wooden temples. Acrylic and Corian materials provide unique advantages, blending aesthetic appeal with durability. If you're looking to add a space that’s both spiritually uplifting and visually striking, consider the elegance and utility of an Acrylic Temple.

Why Choose an Acrylic Mandir?

Acrylic Mandirs are the perfect choice for homes aiming to maintain a contemporary, sleek look while honoring spiritual needs. Unlike wood, acrylic is lightweight, durable, and resistant to humidity and termites. Acrylic’s translucent qualities can play with light, creating a glowing effect that adds an ethereal charm to the space. Whether you place it in your living room, hallway, or a dedicated prayer room, it offers a unique combination of tradition and innovation.

For those seeking even more resilience and refined texture, Corian Mandirs are an ideal choice. Corian, a solid surface material known for its non-porous nature and seamless finish, has become a popular material for creating mandirs. It can be crafted into intricate designs, providing an appealing alternative to traditional wooden carvings. Corian Mandirs also come in various colors and finishes, allowing them to seamlessly blend with any decor style.

Benefits of Acrylic and Corian Mandirs

Easy Maintenance: Unlike wood, acrylic and Corian are easy to clean. A simple wipe-down with a damp cloth is often enough to keep them looking new.

Durability: Acrylic and Corian are both resistant to wear and tear. They withstand humidity and are termite-free, making them ideal for different climates and conditions.

Modern Appeal: These materials allow for a range of modern designs, from simple, minimalist looks to intricate, detailed carvings. LED lighting can be added to enhance the serene atmosphere of the mandir.

Customizable: Both materials are easy to mold and shape, so custom mandirs in acrylic and Corian can be tailored to your preferences, whether you want a compact corner design or a full, wall-mounted mandir.

Where to Place Your Acrylic Temple?

Placement is essential to creating a harmonious environment in the home. Many choose to place the mandir in a corner with good lighting, while others set it up near a window where natural light can illuminate it beautifully. Acrylic and Corian Mandirs come in various shapes and sizes, from compact wall-mounted designs to elaborate, free-standing structures that can become the room's centerpiece.

Decorating Your Acrylic Mandir

The simplicity and elegance of an Acrylic Temple allow for various decorative possibilities. Add delicate carvings or artistic details like etched patterns to bring a sense of depth. Include small LED lights within the mandir for a serene, glowing effect. Incorporate traditional elements, such as small bells or a brass idol, to maintain a link to tradition within the modern structure.

Final Thoughts

Choosing an Acrylic or Corian Mandir provides a way to harmonize spirituality and style. It’s more than just a place for prayer; it’s a statement piece that reflects the homeowner's aesthetics. With easy customization options and low maintenance, Acrylic Mandirs are a meaningful, practical addition to any home. Whether you’re a devotee or an admirer of fine craftsmanship, an Acrylic Temple is an inspiring way to bring elegance and peace to your space.