#Create signature in outlook

[itmlab]

Including a signature in an email makes it more professionally appealing. You can set up a personal signature so that you are saved from the hassle of entering your details every single time. Luckily adding an email signature outlook is an effortless process. In this brief guide, we will help you understand the process step-by-step.

How to create a Signature In Outlook?

Go to settings>choose view outlook settings.>then go to compose and reply.

Now go to the email signature and create your signature. You can also change its appearance using the formatting feature per your preferences.

If you wish to include your signature at the bottom of every email, choose “Automatically Include My Signature On New Messages I Compose”.

If you want to add the signature you forward or reply to, you can select the feature “Automatically include my messages on messages I forward or reply to”.

However, if you want to add your signature manually, select “Manually Add Your Signature To A New Message Below“. You can also use the outlook email signature template to create your signature.

Now choose to save to complete the process.

[literaryvein-reblogs]

Writing Notes: Character Development

Rick Riordan's Writing Tips

Rick Riordan:

Character development is paramount for me. I firmly believe that plot and character development must occur simultaneously. Plot cannot be left to chance. Neither can characters be automatons who carry out actions envisioned in the author's master plan. Below are some things I try to keep in mind when developing my characters:

RICK RIORDAN'S TOP 5 TIPS ON CHARACTER

Define a character first through action, second through dialog and description, never through explanation.

A character should be primarily defined by the choices he makes, and the actions he takes.

How does he respond to violence?

How does he respond to love?

Secondly, a character must be vividly but deftly describe through his speech, and through the initial view you give the reader.

Never stop to explain who a character is when we can watch him in action and decide for ourselves.

Be impressionist rather than realistic.

Describe characters as Dickens did – with a single deft stroke.

A laundry list of physical traits is realistic, but it is neither memorable nor compelling.

A jarring metaphor for the character, or a focus on one mannerism or physical trait, can be very compelling.

Example: She was a human tornado.

Do not be afraid to use real people as models, but do not be constricted by your models.

It is very natural to use parts of ourselves or the people we know when creating characters.

Do not be afraid to do this because someone might get mad at you.

At the same time, let your character develop.

Do not force them to do what the real-life model would do.

Characters seldom end up exactly like the real people they are based on.

The reader does not have to be told everything you know about the character.

It may be critically important to you that your character has blue eyes, or went to Texas A&M.

But if these details have no part in the story, the reader will not care.

Leave them in your subconscious.

If you are having trouble figuring out a character, fill out a character profile, or do some journaling in that character's voice.

Your character must act, not simply be acted upon.

We care about characters because we are interested in the choices they make.

We want to boo the villain, cheer the hero, and cry with frustration when the tragic figure makes the wrong move.

A character who does not act, but simply receives information and is acted upon by outside forces, is not a character who will compel the reader.

Remember, plot is what the characters do next.

If the characters do not create the plot, the plot is hollow.

Here's a character profile worksheet I sometimes fill out if I'm having trouble understanding a particular character I've created:

Character Profile

Name:

Height:

Age in story:

Birthplace:

Hair color, length, style:

Race/nationality:

Regional influences:

Accent: (include voice, style of speech, slang, signature phrases or words)

Religion:

Marital status:

Scars or other notable physical attributes:

Handicaps: (emotional, physical, mental)

Athletic? Inactive? Overall health?

Style of dress:

Favorite colors:

How does the character feel about his/her appearance?

Brothers/sisters:

Relationship with parents:

Memories about childhood:

Educational background: (street smart? Formal? Does he/she read?)

Work experience:

Occupation:

Where does the character live now? Describe home (emotional atmosphere as well as physical)

Neat or messy?

Sexual preferences/morals/activities:

Women friends/men friends:

Pets?

Enemies? Why?

Basic nature:

Personality traits (shy, outgoing, domineering, doormat, honest, kind, sense of humor):

Strongest trait:

Weakest trait:

What does the character fear?

What is the character proud of?

What is the character ashamed of?

Outlook on life (optimistic, pessimistic, cynic, idealist)

Ambitions:

Politics:

How does the character see himself/herself?

How is the character seen by others?

Do you like this person? Why or why not?

Will readers like or dislike?

Most important thing to know about this character:

Present problem:

How it will get worse:

What is the character's goal in the story?

What traits will help/hurt the character in achieving this goal?

What makes the character different from similar characters?

Why will readers remember this character vividly?

Source ⚜ Writing Notes & References

[eveningepiphany]

go with it | H.S oneshot

my masterlist!

summary: your ex boyfriend— someone you never want to talk to again— is searching for you at a party. trying to do anything to deter him or get away, you spot harry, and a plan comes to fruition.

warnings: cheating ex, surprise kiss, sexual tension, partial mentions of sexual stuff, love/hate relationship, protective! h, fluff, cuddling and lots of kissing

a/n: I’m sorry but this gif actually has me in a chokehold. his jawline, his chewing, his FROWN. literally melting 🫠

———

There was never a day you thought you’d be b-lining to Harry of all people.

Especially not with the intention of once getting there, that you would be slamming your lips against his.

However, you already know you’d rather face a pit of blood-thirsty snakes then be forced into a conversation with your asshole of an ex boyfriend.

Who you know is currently seeking you out, because when you’d caught glimpse of him scouring the groups of people inside the kitchen, after coming back from the bathroom— your stomach dropped, and someone tapped your shoulder.

“He’s your ex, right?” The girl had said this with a light scrunch of her nose as she looked over to him. Her face riddled with a sense of disgust you couldn’t relate to more If you tried.

You had nodded, to which she replied, “Well, he’s asking everyone if you’re here and where you are. Going by his personality I’m assuming you’re gonna want to avoid that.”

You’d never wanted to hug someone more then her in that moment.

At the information she’d so kindly shared with you, your first priority was getting out of the house.

The front door wasn’t an option since he is near the only hallway that leads it it. So out through the back patio, where a smaller group of people were mingling by the fire, was easily your best option.

You knew this was where he’d be likely looking next, so you ran out the door. Unsure if you are about to just find a way to jump the fence and make your escape or…

Either way, you knew if he managed to talk to you, you’d be getting an unwanted earful of advances.

He’d beg with his nasally voice for you to give him a chance, and then go on about the same bitter ending you’d both faced. To his own fault, of course.

He was talking to multiple other girls over the damn state while you were together. And once you found out, it confirmed your outlook on his person.

He of course was charming and nice at first. But it was almost in a sleazy way when you think back to it. He’d yelled at you when you bought up his adulterous habits, and you never looked back after that.

Once you were outside, you were considering your options, but you spotted a person on the other side of the decking.

The second your eyes locked on Harry, it was a done deal.

If you were to seem like you were in another relationship, he would be much more likely to back off. Much more likely to never contact or try to find you again.

He was petrified of other men. Always felt so inferior around them. So this would be perfect, if you could just make it work.

All your past with him fell from the forefront of your mind as you practically ran in his direction. Maybe you had argued countless times over college projects and he could be a bit of an ass, but you still knew you could trust him.

He was leaned against the wooden beam of the patio, skin casted with a warm glow from the fire a few feet away, down on the grass.

He had a signature frown. One that creased between his brows and pouted his pink lips. Creating his almost intimidating persona. Protective in a perfect way.

“Harry.” You state frantically, moving at a pace you’re not used to, shoes hitting the wooden decking hastily.

His scowl deepened as he heard his name, being pulled from his intense train of thought.

“What—” He looks honestly pissed off, but when his gaze snaps to you, it softens a tiny bit. Still annoyed, but just a sliver less.

Also confused at your frantic and rapidly approaching frame, which is now suddenly breaching the usual metre-wide distance you both would maintain on any other day.

“Y/N? What are you—“

You plant your hands on the side of his face, and the look of surprise in his eyes is evident.

His cheeks are warm and smooth under your palms, “I need you to just go with this okay? Can you do that for me?”

He is struggling to make sense of the situation, let alone get a sentence out without being interrupted.

“What do you—“

“I— I’ll explain later just—“ you take a final glance over your shoulder, and see your ex inside still, but seemingly headed for the sliding door to come outside.

This drives the final surge of adrenaline you need to tug his face to yours, melding your lips together. His are puckered in tense shock, and a noise of surprise sounds from the back of his throat.

His hands jump to your hips, gripping them like he’s not sure whether to pull you closer, or push you away.

Your mouth moves against his, and he reciprocates with a sense of hesitation.

His own brain is in absolute overdrive. The interaction far to short to go from being people who merely tolerate one another to people who are currently kissing.

And somewhere inside of him he acknowledges the feeling of how warm your lips are pressed to his.

He senses your urgency now though, hands tensing around his jaw at the sound of the access door getting slid open.

Parting his lips, he impulsively drags his tongue over your bottom lip. You sigh a sound of almost gratefulness at his action.

Harry turns his body swiftly, pressing your back into the railing, his lips moving harder against yours.

“Y/N! Are you bloody out here?” A grating voice sounds, and he quickly picks up the pieces of the story he was missing.

The voice also pulls him out of the half trance he’d gotten himself in. Your mouth so warm, he genuinely forgot his own name for a second.

One of your hands slide down to the neck of his black shirt, securing it in an anxious grip.

The pace quickly picks up, him plastering himself to you as close as physically possible. Clashing mouths as he shadows your body with his.

“Oi, mate!” He ignores the yell, and is met with the footsteps of this guy coming closer.

“Have you seen—“

Harry pulls from your mouth, turning his head to look at the dickhead who you’re clearly attempting to get away from. And who just hypothetically interrupted someone’s makeout session— which is just fucking rude anyway.

“Do I look like I have?” Harry scowls, an angry tone over his voice.

The guy frowns, an ugly look casting upon his features, he steps closer, “No need to be a fucking di—“

He moved just close enough to see you, frowning, making sense that you were just essentially making out with someone, “Y/N I—“

“Can you fuck off? We’re in the middle of something here, that you’ve just so kindly interrupted. Read the room you twat.” His sentences come out harsh, and it’s clear he means it.

Your ex tries his luck a final time, “look I just want to talk with—“

And Harry interjects it again, “She’s not interested.”

You stay quiet, and at this he gets a disgusted look. It appalls you that he thinks you owe him anything.

There’s a stare down between the two men. But you can see in his face he’s intimidated. Also humiliated, that you’ve seemingly moved on with someone else, and that he’s clearly got no shot at winning you back.

“Fucking ass.” He hisses, and turns around, storming down the patio and back inside.

Harry turns back to you, shielding your frame with his. A sigh of relief passes through you.

You look a little shaken up, and he loosens the grip he has on you slightly. Both your lips still puffed and shining from the exchange you unexpectedly shared.

“Thank you…” you pant out, not sure if you’re out of breath from the situation or because of Harry.

The reality of what just happened comes pelting down on you both.

And it’s quiet a moment as you both clock over in your brains that you just practically made out. It takes a second for him to break the silence,

“So, stalker? Ex? Random guy who can’t take no for an answer?” He quizzes.

Feeling embarrassed, you purse your lips— but are able to to taste the remnants of his own mouth on yours. “Ex.”

“Ex?”

You nod.

“You sound surprised. Didn’t you think I could land anyone?” You scoff, trying desperately to bring back the usual snarky vibe between the two of you.

“No, not at all. Just that he was clearly batting above his level. He was a proper dickhead, and that’s rich when it’s compared to you.” You thank god he plays back into your banter.

But he pries further, “What exactly did he do to you?”

“Long story.” You attempt to brush it off, but he has none of it.

“Love, y’just came over here and slammed your bloody mouth over mine, and now you’re not going to tell me why?”

“But—“

“No,” he interrupts, still very close to you as he shakes his head, “No buts. Y’said you’d explain after.”

A sigh rattles out of you, feeling a little pathetic you’re telling Harry you got cheated on.

“He cheated on me. Like with multiple girls.”

To this, his face immediately drops.

“Are you serious?”

“Yes. Unfortunately.”

He fights the overwhelming urge to go hunt him down and lay a hand into the side of his fucking face. An absolute scumbag.

“What a pathetic excuse for a man.” He scoffs, “Lucky to have even got a pretty girl like you, and he blew it.”

You flush, another brief wave of quiet falling over the two of you. His compliments throwing you.

You quietly speak again, “I’m sorry about the… kiss. Didn’t really get as much consent as I’d have liked.”

You did feel guilty, you don’t usually go forcing your mouth onto unsuspecting men.

“No, it’s okay. You did it for a reason.” He shakes his head at your apology, and in all honesty, he enjoyed it.

Somehow it meant more than many of his others have. And he can’t quite pinpoint why.

“I… I carpooled here so, I think I’m gonna call an Uber and go home ‘cause…”

You had no interest in sticking around, incase your ex comes back— and you don’t want to spend the rest of your night glued to Harry’s side, because you doubt he’d want that.

“You’re not catching an Uber home.” He scoffs aloud, fishing his keys from his back pocket, “I’ve only had one drink, I’ll be fine to drive, so I’ll take you.”

“Harry, no. You’ve already done plenty for me tonight, I’ll be fine—“

He grabs at your hand, lacing them together and beginning to walk you down the patio.

“I’m driving you home.” He states, leading the you inside.

He clutched your hand tight, eyes forward and uncaring of the heads that had turned your way.

You on the other hand had burned up at the curious— and quickly jealous— eyes.

Harry was by no means a whore. There were plenty of rumours of him sleeping with certain girls. Mostly outlandish stories that eventually fizzled out to nothing.

He’d had a few girlfriends here and there, but it’d been a while since. And he’s maybe had one actual fling over the last couple months.

It just seemed he was harder to get. And many women tried their luck around the school. Yet to no avail.

You cast your sight down, walking behind him out the front door. Relishing in the quiet surroundings of the front lawn, free of prying glares.

He unlocked his car that was parked on the side of the road, and he opens the side door for you to get in. Chivalry mustn’t be dead.

Once you’re both in the car, you fight the urge to say again that he really doesn’t have to take you, because it’s clear there is no other option on his end.

So instead, you let out a tiny thank you, and he nods while starting the car.

However, your self restraint only branches so far— matter-of-fact, you weren’t even out of the street— before you blurt out, “Everyone was staring.”

He veers his gaze momentarily to you, then flicking it back to the road. Silence stretches a moment, and he recalls the heat of your lips pressed to yours with no real prompt.

And when he thinks of it, the image doesn’t leave his head. It unwillingly transpires, into something that bubbles into the pit of his stomach.

He had to blink it away, grounding himself when he hears your nervous swallow.

“I— what?” He’s confused at what you mean, while you kissed? When you walked out?

“When we walked out.” You reply, and he makes sense of what you’re talking about.

“People will always stare. They’re nosey.”

“I know.”

There’s another breath of silence, until he laughs, so suddenly that it almost makes you jump.

“Where am I going?” He asks, still chuckling as he realises he’s literally just driving aimlessly.

“Oh.” You sputter out a laugh as well, rattling off the side of town he needs to start driving to.

You wish you had more to say to him. That’s conversation usually flowed easily— filled with the sarcastic retorts it usually is. But now all that sat between you was a thick, hot slab of tension.

It wasn’t bad— not by any means— but it was easy to tell both of you were stuck in your own head. And you fear you’ve fashioned a permanent problem between the two of you.

Your voice only cut through the quiet once you were a few blocks away from your house.

He hummed acknowledgements to your each set of directions, and before you knew it, you were pointing out your house to him.

As his car pulled to a stop in the driveway, he didn’t hesitate to turn off the engine and get out.

Confused, you follow suit anyway, but wondered if he was about to walk you to your door.

And you weren’t wrong. Somehow, the guy who seems hardly like a gentleman, is waiting to walk the maybe 15 steps with you from his car to your front door.

You get your keys from your small bag, looking at him with an undeniably curious gaze as you meet his side.

He follows in sync by your side, hands in pockets. All the way up the patio steps, and he falls to a stop when you do, still next to you.

“Thank you for driving me home…” you smile, and can feel an unwilling red colouring spread over your cheeks.

“Was nothin’. Glad you’re home safe.”

“Were you seriously worried about me?” You frown, yet it’s undeniably endearing his concern for you.

A tiny scoff sounds from him, “Obviously?”

“That fuckin’ twat of an ex you have hardly seems like a good person. And who’s t’say he wouldn’t follow you home from that party and…” he stares off in thought, jaw clenching.

“Harry.” You state, stepping forward, wrapping a single hand around his wrist.

“Thank you.”

His distant gaze was snapped away at your touch. He’s never really considered himself an overly violent person, but your ex was easily about to change that.

And he hardly can pinpoint why. Or not yet.

The only thing he knows he wants to do again in sudden clarity, is kiss you. It almost shocks him, because he hasn’t felt an urge as strong as this in forever.

“Can— I need you to just go with this.” He mutters, being the one now very suddenly invading the gap between you both.

He’s mimicking what you said when you kissed him, yet you don’t realise “I’ll explain later.”

His hand cups the side of your jaw, and he leans to brush his lips against yours, a breath of relief fanning out his nose after finally feeling the contact.

You’re stood on your porch, and Harry is kissing you.

And somehow you’re all the sudden kissing him back.

Not because there’s someone you’re running from. Not because you have to. Because you want to.

He pulls you closer to him, allowing his teeth to graze your lower lip. Causing your hands to card through the hair at the nape of his neck.

You both play a back and forth game. Full of lips against tongue and tongue against teeth.

Until you’re both panting and running out of new places to map out with your hands.

“Care to explain?” You retort gently, stricken of breath.

He hums in the back of his throat, barley a rumble as he trails his mouth along your jaw, and down to the base of your neck.

“Is this enough of an answer?” He asks, sucking the skin between your two collarbones between his teeth.

Your knees almost give out at the sensation, and even the pressure behind his harsh mouth.

A near whimper comes from you, and he licks over the slightly bruised spot before he pulls back.

He cocks an eyebrow, expectant of your answer, despite having such a skilled mouth you’re pretty sure you forgot your own name for a second there.

“I— yes. That was… plenty.” You nod.

“Did it because I wanted to, and y’have an incredibly hot little mouth.” He provides anyway, a laugh coming from him as he pecks your cheek. All gentle, all loving.

You’re lacking for words completely, and can only lean your head against his broad chest. Unsure what exactly you’ve sparked between the two of you this evening, but simultaneously not caring of the future right now.

“I’m also probably not going to be able to stop thinking about it…” he whispers.

“Stay.” You blurt out, and then clarify a few seconds later, “The night.”

He chuckles at this, “Are you trying to get in bed with me now? Moving very quickly, sweetheart.”

You flush, “Not everything is about sex, you fucking addict.”

“So you were inviting me to stay the night so we could cuddle?”

“I was.” You affirm, despite not being opposed to his idea either.

Grabbing his hand, you lead him to your front door. Unlocking it and making quick work of sneaking him inside without the one of your three lovely housemates hearing.

All the others were luckily out at varying parties, and the only girl still home— Grace— sleeps like a log.

“You seem like a bit of a professional at sneaking people in.” He smirks, kicking his shoes off and leaving them in the corner of your room.

With only the lamp turned on, he’s lit with a warm glow, and he looks beautiful.

“Comes naturally when you live with housemates that are like your best friends. They wanna know everything.” You go to your cupboard, pulling out a jumper to change into.

He watches as you pull it over your head, yet managing to unclip your top and bra off underneath it.

“Impressive.” He nods at your easy change.

“I’m taking my pants off.” You state, “and not in a sexual way, perv.”

He lets out a defensive laugh, “I’m not a perv! You’re the one stripping off.”

You unbutton your jeans, sliding them down your legs to change over to sweatpants. His gaze strays around your room and you smile at his respectfulness.

Once you’re changed, you sit on the edge of your bed.

You lock eyes, and he gives a sly smile, not waiting to tug his shirt over his head and unbutton his own jeans.

You cover your eyes, sarcastically scoffing, “yea well, I didn’t plan on getting fully naked, but you go right ahead.”

“No different if we went swimming, darling. Still have my underwear on.”

You don’t get to reply as his hands tap your knee, “Budge up.”

You uncover your eyes, being met with his toned chest and calvin klein briefs.

Obliging silently, as he gets under the covers with you. The two of you rearrange until you’re comfortable.

Your head perched on his side as you cuddle into him, arm over his abdomen. His own arm curled underneath you.

“This is… an awfully weird situation we’ve ended up in.” You laugh. Because you’re cuddling in your bed right now, and if you told yourself even yesterday that would be happening, there no way in hell you would have taken it seriously.

“Guess it is.” He shrugs, turned his head to look down at yours.

“Still hate your guts.” You whisper.

“Mm, i don’t think I ever even hated you.” He muses.

You laugh, “Is that so?”

“Seriously,” he nods, “you’re too pretty. And even though you’re annoying, and can’t admit when you get a project question wrong, i think I have a little bit of a soft spot for you.”

“Gross.” You say, but he can hear in your tone— and the way it nearly shakes— that you actually are a little worked up over his minor confession.

“Cmon, you can’t even admit you like me a tiny bit?”

You shake your head, blushing profusely as you try to hide it.

He tugs you further up, so he can look at you properly, “You’re blushing though. Like you always seem to do when I get a bit sappy. Which is my most recent observation of you.”

He doesn’t let you respond as he presses another kiss to your lips again. And you smile into it unwillingly.

He pulls away mid-kiss, letting you whine a little at the abrupt ending to it.

“Admit it, and we can keep kissing.” He says, and it draws an eye-roll from you.

But he somehow knows it will work, because you quickly crack under his ultimatum, “Fine! Yes. I like you— just a little bit.”

To your response he laughs, murmuring against your lips, “I’ll take it, I suppose.”

He presses another kiss against you, and you press back again.

It becomes another makeout session, but despite being the third one of the night, it’s the first time hands can skate against mostly bare skin.

Which his own palms find their way under your jumper, and one cups gently at your breast, flicking over your nipple while his tongue dips into your mouth.

That’s as far as it goes for tonight though.

He kneads the flesh there softly, until you’re panting into his mouth with a heat budding between your legs.

Somehow there’s an unspoken not tonight agreement.

And you know that despite how needy you feel for him, it’s definitely for the best. And you’re still shocked you made it this far with him.

You roll into him further, chest rising and falling quickly as you sigh out to him, “I lied.”

“When?” He sounds completely unconcerned, despite your risky sentence starter.

“Before, when I said I only liked you a little bit.”

He chuckles at your response, “How was that a lie, hm?”

“I like you more than a little bit.”

“You’re sweet, darling.” He strokes his thumb against your ribcage, “so do I.”

To this you smiled. Eyes growing heavy at his rhythmic touches and soothing voice.

And his gentle words are the last that you hear before you fall asleep against his chest.

Both filled with a warmth you haven’t felt in a long time.

———

[innieseong]

“𝐒𝐊𝐙 - 𝐑𝐎𝐌𝐀𝐍𝐂𝐄 𝐓𝐑𝐎𝐏𝐄𝐒”

✧꡴ - 𝟎𝐓𝟖 𝐑𝐨𝐦𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 𝐓𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐬 - ꡴✧

𝐂𝐡𝐫𝐢𝐬𝐭𝐨𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐫 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧 ( ˘ ³˘)♥︎

𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐩𝐫𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐁𝐞𝐬𝐭𝐟𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐝 - As the leader of Stray Kids, Bang Chan has a natural sense of responsibility toward his members and fans. His caring, mature, and thoughtful personality aligns perfectly with the “Overprotective Best friend” trope. He is the type who would always look out for you, making sure you’re comfortable and safe. He's deeply responsible and tends to put others first, showing his affection through acts of service and attention to detail.

𝐋𝐞𝐞 𝐌𝐢𝐧𝐡𝐨 ♡´･ᴗ･`♡

𝐄𝐧𝐢𝐦𝐢𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐨𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐬 - Lee Know's sharp tongue and playful, teasing nature could easily lead to a lot of "banter" with someone who he might clash with. His mischievous side might create moments where you start to think he's difficult or even annoying at first. (Start of the enemies) However, beneath all that sarcasm and teasing is a caring side that slowly slips through. As you spend more time together, the initial tension would turn into affection, making him the perfect candidate for the "Enemies to Lovers" trope.

𝐒𝐞𝐨 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐛𝐢𝐧 )⊃｡•́‿•̀｡)⊃

𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐁𝐨𝐲 - Changbin's playful, lighthearted side fits best with the "Sunshine Boy" trope, especially when paired with you, who's a little more closed-off or grumpy. His vibrant energy and optimistic outlook on life would be the perfect antidote for you, who is more serious, moody, or skeptical about love. While you might roll your eyes at his over-the-top enthusiasm at first, Changbin's genuine affection and refusal to let things stay gloomy would gradually win you over. He'd shower you with constant support, jokes, and little thoughtful gestures that bring you out of your shell, proving that no matter how grumpy you get, he's always there to brighten your world <3

𝐇𝐰𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐇𝐲𝐮𝐧𝐣𝐢𝐧 )￣▽￣)

𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐮𝐭𝐲 & 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐛𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐭 - Hyunjin has a striking, almost ethereal beauty, his sharp features, smooth dance moves, and charismatic stage presence make him a visual standout. In this trope, you would be the one who sees beyond his physical beauty and fame, recognizing the sensitive, more fragile parts of him. You would be there to support him through his insecurities, offering comfort and reassurance when he doubts himself. While Hyunjin may initially push you away or feel unworthy of your love, over time, you help him heal, fostering his emotional growth and self-acceptance. Your love would be blossom, and it’ll show Hyunjin that his worth isn't defined by his appearance or achievements, but by the person he is inside. (Love him so much :/)

𝐇𝐚𝐧 𝐉𝐢𝐬𝐮𝐧𝐠 (●’◡’●)ﾉ

𝐂𝐡𝐢𝐥𝐝 𝐇𝐨𝐨𝐝 𝐒𝐰𝐞𝐞𝐭𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐬 - Han, with his playful, energetic, and fun-loving nature, fits best into the "Childhood Sweetheart" trope. He seems like the type who would have been a bright, cheerful presence in your life even from a young age. Growing up together, you and him would have shared countless memories, like riding bikes, playing games, and perhaps even dreaming about the future together. Han's mischievous, teasing side would have made him the kind of friend who'd always find ways to make you laugh, even during the toughest moments.

𝐋𝐞𝐞 𝐘𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐛𝐨𝐤 (*^‿^*)

𝐒𝐮𝐧𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐞 - like changbin’s, Felix's gentle, sweet nature, combined with his signature bright smile, fits the "Sunshine" trope a bit too well. He's the kind of person who literally radiates positivity and warmth, making others feel instantly comfortable and cared for. In a relationship, Felix would be the one who showers you with affection, always providing comfort and making you feel loved:3

𝐊𝐢𝐦 𝐬𝐞𝐮𝐧𝐠𝐦𝐢𝐧 (•̀ᴗ•́)و

𝐅𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 - seungmin’s often seen as a dependable and somewhat no-nonsense type of guy, especially when he's focused on his work or the group. If he were to enter a fake relationship, it would likely be because of some practical reason, like helping out a friend, fending off annoying relatives, or making someone jealous. Initially, Seungmin would take the role seriously, maintaining the image of the "perfect couple" with a calm and composed exterior, which might feel a bit awkward for him at first— especially if you’re more playful or exuberant.

𝐘𝐚𝐧𝐠 𝐉𝐞𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐢𝐧 ヽ(♡‿♡)ノ

𝐏𝐞𝐧 𝐏𝐚𝐥𝐬 - Jeongin, being the youngest member of the group, has a shy, sweet, and sensitive personality. He's often seen as a little quieter compared to the other members. As someone who may be more introverted or private, Jeongin could definitely fit into this trope, where he feels more comfortable expressing his true thoughts and emotions through writing than in face-to-face conversation. Jeongin starts exchanging letters with someone online. At first, the letters would be simple-talking about your lives, favorite music, or interests. However, over time, Jeongin would begin to open up more about his personal struggles, dreams, and hopes-things he might find hard to express out loud. (Best one yet :3)

✧꡴

✧꡴

[simmervlogs]

Scaravelli Retreat

Hello Simmers, enjoy a getaway at the Scaravelli Retreat in Oasis Springs.

Set amidst an ocean of dunes, rocky outcrops and gravel plains, the utter tranquility and extraordinary clarity of light makes this area one of Oasis Spring's most compelling landscapes. A canvas of beauty that invites reconnection with yourself and nature.

Sustainability and uncompromised luxury go hand in hand at Scaravelli Retreat. 3 beautifully appointed stone and glass suites, spread out along the curve of the escarpment, open onto ever-changing outlooks. Each spacious air conditioned suite offers a secluded, shaded veranda complete with private plunge pool and an ensuite bathroom with a rain shower offering 180º desert views.

The split-level guest area is an inspired masterpiece of glass, rock and steel. Large folded wood panels reveal unobstructed desert vistas. Inviting amenities include a luxurious reception upon the entrance, central-island bar, spacious dinning room with all day buffet, interactive kitchen and rim-flow pool. Other signature features include numerous shaded, private spaces, a gym and heated sauna as well as a outdoor meditation area. This retreat also offers many revival treatments. Ensure to book the couples massage room overlooking the desert vistas or treat yourself to a much needed pedicure. Whether you are here to simply relax or looking for a more spiritual gateway, Scaravelli Retreat aims to make your stay memorable.

Please note almost everything is CC and the items were not created by me! Please do support and directly download from all the creators mentioned! I have attached the CC folders convenience ONLY.

Dine out and /or Spa Day required for function.

Do check out my Tiktok, live almost everyday building!

INSTRUCTIONS

Please directly move all the files in CC zip folder to your Mods folder.

Please move  Tray files (Tray files folder) to your Tray folder (enable bb.moveobjects on).

Gallery ID-  SimmerVlogs (Enable CC)

TikTok- simmervlogs

Note-  I have placed this down in Oasis Springs 50x50 lot

Thank you once again to all CC creators!

DOWNLOAD (Patreon)

[chaoskirin]

Today, While I was in the middle of typing an email, Microsoft Outlook 365 popped up a window demanding feedback. And boy did I have shit to say.

I had to keep the swearing out, because apparently any report I make is duplicated and sent to the IT department. But the text I ended up sending follows:

---

God, I have so much to tell you. Thank you for giving me the opportunity. First: Stop messing with everything. Outlook works fine, but you keep changing things that don't need changing. Moving buttons around. Turning on features that I have explicitly turned off for not working before. Just today, you turned on the auto-suggestions again, which would be great if it actually worked. Instead, when it suggests anything you don't accept, it just mashes words together. Do you know how it feels to be typing a professional email and you miss one of those failures and send your email anyway? I mean, to be fair, I caught ten, so I still got a 90% on the ol' Microsoft-sanctioned-typo-factory. But the person I emailed doesn't see it that way, do they? They see that I mashed three words together like there was a wasp on the space bar.

Plus, my signature keeps getting deleted. Not just switched to nothing, but completely deleted. Which means I have to re-make that every time your developers get bored and decide to re-haul a program that absolutely never needs re-hauling. I remember once a couple months ago the attachment button just disappeared, and there was no way for me to attach a final bill. I had to actually use my personal gmail address to send an email to a customer because for about 16 hours, it was impossible to attach anything.

But, you say, I should have sent error reports. And I did. But the question in my mind always comes back to "why are you messing with something that does not need changing?" The only thing that ever happens is that you change aesthetics. Colors. This time the boxes are gone. Do you think you're at risk of losing customers? Do you think you have to keep things new and fresh? No. People are shackled to you. You have a quasi-monopoly and a stranglehold on a whole lot of workflows. People cannot leave you. In the world of word processing and spreadsheets, you are Alcatraz. You don't have to change things to keep people here.

Instead, long-time bugs continue to plague everything I do within this hell-suite of software. Sometimes when I try to start typing in the body of the email, outlook decides that, no, I don't want to type an email! I want to send the other emails in my inbox to the archive, where, if I don't notice this, they will sit and fester forever. There's also the bug where I create an email and it duplicates it and puts it in my drafts. Or the bug where it just creates a blank email and puts it in my drafts. Do you want to know how many blank emails I've deleted from my drafts folder? There are not enough numbers in existence to count this.

If you REALLY want to know how to improve Outlook and this message isn't just going into the wilderness like all those notebooks from the hit-TV-show-where-nobody-liked-the-ending, LOST, then please. Listen. From the bottom of my heart and from the top of my lungs: Stop changing everything. Nothing needs changing. Just run a good service. Get your programmers onto fixing longstanding bugs instead of trying to make an email and scheduling program look like a fashion show in Paris.

And if I seem a little ticked off in this message, it's because your request for feedback popped up in the middle of me compiling an email, which was just about halfway done. Outlook, in all its wisdom, decided that I didn't actually need that email and went ahead and deleted all the text in it. All of it. So after I finish giving you an earful, I'm going to have to retype it.

Hope this helps. Have a wonderful day.

[hasdrubal-gisco]

on a different note what is up with the text editor specifically when changing signature in outlook 365 some of the worst software created

[imsparky2002]

Batraculous: Spirit Bat.

Character Name: Ayesha Reynolds

Bat-Hero Name: Spirit Bat

Appearance: Ayesha Reynolds, known as Spirit Bat, possesses a unique and eye-catching appearance. Her chestnut brown hair falls to neck-length and is almost always tied up in a high ponytail, allowing her heterochromia to take center stage. Her tanned skin complements her distinctive hazel and dark green eyes, one of each color, giving her a mysterious and captivating look. Despite her short and curvy build, Ayesha carries herself with confidence.

Ayesha's personal style is a testament to her vibrant personality. She's often seen wearing comfortable yet stylish clothing in bright, cheerful colors, with yellow being her absolute favorite.

Bio: Ayesha, who goes by she/her pronouns, is not just a Miraculous hero; she's also the captain of the Spirit Club. Her positivity is infectious and strong enough to combat any akuma attack that threatens Paris. Originally hailing from Burbank, California, she brought her passion for animation with her to Paris.

On her YouTube channel and Tumblr page, Ayesha creates a wide range of content, including videos and drawings focused on Disney, and her own OCs. Her signature series features her and the other Bat Heroes in adorable hijinks, illustrated in her unique anime-esque style with thick lines. Ayesha is known for her unwavering dedication to staying positive in public, as she believes it's essential for someone leading a club centered around positivity. And, whatever you do, don't criticize animation in front of her; it's her true love.

Batsuit Description: Spirit Bat's batsuit is a reflection of Ayesha's passion for animation and her love for bright, cheerful colors. The suit incorporates various shades of yellow to honor her favorite color and is designed for both functionality and style.

Cowl: The cowl of her batsuit is a masterpiece of design. It features expressive, wide eyes that are reminiscent of anime characters, with each eye being a different color to match her heterochromia. The cowl is equipped with advanced optics, allowing Ayesha to analyze her surroundings and identify akuma threats effectively.

Cape: Her cape is a brilliant shade of golden yellow, and it billows dramatically as she moves, giving her a dynamic and heroic appearance. The cape isn't just for show; it's made of a lightweight yet highly durable material that offers protection from attacks and provides additional mobility when needed.

Armor: Ayesha's batsuit incorporates lightweight, flexible armor with yellow accents that not only protects her from physical harm but also enhances her agility. It's designed to mimic the look of animated armor, with intricate detailing that showcases her love for animation.

Gadgets: Her utility belt is filled with an array of gadgets inspired by animation themes. She has bat-shaped throwing stars that are adorned with cute, animated expressions, and a boomerang-shaped batarang that unfolds into a cartoonish whirlwind when thrown, creating a stunning and effective distraction.

Ayesha Reynolds, aka Spirit Bat, combines her love for animation, her unwavering positivity, and her vibrant personality to not only combat akumas in Paris but also to inspire hope and happiness in everyone she encounters. With her unique style and outlook on life, she truly embodies the spirit of a Miraculous hero.

Thank you to ChatGPT for assistance. Make sure to reblog, reply, post and ask for more. @artzychic27 @msweebyness

[societybydesign]

In defense of Brutalism: An appeal for 21st century revival

Coming into prominence during the reconstruction period following the Second World War, the architecture movement widely known as Brutalism was born out of a need for affordable and functional construction in Europe. Rebuilding efforts in Europe were influenced by socialism and embraced the ideals of utilitarianism, austerity, and low cost. Brutalism, not only holding to those ideals, also stems from the already existing Modern architecture movement, where functionalism is favored to form, and minimalism is preferred to heavily ornamental designs. It remained a popular architectural style in the mid-20th century, lasting until the late 1970s.

Recognizable by – and quite literally defined by – the raw materials and structural elements of construction, the term “Brutalism” is derived from the French phrase ��béton brut,” meaning “raw concrete,” a nod to the exaggerated and exposed concrete which is signature to all Brutalist buildings. The phrase was made popular by Brutalist pioneer, architect Le Corbusier. By highlighting the building material’s structural elements as integral parts of the design, Brutalist architects created visually harsh edifices that render power. Beyond that, other characteristics of the movement are strong cubic form, deep set windows, top-heavy designs, and the monochromatic tones. Using cast concrete lends itself to geometric, repetitive designs, creating a rational, robust style. It was not the explicit intent of Brutalist architects to create foreboding structures, but the powerful and weighty buildings that emerged from these principles of design cannot be viewed passively by a visitor. Because of this, Brutalism often evokes visceral reactions of either admiration or frustration.

Unité d'habitation, Marsielle, France Designed by Le Corbusier

Beyond the physical elements of Brutalist architecture, there are the social and political philosophies behind it. Though this architectural movement was not backed by a specific school of artists or thought, Brutalism was used by architects to create a social narrative and conversation about habitation ethics. There was “a growing desire amongst architects, urban designers and planners to restore human scale in cities and honesty of materials in the construction of buildings; in other words, they wished to combine social and architectural considerations”, prioritizing ethic over aesthetic.

1950s American architecture had become dominated by homogenous sleek and non-decorative buildings, an aesthetic referred to as the "International Style". Originally revered as the look of modernity, International Style buildings were alienating, boring, and unappealing. They became symbolic of corporate culture conformity and did not relate to each other or the space around them in a way that created desirable, socially integrated spaces. The pursuit of a solution to this “human and architectural crisis” that emerged allowed the space for Brutalism to thrive in the U.S.

Architects and thinkers like American Paul Rudolph saw Brutalism as a way to positively impact people’s lives and outlook. The 1960s gave rise to a more humanist-centered architectural approach, pivoting from the monotonous, unexpressive International Style in favor of irregular, monumental, and futuristic silhouettes offered by Brutalism. At the same time, the progressive leadership of President John F. Kennedy and the Great Society agenda developed under Lyndon B. Johnson left the ideal opening for Brutalism to take hold. A period of growth for the U.S. coincided with the rise of Brutalism and “at a moment when the United States was enjoying great prosperity and political influence, Brutalism’s large-scale monumentality answered the desires of political authorities to give architectural expression to their Great Society ambitions." Brutalist style precisely captured the dignity, stability, economic confidence, and desire for a strong public sector that the United States was striving for. It also embodied a rebellion against the cookie-cutter, commercial homogeny of the suburbs and disdain for bureaucratic faultiness.

Boston City Hall, Boston, MA Designed by Micheal McKinnell and Gerhard Kallmann

Washington D.C. Metro Designed by Harry Weese

Peaking in the United States in the 1960s and 1970s, Brutalist architecture began to fall out of favor, eventually becoming what is arguably one of the most contested modern architecture movements across the globe, specifically in the U.S. As recent as 2020 under the Trump Administration, an executive order was passed prohibiting further construction of Federal buildings in anything but “beautiful” classic architecture. The order explicitly called out the Brutalist style as one of bad taste, saying that "since the mid-20th century, Modernist mandarins controlling government architecture have been forcing ugly designs upon us." The order goes on to say that “new Federal building designs should, like America’s beloved landmark buildings, uplift and beautify public spaces, inspire the human spirit, ennoble the United States, command respect from the general public, and, as appropriate, respect the architectural heritage of a region." The commentary in former President Trump’s executive order evokes another reason for the Brutalist downfall – the association with communist Russia, as the Brutalist style was used in ultimately failed Soviet public housing and that of other communist countries following WWII.

The style was also the choice of private developers hoping to use unique Brutalist housing to replace neglected urban neighborhoods in cities like Boston and Washington D.C. to entice wealthier, white residents to remain in the city instead of moving to the suburbs, the migration referred to as “white flight” in the 1960s. But the resulting "urban renewal" efforts in American cities proved just as unsatisfactory as those in Soviet Russia, if not downright malicious. By clearing out urban "slums" and tearing down the existing housing, urban planners displaced communities and culture, only to replace them with experimental Brutalist housing complexes they had no intention of maintaining.

Stevenson Commons in the Bronx, New York, NY

Brutalism in United States cities was the epitome of architecture and urban planning centered on aesthetics without the ethics – the opposite of Brutalism’s original aims. It inevitably led to devastating effects on communities and a nearly universal sentiment that Brutalism had failed to appeal and meet the needs of people. By totally neglecting and skewing the original intentions of the design, "social, political, and economic elites used Brutalism to write power and privilege onto urban landscapes in an effort to redraw the boundaries of American democracy” to favor themselves and further disrupt marginalized populations.

There is poignant irony in this being the way Brutalism was implemented in the U.S., given that the intention of the style was to symbolize optimism, equity, and aspiration, not paranoia and exploitation. Possibly because of Brutalism’s decentralized ideology, over time “its function as a means for the demonstration of hierarchies of power changing. Once conceived of as a language of form designed to articulate ideas and practices of equality and inclusion, it was increasingly reinterpreted as a way of inscribing elite power and privilege into urban space." This shift was exceptionally significant and highlighted in the United States.

Situations like this playing out in U.S. cities were used as neoliberal arguments against public housing. "Step outside in the worst estates and you're confronted by concrete slabs dropped from on high, brutal high-rise towers and dark alleyways that are a gift to criminals and drug dealers." This solidified the public’s connotation of Brutalism as a symbol of urban decay, and overreaching public sector, and totalitarianism.

The Brutalist experiment also proved to be a fundamental failure in branding. Despite efforts to rebrand with phrasing such as “heroic”, to strike a less intimidating tone, Brutalism has remained the dominant idiom, often misconstrued as a reference to the severe look and impact of the buildings and not the French origins of the word. It was very easy to blame the before mentioned issues on a structure and style that had “bad” connotations, which had effectively gone out of style, rather than admit the failure of urban planning.

Geisel Library (University of California, San Diego), San Diego, CA Designed by William Pereira

Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, New York, NY Designed by Frank Lloyd Wright

If the founding principles and purposes of Brutalism are adhered to, the architectural style presents a great deal of potential to serve as a vehicle for community building and affordable, equitable housing in urban regions. The failings of Brutalism are superimposed on the style, results of racist and careless planning combined with meager upkeep. The structures and designs themselves are not to blame for the crime and substandard conditions that plagued them. More accurately the management of the buildings and deliberate neglect of them lead the Brutalism’s shortcomings and the demolition of many Brutalist buildings from this period.

Successful implementation of the intended Brutalist ideals in future housing projects, as well as the protection of current buildings will undoubtedly prove to be beneficial moving forward. First, concrete remains a valuable material for construction. Shape and form that are not possible with traditional wood or steel framing is possible, allowing architects to act as artists, pushing the boundaries of what buildings are expected to look like. Though cement – the primary ingredient in concrete – creates carbon dioxide in production, concrete can reduce the energy needed for heating and cooling by retaining heat in the winter and keeping cool in the summer. Cast concrete remains versatile and affordable, and the previous mistakes of Brutalism can be more effectively mitigated, so that construction can be efficient but still produce refreshing, creative, and community-centered structures.

Second, as we move into a new political and social era, the Brutalist architecture of a historic period where the public sphere was prioritized could have legitimate appeal. Through its ethics and aesthetics, Brutalism reflects a time a great hope and represents honesty, idealism, and hubris. The buildings have "visual sensibility combined with a desire for good social planning and an honest expression of materiality, construction and refined detailing. [They are] ‘uncompromising, pioneering, forward-looking and expressed modernity.'"

Lastly, there are examples of current Brutalist buildings that have been hailed as beloved structures by the public, and effectively revived via creative methodology and upkeep. For example, the Hirshhorn Museum shows how the use of color and light displays on the typically bleak, monochromatic walls of a Brutalist building can draw attention and eventually affection from visitors.

Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, Washington, D.C. Designed by Gordon Bunshaft

Our culture today is perhaps more hyper-consumerist, convenience-driven, and commercialized than it was in the 1960s and 1970s when Brutalism made its claim in the American urban landscape. I believe that now, more than ever, the intentional, stimulating, and unique design of Brutalist architecture is needed to re-humanize structures and community spaces. Returning to the origins of the Brutalist counterculture, the holistic construction method and visual features can draw residents in, provide perspective, inspiration, and a sense of camaraderie could prove a solution to modern urban planning challenges.

And though visually Brutalist buildings do not evoke the same immediate associations with “democratic ideals” as Greco-Roman styles, the grandiosity, audaciousness, and sublime greatness of Brutalism ultimately demonstrates the same heroic narrative of a strong democratic nation. When evaluated through the lens of ethics, correctly executed Brutalist architecture is forward looking to modernity where urban landscapes are not built homogeneously and lazily, but with intention and relatability. As an editorial writer for the Washington Post puts it, "while glass buildings seem transient, Brutalist buildings seem to know they will outlast us. To stand in front of one is to be humbled, to be confronted by a chunk of eternity. That can be comforting — or disconcerting; I choose to view it as a comfort." Using the pragmatic construction and preservation of Brutalist architecture, I believe it is both possible and necessary to create utilitarian housing and urban structures that can withstand the test of time in both ethics and aesthetic — it might just take a little reframing.

Read more:

[ofainur]

ㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤㅤ     ꒰🌸꒱ erulissë ៸៸ 

❀ ˙ ˖ “ you are worth far more than a thousand roses , my petal ’

·⊰ kin: maia, of yavanna

·⊰ epithets: meluines ( s ): "lovely/sweet woman" ( she is named this by the sindar elves during her time and contribution in middle-earth ), lótërien ( q ): "flower maiden" ( often known as this due to her connection to flowers ), merillëarimelda ( q ) & merilmel ( s ): ''rose darling'' ( due to her creation of roses )

·⊰ sex: female 

·⊰ hair colour: black

·⊰ eye colour: lavender 

·⊰ mbti: isfj 

·⊰ face claims: ( x ) ( x ) ( x ) ( x ) ( x )

·⊰ about: a kind spirit is what she is known to be, who tries her utmost hardest to look at every aspect of life from a positive outlook. it is said that erulissë optimism is contagious, as is her smile which is one of her signature attributes. the maia is curious and finds wonder in every creation her lady yavanna creates. she is compassionate, kind at heart and merciful. . . for the most part. her hair is ebony black and long, extending past her waist in most cases and often left loose if not braided. it is noted that she has various minuscule flowers that don her tresses. her eyes are a soft lavender that sometimes bear no pupils nor whites — yet this is only if she is upset. her skin is fair and slightly sun-kissed and she is said to dress in shades of pink, white and pastel purple. while she prefers dresses, this also extends into hanfus. at times she has a flower crown and sometimes even deer antlers with an arrangement of chain and dangling jewellery hanging from them, however, this is mostly in her accustomed form. more often than not she can be found with her pair of large, feathery wings that appear almost white, yet is, in fact, a very light shade of pink. the maia wears jewellery such as thin silver bracelets or earrings. she has a lobe piercing on each ear as well as a helix. 

although typically soft-spoken and not one to anger hastily, erulissë has very strong beliefs and does not waver from a challenge. she has grown to despise eru and be critical of his will, believing that his plan is merely a play for his enjoyment and that they ( the ainur and so forth ) are the puppets. while she is considered incredibly forgiving, she can also be extremely unforgiving, especially to those who have harmed innocents and strayed from morality one too many times. she is considered naive and weak, a mistake on those who assume such. as a being of mana, she holds a lot of strength yet attempts to mask it as she does not trust her own strength. there have been numerous cases in which she loses control of this gift, and she is said to out-power even her brother, the general of angband himself in these cases. 

created in the timeless halls, she was fooled by the reality of freedom. during the music of the ainur, she chooses no side and is instead horrified by the reality of eru’s will. she attempted to stay loyal to him once she entered arda, however, as she witnessed the pain faced by her fellow ainur and the eldar, she grew to despise eru. she leaves valinor a number of times yet returns more often than not. at some point, she had grown to despise the ainur in general but eased up once she realised they too are victims of eru. however, she still has a particular distaste for melkor and manwë. eventually, she rejects the ‘eru’ part of her name and identifies as ‘lissë’. it is said that the maia is aggrieved, suffering numerous heartbreaks of the ones she holds dear turning and joining the side of darkness ( such as her brother vanimóre as well as her closest friends ruinë and mairon ). it is due to this grief and her general displeasure with the valar's inaction that she leaves valinor and ventures into middle-earth, where she dwells in silence. it is here that she is said to have created a sanctuary for elves to protect them from dark forces as well as some sort of healing centre for those scarred by the torture and experiments under the dark lords' hands.

unfortunately, this sanctuary was ransacked by those very dark forces. not much is known after, and erulissë's spirit returns to valinor in later stages. it is said that she was in shambles and inconsolable. later it would be known that she is in fact, a survivor of angband, something that she tries to deal with privately, even long after she has reobtained her body. while she does remain in valinor and does not have too many ill feelings towards the rest of the ainur any longer, she is still highly critical of their inaction and decisions. she is often the one to act as the internal opposition and stand up during meetings to combat certain decisions. after her rebirth, it seems that she has a slow decent in her kind personality and becomes far more blunt. she has voiced her opinions on their creator numerous times and is on a mission to break away from eru's will and make the other ainur see it for what it is. 

with a lover, erulissë is as kind and caring as she always has been, without the added bluntness and harshness that she develops over time. she is beyond affectionate, be it physically or verbally. one of her main ways of showing her affection is through a series of nicknames, such as 'petal', 'daisy', 'sweetheart' and other flower-related nicknames. she adores physical acts such as holding your hand or cuddling whenever she gets the chance — especially if she gets to wrap her wings around you. this maia's love language is also acts of service, such as cooking for you, helping you dress in the morning, braiding your hair with flowers and so on. do be warned that she is still heavily traumatised from whatever occurred in angband, yet does not let on to it and might resort to bottling it up or denying. she suffers from severe nightmares and during particularly bad episodes might become delusional, it is during these times that she requires comfort and grounding. with her past pains in mind, erulissë is beyond protective of you and is unafraid to step up should anyone or anything bother you. she might be clingy at times, but that is due to her not wishing to lose you as she has lost those close to her. other than that, as stated previously, she is beyond physically affectionate. expect her to rush at you, engulf you in her wings and kiss you until you're dizzy.

·⊰ strengths: 

❀ ˙ ˖ mana manipulation — the ability to manipulate mana as a physical force of energy. she draws this from living beings around her ( without harming them as she always ensures to return it ) and creates physical manifestations of a pink/purple energy force. she can use this both defensively and offensively. her mana is known as ''pure'' as opposed to her brother's ''corrupt'' mana. her powerset can lead to something catastrophic if left unchecked, which is whys he does not use it often

❀ ˙ ˖ zoolingualism — the ability to talk to and understand animals. this also extends to plants 

❀ ˙ ˖ phytokinesis — manipulation over plant life, one of her more commonly used abilities 

❀ ˙ ˖ flight — with her wings, she obtains the mobility of flight 

❀ ˙ ˖ combat — despite her soft appearance she is incredibly skilled in the art of combat, having fought in various battles and wars against melkor and his forces alongside the other ainur - and even after such events. her preferred weapon is a sword, or a set of dual fans 

·⊰ weaknesses: 

❀ ˙ ˖ reverse / corrupt mana — the ability that her brother holds, it is her direct weakness and can immediately subdue her if she is not focused enough, or worse. 

❀ ˙ ˖ fire — this element, while not one that directly opposes hers, is said to weaken her to a certain extent

❀ ˙ ˖ wings deficiency — her current set of wings is her second set that grew back after her rebirth and healing. at times, she recalls the way in which she lost her wings and as such, might fall from the very sky as her wings will become ultimately stiff and immobile

·⊰ trivia 

❀ ˙ ˖ her name means "gift of god'', however, after she begins referring to herself as solely lissë, it takes on the quenya word meaning ''sweet''

❀ ˙ ˖ she doubles over as both a healing maia and a combative maia 

❀ ˙ ˖ she was the one who created roses 

❀ ˙ ˖ she has a saviour complex

❀ ˙ ˖ at times, she takes on the form of a deer, especially when interacting with the elves in valinor

❀ ˙ ˖ she is particularly close to námo and irmo, however, she absolutely despises both manwë and melkor

❀ ˙ ˖ she has many pets, most notable of which is a fawn and a bird

❀ ˙ ˖ she lost her wings in angband, they were ripped from her

❀ ˙ ˖ she resides in a cottage in valinor, somewhere in yavanna's pastures

[crystalrose555]

Slap me, I dare you! ch. 17

   “Hmm, black or white? Which one’s better, you two?” Asmo asked as he twirled around.

Solomon and Lucifer sat across from the fitting room as the avatar of lust modeled the options he offered. While the sorcerer smiled and gave a thoughtful nod while the eldest brother looked up from his book with slight scorn. Seeing this reaction, Asmodeus gave a pout to his brother before leaning against the changing booth.

“Aww, what’s wrong, Lucifer, can’t decide? Sorry that I’m so breathtaking in everything I wear.”

Lucifer’s eyebrow twitched as he focused on his younger brother.

“I would rather concentrate on what you wanted to tell me. Instead, you’ve managed to drag me onto a shopping trip.”

“I mean, it only makes sense, it’s not often I get to shop in the human realm. It’s absolutely inspiring, especially when enhanced with my beauty.” Asmo chimed.

“Asmodeus, if you keep wasting my time, you will suffer dearly.”

Asmo shrank away a little while Lucifer pierced his form with his icy gaze. Seeing this, Solomon straightened himself in his seat as if to grab the eldest born’s attention.

Asmo and Solomon shared a glance before turning back to the eldest brother tapping his finger on the armrest of his chair. Solomon stared at Asmodeus whose eyes widened from the sudden attention on his person. A lump formed in his throat and vibrated gently while he tried to cough up his confession. Then as if a switch flips, he reverted back to his bubbly outlook and claimed,

“Lucifer, it’s obvious that Asmodeus is trying in his own way.”

“Enough, the three of us know what needs to be said and you two should stop wasting time and confess to your transgression.”

“Well, I wanted to tell you and Satan together but he isn’t here and I feel it’s a bit unfair to have him at a disadvantage, you know how mad he gets when he’s out to loop.” He deflected with a smile.

Solomon sighed silently while Lucifer stared at his younger brother with an unamused gaze that bordered with a quiet rage. Feeling the heat, Asmodeus shrunk behind the dressing room curtain while keeping a small smile on his face, hoping it would be enough to quell the morning star.

“Solomon, don’t just sit there, help me!” He called out in a panic.

The sorcerer just rubbed his temples as the stalemate continued.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Levi, when I said I was willing to go to the bookstore with you, I didn’t mean I would stand in this line with you. Do you have any idea how many people are here?”

Leviathan just snorted out of pride.

“Of course I do, this is one of the biggest release events this year, to think it would be here of all places. Though it was last minute, why do you think I planned this so we would be in the last part of the middle of the early group? With our position, we will receive a clear signature without the early calibration adjustments or the late fatigue mistakes.”

Satan just looked at his older brother with slight frustration.

“Alright but the last time I checked Mochi’s friend went through you when you met them in RAD.”

“Then why am I in line?”

“Because I want to get a signed copy for Mochi. Gothic Zombie Girl was one of the first shows I watched with her and with this new movie adaption, I wanna make sure that she doesn’t miss it, no matter who I have to go through.”

The shrewd comment created tension between the brothers who exchanged passive-aggressive glares. 

“I don’t expect a normie like you to understand the bond we have. Besides, we haven’t found Mochi yet and I want to be prepared when we see each other again.” Levi answered with a head turn.

Satan rolled his eyes and looked toward the front where the author signed books and shook hands with varying degrees of excited fans. However, something else caught his eye as someone dressed in all black stood close by to the table. Their black shades reflected a multitude of colors in the light as they clasped hands with fans who made audible squeals upon speaking with them. Their face was obscured by the high collar of their jacket.

“Whose that?” Satan asked while tugging on Levi’s shirt to get his attention.

Levi looked on before twisting his face with slight disgust.

“That’s just Nue, he’s some normie musician that has been on the soundtrack side of things.��

Levi scoffed harshly.

“Yeah, with the way those humans are acting, I doubt that he’s just some musician.”

Satan folded his arms and raised an eyebrow.

“Please, he’s merely dipped into the world of otaku, he doesn’t have the experience needed to fill in a voice acting role.”

“So you’re upset that he’s popular and is cast in a major character role.”

Levi shot a glare at his younger brother before focusing on the line in front of them.

“Thanks for coming out, please continue to support our work in the future.”

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A couple of fans tried to squeeze out more answers before they were gently ushered away from the stand. Nixie took in a deep breath and sighed quietly. He knew that today was going to be a long one but the fatigue he felt was unrivaled. It was as if he was bleeding out and he couldn’t feel the wound, he could feel his skin heat up from the rising temperature. Another set of fans can and went as Nixie continued to autopilot each conversation. He wanted to care about those who came out to see him but he couldn’t spare any thought for them. 

Between meeting fans, he thought back to when he went to Devildom, facing down its most powerful demons before escaping back to the realm of humans. He found himself questioning why they let him run away, he knew he was fierce but he was no match for all of them. If they really wanted to stop them, they would have, so what stopped them? At that moment, he could hear Marley’s voice, telling him that he was wrong, but he couldn’t believe it. It was more likely she was cursed and he just had to snap her out of it. He continued to entertain the feelings of the grateful fans as his vision blurred out of boredom and repetition, his mind and heart were barely there. However, he found a new focus as his worst fears came into his reality.

There he was, at the Gothic Zombie Girl book signing, promoting the upcoming movie, and deep in the winding crowd he could make out Leviathan and Satan patiently waiting in the queue. He was frozen, he couldn’t just bolt in front of everyone who was waiting to meet him.

“Why? Why the hell are they here?” Nixie cursed underneath his breath.

Levi jumped back a bit before grasping Nixie’s hand and shaking it. 

His head throbbed while he struggled with some of Devildom's most powerful coming to him whether he liked it or not. He quickly glanced around, looking for anything that could give him an edge but found nothing to grasp onto. After a large silent sigh, he made peace with the fact he wouldn’t be able to slip away, not with so many eyes upon him. All he could do was meet his fate head-on. There they were, Levi and Satan stood in front of the mangaka with either absolute astonishment or complete indifference. After what felt like a thousand years, the duo finally turned their gazes upon Nixie.

“Thank you for coming out and supporting us today.” He greeted with a smile and his hand stretched out.

“He probably doesn’t even understand how big this movie is.” Levi thought to himself.

In reality, Nixie was just thinking about how cold the third born's hand was. His palm was clammy from his interaction with one of his favorite mangaka and he was now shaking hands with the same demon who broke into RAD without knowing it. If anyone should have cold hands, it should be Nixie.

“So, how did you manage to get a voice role in the upcoming Zombie Girl movie? Aren’t you a live performer, wouldn’t you prefer having your face everywhere?” Levi asked flatly.

Nixie chuckled at the question causing Levi’s hairs to rise.

“Believe it or not, I can be pretty bashful, I’ve been doing soundtracks in the industry while working on my own albums and only recently I’ve been doing live shows.”

“Yeah but you have been doing music videos for a while and they’ve been trending constantly. Yet I haven’t seen anything from the otaku side.”

“I’ve been credited for games and anime work under different names, currently my agent is working to release a full list of my works underneath my new name.”

“Changing names? Didn’t want anyone to associate you with geek culture-”

“It’s alright, it just means he’s very passionate about the series.”

Satan quickly covered his brother’s mouth while giving Nixie a smile.

“My apologies, my brother is a huge fan of Gothic Zombie Girl.”

Nixie gave a small smile, partially revealing his face in the process. Levi’s eyes blinked rapidly before squinting at Nixie hard. Seeing the change in expression, Nixie’s gaze widened slightly before breaking eye contact behind his shades. He held his hand to his mouth and gave a soft cough, clearing his throat. 

“Either way, I’m happy I got a chance to talk to the two of you. Please continue to support us in the future.” He chimed.

Before either brother could fit another word in, the line organizer ushered them away as more fans greedily took their space.

“Yeah, we aren’t telling you anything, snowball.” Gell growled back.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

“Start talkin’, runts, before I get angry.” Mammon growled deeply.

Mammon and Gell locked eyes as their growling grew more and more primal with each passing second. As for everyone else, the built up tension of the situation seemed to dwindle away as they watched the twosome trying to intimidate one another. With Beel and Belphie looking on dumbfounded, Rem simply shrugged his shoulders before walking over and opening the fridge. He then opened another can of soda, gaining everyone’s attention.

“Quit callin’ me Snowball!”

“How about Snowcone then?”

“And what the hell are you doing?!” Mammon yelled pointing at the casual Rem.

“I’m having a soda, obviously.” He claimed nonchalantly between sips.

“Rem, now is not the time for that. If you haven’t noticed, we have a situation here.” Gell groaned as he motioned his arms dramatically.

Rem took another sip.

“No, we don’t.” He replied.

“Like hell we don’t, brat! Y’all better start yappin’ before I-”

“Besides, if you did do anything, Marley would kick your ass, so there’s no problem.” Rem answered as he took his free hand and pointed to a picture frame on the shelf.

“Before you what? It’s obvious if you wanted to hurt us, you would have done it by now.”

Mammon backed up a bit from the sudden bluntness and before he could offer his rebuttal, Rem opened his mouth once more.

Everyone turned to look at it and saw Marley with the boys smiling while standing over a large tuna. Mammon stood there dumbfounded while Belphie just held his face and shook his head.

“You really are a moron.” He muttered.

“Hey, you didn’t notice either, Belphie! So don’t think you're above this!”

“You can have one, but if you win, the prize is mine.” Rem claimed.

“Yeah, but I didn’t start making demands and threats.”

And just like that, Mammon and Belphie started a new argument, while leaving Beel, Gell and Rem to their own devices. Beel felt a tug on his shirt and looked down at Rem who offered him a soda. 

Beel just gave a nod and accepted with a smile. Meanwhile, Gell could feel his eye twitch as he watched his twin sharing a drink with one of the home invaders.

“Rem, you scare me sometimes.” He sighed, grabbing another drink.

“That’s because you’re a scaredy-seal.” Rem smiled.

[rajubhadra]

VidProposals 2.0 Review - Truth Exposed! (Neil Napier)

VidProposals 2.0 Review - Truth Exposed! (Neil Napier) Welcome to my review blog and VidProposals 2.0 Review. Neil Napier is the author of this VidProposals 2.0 App. VidProposals 2.0 is the world’s #1 platform for creating engaging and professional video proposals designed for newbies and business owners alike. A built-in email-sending platform for creating and sending cold emails. Then you can add graphics, text, and video that can be recorded right in the app. In just 3 steps you can apply this App. Why Do People Love VidProposals 2.0? – Create Professional, Persuasive, Custom Video Proposals In Minutes, With A Legally Binding Contract Ready For Them To E-Sign, And Close Clients Fast On Any Device. – Host All Your Proposal Videos On VidProposals’ Servers For Super-Fast Delivery – Create Custom Thank You Pages To Celebrate The New Deal – 100% Beginner Friendly. Fully Cloud Based – 24 Ready-To-Go Professionally Designed Proposals Included ​​​​​ – Use This Built-In Video Creator To Record & Create A Stunning Video That Can Be Then Included Right Inside Your Proposal – Engage Your Customers And Make Them Take The Action You Want By Adding A Persuasive Call-to-action Right Inside Your Videos – Generate Your Proposal Super-fast Using Vidproposal’s Built-In Content Generation And Reuse Tools – Automated E-Signature Tracking Offers An Added Layer Of Security – Providing Proof Of Who Signed The Document And When it was Opened, Viewed, Or Completed. – Send One Email With The One Link To Give Your Client All The Relevant Information – VidProposals Doesn’t Allow Signed Proposals To Be Deleted, Keeping Them Secure And Legal VidProposals 2.0 Exciting Features EMAIL SENDER (NEW!) ​ Send Proposals in BULK using our integrated Email sender. Connect as many Gmail & Outlook accounts as you want. ✔ Set up Email campaigns ✔ Use advanced email composer. ✔Email templates library with 100s of cold outreach scripts. EXPERTS MARKETPLACE (NEW!) ​ If you don’t know how to provide a particular service, don’t worry. Their Expert Marketplace makes service arbitrage a breeze. We help you connect with service providers and you both make money. LEAD GEN TOOL (NEW!) ​ Looking for more clients. They’ve got you covered with this new feature in VidProposals 2.0. HOSTING ​ Host All Your Proposals On VidProposal Servers For Super-Fast Delivery – NO NEED To Host Any Proposals On Your Own CUSTOM THANK YOU PAGES ​ Create Custom Thank You Pages To Celebrate The New Deal RECEIVE NOTIFICATIONS ​ Get Instantly Informed When The Client Views The Contract. DOWNLOAD PDFs Of The SIGNED CONTRACT ​ The Best Way To Keep Things Moving Forward Is To Have Both Parties Under Control Of The Situation. CAPTURE TIME AND DATE STAMPS ​ For better accountability, both the client and vendor are fully aware of when the deal was signed. INTERACTIVE VIDEOS ​ Add CTAs right in the video BRENDABLE PROPOSALS ​ Add Your Colors and Logo To Each Offer To Keep That Consistent, Professional Look. CAMERA, SCREEN, OR CAMERA & SCREEN RECORDING ​ Chrome Extension Makes Recording Your Own Video Super Simple – No DOWNLOAD REQUIRED In Order To Create Your Proposals PROTECTED PROPOSALS ​ Signed proposals cannot be deleted – We Are Not Giving An Inch To Anyone Willing To Game The System Or Cause Chaos Within Your Account. Signed. Sealed. Delivered. Securely. Get Access VidProposals 2.0 + Huge Bonuses >> Who Is Perfect for VidProposals 2.0 Video marketers – Showcase video creation skills directly within proposals, giving potential clients a taste of their work. Digital marketing agencies – Streamline the proposal process, impress clients with video proposals, and close deals faster. Freelancers and consultants – Provide a professional and personalized experience to potential clients, helping to secure more contracts. Web design and development agencies – Utilize video proposals to explain complex concepts and present design mockups, making it easier to close deals. Social media management firms – Offer potential clients a glimpse into their social media strategy and show the value of their services through video proposals. SEO and content marketing agencies – Effectively communicate their strategies and showcase past successes to win clients over with video proposals. PR agencies – Use video proposals to demonstrate their ability to craft compelling narratives and manage brand reputation. E-commerce businesses – Connect with potential partners, suppliers, or even investors, using professional video proposals. Coaches and trainers – Present their programs and services in a compelling way, making it easier for potential clients to understand the value they provide. Final Opinion: VidProposals 2.0 Review In conclusion, I want tot to say VidProposals 2.0 is Highly Recommended! VidProposals 2.0 lets you create, send, sign, and profit with video proposals like never before – all from one dashboard. VidProposals 2.0 Next-Gen Technology to create, send, sign & profit professional and convenient video proposals in just minutes! With VidProposals 2.0 you get a high-converting solution for your business that makes it easy for you to secure regular, paying clients month after month after month… for years and years. LOOK… VidProposals 2.0 is a full-blown video proposal app (with a LeadGen app too) that will make you the first agency to connect with your prospects like no one else has before. This will, of course, lead to a dramatic increase in sales & profit. Get Instant Access Here >>

[lankira]

One of my favorite former bosses is former NYPD and drilled into us:

If it’s not in writing, it didn’t happen.

Send those follow-up emails!

Also, after the cut, I’ve included both my method for sending those emails AND how I was able to use them to advocate for one of my clients’ employees without doing anything extra.

Here’s my method for if you have access to the standard Microsoft Office suite, including Outlook and OneNote.

Meeting Invite

If you’re told by your boss that you need to talk to them in their office with at least 15 minutes’ notice, ask them to send you a calendar invite. If they don’t create the invite at least 15 minutes before, create your own calendar invite with the title “Meeting as requested by [boss’s name]” and invite them to the meeting. In the body of the invite, add the notes “Meeting was requested  by [boss’s name] via [Teams/verbal request/etc] on [date] at [time].”

Send to OneNote

From the event in Outlook, find and click Send to OneNote. It will automatically make a page for meeting minutes with the following information: Meeting Name, who sent the invite (with an email link), who the required attendees are (as a checklist with email links), and the meeting date/time. There will also be a premade heading for the notes section.

Take Notes

If you have a laptop, bring the laptop with you to the meeting. If not, bring a notebook. Either way, take notes. AT A MINIMUM, note all attendees (regardless of if they were on the calendar invite), the topics discussed, any action items for you AND OTHER ATTENDEES.

Update/Type Notes

After the discussion, update your OneNote page for legibility/comprehension/typos. OR, type your notes into your OneNote page from your notebook. Check off all the invitees on the list who attended and add any unexpected attendees.

Add Action Items

On the OneNote page, create a heading for Action Items, then a subheading for each attendee/interested party. For internal meetings, my subheadings were usually [my name], [team lead’s name], [manager’s name], [other attendee(s) name(s)]. For external meetings, it was usually [my name], [TL’s name], [client company name]. Under each subheading, make a checklist. For something with a lot of moving parts, make a sub-list by indenting lines with the various parts. For example:

(Only if needed) Add Next Meeting’s Agenda/Follow-Up Topics

If a follow-up meeting was scheduled or things were mentioned as “things we’ll follow up on”, add a section with a heading like “Topics for Next Meeting” or “Follow-Up Topics”. Add a brief description of each thing, such as “Team performance expectations” or “Status of [Project]”

Prepare Your Follow-Up Email

Use the Email Page function in OneNote in order to email the notes. Anyone on the calendar invite will automatically be listed in the To field. Anyone not on the calendar invite need to be added manually in the CC field. All your notes, including the appropriate checkboxes for attendees, will be included in the email automatically. In the space before the OneNote data begins, start the email with “[greeting of choice], My minutes from our meeting are as follows. Please let me know of any changes or updates you have by using the reply all function to keep us all on the same page.”

Add Your Signature

Add your email signature AFTER your notes. Sometimes, anything below your signature is read by an email parser as part of your signature.

Click Send on the email.

Then go back to work! Keep an eye on the email and if you have a verbal conversation with someone from the meeting about an update about the notes, reply all to the email with something like “Per a conversation with [name], please note that the due date for [item] was misstated. The actual due date for [item] is [correct date]. [Name], please confirm that this is accurate.”

On using “Please [do thing]”:

As a note, telling people “Please do X” (such as “let me know of changes” or “confirm this”) is still polite in business land and puts the onus on the person/people addressed. Basically, it’s a way of saying “hey, I did my part, now it’s time to do yours”. If you never hear back from them and they try throwing you under the bus later, you have the email chain! You can say “I was acting on the information I had in my notes, which were in this email, which I never got a reply to.”

On using this for external meetings/worker solidarity

This also works for external meetings, such as those with customers/clients/trainers/etc. I was commended both by clients and my management team when I was doing software implementation for my thorough documentation. Including one client who was able to prove “on paper” that her boss was overloading her with work because of the action items lists.

The boss would be in the meeting, was my primary point of contact (on paper at least), and would have this one team member (I’ll call her Sheila) on the call, who I could tell was already overworked by the fact that she was often having to answer other business emails during meetings and mentioned training other people who weren’t in our meetings. Usually, my action items were sorted into [My Name], [My Team Lead], [My Client’s Company’s Name]. However, when my point of contact basically kept asking Sheila to do things that were technically his responsibility, I split it up to be more like this.

My Company Name

My Name

My Team Lead

Client’s Company Name

My Point of Contact

Sheila

When my TL saw the change, she asked why I started doing it different. I told the truth, but only half of it. “Sheila tends to have a lot on her plate, so I know things assigned to her might take longer. I just want to make sure I know who’s doing what.” I didn’t say the part where I suspected that the client was throwing Sheila under the bus for why the project was running late.

After a few weeks of meetings with that format for action items, we got an email from my point of contact’s boss explaining that the point of contact was being removed from the project and, as a result he was putting Sheila in charge of it with a small team. I kept the format (breaking it out into a section each for Sheila, each of her team members, and a general “Sheila’s Team” section) for a number of reasons, but mostly so the point of contact’s boss (who was now Sheila’s boss and had asked to be CC’d on our meeting minutes) wouldn’t know that I was initially doing it so Sheila could prove that she had been overworked. 

Sheila and her small team got the project done ahead of schedule AND she was able to keep her promotion after the project ended.

Do Not Let HR do this to you. It is not illegal to talk about wages in the work place. I did and got a 12% raise!

[rohitpalan]

Global Hardware Security Module (HSM) Market Set to Surge, Projected to Reach USD 5.9 Billion by 2033

The global hardware security module (HSM) market demonstrated remarkable growth in 2022, with total revenue soaring to US$ 1.3 billion. This trend is set to continue, as experts predict the market will reach an impressive US$ 5.9 billion by 2033, boasting a substantial Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 16.5% between 2023 and 2033. In the current year, 2023, the hardware security module market is already estimated to be valued at US$ 1.5 billion.Request a Sample of this ReportKey TakeawaysThe hardware security module market is on a robust growth trajectory, projected to reach US$ 5.9 billion by 2033, with a CAGR of 16.5%.HSMs are instrumental in securing cryptographic keys and enabling vital cryptographic processes.North America dominates the market, while Asia-Pacific emerges as a promising growth region.High initial investments, skill requirements, and regulatory hurdles pose challenges to market expansion.Drivers and Opportunities Hardware security modules play a pivotal role in performing decryption and encryption functions essential for digital signatures, authentication, and various cryptographic operations. These modules are purpose-built to safeguard cryptographic keys over extended periods, ensuring the integrity of sensitive data.The market’s growth is attributed to the secure environment hardware security modules create, facilitating critical cryptographic processes such as key management, key exchange, and encryption. Currently, the hardware security module market commands a significant share, accounting for nearly 5% of the global hardware encryption market.Competitive Landscape – Regional Trends The hardware security module market is fiercely competitive, with several key players vying for dominance. Regional trends indicate varying degrees of adoption and growth. North America stands out as a major player, boasting a substantial market share due to its emphasis on data security. Meanwhile, Asia-Pacific is emerging as a promising market, driven by increasing digitalization and cybersecurity concerns.Restraints Despite its impressive growth prospects, the hardware security module market faces certain restraints, including the high initial investment required for implementation and the need for skilled professionals to manage these advanced security systems. Additionally, regulatory compliance and certification hurdles may pose challenges to market expansion.Region-wise Insights – Category-wise Insights Region-wise, North America and Europe are the frontrunners in hardware security module adoption, thanks to stringent data protection regulations and a mature cybersecurity landscape. In contrast, the Asia-Pacific region is witnessing a surge in demand, driven by the rapid digital transformation in countries like China and India.Category-wise, financial services and healthcare sectors are the primary adopters of hardware security modules, owing to their data-sensitive nature. However, industries such as government, IT, and manufacturing are increasingly recognizing the importance of HSMs in safeguarding their critical information.Hardware Security Module Market Outlook by CategoryBy Type:LAN-based HSMs/Network-attached HSMsPCIe-based/Embedded Plugin HSMsUSB-based/Portable HSMsBy Application:Payment ProcessingCode and Document SigningSSL and TLSAuthenticationDatabase EncryptionPKI or Credential ManagementApplication-Level EncryptionBy Sales Channel:Direct Sales ChannelDistribution Channel (Integrators, Distributors, VARs, etc.)By Industry:BFSIHealthcare & Life SciencesManufacturingRetail & CPGGovernment & DefenseEnergy & UtilitiesOthersBy Region:North AmericaLatin AmericaWestern EuropeEastern EuropeSouth Asia and PacificEast AsiaThe Middle East and Africa

[visionarycios]

Entrepreneurial Mindset and Resilience

Source: solidcolours from Getty Images Signature

In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving business landscape, the terms “entrepreneurial mindset” and “resilience” have become essential for anyone looking to succeed. An entrepreneurial mindset and resilience are not just buzzwords; they represent a set of attitudes and behaviors that can significantly influence the outcome of a business venture. Understanding how to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset while also developing resilience can pave the way for long-term success, whether you’re a seasoned entrepreneur or just starting.

What is an Entrepreneurial Mindset?

The entrepreneurial mindset refers to the unique way of thinking that enables individuals to identify opportunities, take calculated risks, and innovate. People with an entrepreneurial mindset are typically proactive, adaptable, and willing to learn from failure. They possess a growth-oriented attitude that allows them to view challenges as opportunities rather than obstacles. This mindset fosters creativity and encourages individuals to pursue their passions relentlessly.

In contrast, resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks and challenges. It’s about maintaining motivation and focus in the face of adversity. When combined, an entrepreneurial mindset and resilience create a powerful framework for success.

The Importance of Resilience in Entrepreneurship

Resilience is particularly crucial in entrepreneurship, where the journey is often fraught with challenges. According to research, approximately 20% of new businesses fail within the first year, and about 50% fail within five years. This sobering statistic highlights the importance of having a resilient attitude. Entrepreneurs face various obstacles, such as funding shortages, market competition, and changing consumer preferences. Those equipped with resilience can navigate these hurdles more effectively.

Moreover, resilient entrepreneurs tend to maintain a positive outlook, which can be contagious. Their ability to stay optimistic can inspire and motivate their teams, fostering a supportive work environment. When team members observe their leaders facing challenges head-on, they are more likely to adopt a similar mindset, further enhancing the overall resilience of the organization.

Cultivating an Entrepreneurial Mindset

https://visionarycios.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/5.1.-Cultivating-an-Entrepreneurial-Mindset-Source-LaylaBird-from-Getty-Images-Signature.jpg

1. Embrace Failure

Failure is often viewed negatively, but it is a crucial aspect of entrepreneurship. An entrepreneurial mindset embraces failure as a learning opportunity. Successful entrepreneurs analyze their failures, extract valuable lessons, and use that knowledge to improve their strategies moving forward. This approach not only builds resilience but also fosters innovation and creativity.

2. Stay Adaptable

The business landscape is constantly changing, and entrepreneurs must be willing to adapt. Those with an entrepreneurial mindset are flexible and open to new ideas. This adaptability allows them to pivot quickly in response to market demands or emerging trends, enhancing their chances of success.

3. Maintain a Long-Term Vision

Entrepreneurship often requires a long-term commitment. Maintaining a clear vision of one’s goals can help entrepreneurs stay focused and motivated, even when faced with setbacks. This long-term perspective aligns perfectly with resilience, as it encourages individuals to persist despite temporary failures.

4. Foster a Growth Mindset

A growth mindset is the belief that abilities and intelligence can be developed through dedication and hard work. Entrepreneurs with a growth mindset are more likely to take on challenges, seek feedback, and continuously improve. This commitment to personal development enhances resilience and contributes to an entrepreneurial mindset.

Strategies to Build Resilience

Building resilience is not just about individual traits; it also involves practical strategies that can be implemented in daily life. Here are some effective methods:

1. Develop a Support Network

A strong support network can be invaluable during tough times. Surrounding yourself with other entrepreneurs, mentors, and supportive friends or family can provide encouragement, advice, and resources. This network can help bolster your resilience and provide a sounding board for ideas and concerns.

2. Practice Self-Care

Physical and mental well-being are essential for resilience. Entrepreneurs should prioritize self-care activities such as exercise, meditation, or hobbies that bring joy. Taking care of oneself ensures that one has the energy and mental clarity needed to tackle challenges effectively.

3. Set Realistic Goals

Setting achievable, short-term goals can help entrepreneurs maintain motivation and momentum. Celebrating small wins boosts confidence and reinforces the belief that progress is being made, which is crucial for cultivating both an entrepreneurial mindset and resilience.

4. Learn Stress Management Techniques

Entrepreneurship can be stressful, and learning how to manage stress is vital for maintaining resilience. Techniques such as mindfulness, deep breathing exercises, or even seeking professional counseling can provide tools for managing stress effectively.

Conclusion

In conclusion, an entrepreneurial mindset and resilience are crucial components of successful entrepreneurship. By embracing failure, staying adaptable, maintaining a long-term vision, and fostering a growth mindset, individuals can cultivate the traits necessary for an entrepreneurial mindset. Additionally, building resilience through supportive networks, self-care, realistic goal-setting, and stress management techniques can enhance one’s ability to navigate the inevitable challenges of entrepreneurship.

Whether you’re launching a startup, leading a team, or managing a business, nurturing an entrepreneurial mindset and resilience will equip you with the tools needed to thrive in a competitive landscape. As you embark on your entrepreneurial journey, remember that challenges will arise, but with the right mindset and resilience, you can turn those challenges into stepping stones toward success.

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Morgana McNelis: A Journey of Creativity, Craftsmanship, and Love

Morgana McNelis, born on July 9, 1983, in Georgia, is a highly accomplished jewelry designer and the creative force behind Maison de Morgana. Her brand is renowned for crafting timeless pieces that beautifully merge vintage inspiration with modern elegance, earning her recognition in the world of fine craftsmanship. Morgana McNelis's artistic vision and passion for design have established her as a respected name in the industry. Beyond her professional endeavors, she is celebrated for her long-term relationship with actor Charlie Hunnam. Their partnership, built on mutual respect and shared values, has endured for nearly two decades, highlighting the strength of their bond. Morgana McNelis also values simplicity and nature, balancing her career with a grounded lifestyle that includes raising donkeys and chickens on their shared property. Her story is one of creativity, love, and resilience, making her a truly inspirational figure.

Early Life and Creative Foundations

Growing up in Georgia, Morgana McNelis was surrounded by an environment that nurtured creativity. Her early exposure to jewelry through her family, particularly her grandmother, sparked a lifelong passion for design and aesthetics. As a child, she often found herself immersed in art and crafting, a precursor to her eventual career.

The Influence of Family and Art

Morgana's family fostered her interest in the arts.

Early exposure to various artistic disciplines, including sculpture and painting, shaped her creative outlook.

Her grandmother's love for jewelry ignited a fascination with intricate designs and craftsmanship.

These formative years laid the foundation for Morgana's journey as an artist, inspiring her to pursue a career where she could express her vision through wearable art.

Education and Artistic Evolution

Morgana McNelis's formal education in the arts played a significant role in refining her skills. She explored diverse artistic mediums, ranging from traditional drawing to metalworking, which became instrumental in her jewelry design.

Mastery of Techniques

Studied goldsmithing and metalworking, acquiring advanced technical skills.

Developed a deep understanding of design principles and historical art movements.

Experimented with blending traditional techniques with contemporary styles.

This rigorous training gave Morgana the expertise to create jewelry pieces that are not only visually stunning but also rich in narrative and symbolism.

Maison de Morgana: A Legacy of Elegance

In 2012, Morgana McNelis founded Maison de Morgana, a brand synonymous with luxury and individuality. Her designs are characterized by their attention to detail and the incorporation of historical and natural motifs, resulting in pieces that resonate with a sense of timeless beauty.

Inspirations Behind the Brand

Historical Influences: Victorian and Art Deco styles often serve as inspiration.

Natural Motifs: Designs frequently incorporate organic elements like leaves, flowers, and celestial patterns.

Personal Experiences: Morgana's life and travels contribute to the storytelling behind each collection.

Her commitment to sustainability and ethical sourcing further distinguishes the brand, ensuring that every piece aligns with her values of responsibility and quality.

Signature Collections

Morgana McNelis's collections are renowned for their artistic depth and emotional resonance. Among her most celebrated works is the BC Armor Collection, a line of handcrafted jewelry designed to honor military veterans.

Highlights of Her Collections

BC Armor Collection:

Patriotic themes inspired by military service.

A portion of sales supports the Boot Campaign, aiding veterans.

Victorian-Inspired Pieces:

Intricate details reminiscent of 19th-century design.

Evokes a sense of romance and nostalgia.

Art Deco-Inspired Creations:

Bold geometric patterns and sleek lines.

Perfectly blends vintage glamour with modern sophistication.

Each collection showcases Morgana's ability to weave artistry and emotion into her jewelry, making every piece a wearable story.

Personal Life: A Private Yet Inspiring Partnership

Morgana McNelis and Charlie Hunnam have been together for over 15 years, a rarity in the world of celebrity relationships. Despite their contrasting public personas—Hunnam's fame as an actor and McNelis's preference for a low-profile life—they have built a strong and supportive partnership.

A Foundation of Respect and Understanding

The couple avoids media scrutiny, choosing to keep their relationship private.

Hunnam has openly defended Morgana against public criticism, praising her intelligence and kindness.

They value personal space, allowing each other to grow both individually and as a couple.

Their relationship serves as a testament to the power of mutual respect and shared values, demonstrating that love can thrive even in the limelight.

Morgana McNelis's Role in Charlie Hunnam’s Career

Morgana has been a constant source of support in Hunnam's acting journey. From attending premieres to offering behind-the-scenes encouragement, her presence has been integral to his success.

Key Contributions

Supported Hunnam during challenging roles, including his work in Sons of Anarchy and King Arthur.

Played a pivotal role in helping him navigate the demands of Hollywood.

Provided creative input, enriching their collaborative dynamic.

Hunnam often credits Morgana with being a stabilizing force in his life, emphasizing the importance of her influence on his career.

Advocacy for Sustainability and Charity

Morgana McNelis's commitment extends beyond her craft. She is a passionate advocate for sustainability, ensuring that her jewelry is made using ethically sourced materials. Additionally, she actively supports charitable initiatives, particularly those focused on empowering women.

Notable Charitable Efforts

Partnered with the non-profit organization Naretoi, which promotes women's rights and education.

Donates a percentage of her jewelry sales to causes supporting veterans and underserved communities.

Through her philanthropic endeavors, Morgana demonstrates that creativity and compassion can go hand in hand.

A Unique Perspective on Marriage

While Morgana and Charlie Hunnam have been together for over a decade, they have differing views on marriage. Hunnam’s past experiences have made him cautious about formalizing their relationship, while Morgana remains optimistic about the idea.

Balancing Different Perspectives

Hunnam views their long-term commitment as equivalent to marriage.

Morgana values the symbolic importance of marriage but respects their current dynamic.

Their mutual understanding underscores the strength of their bond.

This balanced approach highlights the couple's ability to navigate differences while maintaining a deeply rooted connection.

Conclusion

Morgana McNelis is much more than a talented jewelry designer; she is a visionary artist, a devoted partner, and a compassionate advocate for positive change. Through Maison de Morgana, she has created a legacy of beauty and meaning, inspiring others with her dedication to craftsmanship and storytelling. Her journey is a testament to the power of passion, creativity, and unwavering commitment.