#Creative Exploration

[careercounsellors]

Beyond the Classroom: Exploring Enrichment Programs for Children

In today's fast-paced world, parents are increasingly seeking opportunities to provide their children with experiences that go beyond traditional classroom learning. Enrichment programs for children offer a wealth of benefits, from academic enrichment to creative exploration and social development. In this blog post, we'll delve into the world of enrichment programs, exploring the various types available, the benefits they offer, and how parents can choose the right programs for their children.

Understanding Enrichment Programs for Children

Enrichment programs for children are designed to complement and enhance traditional education by providing opportunities for additional learning, skill development, and personal growth. These programs come in various forms, catering to different interests, talents, and age groups.

Types of Enrichment Programs for Children

Academic Enrichment: Academic enrichment programs focus on enhancing children's academic skills and knowledge in specific subjects such as maths, science, language arts, and STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics). These programs often incorporate hands-on activities, experiments, and projects to make learning engaging and interactive.

Skill-based Enrichment: Skill-based enrichment programs aim to develop children's practical skills and talents in areas such as music, art, sports, coding, robotics, and culinary arts. These programs provide opportunities for children to explore their interests, discover new passions, and develop valuable skills that can benefit them both academically and personally.

Creative Enrichment: Creative enrichment programs focus on nurturing children's creativity, imagination, and self-expression through activities such as drama, dance, theater, creative writing, and visual arts. These programs encourage children to explore their artistic abilities, experiment with different mediums, and express themselves in meaningful ways.

Benefits of Enrichment Programs for Children

Academic Enrichment and Cognitive Development: Academic enrichment programs provide children with opportunities to deepen their understanding of core subjects and develop essential academic skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical reasoning. By engaging in hands-on activities, experiments, and projects, children not only reinforce what they've learned in the classroom but also gain a deeper appreciation for the subject matter. Narrative: Emily, a sixth-grade student, struggled with maths in school. However, after enrolling in an after-school maths enrichment program, she discovered a newfound love for numbers. Through hands-on activities and games, she began to see maths in a different light, finding joy in solving problems and exploring mathematical concepts. As her confidence grew, so did her grades, and she soon became one of the top maths students in her class.

Skill-based Enrichment and Practical Learning: Skill-based enrichment programs offer children the opportunity to develop practical skills and talents that can benefit them in various aspects of their lives. Whether it's learning to play a musical instrument, mastering a new sport, or honing their coding skills, these programs provide a supportive environment for children to explore their interests, build confidence, and achieve their goals. Narrative: James, an aspiring young musician, dreamt of playing the guitar but didn't know where to start. With the support of his parents, he enrolled in a music enrichment program at a local community center. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, James learned the fundamentals of music theory, technique, and performance. With each lesson, he grew more confident and proficient, eventually showcasing his skills at a recital for family and friends. Today, James continues to pursue his passion for music, playing in a band and composing his own songs.

Creative Enrichment and Artistic Expression: Creative enrichment programs provide children with opportunities to explore their artistic abilities, unleash their imagination, and express themselves in meaningful ways. Whether it's painting, drawing, acting, or dancing, these programs foster creativity, self-confidence, and a sense of identity. Narrative: Sarah, a shy and reserved nine-year-old, struggled to express herself verbally. However, when she discovered a passion for painting in an art enrichment program, she found a new way to communicate and connect with others. Through her artwork, Sarah expressed her thoughts, feelings, and emotions in vibrant colors and bold strokes. With each painting, she gained confidence and a sense of empowerment, eventually sharing her work with the world at a local art exhibition. Today, Sarah continues to use art as a form of self-expression and advocacy, inspiring others with her creativity and courage.

Social and Emotional Development: Enrichment programs provide children with opportunities to interact with peers, collaborate on projects, and develop essential social and emotional skills such as communication, teamwork, empathy, and resilience. By participating in group activities, discussions, and games, children learn to navigate social dynamics, build meaningful relationships, and develop a sense of belonging and community. Narrative: Daniel, a ten-year-old with autism spectrum disorder, struggled to connect with his peers and engage in social interactions. However, when he joined a theater enrichment program for children with special needs, he found a supportive and inclusive environment where he could express himself freely and connect with others through the power of storytelling. Through drama games, improvisation exercises, and group performances, Daniel learned to communicate effectively, collaborate with his peers, and express his emotions in constructive ways. With each rehearsal, he grew more confident and self-assured, eventually starring in a school play and inspiring others with his talent and resilience.

Overcoming Common Barriers to Participation

Despite the numerous benefits of enrichment programs, many parents face common barriers when it comes to enrolling their children in these programs. However, with proactive planning and creative solutions, these barriers can be overcome.

Financial Constraints and AffordabilityMany parents hesitate to enroll their children in enrichment programs due to financial constraints. However, there are often affordable or free options available, such as community-based programs, scholarships, and sliding-scale fees. Additionally, some programs offer payment plans or discounts for families with limited financial means. By exploring different options and resources, parents can find enrichment programs that fit within their budget and offer excellent value for money.

Time Constraints and Scheduling ConflictsBalancing children's enrichment activities with other commitments such as school, extracurriculars, and family obligations can be challenging. However, by carefully managing schedules and prioritizing activities, parents can create time for enrichment programs. Consider enrolling children in programs that offer flexible scheduling options, such as weekend classes, evening sessions, or online courses, that fit into your family's routine.

Access and AvailabilityAccess to enrichment programs can vary depending on factors such as location, transportation, and resources. However, there are often local community centers, libraries, schools, and online platforms that offer a variety of enrichment programs for children. Additionally, some programs provide transportation services or virtual options for families who may face barriers to access. By exploring different resources and reaching out to community organizations, parents can find enrichment programs that are accessible and inclusive for their children.

Choosing the Right Enrichment Program for Your Child

With so many enrichment programs available, choosing the right one for your child can feel overwhelming. However, by considering your child's interests, strengths, and areas for growth, as well as logistical factors such as location, schedule, and cost, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your child's needs and preferences.

Assessing Your Child's Interests and Goals: Start by talking to your child about their interests, passions, and goals. What subjects or activities do they enjoy? What skills or talents would they like to develop? By understanding your child's interests and aspirations, you can narrow down your options and focus on programs that are meaningful and relevant to them.

Researching Available Programs and Resources: Once you have a sense of your child's interests, research available programs and resources in your community. Look for programs that align with your child's interests and offer a comprehensive curriculum, experienced instructors, and positive reviews from past participants. Consider exploring online platforms and virtual programs that provide flexibility and convenience for busy families.

Considering Logistical Factors: When choosing an enrichment program, consider logistical factors such as location, schedule, and cost. Choose a program that is conveniently located and fits into your family's routine. Look for programs with flexible scheduling options, such as evening or weekend classes, that accommodate your child's other commitments. Additionally, consider the cost of the program and whether financial assistance or scholarships are available for families in need.

Seeking Recommendations and Reviews: Finally, don't hesitate to seek recommendations and reviews from other parents, educators, and community members who have experience with enrichment programs. Talk to friends, neighbours, and colleagues who may have enrolled their children in similar programs and ask for their insights and recommendations. Additionally, read online reviews and testimonials to get a sense of the program's quality and reputation.

Tips for Maximising the Benefits

Once you've chosen an enrichment program for your child, there are several strategies you can use to maximize the benefits and support your child's growth and development.

Set Clear Goals and Expectations: Start by setting clear goals and expectations for your child's participation in the program. What do you hope they will gain from the experience? Whether it's improving academic skills, developing a new talent, or building social connections, articulate your goals and discuss them with your child to ensure alignment and motivation.

Encourage Active Engagement and Participation: Encourage your child to actively engage in the program by participating in class discussions, completing assignments, and seeking feedback from instructors. Encourage them to ask questions, share their ideas, and collaborate with their peers. By taking an active role in the learning process, your child will deepen their understanding and retention of the material and develop important skills such as critical thinking and communication.

Provide Support and Encouragement at Home: Support your child's participation in the enrichment program by providing encouragement and support at home. Help them with homework or practice assignments, attend performances or showcases, and celebrate their achievements and progress. Create a positive and nurturing environment where your child feels empowered to explore their interests and pursue their passions.

Recognise and Celebrate Achievements: Finally, recognise and celebrate your child's achievements and milestones throughout the program. Whether it's mastering a new skill, completing a project, or overcoming a challenge, acknowledge their efforts and celebrate their successes. By celebrating their achievements, you'll boost their confidence, motivation, and sense of accomplishment, encouraging them to continue exploring their interests and pursuing their goals.

Case Studies: Real-Life Examples of Successful Participation

To illustrate the transformative impact of enrichment programs, let's explore some real-life examples of children who have benefited from their participation.

Academic Enrichment: Mia's Journey to Mathematical Mastery: Mia, a fourth-grade student, struggled with maths in school. However, after enrolling in an after-school maths enrichment program, she discovered a newfound love for numbers. Through hands-on activities, games, and projects, Mia gained a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts and developed essential skills such as problem-solving and critical thinking. With each lesson, her confidence grew, and she soon became one of the top maths students in her class. Today, Mia excels in maths and attributes her success to the support and encouragement she received in the enrichment program.

Skill-based Enrichment: Ethan's Quest for Musical Mastery: Ethan, a talented young musician, dreamt of mastering the piano but didn't know where to start. With the support of his parents, he enrolled in a music enrichment program at a local community center. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, Ethan learned the fundamentals of music theory, technique, and performance. With each lesson, he grew more confident and proficient, eventually showcasing his skills at a recital for family and friends. Today, Ethan continues to pursue his passion for music, playing in a band and composing his own songs, thanks to the foundation he built in the enrichment program.

Creative Enrichment: Ava's Journey of Self-Discovery through Art: Ava, a quiet and introspective eight-year-old, struggled to express herself verbally. However, when she joined an art enrichment program, she found a new way to communicate and connect with others through painting and drawing. Through her artwork, Ava expressed her thoughts, feelings, and emotions in vibrant colours and bold strokes. With each painting, she gained confidence and a sense of empowerment, eventually sharing her work with the world at a local art exhibition. Today, Ava continues to use art as a form of self-expression and advocacy, inspiring others with her creativity and courage.

Conclusion

Enrichment programs for children offer a wealth of benefits, from academic enrichment to creative exploration and social development. By providing children with opportunities to explore their interests, develop new skills, and connect with others, these programs play a crucial role in supporting their growth and development. Whether it's mastering a new subject, discovering a passion, or building lifelong friendships, enrichment programs empower children to reach their full potential and thrive in all areas of their lives. So why wait? Explore the world of enrichment programs and give your child the gift of limitless possibilities.

[crystal-charlotte-lynch]

Trying my hand at Willam S. Burroughs cut-out technique

Joseph Derito, an 81-year-old retired baker in Elmyra,Overall, about half the

New York, sees immigration

country - 49% - say democracy is not working traveled to Ukraine with

policy as not representing well in the United States, his wife, Kim Keon Hee,

the views of most following trips to Lithu-

icans. "The government compared with 10% who ania for a NATO summit say it's working very or and to Poland. It's his first

today is all for the people

extremely well and 40% visit since Russia invaded who have nothing - a lot of

only somewhat well. About Ukraine in February 2022.

them are capable of working half also say each of the Yoon toured Bucha and but get help," said Derito, a political parties is doing a Irpin, two small cities near white political independent bad job of upholding democ- Kyiv where bodies of civil-who leans Republican and voted for Trump. "They just racy, including 47% who say ians were found in the that about Democrats and want to give these people

streets and mass graves after

even more - 56% - about Russian troops retreated everything"Republicans.

Sandra Wyatt, a 68-year- "I don't think either of year.from the capital region last

old retired data collec- them is doing a good job just South Korea, a key U.S.

tion worker and Democrat because of the state of the ally in Asia, joined inter-

in Cincinnati, blames economy - inflation is kill- national sanctions against

Trump for what she sees ing us," said Michael Brown, Russia and has provided as an erosion in democ- 45, a worker's compensation Ukraine with humanitar-racy. "When he got in there,WASHINGTON - Only ian and financial support it was like, man, you're about 1 in 10 U.S. adults to Ukraine. But the Asian trying to take us back to give high ratings to the way nation, a growing arms the day, before all the rights democracy is working in the exporter, hasn't provided and privileges everybody United States or how well it weapons to Ukraine in line fought for," said Wyatt, who represents the interests of with its longstanding policy is Black, adding that she's most Americans, according of not supplying arms to voted previously for Repub- to a new poll from Associ- countries actively engaged licans as well.ated Press-NORC Center in conflict. She sees those bad dy. for Public Affairs Research.

During a joint news Majorities of adults say conference with Ukrainian

prime minister took a fresh U.s. laws and policies do turn Saturday as the candi-

President Volodymyr Zelen-

a poor job of representing skyy, Yoon announced date who led his party to what most Americans want plans to expand support first place in May's general on issues ranging from the dozen years. The case election said he is open to economy and government endured through five police bowing out of contention spending to gun policy, commissioners, more than if he cannot win a second I immigration and abortion. 1,000 tips, countless theo-round of voting in Parlia- The poll shows 53% say ries and supposed conspira-

ment. Congress is doing a bad job zies. Then a fresh review last Pita Limjaroenrat, 42, of upholding democratic year tied an old clue, about the leader of the progres- values, compared with just a pickup truck linked to a sive Move Forward Party, 16% who say it's doing a victim's disappearance, to said he would be willing to good job.

a new name: Rex A. Heuer- let a coalition partner party 'Lawmakers failed to mann.

field its candidate. However, confirm Pita as prime minis- Energized by the truck

he indicated the political ter Thursday despite his sidbit, investigators charted battling could continue for party's surprising victory the calls and travels of

weeks. in the May polls, when it multiple cellphones, picked The findings illustrate garnered 151 seats in the part email aliases, delved widespread political alienation as a polarized country

500-member House of into search histories and Representatives. It then collected discarded bottles

limps out of the pandemic assembled an eight-party and into a recovery haunted

- and even a pizza crust I

coalition that together holds or advanced DNA testing, by inflation and fears of a

312 seats, a clear majority in cording to court papers. recession. In interviews, the lower house, giving it the respondents worried less On Friday, Heuermann, 59,

bout the machinery of right to nominate a prime was charged with murder in

minister. democracy - voting laws

A second round of voting

and the tabulation of ballots is expected Wednesday.

- and more about the outputs.

[rmhashauthor]

I was literally the unhappiest person before I finally met my husband and FINALLY got to explore my sexuality. I was frustrated and I felt lonely ALL THE TIME, not just in the lack of sex but the lack of intimacy. I couldn't talk about certain things with my friends, not that I had many at the time, and I knew I wouldn't get the same kind of connection I wanted from platonic relationships. I know there's a billion lines of literature about how women should be independent and able to express herself without the help of a man - and I do those things very well, thanks, and I was doing them LONG before he came along - but this was something I KNEW I needed, I just didn't know how to find it. I got lucky, in the most random, out of the clear blue sky way, to finally, FINALLY find the person who I could TRULY share EVERYTHING with and nothing compares to that freedom for me. And I say this with MASSIVE respect to asexual and aromantic people - you and your experiences are just as valid and unique as mine, and I don't want to give off the impression that I don't think this matters to the aro and ace community. It's just a different way to experience being human, and it's still beautiful and good.

So yeah, my stories are HEAVILY laced with sexuality and sensuality. I continue to explore mine through writing as well as with my husband, and every weird, funny, awkward, kinky, borderline bizarre experiment on paper as well as our bedroom makes me feel more confident, more real, more human. It's one of those things that I cannot BELIEVE is real sometimes, because there's nothing in the world like that vulnerability. I used to think romance novels were all garbage, until I started living mine. So I'm going to keep doing this, because it pleases me and keeps me sane and because I want to share how I experience the world. Art is art, no matter how sticky.

Arrrgh I already complained about it but man. Fucking hate how weird people are when it comes to sexuality in art. "Ohhh this only exists because the writer was horny it can't possibly have anything deep to say" fucking imagine if we applied it to other emotions. Sorry Antigones can't possibly be about anything meaningful the writer was clearly just sad. Hamlet isn't a good or interesting play actually it was just Shakespeare being angry.

[ur-daily-inspiration]

Cute cakes appreciation post

[artdesigncollection]

Adventure Time: 50 Fun-Filled Stories and Activities for Kids

Dive into a world of excitement with Adventure Time: 50 Fun-Filled Stories and Activities for Kids! This engaging activity book invites young explorers on a journey through vibrant themes, including underwater wonders, thrilling jungle safaris, spooky Halloween fun, and much more. Each activity features a delightful story and entertaining questions that spark imagination and critical thinking. Perfect for kids aged 6-10, this book encourages creativity, learning, and hours of fun. With colorful illustrations and diverse themes, Adventure Time is the ultimate companion for curious minds and adventurous hearts!

Get It From Here

[gothandghoul]

Little Ghouls Academy: Enchanting Adventures Await!

Step into the hauntingly delightful world of the Little Ghouls Academy, where young spirits are invited to embark on whimsical adventures filled with delightful frights and fantastical tales. GothandGhoul proudly unveils its new product line designed for children under 12, opening the door to a realm where creativity meets the enchantment of the eerie. Read More...

GothandGhoul on Amazon   🎃👻🦇

[crizescudero]

Y la luna declaró como testigo que su amor fue el culpable de aquella muerte. Sentada sobre el estrado confeso cada acto visto, cada palabra que escuchó, cada promesa pactada.

Y es así como el amor que una vez vivió entre los dos desfalleció ante el veredicto. Él fue el único culpable de la muerte de sus corazones.

Imagen y texto por mi Criz Escudero

[fourgondor]

Hello, all! I'm not much a poster (more of a consumer and sharer); however, I've been working on some writing about the happenings underneath the Woodland Realm canopy, and I wanted to share it so it wouldn't stagnate on my thumb drive. I don't exactly know where I'm going with it (hence why it doesn't have a comprehensive title), but I'll keep at it! I know there is so much more to the fandom then a swath of fir forest without much canon lore, but there is something about it that won't loosen its hold on my mind. Hope you enjoy this lil' snippet.

TW ... mild blood and references to violence and medical treatment

CHAPTER 1: Broken Beginnings

Soldier – The Hill

The scent of iron was at once a source of comfort and foreboding. It foretold the arrival of reinforcements, of saviors orchestrating a symphony of ruthless carnage, yet it also portends the upwelling of lifeblood from a fatal wound. The prone soldier was intimately familiar with this paradoxical philosophy. A soldier of a war-besieged land who was born upon the battlefield, and who would likely die upon it.

Ai, Naneth, he thought, why did you consign me to this fate? A life of sorrow, of death? Upon a field soaked by the mingled blood of the enslaved enemy and the free People, you found distraction, and creation.  I’m being unfair but dying allows one to view life in perspective. Consider this rant the comfort I demand from the doom you passed onto me.

Again, that word. Comfort. Ironic that it would haunt me now, not the dozens of elven soldiers I chaperoned to an untimely gathering in Námo’s Halls. Are they arranged around my broken body watching, waiting for my fae to flee into their bitter embrace?

The arrows protruding from his abdomen give a twinge in response. That’s the response he deserves. He led them into this massacre. He urged them forward; a retreat was not an option. A wall of rotting corpses would be sufficient for keeping the yrch from breaching their borders. From reaching them. With him gone, they would receive more income than he could provide them in five and ten years from the Valar-damned Halls. Many a comrade had cracked the formula, and if they leaned into the wind, providing the piercing shafts a target… Well, who’s to know in the chaos of battle. The thought had crossed his mind more than once these past years. Only the sorrow they would feel at his loss has kept his blade from turning on the flesh of its master.

Dark silhouettes crowd his muddled vision before a searing pain erupts from his front, either a finishing blow or an attempt to staunch the blood pouring forth like sap from a poisoned spicket. A fool’s errand, that last one. Already, the venom has numbed his limbs and dampened his senses, but he thinks, or perhaps hopes, that a voice pleads him to hang on, that he is needed, that he is wanted.

Blackness encroaches upon his vision; he raises his eyes to the sky one last time and lets it take him.

Navaer, eryn nin.

Healer – Forest Narrows Base Camp

Gondiath sighed in relief as he caught sight of the final thorn held securely in his metal pincers, his fingers having long lost their feeling. Not often was the healer subjected to such mundane toils of medicine; constant battle to the south brought broken bones and gaping gashes to his notice, not berry prickles.

So, he was rather surprised when a group of edain children shuffled onto his doorstep in the early afternoon bespeckled with blood and punctured with so many thorns as for him to mistake them for sniffling kindling. The ruffians were infamous for the chaos they sowed in the camp, for Gondiath himself had lost much of his dignity at the hands of this particular band of mortal rascals.

In the aftermath of their most recent offence a fortnight ago, the company had…

“S’bout time, Gondi! Thought as I’d have to bring their supper to ’em. A shame such pretty flowers and ripe berries have sharps as pointy as your kind’s ears, eh?” a broad shouldered shadow exclaimed from the archway leading out to the town proper.

Dropping the accursed splinter into the wooden bowl usually assigned for yrch arrowheads, Gondiath shook his head in fond exasperation at the approaching figure. “If the Captain could hear the crude manner in which you have spoken to me, he would strip you of your hide after all the time he put into your lessons. I’d say there’s enough of you for a winter cloak, but out of love for my sister, I will restrain such thoughts.”

An indignant gasp issued from the rowan stubbled mouth, followed by a flamboyant hand thumped against a breast. “There’s no need to be so hostile, brother. Aren’t you supposed to be dedicated to the healing arts, not wounding me so with such words?” the now illuminated man, Eardwulf, questioned with a twitch of his brow, a giveaway for his taunting sarcasm.

“I may have the hands of a healer, but let it not be said that my mouth extends the same courtesy.”

With a hearty laugh a stranger would have not ascribed to the lean man just passed his twenty-third year whose hair fought tooth and fiber to escape its leather confines at the crown of his head, Eardwulf herded the bandaged children out of the healing halls towards their simmering dinners with an over-the-shoulder farewell.

They had been lucky, reflected Gondiath, as he shook his head and began gathering his instruments. Blackthorn could pierce the toughest leather hide, and it was that very property the camp inhabitants embraced. Given proper tending and manipulation, the bushes became barricades that at once warned away invaders and grew sweet summer berries.

The musing awakened a tension in the healer’s heart. All the children were warned from venturing to the southern regions of the camp where such berries were to be found, for as the temperature began to drop and herald the coming of autumn, the vile creatures of the Hill would reawaken. We, too, have been blessed; there hasn’t been any activity, even after the final summer harvest. Despite the need to clean his implements before rust could cling to their gleaming surfaces, his eyes strayed to the doors opened to the southern entrance, the same entrance the captain and his company had left just three days ago.

Ai, Elbereth, return them home safe. I have bloodied my hands enough today.

Scout – South Guard Tower

Gleaming sunlight danced across the forest floor, encouraging the verdant leaves to join in a merry jig welcoming the evening. Not often did the light of Arien grace the camp with her summer fieriness, especially not as the winds changed from balmy to crisp. Eoforwine exhaled with a snort. Here he was, a hardened woodsman, waxing poetic about nature as if he were one of those crazed Wood Elves. Or, at least, one particular elf.

He supposed he could blame this new-found appreciation of his surroundings on their impending departure from the camp; the final harvest would also signal the final reaping of the settlement’s inhabitants; both would head towards the North before the unsavory creatures made their presence known. This would be his twenty-sixth season as head guardsman of the Forest Narrows Base Camp and its autumnal convoy, and his body knew it well. Rain, although welcome for its nourishment of their crops and as a marvel for the children to sing and dance in, was also a heralder of chronic pain for the aging soldier. Gondiath worried over him to no end, pressing soothing balms into his aching hands upon his return from every patrol. Even though the silva was as old as two generations of his family, Eoforwine viewed him as a son alongside that of his blood, Eardwulf. The two acted like brothers enough that an outsider would think of them as such, if not for the peaked ears of the former.

They’re likely bickering now, thought the soldier, twisting his head with the breeze towards where his family awaited his guardsmen and the Green Company. Captain and his elves had set out for a three-day expedition to the Narrows in search of healing herbs that did not flourish in the North as they did here, a wonder considering the malice lingering on their doorstep. Just like us.

Eoforwine stretched his arms overhead, hearing a satisfying pop! from his shoulders. It wouldn’t be long before they returned; elven eyesight may be able to see an orc from five leagues away but straining it to identify specific vein patterns and colors at night was asking too much. One herb always in demand, athelas, could be easily confused for any number of weeds if one could not identify its pinprick white blossoms. As in answer to his thoughts, a horn sounded from the forest, heralding the arrival of the company; however, after some minutes, Eoforwine felt his pulse begin to race.

Branches cracked and leaves crunched as the sound of thundering hooves reached his ears. No matter how much he yearned for their urgency to be the result of their eagerness for their northward journey, that breakneck pace could only mean one thing: something had gone terribly wrong.

His fears were confirmed when four horses materialized from the dense woods paralyzing minutes after the initial horn call. The leading two steeds were joined together by a hastily made stretcher, and upon it lay Captain, bleeding from the abdomen. Eoforwine’s world narrowed to the red coloring the elf’s front and that of his rescuers. It felt like he was watching from above the tower as he screamed for his guards to raise the gates, as he ran to the very edge of his post to get closer to the bloodied soldier, to his adopted son. He barely had the mind to look at the other two steeds, who carried not two riders between them but six, all of whom were covered in blackened blood.

As soon as the gates were at a safe height, the company urged their horses at an even more merciless pace past the outer towers. Shaking, Eoforwine found himself sinking to his knees, muttering prayers to their forest patrons.

Oromë, herald their coming with thy mighty horn.

Nessa, give their steeds the speed of thy deer.

Yavanna, bless them with the protection of thy canopies.

Thirty soldiers split between two groups had passed these very gates earlier that morning; only half would return by the time Arien closed her eyes in tired sorrow. A night of blood and pain was upon them all.

"Author" Note: If you'd like, I can post a character sheet with characterizations and relationship statuses, but I might just leave that to the text ;)

[creativables]

Creativables Magazine goes beyond merely presenting the fruits of creativity; it also delves into the creative process and emphasises that creativity can be enhanced through consistent practice and training. Issue #2 is out now.

download the magazine (compatible with all PDF readers): https://bit.ly/creativables-issue-2

read online: https://bit.ly/cm-2-online

[wonderfulvirginia]

Located in the vibrant community of Woodbridge, Virginia, parents searching for the best childcare can rest assured that Wonderful Virginia Academy shines out as a model of excellence. Our commitment to providing the best childcare in Woodbridge, Virginia stems from a dedicated team, carefully crafted programs, and a nurturing environment that fosters growth and development. Understanding the importance of early years, we go above and beyond to ensure a secure and enriching experience for your little ones, setting the stage for a bright future.

[lizasfolder]

DRAFT SERIES * 007

[ancientroyalblood]

Exploring Different Genres: Writing Beyond Your Comfort Zone

Stepping beyond the confines of familiar genres is akin to embarking on an exhilarating expedition into uncharted territory. This exploration unravels the virtues of venturing into diverse literary landscapes, urging writers to push boundaries and embrace the creative challenge. Understanding Genre Diversity: Begin by discussing the richness and diversity across various literary genres—ranging…

[iwannabeahotwheelscarwhenigrowup]

22AUGUST2023

'tis the end of leo szn, you will be dearly missed

feeling excited about the idea of being 23 and this perfect opportunity to re-introduce myself

I am passionate and I wish to share that with the world <3