#Direct Seller Tips

[directsellingnow]

Network Marketing Tips: ये 14 नियम बदल देंगे आपकी जिंदगी; Dr. Debi Prasad Acharjya

Network Marketing Tips: जिंदगी challenges और opportunities की एक complex picture है, जो अक्सर uncertainties के साथ आती है। सफलता और happiness की हमारी खोज में, हमें countless obstacles का सामना करना पड़ता है जिनके लिए effective problem-solving, critical decision-making और personal growth की आवश्यकता होती है। पूरे इतिहास में, मनुष्य ने अपने collective knowledge को timeless laws में बदल दिया है –…

[lambilegs]

ᯓ ᥫ᭡ SEVIKA x FEISTY!READER HEADCANONS (PT. 2)

contains: both reader and sevi being assholes, kinda toxic at times, mentions of sevi and reader visiting brothel (not actually, though, but mentioned sarcastically and vaguely), cursing

I could see something like her her getting your name being this little game between you two. at first, she's not interested in you, but then, during your first meeting, you spit something out at her, and she reels back, eyebrows arching up in what seems to be... admiration? she's frankly impressed at your quick comeback, and the fact that you even have the nerve to say it to her. that's the first thing that piques her curiosity.

she leans on the nearest wall, her eyes scanning you before asking, "what's your name?"

you scoff and say, "none of your business," before turning and walking away.

sevika's lips part in surprise as your form gets smaller. it's not like she's a huge flirt or anything like that. she's usually too busy running shit for silco and making sure jinx doesn't screw up. most of her free time is spent in rubbing her fingers against the soothing paper of a card desk as she plays poker. that, or drinking. intimacy is usually reserved for babette's, and while there are some praising words involved in that, it never really amounts to anything serious, nor any flirtation outside of those walls.

so, it's not like she's surprised that she didn't woo you or something, since frankly, it had been curiosity pushing the words from her mouth above all else. but, she is, on the other hand, once again shocked at just how much courage you have to bite at her like that.

when you guys are forced into proximity again, maybe being crushed together when a stall opens for fresh fruit you're both in need of, her eyes widen before softening into her usual stone hard expression.

"you gonna tell me your name now?"

"hm, let's see..." you tap a finger on your chin, and sevika nearly grits her teeth at the doe-eyed look of false pondering that overtakes your features.

"no," you finally say with a flat expression, turning back to the seller and placing your order.

she rolls her eyes, placing hers right after. as you both wait, side by side, she casts you a sidelong glance. "why exactly do you dislike me?" her voice is hard with the question. she knows tons of people have reasons to vehemently hate her and want her dead -- but, you're a complete stranger, so it's hard to precisely account for your disdain.

you practically squint at her, eyes flashing with incredulity. "you kidding me? you think I want to get mixed up with one of silco's henchmen?" your voice cracks into a heavy chuckle as your head shakes. "yeah, I'm content with my life being boring just as it is."

"so, that's all there is to it? you're too scared?" there's a sharp edge of condescension to her words, and she hopes it's enough to hook into you and lure you into the trap.

your lip twists in clear contempt, and sevika tries not to give into the urge to grin in success.

"yeah, I'm a pussy. great work."

she nearly fucking splutters at your reply, watching with wide, bulging eyes as you nod and give the stall owner an almost sickeningly sweet smile before grabbing the bag and leaving her with a playful curtesy that's nothing short of being completely drenched in mockery.

it might've been perfect exit on your end if it wasn't for the fact that right as you're pacing away, a name is suddenly called and your body goes whirling around in recognition. you seem to realize your mistake a beat just past the nick of time, your head darting to sevika, whose chest is practically swelling in pride and satisfaction. when your eyes narrow into a sharp glare, she tips her head in your direction as though she's the perfect gentleman.

you seem to know better, though, grumbling and marching to whoever called you in order to quietly scold them away. sevika can only watch from afar in completely amusement.

⋆𐙚₊˚⊹♡

not that she even gets your name right. your eyes slide to her menacingly as she, yet again, gets it wrong, drawling it out obnoxiously as she stares down at you with that shit-eating grin. you hate how it makes your stomach flip. it really shouldn't, considering she's behaving like an overgrown twelve year old boy.

she does it all the time, any opportunity she gets. when she calls out for you when you're out, she'll change at least one syllable or one letter of your name. when you and your friends hit the last drop, and you approach her, very apprehensively, to say hi, and some of the men surrounding her coo and ask after you, sevika pats your thigh and with crinkled eyes, boasts out a name that's decidedly wrong.

that, or she calls you by an annoying nickname, having settled on the fruit you bought at the market that one day, which results in many nonchalant slips of the word "lemon" from her mouth.

you know you shouldn't like her attention this much. but, it's hard not to. especially when the more time you spend around her, the more you figure out that she's not just some senseless brute working for silco. no, she's calm, she's levelled, she's more intelligent than people suspect her to be. just because she fights, and does it well, doesn't mean it's her immediate strategy to dealing with people. when guys at her gambling table make comments to prod and poke at her ego, almost as though she's a sleeping bear they want to watch roar to a brutal awakening, she simply smokes her cigar and simpers in clear amusement.

and you can't deny just how handsome she is. rough around every edge, paired with sharp, stern eyes that observe everything. you're convinced that's how she always catches sight of you in crowds.

part of you hopes it's because she's seeking out, but you'd die before admitting that to her.

something she, unfortunately, is probably able to detect, considering the first time you smile upon her approaching you, and she says, "someone missed me," you immediately scoff, spitting out, "oh, yeah, nearly as much as I miss a piltie."

she releases a low whistle. "wow, must've struck some nerve."

you smack her arm, something in you cracking at how steady and strong her bicep is under your fingers. "yeah, it's the same one you manage to get under every single time."

"at least I'm consistent."

"oh, nice, one redeeming factor."

⋆𐙚₊˚⊹♡

but, sevika never lets anyone but herself anyone but herself get your name wrong. hypocrite she is, just as you accuse her of being all the time, whenever someone else gets it wrong, she immediately corrects them, her voice cool and collected, all mirth drained from it. it's a tone that says she's not kidding this time, that she earnestly wants people to know your name. this automatic, instinctive defense of you occurs whether or not you're in the room.

oh, and if someone tries to fuck with you? maybe make a rude comment about you? yeah, no, she won't even blink twice before sending them a pointed look that leaves absolutely nothing up to questioning.

and if someone dares to proceed anyways, spluttering out, "but, you do it, sevika--" she cuts them off without hesitation, her voice unflinching and hard as she sharply says, "yeah, and that's me. doesn't mean I'm gonna let other people walk all over them."

the first time something like this happens in front of you, you wait until everyone leaves before saying with a chortle, "so, is this some kind of possessive thing? you're the only one allowed to bully me?"

"oh, yeah, that's exactly it," she dryly responds, shooting you a half-hearted glare. "I'm just so obsessed that I can't stand anyone else tormenting you." she ignores the part of her brain that itches with the hidden, tucked away knowledge that while her words aren't entirely accurate, they hold some truth. at least a little.

despite the sarcasm coating every syllable, your mouth turns up into an infuriating grin. "you know, it sure sounds like it when you put it like that."

"good to know that beneath being a bitch, you have a sense of humour."

"just as spectacular as knowing beneath being a musclehead dick, you have enough brains to manage lying to yourself."

an amused huff flies past her lips at your harsh words. from any stranger, she wouldn't give two shits hearing those words. from you, she only cares so little because she knows the words are said with no intention other than to get under her skin. the knowledge that you're just trying to bug her as much as she does you is directly what prevents your words from being effective. it's only more laughable when you get so clearly frustrated at her lack of reaction.

"so, you think I'm a musclehead?"

you grunt. "you're a lost cause is what you are."

⋆𐙚₊˚⊹♡

and you're convinced that every now and then, she ogles girls just to piss you off. she'll bump your shoulder as though you guys are fucking comrades, nodding to different figures and saying, "pretty, hm?" eyes honed in on your face as though she's a predator just waiting for her prize to make the wrong move.

sometimes, you manage your feelings, shooting a compliment right back about the girl in question, flashing her a tight-lipped smile. other times, there's no getting around the jealousy, and you snap at her, saying things like, "you're a complete pervert," or, "what are you, in heat?"

sometimes, she barks out a laugh. other times, she shoots back a smart quip of her own. and on the rarer occasion, she'll say something in her gravelly voice that's more steady, more gentle, like, "c'mon, what do you think I am? I'm here with you, aren't I?" (which, yes, infuriatingly gets your stomach fluttering)

it all started after you slipped up -- once. just once. that's all it took for her to find something you dislike, and latch onto it without wavering.

you couldn't help it that first time. you and her had been spending back-to-back days together due to silco sparing her from tasks that took her outside of zaun. so, you had slipped all too easily into the shared routine of meeting with her after work, and going to her apartment for shared meals, or at the very least, taking a walk around the block.

so, when the weekend reaches, and babette off-handedly mentions sevika visiting the night before, you nearly see red. maybe you just got used to being the only one she's been giving attention to this week, maybe you had gotten too in your head and had stupidly convinced yourself she actually wants you like that. maybe all her words had been buttered up with teasing playfulness rather than genuine romance and affection.

but, either way, it pisses you the fuck off. you know you two aren't official, nor even possess a romantic status or title, so jealousy shouldn't be making a home in your chest. but, you can't help it. the teasing remarks, the ceaseless banter, the occasional flirt -- you want to be the only one on the receiving end of that.

which is why when sevika is grumbling about her arm as she twists a screwdriver in, you feel justified in saying in the most snarky voice you can muster up, "awe, things got a bit too crazy at babette's last night?"

your tone is practically seething, bitterly cut in with faux concern, and sevika's eyes immediately raise to you, narrowed.

"what's that supposed to mean?"

you shrug, teeth clenched together. "well, I heard you paid the brothel a visit."

she snickers softly, shaking her head slowly. "you think babette would know to be more discreet."

you shrug. "she knows I can't do shit about your salacious little visits."

"except glare daggers into my head." almost as if to emphasize this, she tests out the blade component of her arm, your body jerking back in surprise as it shoots out with an egregiously scraping noise that sends your ears thrumming. "the only thing I can't figure out is why."

"why what?"

"why you're acting like me going to babette's is a bad thing. why you're acting as though I got someone waiting up for me at night who I have to return home to."

you bristle at this. you shouldn't have to be her official partner in order for her to have some respect for the flirtatious, and apparently now misleading, back-and-forth thing you guys have going on. "oh, yeah, trust me, all the singletons in zaun are lucky for that lack."

her mouth twitches, the corner of it quirking up. "well, if I'm that bad, then why are you making such a ruckus about babette's?"

"I'm not!" you snap, shoulders stiffening from the weight of the truth in the accusation. "I'm just asking about it!"

"what, so you can find a girl to go to?"

you can hear the sarcasm in her voice, and the irritation in you only flares up further. does she think that after today's revelation, you're going to be one-sidedly devoted to her or something? "maybe I will. why, who did you see last time?"

her smirk falters, softening at the tips. "no one. I went for intel. nothing else."

you look away, feeling your face run hot, burning and burning. fuck, ugh, how pathetic. "oh."

"yeah, 'oh.'"

you blink hard at your knees. okay, well, this took a sudden, abrupt turn you hadn't anticipated whatsoever.

after the humiliation thickens, seizing at your throat too tightly, your body prickling with the awareness of her gaze, you mumble, feebly, "okay, so, um... I should head home."

you just need to get out of here.

"you sure? was just about to pull out some tricks and tips you could use for your visit."

"yeah, yeah, go fuck yourself," you grumble, yanking your bag from where she had slung it on her shoulder when you guys had walked to the last drop.

she chuckles, her arm going slack to make it easier for your bag to slip off. "what a zinger. I'm impressed."

right as you turn to leave, she grabs your wrist. you nearly gasp at the feeling of her warm, dry palm planted against your skin. it makes you feel like something is sizzling right up your arm from the point of contact.

"you know..." she mutters, her broad thumb rubbing along your vein, right where your thumping pulse is.

you hold your breath, eyes wide with the anticipation that shoots through you. "what?"

"if you want..."

you release an exasperated puff of air, your patience waning. "yes?"

"mention my name at the front when you go, yeah? babette will you give you a discount."

you rip your hand from her grip, spluttering at the wide grin that splits her face open once her words finally settle on you. "god, I hate you."

"yeah, yeah, see you tomorrow," she tosses through her deep, rumbling laughter.

despite how badly you want to look back at her before leaving through the towering doors, you resist. you've exposed a bit too much today as is -- you're not exactly eager to bare more of yourself.

at least not today.

[the-wayside]

the me i am with you. 2.6k. gen. short missing scene between when wansarut and sakuna met to when they started to spend time together. canon-ish compliant. wansarut in this presents as male in the human world, but is still a female nagini and uses female pronouns to refer to herself.

“What’s your name?” He asks.

“What would it matter, Master Garuda?”

The first time she encounters Master Garuda after she saved him, she stumbles wordlessly, confused and frowning as he looks down at her on the bank of the river. They are both dressed as they were, in whites and greens.

“What’s your name?” He asks.

The silence is long and drawn out but Wansarut doesn’t feel uncomfortable to have him look at her. His eyes are crinkled at the corners as he squints at her as if he can somehow read it on her skin. She wills herself not to look down. This male form to her is as known as her Nagini tail. Her name is secret and hidden, no matter who requests it.

“What would it matter, Master Garuda?” She tips her chin up, trying to make herself taller and bigger even though she’s lower down and he towers over her. “Are we not all the same to you?”

Gods are not born to look remorseful, but she thinks that’s what she sees on his face as he offers her his hand to help her up onto the flat. She doesn’t take it. Every step from the river fills her with apprehension.

He doesn’t stop her as she walks past him, further into the forest. He doesn’t trail her either. She wonders after walking for a time if such a simple rejection might anger Master Garuda further and set more attacks in motion. The thought stills her and seizes her heart, her whole body turning back on instinct. He isn’t there when she returns but there is a single white feather at the base of the tree near where he stood.

***

Wansarut is in the village today. It’s market day for the humans and the hustle and bustle of everyday life hides her very well, even though some look on her gold finery and either lust after it or see it as a reason to court her to their wares.

“My lord, my lord!” the vendors cry. She smiles and looks down at the seller who has a variety of hairpins. There is only one fashioned in gold. Similar to her headpiece which has the symbol of her people, this one has a U at the center and two brilliantly etched gold wings that fan out brilliantly from it.

“I think it would suit you.” A voice says behind her.

She startles and turns, almost knocking into Master Garuda.

“Would you wear it?” Eyes flick up to her hair and Wansarut fights the urge to reach up and touch her hairpin. There is something she cannot place about the god that has her so distinctly out of sorts. His lips are curled fondly as if they were amicable friends and his hand reaches past her to the jewelry, almost brushing her skin and she swears she can feel the sun in his skin warm her blood.

“Have you thought any more about my request?” She asks as Master Garuda turns his attention back to her and not the hairpin.

“I think I should think on it more.”

She narrows her eyes as he takes an almost jovial tone with her.

Sensing her displeasure, he smiles gently, “You know that this war is more than just you and I.”

“And yet you and Master Aruna have slain so many of us,” she says before she even understands her own words, too late to regret them.

However, rather than a burst of anger, Wansarut sees how Master Garuda struggles, first in his inability to name her, to direct his anger, and then to self-soothe. To repurpose the emotion and remain pleasant. She wonders why he would bother. Master Chalothon told them that the Garuda slay them without prejudice.

“There is death on both sides and it cannot be forgiven on a simple plea,” Master Garuda tells her quietly. She notices that their surroundings shimmer, Master Garuda hiding them from view as the humans walk past none the wiser to the two immortals in their presence.

“And without it, there can only be more death. How foolish.” Wansarut suddenly feels so incredibly tired. Maintaining human form is easy but conversing with someone such as the bird deity is incredibly taxing. “Master Garuda.”

She inclines her head, the most deference she can provide to him as he looks at her with those same searching eyes as before.

“Tell me your name.”

She doesn’t know why he keeps coming to her, why he doesn’t treat her as he has treated her kin but she feels the burning pain of their deaths as clearly as she feels the warmth of his presence.

“Read it on my epitaph.”

***

In her bed, her body writhes as the future yet to pass enters her mind. Master Garuda and Master Chalothon once again battle in the skies, gouging pieces of flesh to no avail. The screeching and beating of wings ring in her ears as she cups her hands over them to try and mute the sounds as they rattle in her mind.

She scrambles to see anything she recognizes, the shape of the clouds too ephemeral and the shade of the sky too bland until they slash across it in vermillion and emerald.

“Stop!” She screams. For them, for their kin and for herself.

Unlike hers, their ears are silent and hear nothing but their own blood coursing through their veins.

Her older sister, Wanwisa, brushes back her hair when her mind and body finally relax, pressing a cool piece of seaweed to her face. Wansarut stares up at the etched cavern, her own little alcove in the world of the Naga, water lapping up against its walls. Her tears are hot and she rubs them harshly.

“Sister,” Wanwisa tries to comfort her but they are not similarly blessed. Only she holds the visions of the future and the key to their survival within them.

“Why?” She croaks. Why must we hurt each other? Are we not born of the same blood?

Her older sister’s arms wrap around her and help to pull her up into a hug, fingers gently combing through her hair. She shushes her nonsensically and too rung out from her vision, Wansarut lets herself fall into her sister’s arms for a moment of peace, no matter how short.

***

When she sees Master Garuda next, she sees him well before he sees her. Sat up in a tree, she watches him walk, his bare feet crunching on the leaves. His white feathers are pristine and his skin is clear of blood.

She watches him crouch, fingertips touching the leaves he had not trodden on, picking one up and raising it to his nose. She realizes that he’s trying to scent something, someone, and she’s about to jump down to stop him when he looks directly up at her.

“There is no epitaph for the Naga who speaks with a Garuda,” he tells her conversationally.

“No, I don’t suppose there is,” She leans back against the tree trunk, a small smile unbidden on her lips when she notes his mistake.

“Will you really not tell me your name?” Master Garuda looks almost incredulous at the notion. “I have spoken with many and there is no young naga that travels in these parts. Only two sisters favored by the Naga king.”

“Two sisters?” She lets out a laugh, big and full. Is that all she is in the stories of others? “Is that not more appealing to you then, lord and master?”

“I do not care if he has a harem of women, I’m only interested in you.”

Wansarut looks down at him, the directness of his words like an arrow. She has long since abandoned hope that her affection for Master Chalothon might be returned. Many idiolize him and desire him as the strongest of their clan, his demeanor stern but kind with those he’s close to. His affection for her is that of a young sister. To hear such direct words, no matter how they are intended, shakes her.

“Your proposition is much too forward,” She replies and Master Garuda has the sense to blush delicately under his pale skin. She notes that it goes down to the top of his chest under his adornments.

He recovers, “You’re not so young to never have heard such a thing.”

“I am not so innocent but I am not so well favored either,” She admits as she drops herself down from her branch.

“Why not? You are a beauty.”

At that they both look away and Wansarut picks up another leaf, twiddling it between her fingers.

Master Garuda tries again, “What I meant—”

“I know what you meant,” She decides to save him the misery of trying to explain it.

“You have the most enchanting eyes.”

She can’t help that her gaze whips up to his.

“You will not give me your name,” Master Garuda laughs but it is airy and bright and such a pleasant sound to her ears, “I will give you mine. I am Sakuna.”

It’s a gesture of amicability that she never thought their kinds could have. Part of her wants to grab it with both hands so that it cannot slip away from her. She decides in that moment she will not.

“Wansarut.”

Sakuna’s face brightens up in a way that Wansarut’s heart begins to flutter and she almost reaches up to her chest to feel if it’s truly happening.

“Wansarut,” He repeats like he’s turning the word over in his mouth. “Shall we meet again, Wansarut?”

He spoke of how enchanting her eyes were but his are similarly so, if not more. He looks and she is seen.

“Meet who you will; it is no business of mine,” She tries to put a distance between them but it seemingly only encourages the god more.

“I only wish to meet you.”

“Why?” It slips out quickly and like a command.

A smaller, tighter smile appears on his face, “Because you were kind to me.”

“Are your wants so simple?”

Sakuna steps closer to her, “Yes.”

She could take a step back but she doesn’t.

“I’m curious about you, Wansarut. The only one who asks for peace and does no harm.”

“You make them sound like faults,” She folds her arms. Part of her wishes she had made herself taller so that she could stare Sakuna in the eye rather than still look up at him as he makes another step closer.

“There is no fault in you, I can see that as clearly as I did then.”

Something inside her stomach pleasantly churns at his words. She stamps on it.

“Nagini.”

She watches as his eyebrows draw together and his face scrunches up in confusion.

“I travel this world in many forms,” She gestures down to her current male form. In truth, she presents herself as male so that she can escape the boundaries of the Naga kingdom without alerting anyone to her disappearance, “Man, woman, even child if need be. When I am in the human realm, this is what I prefer.”

She doesn’t know what Sakuna is thinking and she knows that his kind does their best to avoid naginis. Their battles are fought between males, venting deep and dark aggression towards each other. Naginis do their best to be the protectors of their home and the rains.

Sakuna reaches out with a sure hand and knocks his curled knuckle under her chin, tipping her face up. It’s boyish and youthful, she had seen many fathers act this way with their sons.

“Come as you are, Wansarut,” he tells her softly, “I do not think how you look matters much.”

She has always known the expectations of her, to be wed and produce strong sons. Her mother delighted in her female face and how much she reflected the moon. Deep down, she was never desiring any of it. She was fond of Chalothon, thinking herself happy if she could wed him but after that, she did not think it suited her.

Sakuna’s voice draws her out of her thoughts, “Will you show me this world you visit so often?”

“I do not think there is much I could show you, Master Garuda.” Just because he told her his birth name and she thinks it, does not mean she is comfortable to use it.

“Show it to me anyway,” He smiles once again and bright crimson wings spread from his back. “I will see you soon, Wansarut.”

She watches as he breaks through the tree canopy and flies up to his home in the golden skies. It takes her a moment to realize that she’s smiling too. It’s how Wanwisa finds her with a call of her name.

“Sister!” Wanwisa looks like she’s ready to scold her. “You must change, Master Chalothon will be back soon from the battlements and he cannot see you like this.”

Wansarut looks down at her hands, still small but rougher and thicker than her base form, “Am I pretty like this, sister?”

Her sister looks at her as if she were the Greek Hydra that everyone is raving about.

“You are a man, Wansarut, what sort of beauty do you think you require?”

“None, I only—” She doesn’t know what she wants.

Willing her body to morph, to become malleable and pliant, she turns from the man that Sakuna knows into the female that Chalothon expects.

“It may be best that you do not come to the human world for a time, Wansarut, I fear it may have addled your mind,” Wanwisa takes her hand and guides her towards the water.

“My mind is quite intact,” She volleys back. However, her heart, normally impenetrable to the plight of the master of the Garuda, sending him back with harsh words and a closed door, is unlocked and open.

Her sister chuckles, “If you speak it, it must be so, sister. Come.”

Wansarut calculates it in her head, the next time she will be able to be in the human world would be the 15th day of the 11th lunar month.

[dragon-hoard]

meta analysis for mononoke and the coming movies

so the next movie is called hinezumi or "fire rat" which is going to be in direct contradiction to karakasa which will be interesting

so a couple observations before I get into it:

we see the blank circle faces of the women change color a couple times when theyre usually black as well as for the named characters who drink the well water at certain points. I figured black: obedient, green: questioning, yellow: mocking

so the handful of times we see like asa or utayama have that is when the "water goddess" is exerting its influence. and why we never see kame with the blank face

which means the handful of times that the shinsengumi investigators are given clues was allowed or orchestrated by the "water goddess". OR karakasa using the water as a medium to highjack that control to bring to light the deaths of those girls, which could be very possible. I wonder if the "water goddess" wanted to expose those dead bodies and be separated from karakasa

the only mention of "fire" we see in the entire movie is when the temple caretaker is smoking and is scolded by utayama that the "water goddess" doesnt like fire. we dont learn much about the caretaker except that the two water distributors call him father and he seems aware of all the goings-on yet doesnt interfere with the medicine seller. I'm wondering if he is a medium of some sort

we see towards the end of the movie the shinsengumi investigators holding a cloth bag with hair hanging out of it so its easy to assume they will return to report their findings. which (in my guess) will bring the "fire" element as in chinese and japanese mythodology is aligned with the "yang" from "yin and yang". men are considered aligned with yang naturally so its going to be a whole swarm of men lol. it also aligns with yin being aligned with women and water in the movie, as well as "yin-heavy things" being ghosts and monsters and such. which leads to the "hinezumi" or fire rat again.

NOW ON TO THE POLITICS

if I remember right in feng shui then the triangle is also considered yin in aspect while something like the square would be yang. may be misremembering. however feng shui was heavily used in building planning to avoid inauspicious chi. which makes me wonder where the ooku is situated at directionally.

when utayama is mentioned to have a place in politics the medicine seller says something along the lines of "which I would like as well" which implies he knows there are either multiple mononoke in the imperial capitol connected to this OR that having more connections can give him more leads, or both. and support when hes being doubted

its stated multiple times that saburomaru is the younger brother of fuki, the concubine. and it is implied that they are at odds with the otomo family as botan otomo states "they mediate the ooku with the outside" and that utayama is "under otomo protection" while saburomaru is accused of coming to find fault with utayama, likely to undermind the otomo

if we consider that the emperor is aware of all of this then his consistent selection of fuki tokita is for political reasons. if we consider THAT then it brings to mind that he may be aware that the "water goddess" is something that is real and may want to control him. which makes me wonder if the tokita family have a particular yang constitution and she may be resistant to the control of the "water goddess"

during the pre-consummation ritual scene we see that fuki almost forces the emperor to drink the water. yet when he hands it back sh confidently drinks it and then tips it to the side, almost as if to show the attendants that it was all consumed

and it was briefly mentioned that the baby was another girl which HELLO consummating right above a water (yin) temple, in a room surrounded by water (yin), and drinking the well water contaminated by dead bodies and their resentment (yin) no WONDER all the babies are girls (yin). makes you wonder if theres something wrong with those babies too. if he wants a male heir and knows about the "water goddess" then he might have been the one to actually orchestrate the shinsengumi investigation to get rid of it

so it makes me wonder if the hinezume is coming to fight the water goddess. also when you think of edo japanese imperial palace you think onmyouji so maybe???

[vriskasays]

haii!!! im rlly interested in where you got the garments and parts for your kanaya cosplay. the outfit looks rlly good and ig im just looking for clothes like that so if you could point me in the direction of a shop that sells that kind of stuff thatd be great !! :D also ur rlly pretty and i love your cosplays theyre so cool !!

lmao so funny story.

outer satin top w symbol: hand sewn beads on butchered thrift store top. beads are from a broken bracelet my gramma gave me. had to chop the back up then pin it together with the safetypin-hairtie-safetypin manuver bcs it is maybe 10 sizestoo small

translucent black flowy top/skirt-like garment: bathing suit cover, pieces thrifted separately but from same source somehow

red top underneath: thrift store, butchered neckline. had to also pin this up in the back

red cross black velvet skirt: base thrifted, butchered/burnt/painted w fabric paint. birthday gift from my brother 3-4 years ago

rosary: thrifted, broken as fuck

cross earrings: crosses found on etsy, put on hoop earrings by me

silver hoops: thrifted a whole pack of them og from claires a while back. Score!

green large shiny decora earrings: thrifted

boots: 6yo clearance mens demonias, broke in the middle of this cosplay. had these bitches since i was 16!!!! 30$

corset: some cheap crap from amazon i got a few years back ill wear until i can afford an orchardcorset or it breaks entirely. cannot stress enough how much i do not reccomend wearing cheap corsets

contacts: i thiiink ifairy cara green. uniqso. tip: colored contacts absolutely make or break a cosplay. good to splurge on

makeup: everything green via eyeshadow/lipstick made by me. slowly in the process of formulating all my makeup bcs im very allergic to everything. black eyeliner is nyx, one pencil one felt tip. used on eyebrows/lips too. dont bother w lipliners/eyebrow products they r expensive and eyeliner/eyeshadow works perfectly well.

eyelashes: top were from local beauty supply, bottom lashes were like. wet n wild crap i got from a relative that i chopped up.

gray paint: mehron paradise, get it from the OG website if u dont need it quickly and want it a lil cheaper

fangs: cheap amazon bullshit. u can find fangs in bulk anywhere there no matter the seller theyre all from the same manufacturer so u always know ur getting cheap fucking crap

wig: CHEAP lace front from some beauty store clearance bin in DC, styled to hell and back

horns: made by meeee (model magic + modge podge/plaster outrecoat bcs model magic cracks like a bitch, i only use the low tier acrylics bcs who the fuck is gonna pay 20$ for a tube of something u can just layer a few times to get opaque)

armsocks: welovecolors (spraypainted w white cos i bought the dark gray instead if light gray like a dumbass, heavily abused). i highly reccomend welovecolors seamless armsock/seamless bodysuit line im trying to get their bodysuit at some point. expensive (45$ for the socks, 90$ for the bodysuit) but worth it bcos homemade armsocks rip stupid easily and id rather break my skull than paint my hands.

nails: cheap shit from sallys, painted w my mommas 10+ year old nail polish collection

i think thats it? yeah. its all cheap crap. all i can reccomend is find a local non-chain non-christianity based thrift store and go to town man . im not out here buying premade bullshit that i aint able to make myself! i dont ever spend a fortune on my cosplays. i find scarcity is key in innovation and creativity. use lots of safety pins. cheers.

oyea her wedding ring my nanna gave me when i was like. 12? it could be real onyx/gold but it could also be costume jcpennys shit. who knows

[yarnnerdally]

Falling in Love in a Bakery - A Series

A vignette into the love life of Imogen Quinn and Nokto Klein

Characters: Imogen, Nokto, Aurelia (Imogen's sister) Setting: Quinntessential Baked Goods bakery Rating: Teen Word Count: 1,223

     It was a fairly quiet day in Rhodolite and Imogen was glad for it. Just the week before she had baked her heart out for a wedding in which the couple insisted on not only having cake, but profiteroles, macarons, and rose water shortbread cookies. After a few days off (in which Nokto was visiting nobles in Benitoite, much to her displeasure) the bakery was back in the swing of things as usual. With a self-satisfied smile Imogen pulled freshly baked strawberry rhubarb tarts out of the oven. They were small, only consisting of two bites to finish one, but they were one of her best-sellers.

     ‘And Nokto’s favorite,’ she mused to herself, smiling fondly. It’s not like they were dating. But… things certainly seemed to be headed that direction. He visited the shop in any of the free time they had and even the knowledge of him busting his backside to spend time with her made her feel as warm as a freshly baked pie. The bell on the door chimed signaling that a customer had come into the shop. Setting down the tray, she went to the front of the shop to see Nokto looking quite thoughtfully at the display case.

     “Nokto!” She was surprised to see him a full day earlier than when he said he would return from his duties in Benitoite. She went to him, untying her apron and placing it on the counter so she could give him a proper hug. “What are you doing back? I thought you wouldn’t be here until tomorrow!”

     Nokto’s shoulders visibly relaxed when he saw Imogen, a soft (if weary) smile gracing his face as he hugged her back. “Got done just a little early. Figured I’d swing by to see my favorite baker before heading back to the palace,” he said, tapping the tip of her nose. She chuckled a little and withdrew from him.

     “Wait right there. I have something for you,” she said, disappearing to the back room again. The tarts had just barely cooled down enough where she could package a few of them for him and came back out with the box. “They just finished cooling down. Had to make another batch since the first one sold out at 10 this morning,” she laughed. Nokto opened the small box and made a small ‘o’ shape with his mouth.

     “I’m going to have to smuggle this into the palace, you know. Otherwise Licht and Jin will scent these out like a bloody hound,” he mused. He looked at the box pensively for a moment before deciding to indulge and take a bite of one of the tarts, groaning softly as he savored it. “Anything new and exciting while I was away?”

     Imogen shook her head and shrugged. “Not new, necessarily. Jin actually dropped by yesterday. That was about it.” Nokto’s chewing slowed as he heard his brother had come by the shop and immediately became suspicious.

     “Jin? What for?”

     “He was getting a bunch of his favorites. The coffee roll, the chocolate spice cake,” She went on, sitting at one of the stools next to the counter. She debated telling him what else happened but her conscience won out. “He asked me on a date.” There was a tension that lingered in the air for a moment. “I politely declined. He, uh… told me to keep him in mind if my prince charming never comes along.” She could see Nokto bristle a little at that but quickly tamp the emotion down. It was only a split second, but it was there.

     “Why are you upset?” She asked softly.

     “Upset? Why would I be upset?” Nokto asked, brushing the question off and scoffing before putting the rest of the tart back in the box. This wasn’t the first time he simply wouldn’t come clean with his feelings and Imogen felt she was at her breaking point.

     “Y’know,” she began, picking up her apron and beginning to put it back on, “for all the intellect you have, you lack any and all wisdom,” she huffed, turning to head back behind the counter until a hand stopped her by her wrist.

     “I lack wisdom?” he questioned, his own temper spiking at her sudden shift in attitude. “Tell me, then, what wisdom do you expect me to possess at this moment?”

     “That I rejected Jin because I’m in love with you!” She had turned to face him, the words flying out of her mouth before she knew it. Once she realized what she had actually admitted to, a hard blush began to spread across her face. Nokto stood there in a stunned silence, his hand still around her wrist though his grip loosened considerably.

     “What?” He blinked, any traces of annoyance gone from his face now as he stepped closer to her, her back now against the display case. Imogen sighed a little, verdant eyes meeting ruby. His brow furrowed, attempting to ascertain whether or not he was in a dream. “Say that again. Please.”

     “I…” why did she suddenly feel like she was out of breath with him so close? His hand was cupping her jaw and another settled on her hip. “I rejected Jin. Because I’m in love with you.” She watched as his breath caught in his chest, hope and light springing to his eyes in the split second before his lips descended upon her’s with a fierce hunger. It was another moment before she realized Nokto was kissing her. The information finally processed in her brain and she melted like sunwarm chocolate into his embrace. She brought her arms around his neck to hold him as close as she had always wanted, her hand buried into his silver locks. The rest of the world fell away as he kissed her breathless, gently pinning her against the display case. Nokto pulled away just slightly when they heard the sound of the back door of the bakery opening.

     “That'll be Aurelia,” Imogen murmured, swallowing thickly as her hands rested on his chest.

     “Then I suppose we should make ourselves more presentable,” he murmured into her ear, leaning down to press a kiss just under it. “Alternatively…” Imogen giggled, her cheeks stained a pretty shade of pink.

     “Alternatively I would ask her to run the shop for an hour or so but if I know you…” she brought her hands up to his face, holding it softly. She watched and grinned as he flushed ever so slightly at the contact. “Once you have me properly alone, it'll be more than an hour.” Nokto laughed softly, pressing his face into her touch.

     “You know me well,” he murmured, a soft sigh escaping his lips. “And… for the record. I'm very much in love with you, too.” Imogen felt warmth bloom in her chest as he admitted his own feelings for her, her eyes tender. As much as they didn't want to, they parted. Nokto had things to finish at the palace and the business day was not over for the bakery. Nokto pressed a lingering kiss to her cheek before leaving and she watched him head down the street from the doorway.

     “Sooooo…” Aurelia smirked as she put her elbows on the counter, her chin resting on her hands as she watched her little sister at the door. “When's the wedding?”

I couldn't remember if I asked before about people wanting to be tagged in OC content, so lmk if you'd like to be!

[silvermoon424]

Hello! I really want to get into collecting sailor moon merch but I was wondering if you had any tips? you've been doing this for a long time so I was hoping you could share your wisdom lol

You came to the right person! I've been collecting anime merch since 2011 and have a lot of experience with collecting in general. Some tips I have are:

It's better to buy one big/expensive thing you really like rather than a few smaller/less expensive things you only kinda like.

Prioritize shopping at Japanese sites (especially for vintage things) or direct suppliers like BigBadToyStore rather than buying from English-based sites like eBay and (US) Mercari. There are a lot of great deals on eBay, but you can often find things for cheaper on sites like Yahoo Auctions Japan, Surugaya, and Mandarake.

If you really, really want something that's being released now or in the near future, do your best to buy it right away. Once the official supplier's stash is gone, you'll be at the mercy of the reseller's market and their prices are often way more than sticker price.

Try to map out where you're going to display everything once you get it. My collection grew slowly over time, and I only just recently bought actual display cabinets. I would definitely suggest investing in display cabinets from the start (I got some good ones from IKEA, which is by far the best budget-friendly option)

Just collect what you want! Who cares if you have 20 figures of Sailor Jupiter and nothing else. It's your collection and your money.

I personally unbox everything I buy, but I do collapse and save the boxes just in case I need to resell the item down the line. Having the box will increase the figure's value, but that doesn't mean you can't display it.

That's all I could really think of off the top of my head!

EDIT: @desperatecheesecubes mentioned MyFigureCollection, to which I have to say: YES omg, I can't believe I forgot to shout out MFC! Not only is the site great for tracking your own collection, you can search for merch of individual characters (including alternate forms) to see what you'd like to track down. Also, oftentimes people will advertise that they're selling a figure/plushie/etc on the product page, so it's great to watch pages for rarer items to see if a seller will pop up.

[tau1tvec]

I'm trying to make a Sim that looks very tough, kind of like your Mars sim with his perma-glare. If you don't mind sharing, do you have tips on making someone that looks just the right side of scary?

Sure!

I try to put a lot of effort into the eyes of my sims, bc it's where I like to draw the most attention, as that's what we do as humans when we look at other humans. Making eyes expressive as possible can say a lot about the person behind them and is quite simple to do since it's quite literally just mimicking an expression, whether it be happy, sad, tired, or angry.

For Mars' eyes, I think the best thing I can suggest is finding the right eyes/contacts first. Ever seen a cat's eyes? How they look so much cuter when their pupils are HUGE? Well we wanna go the opposite direction, by making the pupils smaller, and irises bigger, which can be quite easily achieved by using custom eyes/contacts like the ones Mars uses, or by using aWT's custom eyeball and eyeball sliders to minimize the pupils and maximize the iris on any eyes/contacts you choose.

The height of Mars' eyelids is also a big player here, by giving him a permanent 🙄 look. Putting a gap between the bottom of the iris and the bottom eyelid can help with this, moving the top eyelid down closer to the pupil will exaggerate it even more. Using eyebag makeup, or this eyebag slider can also add that certain special "bitch I'm tired™" to the overall look.

Lastly, the eyebrows, our biggest seller here, since when we see someone who looks angry, our most obvious tell is the eyebrows. They'll tend to turn inward, and down, whereas when we're sad we tend to turn them inward and up, with the outside ends down.

Let's use Aex ( ol' blue eyes ) as a comparison. See how a simple difference in eyebrow angle can give either a more stern, or empathetic look.

To achieve Mars' look, a nice bold brow is a good start, using the eyebrow rotation slider, and a touch of the eyebrow definition slider ( believe it's called ) added around the time werewolves were introduced can get that perfect pinch between the brows. You can even add makeup like wrinkles to accentuate it more if sliders aren't doing enough for you.

Main thing is to remember there's a lot more to eyes than just the eye itself, everything else around it is just as important to achieve the look you want.

[weministertomonsters]

Deathsinger - M monster x F reader

The scent of spices and food is heavy in the air. Henna-stained hands flash as servants from various households buy from the stalls, arguing with sellers over prices. Small tents house coffee mats, where men and women drink strong cups and play cards, pinning and unpinning jewelry from their hair as they win or lose.

Other tents hold fortune tellers or shamans with pouches of dried snake skin and oils that will make a person fall in love with you. Troughs full of embers sizzle as the juice from meat and corn drips on them. Teenagers loiter and small children play tag and pilfer food until their mothers find them and drag them home.

This is Vasskeva, the desert market.

Your tent is set up under a fig tree a little out of the way, purposefully harder to find. That's what makes it unique and what keeps customers coming back. That, and your dancing, and the seductive arch of your eyebrow, and the way you engage with your audience. They love it, men and women alike.

The boisterous people that come crowding into your tent tonight look a lot like bandits, but tonight is Vasskeva, and peace is the one rule everyone upholds on this night. They come with pockets full of jewelry they have either won or stolen from the card tents, high on the buzz of coffee, fried cheese, and wine.

You dip your head in a courteous bow.

"How may I entertain you today?" You ask.

They cheer, and a few calloused fingers stuff gold rings and bracelets into your bedazzled bra, sneaking touches of your skin. You smile, red lips glistening in the candlelight.

"Dance, dance!" A bandit says in a thick accent. "Say, where's the Oskov we found? Oskov are music people, no?"

A man is pushed forward. He has no shoes on which is a risky move in the desert. His robes are plain, not his native clothes then. The Oskov are famous for the brightly colored fabric that even the commoners wear. Except for his feet, the rest of him is covered, even his hands. The shawl swathed around his head is deep black and you can only guess from the tilt of his head that he is watching you. The only other thing you can make out is the glint of a metal band around his neck.

"Have you instruments, deola?" One of the men asks, his thumb caressing your ankle.

You smile and pull your foot away before he ends up tripping you. It has happened before, your very presence entrancing someone to the point that when they touch you, they don't let go.

"I have a drum. Can you play?"

The Oskov nods once and you unearth the drum from beneath your mountain of dancing ribbons and tambourine and shakers, holding it out to him.

The metal band around his neck glistens with repressing magic and you idly wonder how he got caught. His gloved hands touch yours for a moment as he takes the small drum from you and sits cross-legged on the floor. He pulls off the gloves and lays them on his knee. His hands are dark grey with veins close under the surface that resemble tree roots. His long fingers are dangerously elegant, the black-tipped nails trimmed down to harmless crescents.

You pick out a soft orange dancing shawl with metal beads that make a shimmering sound and wait for his signal. The drums start slow and rhythmic. You've always liked the deep sound of this particular drum, a pitch that drags the movement out of your very being until you feel like the drum is directing your movements.

The bandits clap along appreciatively. They are well-behaved and respectful, which is more than you can say for some noble people who have visited your tent.

You begin to learn the beat the Oskov is playing out for you, anticipating the highs and the drops. You spin and shimmy, letting your shawl dance through the air, whispers of the fabric slipping sensually over hands and grinning faces. The drum speeds up, and as you dance, a fine sheen of sweat covers your skin. When the song finally ends, you're breathless, and not from exertion. You feel alive, your vision sharp and your veins flowing hot with blood. It transforms your body. Anyone would be a fool not to recognize how turned on you are.

The bandits look pleased like they've accomplished something. Gold coins and jewelry are offered to you, but you refuse. You manage to catch your breath and you push your heavy braids over your shoulder and announce,

"I want him as payment."

The bandits turn to look at their captive, and for a few moments, there is silence. Just as you think they will refuse, their leader booms out a laugh. Their leader turns out to be a tiny, toothless old woman, not the muscular man you had presumed.

"You certainly have an eye for nice things, eh, little deola?" She lisps. "You have danced well. Hmmm..."

She taps her gnarled fingers on her cane.

"I will bargain with you, yes? We will give you not only the Oskov but half the gold if you put on another show for us."

"Very well. What dance do you want?" You ask.

"A dance of life, shall we say. With him in it." The leader smacks her lips in satisfaction.

She probably thinks you won't bite. But you're determined to have him, so you give your head a little toss and nod. The bandits cheer. The Oskov is sitting very still. He offers no resistance when someone snatches the drum away and begins to play a disjointed, banging tune. You hold your hand out to him with an apologetic smile. Sleeping with him hadn't been your initial plan, but you have no choice now.

He has the right to refuse, but he takes your hand and stands, intentionally looming over you. You're not afraid. You lean into him, and whisper against his covered ear,

"Do this for me, and I will help you remove the band around your neck."

~ • ~ • ~ • ~

It's been a long time since I enjoyed writing something this much! It turned out exactly how I wanted it. I have a part 2 in mind as well, in case anyone is interested! The music at the beginning is exactly what I listened to while writing this.

The dancing I envisioned for the story is bellydancing, which I happen to be learning myself, as a fun way to exercise. I kept wanting to take a break to dance myself. 😂

[dubairealestate24]

How to Find the Best Deals When Buying Villas in Dubai

Securing the best deals on villas in Dubai requires a combination of market knowledge, strategic planning, and effective negotiation. Here’s how you can find the best deals when buying villas in this vibrant city.

1. Conduct Thorough Market Research

Understanding the market dynamics is crucial for finding the best deals.

Current Market Trends: Stay updated with the latest market trends and property prices in different areas of Dubai. This will help you identify the right time to buy.

Historical Data: Analyze historical data on property prices to understand the market’s performance over the years. This can give you insights into potential future trends.

For comprehensive market insights, visit Dubai Real Estate.

2. Choose the Right Time to Buy

Timing your purchase can significantly impact the deal you get.

Buyer’s Market: Look for periods when there is a surplus of properties on the market. This can drive prices down and provide better negotiation opportunities.

Seasonal Trends: Consider buying during off-peak seasons when the demand is lower. Sellers may be more willing to negotiate during these times.

Explore more options at Off-Plan Projects in UAE.

3. Work with Experienced Real Estate Agents

A knowledgeable real estate agent can be invaluable in finding the best deals.

Reputable Agents: Choose agents with a strong track record and good knowledge of the Dubai villa market. They can provide valuable insights and help you navigate the buying process.

Negotiation Skills: An experienced agent can negotiate better deals on your behalf and help you understand the intricacies of the market.

For expert advice, check out Mortgage Broker Dubai.

4. Consider Off-Plan and Under-Construction Properties

Off-plan and under-construction properties can offer attractive pricing and payment plans.

Early Bird Discounts: Developers often offer discounts for early buyers. These discounts can be substantial and provide good value for money.

Flexible Payment Plans: Off-plan properties typically come with flexible payment plans, making it easier to manage your finances.

Learn more about off-plan properties at Under-Construction Properties in Dubai.

5. Negotiate Effectively

Effective negotiation can help you secure a better deal.

Be Prepared: Do your homework and know the market value of the property. This will give you a strong negotiating position.

Stay Flexible: Be open to compromises and alternative solutions. Sometimes, a small concession can lead to a significant overall saving.

For more negotiation tips, visit Best Mortgage Services.

6. Utilize Online Property Portals

Online property portals can be a great resource for finding deals.

Comprehensive Listings: Use reputable online portals that offer comprehensive listings of properties. This can help you compare prices and features.

Direct Deals: Some portals facilitate direct deals between buyers and sellers, potentially eliminating agent fees and providing better deals.

For more property listings, check out Property For Sale in Dubai.

7. Attend Property Exhibitions and Events

Property exhibitions and events can provide opportunities to find exclusive deals.

Developer Discounts: Many developers offer special discounts and promotions at these events.

Networking Opportunities: These events provide an opportunity to network with developers, agents, and other buyers, which can lead to valuable insights and deals.

Explore more at Rent Your Property in Dubai.

Conclusion

Finding the best deals when buying villas in Dubai involves a combination of thorough research, strategic planning, and effective negotiation. By staying informed about market trends, choosing the right time to buy, working with experienced agents, and considering off-plan properties, you can secure the best deals and make a smart investment in Dubai’s vibrant real estate market.

For more information and assistance with buying villas in Dubai, visit Home Loan UAE.

[directsellingnow]

Direct Selling Industry: दिल्ली में आयोजित ट्रेनिंग सेशन में Business Coach and Mentor Shiv Arora ने किया डायरेक्ट सेलर्स का मार्गदर्शन

Direct Selling Industry: दिल्ली में एक दिवसीय (one-day training session) प्रशिक्षण सत्र का आयोजन किया गया, जिसमें प्रसिद्ध Business Coach and Mentor Mr. Shiv Arora ने “How to Get Started in Direct Selling” (डायरेक्ट सेलिंग) विषय पर अपने गहन अनुभव और ज्ञान को साझा किया। इस कार्यक्रम में बड़ी संख्या में डायरेक्ट सेलर्स (direct sellers) ने भाग लिया, जो Direct Selling Industry व business में…

[nothorses]

if you can't afford the cost of the meal + tips, you can't afford the meal.

Except the problem is what if you can’t afford the meal + tips??? Just starve??? Just fucking die???? It’s like saying ppl who can’t afford to buy things from small ethical corporations just shouldn’t be allowed to buy those things

No, and I think you're misunderstanding what the issue is there, too.

If you can't afford to buy something, and stealing or shorting the cost somewhat will cause harm (stealing from Target, for example, generally does not): you should not cause harm in order to get that thing.

If you can't afford to eat at a fancy high-end restaurant, what do you do?

You go somewhere else! You eat a different meal!

For a lot of folks, this means you're picking the less expensive restaurant; maybe you're going to Applebee's instead of a Michelin star steakhouse. Maybe you're getting Denny's. Maybe you're going to McDonald's- where you don't need to tip anyway.

If your only option is to eat at home or get less food or e-beg or get on food stamps or go to the food bank or whatever else, then unfortunately, you are going to have to continue to navigate that situation rather than just stealing from people who are very likely struggling as much as you are.

If you go to a place you can afford only if you short the tip, you're still going to a place you can't afford. The tip is not optional, and the very direct harm you cause by shorting it is not lessened or justified just because you can't afford it.

This sucks. This is a bad system. It is not fair to you, it is not fair to the server, and it needs to be changed.

But you don't need to eat at the most expensive restaurant more than the servers there need food, shelter, and water.

It is your responsibility not to make that choice, and it is your responsibility not to put yourself in a situation where you get to the check and realize you can only afford the meal if you steal the tip.

You should not steal from ethical sellers when that causes harm, either. You shouldn't give your local crochet artist a check that bounces for a blanket you wanted but couldn't afford. You shouldn't trick an online artist into making a piece for you before ghosting them on the payment. You are causing more harm in doing these things than you are when you purchase from unethical sellers.

You deserve to be able to afford those things, but you do not deserve to have them more than those people deserve to be compensated fairly for their work.

Find a better option.

[connieshands]

Conrad Veidt Painting Mystery Updates

After a lot of back and forth I am now the proud owner of this piece and holy shit it is so much more beautiful in person!

Regarding the mystery surrounding his name on the frame below the cutoff are a few thoughts I have:

the name is on the frame, not the painting itself. So maybe the name has nothing to do with the portrait, however I highly doubt it's a totally separate thing. The painting is nailed in there and the nails look old and rusty. My assumption is the picture was nailed on there when it was finished

The name has a lot of similarities to his own signature. I think there is a good chance it came from his hand. Here is my analysis on this:

(Keep in mind, I am an absolute amateur, so don't take anything I say too seriously)

If we compare the name on the frame to a signature from the same year we can see that especially the beginning 4 letters have a lot in common with the autograph: The C is missing the loop up top, but is generally slanted the same way and characteristicly for his hand the lower part rather than curling up again moves in a right direction. The V is the most noticable. It has the typical little hook on the left leg and also the very far reaching right leg thats stretches over the e. That letter on the other hand is not quite as clear. The loop of the e does not start out on as high of a point than the one on the autograph. However the general proportions of the e with the relatively high loop are similar and the way it continues into the i and the i in general are practically the same as in Connie's signature. Now the dt and the 22 is where the similarities stop. The dt in Connies signatures are always right-leaning, while the ones on the frame lean left. the 22 also doesn't look similar at all.

So in conclusion - I am optimistic it could be his signature, given the many similarities, but we cannot be sure yet. We also have to keep in mind that the name on the frame is barely 5mm tall and written in wood and on a slight slope, so how similar to writing on paper can that really be?

regarding the writing next to the name and date - I have no idea what it sais. It could say Berlin, but it's really hard to make out, even irl.

So, assuming he wrote this - what are the options? Could it just have been a separate frame of his or a painting he owned- not really. What weirdo signs his own frame or a painting he bought? And with a date at that.

Could it have been an autograph on a painting made by a fan? I don't think so. He did not write out the full Conrad, which he always did on his autographs. Also the name is super tiny. Why would he have made it so incredibly small when signing something?

I currently think the option that he made this painting is one of the most realistic

There are fingerprints in the back of the painting in the paint. Almost certainly produced when making the painting. So if this was really done by Connie I might have HIS FINGERPRINTS !!! Hgahdnfkndjendndndj

I need outside perspective here. Is all this just wishful thinking on my part? What are other possibilities this could be, keeping in mind the facts I just told you? Assuming the signature is not done by him. Who could have made it and why?

The painting smells like cigarettes. I know that that has nothing to do with anything I just wanted you to know.

The seller is very desinterested in the whole thing and I could barley get him to talk about anything regarding the painting. I'm still hoping to get an answer to my question of where he got it from but I am not very confident in that regard.

I have already contacted a historian I personally know and he gave me the helpful tip that to find anything out about it I should probably go the Feininger route, as he is much more known today. So I guess I'll be reading into him and contacting Feininger experts.

If anyone else has any other leads or ideas or wants to assist me in my journey to finding out more about this painting please don't hesitate to contact me either here or on the Connie Discord I made.

That's it for now. I'm so excited to dig into this mystery!

[italiana-0]

Send flowers cheap, don't send cheap flowers!

When you are short on cash but you want to send someone flowers, don't try to save money by going to the first online flower delivery service you see and choosing their click here cheapest floral arrangement, because you'll end up sending cheap flowers. What you want to do is find the best deal on the nicest flowers, so you end up saving money, but not compromising on quality.

Send Flowers Cheap Tip #1: Order Flowers Online

The way to get the best deal on flowers is to order flowers online for delivery. Local florists have huge overhead and sometimes their flowers are not as fresh as you'd like them to be. But when you order flowers online, the flowers are usually coming direct from the grower.

Online flowers are cut that morning, arranged into your flower arrangement and sent out before the flowers wilt. . That means you get the freshest, most inexpensive flowers because there is no middleman. Just a website between you and your flower delivery.

Send Flowers Cheap Tip #2: Choose Weekday Flower Delivery

Flowers delivered during the week, Monday to Friday can save you a lot of money on delivery charges. Some places, charge way more for Saturday deliveries. Another tip to keep in mind is that most florists don't work on Sundays, so if you send flowers on Monday, you are likely getting flowers that were cut on Saturday. For the freshest flowers, have your flowers delivered from Tuesday to Friday.

Send Flowers Cheap Tip #3: Choose Seasonal Flowers

When you browse through a website looking for just the right flower arrangement to send, go directly to the seasonal flowers. It's usually called, Spring Flowers, or Sale Flowers, or Best Sellers. These flowers are growing strong and lovely right at the time you order so they are the best choice for three reasons. One, there are a lot of those flowers available. Two, they will last longer because flowers are strongest when they are in season. And three, because florists have an abundance of seasonal flowers, they want to sell more. Seasonal flowers are the most inexpensive flowers online.

Send Flowers Cheap Tip #4: Order Early for Special Occasions

Some online flower shops raise their prices around special occasions like Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Christmas, etc. especially for delivery. But if you place your order at least 7 days before the big day, you can save money on delivery and you can usually get a great deal on the flowers too.

Send Flowers Cheap Tip #5: Buy a Year's Worth of Flowers at Once

I know it sounds crazy, but more and more online flower delivery services are doing this. They offer monthly flowers gifts, a different flower arrangement every month for a year. They send out the freshest, in season flowers once a month to your recipient. You can personalize the card each month so your recipient doesn't have to know you bought them all at once. The advantage to this is that you can save a lot of money by buying in bulk. They give you the best deals possible when you order a year's supply of flowers at once. If you don't follow any of the other tips above, follow this one and send flowers cheap all year long. You'll be a hero in your recipient's eyes.

[rhearosed]

TikTok Be at Trend: Unlocking the Power of TikTok for Marketing

In today's digital landscape, where attention spans are fleeting and trends shift at lightning speed, businesses need to adapt and embrace new platforms to connect with their target audience. TikTok, a social media platform known for its short-form video content and viral trends, has emerged as a powerful marketing tool for brands seeking to reach a younger, tech-savvy demographic. This blog explores the unique features of TikTok and how businesses can leverage them to stay at the forefront of the digital marketing game.

Entertainment: Captivating Content for a Trend-Driven Audience

TikTok's core appeal lies in its ability to deliver bite-sized, entertaining content that resonates with a generation that thrives on quick, engaging experiences. This makes it an ideal platform for businesses to showcase their brand personality and connect with their target audience in a fun and memorable way.

Humor & Relatability: TikTok thrives on humor and relatable content. Think about creating funny sketches, relatable scenarios, or even behind-the-scenes glimpses of your company culture. These types of videos can quickly go viral, sparking laughter and fostering a sense of connection with viewers.

Trending Sounds & Challenges: TikTok is constantly evolving with new trends, challenges, and viral sounds. Participating in these trends can help your content gain visibility and reach a wider audience.

Educational Entertainment: Don't be afraid to get creative with educational content. Think about creating short, informative videos that break down complex topics in a fun and digestible way, using trending sounds and effects to keep viewers engaged.

Product Reviews: Authentic Testimonials for Increased Trust

Authenticity is key in today's digital landscape, and TikTok provides a platform for genuine product reviews and testimonials. This is especially valuable for businesses selling products that appeal to a younger demographic, who are highly influenced by peer recommendations and user-generated content.

User-Generated Content (UGC): Encourage your customers to create their own TikTok videos showcasing their experiences with your products. This type of UGC is highly trusted by potential customers, as it comes from real people.

Influencer Marketing: Partner with relevant TikTok influencers to promote your products. Influencers have established credibility and a dedicated following, making them effective ambassadors for your brand.

Product Demonstrations: Short, engaging videos that demonstrate how to use your products can be incredibly valuable. Focus on highlighting key features and benefits in a visually appealing and informative way, using trending sounds and effects to enhance engagement.

Fashion & Style: Showcasing Trends and Inspiring Creativity

TikTok has become a hub for fashion and style inspiration, with users constantly sharing their latest looks, outfit ideas, and beauty tips. For businesses in the fashion and beauty industries, this presents a unique opportunity to showcase their products and connect with a trend-conscious audience.

Trend Spotting: Stay ahead of the curve by identifying emerging fashion trends on TikTok and incorporating them into your content.

Style Inspiration: Create videos that showcase your products in different styles and contexts, providing viewers with inspiration for their own wardrobes.

Behind-the-Scenes Insights: Offer a glimpse into the creative process behind your brand, showcasing your design team, production process, and collaborations with other creators.

A Seller's Paradise: Direct-to-Consumer Marketing Made Easy

TikTok offers a unique platform for direct-to-consumer marketing, allowing businesses to connect with customers directly and drive sales through a variety of strategies.

Product Demos & Tutorials: Create engaging videos that demonstrate how to use your products, showcasing their features and benefits in a clear and concise way.

Live Shopping Events: Host live shopping events on TikTok, allowing viewers to purchase products directly from the platform.

Interactive Content: Use interactive features like polls, Q&A sessions, and challenges to engage viewers and encourage them to learn more about your products.

5.The Power of Short-Form Video: Capturing Attention in a Fast-Paced World

TikTok's short-form video format is perfectly suited for today's fast-paced digital landscape, where viewers have limited attention spans and are constantly bombarded with content.

Concise & Engaging: Keep your videos short, sweet, and to the point, focusing on delivering a clear message and captivating viewers within the first few seconds.

Visual Storytelling: Utilize compelling visuals, music, and effects to create a captivating narrative and leave a lasting impression on viewers.

Call to Action: Include a clear call to action at the end of your videos, encouraging viewers to visit your website, follow your account, or purchase your products.

Conclusion:

TikTok is more than just a platform for entertainment; it's a powerful marketing tool that can help businesses reach a vast audience, build brand awareness, and drive conversions. By embracing the platform's unique features, staying at the forefront of trends, and creating engaging content that resonates with a trend-driven audience, businesses can unlock the potential of TikTok and achieve lasting success in the digital marketing landscape.

[youllalwaysbeatomewrenkingston]

Order Flowers Online: Five Tips for Sending Flowers Cheap

Send flowers cheap, but don't send cheap flowers! How do you send flowers cheap? Five tips for find out more here sending flowers cheap and where to find good places to order flowers online for delivery.

Send flowers cheap, don't send cheap flowers!

When you are short on cash but you want to send someone flowers, don't try to save money by going to the first online flower delivery service you see and choosing their cheapest floral arrangement, because you'll end up sending cheap flowers. What you want to do is find the best deal on the nicest flowers, so you end up saving money, but not compromising on quality.

Send Flowers Cheap Tip #1: Order Flowers Online

The way to get the best deal on flowers is to order flowers online for delivery. Local florists have huge overhead and sometimes their flowers are not as fresh as you'd like them to be. But when you order flowers online, the flowers are usually coming direct from the grower.

Online flowers are cut that morning, arranged into your flower arrangement and sent out before the flowers wilt. . That means you get the freshest, most inexpensive flowers because there is no middleman. Just a website between you and your flower delivery.

Send Flowers Cheap Tip #2: Choose Weekday Flower Delivery

Flowers delivered during the week, Monday to Friday can save you a lot of money on delivery charges. Some places, charge way more for Saturday deliveries. Another tip to keep in mind is that most florists don't work on Sundays, so if you send flowers on Monday, you are likely getting flowers that were cut on Saturday. For the freshest flowers, have your flowers delivered from Tuesday to Friday.

Send Flowers Cheap Tip #3: Choose Seasonal Flowers

When you browse through a website looking for just the right flower arrangement to send, go directly to the seasonal flowers. It's usually called, Spring Flowers, or Sale Flowers, or Best Sellers. These flowers are growing strong and lovely right at the time you order so they are the best choice for three reasons. One, there are a lot of those flowers available. Two, they will last longer because flowers are strongest when they are in season. And three, because florists have an abundance of seasonal flowers, they want to sell more. Seasonal flowers are the most inexpensive flowers online.

Send Flowers Cheap Tip #4: Order Early for Special Occasions

Some online flower shops raise their prices around special occasions like Valentine's Day, Mother's Day, Christmas, etc. especially for delivery. But if you place your order at least 7 days before the big day, you can save money on delivery and you can usually get a great deal on the flowers too.

Send Flowers Cheap Tip #5: Buy a Year's Worth of Flowers at Once

I know it sounds crazy, but more and more online flower delivery services are doing this. They offer monthly flowers gifts, a different flower arrangement every month for a year. They send out the freshest, in season flowers once a month to your recipient. You can personalize the card each month so your recipient doesn't have to know you bought them all at once. The advantage to this is that you can save a lot of money by buying in bulk. They give you the best deals possible when you order a year's supply of flowers at once. If you don't follow any of the other tips above, follow this one and send flowers cheap all year long. You'll be a hero in your recipient's eyes.