#Hidden Gems of California

[hiddengemsreal]

Discover California's secret places! Watch our video to see the special and beautiful parts of California that many people don't know about. We'll show you quiet beaches, pretty forests, and small towns in the mountains that are not famous but are really nice. Join us to find out about the secret places in California that are amazing. 🏖 Find hidden beaches with clean sand. 🌲 Walk in quiet forests that are very peaceful. 🏞 Visit small towns in the mountains that are not crowded. 🌅 Watch beautiful sunsets in places not many people know about. 🛤 Explore paths with great views that not everyone knows about. Come with us to learn about the secret and wonderful parts of California that you might not have seen before. It's time to see something new and special in the Golden State! #HiddenGems #DiscoverCalifornia #SecretPlacesCA #ExploreMore #QuietBeaches #HiddenTowns #BeautifulSunsets #EasyExploration #CaliforniaAdventures #NewDiscoveries

[opalprincess]

She was just sitting on the side of the road…

[aanews69]

Flexible Visits? Enjoy Less Crowded Parks! #parks #flexiblevisits #fewercrowds #passavailability #parkentrance #weekdayvisits Full POD: https://vist.ly/3mhu6ng Subscribe👇: https://vist.ly/3mhu6ni - Great Buys: https://vist.ly/3mhu6nh - #aanews #aanews69 #news

[techdriveplay]

10 Things To Do In California for an Epic Trip

Did you know that in 2023, a whopping 263 million people visited California? Even if you’re visiting from abroad, California might seem oddly familiar. Its amazing scenery has graced the big screens of movies internationally, encouraging travelers around the world to visit. This Golden State is like no other, spanning nearly 900 miles from the Mexican border in the south all the way up the…

[lilbitofsage]

Spruce Street Suspension Bridge in San Diego, CA

[you-must-know-this-info]

The Best Beach Destinations for Summer 2023: Where to Soak Up the Sun and Relax

[lilsmv1]

orange cat - OP81

Pairing: Oscar Piastri x reader

Summary: What happens your neighbour's adorable orange cat starts to pay you daily visits?

Word count: 1k

London welcomed me with its perpetually gray skies and damp weather, a stark contrast to the sunny shores of California I had left behind. As I settled into my new apartment, I couldn't help but feel a pang of homesickness for the warmth of home.

For the first few weeks, I hardly saw my neighbours, lost in the shuffle of unpacking and adjusting to my new surroundings. But one persistent visitor soon made himself known – a vibrant orange cat that would perch itself on my windowsill, peering into my living room with curious eyes.

At first, I found it amusing, but as the days went by and the cat became a regular fixture, I grew concerned. Surely, someone must be missing their furry friend. So, I decided to take matters into my own hands.

I scribbled a quick note on a yellow post-it, explaining the situation and tucking it under my neighbor's door. "Your cat seems to be visiting me often," I wrote. "Just wanted to let you know in case you're worried."

Days passed, and I received no response. I wondered if my neighbor had even seen the note or if they simply didn't care about their wandering pet.

But then, one evening, there was a soft knock on my door.

Opening the door, I found myself face to face with a handsome young man, his expression sheepish yet friendly. He held a small box in his hands, the smell of freshly baked pastries wafting from within.

"Hey, sorry to bother you," he began, his accent unmistakably Australian. "I'm Oscar, your neighbor from next door. I just wanted to apologize for my cat bothering you. And, well, to say thank you for looking out for him."

I couldn't help but smile at his genuine demeanor. "No problem at all, your cat is lovely, I was simply worried you might wonder where he was" I replied, accepting the box of pastries. "I'm glad to finally meet you, Oscar" I replied, introducing myself as well.

"Do you maybe wanna come in? I can make us some tea or coffee and we could eat the pastries you brought?" I added.

"I would love that!" replied Oscar with a warm smile.

From that moment on, Oscar and I struck up an unexpected friendship. We bonded over our shared love for his cat and baked goods, finding comfort in each other in the big city of London, so far from our respective homes. Oscar told me all about his work as a Formula One driver, and I could not help but be in awe of how passionate he was. I, on the other end, told him about the teaching opportunity that got me to move here, and I would often tell him cute stories from my classroom.

As weeks turned into months, our friendship deepened. Oscar proved to be not only a generous neighbor but also a reliable friend. Whether it was helping me fix a leaky faucet or lending a hand with heavy groceries, he was always there when I needed him.

Our weekly movie nights, whenever Oscar wasn't out of the country, became a cherished tradition, a welcome break from our everyday lives. We'd take turns picking films, debating over classics and hidden gems late into the night.

But amidst the laughter and camaraderie, I couldn't ignore the growing feeling in my chest whenever I saw Oscar. He was kind, funny, and undeniably attractive – qualities that drew me in despite my best efforts to keep my distance.

One day, as I scrolled through Twitter during a lazy afternoon, I stumbled upon something that caught me off guard. Pictures of Oscar, smiling brightly alongside a beautiful girl with long blonde hair.

A pang of jealousy shot through me, surprising in its intensity. I realised then, with startling clarity, that my feelings for Oscar ran deeper than I had initially thought. But it was too late – I was now pretty sure he was already taken, and I had no right to interfere.

Unable to shake off my newfound jealousy, I began to distance myself from Oscar, avoiding our usual interactions and retreating into solitude. But my sudden coldness did not go unnoticed.

One evening, there was a sharp knock on my door, and when I opened it, there stood Oscar, his expression a mixture of frustration and concern.

"What's going on with you?" he demanded, his voice tinged with hurt. "You've been acting strange lately, and I want to know why."

"I'm not" I replied defensively.

"Come on, don't give me that bullshit" replied a rather angry Oscar. "You've been avoiding me. Have I done something?" he asked, his voice laced with vulnerability.

I hesitated, the weight of my emotions heavy in the air between us. But then, with a surge of courage, I found myself blurting out the truth.

"I... I think I'm in love with you, Oscar," I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper. "And seeing you with someone else... it hurts more than I thought it would."

For a moment, there was silence, the tension palpable. But then, to my surprise, Oscar stepped forward, his eyes burning with intensity.

"God, you can be so dense sometimes" he breathed

"Hum, excuse me?" I replied, clearly offended.

"The girl you're talking about, that's my new PR manager."

"Oh..."

"I thought I was being fairly obvious as to how I feel about you." he said softly, reaching out to cup my face in his hands.

And with that, he closed the distance between us, his lips meeting mine in a heated and passionate kiss, leaving me breathless.

[afeelgoodblog]

The Best News of Last Week - August 21, 2023

🌊 - Discover the Ocean's Hidden Gem Deep down in the Pacific

1. Massachusetts passed a millionaire's tax. Now, the revenue is paying for free public school lunches.

Every kid in Massachusetts will get a free lunch, paid for by proceeds from a new state tax on millionaires.

A new 4% tax on the state's wealthiest residents will account for $1 billion of the state's $56 billion fiscal budget for 2024, according to state documents. A portion of those funds will be used to provide all public-school students with free weekday meals, according to State House News Service.

2. Plant-based filter removes up to 99.9% of microplastics from water

Researchers may have found an effective, green way to remove microplastics from our water using readily available plant materials. Their device was found to capture up to 99.9% of a wide variety of microplastics known to pose a health risk to humans.

3. Scientists Find A Whole New Ecosystem Hiding Beneath Earth's Seafloor

Most recently, aquanauts on board a vessel from the Schmidt Ocean Institute used an underwater robot to turn over slabs of volcanic crust in the deep, dark Pacific. Underneath the seafloor of this well-studied site, the international team of researchers found veins of subsurface fluids swimming with life that has never been seen before.

It's a whole new world we didn't know existed.

4. How solar has exploded in the US in just a year

Solar and storage companies have announced over $100 billion in private sector investments in the US since the passage of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) a year ago, according to a new analysis released today by the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).

Since President Joe Biden signed the IRA in August 2022, 51 solar factories have been announced or expanded in the US.

5. Researchers have identified a new pack of endangered gray wolves in California

A new pack of gray wolves has shown up in California���s Sierra Nevada, several hundred miles away from any other known population of the endangered species, wildlife officials announced Friday.

It’s a discovery to make researchers howl with delight, given that the native species was hunted to extinction in California in the 1920s. Only in the past decade or so have a few gray wolves wandered back into the state from out-of-state packs.

6. Record-Breaking Cleanup: 25,000 Pounds of Trash Removed from Pacific Garbage Patch

Ocean cleanup crews have fished out the most trash ever taken from one of the largest garbage patches in the world.

The Ocean Cleanup, a nonprofit environmental engineering organization, saw its largest extraction earlier this month by removing about 25,000 pounds of trash from the Great Pacific Garbage Patch, Alex Tobin, head of public relations and media for the organization

7. The Inflation Reduction Act Took U.S. Climate Action Global

The U.S. Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) aimed to promote clean energy investments in the U.S. and globally. In its first year, the IRA successfully spurred other nations to develop competitive climate plans.

Clean energy projects in 44 U.S. states driven by the IRA have generated over 170,600 jobs and $278 billion in investments, aligning with Paris Agreement goals.

---

That's it for this week :)

This newsletter will always be free. If you liked this post you can support me with a small kofi donation here:

Buy me a coffee ❤️

Also don’t forget to reblog this post with your friends.

[diiwata]

my district 4 masterpost!

to me, district 4 is a mix of se/east asian, lat-am, and even a bit of black influence. had a bit of help from @blackoutdays13, creds to her too <3

let's dive in (joke intended). more below the cut!

CULTURAL TIDBITS

i like to think dance is an important part of the d4 culture. many artists that contribute to hip-hop culture originate from california, especially dances :) not to mention cultural latam dances, the dragon dance from china, and maybe even tinikling (projecting so hard rn)! movement is how they get through the day.

their diet may consist of mostly seafood, but grains are also a staple. rice, bread, noodles, and tortillas are often paired with meats and vegetables to make meals more fulfilling. of course, they aren't the same to the grains we produce now, but it's close enough to what they are able to get their hands on.

as stereotypical it is to asian culture, i like to think education holds some importance there, too. it doesn't just involve hitting the books, but also street smarts and survival skills. even if you're working, there's some downtime saved for learning/passing on knowledge from the older to younger generation.

there is a large sense of community in the districts. it's a staple in asian culture to identify with your community. your achievements and your failures are not just yours, but is a reflection of the people you identify with. this is touched more on my asian d4/d7 analysis.

since california legalized this, they definitely had... recreational uses for certain substances. you know. mary jane, the 🍃. it's a whole thing in the district and a "hidden gem". it's more popular with the lower class, but the capitol thinks it's used by the best of the best. they don't have to know, though ;)

LOCATIONS

their marketplace is concentrated in the docks! similar to the piers of santa monica and san francisco, there's a lot of street vendors, kiosks, and street performers.

the further away you are from the shore, the more impoverished you are. the people of the "inner lands" probably process the food for safer consumption, or travel to the shore to find work (hence the kiosks and such). grains could also be grown in the inner lands, which is how they're able to supply the district with rice and such w/o having to rely on d9 imports too much.

a train or trolley system helps large capacities of people travel to and fro their work. the trolley might be a bit more for tourists, though.

lots of cliffs. lots of mountains. houses on cliffs and mountains are seen as a privilege. I imagine the victor's village is somewhere here!

the houses in the victor's village look like italianate homes in san francisco (1). houses by richer folks look like malibu/southern californian beach houses (2). inner lands houses are either the older, fenced homes or apartment units (3)!

RELIGION

(i read these in some fics!!) considering that latinos are also big in california, and that a lot of asians share a catholic faith in the state, i could see them using rosaries or crosses. not because of a belief in it, but as an equivalent of a good luck charm.

to add onto this ^ they celebrate ash wednesday, but with their own twist. the ash on their foreheads is instead a reminder of who they lost.

speaking of holidays, the festival that they celebrate during the victory tour months probably closely mimics lunar new year! of course, they don't follow the lunar calendar, but their traditions and rituals to celebrate that day look awfully similar. red envelopes could be passed around, but I highly doubt that there's much in there if you're from the inner lands.

dia de los muertos is celebrated too! possibly during the victory tour months, too. imagine a festival that's just spilling with the golds and reds of lunar new year and the vibrant colors associated with dia de los muertos!

NATURAL DISASTERS

earthquakes. wildfires. droughts. those are the holy trinity of natural disasters in d4. protocols for all three are drilled into the minds of d4 citizens since youth.

thanks to the indigenous practice of controlled fires that persisted during the building of panem, they are often able maintain these wildfires. but sometimes, the wildfires do get out of control and turn the sky orange.

their structures are relatively stable to help accommodate for the earthquakes, but of course, damage will be done especially during a huge one that occurs in california every few centuries.

in my finnick/oc fic, "the big one" occurs before the 65th games. after finnick's victory, they paid more attention to d4.

droughts are not to be taken lightly in d4, especially in the inner lands. don't shower for more than five minutes. turn off the faucet while brushing your teeth. never keep the sink running. fix leaking faucets whenever you can b/c every drop counts.

a water limit is imposed on them. most of the water goes directly to the upper class and the capitol resorts by the coast.

CLASS DIVISIONS

the inner lands' lower class, the coast's merchants, the officials, and the victors are all classes in district four. the lower class harbors some resentment towards the upper class, and it's the other way around, too.

since most of the water travels to the upper class, that's where the main resentment lies. everything is for tourism and to maintain appearances.

because of this maintenance and carefully curated appearance, I can see the capitol citizens romanticizing d4 to an extreme degree. with finnick as the "face" of the district, it only worsens. they think of d4 as beaches, tropical fruits, and a sunny paradise. but once they take the train that passes through the rural lands and the poorer urban areas with the fog limiting their view, they realize that district 4 isn't all what they shaped it up to be.

I also imagine the upper class trying to dismiss the lower class because they don't look appealing enough to the capitol. they ARE a career district, after all. this could tie into the model minority myth, which I discuss in this post using hannah's ask, as well as the d4/d7 hc I linked previously. to summarize, reputation is ingrained in asian cultures. this need for a good rep could bring d4 to try their hardest to appeal to the model minority myth and keep up with the other career districts.

all in all, d4 is my little try-hard district rich with culture, mary jane, and the impending doom of "the big one". I love it with all my heart. if you have anything to add, or things you want me to touch up on, feel free to drop an ask or say something in your rb!

stream "california love" by 2pac 🙏🏽

[aanews69]

Unlock Breathtaking Views with Ease #parks #librarycard #BigBasin #MountDiablo #breathtakingviews #California #nature #travel Full POD: https://vist.ly/3mhtvvj Subscribe👇: https://vist.ly/3mhtvvm - Great Buys: https://vist.ly/3mhtvvk - #aanews #aanews69 #news

[techdriveplay]

15 Places to Visit in California for a Dreamy Getaway

California is one of the biggest states in the U.S., with a number of culturally unique places and differing climates to explore. You can visit coastal towns along the Pacific, mountain towns near the Nevada border, famous national parks, or hidden gems that few people know about. With so many options, choosing where to go can take countless hours of time and effort. I’ve been to California many…

[hlficlibrary]

✤ Flower Shop Fics ✤

A series of posts with the top five fics of each category by kudos plus five more hidden gems from that category! Remember to leave kudos and a comment on the fics you enjoyed to show your appreciation! You can find our other recs here.

- Top 5 H/L Fics -

1️⃣ Your Name Is Tattooed On My Heart by mcpofife {E, 86k}

Louis is ready to find the love of his life, but first he has to stop falling for the punk rocker next door.

2️⃣ Love's Truest Language by summerwine / @smrwine {E, 48k}

The first part was meant as a joke. He didn't really expect Harry to buy anything. It was just Louis’ way of softening the ‘get the fuck out’ blow.

“Where's your order forms, then?”

“I don't want your flowers.” Louis chided before directing all of his attention to the arrangement in front of him.

Harry laughed under his breath as he stood to his full height, “Who said anything about them being for you, love?”

3️⃣ A Hungry Heart by jacaranda_bloom / @jacaranda-bloom {E, 27k}

Harry Styles, florist and Great British Bake Off contestant, loves many things. He loves his flower shop, he loves baking, and there’s also that little crush he has on pop star Louis Tomlinson.

But when Louis arrives on set as the surprise guest judge, Harry’s worlds collide. Throw in a cup of cuteness, a teaspoon of teasing, and a pinch of pining, and there’s all the ingredients for an epic love story, or absolute chaos.

Or the one where the Bake Off tent has never been so hot, and it’s got nothing to do with what’s in the ovens.

4️⃣ time slows down whenever you're around by wildestdreams / @thelavendrhaze {E, 14k}

“Why did you two break up again?”

Harry turned to face Zayn again. “We had a fight sometime after we graduated from 8th grade. It was the summer before high school would start and it was a big blow out. I don’t even remember what it was about to tell you the truth. After that we lost touch. We came to high school and he got a girlfriend, joined the footie team. I found new friends and new interests.” Harry paused, while he grabbed the broom to pick up some stray petals and leaves. “Honestly, if it weren’t for you and Liam getting together, who knows if the two of us would have ever patched up.”

“I don’t know,” Zayn shrugged. “You were best friends and I feel like it was meant to be.”

“Yeah,” Harry said. “Best friends…that’s it. That’s all it was meant to be.”

or Louis plays "soccer" and falls for the wrong boy and Harry works in a flower shop and falls for Louis — again.

5️⃣ Far Afield by QuickedWeen / @becomeawendybird {T, 11k}

Harry Styles is a witch who owns the best flower shop in Manchester. Lottie Tomlinson is planning her wedding, and brings her brother along to her first appointment. Both men have been having a bad day and sparks fly.

HIDDEN GEMS:

💎 Sakura Sunset by MsHydeStylinson / @mizzhydes {E, 16k}

Harry and Louis have a tradition. Every spring they stand below hundreds of dazzling cherry blossom trees in Kew Garden, and year after year they come back to walk amongst the trees and experience that love over again.

This year everything changes. Louis is offered a once in a lifetime opportunity in Silicon Valley, California.

Only after Louis has left does Harry realise he made the biggest mistake of his life breaking up with Louis, and he has to live with the consequences of his actions.

Four years later, Harry discovers that Louis has returned to London, and in an effort to find the closure he desperately needs, he must tell Louis the truth behind their break up so he can move on with his life.

💎 To Plant New Seeds and Watch Them Grow by graceling_in_a_suit {T, 10k}

Harry's Hearty Herbs sits in Diagon Alley, filled to the brim with flowers and potion ingredients and the care of its owner. Louis Tomlinson also sits in Diagon Alley, a former Slytherin golden-boy descended from wizarding nobility and now running his very own potion stand. 70s Wizarding Britain isn't the safest place for love between a half-blood and a pureblood to blossom, yet blossom it does.

💎 I Kinda Need A Hero (Is It You) by @fallinglikethis {NR, 5k}

Louis is a barista who’s had his heart broken. Harry is the boy who wants to put the pieces back together.

💎 Monday by @nouies {NR, 2k}

A flower shop AU featuring a one-sided feud, puns, and a missing cat.

💎 Are You Thorny, Baby? by @homosociallyyours {NR, 2k}

When Louis stops in to buy flowers for Lottie’s birthday, he thinks he’s just stumbled upon a hip flower shop. Meeting Harry is just a bonus.

[alyrasturnz]

COWBOY LIKE ME

chapter 3 ⌗ let's turn your night around.

❐ summary »  y/n, a young woman from the opulent world of beverly hills, embarks on a family vacation to the serene countryside. amidst the lush landscapes, she sneaks out one evening and encounters matt, a charming cowboy with a heart as vast as the southern skies.

❐ pairings » cowboy!matt x affluent!reader

❐ warnings » this is a series, drinking, going to a bar

❐ a/n && w/c » third update of the night • 2.36k

꒰ masterlist ꒱

you stepped onto the worn wooden porch, your designer shoes clicking against the aged boards, each step a stark contrast to the rustic charm of the place. matt glanced up from under the brim of his hat, the afternoon sun casting a warm glow on his features. as he recognized you, he tipped his hat back, revealing a slow, genuine smile that seemed to light up his entire face.

"california, hey," he greeted, his voice carrying a mix of surprise and delight, as if your presence was a pleasant and unexpected gift.

"hey, matt," you replied, your voice a delicate blend of relief and excitement, each word carrying the weight of the journey that had brought you here. your eyes met his, and in that moment, the unspoken connection between you seemed to deepen, as if the distance and time apart had only strengthened your bond.

"where have you been?" he asked, his voice a harmonious blend of curiosity and warmth, eyes twinkling with genuine interest as if they sought to uncover the stories hidden behind your absence.

“oh, just going around town with my family," you replied, your tone laced with a hint of exasperation. "you know, doing the usual touristy stuff. but honestly, i missed you so much. i couldn't wait to get back here." your eyes wandered around the room, absorbing the rustic simplicity of his home, a striking contrast to the opulence you were used to.

you moved into the living room, where the rustic charm of matt's home contrasted sharply with your usual surroundings. the room was imbued with the scent of aged wood and the faint aroma of freshly brewed coffee. as you settled onto the worn-out couch, the simplicity of the space enveloped you, bringing an unexpected sense of tranquility.

"it's been a long day," you sighed, leaning back into the chair, feeling the weight of the day finally catch up with you. you allowed your guard to drop, revealing the vulnerability you had been hiding. "i just needed to see you, to talk to you."

matt's eyes softened as he looked at you, sensing the vulnerability beneath your words. "well, i'm glad you're here," he said, his voice gentle and soothing. "tell me more about your day. what did you see?"

you began to recount your adventures, your voice animated as you detailed the sights and sounds of the town. your eyes sparkled with excitement as you described each moment, your hands gesturing vividly to convey the atmosphere. "we went to this little antique shop, and my mom spent hours looking at old trinkets. it was charming," you continued, a soft smile playing on your lips, "but i couldn't stop thinking about you. i wanted to share it all with you."

he listened intently, his eyes never leaving your face, absorbing every word as if they were precious gems. "sounds like quite the day," he remarked, his voice laced with genuine curiosity and warmth. a smile played on his lips, a gentle curve that spoke volumes. "but i'm glad you ended it here, with me." his words lingered in the air, wrapping around you like a comforting embrace.

matt leaned forward, a spark of mischief dancing in his eyes. "i have an idea," he said, his voice brimming with excitement and a hint of mystery. "let's turn your day around." his words were charged with an infectious energy, making it impossible not to feel a surge of anticipation.

you raised an eyebrow, curiosity mingling with hesitation. "oh... i don't know, matt," you replied, your voice tinged with uncertainty, each word carefully measured. "what do you have in mind?" your eyes searched his, looking for clues to the adventure he was proposing, a mix of intrigue and caution swirling within you.

he grinned, his eyes twinkling with uncontained enthusiasm. "there's this cowboy bar just outside of town," he began, his voice rich with excitement. "it's got live music that makes your feet itch to dance, a dance floor that comes alive with laughter, and the best barbecue you've ever tasted. trust me, california, it'll be an experience you won't forget." his words painted a vivid picture, each detail inviting you to step into the adventure he was proposing.

you bit your lip, still grappling with uncertainty. "a cowboy bar? matt, that sounds... a bit out of my comfort zone," you admitted, your voice a blend of reluctance and curiosity. your mind raced, envisioning the unfamiliar territory he was suggesting, each word tinged with the apprehension of stepping into the unknown.

he reached out, gently taking your hand in his, his touch warm and reassuring. "i know it might seem different, but that's the point," he said, his voice a soothing balm to your nerves. "sometimes, stepping out of your comfort zone is exactly what you need. besides, i'll be right there with you," he reassured, his tone a perfect blend of encouragement and unwavering support. his eyes held yours, offering a silent promise that you wouldn't face this adventure alone.

you looked into his eyes, seeing the genuine excitement and care he had for you. slowly, you felt your reservations begin to melt away, like ice under the warmth of the sun. "okay, matt," you said with a small, tentative smile. "let's do it. let's go to the cowboy bar." your words carried a newfound resolve, the promise of adventure sparking a flicker of anticipation within you.

his smile widened, and he squeezed your hand gently, a gesture filled with warmth and encouragement. "that's the spirit, california," he said, his voice brimming with enthusiasm. "you're going to have a great time, i promise." his words wrapped around you like a comforting embrace, infusing you with a sense of anticipation and eagerness for the adventure ahead.

as you both walked to his truck, you couldn't help but feel a flutter of anticipation. the sun was setting, painting the sky with hues of orange and pink, as if nature itself was encouraging you to embrace this spontaneous adventure. 

matt opened the door for you, and you slid into the passenger seat, your heart racing with a mix of nerves and excitement. the air was thick with the promise of new experiences, each step you took echoing the silent thrill of the unknown.

the drive to the cowboy bar was filled with laughter and stories, matt doing his best to keep your mind off the worries of the day. his voice was a soothing melody, weaving tales that made the miles melt away. 

with each shared laugh, the tension in your shoulders eased, replaced by a growing sense of camaraderie and excitement. the world outside the window blurred into a tapestry of colors, a fitting backdrop to the unfolding adventure.

as the truck rumbled down the winding road, the rhythmic hum of the engine blending with the rustling of the leaves, matt cast a sidelong glance at you, a playful grin dancing on his lips. "you ever wonder what it would be like to just keep driving? no destination, no plans, just the open road and endless possibilities stretching out before us?"

you tilted your head, your eyes reflecting a mixture of curiosity and contemplation as you considered his words. "it sounds like a dream," you murmured, your fingers absentmindedly tracing patterns on the seat. "there's something so freeing about the idea of just going wherever the road takes you."

matt nodded, his eyes reflecting the golden hues of the setting sun, casting a warm glow on his thoughtful expression. "yeah, sometimes i think we get so caught up in our routines," he said, his voice tinged with a hint of melancholy, "that we forget there's a whole world out there, brimming with untold stories and adventures waiting to be explored."

you smiled, feeling a deep sense of kinship with his wanderlust, a shared yearning for the unknown. "maybe one day we should do it," you said softly, your eyes sparkling with the promise of adventure. "just pack up and go, see where we end up, letting the wind and the road be our only guides."

he squeezed the steering wheel, his grip tightening until his knuckles turned white, his jaw setting with a newfound resolve. his eyes flickered with a mix of excitement and determination as he looked ahead. "i'd like that. it's the kind of adventure that could change everything."

the conversation flowed effortlessly, each word and shared glance weaving an invisible thread that drew you closer together. as the truck rumbled along the winding road, the sense of adventure hung palpably in the air, a tantalizing promise of a night brimming with new experiences and cherished memories waiting to be forged.

as the truck rumbled down the dusty road, you found yourself sinking deeper into the seat, the tension of the day gradually melting away. matt's voice, a steady and comforting presence, wove intricate tales of his past adventures and mishaps. his laughter, rich and infectious, filled the cab, and soon, you found yourself joining in, the earlier gloom lifting like morning fog under the warmth of the rising sun.

when you arrived at the bar, the neon lights cast a warm, inviting glow over the rustic wooden exterior, creating a beacon in the night. the lively strains of country music spilled out into the cool evening air, mingling with the mouthwatering scent of barbecue and the faint, earthy hint of hay. matt parked the truck and turned to you, his eyes sparkling with a mix of excitement and reassurance. "ready, california?" he asked, his voice gentle yet brimming with encouragement.

you took a deep breath, feeling a swirling mix of nerves and anticipation settle in your chest. "ready," you replied, your voice steady and resolute. as you stepped out of the truck, matt was immediately by your side, his hand lightly resting on the small of your back, a gentle yet firm presence guiding you towards the entrance.

inside, the bar buzzed with vibrant energy. couples twirled and spun on the dance floor, their boots scuffing the worn wooden planks in perfect rhythm with the lively music. the air was thick with hearty laughter and the clinking of glasses, a symphony of joy and revelry. matt guided you to a table near the stage, where a band played an upbeat tune that seemed to electrify the atmosphere. "what do you think?" he asked, his eyes intently studying your face, searching for any sign of discomfort or unease.

you looked around, taking in the vibrant scene. it was different, certainly, but there was something undeniably exhilarating about it. "it's... amazing," you said, a genuine smile spreading across your face as you absorbed the lively atmosphere. "thank you, matt. i think this is exactly what i needed."

he grinned, his relief evident in the way his shoulders relaxed. "i'm glad to hear that," he said, his voice carrying a warmth that matched the twinkle in his eyes.

matt led you to the bar, his hand gently resting on the small of your back as he guided you through the bustling crowd. he waited for you to sit down first, then effortlessly took the seat beside you, his presence both comforting and protective.

matt leaned back in his chair, taking a deliberate sip of his drink before fixing you with a playful glint in his eyes. "so, california," he began, his voice tinged with a teasing lilt, "how's the country life treating you so far?"

you laughed, feeling more at ease with each passing moment. "it's definitely different from what i'm used to," you admitted, your voice carrying a note of genuine surprise. "but i think i'm starting to like it. the music, the people... it's all so lively and full of energy."

he nodded, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. "that's the spirit," he said, his tone both encouraging and reflective. "you know, sometimes it's good to shake things up a bit, try something new. it breathes life into the mundane and opens doors to unexpected joys."

you took a moment to look around the bar, the sounds and sights blending into a vibrant tapestry of life. "i think you might be right, matt," you said, your voice thoughtful. "this place has a charm of its own, an energy that feels both invigorating and comforting."

matt's eyes softened as he watched you, a gentle warmth emanating from his gaze. "i'm glad you're enjoying it," he said, his voice tinged with relief. "i was worried you might feel out of place, but it seems like you're finding your rhythm here."

you shook your head, meeting his gaze with a reassuring smile. "not at all," you replied, your voice soft yet firm. "with you here, it feels... comfortable, like I’ve found a piece of home in this new place."

a slow smile spread across his face, and he reached out to take your hand, his touch gentle yet firm. "that means a lot, california," he said, his voice filled with warmth. "how about we make this night even better? care for a dance under these vibrant lights?"

your heart skipped a beat at the warmth in his eyes, a flutter of excitement coursing through you. "i'd love to," you replied, your voice barely above a whisper, filled with anticipation and joy.

as you both stood and made your way to the dance floor, the music seemed to envelop you, creating a cocoon of shared moments and unspoken promises. matt's hand rested on your waist, firm yet gentle, guiding you with a confidence that made you feel both safe and cherished.

"you're a natural," he murmured, his voice low and sincere, carrying a weight of genuine admiration that made your heart flutter.

you smiled up at him, feeling a connection that transcended words. "only because i have a great partner," you replied, your voice soft and filled with genuine appreciation.

the night continued in a blur of laughter, music, and dancing, each moment etching itself into your memory like a cherished painting. as you swayed in matt's arms, you realized that sometimes, the most unforgettable adventures were the ones that unfolded without a plan, guided only by the heart's serendipitous rhythm.

taglist — @imwetforyourmom @meatballzerz69 @pinkishpearls @bandanamatt @thedangerousalleyway @muchloveforhacker @stinkytinkywinky @jetaimevous @everleiqh @conspiracy-ash @ifwdominicfike @blahbel668 @slutforsturnioloss

[20dollarlolita]

Describing some wigs

Many years ago there was as site called Amphigory.com, and while it's still up, the Amphigory that 16-year-old me spent days browsing is not the Amphigory that still remains. They're still cool, but they'd really scaled back the scope of what they sell. There used to be cosmetics, jewelry, hair dye, a few more things, and wigs.

One of the things that they did about their wig sales that really set them apart was the level of description that they gave every wig. This wasn't just a single stock picture and a name. They took their own pictures of each wig, inside and out, and described each one's strengths and flaws. They weren't like Arda, who designs their own wigs from scratch. They were more like a normal costume reseller, who had a collection of vendors that they'd order stock from. But, unlike most costume wig sellers, they had multiple pictures and a detailed analysis of each wig. You knew what you were getting, which was really important for cosplayers who might need to restyle a wig. If you've never restyled a wig before, you might not be aware, but the wig can make it very easy, or the wig can make it impossible.

Amphigory's wig section is long gone, but I do still buy wigs from a similar company, one that has a collection of wig vendors whose products they sell. This is a shop that I go to is in person, and I love that. I know that I can find some wigs cheaper elsewhere, but I absolutely love that I can go to a small business, roll up to a counter, and physically touch the wigs before I buy them. I can look at them, turn them inside-out, and touch them. I also get to take the wig home that day, instead of waiting for shipping.

But not everyone has this opportunity, and on the offchance that people are considering buying a wig online and google the wig to see worn photos or reviews, here's me making a compilation of wigs I've recently bought and what they actually look like in person. Even with wigs from the same seller, some might be garbage, but some might be hidden gems. So, in the interest of making more information about which wigs are like what, here we go:

California Costumes Pink/Gray Ombre with Star Clips:

First of all, California Costumes gets 0/10 for creativity with names. I love me a good little nickname for a wig. The Costume Mansion, where I bought this, called it "Harmony," and I think that's a better name.

Yes, my wig head is cosplaying its Naruto OC. Let it do its thing.

This is a textured, ombre wig. The actual fiber is ombre, so an individual strand will go from gray color to pink, and the gray is a little bit softer than the pink. Some wigs that are tipped with another color accomplish this by having the color on the ends be longer hair than the top color, but this is a true ombre. I have not tested this for colorfastness, but it's possible that the pink tips won't age super well. The skin top is about 3" wide and does not go all the way to the front of the wig. This means that you can change the part a little bit, but it will always have bangs.

The whole thing is sewn onto a continuous cap, which isn't as forgiving of larger head sizes than one that's just wefts and elastic. It has the built-in net that you sometimes see with cheaper wigs, which is where your hair would go if you want to wear this wig without a wig cap. You, however, don't want to wear this wig without a wig cap. You know better. There's hooks in the back for resizing.

Wefts in the back are about an inch apart, but when I was shaking it around and trying to make it show the mesh, I couldn't actually make it show the mesh without physically parting it. Depending on how you put your hair up under the wig, you might have problems with the mesh showing in the back (lumpy hair will show mesh, hair that's smoothly under a wig cap won't). This is probably a wig you want a matching or light colored wig cap for if you have a larger head.

Overall, cute wig, stock pictures don't do it justice. Available for $20 on Amazon, in case you don't have a local costume shop to support. This item tag reads "ITEM # 7022-068 FTY # 346 HK2203" and I don't know what that means but if someone's googling the tag to look up the wig then hopefully that'll lead them here.

Yuki by Characters:

At least this one has a wig name. And boy howdy is that some big hair. The place I bought this from called it "Cupcake."

I tried on this wig because I really wanted to see how it was constructed, and I bought it because, when I tried it on, it was way cuter than I thought it'd be. It's a rougher fiber, which makes the curls hold their shape really well, but you're going to be fighting to keep the bangs and long forelocks looking smooth. There's no skin top, and the hair radiates from a sort of u-shaped blob at the top. There's so much going on in this wig that it's not particularly obvious, and also you will convince absolutely no one that it's not a wig, so that's not as much a priority to me on this style.

As for how it's actually constructed, there's no teasing in the wig to keep it that big. Instead, the actual cap of the wig is sewn into the shape of the big faux twintails, and then the hair is attached to that structure. Wigs are not hair. Anyway, that means there's pretty much no major restyling that can be done. It's just curly hair about 5" long on a funky structure to make funky big hair. Anyway, because thew cap of this wig is so oversized, it's really comfortable to wear, and it's really accommodating of large head sizes or a lot of hair.

Also because of the cap size, if you don't pin the temples on, it can slide back and make your bangs shorter. You can see that in my picture there. Mine did not come with the little rose clips, but it is supposed to come with the rose clips. It's much curlier than the stock images imply it will be.

This wig would be great for embellishing, since you can sew things directly to the funky shaped cap and not worry about where to support it. It also can handle a full sized BTSSB headbow, if that's a concern.

Someone's selling it on Amazon for $60 and you absolutely should not spend that much for this wig. I see other wig shops selling it for about $30, which is the upper limit on its real fair price, unless you really need the specific shape for it. I'm not going to link any specific shop since I don't have experience buying from them. "Yuki wig" and "Characters Yuki wig" are good search terms.

Characters Peggy Sue wig:

Okay so please be forgiving that my detail pictures are going to be of this wig already styled, because I didn't know I was going to do this post when I started working with it. I'll make a point to spell out what's stock and what's been done. Top pictures here are the most un-styled that I have.

This wig's got a coin-shaped skin top that all the hair radiates from. It comes with long, blunt bangs. The fiber is really shiny and is very easily reshaped by low hair dryer heat. High heat on my hair dryer, too close to the scalp, was how I made the frizzy spot in the back. The cap is a closed mesh cap, but it's nice and stretchy.

The weird boogers on the top of my wig are the orange hilights that I put in (they were just chopped from another wig), but that picture's there to show the size of the skin top. You can also see where I sewed some orange wefts into the wig for all-over recoloring. I re-parted the skin coin so that the hair has a linear part instead of radiating from the center, and then painted it with liquid foundation to make the parted area larger. Mine also has a LOT of baby powder dispersed through it to combat the shine. I spent like four days to try to make this $20 wig look like it's maybe a $35 wig. (The process was: "oh hey I'll be taking my wheelchair to the comic convention. I should cosplay Barbara Gordon because that will be fun. This will be easy and I don't need to put a lot of money or time into it." and then four days passed and I'd spent hours manually highlighting a cheap wig).

And it really needs a bit of love to get it to be less frizzy. Right out of the bag, my wig did not have that outward flip. Unlike the other two, I don't see this being a really usable wig for lolita fashion in pretty much any context, but hey, I'm on a roll with this post.

This wig is listing online for like $30, and that's a bit much IMO. If you have a local shop selling it for $20, well, that's a different matter.

If you want a wig just to change your hair color so that your bright pink hair doesn't clash with your coord, I once bought this wig (according to Amazon in 2015 so it's been...almost a decade...nice to know they're tracking that) and was pretty impressed with the quality for a $17 wig. So, you know, buy that instead of this Peggy Sue wig.

I do own the Lacey Costume Little Women II Wig (Amphigory's "Innocent?" wig) but it's late and I want to go to bed, and all you really need to know about it is that the fiber texture of the ash blond color is really dicey, so that's probably a case where if you need a pigtail wig you need to just get an Arda Chibi. I can still do details if anyone wants. It's just 9:30 and I have to put all these damn wigs away, so good night, everyone.

[bulkyphrase]

Marvel Halloween Rec Week 2024 - Stony Tuesday

Day two of Halloween Rec week! Here are some of the best spooky Steve Rogers/Tony Stark I read this year.

How to Lose a Super Soldier in One Easy Step by and_backagain, jibrailis (Stony, Explicit, 18,248 words)

Summary: Rogers jerks backwards, shock registering on his face, and Tony thinks, welcome back to the land of the living, Cap, looks like you're sticking around. Or, a Pushing Daisies AU.

In Love with a Strict Machine by Carsonian (@carsonian) (Stony, Mature, 12,805 words)

Summary: After an honourable discharge from the War, Steve is relocated to a suburban neighbourhood where he stands out as the only Monster around. Soon after, T0ny, a Cyborg he knew briefly during the War, moves in next door. Steve's long carried a hidden flame for the man, and decides to take their paths reconnecting as a sign to finally make a move. (A.K.A. the Halloween fic where Steve is Frankenstein's monster, Tony is a cyborg, and they are pathologically drawn to each other.)

More below the cut!

The Moon and the Sea by dirigibleplumbing (@dirigibleplumbing) (Stony, Explicit, 81,058 words)

Summary: Steve has lived his whole life in the coastal California town of Nublado. He’s spent the last few years trying to move on from a traumatic event in his past, and he finds new joy when he befriends—and quickly falls for—reclusive local billionaire Tony Stark. Then Tony abruptly breaks things off and won’t reply when Steve reaches out. Steve’s friends Clint and Nat have his back, at least. But… is someone following him everywhere? What’s with the human teeth Steve and his friends found while they were out fishing? How did the Scarlet Witch know so much about him? And why are there so many crows around?

The Official Avengers Movie Night Movie Selection Bylaws by phenominable_snowman (@phenominablesnowman-blog) (Stony, Mature, 18,020 words)

Summary: It was just little things at first. Elevators opening on the wrong floor. Wild temperature fluctuations. An odd, glitchy babble from J.A.R.V.I.S. that went from amusing to annoying to alarming and then righted itself without explanation. Tony nursed a persistent migraine. His body ached. He slept, but he never felt rested. He was sure there was something lurking on the edge of his periphery, but whenever he gave in and looked, it was gone.

The Lost and the Wretched by Veldeia (@veldeia) (Stony, Teen And Up Audiences, 58,023 words)

Summary: After his reanimation, Tony has yet to find a reason to continue his existence that isn’t hatred or bitterness. After decades of captivity in Arcadia, Steve doesn’t know if he even has a soul anymore. When the vampires of the Covenant of the Shield organize a mission to rescue Steve, it is a new beginning for both of them.

so long, traveling song by Anonymous (Stony, Teen And Up Audiences, 7,672 words)

Summary: The gem burns hot, singing the tender skin in the center of his palm, and he can see the possibilities unfolding in technicolor around him. A thought, and he wouldn’t be able to feel the pain. A thought, and he’d tear the whole building to the ground, turn the Hudson River to coffee, rain frogs down from the sky, send clouds of locusts upon the hot dog vendors on the street. Wood splinters crunch underfoot as Tony walks slowly into the husk of the mansion, unworried about the possibility of it crumpling down on him. The problem with the place is that it refuses to stay as stagnant as his memories of it; rain has already began to bleach color from the exposed wood, the ceilings to bulge oddly under pressure. Stop, a voice somewhere far away warns him, something like the Watcher’s voice, something like Stephen’s. Stop now. A thought, and he can fix all of his worst mistakes. Possibilities shimmer effervescent in front of him, momentarily gold under the power of the gem. A thought, and he can make this better for everyone, make it a world worth living in. A thought, and he can come home.