#I love seeing my other sims get excited about audrey

[divaatrait]

When Worlds Collide 🤯

Nearly finished with setting up my save file and these two happened to cross paths. I like thinking that Audrey is one of Claudia's biggest inspirations, especially since they're both from Willow Creek.

[loorain]

Sims 4 Fontenot Legacy - Sigrid's (and Anya's) Birthday

Morning arrives at the Legacy House, and it's a day Sigrid has been dreading for quite some time: her birthday. For most sims, a birthday is an exciting endeavor, but for Sigrid, it's a reminder of how fleeting time is. Knowing she'll likely have to put on a brave face for most of the day, she spends the early morning outside on the porch by herself, reflecting on everything.

She can't help but think over the entirety of her life, especially those lost along the way: her parents, sister and brother. They missed so many milestones, both their own and others in the family. Death being so frequent in Sigrid's life, it's no wonder she grew into a gloomy sim with a fear of death. For Sigrid, Grim always seems to be hiding just around the corner.

Alma: Hey, Mom!

Sigrid is jolted from her thoughts by the sound of a familiar voice.

Audrey: Happy birthday, Mom!

Okay. Make that two.

Alma: Happy birthday, Mom!

Sigrid: Oh- what's this?

Alma: A gift!

Audrey: From both of us.

Alma: But it was my idea.

Audrey shoots her sister a dirty look.

Sigrid: Aw, you two are the absolute best! Thank you so much girls.

Alma: Don't mention it.

Another dirty look from Audrey.

Audrey: You're welcome, Mom.

Once the girls head off to school and Robin to work, Sabrina takes Sigrid out for a day at the spa. They don't often get time alone, just the two of them. Sabrina thought it'd be nice to treat Sigrid for her birthday and allow them some casual cousin-bonding time.

Sabrina: Ah... this is the life, yeah?

Sigrid: I have to admit this is pretty nice. Can't remember the last self-care day I've taken. Chasing two girls around doesn't always allow for ample me-time.

Sabrina: Trust me, I may just have Juno but he runs me ragged. Between him and the restaurant, I'm always a little all over the place.

Sigrid: How is the restaurant doing, by the way?

Sabrina: Honestly, pretty good. I've got a good team and the customers are steady. It's not easy being a businessowner, but it has it's perks. I can customize my schedule and make time for Juno and things like this, which is great.

Sigrid: Yeah, it seems really nice to be able to work for yourself.

A comfortable silence falls between the two for a moment.

Sigrid: You know, now that the girls are in school and Robin has his new job, I've been thinking... maybe it's time I create a career for myself.

Sabrina: Oh yeah? What do you want to do?

Sigrid: I think... this. I always loved playing spa with my siblings. Harley hated it, but he dealt with it for me. I think if I can hone those natural skills, it could be a good way to earn a little cash here and there, and it'd be fulfilling because I'm making sims feel confident and beautiful.

Sabrina: Sounds like you've been thinking about it for some time.

Sigrid: Yeah, well... I never saw myself as just a housewife. I'd like to have something for myself. Now that I'm entering a new phase of life, I want to take more control of it. Do things that make me happy.

Sabrina: As you should. You already know Robin will be your biggest cheerleader.

Sigrid: Yeah. He's adorable.

Sabrina laughs.

Sabrina: Ah, well good to hear that your love has stood the test of time.

The duo wrap up with a little sauna time, which proves to be beneficial for both of them! Sigrid never realized how much she needed a relaxing day out, but the time out definitely helped her feel a lot better.

And after Robin gets off work, he and Sigrid meet with Anya and Haru for a celebratory dinner! The two birthday girls are more than happy to see each other and happy to have a buddy to traverse into the next stage of life together with -- one that includes extra fine lines, gravity taking its course, and hot flashes. So many hot flashes.

The two couples even managed to get seated and dining within two sim hours! (a major feat I'm not sure how I pulled off 😵‍💫)

Having a calm evening out without the kids and celebrating the end of their once plentiful youthfulness while looking towards a future with hopefully much more wisdom was just what this group needed.

While the men take care of the tab, the girls get a moment outside to get some fresh air and chat.

Anya: Well, this certainly has been nice. No kids, just us adults. And now, I guess we're really adults.

Sigrid: Trust me, my knees are already feeling that title.

The two giggle.

Anya: No, but seriously, I can't believe this time has come. You know, my mother's life was so short. She missed out on things like this. She and my stepfather could only dream of what we have.

Sigrid: I know the feeling. Getting older always scared me because it always felt like I was simply getting closer to the end. I don't want to live in fear, though. I want to live. For my girls, for Robin, and for me.

Anya: You know, it's really nice having someone around who understands just what I've been through. I mean, I have Robin, but he was too young. Plus, boys.

Sigrid giggles again.

Sigrid: Well, guess we can feel good knowing that we'll always have each other.

Anya: You're my sister for life. Don't think you can ever get rid of me!

Sigrid: Wouldn't dream of it, sis.

After saying their goodbyes, Robin and Sigrid head home.

Sigrid: You know, I really did have a good day today. No, scratch that, it was a great day.

Robin: That's great to hear. I really tried to corral the girls into doing their part, and Sabrina was more than happy to have an excuse to not head into the restaurant for a few hours.

Sigrid: And the choice of dinner was also great. Seriously, Robin, you've made this birthday so much bearable for me. I'm not exactly thrilled to be getting older, but the future doesn't seem so scary anymore, and a big part of that is thanks to you.

Robin takes Sigrid's hands in his.

Robin: We've been together for many years now. We've celebrated and mourned, watch each other grow as individuals and create a family together. Some sims might wonder, "do they ever get tired of one another"? As a teenager, I couldn't quite imagine what this far in the future would look like for me, but teenage me would be so ecstatic that it ended up like this. From the moment I met you, I knew that no matter what else happened, you were going to be part of my future.

Robin: Well, I got you one more little thing.

Robin pulls out the classic rose, reminiscent of their first date together. Sigrid's eyes light up.

Sigrid: Ever the romantic, even all these years later.

She takes a deep inhale, enjoying the scent.

Sigrid: It's lovely, Robin. Thank you.

Robin: Anything for you.

Sigrid: Will you ever get tired of spoiling me?

Robin: You kidding? It's my life's mission. Spoiling my girls, especially my special girl.

Sigrid: You are... the greatest man I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. When I first met you, I felt safe for the first time in my life. I could allow myself to not think of the future as dark and scary and see the potential in it.

The space between them begins to close.

Sigrid: Maybe as a teenager you couldn't see the future, but for me, you were always my future.

Robin nuzzles closer.

Robin: I love you. Forever and always.

Sigrid: Forever and always.

[faunabella]

sharing my thoughts so far on the huniepop characters because why not

lola was the first girl i met. she's cute and pleasant and i like her well enough! but her flight attendant looking outfit makes me uncomfortable for some reason? also she seems so ambitious i feel like a loser compared to her 🥺 cute but considering its a dating sim i feel like shes too good for me.

nikki i cannot stand. disliked her in the past and i hate her now. why is everything that comes out of your mouth so negative? girl be quiet. i dont caaare i am not here to appease you. im also not really into dyed hair or glasses or gamer girls so shes a very hard pass. dont know why all the youtubers like her so much.

audrey is okay. i liked her when i was younger for some reason. she is indeed a Mega Bitch. i dont like substances so she loses points for that. during a date she calls the player a good girl which was kinda... 😳 so she gets points for that. otherwise not my fave but i dont dislike her, either. would hate her irl, though lol

fr some reason i love kyanna. she's soo cool and bright and spunky. i feel a bit inferior to her since she's v active and has a kid?? like waow ok let me just stay out of ur way 😳 but yeah one of my faves. she's really cool and positive but also will talk shit if needed which is kinda fun to watch. usually i hate drama but she felt justified.

tiffany is alright, too. she's cute and nice and respectable. i feel like we have too much in common personality wise so she's a lil boring but i still like her! she just doesnt excite me in particular on her own so far. i see potential for me to like her more, though for now i mostly like her platonically.

i have little to say about aiko. she's ok. i haven't spoken to her much so maybe i'd like her more if i got to know her better? kinda negative but not to where its annoying like nikki. i feel fixated on making her destress more than any sort of flirting.

beli i liked when i was younger. now shes a lil more boring to me but i do still like her!! she's cute and i admire her spirituality. i think she was my fave back then. somehow she feels a lil off to me though. idk it feels like she'd be one of those moral high ground types. i guess we'll see.

finally jessie. i didnt think id like her since im not into blondes and dont remember liking her when i was younger but... 😳 i like how condescending she is, like going along with ur flirting but also calling u adorable and making it clear she's older than u and doesn't quite take u seriously. obsessed. using ur sex appeal to get others to pamper u? yeah im down with that.

oh and kyu i remember u can date her at some point too. pretty annoying ngl. shes so rude and full of herself. insult me one more time i dare you. relaxed to the point of being careless and disrespectful. way too annoying to see any appeal in her tbh.

and those r my thoughts so far <3

[cloudberry-sims]

A Decade Through Time: The Alderberg Legacy: Year 1588

Audrey is getting married and William will roll for adult part 1!  

From the Beginning I Currently 

In 1588 , the wonderful news of the orphan girl , Audrey Dawne betrothal to the baker Thomas Mildmay echoed across the village.Here is the story-

The young maiden was raking the autumn leafs away as the man approached her in a gentle and warm way in that of a close friend, which they were after 2 years of friendship. 

He took her hands sweetly and asked if he would lend him her ear as he spoke these words:

Thomas: Audrey , you have the eyes of emerald green and hair red as flames , I wish to see you next to me throughout my earthly stay. If you would take me as your groom and be my bride , I would be the happiest man alive. 

Hearing such sweet and genuine words , words she has been hoping and preying to hear each day made Audrey all warm and happy. She accepted yet asked Thomas to talk with William too about their betrothal.Thomas agreed!

William was dumbfounded when they told him , he had no idea that Audrey knew Mr. Mildmay so well to ask for her hand in marriage. He was hesitant to answer.   

But then William looked at Audrey for a moment , realizing she was no longer a child but a grown woman .It would be selfish of him to deny her the happiness that he was thankful for in a marriage he choose. So , if Thomas is the man she wanted , he would have his blessing. 

Audrey and Thomas married the next month at the church on the last day of autumn. 

Even though Audrey was orphaned , she was happy that all her half-siblings and their families wanted to attend the wedding. 

William along with Rebecca sat were Geoffrey and Mary would have with Thomas’s mother. He hopes that married life for his youngest sister will be a blissful one. 

Her beloved nieces and nephews were also very happy for their aunt , the girls marveled during the wedding , whispering that one day they will be brides themselves. 

With a kiss , Audrey was no longer Audrey Dawne , but Mrs. Audrey Mildmay , wife of Thomas the baker. 

Life moves quickly in Outland , and it was most noticeable with the children. Ursula had celebrated her 6th birthday shorthly before Audrey’s wedding. 

She was still very much a good , excitable girl .She knew that her family wasn’t rich or wealthy , so she used her imagination to solve issues regarding money. A frugal and thoughtful girl , much to the joy of her guardians. 

Even though she was a beloved member of their family , Ursula knew that she was different, with dead mother and  no father to call her own. Maybe it was why she desperate wanted approval and friendship of Esther Kellogg. 

Ursula felt that Esther was more similar to her - a dead mother and raised by other sims , Esther by her father and stepmother and Ursula by her aunt and uncle. The difference was that Esther knew her father , while Ursula did not. Even though other sims thought Esther to be rude and inappropriate , she didn’t judge Ursula at all. 

By the winters first snow and the last day of the year, William celebrated his 30th birthday. 

He hadn’t realized that he was getting so much older , it felt like yesterday when he was 15 years old. 

He hopes that he will continue to live many happy years with his children and wife beside him, something he knew his own father never got to have… 

Honestly I love writing wedding proposals XD it's so much fun and I didn't even realize that I made Thomas almost rhyme!   

[the-first-date]

A conversation with Ashley Pecorelli [25/F/Brooklyn]

Madge Maril: So, first things first, tell us a bit about yourself — hobbies, job, dog.

Ashley Pecorelli: Well! I am a queer mental health counselor-in-training (and hope to make mental health resources accessible to LGBTQ adolescents)! Besides REAL hobbies which I definitely have (?) I enjoy watching Property Brothers with my lil dog, Mitski, thinking about the Twilight saga at all times, and using The Sims to cathart. It is way harder than I thought it would be to write something about myself wow.

MM: Real Tinder bio hours.

AP: So my Tinder bio was most recently (I guess still is) a transcript of the ticket girl video, specifically when she says that she called the police station to see if she could serve jail time instead of paying the ticket. It says all you need to know about me.

MM: I'm going to find this video and hyperlink it. Did tinder work for you? I guess "work" being that you are now in love, as I gather.

AP: https://youtu.be/EujUx_82Bxs one step ahead of you. So I guess Tinder did "work" for me! Although honestly I never felt that it was overtly working against me because when I started using it in earnest, I really wasn't looking for something in particular.

MM: Ooo, I've never thought about tinder working against us. Though I definitely think it has for me before. 

AP: I started using it right after I got out of a long, damaging relationship, dated around a bit and had fun and didn't have fun and then found someone who is also With Her (Ticket Girl). How do you feel it worked against you? 

MM: Oh no, you're turning the table!

AP: Oops.

MM: Honestly, I can readily admit that I download tinder A. way too fast after a breakup and B. to get compliments from men. I just swipe and swipe and swipe.

AP: True, it's honestly the ultimate game. Total sensory overload in one sense but in another sense also total sensory deprivation.

MM: Oo yeah. For me it's complete escapism, and I only really responded to people who were treating it the same way. So no good. But — what inspired you to first start looking for something in particular? I.e. what do you think inspired you to really pursue finding someone?

AP: Honestly, I truly did download it way too fast after a breakup, like the same day hahaha. But I guess for me the breakup was more a final escape and the first time I felt any sort of emotional (and sexual, sadly) agency, so once I got out I wanted to start exploring that as quickly as possible. I really didn't know what I wanted until I started seeing people and seeing things I did like and things I didn't — but the truly WILD thing was, even when a person and I truly just were not a good fit, I saw what healthy romance and sex is SUPPOSED to look like and understood that I had previously had no idea what the bare minimum level of being treated like a human is. Which is pretty sad and dark! But was also really exciting, to get crushes or feel NO spark or make out with a woman in a bar or have someone listen to the album you recommended them.

So all of that, the good and the bad and the platonic and not platonic, was great, in retrospect. But then I met my current partner (lol) and realized that it could be way more than just the bare minimum, and could be something I really didn't think existed. Not just love (because somehow I've never doubted love's existence) but true understanding. 

MM: Damn. Thank you for sharing that. Let's talk about those interactions — the dates. The million dollar question: What do you wear on a first date?

AP: Hell yeah now the JUICY BITS. So on a first date, I typically try to look hot (obviously) but also somehow represent myself to the other person in almost an experimental way. Like I try to put on something I myself would feel really awesome in, and if for whatever reason that's not their idea of hot, fuck them! That's my whole mentality anyway. 

My favorite first date outfit has been my black vintage T-shirt with two dragons dueling over a castle, knotted up to show a bit of not abs-abs, high-waisted black jersey peg pants (that feel like pajamas), chunky black platform boots, and whatever big weird earrings I bought on my most recent whim. If they don't like the dragon shirt, they ain't shit.

MM: Black jersey peg pants? What are peg pants?

AP: It's actually these very particular pants from ASOS.

MM: WOW these are the pants of dreams.

AP: SO comfortable, SO flattering — basically have the look of something Audrey Hepburn would wear but way more accessible and comfy.

MM: The pockets! The high rise! The cropped cut! I get it. 

AP: SO GOOD right???

MM: Do you think you also factor in what the person you're going on a date with will find hot? Do you take into account their age, gender, all that? 

AP: Oh, totally. Honestly most especially with other women, but people of all genders for sure. I think when I go to pick something out I kind of picture what I know about them (however little) and what their sensibility might be when it comes to style and aesthetics and ~hotness~. I also think the more I have felt unsure about someone or the way things are going, the harder I try to almost make up for it.

MM: Completely agree. Dating women ups the ante.

AP: It totally does! And then I think about her and wonder if she's doing the same thing.

MM: Do you wear perfume or makeup on a first date, too? (Also yes... I mean if we're all thinking it then SHE has to be thinking it, too. Right?)

AP: Yes! I wear whatever my signature scent is — I say this because I always have one, but it evolves every so often. My favorite one for over a year now has been from & Other Stories. Makeup wise, I just try to look like what I would look like on the hotter end of the everyday spectrum. Basically meaning... the addition of foundation and multiple shades of eyeshadow. It's taken me a long time to get to this point, but I've become kind of obstinate in that only I am allowed to be mean and critical to me. I can be as mean to myself as I want but either you like what you see or you don't! (Please like me.) 

MM: And that's reflected in your makeup, you think? More so than the clothing? Drop the & Other Stories fragrance name!! 

AP: Okay so it was Fig Fiction, which was such an amazing beautiful warm awesome scent! They discontinued it though (the last time I found it I bought three bottles). Now I use Sicilian Sunrise, which is pretty similar! 

I think yes, more reflected in makeup. Simply because I am almost always going to dress in a way that makes me happy (if I've done laundry recently) but I'm not always going to put on makeup, so the makeup should just be closer to what you're gonna see all the time.

MM: Ok, so then the makeup is on. And the T-shirt and peg pants are on. Is it always the chunky black platform boots? Why? Because that's a constant power move IMO.

AP: The chunky black platform boots are truly ideal for many reasons: They're cute, they're sturdy, they subtly make me three inches taller (I need every inch), they'll hold up in rain or snow, and they'll allow me to do some damage to your face if you turn out to be a creep. And (drumroll) I got them on Poshmark for $10.

MM: No!! Do you know the brand?

AP: You're not gonna believe this but H&M. I do not shop at H&M for many reasons and would NEVER buy shoes from there but I took a shot on these because they were secondhand and they've held up impressively well. Almost everything I own was thrifted for financial and sustainability reasons, but these are truly a marvel.

MM: What does that word mean to you, specifically? Sustainability.

AP: Honestly I do not feel qualified to talk about sustainability at all! But to me, it's complicated. I grew up in a lower-class, financially insecure family while most of my friends were wealthy, so my family would either buy clothes secondhand or from a discount store. As a kid, this was really embarrassing to me to not have a closet full of Limited Too or Abercrombie, which obviously feels silly now. I'm still working class and financially insecure, so it's very difficult for me to buy from stores or brands that (at least claim) to ethically produce clothes because they're generally really, really expensive. That's the case for most of this country, including many people who are way worse off than I am. Thrifting is good for me because it allows me to get clothes when I need them at a low cost while also reducing environmental impact, but I don't think it's reasonable to make a judgement call on what any one person "should" be doing in the name of sustainability. Any one person can do whatever is comfortable to them, we can all try within our means! But at the end of the day, the real damage (and real opportunity for impact) is coming from big corporations and the government's actions. I don't think you can truly think about whatever sustainability means if you're getting mad at someone for shopping from a retail chain because it's all they can afford. Okay that was a lot and I have no idea where I was even going with that, sorry! I feel in many ways not educated enough to have feelings about this.

MM: Don't apologize! There's no set definition for the word, it's unique to all of us. And the Limited Too envy was real. 

AP: Omg especially when they had the matching outfits for you and your Build-A-Bear... I wanted it so badly. BIG topic.

MM: I can't believe it's been an hour!! I'll wrap this up so you can get back to your sorbet.

AP: Omg it has, wow!!

MM: Final q: Did your last first date go well?

AP: My last first date ended with plans to watch the Star Wars Holiday Special together. This year we're going to watch the Star Wars Holiday Special together in our new apartment. I'd say it went okay!

MM: AWW. On that exceedingly wholesome note — thank you for chatting!

AP: Of course! My pleasure! 

[beaulesbian]

I decided to finally make a part two of this post, it took me half a year longer than I anticipated, but I rushed to finish it at least for June.

🏳️‍🌈 Happy pride month! 🏳️‍🌈

The Watchmaker of Filigree Street by Natasha Pulley – The best kind of subtle romance I have ever read. Includes mysterious pocket watch, solving bomb threats in Victorian London, a lady scientist, changing of future based on occurring events, an adorable clockwork octopus, and so much more! Did I mention the best, most beautiful romance I didn’t even expect to get?? Read it! (mlm main characters)

All out: The No-Longer-Secret Stories of Queer Teens Throughout the Ages by multiple authors, edited by Saundra Mitchell – This book was so refreshing to read!!! Retellings of fairy tales but queer and poc and mostly happy. I enjoyed each of the short story so so much, I don’t have words to say how much I loved this book, just, can we please have more stories like that? Thank you.

Radio Silence by Alice Oseman – Ever wanted a book with a main character boy and girl who won’t end up together by the end of the book? Then this is a book for you. Frances and Aled do not only become best friends who won’t end up together, but there’s even more diverse characters than these two main ones. This book even has an ace (demi) sexual representation, which I was very excited about, and the main character is biracial bisexual girl. There is lot of fandom talk and a radio show drama (kind of similar to Welcome to Night Vale). But also talks about other important topics like deciding that college might not be for everyone despite them being a great student in high school.

Not Your Sidekick by C.B. Lee – It’s a cute and sweet superhero themed futuristic story, first book of a trilogy I think. The main character is Vietnamese American bisexual girl, Jessika Tran, whose parents are both superheroes, but she doesn’t have any powers. She starts working for a company she later discovers belongs to town’s villains, but with time she learns that not everything about superheroes and villains is perfectly black and white. Also she’s working there with her crush, so that’s a bonus. It’s a really great book, there’s wlw romance and lot of diversity, action and silly scenes. The history behind the people’s superpowers and worldbuilding was really interesting too. The sequel is also already out, featuring a poc trans boy as the main character, who is part of Jessika‘s friend squad.

The Gentleman‘s guide to Vice and Virtue by Mackenzi Lee – A book everyone here should read!! A historical roadtrip with lot of angst, fluff and mutual pining of two of the main characters. It takes place in 18th century Europe. Monty is kind of an asshole, some moments you will hate him then you will love him, but as the journey progresses so does he. He travels with his sister, Felicity, and his best friend (and crush!) Percy, to visit few cities in Europe before he has to start work in his fathers company. This book addressed lot of issues, like white privilege and racism in that time period, sexism and ableism. But it’s also an adventurous book that’s funny and charming, and makes you feel really happy one moment and sad the next. There are also pirates!

Dreadnought by April Daniels – This is a first book of a duology about a lesbian trans girl Danny who receives superpowers after witnessing death of the superhero Dreadnought, which means she now has to become the new Dreadnought. But with the powers also becames real the ideal vision of her body, that she always wanted. She is very happy about it, but it also means she has to face her family and best friend and explain why she looks different. On top of that she has to help the other superheroes with stopping the new threat to the city, the villain who killed previous Dreadnought. Trigger warnings for transphobia, but it’s really worth to read.

Mask of Shadows by Linsey Miller – I’ve seen mixed reviews of this book but personally I loved it. It’s a fantasy YA with lgbt protagonist, that I don’t have enough of. Sal is a genderfluid, also bi? pan? thief who enters a competition to become one of Queen’s Assassins. Basically the last one standing (or rather living) takes the place. Sal knows how to fight and survive but also needs to learn other things to win this position. Like taking classes of writing/reading which teaches him a lady of court they previously stole something from, whom Sal quickly starts to like more than they should, with the competition at play. For me it was a really great book to read and I can’t wait to read the sequel!

The Upside of Unrequited by Becky Albertalli – I had to read this one quickly before Leah on the offbeat came out, and it was a joy to read this one too! Again so much representation, I love Becky’s books and the Simon vs world. This story is about Molly who has had a lot of crushes but never actually dated anyone. She’s jewish, has anxiety, is fat, loves her family, is very creative, and has another crush on a guy who is her coworker. There’s so much cuteness in this book, I was smiling and crying the whole time reading it. More for representation: her sister is gay, she has two moms, a new Korean-American pansexual friend (who her sister totally likes) and more. I need to meantion trigger warnings for fatphobia, because of part there with her relative, it made me cry so much, it was very reletable and I hated it but there was very good closure for it in the end, which I’m happy about. Anyway read this book, overall it’s a cute and happy book with lots of fluff!

Leah on the Offbeat by Becky Albertalli – I loved Leah from the Simon vs book, so I was really happy we got more focus on her. She’s fat and funny, unapologetic about who she is, in her words: “basically your resident fat Slytherin Rory Gilmore”. There was mentions she likes boys as well as girls. Because of a tour for her college she goes with Abby to see where she will live the next few years and stuff happens. And then there’s also their high school prom, which she thought she was ready for, but maybe she’s not ready for at all. I’m not even going to write more, it’s an amazing book, I cried so many times.

Timekeeper by Tara Sim – This story takes place in a Victorian era Britain where clock towers are needed for time to flow correctly. Therefore there is lot of mechanics who repair said clock towers, because if the clock stops, the town around it stops in time as well. The main character Danny is one of those mechanics in London, but his father is trapped in a town that Stopped and Danny needs to find a way to save him. But after someone tries to sabotage a clock tower in a small city, Danny is assigned in that town to fix it, and he eventually finds out that the myths he heard – that in clock towers could sometimes be seen beings, spirits of the towers – might actually be true. This book was so nice to read, there was the atmosphere of the Victorian era, mystery, cute mlm romance and awesome female characters.

I’ll give you the sun by Jandy Nelson – I cried a lot reading this book. At first it actually took me few months to read past first two chapters, because the writing style was so different from what I was used to, but after that I got absorbed in it very quickly. It’s a story about two siblings, Noah and Jude Sweetwine, who both go through some difficult times, with family, school and personal stuff, it’s about making mistakes and fixing mistakes. It’s about love, art, sibling struggles and growing up.

Other books that I read and loved and definitely recommend:

Of Fire and Stars - Audrey Coulthurst (f/f fantasy romance)

We are the Ants –  Shaun David Hutchinson (m/m)

In Other Lands -  Sarah Rees Brennan (bi mc, m/m)

Release – Patrick Ness (m/m)

Our dark duet – V.E. Schwab (sequel of duology, agender character, not much romance at all in this duology, it‘s one of my favourites)

A Conjuring of Light – V.E. Schwab (a beautiful fantasy, last book of trilogy, happy ending for m/m pairing whose each story is important throughout the whole series. Again, one of my favourite series)

Magnus Chase and the Ship of Dead - Rick Riordan (I don‘t want to spoil here but it‘s good, genderfluid representation since book two, more in this final book)

Ice crypt - Tiana Warner (sequel of the Ice Massacre, wlw romance between mermaid and human girl, who knew each other since childhood, there is third final book, Ice Kingdom, already out, but I still haven‘t read it..)

Happy reading!

(tagging few people who i think might enjoy it ♥♥: @eradne, @poefinn, @twomillionfreckles, @eliotcoldwater, @queen-max, @tsukiyam-a)

[theoceanswaves0]

New Friends for Marinette AU - Part 3

Part 1 here. Part 2 here.

It’s that time again. Time to gather around and speculate about crossover friendships that Marinette absolutely needs and deserves.

Peter Parker/Spiderman (Spiderman: Homecoming/MCU)

The most obvious choice out of any potential crossover friendship. Like I don’t know how I didn’t mention this one up until now. For the record, I chose MCU Spidey just because it’s the one I’m most familiar with right now. Not that I’m familiar with Andrew Garfield Spidey, but his seems the most cocky and I think that’d rub Marinette the wrong way.

There are two major ideas I like for these two. One is them being pen pals and telling each other about their hometowns. Maybe when the opportunity to go to New York with Audrey Bourgeois comes up, Marinette mentions it to Peter, and he gets excited he might get to meet her. Whether or not she immediately follows up on it, she does eventually meet him in person. My other favorite idea is that they combine their areas of expertise and create some of the most powerful and fashionable super suits imaginable. Imagine them interning under Edna Mode or something. 

(Future) Trunks from Dragon Ball Z

Out of everything I’ve picked, this is probably the one most likely stretching it. But like... my boy here had a rough time growing up. Honestly? He needs some friends. Just like, any friends at all. I mean, yes, he had Gohan, Mai and his mom, but he still deserves more friends.

The thing they share in common most are values. Marinette is certainly more ambitious (in terms of what she wants for the future), but at the end of the day, they both want to do the right thing. Mari isn’t Ladybug for status or attention, she does it to save Paris and everyone that she loves. All the interviews she does for the Ladyblog or for Nadja is because she wants to do them a favor rather than caring for the attention. And Future Trunks... do I really need to explain what the apocalypse did to this guy? Out of the Goku-Vegeta-Trunks Saiyan trio, Trunks fits the mold of traditional hero the best, since he isn’t focused on trying to become the best or fighting opponents at their strongest. Even if Marinette can’t handle hand to hand combat with DBZ verse villains, I think Lucky Charm would still offer something like a distraction or means of helping evacuate civilians to help lighten Trunks’ burden. Or imagine if Trunks could just sense where Hawkmoth is and end the series.

Trunks is probably a bit more serious and grounded compared to some of these other picks, but I think he’d offer the most differing perspective for Marinette to consider (she grew up with a loving family in a stable environment and has a pretty normal life, he never knew his dad and growing up and watched androids basically kill the planet he lives on, and then after everything gets better, it gets worse). He’s also capable of having fun when the time comes for it (if you go by the movies, he goes to both the beauty pageant and picnic/cherry blossom viewing with Krillin and co), he just doesn’t usually get to.

Oh, yeah, they’ve also done time travel before so that’s something to talk about.

Lyndsay (MySims Kingdom)

Lyndsay pretty much fits the supportive best friend mold, but has her own ambitions of going on adventures and exploring so she isn’t entirely dependent on one person. She’s assertive, ready to stand up for her opinions, but also willing to apologize when she’s wronged somebody (i.e Buddy on Uncharted Isle). Lyndsay is also shown socializing with all of the different Sims you meet on your journey, and generally takes at least mild interest in whatever their hobbies and specialties are, so there’s no doubt she’d listen to Marinette’s creative passions with intent. Side note, but Marinette being in the MySims universe would be the best thing ever, because she gets all of the freedom to create and design new things, and having Lyndsay at her side gives her a reliable companion at all times.

ALTERNATIVELY: Buddy, for pretty similar reasons to Papyrus. The only difference is that I think Marinette would have even less problems getting along with Buddy, since there’s no chance of accidentally reading him as self-centered. Although Buddy is more goofy overall (see his dialogue while riding the boat in MySims Kingdom or when he tries to help you herd cows at Roxie’s ranch), his heart has been shown to be in the right place and some of his approaches are actually fairly reasonable (his approach to persuade Princess Butter rather than Lyndsay’s desire to use force).

[ltdedngallery-blog]

THE BIG INTERVIEW / AUDREY KAWASAKI

(First Published 

AUDREY KAWASAKI HAS HAD AN ACTION PACKED FEW MONTHS – HER SOCIAL MEDIA PAGES HAVE BEEN PACKED WITH AMAZING PHOTOS FROM HER RECENT SHOW AT THE MERRY KARNOSKY GALLERY  (ALONGSIDE TARA MCPHERSON AND DEEDEE CHERIEL), THERE ARE ALSO THE OBLIGATORY PHOTOS OF BEAUTIFUL FOOD AND DRINKS, BUT HOLD ON! AMONGST HER BEAUTIFUL ARTWORK THERE ARE ALSO A NUMBER OF PHOTOS OF… WAIT FOR IT… NORWICH.

IN THE UK, NORWICH, UNFAIRLY PERHAPS, HAS SOMEWHAT OF LESS THAN GLAMOROUS REPUTATION. IT COULDN’T BE MORE DIFFERENT THAN AUDREY’S HOME CITY OF LOS ANGELES. SO WE HAD TO FIND OUT JUST EXACTLY WHAT AUDREY HAD BEEN DOING IN THE WET AND WILD FLATLANDS OF NORFOLK?

LTD/EDN: Hi Audrey, let’s cut to the chase, Norwich? Norfolk? What is going on?

Audrey: My fiance lives there!

Fiance? Wow, congratulations, that’s lovely news and explains a lot! So will we see a lot more of you in the UK? We’re not expecting Norwich to be the home to your next solo show, but how do you like Norwich, Norfolk and the UK?

I’ve visited Norwich a total of three times this year (with a fourth on the way), and spend a good amount of it exploring the surrounding Norfolk areas. I fell in love pretty much at first sight. Soooo unlike where I grew up in LA. Its’ like a fairy tale world really, with its history and old building and cobble stone streets, so much character. I was worried the cold and cloudy skies would be tough for me, but when walking through the city, you realize its very fitting, and all a part of the beauty of the landscape.

What are your favourite Norfolk hotspots?  Have you tried a Full English breakfast? And what about the Great British pint at a Great British pub? A fan?  

Yes! my first full English Breakfast was at this little place called House. it was amazing! You don’t hear people rave about English foods, but actually food standards are so much better/higher there. Fresh ingredients, even fast food places tasted and felt much better than American ones. Pub food is great. I’m not much of a beer drinker (more of a wine and cocktail drinker), but love the meat pies, fish and chips, bangers and mash. Indian food is also excellent there! I also love how cafes and coffee houses often have delicious sandwiches ready to go. The bread and cheese there is so yummy. Oh! and seafood! Cromer crabs! prawns! every other day I’ll get one of those seafood cups from street vendor/markets.

One thing Norfolk is famous for are turkeys! Will it be turkey for Christmas this year? Where will you be for the holidays? Any Holiday traditions?

I don’t do turkey much, but I did meet a Norfolk Black Turkey. he was magnificent. The low rumbly noise they make! This Christmas, hopefully I will be in Norwich with Rob, my fiance. It’ll be our first Christmas together. I’m very excited to experience the winter holidays in a cold place, looking forward to the cozy warmness, next to a fire place, with yummy hot foods and drinks.

This time last year we released your now sold out Limited Edition silk scarf ‘Under the Full Moon’, it found it’s way under a lot of Christmas trees! Is there anything you are hoping will be under your tree this Christmas?

Um. can’t thinking of anything in particular.

Can you remember what was your favourite Christmas gift when you were a child? Or the gift you always hoped for?

It must have been the Super Nintendo. My little brother and I were all about it. Mario, Donkey-Kong, Sim-Ant, Mario Paint.

So aside from getting engaged and your new found love of Norfolk, do you have any other revelations that might surprise us?

I can be a video game geek sometimes and my favorite book/audiobook setting is post-apocalyptic.

Video games? What type of games do you play? What are your all time favourite games?

I like RPG’s and first person shooter adventure games, with a strong story line. ‘Fallout 3’  can quite possible be my favorite, as of now. but then again, ‘Last of Us’ and ‘Dishonored’ were really good too. I also love city building simulation, building, managing, and growing.

And what post-apocalyptic books should we be checking out?

Hmmm, I’ve gone through so many, mostly audiobooks when working. I can’t really recall a specific one though..

Most sane people fully acknowledge that one day the Zombie apocalypse will be upon us, how will you cope? How are your survival skills?

In my head I’m a tough bad ass!! but in reality probably not so much…

I could never get sick of mysteries, ghost stories, and strange and creepy things.

So Halloween must a favourite holiday then?  We loved your Boardwalk Empire costumes in 2013. What was your costume this year?

I was Ramen Noodles! hand made, hand sewn with felt.  I think making crafty things may be one of my favorite past times.  (oh i love cooking too!)

Lastly one question about your work! What’s up next?  Anything you are really excited about?

No big solo shows this year, a few group shows scheduled for next year, and I will be curating a fun show in the summer at Giant Robot. I’m putting together a book of my works, hopefully that will be ready at some point.

Also, possibly attempting at my first mural painting!

Wow! Where is this lucky wall? Please say Norwich…

There’s a few talks here and there. will keep you posted, but no, not Norwich. I need to do a solo show in the UK though someday.

We need that too! Thank you Audrey and Happy Holidays!

[boricuareads]

20 Anticipated Reads of ‘18

It seems like yesterday that I was gearing for the books released this year, but 2017 has come and gone and I’m intent on leaving it behind. There are so many great books I’ve had my eye on for this year, so here goes my list below the Read More:

Blanca y Roja by Anna-Marie McLemore – 2017 has been the year of reading all of her books and now I can’t imagine not reading anything by her. [Also, finally, she gives us the sapphic latinx fairytale retelling we needed (or maybe it was just me?)] To be released Fall 2018.

The Dark Descent of Elizabeth Frankenstein by Kiersten White – Another author I discovered this year! After reading And I Darken and Now I Rise, I’m so excited for this book! To be released Fall 2018.

Bright We Burn by Kiersten White – Of course, I need the third installment of this brutal saga. I need more of Lada’s ruthlessness and Radu’s pragmatism. I love this saga so much it’s not even funny. To be released July 2018. (Read the Goodreads blurb here)

A Blade So Black by L.L. McKinney - It’s been pitched as a mix of Alice in Wonderland and Buffy the Vampire Slayer, and it has a black rotagonist, so count me in! To be released in 2018.

Aru Shah and the End of Time by Roshani Chokshi - Having already read the excerpt from Chapter 1, I’m so READY! I really admire the work the Rick Riordan Presents imprint is doing by allowing marginalized authors of color write their own middle grade books a la Percy Jackson with mythology from their own cultures, since this prevents the trend of white authors using and exploiting mythologies that aren’t theirs to begin with. To be released March 28th, 2018.

Chainbreaker by Tara Sim – The second of the Timekeeper series, I’m so excited to witness the return of a beautiful cast of characters, and this time, they’re travelling to India! Knowing how important this book might be for diasporic/mixed-race Indian readers who rarely see themselves in YA novels, let alone Fantasy books, this book is bound to be amazing. I’ve already pre-ordered it on Amazon, so make sure you do too! To be released January 2nd, 2018.

Love, Hate and Other Filters by Samira Ahmed – A contemporary YA with an Indian-American Muslim teen at the center of it? Inconceivable! However, Samira Ahmed actually conceived it and I’m looking forward to its debut on January 16th, 2018.

Let’s Talk About Love by Claire Kann – A book centering a black biromantic ace woman as its protagonist in 2018? It’s more likely than you’d think! It’s also #OwnVoices, which makes it all the more enticing for my grubby little gay hands. To be released January 23rd, 2018. (Here’s an excerpt from Swoonreads!)

Markswoman by Rati Mehrotra – This book has a “highly trained sisterhood of elite warriors” in a South Asian-coded setting. What’s better than that? This book will be the debut of Mehrotra and the beginning of the Asiana series.  To be released January 23rd, 2018.

Another middle-grade Fantasy with an Indian protagonist, The Serpent’s Secret is Sayantani DasGupta’s debut novel. Laced with Indian mythology, royalty, and a love-triangle for our 12-year old protagonist, I’m actually looking forward to this book that’s being released on February 27th, 2018.

Children of Blood and Bone by Tomi Adeyemi – One of the most anticipated releases of 2018, I would be remiss if I too wasn’t anticipating it. To be released March 6th, 2018. (You can read a chapter excerpt here!)

Inkmistress by Audrey Coulthurst – A bisexual demigod with the power of dictating the future with her blood? Sign me the fuck up! I also heard somewhere they may be a dragon in it which sealed the deal for me. (It’s also tied to the Of Fire and Stars series, which is awesome) To be released March 6th, 2018.

Circe by Madeline Miller – After destroying me with The Song of Achilles, Miller is back with Greek mythology retellings, this time with a female character at the center of it. To be released April 10th, 2018.

A Reaper at the Gates by Sabaa Tahir – I might’ve screamed internally with the ending of A Torch Against the Night, but I’m super hyped for the third installment of this Quartet. I don’t know what else is in store for the main three (Laia, Elias, and Helene) but Oh Boy do I smell Death coming for them. To be released April 24th, 2018.

From Twinkle, with Love by the New Queen of RomComs Sandhya Menon – We all fell in love with Dimple and Rishi in When Dimple Met Rishi earlier this year. Now, we’ll get to fall in love with Twinkle and Neil (or, is it Sahil? ;) ). To be released May 22nd, 2018.

Bruja Born by Zoraida Córdova – The sequel to Labyrinth Lost, we’ll follow Lula Mortiz’s life after coming back from Los Lagos. I’m really looking forward to this release in June 1st, 2018.

Hullmetal Girls by Emily Skrutskie – I think I’ve established how much I love Emily’s The Abyss Surrounds Us duology, so it’s not surprise that I’m already hyped for this book, especially after reading the first chapter’s excerpt. The book will be released on July 17th, 2018. (There’s also a Goodreads Giveaway happening right now and ends on December 1st, 2017)

The Storm Runner by Jennifer Cervantes – Another upcoming Rick Riordan Presents release, this time with a Latina author writing a Mexican MC into Mayan mythology and I’m PSYCHED. To be released September 18th, 2018.

What If It’s Us by Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera – I’m so stoked to see this co-authorship happening right now. Can’t wait for its October 2nd, 2018 release!

Smoke in the Sun by Renee Ahdieh – The sequel to Flame in the Mist, Ahdieh’s deft authorship left a mark on their readers with her twist on the enemies-to-lovers trope set in Feudal Japan. I’m excited to read the sequel, because the first installment left me wanting more. Set to be released on June 5th, 2018.

There are plenty more books I’m looking forward to on 2018 (which you can find on my tbr on Godreads) but I’ll let the year unfold before I can talk more about them. What are some of yours? Send me message or hit me up on Twitter @boricuareads!

[mlek13]

Summer, Year 3: Unofficial Households

There was a lot going on behind the scenes before, during, and after this round.  In preparation for my upper class teens starting university in the fall, I set up a test household to see if I could do an off campus college lot.  I’d tried it before with Eden or New Eden, but I might have missed a step before.  I also wanted to see how inteen would work out for me.  I found three teen townies that survived the downtownie massacre and moved them in, along with a townie adult who became a love interest for one of my students.  Everything worked as it should, gameplay-wise.  But my sims had mixed levels of success.

I also had previously installed a shorter college mod that makes university last four semesters of approximately 2 days each, which happened to be just what I wanted anyway.

Lindsay and Colby happened to be my guinea pigs for teen pregnancy.  Lindsay got pregnant immediately, so I had her hold off on starting university, because I didn’t want to try to age her up while pregnant.  Colby ended up failing out because I didn’t force him to do any university related activities that weren’t in his wants or that he didn’t do autonomously himself.

After giving birth to twin sons, Lindsay went on to complete university.  (She’s my success story in the house.)  She and Colby and their sons have now moved on to play test the new peasant lot I’m building.

Amanda didn’t fair so well.  She started university, then got pregnant by her adult townie boyfriend, Grant.  It was enough to prove to me that young adults could get pregnant, but sadly, she didn’t survive.  After her death, I returned Grant back to the townie pool.  Maybe he can move on with someone else one day.

Before the next season I also had to decide what to do with the Tavern babies that got taken away by social services.  Since I missed who triggered the social worker to come, I couldn’t really choose fairly. I thought I should make it a random choice, but in the end I decided to do what I wanted and what felt right.

I returned Chloe back to Miss Fancey and the two of them moved in with firefighter Allyn who is pregnant with Marshal’s baby.  (I hated that she had to give up her NPC job . . . well, I hate that both of them did . . . but maybe it’s best if Allyn takes a less dangerous position in her condition.)

I brought Marshal over, hoping I could trigger some hint of commitment from him.  He does at least seem supportive of the pregnancy.

He’s there when Allyn gives birth and gives me this look into the camera.  What do you want from me? I’m trying to get you to make a decision.  Do right by Allyn or go for Abigail, just do something.

The baby is a boy named Marlin.

These single moms are doing it for themselves.

I had Fancey open her own restaurant.  (I’m not sure what I’m going to have Allyn do since she had to give up the fire brigade.)

It’s still a work in progress and running a restaurant is not something I have done much in the sims, if at all, so it might take some trial and error.  Dickson volunteers to be the restaurant’s first customer and his dining experience seems to be a success.

I knew what I wanted to do with Chloe right away, but it took me awhile to decide about Phaedra’s babies.  Ultimately, I decided a tavern is no place to raise toddlers and Phaedra made it clear in an earlier conversation that she wasn’t all in to babies, so I ended up leaving Apollo and Pasiphae to the wolves.  But at least they have each other.

No, just kidding.  Really they ended up moving to the orphanage along with the last of Amalia and Horace’s children.  Miriam ended up moving out to go to university with Laurel, but the household is still full and chaotic with one teen, three children, three toddlers, two cats, and a dog.  (Numbers and ages are approximate, some of them aged up while I was playing.)

My simself and Audrey both roll wants to chat with each other when I play their respective lots.  I thought maybe my simself wanted to have a word with Audrey about sleeping with the father of her child, but maybe she’s not as jealous and possessive as I am.  Both of their conversations (each one initiating one) start with them talking about the weather, then they drop a subtle hint about meeting other people, then the conversation switches to some random topic that ends badly.  Somehow they have found their way to being BFFs.  Frenemies might be more like it.  Neither of them had much to do with Brendan or he with them while I played their lots, so maybe they’ve all moved on.  They’re all pretty preoccupied with their businesses, pets, and kids.

As tired as she is, Audrey is obsessed with her daughter, Mallory.  As soon as she aged up to a child, most of her wants are revolving around interacting with her.

I decided Brendan needed some new dogs for breeding puppies for those who want baby animals.  All of the dogs in the adoption pool were male, so I made a new CAS dog for him and accidentally clicked male . . . so I ended up cheating some puppies in.

After a poor showing at the pet store last round, business this season is booming.  Some people actually bought pets instead of just pet supplies this time, so it will be exciting to see what new pets show up next round.

[phantasmkiss]

Calypso

QC Monthly Challenge #19

Billionaire Mason Parsons had an ego, that much was obvious. He'd commissioned an obscenely large yacht, and from what I could tell, it was mostly to impress other people. He loved his new toy so much that he commissioned a website to go with it, and that's where I came in.

I'm a graphic designer by trade, and I made a bid on the job. I couldn't say why he chose me, but he did, and I was determined to live up to expectations. Mason invited me and my daughter to see Calypso herself on a weekend-long holiday off the coast of Newcrest to get a feel for her before I began. How could I say no?

I met his family first, and wondered what I had gotten myself into. His father, Matthew Parsons, was a big-wig investor who'd started out as a "Mailroom Technician," which sounds like a fancy way to say he brought people's mail to their desks. He'd recently married a woman younger than either of his children, and the two were definitely in their honeymoon phase.

Mason's sister, Madison, had a Can I see your manager? haircut, and I recognized her husband, Ramsey Zeng. He was one of those young men who'd made millions launching companies. Chronos magazine had called him a "Tech Guru" and a "Dot-Com Pioneer." He seemed to be trying to talk to their daughter, Audrey, as Madison complained about how long it was taking to set the stairs up next to the yacht.

Finally, the man himself showed up.

I'd dressed my best and was glad of it. For all the Internet stalking research I'd done, seeing Mason Parsons in person was an experience. The ego I'd expected, but not the charm. Mason was outgoing, self-assured, and, dare I say it? Extremely handsome! He welcomed me and my daughter, Alexandria, as though we were the guests of honor, not an employee doing hands-on research and her plus-one.

We chatted for a bit, then he led the way, a brisk breeze ruffling our clothing as we mounted the steps. There we met the pilot, Mitchell Kalani, and the activities director, aptly named Summer Holiday!

We went to the bridge while the crew brought our luggage and readied rooms. I pulled back the scarf I'd worn to protect my hair from the wind and promptly forgot to be nervous in my excitement.

Mason and Mitch explained the navigation equipment to me while Alexandria asked Summer every question she could think of. How fast could Calypso go? (Eighteen knots, though she cruised at twelve.) Who'd built her? (She was based on a design by Christensen Shipyards, originally called Casino Royale.) How big was she? (Forty-six squares long by fifteen squares at her widest.)

I even got to wear the Captain's hat!

Alexandria and I were shown to our rooms by Siobhan (pronounced sheh-vahn) Fyres. Each room had a double bed, a desk and Wi-Fi enabled computer, a lot of storage, and a private bathroom. Alexandria claimed a room on the starboard side, and I was across the hall.

I found something in my room which hadn't been in my daughter's, and began to wonder about our host's true intentions.

Little time passed before we were back out on the deck. It was late afternoon by then, as we said goodbye to Twin Oracle Point and began our journey to sea.

We were called to supper promptly at 7 pm. and the spread was fabulous! Alexandria, Mason and I chose the lobster, though there was also steak, gnocchi, and several things I couldn't quite identify. I ordered a non-alcoholic Purple Rain and Alexandria had something pink that shot off sparks when she first got it!

We were joined by Sims I hadn't realized were aboard, and I got a little starstruck. Apparently Mason's friends include the Landgraabs and the Goths, though Bella Goth was missing during the meal. Geoffrey Landgraab is a really nice, down-to-earth guy, something I hadn't expected, considering his wife's rumored criminal activity.

After supper was karaoke! Some of the guests were a little juiced by then. Matthew's wife, Aura, broke the ice with Madonna's Like a Virgin, which was a little awkward for the rest of us. Mason's niece sang Somewhere Over the Rainbow before being sent off to bed, and she did an amazing job!

I wanted to sing, but didn't have the nerve until Alexandria dragged me on stage. It was tough finding a duet that wasn't romantic, and even harder finding one we both knew, but we finally settled on Good Time, by Owl City and Carly Rae Jepson. It was a lot of fun!

A few Sims wandered off to bed, Alexandria included, though I think she was more interested in gossiping to her friends online than she was in sleeping! The rest of us went out onto the upper deck for music and dancing.

I recognized Alice Spencer-Kim on the piano and waved hello. This would be a nice job for her, but I bet she couldn't wait to get home to her family!

After hours of socialization, I needed quiet, but didn't want to stray too far. I stopped at the edge of the deck to look out over the water. The night was beautiful, buildings along the shore lit up, moonlight reflecting off the water. I wasn't alone for long.

Mason joined me, and for some moments, the silence was comfortable. When he spoke at last, he said some things I won't write, lest my daughter read this!

Our earlier tour hadn't included the master suite, but it was as modern and sleek as the rest of the yacht. It had the usual bed and storage, of course, but also had two walk-in closets, a vanity, and a high-end television.

I took the time to write down notes for my web design before checking out the master bathroom as well.

The master bathroom was as large as my entire suite! It had the same amenities, a shower and a tub, but dual sinks and far more space.

Later I met with Alexandria on deck. She loves kids, and had made fast friends with Audrey. This forced her parents to spend time talking with each other, which seemed to work out. Her mother was finally beginning to relax.

I was talking with Mason when I saw sea turtles off the port stern. They swam alongside the yacht for a moment, but when Alexandria came over, she had missed them!

We talked, and everyone decided to go for a swim, or snorkeling, or simply lounging in the sun. I took Alexandria with me. I spotted the turtles again! This time Alexandria didn't miss a thing, and we watched them for some time.

It was one thing seeing aquatic life from the yacht, but quite another to swim amongst it all. We saw schools of fish below a nearby dock, sea grasses and flowers, and I thought I saw a treasure chest, though I lost track of it in the excitement. Maybe someone else will be lucky!

We returned to Calypso, where the Parsons family was having a casual lunch on the top deck. We ate and talked where the night before we had danced. I decided I had misjudged Matthew's young wife. She really did seem to love him, and he could be as charming as his son.

After lunch, most of the others wanted to lie in the sun. Alexandria and I took that time to go exploring on-board! We started with the door off the dining room, which naturally led to a kitchen.

The kitchen had a double wide refrigerator and two sinks, as well as two dishwashers! I could smell something baking and hear someone moving around in the next room, so we took off before we could get caught!

The kitchen wasn't the only crew area we wandered into. We found an office/lounge as well. It was sparsely furnished, but clean and well-stocked. We talked about taking a skeleton key with us, but didn't actually do it. Anything that was locked up, we were fine staying out of!

The last stop on our private tour was the engine room. I hadn't imagined how much machinery it would take to run a ship of this size! Alexandria and I looked, but didn't touch, and finally we went to rejoin the party.

Mason was with Geoffrey Landgraab in the gym. Summer offered to coach us if we wanted to try the equipment, so we changed into our workout clothes and jumped onto the treadmills!

As promised, it was a bracing environment to exercise! I've rarely had so much fun exercising, though I wasn't at it long before I pulled a muscle.

Alexandria took me to the infirmary, which was small, but had everything I needed. Summer and Siobhan tended to my injury, which was thankfully minor, and I was advised not to overexert myself for the rest of the holiday. I had been very active!

There was a movie playing in the recreation room, and several Sims gathered to watch it, to read, or to play chess. Audrey played a very good game against her grandfather, though he won in the end.

I was feeling inspired, so I brought out my paints and easel. Alexandria watched me for a while, as I began to paint a passing canal boat, but Audrey came to find her, and they left together.

I later found them together, reading The First Unicorn. It was one of Alexandria's favorite books from when she was younger, and she'd brought it in case she got bored. That had never happened, but she had found someone else to share her love of reading!

Supper was amazing again, and this time everyone joined us. The table seated all thirteen Sims, with room to spare!

Alexandria and I stayed up half the night talking about everything we'd seen and done. She confronted me about my feelings for Mason, but I assured her that I have no intentions of settling down any time soon! She swore to me that if he broke my heart, she'd punch his yacht.

Finally, our holiday was at an end. It was hard saying goodbye to the crew, who felt like friends now, hard saying goodbye to the life of luxury, and to Mason.

While Alexandria hugged Audrey goodbye, Mason and I stepped aside to talk. I told him that I didn't feel right beginning a relationship while I was working for him, however distantly. I thought that it would be easier to do the job than to risk my heart after so many years with only my daughter to care for.

He countered with a rose, as fresh and beautiful as the one I’d found on my pillow that first night.

We had exchanged contact information before this weekend even happened, and though I'd heard he was a non-committal playboy, he promised to contact me again. Is this the end of a holiday, or the beginning of something else?

At last, Alexandria and I stood alone on the dock, watching Calypso ready to move on.

Who is Mason Parsons, really? An eccentric billionaire? A heartless rogue? Or is there something more to him, below the polished walls he puts up all around him? Maybe someday I'll find out.

Yacht: Calypso in the Sims 4 Gallery

Parsons Family in the Sims 4 Gallery

Note: Captain’s hat is CC and not included. You can find it here, though.

(Origin ID: PhantasmKiss)

[loorain]

Sims 4 Fontenot Legacy - First Family Outing!

In the afternoon, the family decides to go out and enjoy the nicer weather in San Sequoia at the rec center. Scarlett gets some knitting time in while the young adults focus on the three infants.

But the outing doesn't come without its dips in energy levels, kids and adults alike 😆 while a number of the family settle down for naps, Sigrid works with Audrey to get her crawling like her sister, but it seems she needs just a little bit more time.

And as Sabrina settles Juno down for a nap in the upstairs crib, a familiar face appears in the hallway, which Sabrina notices. They make their way over, questioning their perception in the process but eager to see if they were right. They were.

Sabrina: Bernard, is that you?

Bernard: Sabrina? Oh my goodness, what are the chances!

Sabrina: I know, right? How are you?

Bernard: I'm doing pretty good, you?

Sabrina: Alright. Life's been full of ups and downs. You look awesome, love the new hair.

Bernard: You look great too. So what brings you around these parts?

Sabrina: Just a casual family outing, taking the kids out for some fresh air after a long winter inside.

Bernard: Kids? You're a parent now?

Sabrina: Yup! I have a son, Juno. He's down for a nap in the playroom. Robin's a dad now too, he and his fiancée have twin girls Alma and Audrey.

Bernard: Wow, a lot has changed! I'm sure Armani is thrilled to be a granddad.

Sabrina: Oh... Armani passed a while back now. It was his time.

Bernard: That's too bad, he would've spoiled those kids. What about your mom?

Sabrina: Oh she's fine, thrilled about being a grandma and determined to stay in the best shape so she can see him grow up. I have some pictures, look.

Sabrina pulls out their phone and scrolls through endless photos of the family, which Bernard looks through in contentment.

Bernard: They're all so adorable! It's nice that they're close in age so they can grow up together.

Sabrina: Mhm, just like me and Robin, and Anya too by extension, though she was a bit older and didn't want to hang out with us quite as much.

Bernard: Who's Juno's father?

Sabrina: A guy named Marquise. We're not together, just friends. I'm actually in a relationship... well, we're taking a brief break while I focus on Juno and my business, but yeah.

Bernard: You seem like you're doing well for yourself. I'm glad.

Sabrina: Well, what about you? Anything exciting in your life? A partner maybe?

Bernard: Nah. Just living my life quietly off-screen. It's more my style.

Sabrina: Oh...

Sabrina didn't mean to sound unenthusiastic or awkward. They were genuinely very happy to see Bernard, despite how things ended, but his response made them remember what really happened between them. That Sabrina had broken his teenage heart. Maybe they were the reason they were alone now, because they couldn't bear for the same thing to happen again.

Sabrina: Bernard... I know things ended kinda... not so good between us. I'm really sorry about that. We were young and it was a whirlwind romance. I just want you to know, I don't regret my time with you. I hope you don't have any regrets either.

Bernard: Sabrina, I'm good, really. Life may not have all the intricacies of played sims, but my life isn't bad either. I'm just doing my own thing, and for now, that's enough for me. And I don't regret us. I just wish things ended differently. Friends?

Sabrina: Yeah. Friends.

And outside, the three other adults enjoy a quick bite to eat while keeping an eye on the kids.

Robin: I'd say this was a pretty good time out with the kids!

Sigrid: Yeah! I think it'll gradually get easier to do this as they age. Maybe we can take them camping or something.

Robin: We can take them to the slopes like we talked about way back. Get back into skiing ourselves.

Sigrid: I do miss it, it was really fun.

Robin: Don't worry, I'll get you back in shape.

Sigrid: You? You think you still got it? It's been a minute.

Robin: Please, once I get it I don't lose it. It's okay though, I'll show you the ropes again.

Sigrid chuckles.

Sigrid: Love your confidence, hun.

[loorain]

Sims 4 Fontenot Legacy - Toddler Troubles and Restaurant Renovations

Back after a long break! Life got pretty crazy and I wasn't playing my game at all, but I'm finally back! So, let's get to the updates, shall we?

As the twins' first full day as toddlers emerge, Alma is the first to wake up. It seems although she was a good sleeper in infancy, her days of sleeping well are behind her for now. She wakes up in a mood, and with it being so early in the morning no one else is awake. This allows her to quietly get into mischief.

Alma ends up occupying her free time with exploring the toilet, the adults blissfully unaware in their slumber for a while. However, eventually, someone enters to use the bathroom and discovers the scene.

Scarlett: Oh ho ho, what do we have here? Getting into trouble this morning, are we? Come on, let's find something else for you to do, eh?

Alma's parents eventually wake, but Scarlett insists she's got her. While Sabrina gets ready for the day, Juno wakes and is a little fussy so Sigrid grabs him.

Robin: You're so good with him.

Sigrid: Yeah, he's my little buddy.

Sigrid sighs.

Sigrid: I know the girls only just aged up, but I already miss them at this age. So sweet and cuddly, just wanting to be loved.

Robin: Yeah. It was great.

Sigrid: You know... I wouldn't mind doing it again, you know. I know I said I was done but... maybe, you know? I don't need it, I'm perfectly happy with just our girls, but maybe...

Robin: Well we have time to think about it. Maybe it'll be nice to add one more to the mix. But I agree, Alma and Audrey are more than enough for me. We'll just see where life takes us, yeah?

Sigrid: Yeah, I think that's a good plan.

Renovations to the restaurant have been going well, so today Sabrina makes a visit to the space to check on the progress, which looks really good much to their excitement.

Sabrina: Yeah Mom, the place looks great! Looks like they're almost done, definitely ready for our Saturday opening!

While Sabrina's on the phone, some other familiar faces make their way in.

Lakshmi: Hello, Chef!

Sabrina: Laks! So good to see you girl!

Lakshmi: Great to see you too! I pulled someone else along with me.

Sabrina turns to Nyla.

Sabrina: I see! Hey there stranger, can I get a hug?

Nyla smirks, chuckling.

Nyla: I suppose I can manage one of those.

The trio sit to chat.

Lakshmi: The place really looks great Sabrina! So your style.

Sabrina: Thanks, I think so too. We're just about ready for our grand opening. I'm nervous, but hopefully, it'll go well.

Lakshmi: Well in other news, how's Juno doing?

Sabrina: He's getting so big and learning so much! He's not much younger than the twins so he's going to age up soon! We'll have to start arranging playdates with him and Roddy!

Nyla smiles: I think Roddy will like that! It's so great that he'll have a little buddy to hang out with!

Sabrina: But enough about me, what's going on in your lives?

Nyla: Just focused on being a good mom over here, but I think Laks has got some news to discuss.

The two turn to her, a grin spreading across her face.

Lakshmi: Well... I met someone.

Sabrina: No way! That's huge Laks! Congrats!

Lakshmi: Thanks, it was a surprise to me too. We've just moved in together and are getting settled in, but I think we're about ready to have our first guests over. I'd like to invite you both over for dinner tomorrow night, if you're free.

Sabrina: I think I can work it out with my mom, she loves caring for Juno.

Nyla: It's been a while since I've gotten out for more than an hour or two without Roddy... might be nice.

Lakshmi: You should bring Alex too! Parents' night out!

Nyla: I'll see what he says.

Lakshmi: Sabrina, you should invite Beau too.

Sabrina's eyes widen a little.

Sabrina: Beau? Why should I do that?

Lakshmi: Come on, Sabrina, you've got to face him. The restaurant is almost off the ground. He's given you the space you needed. You shouldn't leave him in the dark like this. A night out together could be what you both need.

Sabrina: I'm not sure. Beau was pretty adamant about things. And... I'm not sure if I know what I want right now.

Lakshmi: Please, just ask? I'd love to have us all together again. It's been so long.

Sabrina: Alright, I'll ask if he's free. And I'll try to keep it together for a night, for you.

Lakshmi smiles.

Lakshmi: Thanks.

While Lakshmi uses the bathroom, Nyla and Sabrina are left alone and have a moment to chat.

Sabrina: So... about our last chat. Look, I'm sorry. You and Alex have been through a lot. I just didn't want you to make a rash decision.

Nyla: You were right, Bina. I was scared. I'm trying not to let my emotions cloud my judgment. Alex and I are in a good spot right now. We're trying to reconnect, trying to see each other as people and not just Roddy's parents. It's taking some time, but I'm hopeful. I think you should try and do the same with Beau. I know it's not exactly the same circumstances, but he wants to be there for you. Don't push him away.

Sabrina nods.

Sabrina: Yeah... I'll try. Maybe Laks is right. Maybe tomorrow will be good for all of us.

Nyla: Guess we'll just have to wait and see, yeah?

Nyla sighs, looking at her friend.

Nyla: I've missed you, Bina.

Sabrina: I missed you too.

[loorain]

Sims 4 Fontenot Legacy - The Twins' Birthday Bash!

The day has come! Alma and Audrey are officially leaving their infant days behind and aging up into toddlers and I'm totally not crying about it.

The family has gathered to celebrate and catch up, with proud parents Sigrid and Robin socializing with guests and keeping the kids entertained.

And then it's time! Alma blows out her candles first and officially ages into a toddler!

And then Audrey gets her turn in the limelight! Sigrid and Robin beam proudly and excitedly at their two tiny tots, more than delighted to witness them growing and learning!

The festivities are wild, as one would expect at a children's birthday party, but the adults do try and make it a point to greet and chat with the guests when they can. It's during this time that Scarlett is approached by a young teen sim.

???: Hi, you must be Aunt Scarlett? I'm Hayden, Colt's girlfriend.

Scarlett: Oh, so you're the mystery girl! Welcome Hayden, it's a pleasure to meet you! I know a toddler birthday party probably isn't your speed but I'm happy to see Colt felt comfortable enough to bring you around. I hope we'll be seeing more of you from now on?

Hayden: It seems likely! Thank you for having me.

Yolanda: Congratulations sis! You've got some very cute tots on your hands now!

Sigrid: I know! It's about to get crazy! Thank you for coming. I'm glad the kids were able to come and meet their cousins too.

Yolanda: We have to make that a more regular thing from now on. Keep the twins together!

Sigrid: Still hard to believe there are three sets of twins in the family now!

Matilda: I have to say, my big bro has some pretty cute kids. Thankfully they look like their mom.

Robin: Ha-ha, you're just jealous because you don't look this good.

Matilda: You keep telling yourself that.

The siblings laugh heartily.

Robin: Seriously, I'm glad you could make it. I know things have been crazy at your place. I wish you got to see the kids sooner than this.

Matilda: Well I'm getting older, I'm getting more freedom so I hope to hang out with my nieces and be the cool aunt they deserve!

Robin: I know they'll love that.

The party was a success and everyone had a very good time! It was late when the family returned home, so the kids were sent straight to bed.

Since the girls have now outgrown their quaint nursery, the family has decided that the upstairs bedroom that was used as a guest room will be their new room. They still need to repaint and decorate the space for two young girls, but for now, Sigrid and Robin tuck them into their new toddler beds for the night.

Once the girls are fast asleep, Sigrid finds herself in the nursery. She looks over their cribs, now empty, and reflects on the journey motherhood has taken her on so far. So much has happened and the girls continue to grow and thrive, transforming in front of her eyes. It's bittersweet seeing them grow up, but she's excited for what's to come.

Robin: Had a hunch you were in here.

Sigrid: Just reflecting. Feels like it was just yesterday I took that pregnancy test, and now we have two little toddlers running around.

Robin: The best surprise of my life. I wouldn't have things any other way.

Sigrid: Robin... you've really been the best partner I could've asked for. The girls love you. And so do I.

Robin: You know I'd do anything for all three of my girls. Thank you for giving me this life. It's all I've ever wanted.

Sigrid: Life is just going to keep getting crazier from this point on. Potty training, teaching them new words, tantrums, the list goes on.

Robin: And we'll face them all together, as a family.

Sigrid sighs contently, pulling Robin in for a hug.

Sigrid: You know, I only got to know your dad briefly and I never got to meet your mom, but I know both of them are so proud to see you be such an amazing dad.

Robin almost feels himself well up with tears at the sentiment.

Robin: I wish they could see their granddaughters.

Sigrid: They see them every day. I know they're beaming with joy.

And that night, Sigird and Robin are able to reconnect in a way they haven't since the twins were born. Their love remains strong despite all the stresses of parenthood, and the future of this family looks bright.