#I miss China moon cakes though

[gaybd1]

It is time

[beyiran]

chuseok / present ˎˊ˗

it took a while for yiran to process that chuseok is pretty much the same as the mid-autumn festival back in china. no wonder the decorations seemed familiar to him, though the mooncakes were a bit more different than what he’s used to. he’s curious about how they celebrate it here, so he ends up spending his day walking around, trying out whatever seems ‘chuseok’ to him.

the mooncakes were cute though, and they were tasty. he buys one of each flavour, or colour, whatever he sees. they’re rice cakes, it’s hard to go wrong with them. though admittedly, he does misses the ones he’s used to— snow skin mooncakes with lotus paste filling. he couldn’t quite find any, or maybe he’s just not in the right place.

yiran brings a small box of songpyeons to his apartment, and brews pu’er tea. he purchased a few bags of pu’er tea leaves online, but they were really expensive. it kinda hurt him inside, but it’s worth it. he puts in some tea leaves in an empty tea bag, and dumps it in a cup of hot water. it’s nothing fancy, really. he eats the songpyeons on his own while listening to some soft music.

“i’m here in korea so… happy chuseok, lao ma,” he says to the polaroid where she was smiling with a fourteen year old yiran, holding lanterns together. thinking about it, he hasn’t played with lanterns in a long while. though, it’s awkward (and pathetic even) if a grown up like him was just playing with them alone in the park. “this is called songpyeon. it looks like a half moon, i think this one has red bean? and this one is chestnut…” he explains to her one by one. then he pauses, mumbling, “i’m sorry, i know i should be having friends to celebrate with outside, but i didn’t felt like it. i just want a quiet night today.”

he wonders how many times he’s apologised to his mother, frozen in time within those photographs.

yiran takes a sip of his tea. it’s too bitter on his tongue, he still prefers it light after all. so he goes to pour half of it into another cup, and fills it with regular hot water to dilute it.

he takes a taste of it to test. now, that's much better.

[nataliedanovelist]

GF - Jolly Sailor Bold

(Spoiler alert: I lied about the “jolly” part.)

Word count: 1431

~~~~~~~~~~

Stan walked into the town that was much bigger than it was when he first came forty-five years ago. It wasn’t that far of a walk and Sixer had always encouraged exercise, though most people would be opposed to a seventy-two-year-old man walking in woods filled with gnomes, tree-giants, Mantours, and Hawktopuses that could attack. But not every old man could still kick butt like Stan could, so he emerged from the trees sharing his name and joined the sidewalk.

First thing he noticed was a small pine tree outside of town, a bit wilted and weak, a sad excuse for a twig with pointy green leaves. Stan caught sight of an abandoned cup of water, smiled cunningly, and tipped the water over with the end of his eight-ball cane; he didn’t really depend on aid for walking, but it was good to have just in case. Before Stan could think to pick up the litter, a gnome scurried over, pick it up, hissed, and ran back into the woods. The old sailor shrugged, his long gray hair shifting at the movement, and he continued on his tiny journey.

At the grocery store, Stan used a small cart for his trip, tucking his cane in it, and wandering for what he needed. He can remember the first time he met Gideon, in this very store, a spoiled baby screaming and kicking for candy he had dropped, but Stan had picked it up and eaten it right in front of the twerp, being the first person in Gideon’s life to tell him “no”. Today was entirely different.

Stan first noticed an old couple his age, bitter and annoyed. The husband had mumbled, “Back in my day, y’all got a good beatin’ for actin’ like that.” Stan then heard the distant crying, and coincidentally, as he walked in his desired direction, he unintentionally came across the crying child.

With his recent years with toddlers and young kids, Stan had learned the difference between an angry scream from a grumpy toddler and a woeful cry from a sad young heart; this was the latter. A young mom with frazzled hair, who looked far too stretched, was rubbing the back of a three-year-old boy, who held a stuffed soldier that somewhat resembled him. Stan sighed, understanding, as he remembered the war going on in China, and reached into the pocket of his trenchcoat.

The tiny boy hiccuped in surprise by the music. His mother turned and saw an old man approach, playing a harmonica with warm brown eyes. She smiled as her son’s crying slowly went away, until all he could do was sniffle with a runny nose.

Stan made his old knees bend so he could be eye-level with the tyke, playing the old lullaby his Ma used to sing forever ago, and he stretched the last note to make the good times stick around. There was a moment of silence, but then the three-year-old grinned, clapped, and caught sight of some long hair over Stan’s shoulder and grabbed the tugged. Stan yelped comedically, making the boy laugh, and his mother squeezed Stan’s shoulder and thanked him before they parted ways.

In order to get home, Stan had to pass a park they had built ten years ago or so, while he was out sailing. It was nice, with a play area and a big field for soccer and football, and it was surrounded by shops and businesses to make it convenient. When Stan was going to the grocery store, the park had been empty, but now a small band of boys were playing soccer, so he paused to watch them for a second. As these games usually go, the ball was getting closer and closer to a goal, and one kid, whose friends were cheering him on excitedly, gave a powerful kick for the point. Unfortunately it was too powerful and too crooked, and it missed the goal entirely and smashed a window of the shop Stan stood nearby.

“HEY!”

Stan laughed and shook his head as the boys were still with fear. “Y’know, a responsible adult would tell ya to own up to whatcha did.”

The door of the tattoo shop flew open with a bang and a huge buff man with skulls all over his body roared, “WHEN I’M DONE WITH YOU BRATS, THE WINDOW WON’T BE THE ONLY THING THAT’S BROKEN!”

“But not me.” Stan added. “SCATTER!”

They all ran in different directions, Stan going down the sidewalk, closer to the edge of town; all those years of being chased by cops or freaking stuff really paid off sometimes. The old man stopped at a park bench in an alley to rest, huffing and puffing and setting his grocery bag down next to him. He had his eyes closed for a second when he heard a painfully familiar phrase.

“Gimme all your money.”

Stan opened his eyes calmly and looked to his left, deeper into the alley, and saw a skinny guy in all black pointing a gun at him. He should be scared, or at least anxious, but one look at the guy’s awful stance destroyed any fear Stan should have felt. He smiled, stood slowly, and asked like he was talking to an old friend. “What in Moses’ name are ya doin’?”

“Mugging you, duh.” The guy snapped.

“With that stance, kid?” He asked, scratching his red beanie-covered head.

“Wh- Just gimme your money, old man!”

“Bad roots make a bad tree, pal.” Quicker than the young man could register, Stan swooped down and used his eight-ball cane to sweep the robber off his feet and stole his gun, leaving the criminal in the mud to watch the ex-criminal drop the bullets with a twirl of the gun.

To the robber’s surprise, Stan held out a hand to him. He took it shamefully, and was even more surprised when Stan was helping him reposition himself. “With a solid stance, you’re a much better threat… wait, move your… there we go! Much better!” Stan held his square, wrinkly chin, and added, “Uh, no offense, but ya don’t look like the criminal type to me.”

“I… you… I…” The young man slumped and closed his eyes, ready to bolt for it, but Stan popped open a can of Pitt and held it out to him.

A few minutes go by and the two are sitting on the bench, sipping the drinks from Stan’s grocery bag, talking about life and women and goals. Stan did a lot of listening and used his experience to lend some much needed advice, sounding like an average joe and therefore easier to relate to and listen to.

“Hey… thanks.” The young man said when he stood up after an hour of talking.

Stan shrugged. “Some wise old man once said that it’s okay to accept help here and there, cuz it’s not often offered, but we need to fix that.”

The now ex-criminal raised an eyebrow with a smile. “Are you that wise old man?”

Stan gave him a sly look. “That’s a secret, kid.”

Eventually Stan did make it back to the Stan O’ War II, docked at the Gravity Falls lake, giving him a homey place with space but also easy company. Soos, Melody, and Jacob were only a twenty minute walk away and always checked on him. He stepped onto his boat with ease, a bit disturbed at how quiet it was here, but he’d fixed that soon.

Stan turned on the lights and sat his bag on the kitchen table. He pulled out a small half-chocolate, half-strawberry cake, opened it, pulled out two candles, got the lighter from his pocket, and lit the twin candles. He then looked at the wall that faced him, his eyes meeting another pair of eyes that matched his own. Stan made his aching body move to take the framed photograph off the wall and set it on the table, next to the cake.

“Happy Birthday, Sixer.” He croaked when he sat back down, his vision becoming blurry. “Why couldn't I’ve helped ya one last time…”

Stan squeezed his eyes shut in a sad attempt to make the tears go away, but it didn’t work. He pulled out his harmonica again and began to play the old lullaby, wondering if his brother could hear or care or even remember the words their Ma used to sing to them.

“Waves coming, The tide is high, As well as the sparkling moon, Matching the stars.

Little sailor bold, Oh, come with me, Brave sailor bold. Come sailing home.”

~~~~~~~~~~

Jacob belongs to @stephreynaart.

[tossawary]

Actually, about the holidays, the big ones would be Chinese New Year and The Moon Cake(Lantern) festival. Except that both of these holidays are mostly spend with families even though technically, they have nothing to do with families. At least now, Airplane have a family to celebrate festivals with. Especially since his sister-in-law is such a good cook, with half of the important festivals being linked with food.

Disregard my previous ask, I figured out a commercial holiday that airplane might miss. 11/11, 11 November, is known in China as Singles day. It is also a holiday when alibaba(a.k.a china's amazon) give massive discounts. It is usually their greatest sales day of the year.

Yeah, since most holidays I know of are a “spend time with other people (friends, family, or community) in some capacity” occasion, I figured that they wouldn’t really be Airplane’s thing. 

Oh, I’ve heard about that! Yes, I can see him missing that a little bit, especially in conjunction with online shopping and random modern appliances. I guess the closest North American equivalent to that would be Black Friday, which I do my best to avoid participating in in any fashion. 

But yes, at least he’s got a family now in “pride is not the word I’m looking for”! And one with cooking skills! So he can celebrate now, although he may feel very weird about it if the holidays are ones he made up completely. 

[ka-za-ri]

Demon Brothers and Mid-Autumn Festival

Happy early 中秋節 !This spawned from me crying over pretty mooncake packaging. And then I fell into a hole of matching the boys to boxes and this Mildy AU stuff happened. Uh... so I know this isn’t the only way to celebrate Mid-Autumn Festival, but it’s mostly based on my experiences and nostalgia. So excuse the super self-indulgence and have fun~ I tried to include links to things that might need some more explaining.

It’s my first time writing headcanons so pls be gentle on me .･ﾟﾟ･(／ω＼)･ﾟﾟ･.

Lucifer

“Mid-autumn festival? I may have heard of this before in passing.” 

“What is this? A Jewelry box?” 

Don’t tell him how long you went looking for the perfect packaging and flavor. 

Doesn’t celebrate the whole week, but will at least sit down with you for a night to share mooncakes

Prefers them without the yolk, but he’s not going to complain if they’re there.

Neatly cuts the mooncake into quarters and has to have it with tea 

Likes the wintermelon filled kind the best. The chewy texture goes better with tea. 

He’ll make an exception for black sesame lotus paste though

Unfortunately too busy to do any sort of moon viewing with you since he’s swamped with paperwork. 

At least he’ll share mooncake and tea with you while he does it 

Keeps the box and actually uses it as a lamp from time to time

You find out he’s using the tins to store wax seals and stamps too

He doesn’t have time for it, but appreciates the small bottle of osmanthus wine you leave at his door at the end of the festival. 

Finds you a month later on the next full moon to sit down and drink it with you. Offer him a Laopo Bing or leftover mooncake to go with it as a snack. (Of course there’s leftover mooncake) 

You share tea and cakes while sitting on a pavilion overlooking a lake. The moon’s reflected on the surface. Lotus flowers are blooming and the sounds of cicadas are in the distance. Wispy clouds float past the full moon but don’t really hinder its brightness. 

He brushes a stray strand of hair out of the way before maybe sneaking in a kiss or two. He’s much more entranced by how you look lit by the moon and not the moon itself.

Mammon

Got gifted a box of them from a designer as a gift after a photoshoot

You may or may not ogle at how pretty the packaging is. He teases you and taunts you with it. Of course they would only gift something so majestic to The Great Mammon. 

Doesn’t bother cutting into them, just eats them like a cookie 

Until he gets to the yolk 

“The heck is this? Who puts salted egg yolks into a sweet thing?” 

Looks up how much the mooncake box from a designer might sell for. 

So many gifted mooncakes

But he doesn’t eat any, unless you show interest in them. 

You find chocolate flavored ones among all the boxes 

Still doesn’t cut the mooncake up, but at least there’s enough to share. He’s less traumatized now that he’s had one that doesn’t have yolks in it. 

Spends the rest of the night sampling all of the weird ‘haute couture’ flavors of the year. 

The strangest one is the truffle and ham flavored one. 

He nearly spits that one in your face

Both of you are rushing to the kitchen to find something to wash away that taste. 

Thankfully there’s the bottle of Osmanthus wine you’ve saved for this occasion

He takes a giant gulp and nearly gags at how strong it is. 

Now you have a partially tipsy Mammon on your hands. 

Take him out on a long moonlit walk to get him sober. 

The air is crisp, the moon is bright, the leaves are just starting to turn color. There’s just a hint of dampness in the air but it’s refreshing. He takes your hand as you’re walking to make sure you don’t wander off. 

Ends the night kissing your forehead and thanking you for sharing so many memories with him this year. 

Doesn’t try to keep any of the boxes and tries to sell them all off if he can unless you find one that catches your fancy, then he’ll just give that one to you.

Leviathan

“Oh my gosh, it’s the Super Rare Limited Edition Ruri-Chan as Chang’e mooncake box?!?!?!?!?!?!” 

He doesn’t care what the flavor is. It’s Ruri-chan

Takes more care of the box than he does the actual mooncake. 

Prefers the small custard filled/lava ones 

They’re easier for snacking while he’s prepping for a raid. 

Raids don’t stop for holidays. Gaming must continue

Invites you to join him one night and gifts you the limited equipment from the current Mid-Autumn festival event in game. 

“It’ll look cuter on your character than mine.” Don’t question him on how long it took him to farm that gear. 

You end up playing games with him all night long and forget to watch the moon. 

Instead, the two of you decide to just watch the sun rise while snacking on the last of the cakes. 

Tea is in order, those things got really sweet really fast. 

The two of you are so loopy from staying up all night, you giggle at the dumbest things as you’re trying to sneak into the kitchen to get something to drink. 

“How long did you wait in line for that box?” 

Don’t tell him you just pre-ordered it like a normal person would. “Oh, maybe a few hours.” 

“Well, I guess I owe you a few hours of time as a thank you.” 

You nearly forget that tea’s done and almost wake up the house from the whistling kettle. Worth it for all the kisses you got in between that time though. 

Satan

“Oh yes, of course I’m familiar with the festival. I’ve read all about it.” 

He’s rather fascinated with how ornate the packaging can get for some sweets. “What’s so special about them?” 

Red bean paste with the yolk 

Cuts the mooncake into six 

Lets you eat on the bed as long as you make sure you don’t get crumbs anywhere. 

His room literally has the best view of the moon. It’s mandatory that you watch it from there.

Lets you gaze at the moon from his bed while he reads. 

Until you interrupt him and start reciting  Li Bai’s Quiet Night Thought. Mostly it’s to yourself out of homesickness

Moonlight before my bed/ Perhaps frost on the ground/ Lift my head and see the moon/ Lower my head and I miss my home. 

And then you start reciting “Drinking Alone Under The Moon” 

You really start drinking and living the drunken poet life. 

“You know, you’re not alone though.” 

He finally puts the book aside and joins you to watch the moon and listen to you recite poetry for hours on end. 

Asks you about Chang’e and listens as you drunkenly ramble off her story all the while nibbling on pieces of mooncake. He offers you the occasional piece so you’re not drinking so much on an empty stomach. 

Keeps the box and the tins but has no idea what to put in them so they end up gathering dust in the room until one day he needs something to put spell components in and he remembers it exists. 

Spends the week watching the moon and listening to you recite poetry or tell fairy stories. 

Often falls asleep in your lap, a half eaten piece of mooncake in hand.

Invites you over for moonviewings even after the festival.

Asmodeus

He can't tell if he should be more impressed by the packaging or by the cake designs. 

Snowskin mooncakes become his favorite

Rose and lychee flavors are preferred

He adores how pretty crystal mooncakes are as well

Absolutely no yolks please 

Refuses to watch the moon with you. Staying up late will ruin his skin care routine 

He will day drink the osmanthus wine you’ve save to go with the mooncakes while you watch operas

It sounds weird to him at first, but the makeup and the costumes draw him in. 

Cries at the end of Farewell My Concubine 

You end up spending hours telling him about the Four Beauties and China’s Four Most Handsome Men 

He’s upset that all of the stories end in tragedy

You try to cheer him up by going to a local festival and watch the lanterns and other festivities 

Gets super invested in lantern making and spends hours learning how to make one to hang up in his room.

While he’s gone, go buy him some Tanghulu Not only can he appreciate the bright red hawthorns, but they’re a delicious snack on the go while you let him explore the whole festival.

The two of you spend hours looking at cute packaging for mooncakes and buying them back for the others. He’s happiest with the one you gifted him though. 

Okay, maybe he can stay up late to look at the moon just this once. 

Take a small picnic to a grassy hill somewhere so you can admire the moon in its full glory. Most of the snacks are rice cakes and fruit and of course more moonakes. (Seriously, there’s so much mooncake)

He knows he’s supposed to be watching the moon, but he finds it easier and better to watch you instead. You’re just as ethereal as Chang’e in the silvery light of the night. 

Definitely keeps the mooncake box and uses it to hold parts of his makeup collection. It fits right into his room decor.

Beelzebub

You get him the biggest box with the most variety that you can find so he can try as many flavors as possible. 

He ends up liking the kind that tastes like Gai Zhai Beng (Sorry, I don’t know what this is in English?) with all the nuts the most since they’re the heartiest. 

Actually, he likes all of the more savory ones

If it’s sweet, it should have yolks. Four of them if they have those, if not, he’ll settle with the Cantonese style with two yolks.  

You take him to the festivals so he can try even more flavors

The best part is that you get to try them as well. He offers you at least a bite before downing the rest of the mooncake. 

Do the two of you go around eating everything until you feel like you’re about to burst? Absolutely. 

If you can’t see anything that’s going on during the performances at the festival, he’ll lift you onto his shoulder to get a better view. 

With how much time you spend at the festival and how much you’ve eaten, you don’t know if you can stay up late to watch the moon like you want to. 

He lets you piggyback on the walk home 

The sound of a pipa song from the festival echoes in your brain and you hum the song while half asleep on the way home. He gets it stuck in his head for the next month and a half. 

Worth it though, it means he’s reminded of the great time he had with you and all the food he got to try. 

Now he’s constantly asking you if you can make him mooncakes. 

Literally forgets the box and tins exist until he’s cleaning out his room for hidden snacks months later. 

Almost forgot about the osmanthus wine you gifted him as well. He hits you up on the next full moon to drink it while eating snacks and you get to tell him about all the legends behind the foods he’s eaten. 

“Next time, I’ll make you Crossing the Bridge Noodles.” 

“What’s the story behind that?” 

“I’ll tell you when I make them.” 

“Is that a promise?” 

“Of course.” 

Belphegor

Thinks a fairy must have visited him in his dreams when he rolls over and finds the box of mooncakes next to his pillow

Sleeps all day so he can watch the moon all night with you. 

Expect tons of cuddles while doing that

Find out when he’s halfway through eating the box that he prefers tang yuan over mooncakes

He covets the box you gave him regardless

Maybe you make the tang yuan with a little extra ginger to spite him

Too bad for you, he prefers it that way. 

Convinces you that the gardens is the best place for moon viewing 

He’s right since there’s an osmanthus tree there and it smells absolutely amazing this time of the year. 

His favorite dessert is pretty much impossible to transport, so he’ll have to deal with what you brought. 

Ends up quite liking sachima but not jin dui 

Beel drank the last of your celebratory osmanthus wine, it’s time to break out the baijiu

It takes only a few sip of this to have you both tipsy and slurring superlatives at the moon. 

“She’s just so beautiful. Look at her. So radiant and glowing and just the most magnificent isn’t she?” 

“I can’t tell if you’re describing the moon or if you’re describing yourself.” 

“The moon. Of course. She’s so beautiful that poems are written about her for thousands of years.” 

“I could do that for you too you know…” 

The two of you end up falling asleep in the garden under the tree. By the time you two wake up, you’re both covered in the tiny fragrant blossoms 

Take some back with you to make cakes and maybe some more wine to remind you of the lovely night you had. 

[gamerwoo]

A Guide to Seventeen

This lil guide is mostly for @sugarboyuto​, but honestly this is for anybody who wants to get into Seventeen. They’re definitely not slept on, but there are a lot of people who are wary of a lot of members, so hopefully this makes it a lil easier.

Despite being called Seventeen, there are 13 members. They did a show while creating the group called Seventeen TV, which you can probably find on YouTube or somewhere on the internet. There were 17 members before, but some left or got cut (I’m not positive because I didn’t watch it oop). But they’re called Seventeen because there are 13 members, 3 main units (hip hop, performance, and vocal), and they make 1 group. 13+3+1=17.

Music Videos (in order):

Shining Diamond (pre-debut and technically doesn’t count but it’s a bop no matter how cringey anybody says it is)

Adore U (actual debut song)

Mansae

Pretty U

Very Nice

Boom Boom

Don’t Wanna Cry

Clap

Thanks

Call Call Call (Japanese)

Oh My!

Getting Closer

Home

Happy Ending (Japanese)

Hit

Fear

Unit Music Videos (in order):

Check In (hip hop unit)

Highlight (performance unit)

Change Up (svt leaders)

Trauma (hip hop unit)

Lilili Yabbay (performance unit)

Pinwheel (vocal unit)

Other Music Videos (not in order and I’m probably missing some):

My I (Jun and Minghao Korean ver)

My I (Jun and Minghao Chinese ver)

Home (Chinese ver)

Oh My (Chinese ver)

Just Do It (BooSeokSoon)

Chocolate (vocal unit but for some reason it doesn’t count as a unit mv??)

Q and A (Seungcheol, Jihoon, Hansol, and Ailee)

Videos To Watch To Learn Members:

Ask In A Box Part 1

Ask In A Box Part 2

Seventeen Play Who’s Who (but minus Seungkwan because he was sick)

an unhelpful guide to seventeen (this is probably what i watched bc it was made around the time i got into them tbh)

Seventeen Member Profiles

a shitty guide to seventeen

Misc Videos That Might Help But I Just Like Them:

Mingyu and Seokmin on Weekly Idol for year of the dog

Seventeen on Idol Room

Going Seventeen TTT (bc who doesn’t like to see guys driving)

Going Seventeen Playground

Woozi playing the drums

This performance of Clap bc Mingyu plays the guitar

Jun playing piano and Soonyoung’s solo

Seventeen on Knowing Bros

Minghao using nunchucks ft Jun sorta using nunchucks

Don’t Wanna Cry part switch

Mansae part switch

Pretty U part switch

basically any part switch

Below the cut is also a short guide to Seventeen in age order!! (and yes I had to look up their birthdays I only know what year they’re born lmao)

S.Coups

Real name: Choi Seungcheol

95 line (and he the oldest)

Overall leader but also the leader of hip hop unit

1/3 hyung line

he yell 

he also point

loves to mess with his members as much as they love to mess w him

but he loves them and carats so much

said he only wants carats to look at him

he’s everybody’s husband basically

big soft boi

Jeonghan

Real name: Yoon Jeonghan

95 line

1/5 vocal unit

1/3 hyung line

1/2 of sloth line lmao

he loves winning and will do it at all costs

often caught cheating but nobody ever calls him out

he used to have long hair (i think thats how most people know him tbh)

i confused him and josh a lot when i first got into them lmao

he babies chan but its fine bc everybody does

idk if he still does it but he used to always be like “dino who’s baby are you” and it was like a thing idk

Joshua

Real name: Joshua Hong (Korean name is Hong Jisoo)

95 line

1/5 vocal unit

1/3 hyung line

1/2 English line

born and raised in California but he’s 100% Korean

when they first debuted and honestly for a few years, everybody pushed the gentleman persona on him

and I’m not saying he’s not a gentleman but he’s definitely not just a gentleman u feel me

lowkey a crackhead even if he tries to hide it sometimes

he’s religious so people always push this “good church boy” trope on him but sometimes they take it too far tbh

let him live

Jun

Real name: Wen Junhui (Korean name is Moon Junhwi)

96 line

1/4 performance unit

1/2 of China line

he rarely gets lines its sad bc his vocals are beautiful and his range is great

he was on a Chinese TV program with Minghao called The Collaboration (I think???) and he was so cute

“English is so dangerous” yes babie u are correct

he’s friends with Yanan from Pentagon and they were partners on the show and they were adorable

loves animals a lot its adorable

give the poor babie more lines

Hoshi

Real Name: Kwon Soonyoung

96 line

performance unit leader

1/3 of booseoksoon

used to be a hamster and now he’s a self-proclaimed tiger and seventeen clowns him for it

very proud of his 10:10 eyes (they look like they’re slanted up to be 10:10 on a clock)

honestly has the cutest laugh ever

hyper and loud af

has choreographed some of their dances and i think he still assists with them????

just a very happy boi

Wonwoo

Real name: Jeon Wonwoo

96 line

1/4 hip hop unit

1/2 of sloth line

certified gamer boi lmao (so are cheol and jihoon)

he literally had to show soonyoung how to play video games on his computer lmao

this dude is so dedicated to gaming that he sleeps in the living room instead of in his shared room with seungcheol so they can both have room for their setups

deep voice

looks very scary but he soft

loves cats and is afraid of dogs

when he smiles or laughs he does a nose scrunch just look up wonwoo nose scrunch trust me

shy boi

but he also a breadstick (he’s very very thin he is definitely not apart of thicc line)

Woozi

Real name: Lee Jihoon

96 line

leader of vocal unit

the shortest member but people act like he’s like 3 feet tall

he’s 5′5 he’s not that short ok

everybody says he looks like yoongi from bts

he produces most if not all of seventeen’s songs so he feels a lot of pressure to have seventeen be successful

he may be cute and tiny but he’ll fuck u up

he picked up wonwoo over his shoulder before it was hilarious lmao

he’s still soft tho

also just wants to stay inside all the time even when they’re traveling

boy can d a n c e

plays a lot of instruments too

clarinet, drums, piano, probably more stuff tbh

DK/Dokyeom

Real name: Lee Seokmin

97 line

1/5 vocal unit

1/3 of booseoksoon

the actual sun tbh

he’s so happy all the time and he’s so kind to everybody how can you not love him

hits those high notes real well

he was in a musical for king arthur and he played arthur so he’s now a certified actor

lowkey rap extraordinaire lmao

always making jokes and trying to make everybody happy

basically the mood maker

Mingyu

Real name: Kim Mingyu

97 line

1/4 hip hop unit

he’s totally a himbo

he’s so beautiful and he’s getting pretty ripped but god he’s so dumb

he’s “the cook” of seventeen even though like,,,,,,other members also cook

he’s clumsy as hell too lmao he almost dropped an award after they just won it

also has a deep voice

him and wonwoo are a really popular ship they’re called meanie but it’s a long story

he’s also the tallest member he’s like 6′1 i think

The8

Real name: Xu Minghao (Korean name is Seo Myungho)

97 line

1/4 performance unit

1/2 China line

he’s literally good at everything

he can sing, dance, rap, bboy, use nunchucks, do some cool shit w his hands/fingers, idk dude is amazing

he also tells fans to put themselves first and not seventeen and basically breaks the delusion that fans own them or will be with them

basically the opposite of seungcheol lmao

since his stage name is the8, he goes 8th in the lineup, so he would be in seokmin’s place

people paid him dirt from debut to like 2017 or 2018 but then he found himself and had a glowup and now everybody thirsts after him but he deserves better because he’s always been amazing

also pledis give him more lines

Seungkwan

Real name: Boo Seungkwan

98 line

1/5 vocal unit

1/3 booseoksoon

1/3 maknae line

he’s very good with variety shows so he’s always making jokes and being loud

also hits insane high notes

he’s just super loud and goofy but in a different way from seokmin somehow????

definitely apart of thicc line but like,,,,,,not important

Vernon

Real name: Hansol Vernon Chwe (Korean name is Choi Hansol)

98 line

1/3 hip hop unit

1/2 English line

he was born in America but he moved to Korea when he was,,,,5 i think????

he’s half korean and half white and people used to give him a lot of shit for it and some people probably still do which sucks

stop calling hansol ‘some white boy’ for the love of god

he’s kind of a meme as in he’s just really goofy but it’s so endearing

but sometimes he’s just quiet and doesn’t do much like it’s 50/50

he’s just a very sweet and thoughtful boi

oh him and seungkwan are also a popular ship bc one time hansol was asked his favorite part of seungkwan and he literally turned that boi around and slapped his cake and was like “the butt” so there’s that

Dino

Real name: Lee Chan

99 line

1/4 performance unit

1/3 maknae line

not that it matters but chan is the thiccest person in seventeen i saw them at kcon ny and oh my god you cant even photograph how thicc

moving on

he doesn’t get enough love tbh like there are always stories of fans ignoring him or not sending him any flower wreath things and it’s so infuriating and sad so pls love chan !!!!

does videos called dino’s danceology where he creates choreo to songs and just dances

he’s so fuckin talented holy shit he dances so well and he can sing and he can rap (see his rap in boom boom that’s the best part)

he gets babied so everybody sees him as one but he definitely isn’t like sometimes he acts like he should be the oldest lmao

but he definitely has his babie moments but they all do

Okay, I think that’s everything! I hope this helped and please show Seventeen lots of love!! 

[4seasonswithiu]

[TRANS] 190707 IU’s China Fanclub ‘OnlyU-IU China’ showers IU, her team and Hotel Del Luna staff with love and gifts

It was revealed on July 6 that IU’s China Fanclub ‘OnlyU-IU China’ (@onlyIUcn on twitter) sent a coffee truck, buffet catering service and many gifts to the set of Hotel Del Luna. OnlyIUcn then shared some details of the thoughtful presents that they prepared specially for IU, IU Team and Hotel Del Luna’s staff members.

“As soon as IU confirmed her role in ‘Hotel Del Luna’, our staff members started preparing for this fansupport which took us months of effort. Previously, we predicted that they would kick off the production in April so we prioritised IU’s birthday gift first (in May). Other than organising charity events, we chose GUCCI’s A Kiss from Violet perfumed oil from ‘The Alchemist’s Garden’ collection. This perfumed oil is said to emit the purest, nonirritant and long-lasting scent due to its significantly lower alcohol content as compared to other perfumes. Since this collection has yet to be launched in China, South Korea and Japan, so our Uaenas from ShenZhen travelled to Hong Kong to purchase it for IU. We chose this perfume because it’s violet scented and also symbolises our ‘flying kiss’ to IU.

The second birthday gift was carefully decided after taking Man Wol’s character into consideration, which is Diptyque’s limited edition ‘The Legend of the North’ series’ candles. We purchased Sapin de Lumiere (Pine Tree of Light) (Green) and Baume d’Ambre (Amber Balm) (blue) candles and candlestick to match with Man Wol’s aloof aura ^u^ What’s special about this series is that the candle jar is deigned by HERMES’ scarf designer.

Sapin de Lumiere (Pine Tree of Light) Candle – Green – This is a staple in all Diptyque Christmas candles. It carries the unmistakeable green scent of pine, warmed and evoking crisp air, pine cones and a freshness of pine needles.

Baume d’Ambre (Amber Balm) Candle – Blue – A warm, spicy scent of benzoin, lavender and vanilla. Not too strong, with a freshness of lavender.

'A Kiss from Violet’ and ‘The Legend of The North’ on set~

Our certificate of making donation, including common ingredients and necessities to the Welfare institue of Xuchang, Henan Province.

“To Miss IU Lee Jieun:

We have received 544 baby pampers, 100 boxes of colored pencils, 100 drawing blocks, 35 big bags of rice, 35 packs of flour, 24 bottles of oil with the total amounted to 6092.40 yuan from your China fans.

We hereby express our gratitude for your act of kindness!”

A Chinese poem about the moon for IU

Poem: The Moon Festival by Su Shi

When will the moon be clear and bright? With a cup of wine in my hand, I ask the blue sky. I don't know what season it would be in the heavens on this night. I'd like to ride the wind to fly home. Yet I fear the crystal and jade mansions are much too high and cold for me. Dancing with my moon-lit shadow, It does not seem like the human world. The moon rounds the red mansion stoops to silk-pad doors, Shines upon the sleepless Bearing no grudge, Why does the moon tend to be full when people are apart? People may have sorrow or joy, be near or far apart, The moon may be dim or bright, wax or wane, This has been going on since the beginning of time. May we all be blessed with longevity though far apart, We are still able to share the beauty of the moon together.

Even though we are thousands of miles and oceans (Yellow Sea) apart, nothing can stop us from surrendering our hearts to the full moon (Man Wol) C-Uaenas present president Jang Man Wol this poem And may the opening of Hotel Del Luna blossom 

*Yellow Sea is a marginal sea of the Pacific Ocean located between mainland China and the Korean Peninsula. *Full Moon is pronounced the same way as Man Wol in both Chinese and Korean.

밝은 달은 어느 때나 떠오를지 술잔을 잡고 하늘에 물어본다. 달 속에 있는 궁궐은 오늘밤은 어느 해인지 모르겠구나. 나는 바람을 타고 돌아가고자 하니 달 속의 궁궐이 높은 곳이라 추위를 견디지 못할까 두려워라. 일어나 춤추니 그림자도 따라 도는데 어찌 인간 세계와 비길 수가 있으랴 달그림자가 붉은 누각 빙 돌며 곱게 조각한 창문에 드리우니 달빛에 비추어져 잠을 이룰 수 없��. 더 이상 번뇌가 있을 수 없는데 무슨 일로 오래도록 이별할 때에 이렇게 둥근가? 인간에겐 슬픔과 기쁨, 이별과 만남이 있고 달은 흐리고 맑고, 둥글고 이지러짐이 있으니 이런 일은 예전부터 완전하기가 어려워라. 다만 바라기는 멀리 떨어져 있는 이가 오래 살아서 천 리 밖에서도 이 밝은 달을 함께 구경했으면.

Note: This is a famous Mid-Autumn lyric written by Sushi(a poet in Song Dynasty) for his brother Zi-you(1039-1112) when the poet was away from the imperial court. According to some commentators, "the palace on high" might allude to the imperial palace and therefore, after reading this lyric, Emperor Song Shen Zong said that Su Shi was loyal.

We also prepared Voluspa aromatherapy candles for IU Team and the staff of Hotel Del Luna.

Shuijingfang liquor for director Oh Choong Hwan.

Long Jing and Taiping Houkui tea for the Hong Sisters (scriptwriters)

As for actor Yeo Jin Goo, we prepared Scent Library X White Rabbit fragrance product gift set (perfume, hand cream, body lotion)

(We forgot to take a picture of the actual gift, but it’s within the black paper bag. The other bags included tea bags, liquor, candles and IU’s Gucci perfume)

For the Hotel Del Luna team, we also prepared the HDL customised towels, Forbidden City imperial kitchen’s fridge magnets, Ghana chocolate and greeting cards

(This Forbidden City imperial kitchen fridge magnet symbolises our food support and the ghosts that we sent from the Forbidden City to check into Hotel Del Luna hahahah)

We included a greeting card in each gift bag with the message “Thanks to your hardwork on such scorching hot weather, we get to enjoy a nice and cool summer. Thank you! Hwaiting!”

We started preparing for the buffet since long ago, and we especially requested them to prepare IU’s favourite tteokbokki (stir-fried rice cakes) and Tangsuyuk (sweet and sour pork)! We tried to match the decoration with president Man Wol’s extravagant style by adding the golden chairs~ The banners and pictures on table were all specially designed by our art team. 

We also sent a refreshing coffee truck to the set for Man Wol and the HDL team~

No gifts can fully express our support and excitement for Man Wol. So we hope our sincerity can be conveyed by at least a bit! We only wish for our Man Wol to be truly happy!

Source: OnlyU-IU 中国首站 @ weibo Translated by IUteamstarcandy

[artificialqueens]

Beneath the Amber Moon, Part 5 (Galactica AU Group Fic) – TheDane & Veronica

Heyyy!! Welcome to Part 5 of “Beneath the Amber Moon,” a group fic set in the Galactica Universe. Click here for previous chapters.

We hope you’re enjoying it! Let us know what you think!

Summary: Day 4. All aboard for champagne wishes and caviar dreams...

/////

Fame looked out on the deck of the superyacht, pride momentarily filling her chest. Everything was perfect, from the precisely iced champagne to the decadent crackers with caviar to the hand plucked organic strawberries and the almost naughty pure chocolate cake she had selected for dessert. Fame had even saved an outfit for the occasion, her new Hermes set in white linen and the lovely goose egg sized sapphire earrings Patrick had given her sending just the right vibe of chic, without it being overdone and redundant.

Bianca looked as she always did, and while Fame was a little disappointed, it was also fully expected that Bianca hadn’t dressed up. Her friend boarded in what she always chose for any tropical adventure, a bright patterned caftan that was almost insulting with its colors.

The waiters handed out champagne, and Bianca took a sip, a smile playing on her lips. Karl had gotten the memo, the man showing up looking like he had just stepped out on the beach on the French Riviera, Sutan and Violet also looking appropriately done up. Fame hadn’t known what she had expected from Violet on the trip, the black haired woman never great company. Even though she was amongst the people Fame generally favored, on this trip she could just as well have been invisible.

Alaska and Jinkx showed up next, Jinkx looking radiant in a red bathing suit that was both age appropriate, and that matched perfectly with her sarong and the delightful emerald on her hand. Alaska was also decked out, the blonde wearing more and more jewels, but unlike Raven, Alaska had a sense of taste and Fame congratulated herself once again on hiring Alaska back when she had been nothing but a just out of college mess. Alaska had grown up to be beautiful, and while Raja and Raven walked on, kids in tow, Fame to give Raven that she was beautiful, that had never been up for discussion, but the Russian was practically dripping with jewels, her lilac getup clearly there to show off her tan and the body that once again looked physically flawless, having spent hours with a trainer.

“Welcome, welcome.” Fame smiled, Juju and Detox of course arriving second to last, but Fame had gotten used to it. Life with kids really seemed so dreadfully inconvenient. “Please treat yourself to the spread!” Fame gestured at an array of luxury treats flown in for the cruise.

Fame heard Karl snort, and she barely kept from rolling her eyes. She was happy she had picked some of the more attractive male staff for the cruise, Karl somehow becoming even more of a man-eater after Sutan had moved to Paris, which didn’t make sense, but who she to judge.

“I can’t wait to spend two days in total luxury with my dearest friends to celebrate, well, me!” Fame smiled, her eye catching on Adore who looked like her usual mess, Courtney on her arm, and Fame sighed, accepting that Adore’s favorite accessory was there as well.

After a toast, Fame took everyone on a grand tour, making sure they knew where the various bars and lounges were, the beautiful guest suites where they’d be sleeping, the wave pool and jacuzzis, the sauna and spa, the movie theatre and library. She directed Raja and Raven’s nannies to the large, colorful playroom outfitted with everything the kids could possibly want, including a wide array of child-friendly snacks and their own personal steward. Julia and Owen immediately voiced their resounding approval, shooing their parents from the room so that they could go nuts.

Fame led the rest of the group back to the breakfast spread on the upper deck. Juju (who procured a phone from her bra the moment Fame looked away, an emergency going on at her salon) and Violet set up camp in one of the interior lounges. Fame had gotten used to Violet’s sour disposition, the poor girl still looking like she wished she was anywhere but in Brazil. She let them be, noting to one of the stewards to be sure to check on them often.

/////

Courtney took a deep breath. She didn’t want to round the corner, but she knew she had to. It wouldn’t do at all to keep avoiding Bianca’s friends, and so she steeled her nerves and walked out onto the sun deck.

“Well well well, what have we here!” Sutan whistled, looking at Courtney in her golden bikini. “If you don’t mind me stating my professional opinion Miss Act, you’re looking like fucking perfection. Karl, have you seen her ass?”

Karl pulled down his sunglasses, straightening his back a little. “She has cleaned up quite nicely.”

“... Thanks?” Courtney offered a wary smile, letting Karl catch her by the hand and pull her into a lounger beside him.

“Something’s different about your face, too.” He studied her intently for a moment before snapping his fingers. “You’re not overplucking your eyebrows anymore. You look a million times better. An inspiration. Have you had your ass measured lately?”

Sutan laughed, pushing Karl. “Save that for Milano, my friend.” Sutan moved, sitting at the foot of Karl’s lounger and handing Courtney a nearby glass of champagne Karl was drinking. He himself was having a bottle of beer.

“How do you feel about Asia?” Karl asked.

“Uh...Free Tibet?”

“No, for work!” Sutan laughed. “You’re basically every marketing department’s wet dream right now. Look at you. You’re bright, bubbly, the all-American-”

“Australian, remember?”

“-Dream, a mature mind in the body of someone who’s so healthy they practically glow.” Sutan smiled. “How do you feel about partial nudity?”

“You would be perfect.” Karl took a sip of his champagne. “The market is oversaturated with garbage from Russia right now.”

“Hey!”

Karl laughed, raising his glass to Raven in the jacuzzi. “It’s a fashion catastrophe waiting to happen. Global warming is kicking in, but instead of CO2, it’s 14-year-olds from Eastern Europe getting fucked by their managers and being dumber than dirt.”

“What are you guys talking about?” Raja looked at them in confusion. “Why haven’t I heard of this?”

“America is so last year sister dearest.” Sutan smiled. “Haven’t you heard? Asia is the place to be if you want to make serious buck.”

“As I’ve been telling everyone for years, but no, we only start believing me when Sutan moves to Paris to follow his dick.”

“I think what Karl is trying to say, very unsuccessfully,” Sutan rolled his eyes, a smile playing on his lips. “Is that there would be incredible career opportunities for you right now in Asia. Judy Hua from China has sent feelers out about a face for her newest collection, and someone like you could-”

“Judy Hua? Courtney is a Guo Pei girl if there ever was one. Act, don’t you even dare consider signing with Elite. They’re a terrible agency.”

“Terrible? We’re the best in the business.”

“Just because you write something, doesn’t mean it’s true.”

Courtney sat back, slightly overwhelmed. This was the most attention she’d ever gotten from either man, and she wasn’t exactly sure how she felt about it. On the other hand, they were both very good at their jobs, both clearly with business on the brain, so maybe she should be listening to them.

Sutan laughed. “Excuse me, what agency discovered and represented Cindy Crawford, Raven Petruschin, Linda Evangelista, Iman, Raja Gemini and Naomi Campbell?”

“You can’t name your own sister.”

“Oh, what’s the sound of that? That’s the sound of you having a 20% transfer rate last season.”

Karl rolled his eyes, turning to Courtney. “If you ever feel like making money off of those 32B’s, don’t go with him.”

“... How do you know my cup size?”

“A lucky guess.” Karl smiled, his eyes glinting with delight.

“Secret of the trade Courtney darling.” Sutan swept in, clearly sensing her discomfort. “Any agent worth their salt has to be able to guess that you’re 5’5, have Swedish or Danish somewhere in your bloodline, maybe mixed with just a little bit of Spanish-”

“Portuguese, how did you-”

“See.” Sutan smiled. “It’s not really that hard.” Sutan looks her up and down. “You’re... What would you say Karl? 115?”

“115- or actually. Courtney. Flex please.” Courtney did as requested, and Karl laughed. “No my man, that’s 117 of Supergirl-made muscles.”

Bianca strode over, hand on her hip, having walked in on only the tail end of the conversation, but already irritated by it.

“Hey!” she barked. “Will you two fuckheads stop objectifying her?”

There was a brief pause, and then everyone - Karl, Sutan, Raja, and Raven, burst out laughing, mocking Bianca mercilessly.

“You fucking hypocrite!”

“Sorry for stepping on your toes, there, B!”

“I guess you’re the only one allowed to objectify pretty blondes, eh?”

“We’re not trying to fuck her, for Christ’s sake…”

Bianca glowered, not quite willing to admit the grain of truth in what they were saying. Courtney was the only one not laughing, meeting Bianca’s eyes and giving her a sympathetic smile. And maybe the look went on a little too long, because Bianca began to feel that familiar tingling, finally breaking off the eye contact.

Courtney bit her lip. And when Bianca pulled off her caftan to reveal a sexy, figure-hugging black one-piece, she inhaled sharply. Fuck, she looked good.

“Court! Come here, boo!”

Courtney looked up to where Adore was calling her, scrambling to her feet and hurrying over, relieved for the interruption, muttering, “Thank god…”

Bianca watched her go, a twinge of regret in her belly.

“Happy now? You scared her off,” Bianca said, and Sutan laughed.

“Come on, B, you must get where we’re coming from. That girl is a gold mine.”

“You’re gross,” Bianca grumbled, leaning back in her chair.

“It’s literally our job to scout talent, Bianca. You just do it for fun,” Karl teased.

“True. Why don’t we just parade a bunch of girls in front of you two assholes and you can rate them on marketability?”

“Know what?” Sutan said thoughtfully. “That’s actually not a bad idea…”

/////

“Do you need any help?”

Juju looked up from her phone, surprised at the gentle tone of Violet’s voice.

“You seem anxious.”

Juju smiled, Violet’s concern so kind. Violet did look a little better, but Juju’s mother's heart had a hard time not worrying about her. If it wasn’t for Sutan’s reassurance, and the pictures she had seen of Violet’s work in Paris, she would be genuinely concerned for the girl.

“My holiday replacement just messed up our orders.” Juju sighed. “It landed in New Jersey of all places and my entire staff has their thumbs up their ass, so now I have to find a courier.” Juju blew a bit of her hair aside, the strand falling into her face. “For such an expensive resort, you’d think their wifi at sea would be better.”

“I still know the number to a great courier company.”

“You do?”

“Mmh.” Violet reached out, holding her hand open. “I can call them if you want?”

Juju gave Violet her phone, a bright smile blossoming on her face. “You’re a lifesaver, Violet.”  

/////

“Come here, Gracie!” Alaska cooed, holding out her arms, waiting for Grace to go down the slide.

Jinkx sat nearby with Owen and Julia, patiently teaching them how to fold an origami balloon while simultaneously playing peek-a-boo with Tanya in her nearby high chair. Isolde was wandering around the room unsteadily, trailed by her nanny.

Alaska strolled over with Grace in her arms, bending down to kiss Jinkx on the top of the head.

“Auntie J, is this right?” Julia held up her origami, and Jinkx nodded.

“Yeah, looks great! Just make sure you get the corner sharp…” she pressed down, showing Julia how to make the crease.

“No! Isolde! NO!” Owen yelled as a chubby little hand reached out to grab his paper crane, stuffing it into her mouth. Her nanny scooped her up apologetically, the sound of her shrieks echoing off the walls of the playroom. Her screaming set off Tanya, who began to wail out of either sympathy or competitiveness.

“We can make another one,” said Jinkx, seeing Owen’s lip quivering, giving him a reassuring hug. “Look, let’s use this cool blue striped paper!”

“Those babies are very naughty,” Julia explained to Jinkx, who smiled.

“They’re still learning,” Jinkx said. “I’m sure someday they’ll be as wonderful as you guys.”

Julia raised an eyebrow, the move so like her mother that Jinkx almost burst out laughing.

“Maybe,” she said, and Jinkx grinned.

“I guess we’ll see.”

/////

Adore let out a frustrated groan, peering through the glass at her girlfriends in the playroom.

“What’s wrong?” Courtney asked her.

“I’m so conflicted. Cause I really wanna play with those legos but I don’t want to make Alaska start awwwing again about how good I am with children.”

“You’re not that good with children,” Courtney said. “It’s just that you are a child.”

“Yes! Exactly! Thank you…” Adore sighed. “Why does that room look so fun? Omigod they have mini pizzas. I’m so jeal.”

“I mean, we could play with the kids and eat mini-pizzas...or, we could go to that empty bar over there and drink mimosas and I can tell you about how I almost jumped Bianca’s bones a few minutes ago.”

“Yes! Let’s do that!” She wrapped her arms around Courtney’s waist and pulled her, giggling, into the bar.

/////

“Wow!” Raven let out a gasp of delight as they disembarked from the yacht. An absolutely stunning private beach lay ahead, with what Raven could tell even from afar was an elaborate lunch spread set up for them. She took Violet’s hand, excited that the younger woman was finally joining them, thrilled to have the chance to catch up with her. They had barely seen each other on the trip so far, which Raven had every intention of making up for. Fortunately, Raja and the nannies were handling her girls, which left her free to enjoy the afternoon, and her friends, and the warm sunshine.

“Fame! This looks marvelous!” Raven called, and Fame turned back to her, beaming.

“Just a little light lunch,” she said with a wink. “A meal amongst friends.”

Raven laughed, clearly seeing the various stations with chefs in white coats standing by to cook food to order.

“Yes, of course, just a casual little beach picnic.”

Violet let out a small giggle, shaking her head, and Raven grinned at her, the sound making Raven’s heart clench.

“What looks good to you, Vi? Ooh, look, he’s ready to grill fresh fish for us! Don’t you like Butterfly fish?”

“I do.”

“Uuh, there’s stuffed crab shells too!” Raven pulled Violet with her, Violet’s hand gripping Raven’s tighter and tighter. “Don’t worry, I’ll order for you.”

Violet nodded, thankful that her brief panicked grip of her friend's hand had been read if she was worried about ordering, when she was truly struggling to not vomit everywhere. Raven started piling their plates, Violet once in a while pointing at something Raven made the waiter staff add. The two women found a place near the water, Violet not touching the fish Raven had picked out for her, the scent of the fish making her even more nauseous than the seaweed from the day before, but she kept her lips tightly together, not wanting to ruin the moment. However, Violet didn’t need to worry, Raven not even noticing as she chatted away, happily filling Violet in on everything that had happened since the last time they had seen each other.

/////

“Is there something on my face?”

Raja looked over at Karl, touching her cheek since her friend had been watching her with a wry smile the entire lunch. Raja had both twins on her lap, Tanya making her way through a plate of mangos with the determination only a toddler could have, while Isolde needed help with the tiny bites of chicken Raja had been able to find in the buffet. It was glorious to spend this much time with her babies, Raja often missing entire days of the twins’ lives if they weren’t already up when she went to work.

“Don’t worry.” Karl smirked. “You’re handling motherhood much more gracefully than Juju did.”

“Oh shut up.” Raja laughed. Juju had been a mess for the first few years after Kelly had been born, but there was a world of difference of being a mother in your early 20’s, to having your first baby at 44. Raja had expected Karl to look away, to go back to whatever he was doing, he and Patrick sitting next to each other and often getting into the longest debates about the stupidest things, but this time, Karl continued watching her.

Raja was used to her friend’s attention, though it had grown to become less and less as they got older. The man used to stare at her, unashamed, in a way he had never looked at Sutan when they were most alike. Raja had worn her hair like her brother for a few months years and years ago, and in that period they had even made out a few times when Karl was particularly drunk. Raja had done it for the fun of utterly messing with a friend, the thrill of gaining leverage she knew she could use later, while Karl had moaned Sutan’s name against her lips.

“It’s your own hair, right?”

Raja smiled, flipping her long grey locks over her shoulder. “What are you planning, Mr. Westerberg?” Raja’s hair was indeed her own, and it was a matter of pride for her. Raven loved it as well, her wife almost caring more about the health of Raja’s hair than her own.

“Just wondering if you ever get tired of motherhood and work.” Karl took a bite of his food, Raja barely catching the piece of mango that fell from Tanya’s mouth, the little girl stuffing her cheeks way too tight. “It must be so boring to be stuck in an office all day.”

“Unlike you?” Raja smiled, giving Tanya a glass of water. “You’re not being very subtle right now.” Karl was clearly fishing for an answer to whenever or not Raja would ever return to modeling, and she could see why. There had been a recent upswing in older models, the weight of someone like her wearing jewelry or modeling a handbag, even selling cosmetics in the pages of a magazine giving the brand depth and dependability that a 16 year-old face simply could not provide.

“Would you consider it?”

“For the right price.” Raja smirked, knowing fully well that if she even considered accepting, she’d have a wife that would go ape shit, Raven still far from over her days of throwing plates and destroying vases if she was provoked enough. “Court me, and we’ll see.”

“I just might.”

/////

“Having fun?” Sutan put his hand on Violet’s lower back, his girlfriend sitting at the bar, sipping at a ginger ale, which made Sutan pause for a second, Violet usually only favoring the beverage if she was feeling exceptionally under the weather. “Hey, are you feeling okay?”

“I’m fine.” Violet smiled, but Sutan swore he could hear a tiredness in her voice.

“Do you need something?” Sutan pressed a kiss against her hair, the faint scent of lavender calming the worry that was gnawing in his stomach. “I don’t want-”

“I just felt nauseous. It’s already passing.” Violet leaned into his side. “I’m a big girl, remember? I know my limits.”

“Sure you do.” Sutan ran a hand through Violet’s hair, enjoying the closeness.

“Don’t be an asshole.” Violet smiled, though they both knew Sutan was right. “I’m going to go back to the boat.”

“To lay down?”

“To get the sketches I made for Courtney.” Violet had stayed awake for most of the night, working away, the woman pulling pencils and paper from places Sutan hadn’t even imagined they could fit when he had seen her overpacked suitcase, the pile of magazines and clothes taking up all the space.

“Do you want me to go with you?”

“I’m good.” Violet stood up, giving him a brief kiss. “Thank you.” Sutan wanted to protest, but Violet had already left, heading for the dock in her flat summer sandals.

Sutan sighed, rubbing his head. He knew that he shouldn’t worry, but he couldn’t help but feel a little bad about dragging Violet to this humid climate that so obviously didn’t agree with her. However, she had said she was fine, so he would have to trust her. Sutan grabbed another beer and a cocktail from the tray and walked over to sit down beside Bianca.

“I got you a refill.”

Bianca looked up, puzzled.

“Are you trying to get me drunk? Because I don’t think I need to tell you that you’re barking up the entirely wrong tree.”

“God no,” Sutan laughed, pushing the drink closer to her. “So about that panel thing...”

“Are you seriously still thinking about it?”

“It’s not a bad idea.” Sutan smiles.

“Pffft…”

“I’m serious! Like, a model search but with professional critiques?” Sutan said.

“Like in malls? Do those still exist?”

“No! It’s not that- I don’t want it to be like the Elite competition. I always thought that was shit anyway.”

“Fun coming from one of their all-time winners, huh?”

Sutan rolled his eyes. He’d had girls win more times than he could count, but even he knew that it was a bit of bullshit.

“I’m talking about the real deal, Bianca. A show that’s, that’s educating them, getting them booked, showing them what it takes to make it in the business? Like that other show you judge, umh, the one with the designers?”

“Project Runway?”

“Yes!” Sutan takes a swing of beer. “Like that! Project Runway for models, but without the shitty deadlines.”

“We’d need a better name, obviously. Something with models in it. Like, Supermodel.”

“We both know the supermodel died in the 90’s.” Sutan looks at Bianca. “What about.. Star model?”

“You’ve stayed in France too long. Star model, what a shitty fucking name. Even Top Model would be better.”

“Top model! Yes, exactly like that. America’s Next Top Model!” Sutan smiled, punctuating every word with a hand gesture. “I’m just saying Bianca. We could make a killer team, you and I, lend it some credibility.”

“We’ve never worked together on anything, ever.”

“How hard can it be? You have TV experience. And you just said yourself, I know how to pick them. Besides, you know I film well.”

“Debatable, but go on.” Bianca smiled, caught up in Sutan’s words.

“We sweet talk Jinkx, get the capital to shoot a pilot, find some actual brands, hire a few noteworthy photographers. We put them through the ringer - professional level shit, and see who rises to the challenge. Girls turn 18 every day, Bianca.”

“Who would even want to watch that?”

“Everyone who likes to watch gorgeous people suffer, so, essentially, everyone.”

“Hmmm...you’re sick, but you might not be wrong.”

“Cheers to that!” Sutan held up his beer bottle, clinking it against Bianca’s glass.

[weiwuxiian]

The Three Entities On The Moon

So, in Chinese Mythology, there are three entities of the moon and all of them came from their respective stories. Some of these stories have very different versions, but I’m only writing the version I prefer. So don’t be surprised/confused when you see variants on the internet! Though the general story is the same, just different in minor ways.

Chang-er 

Chag-er is perhaps the most famous of the three. She is the wife of Emperor Hou Yi ( for reference, Hou Yi is the famed archer who shot down the 9 suns when 10 was causing the citizens of China too much heat. After this feat, he was made Emperor by the people ). After Hou Yi became the Emperor, he had a fear of death and grew obsessive with eternal life. He also became proud and cruel and had no regard for the people. His wife, however, is very kind-hearted. So Hou Yi ordered medics and physicians all over the world to make a medicine that could grant him eternal life and killed anyone who failed to do so before moving on to look for others. This includes, at one point, he sent ships of people out at sea to look for the formula for eternal life. Some theories that those people never found it, and in fear of their lives they never came back Instead, they sailed out of China and eventually founded Korea and Japan. 

Then one day, someone claimed they made it. Hou Yi was so delighted that he made that person a marquis. The citizens of China were devasted because if Hou Yi lives forever, it means they would suffer a cruel Emperor forever. Chang-er knew this, therefore while Hou Yi was celebrating that night, Chang-er tried to steal the medicine and escape, but was caught by him. Unwilling to hand the medicine over, she swallowed it and began floating up to the sky. Arrow after arrow Hou Yi shot at her but missed. In memory of her sacrifice, the people began celebrating Mid-Autumn Festival by praying to the moon, and sometimes children claim they can see her figure up in the moon.

The Jade Rabbit

Once upon a time, the Jade Emperor (of heaven) wanted to prepare an elixir for the immortals, but due to the untrustworthy nature of humans, he thought an animal is the best candidate. Therefore he disguised himself as a beggar and came to Earth, begging for food in the forest. Three animals ran to his aid—-a fox, a monkey, and a rabbit. Sympathetic to the beggar’s situation, the fox offered fishes from a nearby stream and the monkey offered fruits it picked from the trees. The rabbit who only ate grass did not find anything, therefore feeling guilty it offered its body instead and jumped into the fire so that the beggar could have meat to eat. Seeing this act of nobleness, the Jade Emperor lifts the rabbit to the moon and taught it how to make the elixir of life. The rabbit now keeps Chang-er company on the moon and could be seen pounding ingredient for medicine.

Wu Gang, also known as ‘The Man On The Moon’

There was once a Taoist who cultivated himself into an immortal. His name was Wu Gang. After he successfully became an immortal, he committed a mistake in heaven and was banished to the moon. The Jade Emperor ordered him to chop down a laurel tree that was 500m wide to free himself from this prison. However, the Jade Emperor made it so that whenever Wu Gang chopped the tree, it grows back. Therefore Wu Gang is doomed to chopping the tree forever on the moon.

Bonus: Zhu Yuanzhang and Moon Cake Story

During the Yuan Dynasty, the rule and governance were very cruel and poverty increased as more people suffered from it. A man named Zhu Yuanzhang united the resistance forces by passing notes through tucking them into mooncakes so that it escapes the tight inspection of authorities. The note then was ‘rise at the night of Mid-Autumn’. It was passed out throughout China to groups that resisted the government. After the government was successfully overthrown, Zhu Yuanzhang and the people celebrated Mid-Autumn festival by eating mooncakes every year.

[bfseventeen]

Happy Blake Day || Happy October 31st with Minghao

“Babe, did you pack everything?” Minghao asked as he stood in the door of your room. “I did, but it was really hard to pack as I don’t even know where we are going.” “Just pack your usually ripped skinny jeans and nerdy sweaters, and you’ll be fine,” he winked and you rolled your eyes. “I feel like you are making fun of my closet right now,” you crossed your arms and he started to go towards you. “I’m just teasing you big girl. Tomorrow you are going to be officially older than me. I feel like I should use honorifics,” he said cheekily and reached out to hug you. “Don’t you dare little boy,” you laughed and let him hug you tight. “Okay babe, so let’s go. The car is going to depart in thirty minutes. Soon you’ll know where we are going,” he said and left you alone so you could finish up what was left to do in your room. 

You felt sad when you had to say goodbye to your cat. Cosmo was sitting on your pillow and looking at you as if she was upset. You didn’t have to tell her that you are leaving, she already sensed it. “Be a good girl,” you said while stroking her head. She meowed with disappointment then ran away to her bed. She was in good hands though. You asked your best friend to take care of her while you are away… in an unknown place for God knows how long. 

The car was borrowed from the company as you didn’t own your own car and Minghao didn’t have his international license, so he just asked one of his managers to drive you. It was a bit awkward at first as you didn’t know many of the staff members, not even the managers. Minghao liked to keep his private life separate from work, though that didn’t mean that you never visited him. You actually spent a lot of time in the office because sometimes you helped in preparing for comebacks. But people who directly worked with the boys were a bit unknown for you. It was for the best. You liked that you were able to be in a comfortable relationship and that nobody had to gossip about you around him and bother him with questions. 

You were surprised to see that you were going out of Seoul. The highway was packed with cars but it wasn’t bad in terms of traffic. The car was quiet and you didn’t want to bother the driver so you shared your headphones with Minghao and listened to the songs that you both liked. His hand was wrapped around yours the whole time and you could feel that he was nervous based on how sweaty his hands were. 

You almost fell deeply asleep on his shoulders when the car finally stopped. When you opened your eyes the only thing you saw was the sea. The car was parked by the shore and the driver was gone. It was only you... and only you. Even Minghao was suddenly gone. When you looked around, you noticed nobody was around you. So, you decided to get out of the car. 

Minghao was talking about something with the driver and when he noticed you, he waved. You waved back awkwardly and didn’t know what to do with yourself.

“Babe, we are going to leave the car here. My manager will be back the day after tomorrow so don’t worry about that. Let’s get out the bags and then we can take the ferry,” he said and he rushed to the back of the car to take out your bags. You wondered why you needed to take the ferry? 

“Minghao, where exactly we are going?” You asked, now a bit impatiently. 

“To Japan,” he said without showing any signs of nervousness but he was worried you won’t like his idea. 

“Wait, are we in Busan right now? Did we drive for this long? Why are we going to Japan?” 

“Ah, babe, you are asking too many questions. Let your boyfriend surprise you, pretty please,” he whined and then gave a kiss on your cheek. You decided to just let him do what he wanted to do for your birthday. 

After you checked in and found your place on the ferry, it started to hit you that you are going to Japan! You loved the country and you never imagined to go there by ferry. It was even new for Minghao so you were both nervous in the unfamiliar environment. It was nice to see him being all confident with his Korean. He used to be quiet a lot and feel insecure, but time and more Korean knowledge made him feel like he finally belonged in Korea. 

For your surprise, in three hours you were in Fukuoka. You went through a little storm which made your stomachs sick, but it was all worth it. In Fukuoka, it was actually sunny and the air felt even a little warmer. From the ferry station, you took a taxi to a hotel where Minghao already booked a room. In such a short time, he was able to plan this out so well and you felt touched. 

Everything seemed so different from Korea and you didn’t even know how to grasp all these new information around you and the beautiful city. When you got to the hotel, you felt really tired of all the traveling so you just jumped down on the bed and stretched a little bit. Not long after, Minghao joined you or more like snuggled up next to you.

“Let’s sleep a little and then we will check out the city later tonight,” he said while stroking your head and you nodded with a sleepy face. 

When you woke up and looked out of the window, you saw the whole city light up in front of your eyes so beautifully. You didn’t even notice how high your room was, but it was definitely worth it to have the trip there. You wanted to thank Minghao, but he was still sound asleep. You guessed he still didn’t have the chance to rest enough after the tour so you just let him sleep. In the meantime, you made tea and decided to check out useful information about the city and to freshen up your Japanese vocabulary, which you gathered from watching anime endlessly over the past years. 

It was an hour later that Minghao woke up and after you took a shower, you decided to go see the nightlife of the city. It was very different from what you expected, it was very busy and loud, but in a nice way. You went into a restaurant where you had dinner and he told you why he thought it would be a nice idea to bring you to Japan on your birthday. 

“I wanted to make a very special memory. First, I thought we should go to China, but we couldn’t make it in three days. I know once we got to China we would spend weeks there, of course, if I would have time for that. But Japan is a beautiful country and it’s fairly close. Unfortunately, the weekend I have to spend in the dorm and get ready for a festival that’s going to take place. But I wanted to enjoy our time together until then. Just the two of us,” he said while kissing your hand, which he was holding tightly to warm it up. 

“You really shouldn’t have done this for me,” you said burying your head in your other hand. But Minghao just chuckled. 

“You know I would bring you even on the Moon if that’s what you wanted... and if it would be easy to access and safe as well. Which is not really, so let’s just stay on Earth,” he said smiling widely. You shook your head but you couldn’t help it, you just felt so loved by him. 

After you ate dinner and were done with a little shopping stroll, you went back to the hotel and next to a mug of hot chocolate, you talked about your days that you spent separately from each other. You told him how your days went and how hard it was to be without him, and he told everything about the tour and all the foolish things the boys did, and how much he missed you. After your long and warm conversation, you finally decided to go to bed. 

The next day, when it was finally your birthday, you walked around the city and explored some parks, some more shops, and ate delicious food. In one of the small bakeries close to the sea he bought a chocolate cake for you and brought it to the shore. You sat down on a bench and while the wind was blowing, he tried to light up the candles for you. 

“This is just not going to work,” he said, feeling embarrassed. You chuckled and tried to shield the wind away with your hands. After a while, he finally managed to light the candles and before it quickly went out, you made a wish. Of course, the wish was something about him... but you can’t tell or it won’t come true. 

“I feel like I could be anywhere on Earth, I would feel happy as long as I’m with you,” he said, not looking into your eyes, but just staring at the strong waves. 

“I feel the same, you cheesy little fluff ball,” you laughed and put your head on his shoulder. 

“I’m sad that you are older than me... you are going to get tired faster now. You won’t keep up with me. You are going to have more and more back pain,” he teased you. 

“Oh just be quiet, in a week you will be in the same boat as me,” you scoffed and he laughed. 

“But you know what I hope the most?” He asked, finally looking at you. 

“What?” 

“That no matter how much pain we will have and how much we will change because of getting old, at least we will grow old together,” he said with bright, hopeful eyes and he just couldn’t stop staring at you. 

“Stop saying these things, you will make me cry,” you said, hiding away the fact, that that’s exactly what you wished for.  

[grantmkemp]

112 years ago, In the summer of 1908, the Olympic games came to London, with tennis and yachting popular among the very wealthy. The Edwardian period is sometimes portrayed as a romantic golden age of long summer afternoons and garden parties, and this immaculately dressed group of Edwardian sports fans have managed to combine a picnic, a game of tennis, and watching the boats on the Thames. This superb photograph records the end of a splendid afternoon in the sun, suitably shaded with the correct millinery, of course.

Some advice for the perfect Edwardian picnic by the river .... from "Every Woman’s Encyclopaedia volume 4"

"Leave nothing to chance. If a river picnic be in question, and the party be going down from town, write a couple of days beforehand to the traffic manager, asking to have a carriage reserved for your party by whichever train you propose to travel, not forgetting to mention the class. Write also to engage the necessary boat or boats – weather permitting – from a reliable waterman, who will have soda-water and stone ginger-beer in readiness to stow aboard, if asked to do so, besides good-naturedly providing bottles of drinking water for making tea.

It is hardly too much to say that at least half the success of a picnic depends upon the providing of daintily packed and appetising looking fare, be it as elaborate or as simple as you please; and the invention of cardboard plates and dishes has greatly simplified picnicking, for they cost only sixpence a dozen and are strong enough to allow of cold chicken and salad or cold meat pie being partaken of upon them. The weight is practically nothing, and they take up very little space to pack.

It is, moreover, only necessary to take one plate for each person, no matter how many courses may have been provided, for the plates, when bought, are each filled with a circle of grease-proof paper, and to cut any number of extra circles from a quire of grease-proof paper, with the help of a big pair of scissors, is an extremely simple matter, and the picnicker, armed with a single plate and half a dozen papers, may par-take of salmon mayonnaise, chicken and salad, or meat pie, tartlets, fruit salad, or strawberries and cream in succession, wrapping up the remains of one course in the paper plate-cover, and putting it in the rubbish heap, and re-covering her plate with a fresh paper before going on to the next course. Charming fluted cardboard dishes for fruit, salad, and cakes are obtainable also, while smaller plates with a pretty blue-and-white border may be had for tea.

Pies and tarts baked in white enamelled tin dishes travel beautifully, and salad, having been well washed and shaken in a cloth, and then placed in a white damask table-napkin, will arrive crisp and fresh. Butter keeps best if packed in a white china jam-pot, tied down with grease-proof paper, and cream travels well if ordered in a patent stoppered bottle from the dairy, and wrapped in green leaves to keep it cool.

Jam tartlets make a delicious and much appreciated picnic sweet, and are easily packed if the pastry cases, when baked, are piled one on top of the other like saucers in a biscuit tin, and a small pot of jam taken separately to fill them on the spot. A couple of dozen cases will go easily into quite a small tin packed in this way, with a little tissue paper to prevent them from shaking about if the tin is jolted. A plain lunch cake or gingerbread cake is always much appreciated.

Both brown and white bread, wrapped in a white cloth to keep it fresh, should be taken, allowing a loaf to every three guests for luncheon or supper, for people often develop astounding picnic appetites.

Fruit salad travels well in a big jam-jar tightly tied down, or, better still, fitted with a screw top, and extra juice can be taken, if liked, in a separate well-corked bottle, and clearly labelled.

If salmon mayonnaise is taken, have the fish boiled, boned, and skinned, and wrapped first in oil-proof paper, and then in dry cabbage-leaves, and rolled up in a white table napkin. Carry the mayonnaise sauce in a screw-topped bottle with a good wide mouth, for, though it will pour in easily enough, it will probably be impossible to get it out after it has thickened.

Drinks are a very important matter. Stone ginger-beer is always popular, and, if wine is to be taken, hock and claret are best, with plenty of soda-water to accompany them. Few people know that tumblers are to be had for a penny each at any penny bazaar, and are quite good enough for picnic purposes. Choose the shape which will half-fit inside one another, and allow a couple of extra glasses in case of accidents.

For river picnics it is essential to have some sort of portable spirit-lamp and kettle for making tea, and a biscuit-tin in which to place them while boiling, to avoid all chance of setting light to the boat. For a tea picnic always provide lettuces, a pot of jam, potted meat, and fruit, and very simple cakes.

The tea should be measured out beforehand into squares of coarse-meshed butter muslin, which has previously been washed and dried, about five teaspoonfuls for each square is a good allowance, and the ends are then twisted up and tightly tied with cotton, allowing plenty of room for the tea to swell. When tea-time comes a bag of tea is dropped in the teapot, and boiling water poured on to it. This obviates the difficulty of making second brews of tea with a single teapot, for the bag can easily be taken out and thrown away, and a fresh one substituted.

A moonlight picnic given in the height of summer on a night on which a full moon is due as soon as the dusk falls is sure of success, and one’s menkind, who have been working in the City all day, as a rule welcome the idea of a few hours spent out in the open air with much enthusiasm.

Such a picnic party might meet at the railway station at half-past six or seven, and on arrival at their destination should take possession of a field where the grass has already been cut, spreading their tablecloth on sloping ground, so that if heat mists rise along the hedges of low-lying fields they may be high above them.

Each member of the party should be provided by the hostess with a Chinese lantern and a nightlight or candle, and these can be hung to the branches if the moon delay her rising or be overcast, and will also serve to light the picnickers on their homeward way, making a highly picturesque effect as they wind through the fields and by-paths.

Subscription picnics, if well organised, will prove an immense success. An honorary secretary must be appointed, who will draw up a list of necessary provisions, and then write postcards to each of the party giving directions as to what to bring.

In a party of ten, for instance, for a moonlight supper picnic, two might bring fruit, two a supply of daintily cut ham sandwiches, one a dozen hard-boiled eggs and a bottle of cream, one salad and paper picnic plates; two might share a big cake between them, and two provide drinks, the honorary secretary making herself responsible for a table-cloth and a few knives and spoons, besides her share of the provisions, for, with such fare as has been described, knives and forks would not be needed, while the fact of the provisions being divided up into so many separate parcels makes it easy to convey them to the picnic ground without hiring outside help. Impromptu picnic dances run on the same lines in summer-time by a party of intimate friends collected together at any little seaside or riverside resort, where a suitable room or boat-house, or even a barn with a polished floor, can be hired for the night, are delightful.

Each picnicker subscribes a trifle towards the music and the room hire, and each one arrives “on the night” armed with a mysterious parcel or packet, which, when unpacked at supper-time, reveals itself to be a basket of fruit, sandwiches, or a cake, or, perchance, a bottle of claret or hock, the provisions being partaken of in impromptu fashion on the stairs or in the garden."

Excerpt from "Every Woman’s Encyclopaedia volume 4"

This is my restored, and colourised version of a black, and white photo postcard, as you can see I have recreated the missing section from the original off-centre picture, taken, and produced early July 1908

Restoring Your Past  … Website

Restoring Your Past … on Facebook  

[dolfinsatdawn]

While I wait patiently for hurricane Irma to barge in on FL next week, I might as well do this question-y thing that my fellow Turn fan tagged me in! Might be stuff you were always curious about OR alternatively stuff you couldn't care less about, but hey. Here it is.

Thanks for the fun @greenofallshades​

  I think there's supposed to be 100 questions. I started numbering them, but because I'm spacy I totally forgot to do the rest. So, here you go.

I'm tagging: @lou-who, @dying-suffering-french-stalkers, and anyone else who wants to do this (because my computer is glitching when I try to tag).

1. The meaning behind my url:  dolfinsatdawn. This was me trying to upgrade to something more artsy sounding but still had something from my childhood obsession with dolphins it.

2. A picture of me: EHHHHHH. I'm kinda squeamish about this. If ya'll really REALY want to see a picture maybe I will.

3. How many tattoos i have and what they are:  Lol I don't do the whole "permanent on your skin" stuff. I do love henna tattoos though. Anything semi-permanent is super fun.

4. Last time i cried and why: I cried when I found out my grandpa was in the hospital last week. He's okay though. I'm going to visit him soon.

5, Favorite band:  THE BEATLES. Hands down. I also like a lot of classical and film scores so, the only real band I love 100% is the Beatles.

6. Biggest turn offs:  Not respecting my personal space. It takes me a REALLY long time to get used to people (especially boys), so touching without my permission is really upsetting and people who do are immediately on my NOPE list. Also, men who constantly talk about money. I REALLY hate that. I don't care how much you make compared to everyone else.

7. Top 5 (insert subject): Top five places I want to travel to next!  1. Tokyo!  2. Washington State  3. Germany!!! 4. China!  5. Nepal!

8. Favorite place to be alone? I love doing everything alone. I'm so happy to go out and just chill without the stress of other people. I love going on walks alone especially in really pretty places like beaches.

9. Biggest turn ons: umm....I dunno sense of humor? Kind eyes....Classy clothes are a MUST.

 10. Age: old enough to drink even though I don't

11. Ideas of a perfect date: One where my date doesn't "forget his wallet in his car" and make me pay for dinner before driving me home without paying me back for his half. (I'm not bitter about this dude AT ALL.)

12. Life goal: Publish my book series so there's something for people to remember me by.

13. Piercings i want: None really. I throw around getting my ears done, but I'm not really into punching holes in my skin.

14. Relationship status: SUPER SINGLE and livin it up.

15. Favorite movie: . UGH dude this is so hard. There's three main ones I watch whenever and I always love them: Pride and Prejudice 2005, Howl's Moving Castle, and Austenland!

 16. A fact about my life:  I've spent 13 years in the same house and I'm totally okay with that. (Yes I commuted to college from home and no I didn't regret it AT ALL.)

17. Phobia:  Spiders. Terrible fear of spiders. I'm also afraid of the dark a little bit and tornados.

.18. Height: 5'2"

19. Are you a virgin?  Heck yea! And proud of it! 

20. What is your shoe size?  4-5 depending on who makes them.

21. What’s your sexual orientation?  straight

22. Do you smoke, drink, or take any drugs?   Nope. I don't like alcohol and I'd prefer not to kill my brain cells I'll need those for grad school.

23. Someone you miss: My grandma. She was the most fun person and I could call her any time and we'd talk for hours. She died in February and I miss her all the time.

24. What’s one thing you regret?  I regret how judgemental I was in high-school. It caused a lot of problems with my best friend. We're okay now, and I've apologized, but it caused a lot of wasted stress and fights we didn't need to have.

25. First celebrity you think of when someone says attractive:  J.J. Field

26. Favorite ice cream?  CAKE BATTER!

27. One insecurity: Body image. I used to be very athletic and I miss that a lot. I feel really gross and lazy. I also stress eat a LOT.

28. What my last text message says:  To me - I finally found a Publix that has water.  From me - How am I like your dad?!

29. What's the most creative thing you've done recently: I decorated the house for fall!

30. What's the last song you listened to? Six Weeks by Of Monsters And Men

31. What do your favorite Pj's look like? I have a shirt that says "my cat doesn't like you" that I wear whenever we have guests over.

Have you ever stole money from a friend?  no.

Have you ever gotten in a car with people you just met?  Lol nope!

Have you ever been in a fist fight?  I punched my brother a few times, but like...we weren't fighting.

Have you ever had feelings for someone who didn’t have them back?  Yeah he had a girlfriend.

Have you ever been arrested?  No

Have you ever made out with a stranger?  Ew no

Have you ever laid on your back and watched cloud shapes go by?  Yes I loved doing this at my grandma's house.

Have you ever been lonely?  HA. Who hasn't...?

Have you ever been to a club?  I went to a boat party once (I hated it) and they played that weird club music so that's the closest I've ever been to a club. I go to sports bars all the time for wings though.

 Have you ever felt an earthquake?  Nope you don't get those down here in FL really.

Have you ever touched a snake?  I LOVE SNAKES. They feel so fun. Snakes need love all the time.

Have you ever ran a red light?  Yes. It was 2 am. I was coming home from a theater show I was in. (They kept me late painting sets) and I turned left on red without stopping because I didn't even register that the light was red until I had already done it.

Have you ever been in a car accident?   Yes. They totaled my car. Scariest thing ever.

 Have you ever cried yourself to sleep?  Yah

Have you ever sang karaoke?  I think I did, but not in front of people. My grandparents had a Karaoke machine that my cousins and I all played with.

Have you ever done something you told yourself you wouldn’t?   Yah like continuing to eat Mcdonalds at 2am when my brother comes home lol.

Have you ever laughed until something you were drinking came out your nose?  No! XD I've seen someone else do it though.

Have you ever slept with someone at least 5 years older or younger?  nope.

Have you ever dream that you married someone? Nope. I don't usually have love-related dreams.

Have you ever got your tongue stuck to a flag pole?  No, but I got it stuck to an icicle that I licked once.

Have you ever ever gone to school partially naked?  I was homeschooled so I worked in my PJ's a lot.

Have you ever brushed your teeth?   ???? do people NOT brush their teeth????

Have you ever ever too scared to watch scary movies alone?  yeah I couldn't watch Black Mirror alone. Otherwise I don't watch scary movies.

Have you ever been pushed into a pool with all your clothes on?  Naw. I might be tiny, but I fight hard. People know better.

Have you ever been told you’re hot by a complete stranger?  nope

Have you ever broken a bone?  I smashed my finger playing softball once.

Have you ever been easily amused?  I mean yeh. I watched youtube videos of people organizing stuff once for HOURS. D:

Have you ever laughed so hard you cried?  Alll the time

Have you ever mooned/flashed someone? no.

Have you ever forgotten someone’s name?   Literally all the time. I suck at names.

Have you ever give us one thing about you that no one knows? Uh...no? Idk I think at least someone knows everything about me.

What was your last dream?   I had pants that changed colors but never matched the outfit I had on. (It was the first dream in a week that wasn't an awful nightmare so I was thrilled!)

Would you be up for interplanetary travel if it was a thing?  YES YES YES. SEND ME TO SPACE! Its like being in the age of sail all over! Adventure! new planets! LET ME GO!

If you could travel back in time, where would you go?  18th century or Victorian era.

Do you prefer tech or real books for reading?   Books!!!

Do you dread doctor visits or do they not bother you?   I think they're a waste of time, but I'm not afraid of doctors.

Favorite fashion decade of the twentieth century? 1910's or 1920's. Edwardian (Titanic clothes) or Flapper (Gatsby).

Are you wearing nail polish and if so, what color?   YES I'm wearing the Northern Lights OPI color from the new Iclandic line. I LOVE nail polish.

 Are you into working out or no?  Yes, but it has to be fun. I hate machines and gyms. Dance is much more my style.

Do you have a temper?   Doesn't everyone? Mine's really buried though so you really gotta mess up and push me to get it to come out. I don't have the energy to be angry about a lot of stuff.

Do you have one item you treat yosef with, and if so, what is it?   SUGAR SCRUBS

Do you eat meat?  YEA I basically live at Chickfila.

If yes, how do you like it cooked?  Depends on the meat. Steak Med-Rare and chicken usually grilled well (no thank you to salmonella).

Ever had a boss or a teacher you absolutely hated?  HA basically every professor at my school who gets political. I'm sorry I took a literature class not a political science. You can critique the world later. Please teach what I paid for.

Coffee, tea, or hot chocolate?  Tea!

Do you wear makeup?  Yes, especially when I go to work.

If you wear perfume, what’s your scent type/favorite fragrance?  I wear the cashmere perfume from bath and body works. I don't really like high end perfumes they make my throat hurt.

Do you have a girl crush?  nah

Candles, wax melts, or incense?  Candles. I love their little flames. It reminds me of fall/Christmas.

Favorite season of the year?  FALLLLLLLLLLL

Fanfic—do you prefer smut or fluff?   Fluff. Not into smut really at all.

Do you like taking selfies?  Why or why not?   I hate taking selfies. However, when you travel alone and you want photos of yourself you gotta suck it up.

Do you want children?   Eventually, but that means wanting a husband and meh - i'll wait.

Do you prefer lots of friends or just a few good friends?  Definitely just a few. People stress me out.

Introvert or extrovert, or mixture of both?  Raging introvert.

Ocean/beach or mountains?  BOTH?!!?! Beach because it doesn't give me altitude sickness, but I love the mountains anyway.

Morning person or night person?  Night owl 10/10.

Do you initiate conversations with strangers?  not if I can help it.

Milk or dark chocolate?  Dark

What do you post on your blog?   Star wars...historical romance gifs...artwork sometimes...random other aesthetic stuff and cute things!

Is it hard for you to apologize when you’re in the wrong?   Yah I kinda have a pride thing that is hard to get past. I do apologize though. The person won't know you're sorry unless you say it.

Love at first sight?  nope.

Best/funniest Halloween memory?  This one year my best friend and I went as spies and everyone thought we were the blues brothers. It was hilarious because my friend had no idea who the blues brothers were and it got to the point where we both just said YES when people asked because it was too exhausting to say otherwise.  

Did your first crush work out or was it unrequited?  Unrequited

Do you like old movies—and by old, I mean OLD old?  I watched a silent version of Phantom of the Opera that was cool once, but usually those movies are a bit slow for me.

Do you tan or burn?  Both, but right now I'm tanning.

Do you think people deserve second chances?  Depends on what they did. Cheating? Not a chance.

What animal would be cutest if scaled down to the size of a cat?  ELEPHANT!!! Imainge the tiny round feets and the little trunk!!!!!!

Do you have any weird food likes/dislikes?  I hate lots of foods. and I hate any food if there's too much of it.

.What’s the funniest real person’s name you’ve ever heard?   (I don't want to use his real real name, but the last name is real)  Harry Dingledien.

[marinette-buginette]

Tales of Miss Fortune(Part 6)

AKA, God is dead and we are getting almost nsfw. RIP Adrien’s dick. And congratulations to everybody who guessed who is getting drunk.

Sin warning! Well, sort of.

First | Next

Marinette tapped her chin thoughtfully as she stared at the six rococo paintings propped against the wall. Sticking her tongue out she began sketching fastly, trying to make the imagine in her head take a form on the paper. She had this rococo inspired collection in her mind for a while now, she just needed the time to gather the reference material. Or in this case, oil paintings. Marinette looked at the paintings again. That was the problem with inspired collections. You always had to be careful how much you take, how much you put from you and how well it can blend so it actually looks good. After about twenty minutes Marinette was moderately satisfied with the sketch. Taking a sip from her tea, she glanced at her kwami, Tikki who was sleeping soundly on the puffy pillow Marinette had made for her three years ago. The little god had not been very happy with the way Marinette decided to use one of the most powerful miraculouses. It began by trying to convince Marinette to change her ways. But if you knew Marinette Dupain-Cheng you knew she was a stubborn one, so that attempt failed. And when the little god saw it was in vain, she just gave Marinette the silent treatment for almost two years. It had been… awkward. And then the accident with her father happened and her mother decided to move back to China and it was just Marinette in an empty apartment studio. In the end, she and Tikki had to speak. It turned out better than expected. She wasn’t approving Marinette’s behavior but she was being more amused by it than annoyed nowadays. Shaking her head she returned her attention to her sketches, only to be interrupted by a message.

Odd. If Alya wanted to talk with hr they would Skype. Picking up her phone, Marinette opened the message. And had to read it two more times to make sure she wasn’t seeing things.

I know this message could be interpreted as lacking properness, and you are under no circumstances forced to agree, but I am in a state that requires quite the distraction, but I’m not emotionally stable enough to get the respective distraction on my own. So this is my official invitation for you to share an alcoholic beverage with me. ω(=＾・＾=)ω 

Marinette covered her mouth and giggled. Oh, that awkward precious bean. Well, isn’t like she could refuse the offer of getting drunk with her sweet kitten. Marinette smirked. this was bound to be interesting.

It seemed like he was already drunk when she arrived, if his wobbly moves and foggy look were anything to go by. Adrien held the door open as he looked at Marinette, his eyes zeroing on her low v neck. He giggled.

“I can see your ladyboobies.” he burst into another fit of giggles.

Marinette raised one eyebrow: “I can take my shirt off so you can see them even better.”

As Adrien almost fell on his ass from the shock, Marinette strutted in, and took a seat in one of the armchairs before pouring herself a glass. That was some expensive wine, but isn’t like she should be surprised. Adrien joined her sitting in the armchair across from her and picking a bottle and beginning to gulp the wine down. Marinette let her gaze size him up, wondering just what got him into this state. She certainly hoped it was her. Adrien stared at his bottle as if it hid the answers to the deepest, darker secrets of the universe. With a dramatic sigh, he turned his eyes to her.

“I have to confess my sins.” Marinette was too taken aback to even answer to that. “I used to dress up as Sailor Moon for multiple years. I was the biggest Ouran High School Host Club fan out there, Tamaki was my role model. Once I ate a whole cake in one sitting cause my sweet tooth got out of control.”

Marinette wasn’t that surprised he was an anime fan. He probably liked memes too.

“I have a praise kink.”

“Oh!” Marinette sipped her wine and leaned forward, propping her chin in her hand, cause hell yeah, just hit the jackpot right here. He should have gotten drunk sooner. “Do tell me more.”

Adrien leaned against the back of the armchair and continued a rant. “And a bondage kink. That’s Miss Fortune fault. And I’m into pegging. And I really need to go to church these days or cleanse myself from all the sex dreams I have about her. And sometimes you. Oh, shit, forget I just said that. Anyway, I’m also into gags and pet play and… “

Marinette’s smirk was growing bigger with every kink Adrien was sharing. This night was way more fun than she could have ever imagined. And so informative. Oh, she will make good use of this newfound information. For noble purposes, of course.

“Marinette?” Adrien whined.

“Yes?”

“Do you think Miss Fortune thinks I’m sexy?”

Oh, only if you knew, she thought.

Leaning back, she feigned indifference. “Well, she mentioned she is into blondes, so maybe.”

Adrien got the silliest grin in the world. It was so cute. Marinette bit her lip. She really had to keep from pouncing on him. “But what do you think? Do you think I am sexy?”

Oh, minou, you are far too entertaining, she smiled a little, glancing at her glass contemplatively. Now it was the time for her to play her cards right.

“You reminds me of Chat Noir, actually.” she pouted, her eyes sliding over Adrien. “And given I want to ride him so hard he won’t be able to work for a week, then yeah, I’d say yo are sexy.”

Adrien’s face turned red in seconds and he took another gulp of wine. “You think Chat Noir is sexy?” he must have realized he was being a little too obvious and added. “Funny, I think so too.”

Marinette crossed her legs, trying to hide her amusement at his failed attempts at subtility. “I’m sure you do. What about Miss Fortune, though?”

Adrien got a dreamy look. "Oh, she's so gorgeous. Her blue eyes just wow, and when she smirks, it's aaaaaaahhh, and when she teases me, it's frustrating, but then mmmmmmmmmmm.” h actually moaned at that, before focusing his attention back on her. “ You kind of look like her, a little." he sighed finally.

Marinette tapped her fingers against her glass, thinking carefully about her next move. She took another sip, finishing whatever was left in the glass and settled it on the table in front of her. Then, slowly, but surely, she got up and made her way towards him, slipping in his lap. “What if I tease you then?”

Adrien put his bottle down and laughed half-heartedly. "Nice try but I can only get hard when it's Miss Fortune doing it with her yoyo."

Marinette smirked. This night kept on giving. But back to the problem at hand. Wrapping her arms around his neck, she whispered. “Is this a challenge, angel?”

Adrien seemed to snap back out of his utter drunkness for a moment. He grabbed her wrists gently and took off her arms off his shoulders. “No. You are very pretty, but I am loyal to Miss Fortune.”

Marinette kept from growling. Really now? Really? What must a girl do to get the dick she had been thirsting over for years?

Striking his hair slowly, Marinette decided to play along some more. “And if Miss Fortune was here?”

She could have sworn thee was drool in the corner of his mouth. “My dream threesome.”

Seeing Adrien hadn’t entirely pushed her off, Marinette decided to test something out. Moving slowly, she rolled her hips, grinding against him. Adrien’s eyes were still far away, but his body reacted, his hips pushing back just slightly. Biting her bottom lip, Marinette kept the slow moves. Until she felt something hard against her thigh. Adrien finally seemed to snap out of his threesome dream land.

“Ignore the boner. My dick is more drunk than me. It probably thinks you are Miss Fortune.”

Tilting her head, Marinette gave him a curious look. “Can’t we pretend?”

Honestly, this night was becoming more hilarious with every move. Her whole charade will start to wear thing if Adrien kept being so ‘loyal’. And her hormones weren’t exactly easy to ignore. She was a woman with a healthy sex appetite thank you very much.

“No, no. I’m not as easy to fool as my dick.”

Well, his dick had obvious something to say on the matter, cause it only became harder and started testing the resistance of his jeans and Marinette could feel it perfectly.

“Ignore him, he is rude.”

"Does he have a name?" Marinette asked, glancing quickly between them.

Adrien nodded solemnly. "His name is Adrien Junior."

Marinette cooed mockingly, which he probably didn't pick on. "How cute!' running her fingers through his hair, Marinette assured him. "Don't worry, Adrien Junior isn't rude at all. I could even play with him a little."

"Ah, ah, ah." Adrien wiggled his index finger in front of her eyes. "I said he only wants to play with Miss Fortune."

Yeah, she knew how much Adrien Junior wanted to play with her. But Adrien Senior refused every damn time because of some morality bullshit. Marinette sighed. It was obviously she won't get anything else out of him. If only she hadn't left Tikki at home... wait.

Adrien gasped as she jumped off him and picked her purse, running out of the apartment.

"I forgot the oven on, I'll be back soon!" she screamed over her shoulder.

Adrien frowned. That was odd, but hey, he didn't want Marinette's house to burn down. He raised his bottle, ready to take another sip only to discover the bottle was empty. Huffing, he went to the table, managing not to fall on his ass, and opened another expensive bottle of wine. the thing about expensive wine was that it was so good it got you drunk properly and that's exactly what he needed to forget about the whole good kitten incident from that morning. After a couple of minutes, he was really getting too hot. Huh, alcohol was getting him hot. Interesting. He took off his shirt and pants, but kept his red boxers on. It was much better like that. He was contemplating the idea of calling it a night, when a figure stumbled through his balcony's doors. And there was Miss Fortune in all her glory. Adrien almost dropped the bottle. Maybe she was a hallucination?

"Hey, hunk!" she waved at him.

Nope, she was certainly not a hallucination, hallucinations don't talk. Or do they?

Well, Chat Noir isn't here." she sighed dramatically. "How I wish he was here." her eyes slid over to Adrien and she smirked. "Could you pretend to be my kitten for a while?"

Adrien's brain wasn't exactly working, so he could only gasp as his dick was screamed at him to accept. Miss Fortune strutted to him and sat on his lap. "Please? I really miss my kitten."

Adrien squeaked. How could he refuse? "I can be your kitten. And anything else you want me to be."

Miss Fortune began stroking his hair, the same way Marinette did earlier and just like then Adrien was trying his best not to purr. However, he couldn't keep the whine in as she stopped her ministrations. However, Adrien's eyes were about to pop out of his head as she reached for the back of her suit, making it come undone and letting the upper part slid off.

(Marinette knew she was inspired with the design and allowing it to be removable.)

She pouted, feigning shyness. "I always wanted my kitten to say they are his favourites."

Adrien's eyes slid to her exposed flesh and hardened nipples and he gulped. "They are my favourites! Your Ladyboobies are wonderful. I love them. I always wanted to hold them."

Miss Fortune smiled. "Well, they are right here, a few centimeters away, so you have a chance."

Adrien gasped in delight. Back in his teenage days, eh always wanted to hold her breasts. Not that now he didn't want to, but he wanted to do other things some more. "Can I?"

Miss Fortune was really liking the starry look in his eyes. "Of course you can, kitten. But no claws, for now, my ladyboobies are a little bit too soft for that."

Adrien reached for them and cupped her gently, enjoying the sensation of her skin against his palms. "They are warm."

"Your hands are warm too, mon minou." she purred. "I said no scratch, but you can squeeze them harder. I don't mind a tight squeeze."

Adrien did as she suggested, gripping the flesh tightly, enjoying the way they fit in his hands, before running his thumbs over her nipples. "I love them."

Miss Fortune hummed, obviously satisfied with his presentation. Somewhere, his mind was screaming that he shouldn't do things like that with a thief, but honestly, Adrien run out of fucks to give. And he was so drunk, this whole thing could be just one big hallucination. He was going to enjoy it as it lasted.

"Can I kiss them?" he asked suddenly.

"See for yourself, chaton. Can you?"

Licking his lips, Adrien lowered his head and began sucking on her left nipple while he kept massaging her right breast. His tongue teased her, before he moved his mouth, nipping at the sensitive skin above the nipple. As he kept his ministration, moving to the right breast as well, Miss Fortune moaned.

"Oh, minou, you really know how to use that tongue of yours."

Adrien basked in the praise before a cat-like instinct took over him and he purred shortly. "They are mine. My ladyboobies."

Miss Fortune giggled, before moaning again. Ah, this was wonderful. If only he would be sober. Tugging gently at his hair, she pulled him away from her boobs. Adrien whined, obviously not satisfied. He gasped as Miss Fortune picked him up and carried him bridal style to his bed.

"Cuddle time, pretty kitten." she declared, settling him on the bed.

Adrien wrapped his arms around her, pulling her close and hiding his face in her breasts. Miss Fortune was stroking his hair soothingly, as he purred against her bare chest. Honestly, this was paradise on earth. Why didn't he accept her advances earlier? His poor dick had been right the whole time.

"I love your ladyboobies." he muttered against her skin.

"But do you love me, minou?"

Adrien raised his head oh so slightly, glancing at her with those gorgeous green eyes. "This pussy loves you purry much."

Miss Fortune kept petting him until he fell asleep soundly. She unwrapped his hands from around her, before getting out of the bed. She tucked him under the blankets and kissed his forehead.

"Sleep well, mon amour."

[jillmckenzie1]

Interview with Colorado Prize for Poetry Winner: Gillian Cummings

Gillian Cummings is the Author of The Owl was a Baker’s Daughter, winner of the 2018 Colorado Prize for Poetry selected by John Yau, forthcoming this November from The Center for Literary Publishing at Colorado State University. I reached out to Gillian Cummings directly regarding her success, and she enthusiastically consented to an interview.

About The Owl Was a Baker’s Daughter:

The title The Owl was a Baker’s Daughter originates from a line spoken by Shakespeare’s Ophelia in Hamlet whose grief and guilt at which point have overwhelmed her into a sort of psychosis. The Owl was a Baker’s Daughter harkens to a disempowered, grief-struck tragic female figure and muse. In four parts, the fragile narrator grapples with her own deteriorating mental state in a way that is both liquidly lyrical and powerfully melancholy to behold. Each poem offers an evocative examination of and attempted liberation from depression through several interwoven, extended and stunning nature representations. Water is invoked during many of these pleading pieces, an eerie foreshadowing of her death by drowning: “The speech of rain: it was only a matter / of something asking to be let in.” The Owl was a Baker’s Daughter follows the profoundly wounded interior workings of a devastated, deranged character from her psychotic breaking point to that final point of departure—her suicide.

About the Poet:

Gillian Cummings is the author of The Owl Was a Baker’s Daughter, winner of the 2018 Colorado Prize for Poetry and My Dim Aviary, winner of the 2015 Hudson Prize (Black Lawrence Press, 2016). She has also written three chapbooks. Her poems have appeared in Barrow Street, Boulevard, The Cincinnati Review, the Colorado Review, Denver Quarterly, The Journal, The New Orleans Review, Verse Daily, in other journals and in two anthologies.

Here’s just a glimpse into the work:

  Unwriting the Sentence

Nightly, it flaps out, flaps out— not a cry but a quietness, it had become bigger, empty of starlight. Sleep tucked it far beneath a bed of wings and smoke-moon, beneath the room rocking a slow tug at her boatlessness. It would come for her. Mornings, she knew this better than curtains know to keep out light. She once feared this would be more than she would ever know: the book of pages left unturned, sullied with some phantom coffee stains, underlines, mostly the erasures. It was the erasures. In the end, it was the erasures of love that hurt most.

  The owl was a baker’s daughter

If earth is oven enough for my father’s body, I won’t eat a cake that flies. No, no, no—but night hears Who? as a question and cherry pies come out feathered in silvers, golds. Brown at the throat where words turned to molten syrup under crust—whose edges? Who? Where do we end? Ah, stir us with no spoon but a knife, dirt is all our company. Would I were the moon. Misted over and round as a chipped china plate. It’s late to dine but too early for worms, so let me shine eerily upon you. I’ll enter the hall quietly, slippered, my body gossamered white.

  Moon-Girls of the Medicine

You were about to float away so they taught you not to. Softly into quiet they come, finely, into spooked light—winged ones they bring, goldfinch, marlin, wren in enormous nest: the begin again, spring to startle your winter out of sleep’s either you’ll wake to wind that washes you like song or you’ll open eyes on sky untrumpeted in old tempests of stars; either you’ll come back to your body or you won’t. But the girls hover over you with their grass- messes of hair, their eyes mercy-mild, and what the birds teach in such communal twig- tangle is simple: how alone, we break; how we’re saved by one another.

  Gillian Cummings, “Unwriting the Sentence,” “The owl was a baker’s daughter,” and “Moon-Girls of the Medicine” from The Owl Was a Baker’s Daughter, published by THE CENTER FOR LITERARY PUBLISHING. Copyright © 2018 by Gillian Cummings. Reprinted by permission of THE CENTER FOR LITERARY PUBLISHING.

  How does the Ophelia portrayed in this work relate to Shakespeare’s?  Is a reader’s grasp of the Shakespearean backstory essential to understanding this work?

That’s a good question. All of the poems, from beginning to end, take as their subject the topic of suicide, suicidal ideation, and the life that can come back to one after an experience of coma, though of course Ophelia dies in Hamlet, as she also dies in this book.

This book is divided into four sections, the first and third sections being made up of short poems that were once all sonnets, and the second and fourth sections being taken from a sequence of prose poems I expressly wrote in a voice I imagined to be Ophelia’s. I think the poems that I will call for convenience the “once-sonnets” are easier for the reader to approach than the twelve prose poems, because they came out of my direct experience as someone who lived for over six years with suicidal depression.

The prose poems that take on the persona of Ophelia, these are a little different. In writing them, I read Hamlet over and over, I’d say about fifteen times. I wanted those poems to sound like Ophelia’s voice as Shakespeare had expressed it, only prismed through the crystal of a woman’s (my) consciousness. I think that with the prose poems, the reader may be able to experience the mind of a woman from the past who has experienced a profound and profoundly disturbing loss (Hamlet’s odd and often cruel behavior towards her that turns to an outright rejection of her love and then his mistaken murder of her father). But honestly, I do leave out the backstory, the scaffolding, so to speak, that is Shakespeare’s play. I let the reader imagine exactly what is going on, in part because I do want the experience to be disorienting, to feel like madness.

  After the express privilege of reading your work, Keats’ idea of the chameleon poet, one that “has no identity, [who] is continually filling some other body” came to mind. In this work, that “other body” seems to be Ophelia. How does this process of distance from self-affect the writing process? How would you describe your own overall aesthetic?

I think that John Yau, who judged the Colorado Prize, had that same experience from reading these poems, that in my writing I inhabit other selves. And it’s true. It’s very hard for me to write as an “I.” It’s hard to even say “I,” if the “I” is really myself. So, I have developed a habit of speaking in persona poems or of writing as myself but using the pronoun “she” or “you” to create a necessary distance. I also make things up, fictionalize my life in poems, to further that distance. I think that there are some poems in this book that are so intensely personal that they still frighten me when I read them. One is the poem “Unwriting the Sentence.” I wrote that poem when I was very, very close to taking my life. It is my “Edge” poem and even quotes Plath. I tried to make it very, very quiet, eerily so. I think I may do these kinds of things in my writing because in life I’m a very shy person with a need for privacy in an increasingly publicly oriented society. And my mind may be more fractured than a normal person’s.

  In tandem, Keats’ idea of negative capability, or “the artist’s access to truth without the pressure and framework of logic or science” feels simultaneously relevant. Through poetry and prose that evade straightforward sense, Ophelia’s voice proffers its own bent wisdom. How would you say this concept affects the reading experience of The Owl was a Baker’s Daughter and the reception of its inner logic?

As I said, I think that in the writing of this book, I was trying to create an experience for the reader that resembles the disorientation of madness. I hope that that comes across. I was also, in the third section of the book, the section that is more a coming back to life, trying to ground the poems in a deeply felt appreciation of the natural world, what remains of it, as a source of healing, a balm to the disturbed mind. I like your phrase “bent wisdom.” In The Owl, I lean upon and try to learn from certain Buddhist sutras that I incorporate obliquely. I never quite understood how to live the wisdom of Zen, though I studied under a Buddhist teacher for six years and took the Zen precepts called “Jukai” at the same time that I was starting to fall apart from several unbearably sad rifts in my life. Ophelia, as I saw and still see her, was inordinately wise in her madness, and the things Shakespeare had her say when she lost hold of her senses seemed to challenge even the patriarchal authority of King Claudius. I love that. And I love the beauty of her lack of logic. It’s “bent wisdom.” But it’s not so much my own as it is Shakespeare’s.

  Your work My Dim Aviary (Black Lawrence Press, 2016), inhabits the voice of Miss Fernande—a Parisian model, prostitute, rumored mistress of Picasso. Observing the parallel explorations of the Damsel in Distress archetype, what draws you towards these subject matters and their musings?

The reasons for choosing both of these women as subjects may just come out of my life experience as someone who has a hard time seeing the side of life that is not tragic. I wrote in the voice of a sex-worker from a time past in My Dim Aviary because it was a way of my trying to heal myself from sexual abuse I suffered when I was young. I am someone who does not like sex and I thought that if I could imagine myself as someone comfortable in a very sexualized and even commodified body, I could face this terrible fear I have of not being safe as a woman. Sadly, for me, writing that first book did not help me at all with this problem. Nothing has so far… And then with the poems about Ophelia: I think she came so easily to mind simply because at the time I was obsessed with suicide, and she has long been one of my favorite Shakespeare characters.

  One of the simplest ways people can promote poetry is by highly recommending other works. With that in mind, what poetry are you currently reading? Are there any poets, dead or alive, who you credit as your influences?

Thank you for asking this question. Certain poets’ works were central to the writing of this book, namely those of Cynthia Cruz, Allison Benis White, and Chloe Honum, who have written with great restraint about extreme states, not necessarily always their own. Also, Sylvia Plath, whose poetry has long been a touchstone for me, and Emily Dickinson. In recent years, I have loved—though not for that same kind of subject matter—Carolina Ebeid’s You Ask Me to Talk about the Interior, Ocean Vuong’s Night Sky with Exit Wounds, Jennifer Chang’s Some Say the Lark, and Kaveh Akbar’s Calling a Wolf a Wolf. There really are too many poets to name—I could go on and on. Most recently, I have turned to reading the Polish poets of the twentieth and twenty-first centuries, because I’m now working on a novel that takes place, partially, in Poland. And to speak of novels, not poetry, I feel a great debt to Virginia Woolf, who is always a great teacher for me.

  When and where can one purchase your work?

The Owl Was a Baker’s Daughter has a release date of November 15, 2018. But it just went live for pre-sale orders.

It’s available through The University Press of Colorado’s website: https://upcolorado.com/university-press-of-colorado/item/3522-the-owl-was-a-baker-s-daughter.

And it’s also available through Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Bakers-Daughter-Colorado-Prize-Poetry/dp/1885635656/

And, of course, you can order it at your local independent bookstore.

from Blog https://ondenver.com/interview-with-colorado-book-award-winner-gillian-cummings/

[artificialqueens]

Diamonds In The Rough, Chapter 4 - Fannyatrollop

a/n: The Mary Poppins AU is still a thing! This is more of a relaxed project for @fannyatrollop and I, so that’s why updates are so infrequent - but it’s a good time. Fic under the cut <3

The Liaison-Mattel family had been on fairly good terms with the Minj family for some time now, their status as neighbours practically forcing them into socialising. Trixie and Pearl were good friends with Ginger, a girl close to them in age who was the youngest member of the family. She was a robust little thing - a strong, solid form, filled with forceful beliefs and opinions. Pearl had always attributed Ginger’s nature to her flaming red hair, a feature she had always found rather becoming, but one her elders seemed to shun.

Adults were funny in that way, she supposed.

Quite often, she and Trixie would pay a visit to Ginger during the day - be it for tea or for play - and they felt it the perfect opportunity to introduce their dear friend to their delightful Miss Dela.

“They have been expecting us for some time, Miss Dela,” Trixie said as she trotted alongside Miss Dela, tugging on her indigo skirts. “We’d be so happy if you came along - I’m certain Mrs. Minj would be delighted to meet you.”

Miss Dela hummed at the thought, and both Trixie and Pearl took her silence as a sign she needed more convincing. This time, Pearl stepped up to speak.

“And you might get to see Miss Tammie. We’ve heard you muttering about how irresponsible she is, so perhaps you could check up on her?” Pearl suggested. “Make sure she isn’t causing any trouble.”

“Well, if I am to be your caretaker it would be strange for me not to accompany you wherever you go,” Miss Dela remarked, and this was her rather wordy way of saying ‘yes’. “When are the Minjs’ expecting you?”

“Half past eleven,” Trixie replied, her answer quick so she could talk over her sister. Pearl shot her a small glare, which Trixie received with pride.

Miss Dela pulled her pocket watch from her waistcoat, and her eyebrows raised when she looked at it. “Good heavens, that’s in fifteen minutes! At this stage, my dears, you’re not fit to be seen by a scullery maid, let alone Mrs. Minj! Come along to the nursery, we must get you looking decent.”

“A scullery maid!” Trixie gasped. The last time she’d seen Yekaterina Petrovna Zamo was when the girl was on her way home from market. Trixie had been at her window, practically sticking half her body out so she could see her, until Miss Dela pulled her away. Pearl had laughed at her for that.

Pearl rolled her eyes, sighing at the stupidity she was so closely related to. “Don’t tell me you’re looking forward to calling on the Minjs’ maid!”

“I’ll tell you what I like!” replied Trixie, with a huff.

Pearl stuck her tongue out at her. Miss Dela sighed.

“Come along , girls!”

***

For Christmas, Trixie and Pearl had each been given a sixpence. It was a simple little tradition they had in their household, the real coin hidden amongst others made of sweet chocolate in a small velvet pouch, wrapped up in ribbon. Pearl and Trixie would spend their whole morning searching for their gift. In her mind, Pearl found hers the sensible way, by squeezing on the coins until she found one that didn’t melt under her fingers. Trixie found hers the only way she knew how - by eating all the rest.

Now, that coin was tucked safely into the pocket of her little coat, kept warm by Trixie’s constant fiddling with it. Miss Dela had scolded her for shoving her hands in her pockets as Mrs. Minj lead them through to the parlor where they were to take tea with young Ginger. The adults were talking of awfully dull things as they walked, and for once Trixie found her boredom matched by Pearl’s.

“Ginger, sit up straight, there’s a good girl,” Mrs. Minj snapped at her daughter the moment they entered the parlor, and the slight frown creasing Miss Dela’s face did not go unnoticed by her young charge.

“I’m sorry, Mama,” Ginger replied from where she was seated at the table, thoroughly chastened. “Hello Trixie, hello Pearl.”

The twins gave their greeting before being guided towards their seats surrounding a table decorated with plates of little sweet cakes and a tea set. It was all very lovely, and Trixie eyed the cakes with eager hunger. Pearl, ever the prissy one, simply sat up straight and waited until she was given permission to eat. Mrs. Minj turned her attentions to Miss Dela, peering at her through little half moon spectacles.

“Now, Miss Dela, is it?”

“Yes, that is correct,” the woman said with a short nod.

“Shall we take our tea in the other room? I can’t say I was expecting your company, but I’m sure we can accomodate you.”

Miss Dela glanced down to the girls at the table, seemingly reluctant to leave them unsupervised. Although she was growing rather fond of her delightful yet strict nanny, Trixie did feel a touch suffocated under her constant watchful gaze. “Please, Miss Dela, go and enjoy your tea with Mrs. Minj. We’ll be quite happy here, won’t we?”

Ginger and Pearl’s nods in unison had the nanny convinced, and she turned to Mrs. Minj. “Very well, it seems the girls have spoken. Lead the way?”

The older women said their goodbyes to the girls, and after Mrs. Minj gave a strict warning that Ginger behave herself, the two quit the room, leaving the girls in relative peace. Ginger breathed out a sigh of relief, her posture loosening and relaxing.

“Gosh, I thought they would never leave,” she huffed, making Pearl frown and Trixie giggle.

“Aren’t you supposed to be behaving?” Pearl asked, reaching out to start pouring tea into their little china cups. Trixie had already started piling her plate with cakes.

Ginger nodded. “Well, yes, but you’d never tattle on me, would you, Pearl?”

“Only because I wouldn’t want to be a snitch. Milk or lemon?” She sounded so snooty as she served the girls their tea, sounding more like Miss Dela than anyone else. Trixie found it rather funny - Pearl did so often try to imitate those above her in an attempt to sound more impressive. Trixie never believed it, because she knew that Pearl was as silly a girl as Trixie was herself.

Trixie swallowed down a bite of victoria sponge before speaking. “Ginger, have you seen much of that new scullery maid of yours?”

“Good grief, here we go again,” Pearl grumbled before drowning her disapproval with a sip of tea.

Taking a moment to think, Ginger stirred her tea and let the spoon clink against the china. “A little bit - she comes in to light my fireplace in the morning. Why do you ask?”

“I saw her when she arrived the other day,” Trixie explained. “And I thought it was so sad when your mother called her by the wrong name. I should quite like to meet her.”

“Katherine? But that is her name, isn’t it?” Ginger asked, cocking her head.

Trixie shook her head enthusiastically. “No, no, no. It’s Yekaterina Petrovna Zamo. I heard her say so myself.”

“Yes, so did I,” Pearl said. “And then I heard it a thousand more times from you, Trixie.”

Irritated by her sister’s lack of compassion, Trixie poked her tongue out before continuing. “I want to see her so I can call her by her real name! She always looks so sad when I see her - I thought, perhaps, it might cheer her up.”

“I suppose it might, if Mama has been getting her name wrong,” Ginger considered, bringing a chubby hand to her chin in thought. “Perhaps we should try and find her.”

“Oh, I’d be so happy if we could!” Trixie cried, clasping her hands together and brightening her face with a cheery smile.

Pearl widened her bright blue eyes, looking thoroughly scandalised. “We most certainly are not! Do you two really want to get involved with a scullery maid? Why, it’s just bad taste.”

“Being a nice person isn’t ‘bad taste,’ Pearl,” Trixie snarked back, folding her arms across her chest. “Where might we find her, Ginger?”

“In the servants quarters, I imagine. I’ve never seen her around the house at this time of day.”

Trixie bounced up in her seat, forgetting her meal entirely. “Well, come along then, let’s go find her!”

Ginger, who seemed more than happy to join in on the adventure, hopped out of her seat with a grin. Pearl, however, remained seated with a sullen, pouty look on her face. “You can’t make me go with you. I’m not spending my time with dirty little scullery maids, and that’s that.”

“Suit yourself. But you’ll be so disappointed when I’m the one with a new friend and you’re not,” Trixie remarked, feeling rather proud of herself. She was going to have an adventure, and Pearl wasn’t! How wonderful was that? “Let’s go, Ginger! I want to meet Yekaterina Petrovna Zamo!”

Giddily, the girls fled from the room, leaving Pearl to sulk all on her own. Oh well, if those two got in trouble it wouldn’t be her fault, and she could impress Miss Dela by saying how well behaved she’d been.

Content to sip her tea in silence, Pearl eagerly awaited the sound of Trixie and Ginger being scolded.

***

“Have you been in this business long, Miss Dela?”

Dela regarded Mrs. Minj with gentle distaste. She’d taken an instant dislike to her after seeing how she treated her daughter - really, little Miss Ginger’s posture wasn’t that bad at all, there was no reason to snap at her the way Mrs. Minj had. And she seemed all too eager to leave the children alone, which Dela could understand if Mrs. Minj had been more pleasant about it. For the most part, Dela stayed silent throughout their tea together, speaking only when spoken to and listening intently to what Mrs. Minj had to say about her daughter.

Apparently, Ginger was far too spirited for her own good. She spoke back, she had no sense of decorum, and wouldn’t know good taste if it yelled in her face. It was all the fault of her hair, apparently, her flaming red locks singled out as the only reason why she was so ill behaved. The way Mrs. Minj spoke of her daughter’s most distinctive feature was as though it disgusted her, and it made Dela wonder why in heaven’s name she’d chosen to name her daughter after the shade. She wasn’t necessarily impressed with Mrs. Minj’s attitude at all - one should not shun their loved ones because of a physical feature, and Dela knew that better than anybody. Tammie’s hair was just as red as Ginger’s, if not more so, and although it definitely contributed to her more outlandish personality, it was all part of her charm.

“Oh yes, quite a while,” Dela said in response to the question posed to her, lifting her cup to her lips and taking a small sip. “Children can make the most fascinating companions.”

“I wouldn’t be able to stomach it. I find them wholly irritating,” Mrs. Minj said with a shake of her head.

A touch offended, Dela took a deep breath before speaking. “In my opinion, us adults must pay children more respect. We expect them to respect us, but how can they learn to do so when we give them none in return?”

“Fascinating, although I can’t bring myself to agree with you. Children learn respect through fear and discipline.”

“I would never wish to inflict fear on any of my charges.”

Mrs. Minj set her cup down on its saucer, her lined face contorting with poorly hidden distaste. “Forgive me, Miss Dela, but it sounds as though you have had a rather privileged childhood. Would I be correct in saying so?”

“Not entirely,” Dela said, a mysterious smile crossing her smooth face. “I simply care very deeply for the children I look after, and I know how to walk the line between damage and discipline. You, perhaps, should learn to do the same.”

It wasn’t like Dela to be so standoffish, but somehow she couldn’t help it - Mrs. Minj’s attitude didn’t sit well with her at all. Quite frankly, she worried for young Ginger, being forced to live under the same roof as this bitter woman.

Mrs. Minj’s eyes narrowed as she stared Dela down, the crows feet around her eyes sticking out sharply as she did so. “Perhaps, but I’ve done well enough raising Ginger in my own way. I suggest you keep out of it.”

Dela smiled sweetly before sipping her tea. “Of course. My apologies.”

***  

Somehow, Trixie had the feeling that this wasn’t the first time Ginger had crept into the servants quarters when nobody was looking.

“They’re all out to market at this time of day,” Ginger explained as she lead Trixie through the mostly abandoned servants hall. It was empty save for the red faced cook, who was slumped over the rough wooden dining table and snoring like a foghorn. Trixie had to stifle a giggle at the sound of her when they’d first come in.

“But if they’re all out at the market, won’t Yekaterina Petrovna Zamo be there too?”

Ginger faltered, her mischievous smile falling. “Oh, I, um, I didn’t think of that.”

“You silly thing! What are we going to do now? We can’t go back to Pearl - she’ll laugh at us because we couldn’t find her!”

“We can still find her, don’t worry, umm…” Ginger hummed, glancing around the room for some source of inspiration. “Let’s find her room. We can wait for her in there.”

Trixie stumbled a little as Ginger took hold of her wrist and started dragging her towards a wooden door that was slightly ajar. “But what if someone comes in? Won’t we get caught?”

“What business would anyone have poking their noses into a scullery maid’s bedroom?” Ginger asked, her tone reasonable yet slightly condescending. Suitably chastened, Trixie followed along in silence.

Yekaterina Petrovna Zamo’s room was awfully small - Trixie was sure her own wardrobe had more space than this. It was strange for her, to think of someone living in such an unpleasant place, with no space and an uncomfortable bed. In all her fantasies about the little Russian princess, how she lived never factored into the equation. Trixie may be young, but she was smart enough to know that something wasn’t right about her future friend living in such a cramped little room.

“Gosh, it’s awful, isn’t it?” Ginger remarked, peering through the dirty window. “I could never dream of sleeping in here.”

Trixie hummed in agreement, fiddling with the thin blanket on the rickety bed. “It must be terribly cold…”

“I think you might be right, you know. She’s always shivering when she comes in to light my fireplace in the morning.”

The sudden sound of commotion from outside distracted them from any more discussion of the maid’s plight, their young attention spans rather limited. Ginger opened the door a crack and beckoned Trixie over to look as well. All of the servants were back from the market, and the whole room was filled with their colloquial chatter and rowdy behaviour. Trixie found it rather fascinating - she never mingled with her household staff much - but any interest she had in them quickly faded when she spotted a flash of blonde hair amongst the crowd.

“Ginger, look! There she is!” Trixie whispered, pointing through the crack in the door.

Ginger narrowed her eyes as she glanced around, but they lit up the moment she found Yekaterina Petrovna Zamo. “Goodness, look how much she’s carrying!”

The young Russian’s arms were filled with all manner of goods, from sacks of flour to bags of vegetables. Trixie was sure she’d never seen even an adult carry so much, let alone a girl as young and skinny as Yekaterina Petrovna Zamo. Yet the strangest thing about it was not the quantity and weight of what she was carrying, but the fact that she didn’t seem to struggle with it at all. It was almost as if her strength was superhuman, and Trixie would be the first to say how thoroughly impressed she was.

The cook, now awake, barked at the poor thing to put her goods in the right place, threatening her with a beating if she didn’t do so quickly. Trixie frowned up at Ginger. “What an awful woman!”

“She’s always like that, even to Mama,” Ginger explained, and Trixie wrinkled her nose in distaste. “I don- wait, Trixie, look! Here she comes!”

Sure enough, Yekaterina Petrovna Zamo was coming closer, having suitably disposed of her goods from the market. Trixie and Ginger scurried behind the door so they’d be out of sight when the scullery maid opened her door - the last thing they wanted was to get into trouble for their snooping. The door creaked as it opened, and Trixie waited with baited breath to finally speak to the girl she’d been so obsessed with.

Yekaterina Petrovna Zamo let out a tired sigh before turning around, and she let out a cry when she saw the two newcomers. “Благость!”

“Oh, no, don’t be scared!” Trixie reassured her as the young blonde raised a hand to her quickly rising chest. “I only wanted to talk to you - I’ve been looking forward to meeting you since the moment I saw you arrive. Your name’s Yekaterina Petrovna Zamo, isn’t it?”

“Yekaterina…” she murmured, and then the brightest smile lit up her dirty face. “Katya! You call me Katya.”

“Is that your name?” Ginger asked, cocking her head. “Not Katherine?”

“No, not Katherine. Katya. Is small for Yekaterina.”

Ginger didn’t need to introduce herself - they must have met before. Trixie assumed Katya and Ginger had some degree of familiarity between them, seeing as they’d been living under the same roof for a while. With that in mind, she dove right in to making herself known to the curious little princess maid.

“Well, I’m Trixie. It’s… small for Beatrice,” Trixie explained, holding her hand out for Katya to shake it. She saw Papa doing it all the time when he met people - why shouldn’t she?

Katya was hesitant to take it. “No. Not proper.”

“It’s proper if I say it’s proper,” Trixie replied, and she took Katya’s hand and shook it whether she liked it or not. Katya smiled again, and Trixie was impressed with how shiny and white her teeth were. “You have a very pretty smile.”

“Thank you.” Katya raised a hand to her mouth and lightly touched it. “You, um, you have nice hair. Yellow. Pretty.”

As Trixie beamed under the praise, Ginger stepped forward, fed up with being left out of the conversation. “Kath- uh, Katya, do you like living in this room?”

She hung her head. “Not allowed to say.”

“It’s alright, I won’t tell Mama,” said Ginger, in a gentle tone Trixie often forgot she was capable of speaking in.

Katya looked sheepish as she answered. “No, I do not like. Too dirty and small. I used to have big house, like you.”

“Why are you a scullery maid then?” Trixie asked, cocking her head.

“I… I do not know. Aunt say I be taken care of here.”

Ginger posed another question, not seeming to notice that Katya was getting overwhelmed by them. “Is your aunt the woman who brought you here?”

“Yes. She took my watch. I wish I had it now.”

Trixie frowned, her heart going out to the poor girl. Abandoned in a foreign country, her precious possessions taken from her, forced to work under cruel mistresses and cooks. It was much too horrible to imagine, and Trixie hated to think how it would break Katya’s spirit terribly. Her hand drifted into her pocket to fiddle with her coin as she thought of how she could remedy Katya’s situation, and it was then that an idea came to her.

Granny always said she could buy anything with her Christmas sixpence…

“Your watch, was it very special to you?” Trixie asked, and Katya gave a sad nod.

“Very. It was precious, made of gold. Father gave me.”

Trixie took her little sixpence between her fingers and pulled it from her pocket, then held it out towards Katya. “I want you to have this. It’s a coin, and you could spend it if you liked. You might be able to buy a new watch to replace your old one, or something else that’s nice.”

Most of Trixie’s words seemed to go over Katya’s head, but she could recognise a gift when it was given to her. She was reluctant to take it at first, but when Trixie encouraged her to pluck it from her grasp, Katya did so eagerly. For a moment she simply stared at it, admiring the engraving on both sides and the slight glint of the metal. She then hastily stuffed it in the pocket of her apron, and she flashed another one of her dazzling smiles.

“Thank you, is very kind.”

“It’s quite alright,” Trixie said, her blonde curls bouncing as she nodded. “I should quite like to be friends - may I visit you again sometime?”

“I don’t know how often I’ll be able to sneak you down here, Trixie,” Ginger whispered, tugging at the pink sleeve of her dress.

But her comments went ignored by the two blondes, who were so enamoured with their newfound friendship that nothing else in the world could ever be more important. Not even the kerfuffle brewing upstairs.

[helloasia]

week in japan: getting to japan

I remembered I had this blog, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t record my week in Japan. After my internship in China in 2014 (!), I spent another week in Japan. Getting from Suqian to Tokyo was an experience in itself, so I can’t not write about it. 

[An aside about the actual internship: whole experience was great without the actual work part. I truly miss my Chinese coworkers and they were wonderful. In perverse American fashion, I imagined them as wise and strong kung fu warriors that were born in a different time period. They had a je ne sais quoi quality that I still admire.]

The plan was to take a train from Suqian to Xuzhou, then Xuzhou to Shanghai. Then I was to take the plane from Shanghai to Tokyo. 

One of my Chinese coworkers, I think his English name was Billy, drove me to the town train station and we shared the warmest goodbyes that two people who didn’t speak the same language could. 

When I got on the train -- and I don’t remember why -- my seat was occupied, so I had to stand for an hour with a bunch of other Chinese men, who were smoking and having a good chat. I think the train was so crowded that it was impossible to even get to my seat, and I was already carrying a backpack and a huge suitcase. 

When we arrived to Xuzhou, I realized that it was most people’s final destination. There was only an exit and no way to transfer to another line. I grabbed an attendant and, showing my ticket, explained that I was supposed to catch another train to Shanghai in a couple of hours. To punctuate my helplessness, I told her that I was Korean. Ordinarily I would say that I was American, but I had since learned that in Asia, it is difficult to explain how I could be Asian and American at the same time. 

The attendant understood and radioed her coworker to let me into the waiting room for transfers, which was at the top of a tall flight of stairs. The coworker waited for me at the top of the stairs and was so delighted by the fact that I was Korean, that he kept saying “Angyeong-hasaeyo” to me with a big smile as I visibly lugged my baggage up the 40+ steps of stairs. 

Grumpy that he didn’t offer to help, I gruffly responded in Mandarin, “Yes, yes, I am Korean,” as he led me to the waiting room. Though I had been somewhat of a spectacle, they were very kind and made sure that I got to my train on time. At this point, it was night and I had booked a sleeper car to Shanghai. 

Relieved to lay down, I tucked my valuables next to me and fell asleep in my bunk bed. The “car” was not separated by doors and had four beds per section, which I shared with an old man and a mother with her two children. Some time during the trip, the children were chattering, obviously excited by the trip in the sleeper train. Chinese tourists are notorious for their entitlement and rudeness, and I stirred in my bed to signal that I was being disturbed. The mother saw this and hissed at her children in Mandarin, “people are sleeping!”, which I greatly appreciated. 

I arrived in Shanghai around 6 AM. Now, it was the season of ZhongQiuJie, or the Mid-Autumn Festival. I mention this because this is the season of glorious moon cakes. Because I’m a glutton and kind of stupid, with the help of my fellow intern, I pre-ordered two boxes of Starbucks moon cakes, because you can’t get them outside of China. They are wrapped in a gorgeous box and come in Westernized flavors, including Earl Gray and coffee chocolate. I have a precious memory from these Starbucks moon cakes that I will write about later, but I was determined to have them and bring them back to my loved ones in America. 

I took the subway and went to the general area which had Starbucks I needed to go to. I went to a local convenience store and asked where the Starbucks was. I followed the directions of the kind cashier, but the office building that housed the Starbucks was opening at 9 AM. So I went back to the convenience store, hung around and got breakfast. I was cutting it close because my plane was due to fly in a few hours and, like all airports, Pudong Airport was outside of the city. 

I went to the building as soon as it opened, but to my absolute horror, the Starbucks was still being constructed, as in it wasn’t open yet, as in it would not open by the time I had to catch my flight. By this time, I was really running out of time. I flagged the attention of a nearby security guard and in a panicked voice, asked him if there were any other Starbucks nearby. 

Amused by what seemed to be my desperate need for coffee, he pointed at a Starbucks that was across the street. I nearly screamed and ran as fast as I could with my suitcase-on-wheels. I realized that that was the Starbucks I was supposed to go to. When I got there, that Starbucks had been open since 7 AM. I dashed in, showed them my pre-order ticket, collected my boxes, and ran out to the nearest subway station. These moon cake boxes are huge, so now I was running with a backpack, a large suitcase, and two unwieldy boxes. 

As a poor grad student, I was hoping to take a cheap subway ride to the airport, but I had no choice but to take the speedy, but more expensive maglev train. From the train, I ran (I did a lot of running that day) to the Korean Air ticket booth. They started speaking to me in Mandarin, and in Korean I asked them, “Can you speak in Korean please?” I wasn’t going to try communicating in English in such a short amount of time. 

I made it to the plane and arrived in Tokyo safely. Please note that I had not showered or changed my clothes in 24 hours in the journey from Suqian to Tokyo. So as the Japanese customs man mentioned how pretty the moon cake boxes were and wondered where was I was going with them (that was the gist, I believe, since he was speaking Japanese), I was too tired and gross to humor him. But I was in Tokyo and I was relieved.