#I LOVE TATANIA

[shokogast]

love it whenever i start to get back into starkid shows i always find myself in a loop-around straight back to Spies Are Forever and an anvil drops onto my head and crushes my soul forever and it’s solely because of joey richter and curt mega

[thrashkink-coven]

Hi all,

Welcome to the last part of my 2024 altar tour! 4/4

What a year it has been! I have learned so much and made so many new friends! My altar has always been a reflection of my psyche, seeing it’s beauty reminds me of the beauty that exists within me. :)

So this is my final little work space where I do pendulum magick and tarot readings. There is a devotional mug to Lord Lucifer which I use for our morning coffee chats. There is also Lucifer’s devotional dragon statue, as well as the dual scrying mirror for him and Faviel.

There is a normal mirror and a statue of a pharaoh’s tomb. The board which the flowers and offerings are placed on dawns Faviel’s sigil and candle. To Faviel I have offered a palm stone, flowers, an acorn, smoky quartz, some black earrings, and some grubs.

Beside him is my pendulum in a selenite charging bowl along with my pendulum mat.

The black and white image you see was a piece of art I made for Archangel Jophiel after he gifted me a vision a year or so ago. I use it whenever I’m reaching out to him.

Beneath my altar is some space for storage where I keep my larger cauldron, mortar and pestle, larger candles, etc. There is also my stand where I keep my broom, fire poker, and shovel. My witch broom is wrapped in a protective seal. I use it to sweep ash from my prayer mat.

And finally, here are a few of the books I have in my collection that have greatly greatly aided me in my craft. Remember to do your research my dears!

The Arbatel of Magick- First English edition 1633, new edition 2013, edited by Earl Marwick

Healing with Form, Energy, and Light- Tenzin Wangyal Rinpoche

Gods and Goddesses- Hallam, Elizabeth

The Lesser Key of Solomon- S.L MacGregor Mathers and Aleister Crowley

The Dictionary of Alchemy- Diana Fernando

The Art of Angels- Howard Loxton

Backland’s Book of Spirit Communications- Raymond Buckland

Transcendental Magick- Éliphas Lévi

The Greater Key of Solomon- S.L MacGregor Mathers

A History of God- Karen Armstrong

A Dictionary of Angels, Including Fallen Angels- Gustav Davidson

Making Talismans- Nick Farrell

The Sixth and Seventh Books of Moses- Johann Scheibel

The Egyptian Book of the Dead

The Rise and Fall of the Nephilim- Scott Alan Roberts

Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft- Raymond Buckland

Candle Burning Rituals- Raymond Buckland

The Complete Book of Black Magick and Witchcraft

Green Witchcraft, Folk Magick, Fairy Lore & Herb Craft- Ann Moura

The Book of Forbidden Knowledge, Black Magick, Superstition, Charms and Divination- First Edition 1910s Johnson Smith & co. New Edition 2016 edited by Earl Marwick

Three Books of Occult Philosophy- Henry Cornelius Agrippa

and of course, The Holy Bible- New Living Translation.

I have many other books in my collection on tarot and astrology in my living room, but these are the books that have had the greatest impact on my craft. Here are a few of those other ones:

Love Potions- Tatania Hardie

The Book of Destinies- Jane Struthers

The Crystal Bible 2- Judy Hall

The Tarot Bible- Sarah Barlett

The Wicca Bible- Ann Marie Gallagher

Cunningham’s Encyclopedia of Magical Herbs- Scott Cunningham

Magic and Medicine of Plants- Reader’s Digest

The Power of Birthdays Stars and Numbers- Saffi Crawford and Geraldine Sullivan

The Witches’ Goddess- Janet and Stewart Farrar

The Witches’ God- Janet and Stewart Farrar

•••

I wanted to end this tour off with my reading material because I want to emphasize how important it is to understand that “magick” is not just “stuff”.

I really enjoy all of my magical tools and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with having and wanting pretty things or an aesthetically pleasing altar. In fact I believe aesthetic and care are acts of love in themselves. Don’t ever let someone shame you for wanting to decorate and indulge in the aesthetics of your craft.

But please do remember that our greatest magical tool is our minds, our senses, and our experiences- our brains. Remember to read read read lots of material from many different sources. Contemplate honestly on everything you read, hear and experience. Do not take everything you believe today as a fact, do not box yourself in to anything. (Maybe that’s the Luciferian in me speaking lol)

Learn how to do magick alone, without any tools. My magick is not my stuff, although my stuff greatly aids me in my magick. Does that make sense?

Thank you so much for reading! I look forward to growing and learning so much more this year! :)

Blessed be!

[vintagestagehotties]

Hot Vintage Stage Actress Round 5

Rita Moreno: Ilona Ritter in She Loves Me (1964 West End); Iris Brustein in The Sign in Sidney Brustein's Window (1964 Broadway)

Vivien Leigh: Titania in A Midsummer Night's Dream (1937 Old Vic); Juliet in Romeo and Juliet (1940 Broadway); Sabina in The Skin of Our Teeth (1945 West End); Blanche DuBois in A Streetcar Named Desire (1949 West End); Grand Duchess Tatania I in Tovarich (1963 Broadway)

Propaganda under the cut.

Rita Moreno:

Vivien Leigh:

It killlllssss me that she was never offered the title of Dame. In my head and heart she will always be Dame Vivien Leigh

[lol15555]

YOU BROKE ME FIRST PART 1

DARKLING X READER

house of the dragon x shadow and bone ( a little crossover )

As you were in the carriage a memory came in mind

PAST

" HA HA " i laughed as running " Just wait till I catch you " he said following me , then he grabbed me . As I look into his dark eyes i almost getting lost in them " hum you are to slow " he said smiling " I love you " i said " I love you too" he said then kissing I was melting into the kiss .

just then " mommy ! mommy " anasthasia called out " Yes sweetheart " you said getting out of the memory " aelan is pulling my hair again " she said pouting " oh you started it first " aelan replied . As they were yelling you were watching them with a smile suddenly the carriage stooped " what happened " you asked " princess we have reached the palace " the driver replied .

you got down and started walking toward the palace as you were walking inside the halls your happy memories stated to flood in as you reached the throne room someone started to announce as the " Princess Y/n daughter of king pyotr and queen tatania wife of prince jacaerys targaryen the future king of the seven kingdoms" as you stepped inside the room you felt all eyes on you and your children were walking beside you, you lock eyes with genya who looked happy to see and another girl who you have not seen before was looking at you curios you suppose that was the sun summoner the one that aleksander always talked about as you reach near the king you slightly bowed " your grace " " oh my dear daughter i have not seen you in a long time and oh they must be anastasia and aelan they have grown so much " your mother replied and all eyes were on your children now " i heard you were 3 moons pregnant why did you tavel so far here " as those words came out of your mother you can see aleksanders face looking a bit suprised and angry .

you can also see everyone else's reaction too genya looked suprised and happy for you and every else also looked suprised too " and when is prince jacaerys coming my dear " your mother asked " he will be here in afternoon mother " i replied " oh must be tired i had you old chambers already prepaired genya will escord you there " she said and then i walked out pf the room .

[morayofsunshine]

you go to see a broadway shakespeare remake and you end up seeing a spectacular never before mentioned fight scene with 2 tatania's, a fighting lady who can fly, a super hot guy who strips before bodyrolling on stage, a giant statue, a live bear, some super realistic looking pixies, a couple of actors conjuring up very realistic looking wild magic and healing effects, and stephen sondheim. i love dnd

[lunasilverwolfofthestars]

Rain. That was all she could hear and smell. The scent of the earth always calmed her, when she was overwhelmed. Blinking her pale eyes, she sighed and sat up fingering her gem bracelet her father gave her before he died. She didn’t have a mother, either she was abandoned or she was a spiritual or supernatural being. It would certainly explain her abilities. Abilities she kept secret from, even from her own friends and lover.

The pitter-pattering of the rain was what woke her up from her slumber. Tiredly brushing away her silvery hair dyed black, she rose from her bed. Wincing slightly from the numerous bruises that mapped her body. She breathed the earthly smell of the rain, gently calming her frayed nerves. Letting her eyes rove around the room, her dull eyes rested on the clock by the bedside table. 04:15 it read, scoffing, she started to make her way to her bathroom. A warm soak would get rid of the aching muscles she had from the beating her father gave her. She sneered at the thought of that bastard.

The city was basked in the warm glow of the sun as Nariko gazed down at them. Smiling softly, she turned, half of her body facing the forest behind her. “I’m ready.” The shadows moved and she left this world in the embrace of the Reaper.

Kazami stared out into the distance, silently reflecting on her journey.

She gave an ear shattering scream as the blade tore through her chest, blood flew everywhere, covering the surroundings, her friends, enemies alike. A blood soaked Ken gently withdrew his blade, in a soft voice he whispered, “Nox, why didn’t you dodge?” Kazami smiled despite the pain she was feeling, “I have lived a fulfilling life no matter how short it was.” She choked out, blood dripping from her mouth, “Besides, I was dying anyway, seeing as these cursed eyes take my lifespan away every time I use them.” Eyes soft, she then spoke in a quiet voice, “You know, I have always loved you, you know. You were my rival, my best friend and enemy all at once. There was a time where I didn’t know whether I hated you or loved you, it was quite frustrating, not knowing if I hated you one minute and loving you the next.” She opened her eyes that she didn’t realise she closed and blinked in wonder as she watched as tears fell from her friends face, dragging her hand up to cup his cheek, “Now, now, why are you crying, love?”

“H-Huh?” Reaching up he felt his face to feel the wetness before reaching to cup his hand around hers, “Will you ever forgive me? Kazami?” He whispered brokenly. “Of course you’re forgiven, you silly man.” She chuckled weakly. Ken pulled her into a passionate kiss, “I love you too.” With that he...

-date written: 24.03.2020 old version. possibly written earlier.

------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The scent of damp earth was comforting to her as the rain fell gently around them. Wiping a dribble of blood from her mouth, her heated gaze fell to her rival slash friend. His dark hair was limp against his head, shadowing his regretful and saddened eyes from view. Her heart gave a painful pang as they clashed once more, sparks flew as the sound of their blades rang across their battlefield. It was an endless struggle, they had been fighting for more than half a day, neither of them giving in to the other. It was only a matter of time before one fell, whether it was intentional or not.

She was careless and her blade slipped, allowing her rival's blade to sink into her chest. Midnight eyes widened in surprise as she gave a painful gurgle and became limp as pain filled her senses. He caught her body as he withdrew his blade, too shocked to comprehend what had just occurred.

"Why…" whispered Luciel, choking on his voice. "Why what?" She asked, inbetween painful shudders. He swallows, "Why didn't you dodge? Or at the very least-" He cuts himself off, "Why?! Tell me, Tatania!" He yelled in her face as hot salty liquid leaked from his eyes unknowingly.

Breathing in a painful shudder, Tia smiled gently at him, her voice soft, "I have lived a fulfilling life, no matter how short it was." She breaks off as a harsh cough escaped her. "Be-besides, I was already dying from these accursed eyes anyways, my lifespans shortens each time I use them, knowingly or not."

Tia gazed into Luciels mesmerising eyes, wishing to memorise his face before she left for the abyss. Now at Death's Door, she could hear its call more clearly. "I've always loved you, did you know that?" She quietly hummed, a hand reaching to cup his cheek. "I didn't know at first, confusing my feelings for you to be hatred. It left me quite frustrated as I could not determine whether or not I loved or hated you."

"How could you say that when you're dying in my arms?! When I was the one that killed you?!" Cried Luciel, anguish colouring his voice; cupping his hand around hers that rested on his face as she pulled him down to her lips. Their kiss was full of emotions, passion, regret, love, sadness.

"Will you ever forgive me, Tia?" He whispered brokenly, forehead resting against hers.

-rewritten version with changed names and intentions. date written: 27.03.2020

[filibusterphil]

I just want them to make a sequel so we can get canonically queer Tatiana and Curt can find love again

This? Beautiful. True solidarity and friendship between a gay man and a lesbian woman.

[colourtothebone]

Tatania - my second doll created for my first show with @thedollartistscollective. Dresses for a masquerade ball as the goddess of day and sun. Honestly, these two turned out so much better than I expected. When I look at these photos today, I can honestly say I am proud of them. It encouraging to see that after so many years and never giving up on something that is done with love and passion, improvement can happen. Skills can level up. There just needs to be that determination. For me, dolls were something I tried on a whim. It was a form of art I just happened to come across. I gave it a try and I was about to end it at the first doll. But something inside told me to try another. Since then, I haven’t stopped. I absolutely love creating dolls and it’s great for my mental health and self esteem. Since we are our own worst critic, my dolls have shown me I can get better at something I enjoy. 😊 . . . . . . . #artdoll #colourtothebone #colour2thebone #customdoll #customrepaint #customooak #custommonsterhigh #ballaratcreative #doll #dollooak #etsy #etsyshop #etsyseller #reroot #monsterhighreroot #ballaratmaker #ballaratartist #monsterhigh #monsterhighrepaint #monsterhighcustom #monsterhighooak #ooakdoll #ooakmonsterhigh #ooakcustom #ooakrepaint #repaint #artscultureballarat #ooak #sungoddess #masqurade (at Ballarat, Victoria) https://www.instagram.com/p/CZDAIIbhjIQ/?utm_medium=tumblr

[myheartissetinmotion]

INCREDIBLE. I N C R E D I B L E

as always, this week’s episode blew my mind

Mandy Moore continues to outdo herself so I gotta talk about the songs first

need you tonight-oh my god my bi heart can’t take it, that choreo and the vocals-just impeccable

don’t leave me this way-an absolute bop, I love the disco vibes and the pure joy of it. I’m so glad to see everyone appreciating Zoey

I COULD WRITE SO MANY ESSAYS ABOUT KISS ME. it’s always been one of my favorite songs and has always made me cry (shoutout to mtg in umpo mean gurlz), the one shot was so incredibly beautiful and everyone’s vocals and the pure romantic energy of it all and-

what can I even say about crimson love except that it was a delightfully cringey bop that’ll def be stuck in my head forever, David’s reactions were priceless, and-as a ginger myself-I am LIVING

and into you?!?! no words. NO. WORDS. trying to think of words and no words are coming. the way she leaned into it and actually danced with him??????? the tenderness in his vocal quality???? I’m gonna-I just-AGH

I need to act a scene with Mary Steenburgen before time runs out on this earth

the scene with Maggie and Zoey in the bedroom was absolute perfection; I’d almost forgotten how much I’d missed Maggie’s presence and their relationship

MCTOBIN MCTOBIN MCTOBIN MCTOBIN OH MY GOD OH MY GOD I’m absolutely living for the growth of their relationship-the banter-the BANTER-not to mention their little bit in kiss me, the choreo, I’m swooning

hey siri how do I become Morgan Taylor Campbell

I know I say this in every post but this entire cast is just too talented and wonderful and beautiful it’s probably against the law

the fight between Zoey and Max made me cringe in every possible way but the way they made up is definitely one of my favorite scenes of theirs; it’s so important to see how much they genuinely value each other

MO GOT THE SWEAR GUITAR TITLE CARD

I’m absolutely loving Perry and Mo’s relationship and can’t wait to see where else it goes with the kids and everything-and I love the way that Zoey addressed the situation in that last conversation

also WE NEED MORE PERRY SONGS because DAVID ST LOUIS SIR THE VOCALS HOW DO YOU DO THAT

I’m just loving David more and more as the season goes on; I hope we get to see more of him as a musician

the scene with David, Maggie, and Miles becoming a little band of their own...my heart

Emily and David this episode oh my god

I somehow cringed at and genuinely felt for Aiden at the same time, I’ll miss him

I really hope we get more interactions between Zoey and Tatania, their dynamic is really interesting and I just love Alvina August

of course the lack of Leif was a bummer, as it is when any character is missing for an episode, but I would have loved a post-kiss-me scene where he and Zoey are kind of just Standing In Solidarity™️ at a party where everyone else is coupled up (although I feel like the writers may have stopped that from happening on purpose so they wouldn’t have to address that there’s actually some potential there)

anyway I am Feeling A Lot Of Emotions

a phenomenal episode. just phenomenal. can’t wait to find out what happens next week!!!!!

[unspecified-trash]

12, 15 and 28 for the choi asks ☀️ and also can I ask what you think of grace after choi?? There’s so much about her in this book

ooh yeay ok 

12) are there characters that you liked before that you don’t like now? 

Not really I guess I didn’t really like how Anna was acting towards Ariadne in this book but I know that it’s just her protecting herself. I still love her, I just wish she could open up her walls for Ari.

15) did you like the ending?

 I have mixed feelings. It’s definitely an interesting one and I love how Cordelia and Matthews's friendship has progressed but I wish James had caught up to them and explained everything and they had gone after Lucie as a team. I loved the ending for Lucie. SHE IS THAT BITCH. I just hope she’s ok and that Malcolm doesn’t hurt her.

28) what are some theories you have for chain of thorns?

I have a suspicion that Tatania is going to die by Jesse or Grace but mostly Jesse. He definitely will not like it and will probably cry and plead with her but ultimately realize it’s for the greater good that she not live. I also think that when Cordelia finds out she left Lucie to be kidnapped and only James and her father go after her she will be HEARTBROKEN and so very guilty and that will be what makes her and Matthew come home. Finally, (this is more a want not a theory) Lucie and Jesse will have undergone some sort of battle (I just need to see Jesse properly use the Blackthorn sword ok) and by the end of the book be engaged

can I ask what you think of grace after choi?

I actually like her. I know some people don’t and while I can understand some of their reasoning, it's clear to me that she has some longing for redemption and to be good, she just needs some help to get there. The lab scene with Christopher was so adorable, I think they are great together and I hope she helps him with the fire message project.

[sympathyfortheblinderdevil]

Chapter 9...This fic is messy AF..Its on my Masterlist and my AO3

John Shelby doesn't need much encouragement to go philandering, but lately, Tommy has required it. In this chapter, Esme finds out about Tatiana's parties and uses that information to her advantage.

Chapters: 9/9 Fandom: Peaky Blinders (TV) Rating: Mature Warnings: Creator Chose Not To Use Archive Warnings Relationships: Esme Shelby/Tommy Shelby, Esme Shelby/John Shelby Characters: Tommy Shelby, Esme Shelby, Polly Gray, John Shelby, Arthur Shelby Additional Tags: Forbidden Love, Angst, Bad Decisions, they didn't mean for this to happen, Emotional Infidelity, john shelby needs to learn how to keep it in his pants, this is all his damn fault, Please Don't Hate Me, Family Drama, linda shelby mentioned, duchess tatania mentioned, Drugs, Alcohol, Snow, russian business Summary:

Esme is frustrated with John’s infidelity and subconsciously begins to punish him. Disclaimer: I absolutely love John Shelby, but he broke my heart every time that he cheated on Esme. I guess this is helping me work out my feelings about that. Don’t hate me.

[tatyana-dreaming]

okay this podcast I’m listening to keeps alternating between “Tatyana” and “Tatania” like those aren’T TWO DIFFERENT NAMES come on folks

and also one of them keeps mispronouncing Onegin she keeps saying “Eugene On-Again”  OH MY GOD

now of course I’m going to call this opera “Eugene On-Again/Off-Again”

which to be fair... isn’t too far from the actual plot

I can’t decide if this is blasphemy and if I’m mad at them... or if this is hilarious and I love it

[grxceblqckthxrn]

Hello would you mind telling me why James and Cordelia get married (in my dms of course)? Please?

((WARNING: if you’re going into Chain of Gold not wanting to know anything about it, or just want things to be a surprise, don’t read this!!))

(also I’m just gonna post this on my blog and tag everyone who asked lmao)

Of course!! I realized after I posted the original post that maybe it was a lot more obvious than I thought, but basically I felt the following passages foreshadowed it:

basically, I think that James is gonna get married to Cordelia to help salvage her family’s name, probably due to pressure from his parents to help out the Carstairs family. Cordelia won’t say anything against it because it’s James, and I think James won’t be in a great state of mind by the end of the book and won’t be able to say no and will just go along with it (maybe at this point he will be told by Tatania that Grace was just using him and doesn’t love him; but that’s a whole other theory of mine!!!!) (I might make a post about it later, along with a Matthew theory) 

TL:DR; They’re gonna get married as an alliance-ish kinda thing to save the carstairs family name from shame

Side note, remember how in TDA it is constantly said that “The Carstairs owe the Herondales”? This, if true, is probably why!!

[kissmyafropuff]

Shooting Star (3)

Hello Beloveds!

Now, before anyone else calls me out, I’ll admit it myself that I’ve been slacking. It’s been way too fucking long since I posted chapters 1 & 2– my bad. 😬 Just love me, okay? A bitch is out here living a whole ass life.

If you don’t want to be tagged, let me know. If you do want to be tagged, let me know. 

Here it is y’all, Chapter 3.

Author’s Note: I am very new to this, so be kind to me.

Warnings: Idk what goes here? Swearing? Use of the n word is inevitable.

Words: ~ 1.8K

Enjoy my loves xo 🖤✨

Chapter 2

The air was thick. Almost opaque with the fear and anger; frustration and impotence rolling off of Erik and all around those nearest him. Why had her eyes zeroed in on his daughter, and why had the trio taken a collective glance at each other? Erik tried to shift Aurora away from the thieves' sightline, but they’d locked in. They had seen her necklace, and it was apparent to all around them that this was what they were really after.

Zora attempted to break their laser-like focus on the child, “Look. The alarm has an auto trip function. Anything or anyone so much as cracks that glass above and it alerts the local police and SWAT. You’ve got 3 more minutes tops before--”

“You shut her up, or I will.” Tatania never took her eyes off of Aurora’s necklace, but calmly and swiftly silenced Zora with a delicate yet deadly looking blade which just seemed to appear in her hand. She twirled it-- gracefully, almost majestically, but no less menacingly.

Puck went to Zora quickly and shook his head at her, revealing some of the short and gruesome cuts all over his neck and upper torso, just below his collar bones, trying to do for her what no one seemed to have done for him: shut her before things got worse. The sight of Titania wielding that knife seemed to have relieved him of his incessant chatter.

Nothing in Erik’s life could prepare him for this moment. No amount of time in the SEALs, nor number of deployments to Afghanistan could have prepared him with the tools to quell the fear which had taken root in his belly. The almost palpable tension in the air had him in a cold sweat; perspiration covering his whole body in a matter of moments, causing his black v-neck t-shirt to cling to his torso, his palms slick with the ever growing reality that he is outnumbered and outgunned while this psycho bitch has her focus zeroed in on his babygirl.

“My, my, my. What a beautiful little flower you are, ma petite” Titania practically purred as she made her way across the bank’s lobby. She pulled up just short of the Stevens family.

“Errrrrriiiiiiiiiiik!”

He didn’t need to see Portia’s face to know she was upset with something. He also didn’t need either degree from MIT to know that if he didn’t hurry his narrow ass up those stairs to help her, it would only get worse. He sped up.

“Yea, bae. What’s up?”

“This is all your fault! I hate you for talking me into this, and I swear I’ll never forgive you.”

The morning sickness had been almost non-stop since her first trimester.

“Can I get you some Saltines? Tea? A ginger ale? Anything? Fuck, lemme get you a cool cloth.”

“No, no, I’m fine. I’m just being bratty,” Portia said, head still in the bowl, ready to offer up yet another sacrifice to the porcelain gods. She knew that being miserable for the last 7 and a half months wasn’t Erik’s intent when he first brought up trying for a kid. He’d grown up longing for a family for so long, and from what little she’d shared about her own, he knew that her’s wans’t close. Building a family, just the two of them, had been his dream for the first two years of their marriage. When they decided to start trying, Portia didn’t expect them to be so...good… at it. Within the first month of trying, it seemed to have taken, because within the first 6 weeks, she was puking every day.

Loudly. Painfully. Incessantly.

“It’s not bratty behavior when there’s actually something upsetting you.”

“Mon chou, I’m not upset. Your child is just tossing and turning in there, and I’m riding that wave of sea sickness. I’ll be fine. Besides, I’ve only got literal days at this point. This little butter bean will be here before we know it,” Portia finished weakly, lifting her head and trying to reassure him with a grimace she hoped looked more like a smile.

“Uh, bae. I love you, but you gone stop calling my daughter a fuckin bean.”

“Well, since someone can’t agree with his wife on a name or even agree to find out the sex, it looks like I’m sticking to veggies and fruits. Maybe I’ll just call him Mommy’s Little Kiwi.”

“Aye--”, Erik responded with a deadly look in his eye, “ No daughter of mine is gone be some dumbass Kiwi. If ANYTHING, she’s a pomegranate. She regal as fuck.”

Portia erupted into laughter. It was just the right kind of laugh to help her get out of wallowing from her morning technicolor yawn. Erik helped her to her feet, and she washed her face and brushed her teeth.

“Okay, well, if we can’t agree on a fruit or vegetable, should we move from edibles to something else? We have to call him something.”

“HER name will come to us as soon as we lay eyes on her. How am I supposed to name my daughter before I ever see her?”

Portia tried a different tactic. “Well, it would help us if we just knew what sex we should be expecting, then we could be compiling a list of names to choose from. That way when he, or she -- she interjected quickly-- makes an appearance, we have a short list. Can we at least agree to a short list? We won’t even have to make a decision, we’ll just have a jumping off point today.”

“Fine,” Erik acquiesced. “Let’s start with the boys, it don’t really matter no way,” he said sucking his teeth.

“Excuse me,” Portia questioned, incredulously.

“I’m just sayin, ma. I know you carrying my little Princess. I just know it!”

Portia looked up into her favorite eyes in the world. Their depths fathomless when he was this full of love, and their color reminded her of the vanilla beans her grandmother used when making fresh ice cream when Portia was a young girl. She couldn’t deny him anything when he looked at her like this. If she had the power to snap her fingers and move heaven and earth to give him a daughter in that moment, she’d do it.

“Okay, well just humor me.” Portia asked they dressed to head out of the house.

They came up with a list of three names for a boy: Oscar, Maurice, and Bryan

For the girls, Erik wanted to stick to more of a theme. While he may have fought at the beginning to not even go down this path, now that he was here, he was determined not to walk away from this conversation without landing on his daughter’s name.

“Okay, how about this: she can have one name from each of us.” It was a little hard to hear Portia’s words, coming through muffled since she was presently stuck trying to slip one of Erik’s hoodies over her puffy hair and swollen midsection.

Smart enough to not comment on his wife’s dilemma, Erik just set out to help her finish pulling it down over her belly, and without a word on her current predicament, went to the closet to grab her slides.

“I like it,” Erik agreed. “But which names? I don’t have any family names I want to pull from. The only woman in my life growing up was my moms, and she was gone so soon, I wouldn’t even want to lay all of that on a little one,” Erik quietly confessed to his wife.

“Let’s see. She could have a name from the Xhosa language for her heritage and family on your side. I don’t know what to do for mine.” Portia was almost ready to go, just looking for her favorite hair wrap to tie up her mane.

Erik was quiet for a moment. Heart still grieving a mother and relationship long gone, while still overflowing with love for this swollen, smart mouthed woman that he knew his mom would’ve adored.

“Anathi,” he said before he realized it. “It means ‘they are with us’. Seems pretty fitting, huh?”

Portia’s eyes caught his in the mirror as she tucked the last end of fabric in her wrap. Both sets were bright with tears.

“I love it,” she whispered, words barely audible. “But what are we going to do about a first name?”

“Well, I like that thing your family has going on. All of y’all are named after women in literature, but they also are the names of constellations, right? How about, Juliet?”

“Nigga! I am not naming my daughter after some little precocious child who thought she was in love and wound up offing herself over some knucklehead boy before they even turned 16. Try again.”

“Astrid,” Erik risked, only to be rewarded with a sharp sniff coming from Portia’s direction as she gathered her keys and wallet.

“Aurora!” He exclaimed.

“Pretty sure I’ve never read that name as a leading lady in any story,” Portia countered, her haughty ass attitude slowly slipping away. These mood swings were getting out of hand.

“Fuck. I just couldn’t deal with you gettin any snippier, so I just thought of the most beautiful sight I could think of that made me think of the stars,” he answered, bashfully, putting on his finishing touches, and grabbing his phone, wallet, and keys.

“It’s perfectly, imperfect. Not quite what we set out for, and somehow precisely what we needed.  Aurora Anathi Stevens. I love it, mon chou.”

His dimples took over his whole face. “Really? I just wanted her to have a little of both of us in her name. She gets your family’s bougie ass legacy with names, and one of mine as a reminder of all the ancestors who’ve come before us.”

Portia was practically bouncing in place she was so happy. “I love it. Really, really.” She took a heavy, negro spiritual sigh. “I have to call my family and tell them we’ve landed on a name. We don’t talk much, but they at least need to know.”

“How bout this: you call them while I drive. I think we’ve earned a very nice breakfast of your choosing. Naming my daughter is kind of a big fuckin deal and all; let’s celebrate.”

“Oooh! I know just what I want.”

Erik rolled his eyes and mouthed along, “Strawberry pancakes.” It was the same thing Portia had been craving this whole pregnancy. One short stack order of strawberry pancakes with blueberry syrup.

“Aiight now, but don’t be tryna pick off my plate. I’m getting chocolate chip pancakes, and I ain’t sharin’ shit.”

They climbed into his car just as Portia’s family answered her call.

“Hello, Erik.”

That cadence. The subtle lilt of an accent she’s tried through years of practice to discard. Fuck.

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[poems-shortstories]

On the Importance of Love

You are told, by some pedants, that any story, prose essay or poem, should be meticulously planned before picking up pen, pencil or firing up that laptop. Maybe. My preferred method (now there’s an oxymoron) starts with an idea, a thought or even indigestion, and then following it, hoping to catch the little blighter and overtake it before we reach a finality. Are you following me? Don’t worry, just come along for the bumpy ride.

For my university thesis I explored Metaphysical Lyrics & Poems of the 17th century. Now, if that hasn’t lost you, nothing will. It became apparent that two themes dominated. Nature and Love. I’ll leave Nature aside for another time.

Love poetry has its Alpha and Omega, no better personified than by John Donne and Andrew Marvell. The classist and the realist.

It is doubtful this post will engender many comments, but popularism was not its aim. Firstly, there is the love of the mystical, that wonder of the universe and the mystery of its purpose. Yet, I contend, we must fist discover that love of small things, the harmony within and around us, the vibrating strings of love we might detect if our soul can tell our body and mind to be still.

My mantra is – love is love is love. All this leads to one of many love poems I’ve written. Inspired by a searching spirit, reaching out for that mystical unknown, and of course, my Muse.

To My Love

Rain tip-toes over distant grey mist hills With pearl drops dripping down ancient bark, Wild cherry scattering pale pink petals, Confetti for sweet song of love’s skylark.

Far-off valley whistles green snake train From dim lit windows each strangers’ face Looking out unto meadows where we walk And still my mind sees you stroll with grace.

We meet in yellow cowslip golden field Hazy shimmering image still half a dream, A beauteous Tatania stole away my heart Taking all senses in woven floral scheme.

Like Paris bewitched by lovely Spartan wife What charm you weave with one shy smile, Beckon me with incantations in your hands Through time still summoned by your guile.

Now my thoughts return to damp dark scene, Wind howling, leaves rustle with sharp hiss, Like phantom animals out on hidden prowl But I can see nothing but your face to kiss.

Rain running riot through the mystic woods, Body aching with longing, in cold bone fear, This should drive out all my thoughts of love - No, woes vanish since I first met you here.

By Cysgod

[chloe-curious]

We're nearing the end of junior year, freshman and sophmore year was kinda boring. The plan is, after everyone meets everyone, I'll pair them off with the highest chemistry/relationship as it makes sense. I haven't gotten a solid triad yet and that makes me a little disappointed. I do love a good triad! Hit the read more for group photos and relationship rundowns.

Group 1 - Cassandra, Tatania, Lazlo, and Olive. If nothing interesting happens in their last 2 mixers, Tatania and Lazlo will be heading home together. Cassandra and Olive have made a lot of hookups including with each other, but no solid love connections. Mixers to come: groups 3 and 4.

Group 2 - Oberon, Penny Decibel, Jennifer Burb, Pascal. Penny and Oberon have 3 bolts and he's more attracted to her than he is to Titania. Jennifer hooked up with Cassandra and might end up with her, Pascal might be with Olive, but college isn't over. Mixers: 5 and 7

Group 3 - Jenny Smith, Mary Sue, Isabella, Mortimer. Jenny got 3 bolts with Darren Dreamer, there's a spouse-swap happening! The other 3 have hit it off with no one in particular. Literally at the bottom of everyone's list. Mixers: 1, 6 and 7.

Group 4 - Lola, Alice Decibel, Vidcund, Circe. Alice and Vidcund have 3 bolts and haven't hooked up with anyone else. Circe and Lola seemed to last-resort each other, until Lola hit it off with Diamond Decibel in group 8. Mixers: 1 and 2

Group 5 - Nina, Bella, Don, Chloe. Everyone loves them but not as much as they love each other. Mixers: 2 and 7

Group 6 - PT9, Bianca Monty, Kristen Loste, Darleen Dreamer. I told you about the spouse swap! PT9 and Darleen are absolutely mad for each other. Look at her. She can't stop thinking about kisses! Bianca and Kristen are so boring. It's crazy. Mixers: 3 and 8

Group 7 - Daniel, Nervous, Buzz, Erin Beaker. Nervous is in love with Loki. Erin is two timing Daniel and Buzz and maybe we have a triad after all? Mixers: 2, 3 and 5.

Group 8 - Diamond Deibel, Dina, Darren, Loki. As mentioned, Diamond is with Lola, Darren is with Jenny, and Loki is with Nervous. Poor lovelorn Dina was dumped by Diamond when she met Lola. This is the first group to complete Junior year. Mixers to come: Group 6.